Engineered poly(lactic acid)‐talc biocomposites for melt processing: Effects of co‐blending with poly(butylene succinate) and poly(butylene terephthalate) on thermal and mechanical behavior

This article deals with the design and manufacturing of a novel class of PLA‐based material specifically engineered for injection molding, suitable for food contact and characterized by a good balance of mechanical properties and thermal resistance. A commercial PLA grade was modified by blending it with microlamellar talc as reinforcing filler, poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), and poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) as secondary polymeric phases. Ternary blend/talc biocomposites were achieved. The different constituents of the biocomposites were compatibilized by reactive compounding extrusion using maleic anhydride (MAH) grafted PLA (PLA‐MA). The thermal properties of the compounds prior and after injection molding were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry. The mechanical response of the injection molded materials was evaluated by flat indentation and flexural tests. The mechanical properties of the PLA/talc‐based biocomposites and crystallinity of PLA can be controlled by fine tuning the blend by the addition of PBS and PBT in the formulation. In particular, biocomposites characterized by good strength and toughness can be obtained by injection molding, without affecting thermal stability. Based on the experimental findings, the PLA‐based formulations pose; therefore, solid bases for replacing oil‐based plastics in several markets, specifically in the segment of food and pharmaceutical packaging. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:264–273, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers     

A study on effect of mineral additions on the mechanical,thermal, and structural properties of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) composites

Fillers play a major role in determining the properties and behavior of polymer composites. In this study a series of polybutylene terephthalate composites are fabricated using mica and talc particles as filler materials. The effects of these two different minerals on the mechanical, thermal and structural properties of composites are investigated. Comparative analysis shows that both the fillers have different effect on tensile strength and elongation at break. The experimental results when compared with theoretical predictions reveal high level of interfacial interaction in both the composite systems. The interaction parameter B derived using Pukanszky equation is found to be higher in mica filled composites which is in agreement with its better mechanical response. Microscopic observation by SEM reveals that both fillers exhibit different fracture micromechanics leading to different reinforcing effects in PBT.     

Effects of filler size and content on shrinkage and gloss of injection molded PBT/PET/talc composites

Effects of filler size and content on the shrinkage of injection molded poly(butylene terephthalate)/poly(ethylene terephthalate)/talc (PBT/PET/talc) composites were investigated. Circular plate specimens were examined by a field emission scanning electron microscope and a numerical analysis code was used for modeling of the injection molding. Orientation effects of polymer molecules and fillers on the shrinkage behavior of PBT/PET/talc composites were illustrated by using schematic diagrams. It was found that the planes of talc particles were aligned parallel to the mold wall due to applied shear stresses and the largest axes of the disk‐like talc particles were oriented along the flow direction. Shrinkage of the PBT/PET/talc composites was decreased more rapidly along the flow direction than along the transverse direction as the talc content was increased. Small‐sized talc was more effective for reduction of the surface shrinkage of PBT/PET composites than titanium dioxide (TiO₂) or large‐sized talc. Although the PBT/PET polymer matrix almost covered the surface of talc particles, surface gloss of the particle filled composites was decreased as the size of mineral filler was increased. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Comparison in composite performance after thermooxidative aging of injection molded polyamide 6 with glass fiber,talc, and a sustainable biocarbon filler

Degradation is an unavoidable part of a material's life making it important to both monitor and control the aging behavior of plastics. This study compares thermooxidative degraded composites of a novel bio-based and sustainable filler, Biocarbon (MBc), against that of traditional and commercially available fillers (glass fiber and talc) used in the automotive industry. The influence of thermooxidative degradation on the composites was studied under accelerated heat aging for 1000 h at 140°C. The mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated using notched Izod impact as well as both tensile and flexural tests. Morphological structure of the composites was investigated using a scanning electron microscopy. Dynamic mechanical analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were used to evaluate the physical transitions both before and after aging. The glass-filled composites displayed the best performance; while, both the talc and biocarbon composites possessed similar strength and ductility performances. Advantageously, the biocarbon composites experienced an 11% reduction in density as compared to talc-filled composites with similar weight content. After aging, all composites exhibited reduced tensile and flexural strengths ranging from 5 to 67% partly due to chain scission. Whereas, the modulus of all composites increased with a range of 1–24% due to an annealing effect. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137, 48618.     

