Flexible and flame‐retardant S‐SEB‐S triblock copolymer/PPE nano‐alloy

We observed that modified polyphenylene ether (PPE) was solubilized in thermoplastic styrenic elastomer (TPS) and that a two‐phase lacy structure formed on nanometer scales when the TPS composition was 67 wt % and modified PPE and polystyrene‐block‐poly(styrene‐co‐ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐block‐polystyrene (S‐SEB‐S triblock copolymer) were blended. However, the molecular weight of the outer PS block segments M_outPS and the content of the outer PS block segments ?_outPS were <10,000 g/mol and 20 wt %, respectively. The resulting S‐SEB‐S/modified PPE nano‐alloy exhibited both flexibility and flame retardancy, unlike other materials, where a trade‐off exists between these two properties; that is, the flame retardancy was excellent when the phosphorus additive was present. This combination of properties might be attributed to the two‐phase nanometer‐scale structure consisting of flame‐retardant styrene/PPE domains and a continuous soft, lacy SEB matrix. The results for polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐block‐polystyrene (S‐EB‐S triblock copolymer)/modified PPE blends were presented for comparison. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40446.     

Morphology,thermal, and mechanical properties of flame‐retardant silicone rubber/montmorillonite nanocomposites

Flame‐retardant methyl vinyl silicone rubber (MVMQ)/montmorillonite nanocomposites were prepared by solution intercalation method, using magnesium hydroxide (MH) and red phosphorus (RP) as synergistic flame‐retardant additives, and aero silica (SiO₂) as synergistic reinforcement filler. The morphologies of the flame‐retardant MVMQ/montmorillonite nanocomposites were characterized by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), and the interlayer spacings were determined by small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). In addition to mechanical measurements and limited oxygen index (LOI) test, thermal properties were tested by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The decomposition temperature of the nanocomposite that contained 1 wt % montmorillonite can be higher (129°C) than that of MVMQ as basal polymer matrix when 5% weight loss was selected as measuring point. This kind of silicone rubber nanocomposite is a promising flame‐retardant polymeric material. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 3275–3280, 2006     

Effect of trisilanolphenyl‐POSS on rheological,mechanical, and flame‐retardant properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/cyclotriphosphazene systems

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) chips were coated by trisilanolphenyl–polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (T‐POSS) and hexakis (para‐allyloxyphenoxy) cyclotriphosphazene (PACP) using the predispersed solution method, and PET/PACP/T‐POSS hybrids were further prepared by the melt‐blending method. The influence of T‐POSS on the rheological, thermal, and mechanical properties and flame retardancy of PET/PACP composites were discussed. The results suggest that T‐POSS was homogeneously dispersed in the PET matrix, which reduced the negative effects on polymer rheology and mechanical properties. For the PET/4%PACP/1%T‐POSS sample, the tensile strength at break and T_g increased from 29.67 MPa and 81.7 °C (PET/5%PACP) to 34.8 MPa and 85.8 °C, respectively, but the sample also self‐extinguished within 2 s, and the heat release capacity was reduced by 27.9% in comparison with that of neat PET.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45912.     

Solid‐state mechanical properties of polypropylene/nylon 6/clay nanocomposites

The mechanical and thermomechanical properties as well as microstructures of polypropylene/nylon 6/clay nanocomposites prepared by varying the loading of PP‐MA compatibilizer and organoclay (OMMT) were investigated. The compatibilizer PP‐MA was used to improve the adhesion between the phases of polymers and the dispersion of OMMT in polymer matrix. Improvement of interfacial adhesion between the PP and PA6 phases occurred after the addition of PP‐MA as confirmed by SEM micrographs. Moreover, as shown by the DSC thermograms and XRD results, the degree of crystallinity of PA6 decreased in the presence of PP‐MA. The presence of OMMT increased the tensile modulus as a function of OMMT loading due to the good dispersion of OMMT in the matrix. The insertion of polymer chains between clay platelets was verified by both XRD and TEM techniques. The viscosity of the nanocomposites decreased as PP‐MA loading increased due to the change in sizes of PA6 dispersed phase, and the viscosity increased as OMMT loading increased due to the interaction between the clay platelets and polymer chains. The clay platelets were located at the interface between PP and PA6 as confirmed by both SEM and TEM. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Effects of the processing temperature on the nanostructure and mechanical properties of PCTG‐based nanocomposites

