Room-temperature mechanical properties of a high-entropy diboride

The mechanical properties of a (Hf,Mo,Nb,Ta,W,Zr)B₂ high-entropy ceramic were measured at room temperature. A two-step synthesis process was utilized to produce the (Hf,Mo,Nb,Ta,W,Zr)B₂ ceramics. The process consisted of a boro/carbothermal reduction reaction followed by solid solution formation and densification through spark plasma sintering. Nominally, phase pure (Hf,Mo,Nb,Ta,W,Zr)B₂ was sintered to near full density (8.98 g/cm³) at 2000°C. The mean grain size was 6 ± 2 µm with a maximum grain size of 17 µm. Flexural strength was 528 ± 53 MPa, Young's modulus was 520 ± 12 GPa, fracture toughness was 3.9 ± 1.2 MPa·m^1/2, and hardness (HV_0.2) was 33.1 ± 1.1 GPa. A Griffith-type analysis determined the strength limiting flaw to be the largest grains in the microstructure. This is one of the first reports of a variety of mechanical properties of a six-component high-entropy diboride.     

Property enhancement in unsaturated polyester nanocomposites by using a reactive intercalant for clay modification

Polymeric nanocomposites were synthesized from unsaturated polyester (UPE) matrix and montmorillonite (MMT) clay using an in situ free radical polymerization reaction. Organophilic MMT was obtained using a quaternary salt of coco amine as intercalant having a styryl group making it a reactive intercalant. The resultant nanocomposites were characterized via X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The effect of increased nanofiller loading on the thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites was investigated. All the nanocomposites were found to have improved thermal and mechanical properties as compared with neat UPE matrix, resulting from the contribution of nanolayer connected intercalant‐to‐crosslinker which allows a crosslinking reaction. It was found that the partially exfoliated nanocomposite structure with an exfoliation dominant morphology was achieved when the MMT loading was 1 wt %. This nanocomposite exhibited the highest thermal stability, the best dynamic mechanical performance and the highest crosslinking density, most probably due to more homogeneous dispersion and optimum amount of styrene monomer molecules inside and outside the MMT layers at 1 wt % loading. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Microstructure evolution and performance improvement of TiN‐based cermets with carbon addition

In this work, TiN‐based cermets with excellent performance and uniform microstructure were successfully manufactured by conventional vacuum sintering with 0‐5 wt% carbon addition at 1500°C. Influence of carbon addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of cermets was investigated by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X‐Ray diffraction, electron probe microanalysis, and mechanical tests. The results showed that small amount of carbon helped to improve significantly the wettability between TiN and Ni/Co, leading to well‐distributed structure and perfect core‐rim phases. As the carbon content increased from 0 to 5 wt%, mechanical properties of cermets increased initially, displayed a maximum and then decreased. For the experimental conditions considered, the cermets with 3 wt% carbon addition revealed best mechanical properties. The relative density, the transverse rupture strength, fracture toughness, and Rockwell hardness of the cermets were 99.78%, 1836 MPa, 14.7 MPa m^1/2, and 88, respectively.     

Replacement of hydroxyapatite from chicken eggshell waste for ceramic properties improvement

The chicken eggshell waste from food processing was synthesized as the hydroxyapatite for fluxing agent replacement in ceramic manufacturing. The main fluxing agents in Thailand ceramic manufacturing are natural potash feldspar (k-feldspar) and animal bone ash. To overcome the problems of inconstant properties and the lack of k-feldspar, the hydroxyapatite from chicken eggshell waste was selected as fluxing agent for the enhancement of the ceramic product. In this work, the hydroxyapatite with 0, 5, 10, and 15 wt% was replaced with the k-feldspar in the ceramic samples. The results revealed the physical and mechanical properties of the ceramic samples with various hydroxyapatite contents were investigated after heat treatment in the temperature range of 1000–1200 °C. The ceramic samples added with hydroxyapatite have higher linear shrinkage and bulk density as compared with the ceramic sample without hydroxyapatite. The apparent porosity and water absorption decreased to near zero after the heat treatment at a temperature of 1200 °C. Moreover, the results showed that the physical properties affected the mechanical properties improvement after the hydroxyapatite addition and heat treatment process.     

Analysis of the effect of the test rate on polymer essential work of fracture parameters for the small punch test

In recent decades, one of the non‐standard tests that has been consolidated as a viable alternative in those cases where there is not sufficient material to carry out standard tests is the small punch test. This test basically consists of deforming a miniature specimen using a high strength punch. It is possible for this miniature specimen to have an initial pre‐notch with the aim of improving the fracture behavior estimation of the material analyzed. Recently, to characterize the fracture properties of polymer sheets under plane stress conditions, there has been an attempt to establish the feasibility of applying the essential work of fracture (EWF) method in polymer pre‐notched miniature specimens. This article intends to go one step beyond and focuses on the test rate, which is an important aspect in the EWF application. Its effect on the EWF parameters in polymer pre‐notched miniature specimens has been analyzed and its correlation has been established with the results obtained from standard specimens. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43314.     

