Silica aerogel/epoxy nanocomposites: Mechanical,vibrational, and morphological properties

The present study was an attempt to examine the effects that adding silica aerogel (SA) nanoparticles to epoxy would exert on its mechanical, vibrational, and morphological properties. Neat epoxy was consecutively combined with 1, 2, and 4 wt% of SA nanoparticles. A number of tests of mechanical properties were then performed on the samples, including tests of tensile, bending, compressive, dynamic mechanical thermal, hardness, and Izod impact. Vibration and water uptake tests were also conducted on the samples. The highest modulus and strength values were found in the nanocomposite sample with 4 wt% of SA, and the highest toughness and elongation values were detected in the sample with 1 wt% of SA. Furthermore, adding the SA nanoparticles to the epoxy improved the energy absorption and hardness of the epoxy matrix. The findings from the tests of dynamic mechanical thermal and vibration properties demonstrated that, with an increase in the nanoparticles content in the samples, the values of storage modulus and natural frequency increased while the values of tan δ and damping ratios decreased. A comparison between the values of natural frequency from the vibration test and the values from the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory showed a good agreement between the theoretical and experimental results.     

Mechanical properties of surface‐modified ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene fiber reinforced natural rubber composites

The mechanical properties of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers reinforced natural rubber (NR) composites were determined, and the effects of fiber surface treatment and fiber mass fraction on the mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. Chromic acid was used to modify the UHMWPE fibers, and the results showed that the surface roughness and the oxygen‐containing groups on the surface of the fibers could be effectively increased. The NR matrix composites were prepared with as‐received and chromic acid treated UHMWPE fibers added 0–6 wt%. The treated UHMWPE fibers increased the elongation at break, tear strength, and hardness of the NR composites, especially the tensile stress at a given elongation, but reduced the tensile strength. The elongation at break increased markedly with increasing fiber mass fraction, attained maximum values at 3.0 wt%, and then decreased. The tear strength and hardness exhibited continuous increase with increasing the fiber content. Several microfibrillations between the fiber and NR matrix were observed from SEM images of the fractured surfaces of the treated UHMWPE fibers/NR composites, which meant that the interfacial adhesion strength was improved. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1215–1220, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

短切碳纤维对聚苯腈/碳纤维复合材料性能的影响

利用碳纤维（CF）增强聚苯腈（PN）树脂制备一系列PN/CF复合材料,利用万能试验机和动态热机械分析仪（DMA）,研究短CF含量、长度与偶联剂种类对PN树脂力学性能的影响。结果表明,采用苯基三乙氧基硅烷作为偶联剂时力学性能和热稳定性达到最佳水平,相较于未经偶联剂改性PN/CF复合材料的储能模量提高了22.2%,热失重5%温度（Td5%）提高了33.1%;随着CF掺杂量的增加,材料力学性能呈现先增大后减小趋势,在0.3%（质量分数,下同）时获得了最优异力学性能,相较于PN树脂,其弯曲强度提高了38.4%,弯曲模量提升了97.7%;CF长度为6 mm时材料的弯曲强度和储能模量优于CF长度为3 mm时的材料。     

Structure and properties of UHMWPE fiber/carbon fiber hybrid composites

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber/carbon fiber hybrid composites were prepared by inner‐laminar and interlaminar hybrid way. The mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and morphologies of the composites were investigated and compared with each other. The results show that the hybrid way was the major factor to affect mechanical and thermal properties of hybrid composites. The resultant properties of inner‐laminar hybrid composite were better than that of interlaminar hybrid composite. The bending strength, compressive strength, and interlaminar shear strength of hybrid composites increased with an increase in carbon fiber content. The impact strength of inner‐laminar hybrid composite was the largest (423.3 kJ/m²) for the UHMWPE fiber content at 43 wt % to carbon fiber. The results show that the storage modulus (E′), dissipation factor (tan δ), and loss modulus (E″) of the inner‐laminar hybrid composite shift toward high temperature remarkably. The results also indicate that the high‐performance composite with high strength and heat resistance may be prepared by fibers' hybrid. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 1880–1884, 2006     

