Thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of grafted kenaf filled poly (vinyl chloride)/ethylene vinyl acetate composites

The effects of kenaf and poly (methyl methacrylate grafted kenaf on the thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of poly (vinyl chloride), PVC and ethylene vinyl acetate, EVA blends were investigated. The PVC/EVA/kenaf composites were prepared by mixing the grafted and ungrafted kenaf fiber and PVC/EVA blend using HAAKE Rheomixer at a temperature of 150 °C and the rotor speed at 50 rpm for 20 min. The composites were subjected to Differential Scanning Calorimetric (DSC), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studies. The DSC data revealed that the crystallinity of the EVA decreased with the addition of 30% grafted and ungrafted kenaf fibers. TGA and derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) curves displayed an increase in the thermal stability of the composites upon grafting of the fiber. Studies on DMA indicate that the T_g of the PVC and EVA in the PVC/EVA/kenaf composites has been shifted to higher temperature with the addition of the kenaf fiber. The presence of PMMA on the surface of grafted kenaf fiber was further confirmed by the analytical results from FTIR. The morphology of fractured surfaces of the composites, which was examined by a scanning electron microscope, showed the adhesion between the kenaf fiber and the PVC/EVA matrix was improved upon grafting of the kenaf fiber.     

High conductive ethylene vinyl acetate composites filled with reduced graphene oxide and polyaniline

A conductive network composed of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) planes and polyaniline (PANI) chains was designed and fabricated by in situ polymerization of aniline monomer on the RGO planes. It was further used for fabrication of conductive composites with a polymer matrix–ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The composites achieve improved conductivity at a low filler loading although the host polymer–EVA–is of insulator. For instance, compared to the pure EVA polymer, the conductivity of the composite filled with 4.0 wt.% RGO and 8.0 wt.% PANI increases from 1.2 × 10^?14 S cm^?1 to 1.07 × 10^?1 S cm^?1. In addition, thermal stability of the composites is also enhanced by the filler loading.     

Stability and release of antiviral drugs from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer

The use of polymer based drug delivery systems in dentistry is a relatively new area of research with the exception of the inhibition of secondary caries by the release of fluoride ions from polyalkenoate cements and their predecessors silicate cements. The present study was to test on orally biocompatible material, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), for release of antiviral drugs at oral therapeutic levels over extended periods of time. We also determined their stability during film casting and release. Materials studied include gancyclovir (GCY), acyclovir (ACY), dichloromethane (DCM), and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The square films (3 × 3 × 0.1 cm) were prepared from the dry sheet obtained by solvent evaporation of polymer casting solutions. These solutions were made of EVA and the drug (40:1) in 70 ml of dichloromethane at 38^∘C. Then drug release characteristics from the drug loaded films were examined at 37^∘C for a minimum of 14 days in 10 ml medium (ddwater) replaced daily. Kinetics of drug release were followed by spectral measurements using previously determined λ_max values (GCY = 250 nm; ACY = 253 nm). A minimum of three samples was tested and reproducible results were obtained. Drug stability (ACY) during film casting and its release was determined using ¹H NMR spectrometer (Bruker DRX-500 and 400). Rate of drug release was determined from the part of the curve (rate vs. time) after the onset of the “burst.” Although GCY has a larger molecular weight (255) than ACY (225), GCY exhibited about three times higher rate of release than ACY. This difference in rate values may be explained due to its relatively greater solubility in EVA, facilitating faster diffusion of the molecules through the channels present in EVA. This is consistent with the observation that the rate at which drug molecules diffuse through the channels of the polymer, can be increased by decreasing the molecular weight. In the case of ACY, the molecules may be undergoing molecular associations, perhaps dimerization or trimerization in addition to its lower solubility in EVA. The diffusion of ACY tends to be slower under these circumstances compared to GCY resulting in lower rate value than in the case of GCY. Biological studies revealed that ACY exhibited a remarkable decrease in a number of viral organisms present in virus infected cell culture system using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). NMR analysis indicates that the chemical structure of the drug remains stable during film casting process and release.     

