Surface modification strategies for multicomponent polymer systems. III: Effect of diblock copolymer‐modified rutile on the morphology and mechanical properties of LLDPE/PVC blends

Rutile pigment was surface‐modified by the adsorption of various diblock copolymers and used as a component in two‐ and three‐component polymer blends involving the incompatible pair of linear, low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). Stress–strain analyses and electron microscopy show that the copolymer tethered to the rutile surface affects both mechanical and morphological properties of the blends. Inverse gas chromatography was used to evaluate dispersion surface energies and acid–base interaction parameters of the various solids. The mechanical and morphological characteristics of the blends can be rationalized by the concepts of acid–base and dispersion–force interaction. Of the copolymer modifiers used, the diblock based on polyisoprene and poly(4‐vinyl pyridine) (PIP‐P4VP) was best suited for use in LLDPE/PVC blends, ostensibly because of strong acid–base interaction between PVC and P4VP and mechanical interlocking between LLDPE and the PIP moiety. The properties of ternary blends were shown to be dependent on the method used for mixing the components. All mixing procedures used here resulted in time‐dependent variations of mechanical properties, suggesting that none gave rise to equilibrium morphology in the compounds. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 1891–1901, 2001     

A study on PVC/LLDPE blends with solid-state-chlorinated polyethylene as compatibilizer

Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) prepared by solid-state chlorination was used as compatibilizer for poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) blends. Effects of CPE molecular structure on stress-strain behaviors, dynamic mechanical properties, and morphologies of PVC/LLDPE blends were studied by using SEM, TEM, DMA, and testing mechanical properties. The results showed that the compatibility of PVC/LLDPE blends was improved with the addition of CPE. Also, adhesion strength between the two phases and mechanical properties of the blends were increased. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 64: 2535–2541, 1997     

New approaches to the processing of rutile-filled polyolefins

The performance of a fluorocarbon elastomer processing additive in rutile-filled linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) compounds was evaluated by capillary rheometry, and blown film extrusion. Different compounding sequences were considered and their effects on the performance of the processing additive in the presence of various rutiles examined. Lower apparent melt viscosities and higher shear rates for the onset of melt fracture were observed when using certain surface treated rutiles. The nature of the surface coating applied to rutiles was found to have a great influence on the Theological properties of the filled compounds and on the dispersibility of the solids. The acid-base characteristics of rutiles were determined by inverse gas chromatography techniques, and inherent agglomeration indexes for the pigments were measured by an application of powder rheology principles. It was found that those rutiles with high agglomeration indexes or those with highly basic surfaces interfered the most with the processing additive. Mechanisms by which rutile dispersibility and acid-base character influence the effectiveness of the fluorocarbon elastomer processing additive are discussed.     

Interfacial adhesion and water resistance of stainless steel–polyolefin improved by functionalized silane

The adhesion strength and water resistance of stainless steel and adhesive resin composites determine the long‐term performance of wires and cables; however, adhesion at stainless steel interfaces is difficult. Herein, we prepared ethylene acrylic acid/linear low‐density polyethylene (EAA/LLDPE) blends with good mechanical and adhesive properties. Silane was anchored to the surface of stainless steel. The effects of silane functionalization on the adhesion surface were investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The reaction mechanism between the stainless steel, silane, and EAA/LLDPE revealed adhesion was optimized when a 3:7 volume ratio of 3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MEMO): 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (A‐1110) was used to modify the stainless steel substrate. SEM images of EAA/LLDPE film peel surfaces found the silane‐treated stainless steel substrates produced rough surfaces with a uniform void indicating the silane treatment enhanced the stainless steel and EAA/LLDPE film interaction. The stainless steel and EAA/LLDPE film adhesion and water resistance improved and the peel strength after water resistance testing at 68°C for 168 h increased from 3.18 N/cm to 9.37 N/cm compared to untreated stainless steel. Silane‐modified stainless steel and EAA/LLDPE blend film composite materials demonstrate potential for application in wires and cables used in environmental corrosion‐resistant applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1866–1873, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers     

The surface modification of diatomite,thermal, and mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride)/diatomite composites

