Influence of nanoclay on urea–glyoxalated lignin–formaldehyde resins for wood adhesive

In this research, the influence of nanoclay on urea–glyoxalated lignin–formaldehyde (GLUF) resin properties has been investigated. To prepare the GLUF resin, glyoxalated soda baggase lignin (15 wt%) was added as an alternative for the second urea during the UF resin synthesis. The prepared GLUF resin was mixed with the 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% nanoclay by mechanically stirring for 5 min at room temperature. The physicochemical properties of the prepared resins were measured according to standard methods. Then the resins were used in particleboard production and the physical and mechanical properties of the manufactured panels were determined. Finally, from the results obtained, the best prepared resin was selected and its properties were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). Generally the results indicated that the addition of sodium-montmorillonite (NaMMT) up to 1.5% appears to improve the performance of GLUF resins in particleboards. The results also showed that nanoclays improved mechanical strength (modulus of elasticity (MOE), Modulus of Rupture (MOR), and internal bond (IB) strength) of the panels bonded with GLUF resins. The panels containing GLUF resin and nanoclay yielded lower formaldehyde emission as well as water absorption content than those made from the neat GLUF resins. XRD characterization indicated that NaMMT only intercalated when mixed with GLUF resin. Based on DSC results, the addition of NaMMT could accelerate the curing of GLUF resins. The enthalpy of the cure reaction (ΔH) of GLUF resin containing NaMMT was increased compared with neat GLUF resin. Also the results of FTIR analysis indicated that addition of NaMMT change the GLUF resins structures.     

Ionic liquid modified lignin-phenol-glyoxal resin: a green alternative resin for production of particleboards

The aim of this research was to evaluate the properties of particleboard panels bonded with ionic liquid treated lignin- phenol- glyoxal (LPG) resin. For this purpose, soda bagasse lignin was modified by 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([Emim][OAc]) ionic liquid and then various contents of virgin and modified lignin (20, 30 and 40 wt% based on weight of phenol), phenol and glyoxal were used for synthesis of LPG resins. After resin synthesis, thermal and physicochemical properties of the synthesized resins such as curing behavior, gelation time, viscosity, solid content and density were measured. Finally, the resins so prepared were used for laboratory particleboard manufacturing. The panels physical (water absorption, thickness swelling) as well as mechanical (MOE, MOR and internal bond strength) properties were measured according to standard methods. The resins tests indicated that modification of lignin with ionic liquid not only can accelerate the gelation time and increase viscosity, density and solid content of LPG resins but also decrease the temperature required for curing the LPG resins. Based on the results of this work, the mechanical strength and dimensional stability of the particleboards bonded with a LPG resin can be improved by using modified lignin. The particleboards prepared with the LPG resin, using either modified or virgin lignin, presented higher water absorption as well as weaker mechanical strength than those prepared with the control PF resin. However, there does not appear to be any statistically significant difference between the some properties of the panels bonded with the control PF resin and those bonded with the LPG resin containing modified lignin.     

Cone calorimeter testing of foam core sandwich panels treated with intumescent paper underneath the veneer (FRV)

Surfaces of novel foam core sandwich panels were adhered with intumescent fire‐retardant paper underneath the veneers (FRV) to improve their flammability properties. The panels were evaluated by means of cone calorimeter test (ASTM E 1354). Variables tested were different surface layer treatments, adhesives used for veneering, surface layer thicknesses, and processing conditions, having the objective of obtaining similar or better flammability as that of solid particle boards. Previous research showed that sandwich panels without FRV compared to panels with FRV generally had much higher heat release rates, somewhat higher heat of combustion and much higher smoke production due to the polymeric foam component of tested panels. The present study shows that using FRV adhered to the surface layer of sandwich panels dramatically improved flammability properties; the best FRV performance resulted from panels produced with thicker face layer (5 mm) and lower press temperature (130°C) and adhered with an acrylic thixotropic adhesive. Such protected foam core particleboard has heat release rate profiles as low as that is typical of commercially available fire‐retardant–treated plywood, thus implying a low flammability rating when tested in accordance with both single burn item (Euro Class B anticipated) and steiner tunnel (North America Class A anticipated) tests.     

