Enhanced thermal resistance of phenolic resin composites at low loading of graphene oxide

By incorporating graphene oxide (GO) into phenolic resin (PR), GO/PR composites were prepared, and the effects of the content and reduction degree of GO on thermal resistance of GO/PR composites were studied. The peak degradation temperature of the PR was increased by about 14 °C with GO which was heat treated. The char yield of GO/PR composite at a GO weight fraction of 0.5% was about 11% greater than that of PR. The interactions such as covalent bonds and π–π stacking between GO and PR were regarded as the main reason for the enhancement. Located at the GO–PR interface, GO effectively anchored and structured PR molecular near the surfaces of GO sheets, and thus facilitated the formation of char. The superiority of GO/PR composites over PR in terms of thermal properties enhancement should also be related to the promoting graphitization by the addition of GO.     

Comparison of drying methods for the preparation of carbon fiber felt/carbon nanotubes modified epoxy composites

Carbon fiber felt with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were prepared by immersing three-dimensional (3D) felt into CNT aqueous solution (with dispersant) followed by removing water with different drying methods. Epoxy resin was then introduced into the felt to obtain 3D fiber felt/CNTs modified epoxy composites. This paper highlights the effect of drying method on macro-morphologies of the felt, morphological dispersion of CNTs and some relevant properties of the composites, including electrical conductivity and flexural performance. The results demonstrate that compared to the commonly used heat drying method, freeze drying technique possesses obvious advantages for the fabrication of fiber felt/CNT modified epoxy composites.     

Effect of mullite particles on the mechanical strength and chemical durability of vitrified CBN composites

The effects of mullite particles on the mechanical strength and chemical durability of vitrified CBN composites were investigated. Incorporating mullite particles to vitrified CBN composites contributes to an obvious improvement of the mechanical strength and the chemical durability of vitrified bond. The enhancement of the mechanical strength may be ascribed to the observed mechanisms including crack deflection and crack pinning. The improvement of chemical durability may be ascribed to the resistance of mullite particles to the dissolution of binders.     

Polymer-stable magnesium nanocomposites prepared by laser ablation for efficient hydrogen storage

Hydrogen is a promising alternative energy carrier that can potentially facilitate the transition from fossil fuels to sources of clean energy because of its prominent advantages such as high energy density (142 MJ kg⁻¹), great variety of potential sources (for example water, biomass, organic matter), and low environmental impact (water is the sole combustion product). However, due to its light weight, the efficient storage of hydrogen is still an issue investigated intensely. Various solid media have been considered in that respect among which magnesium hydride stands out as a candidate offering distinct advantages.     

Influence of in situ formed ZrB2 particles on microstructure and mechanical properties of AA6061 metal matrix composites

Particulate reinforced metal matrix composites (PMMCs) have gained considerable amount of research emphasis and attention in the present era. Research is being carried out across the globe to produce new combination of PMMCs. PMMCs are prepared by adding a variety of ceramic particles with monolithic alloys using several techniques. An attempt has been made to produce aluminium metal matrix composites reinforced with zirconium boride (ZrB₂) particles by the in situ reaction of K₂ZrF₆ and KBF₄ salts with molten aluminium. The influence of in situ formed ZrB₂ particles on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AA6061 alloy was studied in this work. The in situ formed ZrB₂ particles significantly refined the microstructure and enhanced the mechanical properties of AA6061 alloy. The weight percentage of ZrB₂ was varied from 0 to 10 in steps of 2.5. Improvement of hardness, ultimate tensile strength and wear resistance of AA6061 alloy was observed with the increase in ZrB₂ content.     

Corrosion behavior of Zn?Ni?Al2O3 nanocomposite coatings obtained by electrodeposition from alkaline electrolytes

The aim of this work was to investigate the anti‐corrosive properties of nanocomposite Zn? Ni coatings containing Al₂O₃ nanoparticles, prepared from alkaline commercial electrolytes (pH 13), (PERFORMA 280.5, COVENTYA S.A.S, France), by electrodeposition on carbon steel (OL37). The corrosion resistance of the coatings prepared with different concentrations of Al₂O₃ (5, 10, and 15 g/L) was evaluated in 0.2 g/L Na₂SO₄ solution (pH 5) by open circuit potential (OCP) measurements, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The results of electrochemical measurements were corroborated with those obtained by using X‐ray diffraction analysis. The obtained results show that the introduction of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles in the plating bath generally brings an increase in corrosion resistance of Zn? Ni layers and put in evidence the existence of an optimal Al₂O₃ concentration. Under the examined conditions, the optimal concentration determined from polarization measurements was proven to be 5 g/L Al₂O₃. The highest value of the polarization resistance, R_p, obtained from impedance measurements corresponds also to Zn? Ni with 5 g/L Al₂O₃, which is in agreement with the results obtained from polarization and XRD measurements.     

Mechanical and dynamic mechanical analysis of hybrid composites molded by resin transfer molding

This work aims to evaluate the performance of glass/sisal hybrid composites focusing on mechanical (flexural and impact) and dynamic mechanical analyses (DMTA). Hybrid composites with different fiber loadings and different volume ratios between glass and sisal were studied. The effect of the fiber length has also been investigated. The densities of the composites were compared with the theoretical values, showing agreement with the rule of mixtures. The results obtained in the flexural and impact analysis revealed that, in general, the properties were always higher for higher overall reinforcement content. By DMTA, an increase in the storage and loss modulus was found, as well as a shift to higher values for higher glass loading and overall fiber volume. It was also noticed an increase in the efficiency of the filler and the calculated activation energy for the relaxation process in the glass transition region. The fiber length did not significantly change the results observed in all analyses carried out in this work. The calculated adhesion factor increased for higher glass loadings, meaning the equation may not be applied for the system studied and there are other factors, besides adhesion influencing energy dissipation of the composites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Novel clay‐based nanobiocomposites of biopolyesters with synergistic barrier to UV light,gas, and vapour

This article presents novel solvent cast biocomposites of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate‐co‐valerate (PHBV), and polycaprolactone (PCL) with enhanced barrier properties to UV light, oxygen, water, and limonene by means of incorporating an organomodified mica‐based clay grade. The TEM results suggested a good clay dispersion but with no exfoliation in the three biopolyesters. In agreement with the crystallinity data, which was found to generally increase with increasing filler content, oxygen but specially water and d ‐limonene permeability coefficients were seen to decrease to a significant extent in the biocomposites and an optimum property balance was found for 5 wt % of clay loading in the three biopolymers. With increasing clay content, the light transmission of these biodegradable biocomposites decreased by up to 90% in the UV wavelength region due to the specific UV blocking nature of the clay used. As a result, these new biocomposites can have significant potential to develop packaging films, coatings and membranes with enhanced gas and vapor barrier properties and UV blocking performance. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010