Pristine diatomite was first purified by acid treatment and then modified with γ‐methacryloxy propyl trimethoxysilane molecule (KH570) to introduce hydrophobic chains on the surface of acid‐treated diatomite. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that the silane coupling agent (KH570) was successfully grafted on the diatomite through covalent bonding. The digital photos showed that the silanization process changed the surface property of the diatomite. The poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/pristine diatomite and PVC/modified diatomite composites were prepared via two‐roll mill. The thermal stability and mechanical properties of PVC composites were investigated by TGA, mechanical properties tests, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The results showed that the thermal stability of the composites improved and maximum weight loss temperature (T_max) of the PVC composite with 1 phr modified diatomite was about 20°C higher than that of PVC composite without diatomite. The PVC/modified diatomite composites exhibited better mechanical properties owing to the stronger interfacial interaction between PVC matrix and modified diatomite. But the impact strength reduced sharply when the addition of diatomite was more than 1 phr. The reason of the phenomenon is that the diatomite plays the role of defects in PVC and it works against the absorption of impact strength energy. It was proved by the results of scanning electron microscopy. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:E39–E47, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effects of copper amine treatment on mechanical properties of PVC/wood‐flour composites

Copper amine–treated wood flour was added to PVC [poly(vinyl chloride)] matrix in order to manufacture PVC/wood‐flour composites. Effects of copper treatments on the mechanical properties of PVC‐wood composites were evaluated. Unnotched impact strength, flexural strength, and flexural toughness of the composites were significantly improved by the wood‐flour copper treatment. The optimum copper concentration range was 0.2 to 0.6 wt% of wood flour. Fractured surfaces were examined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). PVC/wood interfacial debonding was the main fracture mode of untreated wood‐flour composites, whereas wood‐particle pullout and breakage dominating the fractured surfaces of copper‐treated wood‐flour composites. On the fractured surfaces, more PVC could be found on the exposed copper‐treated wood particles than on untreated wood, a result suggesting improved PVC‐wood interfacial adhesion after copper treatments. J. Vinyl Addit. Technol. 10:70–78, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.     

Effect of surface properties on the adhesion between PVC and wood veneer laminates

The interface between plastic and wood fibers strongly influences the mechanical properties of a plastic/wood-fiber composite. This paper presents a means for evaluating the effectiveness of surface treatment on the wood-fibers in the PVC/wood-fiber composites by investigating the adhesion between PVC and laminated wood veneers. Wood veneers were first treated with γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, dichlorodiethylsilane, phthalic anhydride, and maleated polypropylene for surface modification. The chemical modification made on the wood surfaces was then characterized using different complementary surface analytical techniques: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and surface tension measurements. The surface tension was determined from the equation of state for interfacial tensions and the measured contact angles of glycerol sessile drops on the wood veneers (both untreated and treated) and on PVC using the Axisymmetric Drop Shape Analysis–Contact Diameter (ADSA-CD) approach. The adhesion property was evaluated by measuring the tensile shear strength of single lap joints between two wood veneers bonded with a PVC film. The adhesion between PVC and wood veneer laminates was significantly improved when wood veneers were treated with amino-silane, while no improvement was observed for the other adhesion promoters. Our experimental results indicate that matching the surface tension is not sufficient to ensure good adhesion between PVC and wood veneers.     

Studies of electrical and mechanical properties of semiconductive poly(vinyl chloride) compositions

A sample of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and a polar plasticizer consisting of dioctylphthalate (DOP) and triisopropylphenylphosphate (TIPPP) was prepared and found to possess some electrical conductivity. Different samples of PVC compositions were formulated from the PVC-DOP-TIPPP system and also variable proportions of the conductive materials polyaniline or the Ni salt of ethylene glycol bisadipate ester. Dibutyltindilaurate as a heat stabilizer, titanium oxide as a filler, and sandorin red 20 pigment were added. The effect of the structure of polyaniline and Ni adipate ester on the electrical and mechanical properties of the PVC–DOP–TIPPP system was studied to obtain a semiconductive plasticized PVC with good mechanical properties. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 69: 685–693, 1998     

An investigation on wear mechanism of POM/LLDPE blends

The friction and wear properties of polyoxymethylene/linear low‐density polyethylene/ethylene‐acrylic acid (POM/LLDPE/EAA) blends are investigated on a MM‐200 wear tester. The results show that the addition of LLDPE and EAA obviously improves the friction and wear properties of POM. The friction coefficient and wear scar width of POM/LLDPE/EAA blends are much lower than those of pure POM. SEM analysis reveals that POM appears to wear by thermal softening and melting of worn surface when sliding against the stainless steel, while no severe damage but wear debris can be observed on the worn face of POM/LLDPE/EAA blend. Long‐time sliding causes the removal of molten POM from the worn surface, while the formation of the lubricated layer occurs on the worn surface for POM/LLDPE/EAA blend. DSC analysis shows that the melting temperature and the crystallinity of the worn surface for POM are improved after a long‐time sliding. Molecular orientation on the worn surface of POM is affirmed by WAXD. For POM/LLDPE/EAA blend, the improvement of the friction and wear properties is mainly owed to wear debris and lubricant layer existing between the contact surfaces. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 48–53, 2006     