Surface modification of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers by γ-radiation-induced grafting

A technique for grafting acrylic polymers on the surface of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers utilizing ⁶⁰Co gamma radiation at low dose rates and low total dose has been developed. Unlike some of the more prevalent surface modification schemes, this technique achieves surface grafting with complete retention of the exceptional UHMWPE fiber mechanical properties. In particular, poly(butyl acrylate) and poly(cyclohexyl methacrylate) were successfully grafted onto UHMWPE fibers with no loss in tensile properties. The surface and tensile properties of the fibers were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared/photoacoustic spectroscopy (FTIR/PAS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and tensile tests. The reinforcement efficiency of untreated, polymer-grafted, and plasma-treated UHMWPE fibers in polystyrene and a poly(styrene-co-butyl acrylate-co-cyclohexyl methacrylate) statistical terpolymer was characterized using mechanical tensile tests. The thermoplastic matrix composites were prepared with 4 wt% discontinuous (10 mm), randomly distributed UHMWPE fibers. An approximate 30% increase in composite strength and modulus was observed for poly(cyclohexyl methacrylate)-grafted fibers in the terpolymer and polystyrene matrices. A comparable improvement was realized with the plasma-treated fibers. On the other hand, poly(butyl acrylate) grafts induced void formation, i.e. energy dissipation through plastic deformation and volume expansion at the fiber/matrix interface in terpolymer composites. The latter resulted in a 75% increase in the elongation to failure. The effect of polymer grafts on fiber/matrix adhesion is discussed in terms of the graft and matrix chain interactions and solubility, graft chain mobility, and fracture surface characteristics as determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).     

Graphene oxide versus functionalized carbon nanotubes as a reinforcing agent in a PMMA/HA bone cement

Graphene oxide (GO) and functionalized carbon nanotubes (f-CNTs) (each in the concentration range of 0.01-1.00 wt/wt%) were investigated as the reinforcing agent in a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/hydroxyapatite (HA) bone cement. Mixed results were obtained for the changes in the mechanical properties determined (storage modulus, bending strength, and elastic modulus) for the reinforced cement relative to the unreinforced counterpart; that is, some property changes were increased while others were decreased. We postulate that this outcome is a consequence of the fact that each of the nanofillers hampered the polymerization process in the cement; specifically, the nanofiller acts as a scavenger of the radicals produced during polymerization reaction due to the delocalized π-bonds. Results obtained from the chemical structure and polymer chain size distribution determined, respectively, by nuclear magnetic resonance and size exclusion chromatography analysis, on the polymer extracted from the specimens support the postulated mechanism. Furthermore, in the case of the 0.5 wt/wt% GO-reinforced cement, we showed that when the concentration of the radical species in the PMMA bone cement was doubled, mechanical properties markedly improved (relative to the value in the unreinforced cement), suggesting suppression of the aforementioned scavenger activity.     

Naturally compatible: Starch acetate/cellulosic fiber composites. I. Processing and properties

Composite compounds based on hemp and flax fibers in triethyl citrate plasticized starch acetate were prepared by melt processing. For better properties and processability, compounds with plasticizer contents in the range 20–35 wt% were screened. Composites were prepared with fiber contents up to 50 wt%. The composite mechanical properties were measured from injection molded test specimens. A Young's modulus of 8.3 GPa and stress at maximum load of 51 MPa were obtained with 40 wt% flax fiber in a plasticized starch acetate with 20 wt% triethyl citrate. Decreasing the plasticizer and increasing the fiber content, the tensile properties were consistently improved. An almost linear relation between fiber content and the tensile properties was found. The increase of the fiber content first improved the impact strength, but at higher fiber contents resulted in a reduction of impact strength. The quality of the produced materials was found to be good; the variation in properties between duplicated compounds was acceptable low, the variation in density and fiber content along a single tensile specimen was low, and finally, the porosity content was low even at high fiber content. The latter result was verified with scanning electron microscope images of fracture surfaces of the composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effect of tricalcium phosphate,hydroxyethyl methacrylate,and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate on the mechanical properties of acrylic bone cement

