Recycled‐disposable‐chopstick‐fiber‐reinforced polypropylene green composites

The utilization of disposable chopsticks is very popular in Taiwan, China, and Japan and is one of the major sources of waste in these countries. In this study, recycled disposable chopstick fiber was chemically modified. Subsequently, this modified fiber and polypropylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride were added to polypropylene (PP) to form novel fiber‐reinforced green composites. A heat‐deflection temperature (HDT) test showed an increase of approximately 81% for PP with the addition of 60‐phr fibers, and the HDT of the composite could reach up to 144.8°C. In addition, the tensile strength, Young's modulus, and impact strength were 66, 160.3, and 97.1%, respectively, when the composite material was 40‐phr fibers. Furthermore, this type of reinforced PP would be more environmentally friendly than an artificial‐additive‐reinforced one. It could also effectively reduce and reuse the waste of disposable chopsticks and lower the costs of the materials. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Experimental investigation on the influence of the composition on the morphology and the mechanical properties of short glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene nanocomposites

Polypropylene composites containing 0–5 wt% layered silicate and 0–30 wt% short glass fibers are prepared by melt compounding. To investigate the influence of different compositions on the mechanical properties of short glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene nanocomposites, materials with various filler contents are prepared. At a glass fiber content of 10 wt% Young's modulus of the layered silicate‐containing composites decreases by around 30% compared to conventional glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene. But at higher glass fiber loadings, an increasing modulus of up to 10% is observed. However, the addition of layered silicate results in large decreases of the tensile and the notched impact strength. A maleic anhydride‐grafted polypropylene enhances Young's modulus and the tensile strength. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Composites from Newsprint Fiber and Polystyrene

This paper deals with the effect of processing conditions on the mechanical properties of composite material made from newsprint and polystyrene. A masterbatch compound with weight ratio of 50:50 (polystyrene/fiber) was prepared using a Brabender intensive type mixer. Composites with various percentage of fiber, e.g., 40, 30, 20, and 10% of fiber were obtained by adding the measured amount of polymer to the masterbatch followed by another mixing period of time. Test samples were compression molded into shoulder-shaped test specimens, using a steam-heated press, and, kept in room conditioning at 23°C and 50% of relative humidity for a week 48 h prior to testing. The Young's modulus and the strength at break were evaluated, and the averages of six measurements were reported.

Test results showed that newsprint loading level has a significant impact on mechanical performance of the resulting composites. Tensile strength increased at first linearly with newsprint content, then reached asymptote at higher level of newsprint content 40% or more. As the Young's modulus is concerned, there is a linear relationship between tensile Young's modulus and fiber concentration as proposed by the various models in the literature.     

Quantification of the Young's modulus for polypropylene: Influence of initial crystallinity and service temperature

In this study, the mechanical properties of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) materials with different crystallinities at room and elevated temperatures were investigated. In order to obtain samples with a certain range of crystallinity, and to ensure a uniform microstructure of these samples, the iPP samples obtained by injection molding required melt compression molding and controlled annealing. In the macromechanical studies, the experimental results showed that the storage modulus and Young's modulus of polypropylene were sensitive to the service temperature. The crystallinity also had a great influence on this relationship. A function was proposed to evaluate the dependence of the Young's modulus of polypropylene on initial crystallinity and service temperature, and tested based on experimental data. The Young's modulus of iPP is reduced by about 90% when the service temperature rises from 25 to 125 °C. Moreover, the reduced value in Young's modulus between polypropylene having the highest and lowest crystallinity was reduced from 214.55 to 56.75 MPa. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137, 48581.     

