Effect of the shape of hydrogel samples on their stretch-fracture properties

Hydrogels have broad application prospects, but the measurement of their mechanical properties often lacks stability. This study investigates the mechanical properties of hydrogels, with a specific focus on the influence of sample geometry on the tensile-fracture testing results. In the process of stretching the hydrogel along its length, increasing the width and thickness will result in uneven stress distribution. When the width of PAM hydrogel is three times that of initial sample (5 mm of width), the elastic modulus, maximum stress, and maximum strain of PAM hydrogel are reduced by about 16.8%, 69.2%, and 26.5%, respectively. Similarly, compared to the initial sample (1 mm of thickness), the elastic modulus of the triple thickness sample was reduced by about 6.5%, the maximum stress was reduced by 31%, and the maximum strain was reduced by 18.3%. In contrast, increasing the length of the hydrogel can improve the tensile properties of the hydrogel. Finite element calculations support these findings that the size increase in the loading direction improves the stress dispersion uniformity. These results indicate that the shape (length, width and thickness) of the hydrogel sample affects the tensile properties of the hydrogel and should be paid attention in related studies.     

Use of Acrylic Functionalized (Meth)acrylic Cross‐Linked Polymer Microparticles in Photopolymerized Acrylic Films

The effect of reactive (meth)acrylic cross‐linked polymer microparticles (reactive CPM, also called reactive microgels) used as cross‐linking agents has been studied on the thermo‐mechanical properties of different photopolymerized thin films. The matrix was based on the copolymerization of isobornyl acrylate and ethoxy ethoxy ethyl acrylate or butyl acrylate. Various concentrations of CPM were initially blended with the monomers. These solutions were photopolymerized under UV radiation to obtain hard and transparent films. Since CPM were reactive respect to monomers, they acted as multifunctional cross‐linkers, resulting in networks after polymerization. The well distributed and highly functional CPM which connected acrylate linear chains worked as well defined chemical clusters and gave to the networks a very unique structure. By varying the reactive CPM concentration, the relationship between the number of double bonds introduced into the network by the CPM acting like cross‐linkers and the rubbery modulus of the films was determined from viscoelastic measurements. The structure of CPM, the average functionality and also crystallinity were modified to change networks properties. In addition, reactive groups have been preferentially introduced at the surface vicinity by using a new functional stabilizing agent. CPM were also compared to linear polymers with the same composition. From viscoelastic properties, it is concluded that CPM are very efficient cross‐linkers. However, very high CPM incorporation led to high extent of intramolecular reaction, reducing the cross‐linking efficiency. During thermal aging, CPM and linear copolymer seemed to rearrange leading the film structure to an equilibrium state.

TEM micrograph of a photopolymerized film (30 wt.‐% of CPM‐0% ODA + 70 wt.‐% of IBOA/EEEA) after thermal aging.     

Properties of Adhesives and their Applications

The stress analysis of an adhesively bonded lap joint requires more information on the mechanical properties of adhesives than it is normally furnished by the manufacturers. For this reason the tests were performed on the three types of adhesives covering a large range of properties. In order to get the true stress-strain curves in tension and compression the change in the Poisson's Ratio with strain was investigated. It was found that the Poisson's Ratio increases almost to the constant volume deformation value until the nonrecoverable deformation sets in. From that point the Poisson's Ratio begins to decrease. Considering only the range of the recoverable deformation, the computer programs developed for the stress analysis of metallic materials can be used for an adhesively bonded lap joint. The recoverable viscoelastic deformation was considered non linear elastic and by applying an effective stress-effective strain relationship the analysis was performed.     

On the Influence of Permeability and Young's Modulus on the Dehydration of a Strongly Shrinkable Two-Phase Porous Medium: A Model Sensibility Analysis and the Development of a Contact Mechanics Measurement Setup

A model that describes the mass transfer in a two-phase shrinkable porous media by using a classic Darcy law for the fluid relative to solid transfer has been recently developed by Cáceres et al.^[ 1-2 Cáceres , G. ; Bruneau , D. ; Jomaa , W. Two-phase shrinking porous media drying: A modeling approach including liquid pressure gradients effects . Drying Technology 2007 , 25 , 1927 – 1934 . Cáceres , G. Modeling the drying of a saturated shrinkable porous medium: Taking into account the liquid pressure. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Bordeaux, France, 2006 (in French).   ^] This model describes the coupling between the fluid pressure and the solid structure deformation tensor by using the Terzaghi stress tensor decomposition for the media and elastic constitutive law for the solid structure.^{[ 3} Terzaghi , K. Theoretical Soil Mechanics ; John Wiley & Sons : New York , 1943 .[Crossref] , [Google Scholar] ^]

