On the microhardness testing of electrically stressed poly(phenylene oxide): Polystyrene blends

Microhardness measurements have been performed on untreated (virgin) and electrically stressed, solvent‐cast laboratory‐prepared samples of pure poly(phenylene oxide) (PPO), pure polystyrene (PS), and PPO : PS polyblends with different weight proportions. Results of such measurement on untreated polyblend sample show that microhardness (H_v) increases with increase in the content of PS up to 10 wt %, which attributed to the existence of homogeneous phase morphology. However, this feature is not observable in samples containing higher content of PS. Electrical stress is found to modify considerably the mechanical property of polymer. The effect of electric field on the microhardness of such samples (PPO : PS :: 90 : 10) has been characterized by the existence of a peak. Trapping of charge carriers in electrically stressed samples imparts hardening to the polyblend up to an applied step field of 190 kV/cm. However, the excessive charging beyond this step field value destroys this characteristic. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Structure–microhardness correlation in blends of nylon 6/nylon 66 monofilaments

The microstructure (crystallinity, long spacing) and the micromechanical properties (microhardness H) of two series of nylon 6 and nylon 66 monofilaments and their blends were investigated as a function of annealing temperature T_A and uniaxial deformation in a wide composition range. In case of the homopolymers, the gradual rise of microhardness with T_A is interpreted in the light of the increasing values of the crystallinity α and the hardness of the crystals H_c. The depression of the hardness values of the blends from the additive behavior of the hardness of individual components is discussed in the basis of the crystallinity depression of one component by the second one and viceversa. Finally, the influence of drawing and pressing the blends at 130°C which leads to a hardness increase is also explained in the light of an increase in the H_c value of nylon 66 due to orientation. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 77: 636–643, 2000     

On the relationship between modulus of elasticity and microhardness

The correlation between the modulus of elasticity, on the one side, and Vickers microhardness and total microhardness, on the other side, was analyzed in the case of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylenes. An extension of the application of the power relation between microhardness and the modulus (MH = aE^b) obtained by different methods was suggested. A linear dependence between constants obtained by Vickers and total microhardness measurements and other different techniques of modulus measurement was established, which signifies that both microhardness characteristics change their sensitivity toward the modulus in a similar way. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 1794–1798, 2003     

Measurement of nanoindentation properties of polymers considering adhesion effects between AFM sharp indenter and material

Abstract

Nanomechanical properties of polymer samples were calculated using an adhesive contact model appropriate for AFM indentation problems. A series of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) samples were indented by the sharp indenter in the air by using an AFM, and dozens of the force–displacement curves of each sample were obtained. An adhesive contact model suitable for sharp indentation with adhesion was established based on the same assumptions of the JKR model which is only suitable for spherical indentation at small penetration depth. Differences between sharp indentation problems with and without adhesion were discussed, and the limitations of the traditional adhesion model were given. The elastic modulus was obtained by fitting experimental force–displacement curves with theoretical ones, and results were compared to those macroscopic values in literature. The adhesion energy between the indenter and the sample surface was accurately calculated using the adhesion model based on the calculated elastic modulus. The influence of the indenter tip angle on the calculation results of the elastic modulus was also discussed theoretically. In this study, the mechanical properties of polymer samples were calculated at the nanoscale considering the adhesion effect.     

The effect of supercooling on crystallization of cocoa butter-vegetable oil blends