Effect of annealing on the structure and properties of polyvinylidene fluoride hollow fiber by melt‐spinning

Polyvinylidene fluoride hollow fibers were prepared by melt‐spinning technique under three spinning temperatures. The effects of annealing treatment on the structure and properties of hollow fiber were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), tensile test, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements. DSC and WAXD results indicated that the annealing not only produced secondary crystallization but also perfected primary crystallization, and spinning and annealing temperature influenced the crystallinity of hollow fiber: the crystallinity decreased with the increase of spinning temperature; 140°C annealing increased the crystallinity, and hardly influenced the orientation of hollow fiber; above 150°C annealing increased the crystallinity as well, and furthermore had a comparative effect on the orientation. The tensile tests showed that the annealed samples, which did not present the obvious yield point, exhibited characteristics of hard elasticity, and all the hollow fiber had no neck phenomenon. Compared with the annealed sample, the precursor presented a clear yield point. In addition, the annealed samples had a higher break strength and initial modulus by contrast with the precursor, and the 140°C annealed sample showed the smallest break elongation. SEM demonstrated the micro‐fiber structure appeared in surface of drawn sample. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 935–941, 2007     

Recycled carbon fiber filled polyethylene composites

Composites of recycled carbon fiber (CF) with up to 30 wt % loading with polyethylene (PE) were prepared via melt compounding. The morphology of the composites and the degree of dispersion of the CF in the PE matrix was examined using scanning electron microscopy, and revealed the CF to be highly dispersed at all loadings and strong interfacial adhesion to exist between the CF and PE. Raman and FTIR spectroscopy were used to characterize the surface chemistry and potential bonding sites of recycled CF. Both the Young's modulus and ultimate tensile stress increased with increasing CF loading, but the percentage stress at break was unchanged up to 5 wt % loading, then decreased with further successive addition of CF. The effect of CF on the elastic modulus of PE was examined using the Halpin‐Tsai and modified Cox models, the former giving a better fit with the values determined experimentally. The electrical conductivity of the PE matrix was enhanced by about 11 orders of magnitude on addition of recycled CF with a percolation threshold of 7 and 15 wt % for 500‐μm and 3‐mm thick samples. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Fiber orientation control of short‐fiber reinforced thermoplastics by ram extrusion

In this study we examine the fiber orientation distribution, fiber length and Young's modulus of extruded short‐fiber reinforced thermoplastics such as polypropylene. Axial orientation distributions are presented to illustrate the influence of extrusion ratio on the orientation state of the fibrous phase. Fibers are markedly aligned parallel to the extrusion direction with increasing extrusion ratio. The orientation state of extruded fiber‐reinforced thermoplastics (FRTP) is almost uniform throughout the section. The control of fiber orientation can be easily achieved by means of ram extrusion. Experimental results are also presented for Young's modulus of extruded FRTP in the extrusion direction. Young's modulus follows a linear trend with increasing extrusion ratio because the degree of the molecular orientation and the fiber orientation increases. The model proposed by Cox, and Fukuda and Kawada describes the effect of fiber length and orientation on Young's modulus. The value of the orientation coefficient is calculated by assuming a rectangular orientation distribution and calculating the fiber distribution limit angle given by orientation parameters. By comparing the predicted Young's modulus with experimental results, the validity of the model is elucidated. The mean fiber length linearly decreases with increasing extrusion ratio because of fiber breakage due to plastic deformation. There is a small effect on Young's modulus due to fiber breakage by ram extrusion.     

Mechanical properties of biorenewable fiber/plastic composites

Plastic fiber composites, consisting of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), and pinewood, big blue stem (BBS), soybean hulls, or distillers dried grain and solubles (DDGS), were prepared by extrusion. Young's modulus, tensile and flexural strengths, melt flow, shrinkage, and impact energy, with respect to the type, amount, and size of fiber on composites, were evaluated. Young's moduli under tensile load of wood, BBS, and soybean‐hull fiber composites, compared with those of pure plastic controls, were either comparable or higher. Tensile strength significantly decreased for all the PP/fiber composites when compared with that of the control. Strength of BBS fiber composites was higher than or comparable to that of wood. When natural fibers were added there was a significant decrease in the melt flow index for both plastic/fiber composites. There was no significant difference in the shrinkage of all fiber/plastic composites compared to that of controls. BBS/PE plastic composites resulted in higher notched impact strength than that of wood or soybean‐hull fiber composites. There was significant reduction in the unnotched impact strength compared to that of controls. BBS has the potential to be used as reinforcing materials for low‐cost composites. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 2484–2493, 2004     