Modeling of DC conductivity for ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/polyaniline conductive composites prepared through insitu polymerization of aniline in EVA matrix

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/polyaniline (Pani) composites were prepared by insitu polymerization technique. DC and AC conductivity of the composites have been investigated. Different theoretical models like Voet, Scarisbrick, Bueche, and McCullough have been applied to predict DC conductivity of the composite systems. Scarisbrick model exhibits somewhat similarity between experimentally observed and theoretically predicted conductivity. The limitations of the models as well as the deviations between the theoretically predicted and experimentally observed results have been discussed. A new model for conductivity has been proposed which fit well with the experimentally observed results.     

Electromagnetic interference shielding of carbon nanotube/ethylene vinyl acetate composites

Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) composites were synthesized in an internal mixer by melt mixing. The electrical conductivity as well as electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) over the X-band (8–12 GHz) and microwave (200–2,000 MHz) frequency ranges of these composites were investigated. It was observed that the electrical conductivity of composites increases with increasing SWCNT loading. A percolation threshold of about 3.5 wt.% was obtained and the electrical conductivity of EVA was increased by ten orders of magnitude, from 10⁻¹⁴ to 10⁻⁴ Ω⁻¹ cm⁻¹. The effect of sample thickness on SE was investigated. The correlation between SE and conductivity of the composites is discussed. The experimental data showed that the SE of the composites containing higher carbon nanotube loadings (above 10 wt.%) could be used as an EMI shielding material and lower SWCNT loadings could be used for the dissipation of electrostatic charge.     

Controlled drug release for oral condition by a novel device based on ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer

The application of drug delivery systems in oral environment is relatively a new area of research with the exception of release of fluoride ions from polyalkenoate cements and their predecessor silicate cements. The present study addresses development of a novel device based on ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), a biocompatible material which enables constant drug release over several days to treat oral infections. Drugs incorporated in EVA included tetracycline, minocycline and nystatin together with combinations (C) of nytatin-tetracycline (1 : 1) and nystatin-minocycline (1 : 1). Polymer casting solutions were prepared by dissolving EVA and the drugs in the ratio of 10 : 1 in 70 ml of dichloromethane at 38 °C for 6 h. Thin square films of 3×3 cm and 1 mm thickness were cut from the dry sheet obtained by solvent evaporation. Drug loaded samples were extracted for a minimum of 15 days in 10 ml medium (water or water/ethanol (1 : 2) or 0.9% saline solution) which is replaced daily. Spectral measurements were made to follow changes in optical densities (OD) during release kinetics. Analysis of the data revealed that among all the drugs tested tetracycline exhibited the highest release rate (56.15ug/cm²/day) and % cumulative release (27.92).The observed enhanced values may be interpreted as due to the channels formed due to changes in free volume (microvoids). In case of nystatin-minocycline combination, the observed increased values of release rates and percent cumulative release, may be attributed to the swelling component or channels or relative hydrophobic interactions. Initial burst effects due to liberation of surface-bound drug molecules were observed with reference to all the three drugs and the combinations of drugs studied. Among all the drugs, minocycline exhibited the least burst effect suggesting that the drug is more homogeneously distributed in the copolymer. Drug loaded EVA thermoplastic copolymer may provide a favorable therapeutic material for the development of a novel, local treatment for oral, mucosal and periodontal infections.     

Barrier properties of natural rubber/ethylene vinyl acetate/carbon black composites

Composites based on natural rubber (NR), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and carbon black were prepared. Three types of carbon black viz.; semireinforcing furnace (SRF), high-abrasion furnace (HAF) and intermediate superabrasion furnace (ISAF) were used for reinforcement. The barrier properties of these filled samples were examined in an atmosphere of petrol, kerosene and diesel. Blends loaded with ISAF exhibited the lowest liquid uptake which has been attributed to the higher filler reinforcement and crosslink density of the matrix. Among the three vulcanising systems used, viz.; sulphur (S), dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and mixed (S+DCP), DCP crosslinked samples exhibited high barrier properties to the probe molecules. Diesel showed the lowest interaction with the composites compared to petrol and kerosene. The sorption data were used to estimate the enthalpy, entropy and free energy of the transport process.     