The aim of this article is to point out the sensitivity of this model relative to the two main physical parameters that govern the coupled mass transfer and stress level in a strongly shrinkable porous medium, namely, permeability and the Young's modulus. An experimental setup that makes possible the simultaneous measurement of those two parameters as well as the Poisson ratio is developed in agreement with the recent theoretical suggestions of Lin et al. The experimental evolution of these quantities versus the moisture content is discussed for an agar gel.     

Slipping of carbon nanotubes in a rubber matrix

The interactions of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon black (CB) with rubber matrices are of great interest. Although both belong to the carbon filler family, their interactions are different. In this study the adhesion of CNTs, if any, with natural rubber (NR) was examined. Scanning electron microscopy examinations made on cryogenically fractured surfaces of a crosslinked NR sample containing 7% by weight of CNTs showed that the CNT bundles emerged from the side surface (narrowed by Poisson's ratio) and slowly slid back in when the deformation was removed. The protruded lengths were many times larger than the nanotube bundle diameters. This extensive slipping out of CNTs from the rubber matrix suggests that interfacial interactions between CNTs and NR are quite weak. In contrast, relatively strong interactions were found between CB and rubber, indicated by the large amount of bound rubber formation. Reinforcement of rubber by CNTs is therefore attributed to the large aspect ratio of CNT bundles. Physical entanglement with rubber molecules is then able to generate effective load transfer, replacing the strong adhesion found with CB. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Study on the Viscoelastic Poisson‘s Ratio of Solid Propellants Using Digital Image Correlation Method

Digital image correlation methods were used for further studies of the viscoelastic Poisson's ratio of solid propellants. The Poisson's ratio and the Young's relaxation modulus of solid propellants were separately determined in a single stress relaxation test. In addition, the effects of temperature, longitudinal strain, preload and storage time on the Poisson's ratio of solid propellants were discussed. The Poisson's ratio master curve and the Young's relaxation modulus master curve were constructed based on the time‐temperature equivalence principle. The obtained results showed that the Poisson's ratio of solid propellants is a monotone non‐decreasing function of time, the instantaneous Poisson's ratio increased from 0.3899 to 0.4858 and the time of the equilibrium Poisson's ratio occurred late when the temperature was varied from −30 °C to 70 °C. The Poisson's ratio increased with temperature and longitudinal strain, decreased with preload and storage time, while the amplitude Poisson's ratio increased with preload, decreases with longitudinal strain and storage time. The time of the equilibrium Poisson's ratio occurred in advance with the increase of longitudinal strain, preload and storage time.     

On‐line opto‐viscoelastic analysis of polypropylene fibres using multiple‐beam Fizeau fringes in transmission and a modified creep device

A creep device attached to an automated multiple‐beam Fizeau system in transmission was modified with a designed digital ruler. This device allows on‐line measurements of fibre length during creep experiments in terms of an analogue voltage value. The influence of sustained stress values on creep deformation and optical properties (n^||, n^? and Δn) for polypropylene (PP) fibres was studied interferometrically. The opto‐viscoelastic properties of PP fibres were determined for three different values of constant applied stress of 11.536, 18.717 and 25.905 MPa, at room temperature. Also, the variations of the cross‐sectional area and Poisson's ratio were studied during creep extensions. The compliance curves were obtained as a function of both time and applied stresses. Empirical formulae are suggested to describe the creep compliance curves for PP fibres, and the constants of these formulae were determined and described at each applied stress. A Kelvin chain was used to model the mechanical behaviour of the PP fibres under study. The effect of strain on the mean refractive indices, orientation function density and crystallinity was investigated as a result of the recorded data. Microinterferograms are given for illustration. The modified creep device with the designed digital ruler enables one to obtain instantaneous automatic accurate recording of fibre length values during creep experiments. Calculation of refractive indices, orientation function and crystallinity shows a difference in material behaviour at small stresses from that at higher stresses which may be attributed to different strain rates caused by different stresses. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