Electron‐beam irradiation of blends of polypropylene with recycled acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber

One‐mm thick sheets were prepared from blends of polypropylene and recycled acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber (rNBR) with different blend ratios. Trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) was used as a co‐agent. Electron‐beam‐initiated cross‐linking of the sheets was carried out at a dose of 40 kGy, and 3 phr of TMPTA based on the weight of rNBR was used. Properties such as tensile strength, Young's modulus, elongation at break, swelling percentage in oil, and morphology were studied. The results showed that the tensile properties had been improved by irradiation. The studies of swelling in oil revealed a higher cross‐link density in the irradiated blends compared to that in nonirradiated blends at similar blend ratios. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed better adhesion between the phases and rough failure surfaces with a large number of tear lines which indicated a higher energy requirement for the failure of irradiated blends compared to that for nonirradiated blends. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Thermal annealing‐induced superior toughness in polypropylene/poly(ethylene glycol) blend and its structural origin

In this study, a water‐soluble crystallizable polymer, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), was compounded with isotactic polypropylene (iPP), and a subsequent thermo‐annealing process was added to improve the toughness of iPP/PEG blend. By adding a small amount of PEG (5 wt%) into iPP, only a mild increment of 40% in toughness was achieved. However, the toughness of iPP/PEG (95/5) blend could be improved remarkably when the postprocessing procedure, thermal annealing, was utilized. For example, the notched impact strength of iPP/PEG blend annealed under 120°C for 12 h was five times of that of neat iPP. In addition, the tensile strength of annealed blend was slightly changed, compared with neat iPP. To ascertain the origin of toughening, various crystallographic and morphological/structural characterizations, including X‐ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and calorimeter were employed. A specific structural change, in which more and more amounts of micrometer/sub‐micrometer voids, yielded within the amorphous iPP region during the annealing process, was responsible for the prominent toughening behavior. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 53:2053–2060, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Structure,morphology, and properties of PBZT and methyl pendant PBZT fibers

The structure, morphology, and properties of the methyl pendant PBZT fiber have been studied with variations in thermomechanical treatment. For comparison, selected studies on PBZT fibers have also been carried out. Crosslinking in the methyl pendant PBZT fiber occurs in the 450–550°C range under free annealing, leading to a nonfibrillar structure. Recoil compressive strength, loop strength, torsional modulus, and the transverse compressive strength of the tension heat‐treated MePBZT fiber are 50 to 100% higher compared to the comparably heat‐treated PBZT fiber. Compressive strength and other mechanical properties could not be measured on highly crosslinked free annealed samples, as such samples showed significant transverse cracks. Reasons for the development of transverse cracks have been discussed. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 73: 305–314, 1999     

Enhanced mechanical properties of nanocomposites at low graphene content based on in situ ball milling

In this study, epoxy‐based nanocomposites with low content mechanically exfoliated graphene were successfully prepared via one‐step in situ ball milling method. The effect of graphene on mechanical properties of the nanocomposites was investigated. The results showed that samples with loadings less than 0.1% weight of mechanically exfoliated graphene increased by 160% in tensile strength and 65% in Young's modulus. The experimental value of Young's modulus was also compared with the predictions of the well‐established Halpin‐Tsai model. In addition, the adding of graphene did not decrease the impact strength of epoxy. The microstructural results showed that the as‐prepared graphenes were single‐ and few‐layer graphene sheets and preserved perfect structure. Thus enhancements of mechanical properties in the nanocomposites could be ascribed to the strong interfacial interaction between the stiff graphene nanosheets and the epoxy matrix. POLYM. COMPOS. 37:1190–1197, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