The effects of the addition of tricalcium phosphate (TCP), hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) on the properties of standard surgical Simplex-P radiopaque bone cement have been investigated. The fracture surface after tensile test was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The influence of these components on the temperature rise during polymerization was investigated. It was found that the tensile strength, the bending strength, and the compressive strength decreased with increasing TCP content, whereas the inverse was observed for the Young's modulus. The tensile strength slightly increased with increasing HEMA content and then it levelled off when the HEMA content was higher than 15 wt.-%. It seemed that there were maximum tensile, bending and compressive strengths when 2 wt.-% EGDMA (in HEMA) was added. Polymerization occurred more rapidly when HEMA and EGDMA were added, whereas the inverse result was found with TCP.     

Polymerization compounding composites of nylon‐6,6/short glass fiber

Nylon‐6,6 was grafted onto the surface of short glass fibers through the sequential reaction of adipoyl chloride and hexamethylenediamine onto the fiber surface. Grafted and unsized short glass fibers (USGF) were used to prepare composites with nylon‐6,6 via melt blending. The glass fibers were found to act as nucleating agents for the nylon‐6,6 matrix. Grafted glass fiber composites have higher crystallization temperatures than USGF composites, indicating that grafted nylon‐6,6 molecules further increase crystallization rate of composites. Grafted glass fiber composites were also found to have higher tensile strength, tensile modulus, dynamic storage modulus, and melt viscosity than USGF composites. Property enhancement is attributed to improved wetting and interactions between the nylon‐6,6 matrix and the modified surface of glass fibers, which is supported by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The glass transition (tan δ) temperatures extracted from dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) are found to be unchanged for USGF, while in the case of grafted glass fiber, tan δ increases with increasing glass fiber contents. Moreover, the peak values (i.e., intensity) of tan δ are slightly lower for grafted glass fiber composites than for USGF composites, further indicating improved interactions between the grafted glass fibers and nylon‐6,6 matrix. The Halpin‐Tsai and modified Kelly‐Tyson models were used to predict the tensile modulus and tensile strength, respectively.     

Thermal and mechanical properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes-polypropylene composites prepared by melt processing

In this work well uniform dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in isotactic polypropylene (iPP) was achieved by shear mixing. The results obtained from the differential scanning calorimetry curves indicate that the addition of low SWNT amounts (less than 1 wt%) led to an increase in the rate of polymer crystallization with no substantial changes in the crystalline structure, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The tensile mechanical properties showed that Young’s modulus and tensile strength considerably increase in the presence of nanotubes, with a maximum for 0.75 wt%. The reinforcing effect of SWNTs was also confirmed by dynamic mechanical analysis where, by adding nanotubes, a noticeable increase in the storage modulus was detected. The beneficial effects of SWNT incorporation was underlined comparing the results obtained with those of carbon black used as a filler.     

Impact of functionalised dispersing agents on the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of pigment coating

The effect of poly(acrylic acid) – poly(styrene sulphonic acid) (AA-SSA) and poly(acrylic acid) – poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulphonic acid) (AA-AMPS) dispersing agents on the viscoelastic and mechanical properties of precipitated calcium carbonate-latex composites used was investigated. Four different formulations were prepared using carboxylated styrene butadiene (SBR) and styrene-acrylate (SA) latexes. Pore space was characterised using mercury porosimetry. The storage modulus and loss factor were evaluated through dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) low frequency single cantilever bending mode. The ultimate tensile strength and the Young modulus were also measured. At low latex contents, storage modulus was found to be higher for SBR latex composites. At high latex content, the SA storage modulus was found to be higher. It is suggested that at lower latex content, the viscoelastic properties are function of physical microstructure, which at low latex is influenced by the latex glass transition temperature (Tg). Softer latex spreads more on the pigment surface providing higher stiffness, since pigments are held together by latex bridges. At higher latex content, the composite stiffness tends to be more dependent on the stiffness of the pure latex. The AA-SSA dispersant creates strong pigment–latex interfacial adhesion in dry composites, which is reflected in high elastic modulus and tensile strength. The AA-AMPS dispersant formulations had greater resistance to water. Due to the compatibility between the AMPS blocks and the SBR latex within the composite, higher storage modulus stability in water saturated composites is measured (at room temperature 56% of the storage modulus is preserved).     