Comparing the performances of bricks made with natural clay and clay activated by calcination and addition of sodium silicate

The mix between 4 M to 12 M NaOH solution and aluminosilicate material forms a thick paste that can be compacted in a mold in order to manufacture bricks at relatively low temperatures (< 100 °C). Starting materials available in Senegal consist of soils that primarily contain kaolin. In this study, we compare the performance of clay from the Niemenike deposit and clay pre-treated at 700 °C. The performance of the two clays depends on the temperature of curing and on the time of curing. In long-term tests (1 week to 3 months), for bricks kept at 40 °C/60% RH, strength did not increase with time for both clays (natural and calcined) activated with sodium hydroxide but this depends on the NaOH concentration. The maximum strength is obtained after 14 days for all concentrations. For all concentrations and periods, strength obtained with natural clay is greater.For short-term tests (6 h, 12 h, 24 h), with bricks kept at 120 °C/0% RH, the situation changed. The calcined clay gave the best mechanical performances. For all cases, long-term or short term, calcined or not, strength increased with concentration. The bricks produced in this fashion are durable and relatively inexpensive to make.     

Enhancements of clay exfoliation in polymer nanocomposites using a chemical blowing agent

A novel approach, via the use of a blowing agent (BA), to enhance clay exfoliation in polymer nanocomposites is reported. A commercial organoclay was treated with a common low‐cost BA, which was then melt‐processed with polymers in an extruder. The characterization results revealed that the degrees of exfoliation of the clay were increased when using BA. Consequently, the resultant nanocomposites exhibited improvements in thermal degradation temperature as compared to their corresponding polymers and nanocomposites without the involvement of BA. They also presented simultaneous improvements in stiffness, strength, ductility and toughness. These property enhancements were mainly attributed to the presence of BA in clay interlayers which degraded during melt compounding, generated gases and pushed clay layers apart, facilitating clay exfoliation under the shear forces. This work demonstrates the potential of using a BA to produce high‐performance polymer/clay nanocomposites by melt processing. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry     

Characteristics of polyester polymer concrete using spherical aggregates from industrial by‐products

Despite its excellent physical and mechanical properties, polymer concrete has not been widely used owing to its much higher unit price than conventional portland cement concrete. To ensure the economic efficiency of polymer concrete, it is utmost important to reduce the use of polymer binder, which occupies most of the production cost of polymer concrete. Based on the experimental investigations, replacing filler (calcium carbonate) and fine aggregate (river sand) with fly ash and rapid‐cooled steel slag (RCSS), which are spherical materials obtainable from industrial by‐products, was found to be effective for improving the strength characteristics and durability as well as the cost efficiency of polymer concrete. The product developed in this study successfully reduced the demand for polymer binder by 21.3% compared to the conventional product, which in turn saved the total material costs by 18.5%. Although the use of RCSS showed performance degradation at an elevated temperature condition, considering typical temperature ranges that actual concrete infrastructures experience, it is expected that the polymer concrete using fly ash and RCSS will provide high‐level performances as construction and repair materials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Preparation,characterization, and physical properties of lightweight ceramics by using sewage sludge ash

In the present study, sewage sludge ash (SSA) was added to clay to prepare lightweight ceramics for sustainable construction materials. The characterization and the effect of different concentrations of SSA on the physical and mechanical properties of the samples were studied. The results showed that the organic matter in SSA facilitated the combustion process. SSA addition reduced the bulk density from (1.94 to 1.32 g/cm³). Otherwise, the water absorption, the apparent porosity and the loss on ignition increased with the increase in SSA concentration. The addition of SSA lowered the compression strength but still within the standard range of the construction materials at concentration up to (30 wt.%). Furthermore, heavy metals are solidified inside the sintered samples, since Cu, Cd, Fe, Zn, Cr, Mn, Ni, and Pb, concentrations in the leachate met the range of Egyptian standard specification.     

