The effect of graphene presence in flame retarded epoxy resin matrix on the mechanical and flammability properties of glass fiber-reinforced composites

The effect of adding graphene in epoxy containing either an additive (MP) or reactive-type (DOPO) flame retardant on the thermal, mechanical and flammability properties of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites was investigated using thermal analysis; flexural, impact, tensile tests; cone calorimetry and UL-94 techniques. The addition of MP or DOPO to epoxy had a thermal destabilization effect below 400 °C, but led to higher char yield at higher temperatures. The inclusion of 10 wt% flame retardants slightly decreased the mechanical behavior, which was attributed to the poor interfacial interactions in case of MP or the decreased cross-linking density in case of DOPO flame retarded resin. The additional graphene presence increased flexural and impact properties, but slightly decreased tensile performance. Adding graphene further decreased the PHRR, THR and burning rate due to its good barrier effect. The improved fire retardancy was mainly attributed to the reduced release of the combustible gas products.     

Synergistic flame retardancy effect of graphene nanosheets and traditional retardants on epoxy resin

Novel non-toxic halogen-free flame retardants are replacing traditional flame retardants in polymer and polymer matrix composite structures. In this study, graphene nanosheet (GNS) is investigated in combination with traditional layered double hydroxide (LDH), layered rare-earth hydroxide (LRH), and phosphorus-based flame retardant (DOPO) to enhance the flame retardancy of epoxy resin. A synergistic flame retardancy effect is achieved in GNS/LDH and GNS/DOPO systems where combined GNS and LDH increased the viscosity of the epoxy melt, and limited the flame propagation through inhibition of dripping. The limiting oxygen index of epoxy increased from 15.9 to 23.6 with addition of 0.5 wt.% each of GNS and LDH. With the addition of 2.5 wt.% of both GNS and LDH, the total heat release of epoxy resin also reduced from 33.4 MJ/m² to 24.6 MJ/m². The synergistic effect of GNS and DOPO adopted a different mechanism. The addition of 2.5 wt.% of GNS and DOPO reduced the peak heat release rate from 1194 kW/m² to 396 kW/m², and the total heat release rate from 72.5 MJ/m² to 48.1 MJ/m². The synergistic mechanisms of the flame retardants were closely analyzed and correlated with the flame retardant properties.     

Processing parameters and characterisation of flax fibre reinforced engineering plastic composites with flame retardant fillers

This work studies the possibility of compounding natural fibres (flax) into engineering plastics (PA6 and PB6) and comparing the results with counterpart glass fibre composites. The problem in compounding is the difficulty to compound the fibres with such polymers of high melting temperatures without decomposing the natural fibre thermally. Preliminary experiments are tried to define the possible processing window using the kneader namely temperature, compounding time and shear rate. Fibre content is tried in range of 0–50 wt.% with 10% step. The mixing temperature covers the range around the melting temperature ‘Tm’ [Tm−20, Tm+20]°C. The use of pre-melting temperature in compounding would utilise the energy evolving by fibres mutual rubbing. Compounding time is optimised at the minimum level. Shearing rate is tried at 25, 50, 75 and 100 rpm. Optimum conditions are defined to be 210–230 °C and 200–210 °C for PBT and PA6 respectively. Shearing rate is also defined to lie within 25–50 rpm.Two different additives of non-organic mineral and organic phosphate flame retardants are tried with the prepared composites either alone or in combination with each other. The loading of flame retardants is limited to 20 wt.% in order to leave a space for natural fibres as well as the polymer and to keep in turn the overall composite mechanical properties. A mix of 1:1 ratio between the both types of retardants is needed to reach V0 flame retardation level. Mechanical properties are even improved 30% in E-modulus and 4% in strength with respect to composites without flame retardants. However, the injection moulding is reported to be difficult because of the high viscosity and the parameters should be optimised regarding the desired flame retardance level and the required mechanical properties as well as keeping the fibres not damaged.     