A Two‐Step Method Based on Micromechanical Models to Predict the Young's Modulus of Polymer Nanocomposites

A two‐step method is suggested to predict the Young's modulus of polymer nanocomposites assuming the interphase between polymer matrix and nanoparticles. At first, nanoparticles and their surrounding interphase are assumed as effective particles with core–shell structure and their modulus is predicted. At the next step, the effective particles are taken into account as a dispersed phase in polymer matrix and the modulus of composites is calculated. The predictions of the two‐step method are compared with the experimental data in absence and presence of interphase and also, the influences of nanoparticles size as well as interphase thickness and modulus on the Young's modulus of nanocomposites are explored. The predictions of the suggested model show good agreement with the experimental data by proper ranges of interphase properties. Moreover, the interphase thickness and modulus straightly affect the modulus of nanocomposites. Also, smaller nanoparticles create a higher level of modulus for nanocomposites, due to the large surface area at interface and the strong interfacial interaction between polymer matrix and nanoparticles.

     

氮氩流量比对玻璃基TiN薄膜的结构和硬度的影响

采用直流磁控溅射镀膜工艺,在不同的氮氩流量比条件下,制备了玻璃基TiN薄膜.通过X射线衍射仪(XRD)、场发射扫描电子显微镜(SEM、EDS)、纳米显微硬度仪,研究了TiN薄膜的组织结构、物相组成、表面形貌、元素成份、维氏硬度,分析了氮氩流量比对TiN薄膜结晶取向、硬度的影响机理.结果表明,在低的氮氩流量比条件下,TiN薄膜以(111)晶面择优取向;随着氮氩流量比增加,择优取向由(111)晶面向(200)晶面过渡;氮氩流量比为1∶2时薄膜以(200)晶面择优取向;继续增加氮氩流量比(1∶2 ～2∶1),TiN薄膜衍射峰强度降低,晶粒尺寸减小;当氮氩流量比增加到2∶1时,薄膜开始呈现非晶态.随着氮氩流量比的增加,薄膜硬度呈现先增加后减小的趋势;当氮氩流量比为1∶1时,TiN薄膜以(200)晶面择优取向结晶,组织致密均匀,晶粒尺寸最小,具有最大的硬度值(825 HV),相比未镀膜的玻璃基片,硬度值增加了20.44％.     

Stress/strain development around a spherical inclusion in a polymeric matrix: The effects of particle and matrix mechanical characteristics and thermal expansivity difference

For a spherical inclusion embedded in an infinite polymeric matrix, the Goodier Model, combined with thermal stress contribution, is applied to establish the stress/strain fields around a spherical particle in different particle/matrix combinations, including TiO₂, alumina, silica, steel, polystyrene, and polyvinyl butyral particles embedded in a range of polymeric matrices. This approach provides the basis for examining the effects of different parameters such as Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of the particle and matrix, and the thermal history of samples on the failure‐initiation criteria. An explanation is provided for divergent results obtained for very soft and elastic particles. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Technique development and measurement of Poisson's ratio,lateral creep behavior,and thermal and hygroscopic expansion of individual layers in magnetic tapes

An experimental technique was developed to measure the Poisson's ratio (lateral contraction over longitudinal elongation), lateral creep, and both thermal and hygroscopic expansion of thin polymeric films. A so‐called profile‐matching method was developed to measure the lateral and longitudinal deformation with the help of a laser scan micrometer. A thermomechanical analyzer was used to measure the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The laser scan technique was also used to measure the coefficient of hygroscopic expansion (CHE). The measurements were performed on magnetic tapes, substrates, and tapes with front coat or back coat, or with both coats stripped. A model based on the rule of mixtures was developed to determine the Poisson's ratio, lateral and longitudinal deformation behavior, and thermal expansion of the front coat and back coat. To investigate the mechanical degradation of the substrates during tape manufacturing, the data for substrate with the front and back coats removed from the tape, were compared with the data for the never‐coated virgin film. The relationship between the molecular structure and the degradation mechanism of the substrates is discussed. The magnetic tapes used in this research include two metal particle (MP) tapes and two metal evaporated (ME) tapes that use polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrates. Longitudinal and lateral deformation tests were performed at 25 ± 0.5°C and 50 ± 2%RH, and thermal expansion was measured from 15 to 70°C. The CHE was measured at 25 ± 0.5°C and 15–80%RH. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 2082–2096, 2003     