退火处理对成核聚丙烯性能的影响

采用退火处理对磷酸酯钠盐成核的聚丙烯（PP）体系进行了性能调控,研究了退火时间和退火温度对成核PP力学性能、耐热性能和结晶性能的影响。结果表明,随着退火温度的提高和退火时间的延长,PP的力学性能、耐热性能和结晶能力均得到了明显提升,特别是在120 ℃下,退火0.5 h,PP的拉伸强度从38.0 MPa提高到39.4 MPa,弯曲模量从1227 MPa提高到1882 MPa,热变形温度从112.2 ℃提高到122.7 ℃,结晶度从36 %提高到44 %。     

用于北方满族民居墙体的再生混凝土性能研究

通过试验研究了再生混凝土作为北方满族民居建造材料的可行性。研究重点:再生骨料的物理性质测定、再生混凝土基本力学性能试验,以及粉煤灰、聚丙烯纤维以及附加水对其力学性能的影响。通过试验得到,再生混凝土立方体抗压强度最高应力达37.1 MPa、轴心抗压强度平均应力28.4 MPa、静力受压弹性模量平均应力22 300 MPa、抗折强度平均应力3.8 MPa、劈裂抗拉强度平均应力1.68 MPa。结果表明:在再生混凝土中加入粉煤灰和聚丙烯纤维都对立方体抗压强度有所提高,但附加水的加入对立方体抗压强度产生了降低作用。整体来说,再生混凝土各方面的力学指标都能满足一定的强度要求。因此可以作为北方满族民居的建设材料。     

Effects of process conditions on Young's modulus and strength of extrudate in short‐fiber‐reinforced polypropylene

We examined the effects of process conditions on Young's modulus and tensile strength of extruded short‐fiber reinforced thermoplastics. With increasing extrusion ratio and decreasing extrusion temperature, the fiber alignment increases, the mean fiber length decreases, and the mechanical properties of the matrix are improved. The orientation parameter, mean fiber length, Young's modulus, and tensile strength of the matrix are described as a function of extrusion ratio and extrusion temperature. The models proposed by Fukuda and Kawata, and Fukuda and Chou are applied to predict Young's modulus and tensile strength of the composites using orientation parameter. By comparing the predicted Young's modulus and tensile strength with experimental results, the validity of the models is examined. The prediction of Young's modulus agreed quit with the experimental results. The tensile strength of composite extruded below the melting point nearly matched that of the neat matrix. There is no the strengthening effect of the fiber since the angle between fracture surface and fiber direction is very small. POLYM. COMPOS. 28:29–35, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers     

High strength poly(vinyl alcohol) films obtained by drying and then stretching freeze/thaw cycled gel

The mechanical properties of stretched poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), which is formed by stretching a film prepared from a freeze/thaw cycled gel, were investigated as a function of the stretching ratio. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of 800% stretched PVA annealed at 130°C were 3.4 and 119 GPa, respectively. These values were much higher than those for a PVA film prepared without freeze/thaw cycling. For a film stretched more than 600% before annealing, two melting peaks, assignable to folded and extended chain crystals, were observed around 220°C and 230°C, respectively. This indicates that a shish‐kebab structure is formed as the stretching ratio increases. After annealing at 130°C, the folded‐chain crystal transformed to an extended‐chain crystal if an extended‐chain crystal was present in the stretched film before annealing. High tensile strength and Young's modulus after annealing were due to the formation of extended‐chain crystal. Therefore, the presence of extended‐chain crystal for annealing is important to provide good mechanical properties. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41318.     