Stamp forming of hydroxyapatite filled ethylene vinyl acetate co-polymers: Process optimization using a right angle V-mould

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) filled ethylene vinyl acetate co-polymer (EVA) composites are developed in an attempt to formulate a surgeon friendly material for renovating impaired skull contours. A cost effective technique for obtaining these composites in the clinically significant forms would indeed be a landmark accomplishment. Stamp forming is one of such processes where the cost as well as the performance of the product strikes the right balance. This study was carried out prior to the stamp forming process optimization of the composites into three-dimensional (3-D) contours, essential for applications like cranioplasty. This paper discusses the V-bending results for HAP filled EVA and an attempt to identify a processing window for real manufacturing situations (3-D forming) is made. The processing conditions, such as the stamping temperature, time, and stamping rate, required to give high-quality right angle bends, have been established. The quality of stamped forms is also examined in terms of shape conformance and variation in wall thickness. It has been found that the stamping temperature and velocity were the key factors, which determined the quality of the stamped part. Too high temperatures as well as too high stamping rates lead to severe thinning and degradation of the formed parts. On the other hand, when the temperatures and the stamping rates are too low, the composites do not conform to the mould contour.     

Synergetic effects of radiolytically degraded PTFE microparticles and organoclay in PTFE-reinforced ethylene vinyl acetate composites

This article reports exceptional synergistic effects observed in organic–inorganic dual filler containing ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) composites. Polytetrafluoroethylene microparticles (PTFEMP) were produced by mechanically grinding radiolytically degraded PTFE; composites of EVA containing PTFEMP and organoclay were prepared in different proportions by melt compounding and their mechanical, melt flow, morphological and crystallographic characteristics were examined. Mechanical properties of ternary composites demonstrated high synergy between fillers, leading to manifold increase in the modulus of dual filler filled composites in comparison to single filler systems. Nielsen model fitted well with EVA/PTFEMP system; however it predicted remarkably low values for EVA/PTFEMP/organoclay system, confirming exceptional synergy between two fillers. Melt viscosity of EVA increased substantially on the addition of either of the fillers. X-ray diffraction studies revealed around 10% intergallery expansion in organoclay, in the composites having high loading of PTFEMP; though the crystallinity of EVA did not change.     

不同蒙脱土对Al(OH)_3/乙烯-醋酸乙烯酯复合材料力学性能和阻燃性能的影响

对比研究了钙基蒙脱土(Ca-MMT)和有机改性的钠基蒙脱土(Na-MMT)对Al(OH)_3/乙烯一醋酸乙烯醋(EVA)复合材料的力学性能、热稳定性和阻燃性能的影响。采用熔融插层法制备MMT-Al(OH)_3/EVA复合材料。用XRD和TEM进行微观结构表征。结果表明:两种MMT在复合材料中均表现为一定程度的剥离分散状态,其中Ca-MMT的剥离片层相对尺寸更小。测试显示,Ca-MMT-Al(OH)_3/EVA的拉伸强度、热稳定性均高于Na-MMT-Al(OH)3/EVA;在燃烧过程中,加入Ca-MMT的Ca-MMT-Al(OH)_3/EVA复合材料热释放更低,形成的炭层隔热效果更好,表现出更优异的阻燃性能;同时火灾性能指数(FPI)提高,火灾危险性明显降低。分析原因是Ca-MMT中的Ca~(2+)在燃烧成炭中具有促进作用。     

Improving flame retardant and mechanical properties of ethylene–vinyl acetate by cured compound silicone decorated magnesium hydroxide