Improvement in mechanical properties of poly(p‐phenylene sulfide) fibers by high‐tension multiannealing method

High‐tension multiannealing (HTMA) was applied to improve the tensile properties of poly(p‐phenylene sulfide) fibers, which was furthermore applied to the fibers produced and improved with the zone‐drawing and zone‐annealing treatments. The HTMA treatment was repeatedly applied to the fibers under the conditions of a 250°C temperature and an applied tension of between 201.0 and 188.0 MPa. As a result, at the 13th treatment the degree of crystallinity increased to 40%. On the other hand, the orientation factor of crystallites increased dramatically to 0.982 during the zone‐drawing treatment, but increased only slightly during the subsequent treatments of zone annealing and HTMA. The finally obtained fiber had a tensile modulus of 10.4 GPa and a tensile strength of 0.73 GPa. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 75: 1569–1576, 2000     

Selective Coating of SnS on the Bio‐Inspired Moth‐Eye Patterned PEDOT:PSS Polymer Films

A new strategy for the selective coating of tin sulfide (SnS) on the surface of moth‐eye patterned (MEP) conducting polymer film is studied by considering the optical properties of the antireflective moth‐eye pattern and flexibility of polymer films. The semiconductor SnS is selectively coated on the surface of MEP microdomes of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrene‐sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) film. The SnS coated MEP film is obtained by using pore selectively SnS thin layer functionalized polystyrene honeycomb‐patterned porous (HCP) film as a template. Aqueous PEDOT:PSS solution is poured on the SnS functionalized HCP films and detached for the fabrication of SnS coated MEP films. The films show a satisfactory photo‐responsive property under solar stimulated light illumination due to the antireflective MEP structure of PEDOT film and homogenous SnS coating on the surface of the conducting polymer.     

Preparation of Nonspherical Fluorinated Acrylate Polymer Particles by a “Surface Tension Controlling” Method and Their Applications in Light‐Diffusing Films

A facile “surface tension controlling” method is proposed for the preparation of nonspherical fluorinated acrylate polymer particles (FANPPs) with four different morphologies by adjusting the compositions of polystyrene (PS) cores and monomers in shell layers. The FANPPs are fabricated through an inexpensive and template‐free emulsion polymerization process that allows control of their morphologies. Scanning electronic microscopy, the Wilhelmy plate method, and differential scanning calorimetry are applied to investigate the structures and properties of the FANPPs. The formation mechanism of these unique morphologies is rationalized in terms of a selective wetting process, whereby surface tension and incompatibility between the PS cores and fluorinated shell layers are modified. These novel nanoparticles are first applied to fabricate light‐diffusing films that show both high transmittance and high haze value. The light‐diffusing properties are tested by means of a haze meter. The nonspherical structure of the FANPPs greatly influences their light‐diffusing properties.     

Use of Hydroxyl Functionalized (Meth)acrylic Cross‐Linked Polymer Microparticles as Chain Transfer Agent in Cationic Photopolymerization of Cycloaliphatic Epoxy Monomer, 2

This study is related to the use of hydroxyl functional acrylic cross‐linked polymer microparticles (CPM, also named microgels) as a chain transfer agent in cationic photopolymerization of cycloaliphatic epoxy monomer. All CPM were based on butyl acrylate and were consequently rubbery at ambient temperature. The effect of the stabilizing acrylate monomer used during the CPM synthesis was evaluated with respect to the viscoelastic properties of the photopolymerized cationic‐type epoxy films. The viscoelastic properties were correlated to the photopolymerized film morphology observed by transmission electron microscopy. Two acrylate monomers used as stabilizing agents during CPM synthesis were compared: cardura acrylate (CA) and lauryl acrylate (LA). CA was a good stabilizer for CPM in epoxy monomer before photocure and the CPM were well dispersed into the network after reaction. In contrast, LA was a poor stabilizer resulting in large CPM aggregation. The blend of these two types of CPM led to intermediate morphology, probably because of the flocculation of the CPM stabilized with LA. Conversely, CPM synthesized with a blend of the two stabilizing acrylate monomers induced in epoxy matrix a specific bi‐continuous morphology and consequently unique viscoelastic properties.

TEM micrographs of a photopolymerized film with 15 wt.‐% CPM(BA + 20%HEA)‐20%CA + 15% CPM(BA + 18%HEA)‐27%LA used as chain transfer agents.     