The solid fat content (SFC), Avrami index (n), crystallization rate (z), fractal dimension (D), and the pre-exponential term [log(γ)] were determined in blends of cocoa butter (CB) with canola oil or soybean oil crystallized at temperatures (T _Cr) between 9.5 and 13.5°C. The relationship of these parameters with the elasticity (G′) and yield stress (σ^*) values of the crystallized blends was investigated, considering the equilibrium melting temperature (T _M ^o) and the supercooling (i.e., T _Cr ^o−T _M ^o) present in the blends. In general, supercooling was higher in the CB/soybean oil blend [T _M ^o=65.8°C (±3.0°C)] than in the CB/canola oil blend [T _M ^o=33.7°C (±4.9°C)]. Therefore, under similar T _Cr values, higher SFC and z values (P<0.05) were obtained with the CB/soybean oil blend. However, independent of T _Cr TAG followed a spherulitic crystal growth mechanism in both blends. Supercooling calculated with melting temperatures from DSC thermograms explained the SFC and z behavior just within each blend. However, supercooling calculated with T _M ^o explained both the SFC and z behavior within each blend and between the blends. Thus, independent of the blend used, SFC described the behavior of G′_eq and σ^* and pointed out the presence of two supercooling regions. In the lower supercooling region, G′_eq and σ^* decreased as SFC increased between 20 and 23%. In this region, the crystal network structures were formed by a mixture of small β′ crystals and large β crystals. In contrast, in the higher supercooling region (24 to 27% SFC), G′_eq and σ^* had a direct relationship with SFC, and the crystal network structure was formed mainly by small β′ crystals. However, we could not find a particular relationship that described the overall behavior of G′_eq and σ^* as a function of D and independent of the system investigated.     

Thermal and mechanical properties of oxymethylene linked polymers

A series of novel polymers has been prepared by linking together copolymers of oxyethylene and oxypropylene with an oxymethylene link. Oxymethylene linked (OML) polymers have been made by a step polymerization reaction. Three different OML polymers have been synthesized starting from three different short chain triblock (ABA) copolymers of poly(oxyethylene) (A) and poly(oxypropylene) (B). These polymers have been characterized by gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The mechanical properties of the cast films and the rheological properties of aqueous solutions of these new polymers have been studied. It has been observed that it is possible to modulate the thermal and mechanical properties of these polymers by changing the starting materials. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Curing behavior and thermal mechanical properties of cyanate ester blends

Cyanate esters are a class of important thermally resistant polymers. To tailor their processability and thermomechanical properties, a series of cyanate ester blends based on a trifunctional novolac cyanate ester (HF‐5), a difunctional bisphenol E cyanate ester (HF‐9), and a reactive catalyst [2,2′‐diallyl bisphenol A (DBA)] were formulated. The effect of the blend composition on the rheology and curing behavior of these cyanate ester blends and the corresponding thermal and mechanical properties of the cured cyanate ester blends was studied. The results showed that HF‐5 contributed to good mechanical property retention at high temperatures because of its trifunctionality, whereas HF‐9 imparted processability by reducing the viscosity and extending the pot life of the formulated cyanate ester blends at the processing temperature. On the basis of the results, an optimal cyanate ester blend suitable for resin transfer molding was determined: the HF‐5/HF‐9/DBA weight ratio of 80 : 15 : 5 exhibited good processability and thermomechanical properties. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4284–4290, 2006     

Physical aging in the mechanical properties of miscible polymer blends

Changes in mechanical properties during isothermal physical aging were investigated for three miscible blends: polystyrene (PS)/poly(2,6-dimethyl 1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO), PS/poly(vinylmethylether) (PVME), and poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA)/poly(ethyleneoxide) (PEO). The kinetics of stress relaxation was investigated for the blend, dilute in one component, and compared with that of the neat major component at equal temperature distances, Tg-T, from the midpoint glass transition temperature. It is demonstrated that for all three blends, the mean stress relaxation time (τ) does not scale with Tg-T. For PS/PPO and PS/PVME blends, the stress relaxation rates are faster compared to neat PS; for PMMA/PEO, they are slower than for neat PMMA. Two effects appear to be important in contributing to this discrepancy. First, addition of the second component produces a change in the packing density of the blend: less dense for PS/PPO and PS/PVME; more dense for PMMA/PEO. Comparison of average free volume hole sizes and fractional free volumes measured via orthopositronium annihilation lifetime measurements for all three blends versus the pure constituents are qualitatively consistent with this interpretation. Second, because of the presence of concentration fluctuations in the blend, it is expected that the initial stress decay is dominated by regions enriched in the more mobile component. From observations of the change in width of the stress relaxation time distribution, this effect appears to be particularly significant in the PS/PVME blend. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 63: 483–496, 1997     