Influence of fiber content on the mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of glass/ramie polymer composites

The combination of glass and ramie fibers with a polyester matrix can produce a hybrid material that is competitive to all glass composites (e.g. those used in the automobile industry). In this work, glass and ramie fibers cut to 45 mm in length were used to produce hybrid polymer composites by resin transfer molding (RTM), aiming to evaluate their physical, mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties as a function of the relative glass–ramie volume fractions and the overall fiber content (10, 21 and 31 vol.%). Higher fiber content and higher ramie fiber fraction in the hybrid composites yielded lower weight composites, but higher water absorption in the composite. The mechanical properties (impact and interlaminar shear strength) of the composites were improved by using higher fiber content, and the composite with 31 vol.% of reinforcement yielded the lowest value for the reinforcement effectiveness coefficient C, as expected. Although the mechanical properties were improved for higher fiber content, the glass transition temperature did not vary significantly. Additionally, as found by analyzing the adhesion factor A, improved adhesion tended to occur for the composites with lower fiber content (10%) and higher ramie fiber fraction (0:100) and the results for the adhesion factor A did not correspond to those found by the analysis of the tan delta peak height.     

Effect of ammonium polyphosphate on flame retardancy,thermal stability and mechanical properties of alkali treated kenaf fiber filled PLA biocomposites

In present research polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites were prepared from PLA and kenaf fiber using dry blending, twin screw extrusion and compression molding techniques. PLA was blended with kenaf core fiber, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP). Kenaf fiber was treated with 3%, 6% and 9% NaOH solution separately. Both raw and treated kenaf along with 10, 15 and 20 phr APP was utilized during composite preparation. The effects of APP content and alkali treatment on flammability, thermal and mechanical properties of kenaf fiber filled PLA biocomposites were investigated. APP is shown to be very effective in improving flame retardancy properties according to limiting oxygen index measurement due to increased char residue at high temperatures. However addition of APP decreased the compatibility between PLA and kenaf fiber, resulting in significant reduction of the mechanical properties of PLA biocomposites. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that NaOH treatment improved the thermal stability of PLA biocomposites and decreased carbonaceous char formation.     

Dielectric,mechanical and thermal properties of polymer/BaTiO3 composites for embedded capacitor

Barium titanate (BaTiO₃) filled polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) composites were prepared using the simple solution method followed by hot pressing. The content of BaTiO₃ was varied from 0 to 65 vol.%. Scanning electron microscopy showed good dispersion and adhesion of BaTiO₃ with the PMMA matrix. The dielectric constant of the composites increased significantly. There was weak dispersion in the dielectric constant of the composites (up to 45 vol.%) with frequency between 100 Hz and 15 MHz. The dissipation factor of the composites increased from 0.021 for pure PMMA to 0.029 for 45 vol.% composites. However, 65 vol.% composite showed dispersion in dielectric constant with increasing frequency and higher dissipation factor. The Lichtenecker equation agreed well with the experimental data. The microhardness and the glass transition temperature of the composites increased approximately 4.7-fold and 42 °C, respectively, compared to pure PMMA. The CTE of the 65 vol.% composite is close to that of copper.     

Enhanced mechanical,thermal and flame retardant properties by combining graphene nanosheets and metal hydroxide nanorods for Acrylonitrile–Butadiene–Styrene copolymer composite

Three metal hydroxide nanorods (MHR) with uniform diameters were synthesized, and then combined with graphene nanosheets (GNS) to prepare acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) copolymer composites. An excellent dispersion of exfoliated two-dimensional (2-D) GNS and 1-D MHR in the ABS matrix was achieved. The effects of combined GNS and MHR on the mechanical, thermal and flame retardant properties of the ABS composites were investigated. With the addition of 2 wt% GNS and 4 wt% Co(OH)₂, the tensile strength, bending strength and storage modulus of the ABS composites were increased by 45.1%, 40.5% and 42.3% respectively. The ABS/GNS/Co(OH)₂ ternary composite shows the lowest maximum weight loss rate and highest residue yield. Noticeable reduction in the flammability was achieved with the addition of GNS and Co(OH)₂, due to the formation of more continuous and compact charred layers that retarded the mass and heat transfer between the flame and the polymer matrix.     

Study of stress relaxation in polytetrafluoroethylene composites by cylindrical macroindentation

In the present work, the time-dependent mechanical behavior of three materials from the fluorocarbon family, including PTFE without filler, 15 vol.% regenerated graphite particles-filled PTFE, and 32 vol.% carbon and 3 vol.% graphite particles-filled PTFE, was investigated using cylindrical macroindentation. Indentation relaxation experiments with a cylindrical flat-tip indenter having a diameter of 1 mm were performed at three different strain levels. The generalized Maxwell model in terms of the Prony series and a time-dependent solution based on the power-law creep equation were used to model the viscoelastic response and to extract the time-dependent properties. The stress relaxation properties were found to improve with the addition of fillers. The unfilled PTFE exhibited the lowest stress–relaxation properties, whereas the 32 vol.% carbon and 3 vol.% graphite particles-filled PTFE composite showed the highest stress–relaxation properties.     