The influence of the processing temperature on both the dispersion level and the mechanical properties of the amorphous copolyester (PCTG)/organoclay (Cloisite® 20A) nanocomposite (NC) is studied in this article. At high processing temperatures, no change in the chemical nature of the matrix was observed, but its molecular weight decreased. Widely dispersed structures were observed by wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) and transmission electron microscopy whatever the processing temperature might be. Dispersion was greatest for the samples processed at 200°C due to the highest viscosity of these samples and decreased at higher processing temperatures (T_p). These different dispersion levels led to a large modulus increase (71%) after processing at 200°C and to lower ones (about 50%) after processing at 230 and 260°C. The ductility of the NCs decreased at lower processing temperatures. The decrease was attributed to the greater stiffness of the matrix, and was not significant enough to modify the ductile nature of the NCs, which showed clear yield points even at the lowest processing temperature (200°C). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Thermal and mechanical properties of plasticized poly(L‐lactide) nanocomposites with organo‐modified montmorillonites

Nanocomposites of poly(lactide) (PLA) and the PLA plasticized with diglycerine tetraacetate (PL‐710) and ethylene glycol oligomer containing organo‐modified montmorillonites (ODA‐M and PGS‐M) by the protonated ammonium cations of octadecylamine and poly(ethylene glycol) stearylamine were prepared by melt intercalation method. In the X‐ray diffraction analysis, the PLA/ODA‐M and plasticized PLA/ODA‐M composites showed a clear enlargement of the difference of interlayer spacing between the composite and clay itself, indicating the formation of intercalated nanocomposite. However, a little enlargement of the interlayer spacing was observed for the PLA/PGS‐M and plasticized PLA/PGS‐M composites. From morphological studies using transmission electron microscopy, a finer dispersion of clay was observed for PLA/ODA‐M composite than PLA/PGS‐M composite and all the composites using the plasticized PLA. The PLA and PLA/PL‐710 composites containing ODA‐M showed a higher tensile strength and modulus than the corresponding composites with PGS‐M. The PLA/PL‐710 (10 wt %) composite containing ODA‐M showed considerably higher elongation at break than the pristine plasticized PLA, and had a comparable tensile modulus to pure PLA. The glass transition temperature (T_g) of the composites decreased with increasing plasticizer. The addition of the clays did not cause a significant increase of T_g. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006     

Phase characterization and mechanical and flame‐retarding properties of nano‐CaSO4/polypropylene and nano‐Ca3(PO4)2/polypropylene composites

An in situ deposition approach was used for the synthesis of nano‐CaSO₄ and nano‐Ca₃(PO₄)₂. The nanosize particles were confirmed with an X‐ray diffraction technique. Composites of polypropylene (PP) with 0.1–0.5 wt % nano‐ or commercial CaSO₄ or nano‐Ca₃(PO₄)₂ were prepared. The transition from the α phase to the β phase was observed for 0.1–0.3 wt % nano‐CaSO₄/PP and nano‐Ca₃(PO₄)₂/PP composites. This was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared. A differential scanning calorimetry analysis was carried out to determine the thermal behavior of the nanocomposites with increasing amounts of the nano‐CaSO₄ and nano‐Ca₃(PO₄)₂ fillers. Increases in the tensile strength and Young's modulus were observed up to certain loading and were followed by a decrease in the tensile strength. A continuous decrease in the elongation at break (%) was also observed for commercial CaSO₄ and larger nano‐Ca₃(PO₄)₂. A decrease in the mechanical properties after a certain loading might have been due to the agglomeration and phase transition of PP in the composites. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 670–680, 2007     

Liquid‐crystalline copolyester/clay nanocomposites

A series of novel polymer–clay nanocomposites, that is, liquid‐crystalline copolyester/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites, were synthesized by the intercalation polycondensation of terephthalic acid, p‐acetoxy benzoic acid, and 1,2‐diacetoxy benzene in the presence of different organically modified montmorillonites (OMt's). The OMt's were prepared by the ion exchange of MMT with octadecylamine hydrochloride, p‐aminobenzoic acid hydrochloride, or lysine hydrochloride. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies indicated that the inorganic cations in the MMT interlayers were already exchanged by organic onium ions and that the OMt intercalated with p‐aminobenzoic acid or lysine was good for obtaining more delaminated clay nanocomposites. The glass‐transition temperature and modulus of the nanocomposites increased compared with those of the pure polymer, whereas the isotropic temperature decreased. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 3155–3159, 2003     

Effects of inorganic fillers on the flame‐retardant and mechanical properties of rigid polyurethane foams

Rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) composites filled with expandable graphite (EG), hollow glass microspheres (HGM), and glass fibers (GF) have been synthesized and characterized by limiting oxygen index, radiation ignition, compressing and torsion testing, and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicate HGM and GF benefit to the mechanical properties, while EG is good for flame retardancy. Proper ingredient of additive can lead to good flame retardancy and mechanical properties of the RPUF. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40253.     