Improving the mechanical properties of enamel by nickel nanoparticle addition

In order to improve the mechanical properties of enamel and prolong its service life, the effects of nickel particles on the microscopic morphology and mechanical properties of enamel were studied by XRD, FTIR, DSC, SEM, porosity analyses, nanoindentation, and bending experiments, and the following conclusions were drawn. When the addition amount of Ni nanoparticles added to enamel ranges from 1 to 5 wt.%, the mechanical impact resistance of enamel is improved compared with no addition. With the addition of 1 wt.% Ni nanoparticles, it enhanced the toughness of the enamel and the maximum bending strength of the enamel was achieved, which was 10% higher than that of the samples without Ni nanoparticles. Therefore, the addition of the optimal Ni nanoparticle content of 1 wt.% significantly improved the performance of enameled pressure vessels.The findings in this work are valuable for extending the life of enamel-coated pressure vessels and thus reducing accidents caused by them.     

Mechanical properties of polypropylene fibers produced from the binary polymer blends of different molecular weights

The mechanical properties of multifilament yarns, spun from the blends of a plastic‐grade polymer with a fiber‐grade CR‐polymer in the composition range of 10–50 wt % added, were investigated. The predicted modulus of a two‐phase blend, calculated from several representative equations, was compared with the elastic modulus of drawn yarns, determined from the stress vs. strain curve and dynamic modulus obtained from the sound velocity measurements. The best fit was achived with the Kleiner's simplex equation. For both the static and dynamic elastic modulus, the largest negative deviation is seen at the 80/20 and 60/40 plastic/fiber‐grade polymer blend composition, while the largest positive deviation is seen at the 90/10 plastic/fiber‐grade polymer blend composition, suggesting good compatibility of both polymers, when only a small percent of the fiber‐grade CR‐polymer is added. Improved spinnability and drawability of blended samples led to the yarns with the tensile strength over 8 cN/dtex, elastic modulus over 11 GPa and dynamic modulus over 15.5 GPa. Structural investigations have shown that the improved mechanical behavior of blended samples, compared to the yarn spun from the pure plasic‐grade polymer, is the consequence of a higher degree of crystallinity, and above all, of a much higher orientation of macromolecules. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 75: 1211–1220, 2000     

Gas permeability and mechanical properties of polystyrene–polypropylene blends

Permeability to water vapor and oxygen, elastic modulus, tensile strength, and impact strength of polystyrene–polypropylene and high-impact polystyrene–polypropylene blends were determined as functions of blend composition and morphology. Three types of styrene–butadiene block copolymers were tested as compatibilizers and found to improve mechanical properties of blends. The experimental data on permeability and modulus were compared with the predictions for the studied binary and ternary blends. The predictive scheme employs a two-parameter equivalent box model and the data on phase continuity of constituents calculated using general equations derived from percolation theory. Blends with decreased permeability and plausible mechanical properties were proposed with regard to intended applications in food packaging. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 69: 2615–2623, 1998     

Crystallinity and mechanical properties of polylactide/ether‐amide copolymer blends

The present study focuses on the improvement of impact properties and particularly on the interaction between crystallinity development and mechanical properties of impact modified polylactide (PLA). The PLA was toughened by the addition of a random linear ether‐amide copolymer (PEBAX 3533?). A random copolymer of ethylene, methyl‐acrylate, and glycidyl‐methacrylate (LOTADER AX8900?) was also used to reactively compatibilize the ether‐amide copolymer with the PLA matrix. Melt rheology of the blends was investigated in small amplitude oscillatory shear and showed that the impact modifier could significantly influence the viscoelastic response of the material. The Izod impact resistance and tensile properties were measured using standard testing protocols. The blend morphology was also examined using scanning electron microscopy on cryofractured and microtomed surfaces, while the crystalline morphology was assessed by optical microscopy. A sub‐micron dispersion of the impact modifier was achieved in the presence of the reactive compatibilizer. Significantly improved impact strength was found with 10 wt % impact modifier. High crystallinity samples showed the highest impact strength with values reaching 68 kJ/m², hence a 20‐fold improvement with respect to the neat PLA. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134 , 44677.     