UHMWPE纤维针织物-环氧树脂复合材料的制备与性能

将等离子体处理前后的超高相对分子质量聚乙烯(UHMWPE)纤维针织物分别与环氧树脂在平板硫化机上进行复合,制作出UHMWPE纤维针织物复合材料,对其进行裁样,测试UHMWPE纤维针织物复合材料的拉伸、弯曲和压缩性能。结果表明:经等离子体处理后,复合材料的拉伸强度、弯曲强度均有较大提高,压缩强度有小幅增加。     

Preparation and Characterization of Bioblends from Gelatin and Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) by Extrusion Method

Abstract

Bioblends are composites of at least one biodegradable polymer with a non-biodegradable polymer. Successful development of bioblends requires that the biodegradable polymers be compatible with other component biodegradable/synthetic (non-biodegradable) polymers. Bioblends from LLDPE and gelatin were prepared by extrusion and hydraulic heat press technique. The gelatin content in the bioblends was varied from 5 to 20 wt%. Various physico-mechanical properties such as tensile, bending, impact strength (IS), thermal ageing and soil degradation properties of the LLDPE/gelatin bioblends with different gelatin contents were evaluated. The effect of thermal ageing on mechanical properties was studied. The mechanical properties such as tensile modulus (TM), bending strength (BS), bending modulus (BM) were found to increase with increasing gelatin content up to 20 wt%, however tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (%E _b) were decreased with increasing gelatin content. Impact strength value increased with increasing gelatin content up to 10 wt% and then decreased slightly with increasing gelatin content. The blend containing 20 wt% gelatin showed relatively better mechanical properties than other blends. The values of TS, TM,%E _b, BS, BM and IS for the bioblend with 20 wt% gelatin content are 5.9MPa, 206.3MPa, 242.6%, 12.1MPa, 8 MPa and 13.7 J/cm², respectively. Water uptake increases with increasing soaking time in water and weight loss due to soil burial also increases with increasing gelatin content in the blends but both are significantly lower than that of pure gelatin sheet. Weight loss values after thermal ageing increase with time, temperature and increasing gelatin content in the blend but are much lower than pure gelatin. Mechanical properties such as TS, TM are increased and %E _b is decreased after thermal ageing at 60°C for 30 min. Consequently, among all of the bioblends prepared in this work the blend having 20% gelatin content yields properties such that it can be used as a semi-biodegradable material.     

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     

Short glass fiber reinforced ABS and ABS/PA6 composites: Processing and characterization

In this study acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS) terpolymer was reinforced with 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APS)‐treated short glass fibers (SGFs). The effects of SGF concentration and extrusion process conditions, such as the screw speed and barrel temperature profile, on the mechanical properties of the composites were examined. Increasing the SGF concentration in the ABS matrix from 10 wt% to 30 wt% resulted in improved tensile strength, tensile modulus and flexural modulus, but drastically lowered the strain‐at‐break and the impact strength. The average fiber length decreased when the concentration of glass fibers increased. The increase in screw speed decreased the average fiber length, and therefore the tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural modulus, and impact strength were affected negatively and the strain‐at‐break was affected positively. The increase in extrusion temperature decreased the fiber length degradation, and therefore the tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural modulus, and impact strength increased. At higher temperatures the ABS matrix degraded and the mechanical strength of the composites decreased. To obtain a strong interaction at the interface, polyamide‐6 (PA6) at varying concentrations was introduced into the ABS/30 wt% SGF composite. The incorporation and increasing amount of PA6 in the composites broadened the fiber length distribution (FLD) owing to the low melt viscosity of PA6. Tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural modulus, and impact strength values increased with an increase in the PA6 content of the ABS/PA6/SGF systems due to the improved adhesion at the interface, which was confirmed by the ratio of tensile strength to flexural strength as an adhesion parameter. These results were also supported by scanning electron micrographs of the ABS/PA6/SGF composites, which exhibited an improved adhesion between the SGFs and the ABS/PA6 matrix. POLYM. COMPOS. 26:745–755, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Wood fiber surface treatment level effects on selected mechanical properties of wood fiber-cement composites