A Solvent‐Free Dispersion Method for the Preparation of PET/MWCNT Composites

A simple, easily accessible solvent‐free method for the dispersion of MWCNTs into PET is proposed, based on the preparation of a microparticulate polymer/nanotube masterbatch via cryogenic impact‐milling and its subsequent melt blending with the bulk polymer. Thermal and mechanical properties of nanocomposites prepared using this method were evaluated as a function of nanotube concentration. Thermal stability was improved, and superior crystallization behavior of PET in the nanocomposites was observed. Significant improvements of around 25% in tensile strength and tensile modulus of the nanocomposites was achieved using this strategy, with only 0.25 wt.‐% MWCNT, compared to previous literature data where 1 wt.‐% MWCNT was employed.

     

Morphology and mechanical properties of polypropylene/polyamide 6 nanocomposites prepared by a two‐step melt‐compounding process

Polypropylene/polyamide 6 blends and their nanocomposites with layered silicates or talc were prepared in a melt‐compounding process to explore their mechanical performance. The thermomechanical behavior, crystallization effects, rheology, and morphology of these materials were studied with a wide range of experimental techniques. In all cases, the inorganic filler was enriched in the polyamide phase and resulted in a phase coarsening of the polypropylene/polyamide nanocomposite in comparison with the nonfilled polypropylene/polyamide blend. The mechanical properties of these nanoblends were consequently only slightly better than those of the pure polymers with respect to the modulus, whereas the impact level was below that of the pure polymers, reflecting the heterogeneity of the nanoblend. Polymer‐specific organic modification of the nanoclays did not result in a better phase distribution, which would be required for better overall performance. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 283–291, 2006     

Improved mechanical properties and structure of PP/nano‐CaCO3 blends prepared by low‐frequency vibration injection molding

BACKGROUD: Melt vibration technology was used to prepare injection samples of polypropylene (PP)/nano‐CaCO₃ blends. It is well known that nano‐CaCO₃ particles are easy to agglomerate owing to their large surface energy. Improving the distribution of nano‐CaCO₃ particles in PP/nano‐CaCO₃ blends is very important for enhancing the mechanical properties. In this work, low‐frequency vibration was imposed on the process of injection molding of PP/nano‐CaCO₃ blends. The aim of importing a vibration field was to change the crystal structure of PP as we studied previously and improve the distribution of nano‐CaCO₃ particles. Furthermore, the mechanical properties were improved. RESULTS: Through melt vibration, the mechanical properties of PP/nano‐CaCO₃ samples were improved significantly. Compared with conventional injection molding, the enhancement of the tensile strength and impact strength of the samples molded by vibration injection molding was 17.68 and 175.96%, respectively. According to scanning electron microscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry measurements, it was found that a much better dispersion of nano‐CaCO₃ in samples was achieved by vibration injection molding. Moreover, the crystal structure of PP in PP/CaCO₃ vibration samples changed. The γ crystal form was achieved at the shear layer of vibration samples. Moreover, the degree of crystallinity of PP in vibration samples increased 6% compared with conventional samples. CONCLUSION: Concerning the microstructure, melt vibration could effectively change the crystal structure and increase the degree of crystallinity of PP besides improving the distribution of nano‐CaCO₃ particles. Concerning the macrostructure, melt vibration could enhance the mechanical properties. The improvement of mechanical properties of PP/nano‐CaCO₃ blends prepared by low‐frequency vibration injection molding should be attributed to the even distribution of nano‐CaCO₃ particles and the formation of γ‐PP and the increase of the degree of cystallinity. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Thermal and mechanical properties of poly(butylene succinate) nanocomposites with various organo‐modified montmorillonites