Study on microhardness,dynamic mechanical,and tribological properties of PEEK/Al2O3 composites

The wear and friction properties of poly (ether‐ether‐ketone) (PEEK) reinforced with 0–33 vol % (60 wt %) micron size Al₂O₃ composites were evaluated at a sliding speed of 1.0 m/s and nominal pressure from 0.5 to 1.25 MPa under dry sliding conditions using a pin‐on‐disk wear tester. The wear resistance of the pure PEEK is 10‐fold higher than that of mild steel under the similar test condition. It is improved to 18‐fold as compared with mild steel at 3.5 vol % Al₂O₃ content. The improvement in wear properties may be attributed to the thin, tenacious, and coherent transfer film formed between the steel countersurface and composite pin. However, the wear resistance of PEEK containing above 3.5 vol % Al₂O₃ was deteriorated, despite their higher hardness and stiffness as compared with that of composites containing lower Al₂O₃ content. This is attributed to the formation of thick and noncoherent transfer film, which does not prevent the wear of the composites from hard asperities of countersurface. Moreover, hard Al₂O₃ particles present in transfer film act as third body wear mechanism. The coefficient of friction of the composites is higher than that of pure PEEK. SEM and optical microscopy have shown that wear of pure PEEK occurs by the mechanism of adhesion mainly whereas of PEEK composites by microploughing and abrasion. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Correlation of rheological and mechanical properties for blends of recycled HDPE and virgin polyolefins

This article investigates the rheological and mechanical properties for blends of recycled high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and virgin polyolefins and attempts to correlate relative shear viscosity and relative stiffness for these blends. These virgin polyolefins comprised a wide variety of flow characteristics, from high‐flow injection molding, low‐density and linear low‐density polyethylene to very low‐flow film blowing grade high‐density polyethylene. It can be seen that there is a variety of behaviors for the relative viscosity and relative stiffness of the blends studied. Relative viscosity and relative stiffness can largely be described by linear curves. This article categorizes these parameters according to the gradient of these linear curves. The difference between the relative viscosity gradient and relative stiffness gradient is identified as a product of a variety of factors, including branching content, viscosity level, and the nature of any side units. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 82: 3505–3512, 2001     

Mechanical and thermal properties of polyolefin thermoplastic elastomer blends

ABSTRACT

Polyolefin thermoplastic elastomers (POEs) are a class of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that can be easily processed. POEs have broad applications from automobiles to footwear and it is desirable to be able to alter the microstructure and properties. In this work, a systematic study of how blending and thermal processing of POEs affects mechanical and thermal properties is undertaken. Ethylene-octene copolymer POEs with different degrees of crystallinity are blended, compounded, and moulded and then slow cooled, quenched, or annealed. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results show that the blends are immiscible and that quenching suppresses crystallinity while annealing thickens crystals. More crystals of the same thickness or thicker crystals of the same amount in the blends result in a higher modulus, lower elastic recovery, and more residual strain or permanent deformation after tensile testing. Microstructural control will allow for the optimal design of elastomeric materials with anticipated properties.     

Influence of processing on the mechanical properties and morphology of starch-based blends for film applications

This article describes the effect of processing on the properties and morphology of thermoplastic starch (TPS) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blends and films with high starch content. Different process parameters were modified during compounding of blends and extrusion of blown films. Morphology was examined through scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical and optical characterization of films was carried out as well. Decreasing specific throughput during compounding led to an increase in strain at break of the blends from 66 to 497%. The tensile strength increased from 6 to 22 MPa as well. The highest elastic modulus and tear resistance were achieved at intermediate specific throughputs, whereas the maximum TPS particle size and the lowest color difference were obtained at high specific throughputs. A decrease of color difference from 6.4 to 2.2 was observed by reducing the temperature profile in 5 °C. In the case of blown film extrusion, increasing the temperature profile resulted in a reduction of color difference of the films from 7.9 to 4.2. In addition, tensile strength and strain at break slightly increased. Color difference decreased with decreasing screw speed as well. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47990.     