Improving Hot-Water Resistance of Melamine-Urea-Formaldehyde by Addition of PolyFox PF-151N Polymer

Melamine urea formaldehyde (MUF) thermosetting wood adhesives have poor performance at elevated temperatures and humid conditions. PolyFox PF-151N polymer was mixed at different loadings (0.05, 0.1, 0.5, and 1%) with MUF to improve properties, especially water resistance and bond strength. The physical properties of the optimized MUF/PolyFox PF-151N resins were measured. In order to evaluate the quality of optimized MUF/PolyFox PF-151N resins, particleboards were produced and physical and mechanical properties were investigated.

The results show that it is possible to add PolyFox PF-151N up to 0.1% to the MUF resin without altering the mechanical properties of the commercial MUF. The mechanical properties of the particleboard panels bonded with the optimal MUF/PolyFox PF-151N (99.9/0.1 by weight) resin were considerably increased as compared to the panels glued with neat MUF resin. The use of PolyFox significantly reduced 2-h and 24-h thickness swelling compared to the control panels.     

Comparison of foam core sandwich panel and through‐thickness polymer pin–reinforced foam core sandwich panel subject to indentation and flatwise compression loadings

Through‐thickness polymer pin–reinforced foam core sandwich (FCS) panels are new type of composite sandwich structure as the foam core of this structure was reinforced with cylindrical polymer pins, which also rigidly connect the face sheets. These sandwich panels are made of glass fiber–reinforced polyester face sheets and closed‐cell polyurethane foam core with cylindrical polymer pins produced during fabrication process. The indentation and compression behavior of these sandwich panels were compared with common traditional sandwich panel, and it has been found that by reinforcing the foam core with cylindrical polymer pins, the indentation strength, energy absorption, and compression strength of the sandwich panels were improved significantly. The effect of diameter of polymer pins on indentation and compression behavior of both sandwich panels was studied and results showed that the diameter of polymer pins had a large influence on the compression and indentation behavior of through‐thickness polymer pin–reinforced FCS panel, and the effect of adding polymer pins to FCS panel on indentation behavior is similar to the effect of increasing the thickness of face sheet. The effect of strain rate on indentation behavior of FCS panel and through‐thickness polymer pin–reinforced FCS panel were studied, and results showed that both types of composite sandwich panels are strain rate dependent structure as by increasing strain rate, the indentation properties and energy absorption properties of these structures are increased. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:612–619, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

泡沫夹芯结构板泡沫壁流道内的流动特性

沟槽型真空辅助树脂传递模塑成型工艺（VARTM）是一种新型的泡沫夹芯结构板成型方法,利用实验探明了泡沫夹芯结构板芯材上不可渗泡沫壁流道内的流动行为。实验结果表明,液体在泡沫壁流道的流动能力大幅降低,只有光滑壁流道的60%左右,泡沫壁流道的粗糙内表面是造成这种现象的主要原因。提出了相应的压力驱动流动方程,并采用等效渗透率来表征液体在泡沫壁流道内的流动能力,得到了考虑粗糙表面影响的等效渗透率计算公式,提出了一个正确计算不可渗泡沫壁流道内流动的处理方法。     

熔融沉积成型木塑复合夹层板的弯曲性能

采用熔融沉积成型(FDM)制造方法,以木塑复合线材为原料,利用3D打印软件Ultimaker Cura的“填充结构”功能设计网格、直线、三角形等13种芯层结构(二维6种、立体7种),并将其与纸板粘接得到木塑复合夹层板。利用三点弯曲测试,研究不同夹层板的破坏失效形式与弯曲性能。结果表明:木塑夹层板的失效模式主要有弹性变形、面板起皱、芯子剪切和芯子压溃。在13种芯层结构中,立体的同心3D芯层结构夹层板弯曲性能最佳,弯曲模量和静曲强度分别为159.56 MPa和4.85 MPa,分别是网格芯层结构夹层板的5.4倍和2.3倍,具有较强的抗弯曲变形能力,适合于设计制造轻质高强度制品。     

Influence of processing conditions and material compositions on the performance of formaldehyde‐free wood‐based composites