Hybrid biocomposites with enhanced thermal and mechanical properties for structural applications

The current work focuses on enhancing the mechanical and thermal properties of sisal fiber reinforced composites that were previously used in developing interior automotive trims. In order to extend their use in other structural applications, two hybrid biocomposites with the combination of sisal (SF) and glass fiber (GF)‐SF20/GF10 and SF10/GF20 were blended with polypropylene via extrusion and injection molding process. Critical material properties such as density, fogging, acoustic, mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties were evaluated and results were analyzed using ANOVA. Hybridization of SF and GF enhanced flexural strength and thermal properties of the biocomposites by 33 and 19%, respectively, while no significant change in acoustic, impact and rheological properties were observed. The properties of the hybrid biocomposites were compared with the material specification of a battery tray and it was found that these hybrid biocomposites could be better alternative materials in structural applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42452.     

Mechanical and thermal properties of talc and calcium carbonate filled polypropylene hybrid composites

The main aim of this work was to study and compare the mechanical and thermal properties of hybrid polypropylene (PP) composites and single‐filler PP composites. With two main types of mineral fillers—calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and talc—PP composites of different filler weight ratios (talc/CaCO₃) were compounded with a twin‐screw extruder and then injection‐molded into dumbbell specimens with an injection‐molding machine. Tensile, flexural, and impact tests were performed to determine and compare the mechanical properties of the hybrid and single‐filler PP composites. A synergistic hybridization effect was successfully achieved; the flexural strength and impact strength were highest among the hybrids when the PP/talc/CaCO₃ weight ratio was 70:15:15. The nucleating ability of the fillers and its effects on the mechanical properties were also studied with differential scanning calorimetry. Because of the influence of talc as the main nucleating agent, the hybrid fillers showed significant improvements in terms of the nucleating ability, and this contributed to the increase in or retention of the mechanical properties of the hybrid composites. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 3327–3336, 2004     

Mechanical,thermal, tribological,and flammability properties of polybutylene terephthalate composites: Comparing the effects of synthetic wollastonite nanofibers,natural wollastonite,and graphene oxide

Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) composites were prepared with 1.0 phr synthetic wollastonite nanofibers (SWN), natural wollastonite (NW) and graphene oxide (GO) to study the effect of different fillers on mechanical, thermal, tribological, and flammability properties. The properties of PBT composites are related to the size, structure, and interfacial adhesion of the fillers in PBT matrix. PBT/SWN demonstrated the highest tensile strength and Young's modulus (6% and 9% increment), followed by PBT/NW (1.3% and 7% increment) and PBT/GO (2% decrement and 4% increment). PBT/SWN gave the highest degradation temperature (409°C), followed by PBT/GO (404.7°C). The maximum enhancement in wear resistance (73%) by PBT/SWN and anti-friction performance (26%) by PBT/GO evinced the excellent load-bearing ability of SWN and the great lubricating effect of GO. PBT/NW had the lowest peak heat release rate, smoke, and carbon dioxide production rate. This study shows that PBT composites have great potential in different automotive applications.     

Influence of thermo‐oxidative aging on the dynamical mechanical properties and thermal degradation kinetics of glass fiber‐reinforced PA10T composites

Unveiling the fundamental thermal‐oxidative aging mechanism and thermal degradation kinetics of the poly(decamethyleneterephthalamide) (PA10T)/ glass fiber (GF) composites under different aging temperatures (160°C, 200°C, and 240°C) for 0–50 days will facilitate the understanding of the interaction between matrix PA10T and GF. The results revealed that the decrease of mechanical properties referring to tensile strength, flexural strength and notched impact strength, and the occurrence of debonding phenomenon between PA10T matrix and GF were increasingly obvious after longer aging time at higher aging temperature. At the same time, the decline of crystalline was mainly ascribed to the thermal‐oxidative aging effect, which triggered the deterioration of mechanical properties of PA10T/GF composites. Accordingly, the enhancement of rigidity were probably attributed to the higher temperature aging effect with the aging time prolonging in PA10T/GF composites, while the interfacial debonding between GF and resin matrix obviously occurred with the increase of aging time. In a word, it is believed that investigating the fundamental thermal‐oxidative aging of PA10T/GF composites would be beneficial to optimize and control the service life and applications of materials. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:643–656, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Properties of talc/wollastonite/polyamide 6 hybrid composites