Nanocomposites based on biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and layered silicates were prepared by melt intercalation. Nonmodified montmorillonite (MMT) and MMTs (DA‐M, ODA‐M, ALA‐M, LEA‐M, and HEA‐M) organo‐modified by protonated ammonium cations {i.e., those of dodecylamine, octadecylamine, 12‐aminolauric acid, N‐lauryldiethanolamine, and 1‐[N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)amino]‐2‐propanol, respectively} were used as layered silicates. From morphological studies using transmission electron microscopy, DA‐M, ODA‐M, and LEA‐M were found to be dispersed homogeneously in the matrix polymer, whereas some clusters or agglomerated particles were observed for ALA‐M, HEA‐M, and MMT. The enlargement of the difference in the interlayer spacing between the clay and PBS/clay composite, as measured by X‐ray diffraction, had a good correlation with the improvement of the clay dispersion and with the increase in the tensile modulus and the decrease in the tensile strength of the PBS composites with an inorganic concentration of 3 wt %. Dynamic viscoelastic measurements of the PBS/LEA‐M nanocomposite revealed that the storage modulus and glass‐transition temperature increased with the inorganic concentration (3–10 wt %). © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 1463–1475, 2004     

Nanocomposites based on poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) and the montmorillonite treated with dibutylamine‐terminated ϵ‐caprolactone oligomer

Dibutylamine‐terminated ε‐caprolactone oligomers (CLOs: CLOL, CLOM, and CLOH) with number–averaged molecular weight (M_n), 500, 1300, and 2200, respectively, were synthesized by the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone initiated by 2‐(dibutylamino)ethanol in the presence of tin(II) 2‐ethylhexanoate. Nanocomposites based on poly(ε‐caploractone) (PCL) and the caprolactone oligomer‐treated montmorillonites (CLO‐Ms: CLOL‐M, CLOM‐M, and CLOH‐M) were prepared by melt intercalation method. The XRD and TEM analyses of the PCL composites revealed that the extent of exfoliation of the clay platelets increased with increasing molecular weight of the used CLOs. Tensile strength and modulus of the PCL/CLO‐M composites increased with increasing molecular weight of the CLO and increasing inorganic content. The tensile modulus of the PCL/CLOH‐M nanocomposite with inorganic content 5.0 wt % was three times higher than that of control PCL. Among the PCL/CLO‐M composites, the PCL/CLOM‐M composite had the highest crystallization temperature and melting temperature. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

Effects induced by gamma irradiation on free‐volumes,mechanical, and thermal properties of flame‐ and non flame‐retardant polyvinylchloride

Flame‐retardant polyvinylchloride (FRPVC),typically used in cable insulation and jacketing construction for multi‐purpose reactor (MPR) at Atomic Energy Authority of Egypt, as well as carbon‐black FRPVC (CB‐FRPVC) and nonflame‐retardant PVC and CB‐PVC materials produced by Egyptian Electrical Cable Company (EECC), have been irradiated up to 160 KGy, at room temperature with a ⁶⁰Co gamma source. Free‐volumes and thermal stability of irradiated and nonirradiated PVC samples have been examined using positron annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In addition, the mechanical properties: tensile strength and elongation at break were examined. Considerable presence of flame‐retardant and carbon black additives in CB‐FRPVC sample led to both quenching and inhibition of Ps formation. The mechanical and thermal characterization showed that irradiation of PVC samples up to 80 KGy effectively induced cross‐linking to maxima. Higher doses then after results in degradation and thus a decrease in mechanical strength. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Comparative study of the mechanical and flame‐retarding properties of polybutadiene rubber filled with nanoparticles and fly ash

A comparative study was performed of fly ash and nano‐CaCO₃ as fillers in polybutadiene rubber with 0, 4, 8 and 12% fly ash and nano‐CaCO₃. Uniform sheets were prepared of well‐compounded rubber. Nano‐CaCO₃ was synthesized by in situ deposition. The CaCO₃ nanoparticles as reinforcing agents improved the tensile strength more than 50% than fly ash, and the toughness and hardness also increased significantly. Up to a 75% reduction in flammability and a 100% improvement in the tear strength were observed with nano‐CaCO₃.© 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 6–9, 2005     

Thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of organic–inorganic hybrid composites of itaconate‐containing poly(butylene succinate) and methacrylate‐substituted polysilsesquioxane