The effect of intumescents on the burning behaviour of polyester-resin-containing composites

Recently we have shown that the introduction of an intumescent/flame retardant fibre system to a rigid composite comprising a textile reinforcing element (e.g. woven glass fabric layers) and a resin may generate additional char with respect to the additive contributions of all components present when studied using thermogravimetric techniques. This paper presents the results of cone calorimetric experiments of a series of composites comprising a combination of glass reinforcing elements, selected intumescents (based on melamine phosphate), the flame retardant Visil fibre and selected unsaturated polyester resins. Results show that the introduction of the intumescent/Visil can significantly reduce the peak heat release values and in some cases the peak smoke intensities evolved by composite samples exposed to 50 kW m⁻² heat flux. Furthermore, mass loss rates are reduced and residual chars are increased. There is a clear indication that we have established a novel route to increasing the fire resistant properties of rigid composites.     

Preparation of aligned Fe3O4@Ag-nanowire/poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite films via a low magnetic field

Aligned Fe₃O₄@Ag-nanowire (Ag-NW)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposite films are prepared via a magnetic field-assisted method under a low magnetic field (B < 0.1 T) induction. The effects of the mass ratio (MR) of Fe₃O₄ to Ag-NWs and the Ag-NW content are systematically studied on the composite electrical conductivity (EC). The preferential alignment of Ag-NWs brings about a significant increase in the EC of the oriented composite in the parallel direction along the magnetic field. The optimal MR is determined to be equal to 0.15 at which the random composite has a good EC meanwhile the oriented composite shows a good response to the applied magnetic field. The oriented composite with the 20 wt% Ag-NWs shows a high EC anisotropy of ca. 6.6 and a very high EC of 4500 S/cm via the external magnetic field. In addition, the introduction of Ag-NWs leads to an obvious improvement in the thermal stability of PVA composites.     

Evaluation of microstructure and mechanical properties of Al/Al2O3/SiC hybrid composite fabricated by accumulative roll bonding process

In this investigation, a new kind of metal matrix composites with a matrix of pure aluminum and hybrid reinforcement of Al₂O₃ and SiC particles was fabricated for the first time by anodizing followed by eight cycles accumulative roll bonding (ARB). The resulting microstructures and the corresponding mechanical properties of composites within different stages of ARB process were studied. It was found that with increasing the ARB cycles, alumina layers were fractured, resulting in homogenous distribution of Al₂O₃ particles in the aluminum matrix. Also, the distribution of SiC particles was improved and the porosity between particles and the matrix was decreased. It was observed that the tensile strength of composites improved by increasing the ARB passes, i.e. the tensile strength of the Al/1.6 vol.% Al₂O₃/1 vol.% SiC composite was measured to be about 3.1 times higher than as-received material. In addition, tensile strength of composites decreased by increasing volume fraction of SiC particles to more than 1 vol.%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation of fractured surfaces showed that the failure mechanism of broken hybrid composite was shear ductile rupture.     

Compaction and sintering behaviour of glass–alumina composites

The effects of Al₂O₃ additions on the compaction and sintering behaviour of a leadborosilicate glass (LG) have been investigated. LG powder was prepared by melting, fritting and milling a glass of the composition: 77PbO, 10B₂O₃, 10SiO₂, 2Al₂O₃ and 1P₂O₅ (wt.%). The mean particle sizes of the powders were: LG, 6.5 μm and Al₂O₃, 3.3 μm. The compaction behaviour of LG–Al₂O₃ powder mixtures can be represented by a new compaction equation: [(D_g−D₀)/(1−D₀)]=(P/P_f)ⁿ, where D_g is the relative green density, D₀ the relative tap density and n and P_f are material constants. The exponent n decreases from 0.192 to 0.065 as the Al₂O₃ content is increased from 0 to 100 vol.%. The Frenkel equation for isothermal shrinkage has been found to be valid. It is shown that in the glass matrix composites the minimum sintering temperature can be determined by measuring the dilatometric deformation temperature. The presence of Al₂O₃ in excess of 15 vol.% has been found to strongly retard the sintering kinetics. An addition of 45 vol.% Al₂O₃ increases the activation energy for sintering from 67 to 112 kcal mol⁻¹. The presence of Al₂O₃ particles also induced a partial crystallisation in LG matrix.     