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of PA6 hybrid composites containing talc and wollastonite. Talc and wollastonite filled single and hybrid composites were prepared with melt compounding in a twin screw extruder. The filler content was 40% by weight and the wollastonite/talc ratio was 40/0, 30/10, 20/20, 10/30, and 40/0. The melt flow rate measurements showed that incorporation of fillers into the polyamide 6 (PA6) resulted in an increment in melt viscosity of composites. The presence of a homogeneous dispersion of fillers in the matrix was obtained from morphological analysis. It was revealed from the mechanical tests that in most cases, mechanical properties of 20/20 hybrid composites were significantly higher than that of the single and the other hybrid composites. Heat deflection temperature of the composite was markedly improved by the addition of fillers. Differential scanning calorimeter analysis showed that talc and wollastonite acted as a nucleating agent for PA6. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:739–746, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effects of hybrid fillers on the electrical conductivity,EMI shielding effectiveness,and flame retardancy of PBT and PolyASA composites with carbon fiber and MWCNT

The effects of hybrid fillers of carbon fiber (CF) and multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) on the electrical conductivity, electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE), flame retardancy, and mechanical properties of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT)/poly(acrylonitrile-co-styrene-co-acrylate) (PolyASA) (70/30, wt %) with conductive filler composites were investigated. The CF was used as the main filler, and MWCNT was used as the secondary filler to investigate the hybrid filler effect. For the PBT/PolyASA/CF (8 vol %)/MWCNT (2 vol %) composite, a higher electrical conductivity (1.4 × 10⁰ S cm⁻¹) and EMI SE (33.7 dB) were observed than that of the composite prepared with the single filler of CF (10 vol %), which were 9.0 × 10⁻² S cm⁻¹ and 23.7 dB, respectively. This increase in the electrical properties might be due to the longer CF length and hybrid filler effect in the composites. From the results of aging test at 85 °C, 120 h, the electrical conductivity and EMI SE of the composites decreased slightly compared to that of the composite without aging. The results of electrical conductivity, EMI SE, and flame retardancy suggested that the composite with the hybrid fillers of CF and MWCNT showed a synergetic effect in the PBT/PolyASA/CF (8 vol %)/MWCNT (2 vol %) composite. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 48162.     

Mechanical,thermal, and dielectric properties of aluminum nitride/glass fiber/epoxy resin composites

The treated hybrid fillers of aluminum nitride/glass fibers (AlN/GF) were performed to prepare the AlN/GF/epoxy composites by casting method. Results showed that the flexural and impact strength of the composites were increased firstly, but decreased with the excessive addition of AlN. The mechanical properties were optimal with 5 wt% treated AlN. The thermal conductivities of the composites were improved with the increasing content of AlN, and the thermal conductive coefficient λ was 1.412 W/mK with 70 wt% treated AlN, about seven times higher than that of pure epoxy resin. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the composites were increased with the increasing content of AlN. For a given AlN/GF hybrid fillers loading, the surface treatment of AlN/GF hybrid fillers exhibited a positive effect on the mechanical properties and thermal conductivities of the composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:381–385, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Mechanical properties of 3D parts fabricated by fused deposition modeling: Effect of various fillers in polylactide

Weak mechanical strength and serious mechanical anisotropy are two key limiting factors for three-dimensional (3D) parts prepared by fused deposition modeling (FDM) in industrial applications. In this work, we investigated the relationships between mechanical properties and surface quality of FDM parts with the properties of materials used. Three kinds of polylactide (PLA) filaments, composed of the same PLA matrix but different fillers (carbon fibers and talc), were used to prepare FDM specimens. Due to the nature of FDM process, FDM parts exhibited tensile properties weaker and more anisotropic than their injection-molding counterparts. The presence of fillers affected the tensile properties of FDM parts, especially the degree of mechanical anisotropy. It is found that the interlayer bond governing the mechanical performance of FDM parts was improved since the fillers added in the polymer materials facilitates the molecular diffusion across the bond interface. Also, the surface quality of FDM parts varied with fillers. Neat PLA parts exhibited surface quality superior to the 3D parts printed with composites filaments. This work is believed to provide highlights on the development of polymer composites filament and improvement of mechanical properties of FDM parts. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47824.     