Itaconate‐unit‐containing poly(butylene succinate) (PBSI) was synthesized by the reaction of 1,4‐butanediol, succinic acid, and itaconic acid in a molar ratio of 2.0 : 1.0 : 1.0, and the obtained PBSI was reacted with methacryl‐group‐substituted polysilsesquioxane (ME‐PSQ) in the presence of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) at 130°C to produce PBSI/ME‐PSQ hybrid composites. The thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of the PBSI/ME‐PSQ hybrid composites were investigated in comparison with those of PBSI cured at 130°C in the presence of BPO. As a result, the hybrid composites showed a much higher thermal degradation temperature and storage modulus in the rubbery state than the cured PBSI (C‐PBSI). The thermal degradation temperature and storage modulus of the hybrid composites increased with increasing ME‐PSQ content. The glass‐transition temperature, measured by dynamic mechanical analysis of the hybrid composites, somewhat increased with increasing ME‐PSQ content. However, the glass‐transition temperatures of all the hybrid composites were lower than that of C‐PBSI. Although the IR absorption peak related to C?C groups was not detected for C‐PBSI, some olefinic absorption peaks remained for all the hybrid composites. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

The effect of fabrication methods on the mechanical and thermal properties of poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) scaffolds

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effects of the fabrication method, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) molecular weight, and PEG concentration on the mechanical and thermal properties of blended poly (lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA)/PEG scaffolds. The manufacturing process was the dominant factor. The tested fabrication processes were compression, heat molding, and solvent casting/vacuum drying. The scaffolds produced by compression were strong and brittle with mechanical properties [compressive modulus (E) ～ 400 N/mm²] comparable to those of trabecular bone. The heat‐molded scaffolds were weaker and more ductile (E ～ 45 N/mm²) than the compressed scaffolds, so they were more applicable to non‐load‐bearing applications. The vacuum‐dried scaffolds completely lacked compressive strength (E ～ 5 N/mm²) and were considered unsuitable for scaffolding applications. The miscibilities of the blends were also affected by the processing method and were evaluated on the basis of the melting‐point depression of crystalline PEG. The miscibility of PLGA in PEG was greatest with vacuum drying (6–13%), followed by heat molding (0.4–1.5%) and then compression (0.2–0.8%). The application of heat and solvent to the blend successfully altered the miscibility of the two polymers. Overall, this study demonstrates the ability to fabricate scaffolds with distinct thermal and mechanical characteristics by the manipulation of the fabrication method. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 944–949, 2007     

The effect of mercapto‐modified EVA on rheological and dynamic mechanical properties of NBR/EVA blends

The effect of mercapto‐modified ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVALSH) on the rheological and dynamic mechanical properties of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) blends was evaluated at different blend compositions. The addition of 5 phr of EVALSH in the blends resulted in an increase of the melt viscosity and a substantial decrease of the extrudate swell ratio. These results can be attributed to the interactions occurring between the double bond of the NBR phase and the mercapto groups along the EVALSH backbone. The power–law index also presents a slight increase in the presence of EVALSH, indicating a decrease in the pseudoplastic nature of the compatibilized blends. The reactive compatibilization of NBR/EVA blends with EVALSH was also confirmed by the decrease of damping values and an increase of glass transition temperature, in dynamic mechanical analysis. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 84: 2335–2344, 2002     

Sequence analysis and fiber properties of a blend of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(ethylene terephthalate‐co‐4,4′‐bibenzoate)

Blends of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(ethylene terephthalate‐co‐4,4′‐ bibenzoate) (PETBB) are prepared by coextrusion. Analysis by ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopy shows that little transesterification occurs during the blending process. Additional heat treatment of the blend leads to more transesterification and a corresponding increase in the degree of randomness, R. Analysis by differential scanning calorimetry shows that the as‐extruded blend is semicrystalline, unlike PETBB15, a random copolymer with the same composition as the non‐ random blend. Additional heat treatment of the blend leads to a decrease in the melting point, T_m, and an increase in glass transition temperature, T_g. The T_m and T_g of the blend reach minimum and maximum values, respectively, after 15 min at 270°C, at which point the blend has not been fully randomized. The blend has a lower crystallization rate than PET and PETBB55 (a copolymer containing 55 mol % bibenzoate). The PET/PETBB55 (70/30 w/w) blend shows a secondary endothermic peak at 15°C above an isothermal crystallization temperature. The secondary peak was confirmed to be the melting of small and/or imperfect crystals resulting from secondary crystallization. The blend exhibits the crystal structure of PET. Tensile properties of the fibers prepared from the blend are comparable to those of PET fiber, whereas PETBB55 fibers display higher performance. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1793–1803, 2004