This study examined the differences between formaldehyde‐free wood composite panels made with maleated polyethylene (MAPE) and maleated polypropylene (MAPP) binding agents. Specifically, the study investigated the contrasts of (a) base resin type, PE vs. PP, (b) molecular weight/maleic anhydride content in MAPP binding agents, and (c) the manufacturing methods (reactive extrusion vs. hot press) on the physicomechanical properties of the composites. FTIR and XPS analyses of unmodified and modified wood particles after reactive extrusion with maleated polyolefins provided evidence of chemical bonding between the hydroxyl groups of wood particles and maleated polyolefins. Although extruding the particles before panel pressing gave better internal bond (IB) strength, superior bending properties were obtained through compression molding alone. MAPP‐based panels outperformed MAPE‐based panels in stiffness. Conversely, MAPE increased the IB strength of the panels compared with MAPP. Polymer base resin had no effect on modulus of rupture or screw holding capacity. Differences between the two maleated polypropylene compounds were not significant for any of the mechanical properties tested. Formaldehyde‐free wood composites manufactured in this study often outperformed standard requirements for conventional particleboard, regardless of material composition or manufacturing method used. POLYM. COMPOS., 27:599–607, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Fiber volume control of composite materials by loss angle

Fiber volume plays a critical role in achieving stable mechanical and physical properties in composite structures. This study develops a method to control this parameter in carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) on the basis of the viscoelastic character of the thermosetting matrix resin. This method relies on the loss angle δ to quantitatively control fiber volume. CFRP flat panels are manufactured at varying initiating times of pressure application depending on the δ value of the CFRP matrix resin. An analysis of the manufactured panels clearly shows that the target fiber volumes can be obtained at an appropriate δ range. Specifically, CFRP fiber volumes can be controlled through the loss angle of the matrix resin. Defining this δ range is very important for establishing mechanically and physically stable CFRP structures. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1307–1311, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Use of organosolv lignin in phenol-formaldehyde resins for particleboard production: II. Particleboard production and properties

The objective of this work was to demonstrate the utility of lignin-based resins designed for application as an adhesive in the production of particleboard. Bond qualities of lignin-phenol-formaldehyde resins, phenolated-lignin-formaldehyde resins and commercial phenol-formaldehyde (PF-com) resin were assessed by using an automatic bonding evaluation system, prior to production of particleboards. In order to evaluate the quality of lignin-based resins, particleboards were produced and physical and mechanical properties were investigated. These physical properties included internal bond, modules of rupture and modulus of elasticity. Thickness swell and water absorption properties of particleboards bonded with lignin-based resins were also determined. The lignin-based resins have been reported previously in Part I of this study. The results showed that particleboards bonded with phenolated-lignin formaldehyde resins (up to 30% lignin content) exhibited similar physical and mechanical properties when compared to particleboards bonded with PF-com. The work has indicated that phenolated-lignin formaldehyde resins (up to 30% substitution level) can be used successfully as a wood adhesive for constructing particleboard. The performance of these panels is comparable to those of boards made using PF-com resin.     

Melamine formaldehyde/polyvinyl alcohol composite fiber: Structures and properties controlled by reaction‐induced phase separation

Melamine?formaldehyde resin (MF)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite fibers with different phase structures and properties were prepared through reaction induced phase separation by wet spinning. Raman spectroscopy, rotary viscometer, and miscibility index were used to characterize the MF resins with different reaction degrees (RD). The phase structures of composite spinning dopes and composite fibers were observed by optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Mechanical properties, flame retardant properties, and thermal stability of the composite fibers were also tested. Results show that the composite fibers made from MF resins with different RD have different phase structures and properties; when the miscibility index (MI) of MF resin is 1.60, the obtained MF/PVA composite fiber shows a sea‐island phase structure, which endues the fiber with the best comprehensive properties: the breaking strength, breaking elongation, rupture work and limiting oxygen index (LOI) are 4.29 cN/dtex, 13.55%, 8.46 × 10^?5 J/dtex and 43.1%, respectively. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 42918.     

Phthalonitrile-glass fabric composites

Phthalonitrile polymers, under development at the Naval Research Laboratory, offer promise as high temperature, high performance composite matrix materials. A fully cured resin shows outstanding thermal stability with no evidence of a glass transition temperature or T_g up to 450°C, good mechanical properties, and is easily processed into void-free components. Phthalonitrile/glass fabric composite panels have been successfully fabricated by conventional consolidation of prepregged glass and by a more recently developed simplified process, resin infusion molding. Both processes can be used to produce panels with comparable mechanical properties. More important, flammability performance of these composites, evaluated in terms of specific optical density, combustion gases, heat release, and ignitability, excels over other state-of-the-art polymer/glass composites. This finding is significant given that overcoming flammability obstacles has been the main limiting factor for use of composites in marine applications.     