Facile synthesis of lanthanum hypophosphite and its application in glass-fiber reinforced polyamide 6 as a novel flame retardant

This work developed flame retarded glass fiber reinforced polyamide 6 (FR-GFPA) composites with excellent mechanical properties, thermal stability and flame retardancy using a novel flame retardant, lanthanum hypophosphite (LaHP). The flame-retarded properties of FR-GFPA composites were characterized by limiting oxygen index, Underwriters Laboratories 94 testing and cone calorimeter test. FR-GFPA composite with 20 wt% LaHP reached V-0 rating and a high LOI value (27.5 vol%). The mechanical performance analysis showed that both the storage modulus and tensile strength increased and then decreased with the increase of LaHP loading. For FR-GFPA composite with 15 wt% LaHP loading, the storage modulus was 164% higher than that of glass fiber reinforced polyamide 6 (GFPA). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and char residue characterization showed that the addition of LaHP can promote the formation of compact physical char barrier, reduce the mass loss rate and thus improve the flame retardancy of FR-GFPA composites.     

Influence of carbon nanotube (CNT) on the mechanical properties of LLDPE/CNT nanocomposite fibers

The present study shows the effect of adding CNT to linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) to produce LLDPE/CNT nanocomposite fibers. The LLDPE/CNT fibers were produced by melt extrusion process using a twin-screw extruder, in a controlled temperature from 160 °C to 275 °C. Further, melt extrusion process was followed by drawing of fibers at the room temperature. Three different weight percentages, 0.08, 0.3 and 1 wt.% of CNT were studied for producing nanocomposite fibers. The addition of 1 wt.% CNT in the LLDPE fiber has increased the tensile strength by 38% (350 MPa). The addition of 0.08 and 0.3 wt.% CNT in the fiber matrix has improved the ductility by 87% and 122%, respectively. Similarly, improvement in the toughness was observed by 63% and 105% for LLDPE fibers with 0.08 wt.% and 0.3 wt.% CNT respectively. The increase in the mechanical properties of the composite fibers was attributed to the alignment and distribution of CNT in the LLDPE matrix. The dispersion of CNT in the polymeric matrix has been revealed by SEM. The study shows that the small addition of CNT when properly mixed and aligned will increase the mechanical properties of pristine polymer fibers.     

Characterisation of mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy grouts for composite repair of steel pipelines

The mechanical and thermal properties of the grouts are critical to their potential application as infill materials in structural repair. In this paper, the mechanical and thermal behaviour of five epoxy based grouts were investigated to identify their prospects as a component of the composite repair for steel pipelines. The compressive strength and stiffness of the grouts are found to be 52–120 MPa and 1.7–11 GPa, respectively. The tensile, flexural and shear strengths of the grouts are found to be within the ranges of 11–32, 27–53, and 13–30 MPa, respectively. The tensile and flexural moduli range within 3–17, and 4–13 GPa, respectively. Thermal analysis of the grouts suggests that the glass transition temperature (T_g) within 60 and 90 °C which also provide the thermal applicability limits for the grouts in the composite repair of steel pipes. The development of compressive properties of three selected grouts over 28 days period was also investigated as well as the effect of the addition of coarse fillers.     

Preparation and characterization of bimodal porous poly(γ-benzyl-L-glutamate) scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

An ideal scaffold in bone tissue-engineering strategy should provide biomimetic extracellular matrix-like architecture and biological properties. Poly(γ-benzyl-L-glutamate) (PBLG) has been a popular model polypeptide for various potential biomedical applications due to its good biocompatibility and biodegradability. This study developed novel bimodal porous PBLG polypeptide scaffolds via a combination of biotemplating method and in situ ring-opening polymerization of γ-benzyl-L-gIutamate N-carboxyanhydride (BLG-NCA). The PBLG scaffolds were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and mechanical test. The results showed that the semi-crystalline PBLG scaffolds exhibited an anisotropic porous structure composed of honeycomb-like channels (100–200 μm in diameter) and micropores (5–20 μm), with a very high porosity of 97.4 ± 1.6%. The compressive modulus and glass transition temperature were 402.8 ± 20.6 kPa and 20.2 °C, respectively. The in vitro biocompatibility evaluation with MC3T3-E1 cells using SEM, fluorescent staining and MTT assay revealed that the PBLG scaffolds had good biocompatibility and favored cell attachment, spread and proliferation. Therefore, the bimodal porous polypeptide scaffolds are promising for bone tissue engineering.     