Experimental assessment of the improved properties during aging of flax/glass hybrid composite laminates for marine applications

The investigation for natural fibers composites in terms of performance, durability, and environmental impact for structural applications in marine environments is a relevant challenge in scientific and industrial field. On this context, the aim of this work is to assess the durability and mechanical stability in severe environment of epoxy/glass–flax hybrid composites. For the sake of comparison, also full flax and glass epoxy composites were investigated. All samples were exposed to salt–fog environmental conditions up to 60 aging days. Wettability behavior during time was compared with water uptake evolution to assess water sensitivity of hybrid composite configurations. Moreover, quasi-static flexural and dynamic mechanical analysis were carried to evaluate as aging conditions, laminate configuration influence the surface and mechanical performances stability of the hybrid composites. The addition of glass fibers on flax laminate allows to enhance both flexural strength by 90%, and modulus by 128%, even if these properties are lower than those of full glass laminates. The results evidenced that the hybridization of flax fibers with glass ones is a practical approach to enhance the aging durability of epoxy/flax composite laminates in marine environmental conditions, obtaining a suitable compromise among environmental impact, mechanical properties, aging resistance, and costs. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47203.     

Improving the mechanical properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber/low density polyethylene/rice husk biocomposites by using various additives of filler and gamma irradiation

In this work, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM)/low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) (100/60) blend was loaded with 20 phr (part per hundred parts of rubber) of rice husk to give biocomposites. To improve the compatibility of this biocomposites, 7 phr of maleic anhydride was also loaded. This biocomposite was then reinforced with 40 phr of high abrasion furnace (HAF)‐carbon black (N330) or 40 phr Hisil. Vulcanization of these biocomposites was carried out by gamma irradiation at doses from 50 to 250 kGy. The EPDM/LDPE blend and its biocomposites were characterized by studying the mechanical, physical, and thermal properties. Also examination by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was studied. The results indicated that gamma irradiation and fillers improved the physical and mechanical properties and the thermal stability of the obtained biocomposites. The SEM micrographs confirmed the results obtained from mechanical properties. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:296–302, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effect of ultrasound on the processability and mechanical properties of poly(butylene terephthalate)/talc composites

Poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT)/talc composites were prepared through a single‐screw extruder in the absence or presence of ultrasonic irradiation. A special exit die, which could be regarded as a capillary, was attached to the extruder to measure the effect of ultrasound on the melting temperature and pressure. The experimental results show that with the introduction of ultrasound and with its increasing intensity, the processability of the composites was improved. The morphology of the composites was also investigated by scanning electron microscopy. It was shown that ultrasonic oscillations improved the dispersion of talc in PBT and, furthermore, increased the crystallinity of PBT. Therefore, the mechanical properties were promoted through ultrasonic extrusion but decreased once the ultrasonic intensity was higher than 200 (or 150) W. This deterioration of the mechanical properties was induced by the ultrasonic degradation of PBT. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Chitosan graft copolymers‐HA/DBM biocomposites: Preparation,characterization, and in vitro evaluation

The combination of biopolymer with a bioactive component takes advantage of the osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity properties. The studies on composites containing hydroxyapatite (HA), demineralized bone matrix (DBM) fillers and chitosan biopolymer are still conducted. In the present study, the bioactive fillers were loaded onto p(HEMA‐MMA) grafted chitosan copolymer to produce a novel biocomposites having osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties. The produced composites were assessed by TGA, XRD, FTIR, and SEM techniques to prove the interaction between both matrices. In vitro behavior of these composites was performed in SBF to verify the formation of apatite layer onto their surfaces and its enhancement. The results confirmed the formation of thick apatite layer containing carbonate ions onto the surface of biocomposites especially these containing HA‐DBM mixture and pMMA having bone cement formation in their structure. These a novel biocomposites have unique bioactivity properties can be applied in bone implants and tissue engineering applications as scaffolds in future. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007     