改性粘土制备粘土/POE纳米复合材料的力学性能研究

研究粘土的种类以及用量对所制得的粘土/聚烯烃弹性体(POE)纳米复合材料力学性能的影响。结果表明,在添加相同粘土份数下,与I.30P有机粘土以及十六烷基三甲基溴化铵(CTAB)改性有机粘土相比,I.44P有机粘土制备的粘土/POE纳米复合材料的各向力学性能最佳;随着粘土用量(10份以内)的增加,粘土/POE纳米复合材料的各项力学性能也在不断增强。     

New fracture characterization in polymer miniature specimens based on the essential work of fracture

The fracture characterization under plane‐stress conditions in polymer sheets in recent decades has usually been done through the application of the essential work of fracture (EWF) method. However, when deeply double‐edged, notched tensile standard specimens cannot be obtained, the use of alternative small pieces, such as prenotched miniature specimens, could be a viable solution. This is why we examined the new fracture characterization in polymer‐prenotched small punch test (SPT) specimens in this study. With the results that we obtained, the feasibility of using prenotched SPT specimens for evaluating the EWF parameters and their correspondence with the results from standard specimens were established. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 132, 42837.     

Compatibilization of kraft lignin‐polyethylene composites using unreactive compatibilizers

This article presents a novel approach to compatibilize Kraft lignin with polyethylene that involves the use of modified poly (styrene‐co‐ethylene‐co‐butylene‐co‐styrene) (SEBS) as unreactive compatibilizers. As SEBS shows no compatibilizing effect on Kraft lignin‐polyethylene composites, SEBS was functionalized via nitration followed by amination to obtain nitrated (SEBS‐NO₂) and aminated (SEBS‐NH₂) SEBS. The compatibilizing effects of SEBS derivatives were studied by means of morphological and mechanical analyses. The results show that SEBS‐NO₂ is less effective than SEBS‐NH₂, the later displaying comparable compatibilizing efficiency to a commercial reactive compatibilizer based on maleated polyethylene. Overall, compatibilization was found to decrease lignin particle size. Addition of SEBS‐NH₂ varying between 1% and 10% improved the tensile strength of composites by up to 96%, elongation at break by up to 64%, and impact strength by up to 48%. Finally, the crystallinity and density of the resulting composites were also studied. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 41040.     

Nanoindentation study of polydimethylsiloxane elastic modulus using Berkovich and flat punch tips

This article explores polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mechanical properties, and presents nanoindentation experiments with Berkovich and flat punch indenters. In the Berkovich tip quasi‐static nanoindentation test, there are pull‐in and pull‐off events observed during the initial tip contact, and when withdrawing from the surface, respectively. The pull‐in interaction needs to be accounted for to properly determine the initial contact point, and thus the accurate contact area. Once accounted for the pull‐in event, the Berkovich and flat punch tips quasi‐static nanoindentation tests give comparable results of about 1.5 MPa for the PDMS elastic modulus (5 : 1 elastomer base to the curing agent ratio). However, PDMS unloading stiffness is higher than the loading stiffness, and dynamic PDMS testing yields higher elastic modulus of about 3.6 MPa. While these results are comparable with the large strain macroscopic compression test results, the difference underscores the complexity of elastomer mechanical characterization and illustrates the discrepancies typical of the reported values. This article describes nanoindentation methods and critical aspects of interpreting results to assess PDMS mechanical properties. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41384.     

Thin film initiation of cracks for fracture toughness measurements in epoxy resins

The first step in accurately measuring the fracture toughness of a polymeric material is to generate a sharp crack in the sample. Often this is accomplished by tapping a razor blade into the sample, allowing a natural crack to grow; however, it can be difficult to control the crack propagation. Alternate methods for initial crack generation are investigated, including scoring the sample with a razor blade and inserting thin films or foils into the samples during cure. Fluoropolymer films and aluminum and stainless steel foils of various thicknesses are examined in a number of epoxy‐amine resins with a range of toughness and glass transition values. None of the alternative methods replicate the results of starting with a natural crack. Furthermore, it is difficult to form satisfactory test samples using fluoropolymer films. For relative toughness comparisons, either the scoring method or thin, ≤25.4 μm, foils can be used to initiate cracks with similar results. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 44364.     

Rheometric study of chitosan/activated carbon composite hydrogels for medical applications using an experimental design

Composite chitosan/activated carbon hydrogels were prepared with the vapor‐induced phase separation process. A rheometric study was performed with a factorial fractional design to determine the formulation and process parameters significantly influencing the mechanical properties of the gels. The results revealed that three factors played a key role in the storage modulus of the gels. According to the model, these factors could be classified with respect to their relative influence on the storage modulus in the following descending order: chitosan concentration > gel time of exposure to ammonia vapors > temperature of the reactor. Increasing these parameters led to an increase in the physical crosslinking density within the matrices and resulted in a reinforcement of the mechanical properties of the hydrogels. Two interactions were also shown to be significant and promoted the formation of supplementary junction zones within the matrix: the first one corresponded to the interaction between the chitosan concentration and the exposure time to ammonia vapors, and the second one concerned the interaction between the chitosan concentration and the temperature of the reactor. A second‐order model was obtained from statistical analysis. Because of the determination coefficient (89.4%) and the P value related to the lack of adjustment of the model (0.043), which was associated with a 95% confidence level, this model could be considered to be of good quality. Three gels were used to validate the model, and good accuracy was obtained. The maximum elastic modulus was obtained with the highest chitosan concentration [4% (w/v)], the highest temperature in the gelation chamber (50°C), and the longest time of exposure to ammonia vapors (24 h). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Comparison of the macroscale and microscale tests for measuring elastic properties of polydimethylsiloxane