Rheological and mechanical properties of dynamic covalent polymers based on imine bond

Dynamic covalent polymers based on imine bond (FPIs), which are capable of reorganizing their constitution on the molecular level, are prepared from bio-based dimer fatty acids. The irregular structure of carbon chains in dimer fatty acids leads to the amorphous nature of FPIs. The effect of imine bond on the glass transition temperature of FPIs is studied by differential scanning calorimetry. The linear viscoelasticity of FPIs is investigated by small amplitude oscillatory shear tests and analyzed by using the Likhtman-McLeish theory. It is found that the rheological behavior of FPIs is similar with that of static, linear entangled polymers predicted by Likhtman-McLeish theory, when the dynamic chain arrangements caused by imine-bond exchange is not active enough. For FPIs, the temperature variation of viscosity is still following the Arrhenius law with an activation energy of ~50 kJ mol⁻¹. Owing to the thermal adaptability, FPIs demonstrate great malleability, self-healing capability and processing stability at elevated temperatures.     

Effect of the interface with solid on the interfacial region in the blends of linear polymers formed in situ

Blends of polyurethane and poly (methyl methacrylate) of various compositions were synthesized in situ in presence of various amounts of nanoparticles (fumed silica). From thermo‐ physical measurements it was found that the reaction is accompanied by the phase separation and evolution of two phases. The temperature transitions in the systems and their positions depend on the blend composition and on the filler amount. Using scanning differential calorimetry, the fraction of an intermediate region between two main phases has been estimated from the changing of heat capacity increments. It was observed that in filled polymer blends in the temperature region between two main relaxation transitions, there appears the third transition. This transition is supposed to be the result of the formation of adsorption layer at the interface with solid. The appearance of such an intermediate regions increases essentially the total fraction of an interfacial region in the system. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4646–4651, 2006     

Evaluation of adhesion properties of blends of cottonseed protein and anionic water-soluble polymers

There is increasing interest in agro-based, biodegradable and eco-friendly wood adhesives as partial replacements for petroleum-based adhesives. In this work, we studied the adhesion of cottonseed protein isolate (CPI) blended with several anionic water-soluble polymers. Anionic vinyl polymers studied included poly(acrylate), poly(acrylate-co-acrylamide), poly(vinyl sulfate), poly(vinyl sulfonate), and poly(vinyl phosphonate). Anionic polysaccharides studied included three types of carrageenan, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), low-methoxy pectin, alginate, and chondroitin sulfate. In general, the adhesive strength of CPI increased with the addition of anionic polymer up to a certain level and then decreased with further polymer addition. Different anionic polymers showed different enhancements. The best result for vinyl polymers was observed for the CPI/poly(vinyl sulfate) blend, which exhibited a 30% improved dry strength over CPI alone. The best results for the polysaccharides were obtained for the CPI/CMC and CPI/pectin blends, with improvements in dry adhesive strength over the CPI control of 66% and 50%, respectively. The CPI/CMC and CPI/pectin blends also showed improved hot water resistance. These findings suggest that the CPI/anionic polymer blends might be useful components in biobased wood adhesive formulations.     

Influence of processing conditions on the morphological and mechanical properties of compatibilized PP/LCP blends

The main aim of this work is to study the influence of the application of different processing conditions on the morphological and mechanical properties of thermoplastic/LCP blends, in which the viscosity ratios are inferior to unity and decrease with increasing temperature. The way the microstructure evolves along the extruder determines the final morphology and thus, the mechanical performance of the systems. In the present case, the mechanical properties are related with the degree of fibrillation in the final composites. The best degree of fibrillation was obtained for low screw speeds and temperatures and for intermediate outputs. The use of high screw speeds and processing temperatures results in a decrease of the viscosity ratio, in the former case via an increase in the viscous dissipation, at the regions of higher shear rates (kneading‐elements). The application of a lower processing temperature is advantageous for deformation, break‐up, and fibrillar formation because of the higher viscosity ratios and higher shear stresses involved. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007