Effect of chemical treatment on newspaper fibers reinforced polymer poly(vinyl chloride) composites

Natural fibers used as reinforcement in composite materials present specific mechanical properties, which are comparable to glass fibers. In addition, they have the advantage of being renewable and recyclable. However, their main drawback is their inherent susceptibility to moisture expansion, which has the effect of inducing a decrease in mechanical properties, and of debonding in the composite. In this study, lignocellulosic fibers from newspapers were modified with acetic anhydride, NaOH, and KMnO₄ in order to enhance the interfacial adhesion between poly(viny lchloride) (PVC) matrix and the newspaper fibers. Composites samples were prepared with different treated fibers at the same loading (20 wt%). X‐ray and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the fiber's surfaces. The mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of PVC/newspaper composites were also studied. Moreover, the maximum improvement in the mechanical properties (tensile strength) was obtained for the permanganate treated PVC/newspaper composites. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:173–181, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effect of the Incorporation of PVC on the Mechanical Properties of the Jute-Reinforced LLDPE Composite

Jute fabrics-reinforced linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) matrix composites (50 wt% fiber) were prepared by compression molding and mechanical properties were studied. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix was incorporated instead of LLDPE in the jute based composites and their mechanical properties were investigated and compared with the control composites. It was found that with the increase of PVC in the LLDPE based composites, the mechanical properties were found to improve significantly. Degradation tests of the composites for upto 24 weeks were performed in soil medium. Water uptake and Thermo-mechanical properties of the composites were also studied.     

The effect of irradiation surface treatment of UHMWPE fibre on the interfacial properties of PVC composite

Irradiation surface modification method was used for the surface treatment of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibre to improve the interfacial adhesion of the UHMWPE fibre reinforced PVC composite. The surface characteristics of untreated and treated UHMWPE fibre were characterised by XPS and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscope. The friction and wear properties of the PVC composites filled with differently surface-treated UHMWPE fibres (20?vol.-%), were investigated on a ring-on-block tribometer. Experimental results revealed that irradiation treatment largely increased the mechanical properties of UHMWPE fibre/neoprene/PVC (UF/N/PVC) composites. Scanning electron microscope investigation of worn surfaces of PVC composites showed that surface-treated UF/N/PVC composite had the strongest interfacial adhesion.     

Highly filled polyolefin plastomer formulations for possible PVC replacement in flooring

Calcium carbonate highly filled composites of a polyolefin plastomer (POP), and its blends with postconsumer linear low‐density or high‐density polyethylene (PC‐LLDPE or PC‐HDPE) were prepared and evaluated. The mechanical properties of compounded POP and its blends were compared with those of a PVC–calcium carbonate formulation used for flooring applications. Tensile and impact properties of calcium carbonate‐filled POP composites compare very favorably to the PVC‐based formulation at filler loadings as high as 200 phr. Moreover, postconsumer LLDPE or HDPE can replace at least 50% of the POP in these composites without affecting their main properties. DSC analyses indicate that the synergism occurring in mechanical properties for some of the blend compositions, may be related to the ability of the individual polymers to cocrystallize in the respective blends. This article presents the results of a preliminary study. Continued research is expected to contribute toward a complete characterization of the compounded POP/postconsumer PE blends to establish if they can replace plasticized PVC compounds in some or all flooring applications. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 74: 1156–1168, 1999     

Heat sealing of semicrystalline polymer films. III. Effect of corona discharge treatment of LLDPE

The effects of corona-discharge treatment (CDT) of commercial polyethylene (PE) Linear low-density PE (LLDPE) were studied with special emphasis on the heat-seal behavior of treated films. A range of treat levels, representative of those used in industry, was obtained by varying the applied power to a commercial, on-line treater. Film surfaces were characterized by XPS and wetting-tension measurements. The primary effect of CDT on the heat-sealing behavior of LLDPE films is a transition in the failure mode of heat seals from a normal tearing or inseparable bond to a peelable seal. In addition, CDT increases the seal initiation temperature 5–17°C and decreases the plateau seal strength 5–20% as the treat level, or wetting tension, increases from 31 to 56 dynes/cm. These effects are attributed to cross-linking during corona treatment, which restricts polymer mobility near the surface and limits the extent of interdiffusion and entaglements across the seal interface. Results of heat-sealing studies with electron-beam-irradiated PE, chemically oxidized PE, and CDT polypropylene (PP) provide indirect evidence for the proposed surface cross-linking mechanism. The effect of commercial levels of slip additives on the heat-seal behavior was also investigated. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