Effects of prior aging at 288°C in argon environment on time‐dependent deformation behavior of a thermoset polymer at elevated temperature,Part 2: Modeling with viscoplasticity theory based on overstress

The viscoplasticity based on overstress (VBO) is augmented to model the effects of prior isothermal aging in an argon environment on the inelastic deformation behavior of PMR‐15 neat resin, a high‐temperature thermoset polymer. VBO is a unified state variable theory with growth laws for three state variables: the equilibrium stress, the kinematic stress and the isotropic stress. A systematic model characterization procedure based on a limited number of well defined experiments is employed to determine the VBO parameters. Experimental findings presented in Part I reveal the equilibrium stress and the kinematic stress to be affected by prior aging. Based on the experimental results, the isotropic stress is developed as a function of prior aging time. In addition, several VBO model parameters are made dependent on prior aging time. Comparison with experimental data demonstrates that the modified VBO successfully predicts the inelastic deformation behavior of the PMR‐15 polymer subjected to prior isothermal aging for up to 2000 h. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Effects of prior aging at 288°C in argon environment on time‐dependent deformation behavior of a thermoset polymer at elevated temperature,part 1: Experiments

The inelastic deformation behavior of PMR‐15 neat resin, a high‐temperature thermoset polymer, aged at 288°C in argon environment for up to 2000 h was investigated. The experimental program was designed to explore the in?uence of prior isothermal aging on monotonic loading and unloading at various strain rates. In addition, the relaxation response and the creep behavior of specimens subjected to prior aging of various durations were evaluated. All tests were performed at 288°C. The time‐dependent mechanical behavior of the PMR‐15 polymer is strongly influenced by prior isothermal aging. The elastic modulus increased and the departure from quasi‐linear behavior was delayed with prior aging time. Stress levels in the region of inelastic flow increased with prior aging time. Furthermore, prior aging significantly decreased the polymer's capacity for inelastic straining, including the material's capacity to accumulate creep strain. Conversely, the relaxation response was not affected by the prior aging. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.? J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Synergistic effects of carbon fillers on tensile and flexural properties in liquid‐crystal polymer based resins

One emerging market for thermally and electrically conductive resins is bipolar plates for use in fuel cells. Adding carbon fillers to thermoplastic resins increases the composite thermal and electrical conductivity. These fillers have an effect on the composite tensile and flexural properties, which are also important for bipolar plates. In this study, various amounts of three different types of carbon (carbon black, synthetic graphite particles, and carbon fibers) were added to Vectra A950RX liquid‐crystal polymer. In addition, composites containing combinations of fillers were also investigated via a factorial design. The tensile and flexural properties of the resulting composites were then measured. The objective of this study was to determine the effects and interactions of each filler with respect to the tensile and flexural properties. The addition of carbon black caused the tensile and flexural properties to decrease. Adding synthetic graphite particles caused the tensile and flexural modulus to increase. The addition of carbon fiber caused the tensile and flexural modulus and ultimate flexural strength to increase. In many cases, combining two different fillers caused a statistically significant effect on composite tensile and flexural properties at the 95% confidence level. For example, when 40 wt % synthetic graphite particles and 4 wt % carbon black were combined, the composite ultimate tensile and flexural strength increased more than what would be expected from the individual additive effect of each single filler. It is possible that linkages were formed between the carbon black and synthetic graphite particles that resulted in improved ultimate tensile and flexural strength. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Viscoelastic behavior in a hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene gum and its highly filled composites: Effect of the type of filler on the relaxation processes

Investigations have been ongoing to learn the rheological and/or mechanical behavior of composite solid propellants based on hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB). The mechanical properties of these materials are related to the macromolecular structure of the binder as well as to the content and nature of the fillers. The viscoelastic behavior of an HTPB binder and its composites with different types of fillers was surveyed by dynamic mechanical analysis over a wide range of temperatures. This technique has clearly demonstrated a two‐phase morphology developed in these systems. The temperature location, intensity, and apparent activation energy of the distinct relaxations are discussed. The dependency of the relaxation processes on filler content in a series of composites has elucidated the interactions between the filler particles and the existing hard‐ and soft‐segment domains within the polyurethane matrix. It was observed that the nature of the filler significantly affects the relaxation process associated with the hard‐segment domains of the polymeric structure. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 1705–1712, 2003