Generally, the combustion of ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) can be effectively suppressed by the incorporation of 50 wt% magnesium hydroxide (MH), but with limited control on matrix dripping and serious deterioration on its mechanical property. In this work, a surface decorated MH by compound silicone resin (CCSi@MH) was prepared and integrated with red phosphorus (RP) introducing into EVA. The EVA/(5%RP?+?45%CCSi@MH) composite achieved V-0 rating in the UL 94 test with a limit oxygen index (LOI) of 31%. The dripping behavior was eliminated. Meanwhile, the mechanical properties were ameliorated by CCSi@MH, which was reflected in both static and dynamic mechanical test. The tensile strength and the elongation at break of EVA/(5%RP?+?45%CCSi@MH) composite were improved to 3.7 MPa and 52.3%, which were increased by 48% and 41%, respectively, compared with those of EVA/(5%RP?+?45%MH) composite. The prepared CCSi@MH provided an accessible method solving the dilemma brought by MH as flame retardant additives in EVA.

     

Influence of particle size and particle size distribution on MICA filled nylon 6 composite

Particulate reinforced thermoplastic composites are designed to improve the properties and to lower the overall cost of engineering plastics. In this study the effects of particle size and particle size distribution on the properties of mica filled nylon-6 was investigated. Composites of nylon-6 with varying concentrations (viz. 5 to 40 wt%) of mica were prepared by twin screw extrusion. The composite showed improved mechanical, thermal as well dielectric properties on addition of filler.     

Thermoplastic vulcanizate based on poly(vinylidene fluoride) and methyl vinyl silicone rubber by using fluorosilicone rubber as interfacial compatibilizer

To successfully fabricate a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) based on poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and high loading level of methylvinyl silicone rubber (MVSR), stabilizing the phase structure during blending is a challenge due to the distinct interface properties of the two materials. Herein, we report a feasible method to fabricate a desired PVDF/MVSR TPV by using fluorosilicone rubber (FSR) as an interfacial compatibilizer. We found that the FSR was self-assembly migrated from MVSR phase toward PVDF phase and finally located at the interface between PVDF and MVSR, forming core–shell-like spherical particles with a rough surface, and surprisingly, the crosslinked rubber particles were connected by fiber-like elastomeric materials which bonded onto the surfaces of the particles. The excellent property of repeat processing of the PVDF/MVSR/FSR TPV with such novel phase morphology makes it a potential alternative of fluorosilicone rubber in future.     

Dielectric properties of montmorillonite clay filled poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(ethylene oxide) blend nanocomposites

Organic–inorganic nanocomposites of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)–poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blend filled with montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay up to 10 wt.% concentration were synthesized by aqueous solution-cast technique. The complex dielectric function, electrical conductivity, electric modulus and impedance spectra of the nanocomposites were measured in the frequency range 20 Hz–1 MHz at ambient temperature. A direct correlation was observed between the real part of dielectric function and the mean relaxation time of the polymer chain segmental dynamics, with the exfoliated and intercalated MMT clay structures, and the extent of miscibility between PVA and PEO due to hydrogen bonded bridging through exfoliated MMT clay nanosheets. The large increase of dielectric relaxation time revealed that the dispersed exfoliated nanoscale MMT clay in the polymers blend matrix produces a large hindrance to the polymer chain dynamics. Results confirm that the real part of dielectric function of the nanocomposites can be tailored by varying amount of MMT clay filler for their use as nanodielectric materials in the microelectronic technology.     

Tear and wear of thermoplastic elastomers from blends of poly(propylene) and ethylene vinyl acetate rubber

Tear and wear properties of thermoplastic elastomers from blends of poly(propylene) (PP) and ethylene vinyl acetate rubber have been studied with special reference to the effect of blend ratios and dynamic crosslinking of the rubber phase. Both tear and wear resistance of the composites were found to increase with increasing proportion of the PP phase. Dynamic crosslinking of the blends containing higher proportions of the rubber phase (> 60%) increases the wear and tear properties, but blends containing higher proportions of the plastic phase show a decrease in properties due to the degradation of the PP phase. Attempts have been made to correlate the changes in properties with the morphology of system. In order to understand the mechanism of failure, the tear and wear fracture surfaces have been examined by scanning electron microscopy. The fractographs have been correlated with the strength and type of failure of these blends.     