An investigation of the interfacial adhesion between reclaimed newspaper and recycled polypropylene composites through the investigation of their mechanical properties

The effects of different parameters (e.g. method of defibration of newspaper; size of the fiber; type and concentrations of coupling agents, impact modifiers, and fire retardants) on the mechanical properties of old newspaper fiber-filled recycled polypropylene (PP) have been evaluated. Statistical methods were applied to determine the effects of variables on the tensile strength, Young's modulus, tensile toughness, and impact strength. Statistical analysis revealed that the composites based on newspaper fiber prepared by mechanical defibration showed a better tensile strength compared with those prepared by the steam explosion process, while the latter type of fiber outperformed the former as far as the other mechanical properties are concerned. In the presence of maleic anhydride grafted PP (MPP) and the initiator dicumyl peroxide (DCPO), the tensile strength of the composites increased with increasing fiber loading and fiber size. Moreover, both the tensile strength and the modulus increased with an increase in the concentrations of MPP and DCPO, even in the presence of an impact modifier and fire retardants for surface-modified newspaper-filled composites. Since the tensile strength of short fiber reinforced composites is strongly dependent of the degree of adhesion between the fiber and matrix, the experimental results suggest that either one of these (MPP and DCPO) or both act as the interfacial bonding agent to develop a strong interphase between old newspaper fiber and recycled PP.     

Cationic photopolymerization of 3‐benzyloxymethyl‐3‐ethyl‐oxetane

The cationic photopolymerization of 3‐benzyloxymethyl‐3‐ethyl‐oxetane (MOX104) initiated by triphenylsulfonium hexafluoroantimonate under UV light was conducted. The kinetics were investigated by real‐time Fourier transform IR spectroscopy and the mechanical and thermal properties of poly(MOX104) were examined by dynamic mechanical analysis and TGA. To adjust the properties of the polymer, different initiator concentrations and comonomer composition were applied. The results showed that the conversion of MOX104 was improved significantly from 17% to almost 90% by adding a certain amount of 3,4‐epoxycyclohexane carboxylate or diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy resin, while not much effect was observed by adding 1,4‐butanediol diglycidyl ether. Moreover, the glass transition temperature, decomposition temperature and Young's modulus of poly(MOX104) were improved by adding different amounts of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy resin. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry     

Polypropylene‐based composites containing sorbitol‐based nucleating agent and siloxane‐silsesquioxane resin

Composites based on isotactic polypropylene (iPP) modified with a sorbitol derivative (NX8000) and siloxane‐silsesquioxane resin containing reactive phenyl groups (SiOPh) were prepared by melt extrusion. These iPP‐based formulations were investigated to evaluate the influence of such additives on the crystallization behavior and morphology, as well as on thermal and mechanical properties. The addition of sorbitol fastens crystallization kinetics of iPP and leads to higher transparency of iPP films. Upon the incorporation of siloxane‐silsesquioxane resin, no further effect on iPP crystallization kinetics is evidenced by calorimetry, optical microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. Transparency of iPP‐based composites is improved upon the addition of sorbitol, but decreased when SiOPh is added to the formulation. The composites are also stiffer, compared to neat polypropylene with a decreased elongation at break and increased Young's modulus values, with increasing amounts of fillers. The effect of the siloxane‐silsesquioxane resin on properties of iPP/NX8000/SiOPh composites was explained taking into account compatibility of the components and morphology of the composites. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43476.     

Alfa fiber/polypropylene composites: Influence of fiber extraction method and chemical treatments

Alfa fiber/polypropylene composites were manufactured using twin-screw extrusion. Fibers were extracted using alkaline and steam explosion methods. Three chemical treatments were also applied to the alkaline-extracted fibers: stearic acid (SA), and potassium permanganate dissolved in water (KW) and in acetone (KA). Finally, thermal annealing was applied to the composites. The results indicate that composites with steam-exploded fibers had a significantly higher melt flow index than composites with alkaline-extracted fibers. Moreover, the incorporation of fibers into the matrix increased the Young's modulus, where the optimum results were obtained utilizing the alkaline-extracted fibers. Both extraction methods also significantly decreased the water uptake, especially the steam explosion. The three chemical treatments increased the melt flow index and conversely decreased the tensile strength and Young's modulus. In addition, KW treatment decreased the water uptake. Finally, thermal annealing increased the tensile strength and Young's modulus of composites with SA-treated fibers. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47392.