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has many biomedical applications, since it is biocompatible, easy to fabricate and inexpensive. The response of biological cells and tissues is affected by the mechanical properties of the PDMS surface, which can be controlled by varying the crosslinking percentage. It is essential to find reliable ways to measure elastic properties of PDMS prepared with different surface conditions or stiffness gradients. In this paper, the elastic modulus of PDMS was measured at different scales as a function of the crosslinking percentage varied from 2% to 9%. Macroscopic compression and tension tests were used and compared with the nano‐JKR (Johnson‐Kendall‐Roberts) method applied to a microindentation test. Depending on the test, the PDMS elastic modulus increased from 10 to 85 fold with the crosslinking percentage change from 2% to 9%. The PDMS elastic modulus varied as a sigmoid function with the crosslinking percentage for each type of test. The compression macroscale test is the easiest way to estimate the elastic modulus of stiffer PDMS with higher crosslinking percentage. For the more compliant and tacky PDMS samples with lower crosslinking percentage the nano‐JKR test is more suitable, as it is sensitive and accounts for the surface adhesion forces. The samples with the lower crosslinking percentage are much less stiff in tension than in compression, resembling liquid‐like behavior. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42680.     

Optimization of the ceramic ink used in Direct Ink Writing through rheological properties characterization of zirconia-based ceramic materials

Understanding and optimization the rheological properties characterization of zirconia (ZrO₂) based ceramics inks is critical for optimizing the production of Direct Ink Writing (DIW) components to achieve complex structures with similar properties as those obtained by using the traditional processing routes. In this work, ZrO₂ based ceramic materials with different yttrium contents (3 and 8 mol %) were designed and produced by DIW to determine the most suitable ceramic ink composition in terms of the rheological properties (e.g. flow curves, viscosity, loss modulus G′, storage modulus G″, etc.) to design new components. Different ceramic inks with charges up to 75 wt % were prepared and characterized. A systematic study of the feedstock, as well as the different ceramic inks, was performed to determine the optimal ceramic charge. This characterization evidences that rheological properties of zirconia based ceramic inks are influenced by the particle size and amount of ceramic content. Furthermore, the rheological study highlights that the ZrO₂ inks present a Non-Newtonian behavior depending on the ceramic content. Results revealed that the yttrium content affects the flow properties of ZrO₂ suspensions in such a way that, higher shear rate was required to make the suspensions flow at increasing the amount of powder. It was also found that the best rheological properties corresponded to 73 and 70% for the 3Y- and 8Y–ZrO₂ of ceramic charge, respectively.     

陶瓷天线罩防潮保护涂层的研究

采用有机硅树脂和有机氟树脂为原料,制备了具有优良的力学性能、介电性能、耐环境性能及基体增强作用的陶瓷天线罩防潮涂层,分析了材料体系、组成、结构与各项性能之间的关系,结果表明,该涂层是理想的天线罩涂层.     

Effect of montmorillonite clay addition on the morphological and physical properties of Jatropha curcas L. and Glycine max L. protein concentrate films

Protein concentrates from jatropha (JPC) and soy seeds (SPC) were obtained by solubilization and acid precipitation of proteins. JPC and SPC films were prepared by the casting method, using two different montmorillonite (MMT) clay concentrations and plasticized with glycerol. Film properties were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, tensile properties, water retention, and water vapor transmission rate (WVRT). Typical tactoid microcomposite structures were found to be heterogeneously dispersed in the films containing MMT. A small XRD peak was found in films with MMT. Slight improvements in thermal stability and tensile strength were observed in the films with MMT. Reductions in water retention and WVRT were obtained when MMT was added into the films. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44459.     

Indentation size effect of multiple orders of magnitude in polydimethylsiloxane

Indentation tests at indentation depths from 200 nm up to 100 μm were performed on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The universal hardnesses in the elastomer were determined by microindentation and nanoindentation systems with Berkovich indenter tips and exhibited enormous increases of several orders of magnitude with decreasing indentation depth. Frank elasticity type molecular interactions were suggested as a rationale for the observed indentation size effect, which could have been related to material models with rotational gradients. A corresponding hardness model yielded good agreement with the experimental data. Other explanations for the indentation size effects in polymers in the literature are discussed in view of these experimentally determined and astonishing hardness increases in PDMS. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013