Synergistic effect of talc/calcined kaolin binary fillers on rigid PVC: Improved properties of PVC composites

This study aims to develop poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) composites prepared by melt mixing by using a combination of talc and calcined kaolin as filler in order to improve the disadvantages of rigid PVC, which is widely used in industry, such as poor mechanical properties and low thermal stability. In addition, PVC/talc and PVC/calcined kaolin composites were also examined for comparison. The calcined kaolin is modified with urea to increase the surface area (chemical treatment), while the surface of both fillers is coated with stearic acid for good compatibility with PVC (mechanical treatment). Scanning electron microscopy micrographs showed homogeneous distribution of mechanically processed fillers. Attenuated total reflectance–Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed successful coating of the fillers with stearic acid. Also, new bands were detected in the spectrum of urea-treated calcined kaolin, showing an effective chemical treatment. It has been observed that the treatment of fillers improves the mechanical properties of PVC. Thermogravimetric results showed that delaminated calcined kaolin increased the thermal stability of PVC composites. The results of this study proved that binary filler composites combine good properties of both (synergistic effect) and good filler dispersion can be obtained by using stearic acid and urea.     

Potential Application of Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) as Active Fillers in Natural Rubber Biocomposites

In this study, peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) were applied as natural fibrous fillers to create biocomposites containing substances of plant origin. The purpose of the work was to investigate the activity and effectiveness of selected plants as a material for the modification of natural rubber composites. This research was the first approach to examine the usefulness of peppermint, German chamomile and yarrow in the field of polymer technology. Dried and ground plant particles were subjected to Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV–Vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), goniometric measurements (contact angle) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The characterization of natural rubber composites filled with bio-additives was performed including rheometric measurements, FTIR, TGA, cross-linking density, mechanical properties and colour change after simulated aging processes. Composites filled with natural fillers showed improved barrier properties and mechanical strength. Moreover, an increase in the cross-linking density of the materials before and after the simulated aging processes, compared to the reference sample, was observed.     

Mechanical properties of talc‐ and (calcium carbonate)‐filled poly(vinyl chloride) hybrid composites

The main objective of this study was to investigate and compare the mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) composites filled with calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), talc, and talc/CaCO₃. Talc and CaCO₃ with different grades were incorporated into the PVC matrix. To produce the composites, the PVC resin, fillers, and other additives were first dry‐blended by using a laboratory mixer before being milled into sheets in a two‐roll mill. Test specimens were prepared by compression molding, after which the mechanical properties of the composites were determined. Single and hybrid filler loadings used were fixed at 30 phr (parts per hundred parts of resin). Talc‐filled composite showed the highest flexural modulus and the lowest impact strength, whereas uncoated, ground, 1‐μm CaCO₃ (SM 90) showed optimum properties in terms of impact strength and flexural modulus among all grades of CaCO₃. It was selected to combine with talc at different ratios in the hybrid composites. The impact strength of the hybrid composites gradually increased with increasing SM 90 content, but the flexural and tensile properties showed an opposite behavior. Hybrid (10 phr talc):(20 phr SM 90)‐filled PVC composite reached a synergistic hybridization with balanced properties in impact strength, as well as flexural and tensile properties. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Poly(lactic acid) biocomposites reinforced with ultrafine bamboo‐char: Morphology,mechanical, thermal,and water absorption properties

In this study, ultrafine bamboo‐char (BC) was introduced into poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix to improve mechanical and thermal properties of PLA based biodegradable composites. PLA/BC biocomposites were fabricated with different BC contents by weight. Uniform dispersion of BC in the PLA matrix and good interaction via physical and chemical interfacial interlocks were achieved. The maximum tensile strength and tensile modulus values of 14.03 MPa and 557.74 MPa were obtained when 30% BC was used. Impact strength of the biocomposite with 30% BC was increased by 160%, compared to that of pure PLA. DSC analysis illustrated that PLA/BC biocomposites had a better thermal property. Crystallization temperature decreased and maximal crystallinity of 30.30% was observed with 30% BC load. We did not notice significant thermal degradation differences between biocomposites with different BC loadings from TGA. Better water resistance was obtained with the addition of BC. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43425.