Properties and curing behavior of reactive blended allyl novolak with bismaleimide using dicumyl peroxide as a novel curing agent

For reducing the cure temperature and improving the thermal stability and mechanical properties, a thermosetting resin system composed of novolak and bismaleimide (BMI) was developed by reactive blending and using dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as a novel curing agent. Novolak was allylated and reacted with BMI to produce bismaleimide allylated novolak (BAN), and the effect of DCP on flexural, impact and heat distortion temperature of cured resin were investigated. On the basis of improved mechanical and thermal properties at 0.5% DCP contents, the curing behavior of DCP/BAN resin system was evaluated by DSC analysis. Ene, Diels‐Alder, homo‐polymerization and alternating copolymerization which occurred in DCP/BAN resin system were further verified using FTIR at sequential cure conditions from 140 to 200°C. Kissinger and Ozawa‐Flynn‐wall methods were used to optimize the process and curing reactions of DCP/BAN resin system. The results showed that the addition of 0.5% DCP in BAN reduced the curing temperature and time of the modified resin. For evaluating process ability of the modified system, composite samples using polyvinyl acetyl fiber were molded and tested for flexural properties. The resulting samples showed better flexural properties when compared with the composite made with neat BAN. The modified 0.5% DCP/BAN resin system with good mechanical properties and manufacturability can be used for making bulk molding compounds and fiber reinforced composites required in various commercial and aerospace applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41829.     

Shear properties of C/C-SiC sandwich structures

Carbon fiber reinforced carbon-silicon carbide (C/C-SiC) sandwich structures have been developed using the Liquid Silicon Infiltration process and the in situ joining method. They offer high mass-specific stiffness, low thermal expansion, and high environmental stability. Potential application areas are highly precise satellite structures, like optical benches. In this study, sandwich samples were manufactured using prepregs based on 2D carbon fibre fabrics and a phenolic resin precursor. Carbon fibre reinforced polymer preforms for folded and grid-cores, as well as for the skin panels were manufactured using autoclave technique. In the second step, the sandwich components were pyrolyzed, leading to C/C preforms. For the build-up of the sandwich samples, two skin panels were joined to a core structure and subsequently, the resulting C/C sandwich preform was siliconized. C/C-SiC sandwich samples were tested under shear load. Shear strength, modulus, and fracture strain were determined and compared to the results obtained by analytical calculation. The shear properties were dependent on the fiber orientation in the core structure as well as on the core type and orientation. The sandwich shear stiffness obtained in the tests was close to the expected theoretical values, calculated on the basis of the material properties and the core geometry.     

透波材料的优化设计

本文通过常规树脂基体、玻纤织物增强材料和蜂窝芯材等主要原材料之间的优化复合设计,开展单板、三夹层结构和五夹层结构各形式复合材料之间的制作、电性测试与分析,优化设计出了一种新型兼顾电性、力学性能的功能型五夹层复合结构透波材料,满足了高性能舰载雷达宽频带、高透波等电性指标要求,同时还满足了其高比强、刚度的力学指标要求,解决了传统型设计和材料通常无法满足其电性能、强刚度、低成本制作的矛盾。     

Automation of the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process for recreational composite yachts

The use of glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) in large primary marine structures has noticeably increased due to their favorable stiffness, strength, durability, and manufacturability. However, GFRP construction can become cost‐prohibitive at the superyacht‐scale (36–60 m) as defects and labor intensiveness increase. In this paper, we presented an automated vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process (VaRTM) that can be integrated into an existing setup for manufacturing recreational composite yachts in the 49‐meter range. The objective of automating the system is to reduce defects and labor intensity. The developed automation system consisted of a controller, resin supply lines with valves, and infrared sensors. The control software, valves and sensors were custom developed. The system automatically monitors and adjusts resin flow in the mold in real‐time to mitigate flow front variations. The system was used to run three different scenarios common in marine composites manufacturing using VaRTM; a flat plate with consistent ply sequence, a flat plate with varying ply sequence, and a scaled yacht keel section. Results indicated that use of the automated setup improved overall evenness of resin flow and limited unwanted convergence compared to the traditional manual setup. Tensile testing indicated similar mechanical performance but greater variation in the manual sample. Voids were discovered in regions of flow convergence of the manual panel and reflected slightly more varied tensile properties as compared to automated panels. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2411–2424, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Mechanical properties of wood plastic composite panels made from waste fiberboard and particleboard