The role of poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-isophthalate) as interfacial agent in polypropylene–matrix composites

The effect of modifying the particle/matrix interfacial region on the morphology and tensile behaviour of glass bead-filled polypropylene (PP) composites was studied. The interface modification was promoted by blending PP with a small concentration (5% by weight) of poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-isophthalate) (co-PET). Ten different PP/co-PET/glass beads ternary composites were prepared, characterized and compared with the homologous PP/glass beads binary ones. Maleic anhydride-grafted PP was added as a compatibilizing agent for PP and co-PET in some of the studied formulations, and its effect studied. Furthermore, four different silane-treated glass beads were used to prepare the composites (50 wt.%). Results showed that three different interfaces, corresponding to three different levels (low, middle and high) of particle/matrix adhesion, could be obtained in these composites by varying the matrix composition and the silane coupling agent on the glass bead surface, which resulted in a wide range of tensile properties, from ductile composites with low tensile strength and high elongation to brittle ones with high tensile strength. It was found that co-PET embeds glass bead surface independently of the silane coupling agent employed. Finally, the adhesion degree differences between the different composite phases seemed to be the main cause to explain the differences found in the sensitivity of the composite tensile characteristics to the strain rate.     

Evaluation of acoustic and dynamic behaviour of ethylene vinyl acetate panels

Ethylene vinyl acetate panels, with high vinyl acetate content and a closed‐cell structure, were studied through various experimental techniques as a first approach to evaluate the vibrational and acoustic behaviour of ethylene vinyl acetate panels for building applications. Test specimens, with a variety of densities and thicknesses were tested to evaluate the influence of these two parameters on acoustic impedance, sound transmission loss, dynamic stiffness and attenuation of vibrations. The results obtained shows sound transmission loss values for frequencies up to 2500 Hz with a maximum of about 63.7 dB, the dynamic stiffness results presented a wide range, with a maximum value of 350 MN/m³ and a minimum value of 23.3 MN/m³.On the other hand the lack of pore in the surface produce a high acoustic impedance. It can be concluded that ethylene vinyl acetate presents appropriate characteristics, mainly as an acoustic and vibration isolating material, for floorings and light partitions.     

Viscoelastic properties of hollow glass particle filled vinyl ester matrix syntactic foams: effect of temperature and loading frequency

Viscoelastic properties of hollow particle-reinforced composites called syntactic foams are studied using a dynamic mechanical analyzer. Glass hollow particles of three different wall thicknesses are incorporated in the volume fraction range of 0.3–0.6 in vinyl ester resin matrix to fabricate twelve compositions of syntactic foams. Storage modulus, loss modulus, and glass transition temperature are measured and related to the microstructural parameters of syntactic foams. In the first step, a temperature sweep from ?75 to 195 °C is applied at a fixed loading frequency of 1 Hz to obtain temperature dependent properties of syntactic foams. In the next step, selected four compositions of syntactic foams are studied for combined effect of temperature and loading frequency. A frequency sweep is applied in the range 1–100 Hz and the temperature is varied in the range 30–140 °C. Time–temperature superposition (TTS) principle is used to generate master curves for storage modulus over a wide frequency range. The room temperature loss modulus and maximum damping parameter, Tanδ, are found to have a linear relationship with the syntactic foam density. Increasing volume fraction of particles helps in improving the retention of storage modulus at high temperature in syntactic foams. Cole–Cole plot and William–Landel–Ferry equation are used to interpret the trends obtained from TTS. The correlations developed between the viscoelastic properties and material parameters help in tailoring the properties of syntactic foams as per requirements of an application.