Effect of Al2O3 layer on improving high-temperature oxidation resistance of siliconized TiAl-based alloy

TiAl-based specimens were siliconized with two different kinds of cementation respectively, one is 23 vol.% Si + 77 vol.% Al₂O₃, and the other is 23 vol.% Si + 77 vol.% ZrO₂. SEM observation showed that a Ti₅Si₃-based layer, in which some Al₂O₃ particles dispersed, formed on the surface after siliconization. Further observation showed that an extra outer Al₂O₃ layer existed on the surface of specimens siliconized with 23 vol.% Si + 77 vol.% Al₂O₃, while no such Al₂O₃ layer was found in specimens siliconized with 23 vol.% Si + 77 vol.% ZrO₂. The cyclic oxidation test performed at 900 °C shows that the oxidation resistance was significantly improved by siliconizing. By comparison, the specimens that siliconized with 23 vol.% Si + 77 vol.% Al₂O₃ exhibits a better oxidation resistance than that with 23 vol.% Si + 77 vol.% ZrO₂. It was deduced that the extra outer Al₂O₃ layer is beneficial to the oxidation resistance of siliconized TiAl-based alloy.     

Mechanical properties of woven glass fabric reinforced in situ polymerized poly(butylene terephthalate) composites

Cyclic butylene terephthalate (CBT) has been polymerized in situ at T = 190 °C in the presence and absence of woven glass fabric (WGF). The thermal properties of the in situ polymerized poly(butylene terephthalate) (ISP-PBT) were compared with those of a commercial injection molded PBT (IM-PBT). It was found that the crystallinity of IM-PBT is markedly lower than that of ISP-PBT rendering the latter more brittle. WGF-reinforced (ca. 50 vol.%) ISP-PBT composites were fabricated by compression molding at T = 190 °C using displacement and pressure-controls. Effects of the molding condition were investigated in tensile, three-point bending, short beam shear and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis tests. Both tensile and flexural properties (stiffness and strength), as well as inter-laminar shear strength, were enhanced when the molding occurred under pressure-controlled instead of displacement-controlled conditions. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) inspection revealed excellent wet-out of the fibers and good interfacial bonding between the fibers and ISP-PBT.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of a directionally solidified Al2O3/Y3Al5O12/ZrO2 hypoeutectic in situ composite

Directionally solidified ternary Al₂O₃/Y₃Al₅O₁₂(YAG)/ZrO₂ hypoeutectic rod composites were successfully fabricated by the laser zone remelting technique. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the composite were investigated. The microstructure presented a complex three-dimensional network structure consisting of fine Al₂O₃ (41 vol.%) and YAG (49 vol.%) phases, with smaller ZrO₂ (10 vol.%) phases partially distributed at the Al₂O₃/YAG interfaces. The irregular growth behavior in the hypoeutectic was revealed. The hardness and fracture toughness at ambient temperature were measured to be 17.3 GPa and 5.2 MPa m^1/2, respectively. The toughness enhancement in comparison with previous binary Al₂O₃/YAG composites was mainly attributed to the refined microstructure, and crack deflection, branching and bridging. Moreover, the residual stresses, generated by different thermal expansion coefficients of the component phases, also importantly contributed to the improved toughness. Correlations between the addition of the third component ZrO₂ and the microstructure and properties were discussed as well.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of an Al–TiC metal matrix composite obtained by reactive synthesis

A metal matrix composite has been obtained by a novel synthesis route, reacting Al₃Ti and graphite at 1000 °C for about 1 min after ball-milling and compaction. The resulting composite is made of an aluminium matrix reinforced by nanometer sized TiC particles (average diameter 70 nm). The average TiC/Al ratio is 34.6 wt.% (22.3 vol.%). The microstructure consists of an intimate mixture of two domains, an unreinforced domain made of the Al solid solution with a low TiC reinforcement content, and a reinforced domain. This composite exhibits uncommon mechanical properties with regard to previous micrometer sized Al–TiC composites and to its high reinforcement volume fraction, with a Young’s modulus of ∼110 GPa, an ultimate tensile strength of about 500 MPa and a maximum elongation of 6%.