表面处理剂对PVC仿木复合材料性能的影响

使用4种不同类型的含高活性反应基团的聚氨酯处理剂对木粉表面进行处理,并制备了聚氯乙烯(PVC)/木粉复合材料,研究了表面处理剂的交联度、不同用量和高活性反应基团—NCO的含量对复合材料性能及结构的影响。结果表明,使用聚氨酯处理剂对木粉表面进行处理可以明显改善复合材料的流变性能,并明显提高复合材料的力学性能;扫描电镜观察表明,木粉经聚氨酯处理剂改性后与PVC的相容性明显得到改善。     

Chemical modification combined with corona treatment of UHMWPE fibers and their adhesion to vinylester resin

The influence of corona treatment on the near-surface structures of treated ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers was studied first by atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM pictures showed that the pits on the corona-treated PE fiber surfaces had different change characteristics in depth compared with in length and breadth with variations of corona power. Then the UHMWPE fibers were subjected to chemical modification following the corona treatment, named the two-stage treatment. Surface morphologies and chemical properties of the treated fibers were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FT-IR–ATR spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The results obtained suggested that some carbon–carbon double bonds had been introduced on the surfaces of the PE fibers after the two-stage treatment. These unsaturated groups could participate in free-radical curing of vinylester resin (VER), and this resulted in improvement of interfacial adhesion strength in the PE fiber/VER composites. In addition, the mechanical properties of the UHMWPE fibers reduced after corona treatment did not reduce further after subsequent chemical treatment with increase of corona power. In short, the two-stage treatment proved to be effective in improving the interfacial adhesion of the composites and maintaining the high mechanical properties of the PE fibers, as this treatment method did not destroy the bulk structure of the UHMWPE fibers.     

丙烯酸接枝聚乙烯增容LLDPE／淀粉共混体系研究

就丙烯酸接枝ＬＬＤＰＥ对ＬＬＤＰＥ／淀粉可生物降解共混体系力学性能的影响进行了研究,并对其与接枝改性淀粉的配合增容作用作了进一步探索。结果表明丙烯酸接枝ＬＬＤＰＥ可以明显提高ＬＬＤＰＥ和淀粉的相容性,共混体系拉伸强度可达１０．３５ＭＰａ,伸长率达１００％。此外,研究表明脲对提高体系拉伸强度有所帮助,但导致伸长率下降。     

Thermal and mechanical properties of silane-crosslinked poly(vinylchloride)

A comparative study has been made of the crosslinking of plasticized PVC by grafting of γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (ASi) and sodium γ-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (NaMSi) during processing. The influence of type of reagent and concentration, and the rheological behavior were investigated to obtain a crosslinked material with improved mechanical properties and good thermal stability. Depending on the reagent concentration, different gel contents, ranging from 0–100%, were obtained with both reagents. For all crosslinked systems the mechanical properties above T_g were improved. In the case of ASi-crosslinked PVC, the thermal stability deteriorated significantly but, for NaMSi-crosslinked PVC, thermal stability remains close to that of raw PVC, and the separation of the grafting and crosslinking processes is more viable in this case. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 70: 865–872, 1998     

椰壳粉/PVC复合材料的结构及动态力学性能研究

将改性椰壳粉填充到聚氯乙烯(PVC)中制得椰壳粉/PVC复合材料,用SEM、DMA对复合材料的结构和动态力学性能进行了研究。结果表明:改性后的椰壳粉与基体PVC的界面黏结强度提高;用2.0%硅烷偶联剂KH-550及15%HDPE-g-(GMA-co-St)改性后,复合材料具有较好的动态力学性能。     

纤维表面处理对PVC/木纤维复合材料性能的影响

比较了两种方法处理木纤维对聚氯乙烯(PVC)／木纤维复合材料性能的影响。结果表明,将木纤维先用一定浓度的NaOH溶液浸泡再用硅烷偶联剂处理时,木纤维在PVC基体中分散更均匀,与PVC界面的粘合性提高;复合材料的力学性能如拉伸强度、冲击强度、断裂伸长率等有明显提高。