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of sodium (N) silicate, potassium (K) silicate, and silane (Si) treatment levels on newspaper and unbleached kraft fibers for enhancing selected mechanical properties of wood fiber-cement composites compared to untreated wood fiber-cement composites. Both wood fiber types were treated with selected aqueous solution strengths, air dried, and mixed with water and cement. The bending and compression properties of the specimens were determined after 28 days of hydration. Results of this study indicated that the aqueous chemical treatments of the wood fibers enhanced some of the mechanical properties of wood fiber-cement composites compared to the untreated wood fiber-cement composites. The enhancement depended on chemical treatment and wood fiber type. All three chemical treatments of newspaper fiber enhanced the normalized toughness values compared to the untreated newspaper fiber-cement composites. In addition, higher treatment levels using N silicate with newspaper fiber improved the compressive strength and bending modulus of the composites compared to the untreated newspaper fiber-cement composites. Kraft fiber treated with all three chemicals enhanced the compressive strength, bending modulus and bending strength compared to the untreated kraft fiber-cement composites. However, only silane-treated kraft fiber improved the normalized toughness values compared to the untreated kraft fiber-cement composites. The results of the study indicated that certain chemical treatments react better with different wood fiber types resulting in selected mechanical property enhancements.     

Improved longitudinal compression performance of a unidirectional fiber‐reinforced composite with a filament covering

A filament covering is proposed to improve the longitudinal compressive properties of unidirectional fiber reinforced plastic. Based on compressive buckling theory, fiber buckling can be prevented by shortening the buckling critical wavelength by covering the filament. In this paper, a UHMWPE fiber bundle and a PBO filament were selected as the reinforcing fiber and the covering filament, respectively, to verify this statement. The effect of a covering PBO filament on a UHMWPE fiber reinforced epoxy resin on compressive performance was investigated by a compressive test and morphology observations. Results show that the filament covering has positive effect on the compressive strength of the FRP, and the tension‐exerted filament covering increased the compressive strength and increased the longitudinal compressive modulus of the UFRP. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:3127–3133, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

不同温度下混凝土补强的力学性能研究

本研究主要探讨混凝土补强在不同温度下的力学性能;以普通混凝土添加不同钢纤维含量的活性粉混凝土为补强材料,进行高温试验项目包括:抗压强度、抗弯强度、抗拉强度、斜剪强度等试验.结果显示,添加钢纤维的活性粉混凝土在高温中,可以达到增加补强的作用.     

玻璃纤维增强聚酰胺性能的研究

以通用聚酰胺为基体,利用短切玻璃纤维(事先用硅烷偶联剂进行表面处理)对其进行共混改性。研究了玻纤含量分布对复合材料力学性能的影响,扫描电镜分析了玻璃纤维增强聚酰胺复合材料的断面特征。当玻璃纤维用量约为30%时,材料的拉伸强度、拉伸模量和弯曲强度、弯曲模量最好,这时的拉伸强度、弹性模量、弯曲强度和弯曲模量分别增长了45.8%、100.1%5、7.1%和110.4%,冲击强度为5.3 kJ.cm-2。玻璃纤维改善复合材料的界面状况,有提高聚酰胺复合材料力学性能的作用,因为玻纤表面能够与聚酰胺之间形成紧密的结合。     

Thermal,Mechanical and Morphological Characterization of Jute/Gelatin Composites

Jute fabrics/gelatin biocomposites were fabricated using compression molding. The fiber content in the composite varied from 20–60 wt%. Composites were subjected to mechanical, thermal, water uptake and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis. Composite contained 50 wt% jute showed the best mechanical properties. Tensile strength, tensile modulus, bending strength, bending modulus and impact strength of the 50% jute content composites were found to be 85 MPa, 1.25 GPa, 140 MPa and 9 GPa and 9.5 kJ/m², respectively. Water uptake properties at room temperature were evaluated and found that the composites had lower water uptake compared to virgin matrix.