The possibility of producing wood‐plastic panels using a melt blend/hot press method was studied in this research. The studied panels were compared with conventional medium density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard (PB) panels. Wood‐plastic panels were made from high density polyethylene (as resin) and MDF waste and PB waste (as natural fiber) at 60, 70, and 80% by weight fiber loadings. Nominal density and dimensions of the panels were 1 g/cm³ and 35 × 35 × 1 cm³, respectively. Mechanical properties of the panels including flexural modulus, flexural strength, screw and nail withdrawal resistances, and impact strength were studied. Results indicated that the mechanical properties of the composites were strongly affected by the proportion of the wood flour and polymer. Maximum values of flexural modulus of wood plastic panels were reached at 70% fiber content. Flexural strength, screw and nail withdrawal resistance, and impact strength of wood plastic composites declined with the increase in fiber content from 60 to 80%. This was attributed to the lack of compatibility between the phases. The produced panels outperformed conventional PB panels regarding their mechanical properties, which were acceptable when compared with MDF panels as well. The best feature in the produced panels was their screw withdrawal resistance, which is extremely important for screw joints in cabinet making. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Electrical,mechanical, and thermal properties of exfoliated graphite/phenolic resin composite bipolar plate for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

Exfoliated graphite (EG) was synthesized from natural flake graphite by acid treatment followed by microwave irradiation. A maximum expanded volume of 560 mL/g was achieved for this exfoliation of graphite. EG/phenolic resin composite bipolar plates for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell were fabricated with a high loading of EG by compression molding. The composites possess low density, high electrical conductivity, high thermal stability, and high compressive strength. The composite bipolar plates were also characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and so on. The composite prepared with 50 wt% of EG has shown the desired properties for bipolar plate as per the US Department of Energy (DOE‐2015) targets. As a result, the EG–resin composites can be used as bipolar plates for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:917–923, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Low formaldehyde emission particleboard panels realized through a new acrylic binder

The effectiveness of acrylic resins as low formaldehyde emission binders for particleboard production was explored. In particular, a multifunctional methacrylic monomer, ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate, classified as nonskin and eyes irritant, was selected and tested. In comparison panels realized with classic urea‐formaldehyde (UF) binder were also prepared. No significant differences were found through the morpholocigal analysis of samples prepared with the two different binders. Moreover, particleboard panels realized with the acrylic binder showed better mechanical properties and lower water absorption and thickness swelling in comparison with corresponding panels realized with the UF binders. Furthermore, the replacement of the UF with the acrylic binder did not affect thermal insulation properties of the panels. Formaldehyde release tests revealed that particleboard panels obtained by applying the acrylic binder can be classified as E1 following the European classification and even F**** following the stricter Japanese classification. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Resin transfer molding (RTM) with toughened cyanate ester resin systems

This investigation explored the feasibility of recently developed toughened cyanate ester networks as candidate materials for high performance composite matrix applications. The resin investigated was a bisphenol-A cyanate ester toughened with hydroxy functionalized phenolphthalein based amorphous poly(arylene ether sulfone). A series of four toughened cyanate ester resins were generated by varying the concentration and the molecular weight of the toughener. The thermoplastic modified toughened networks exhibited improvement in the fracture toughness over the base cyanate ester networks without significant reductions in mechanical properties or glass transition temperature. Carbon fabric composite panels were manufactured by liquid molding processes (resin transfer molding and resin film infusion) with the untoughened and toughened cyanate ester resin systems. The panels were subjected to physical, impact damage, and fracture toughness tests. The results of physical testing indicate consistently uniform quality, and the maximum void content was found to be less than 2%. The toughened cyanate ester composites exhibited significantly improved impact damage resistance and tolerance compared with hot-melt epoxy systems. A marked increase in the mode II composite fracture toughness was observed with an increase in the concentration and the molecular weight of the toughener.