Influence of fiber content on mechanical,morphological and thermal properties of kenaf fibers reinforced poly(vinyl chloride)/thermoplastic polyurethane poly-blend composites

Kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus) bast fiber reinforced poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) poly-blend was prepared by melt mixing method using Haake Polydrive R600 internal mixer. The composites were prepared with different fiber content: 20%, 30% and 40% (by weight), with the processing parameters: 140 °C, 11 min, and 40 rpm for temperature, time and speed, respectively. After mixing, the composite was compressed using compressing molding machine. Mechanical properties (i.e. tensile properties, flexural properties, impact strength) were studied. Morphological properties of tensile fracture surface were studied using Scanning electron microscope (SEM). Thermal properties of the composites were studied using Thermogravimetric Analyses (TGA). PVC/TPU/KF composites have shown lower tensile strength and strain with increase in fiber content. Tensile modulus showed an increasing trend with increase in fiber content. Impact strength decreased with increase in fiber content; however, high impact strength was observed even with 40% fiber content (20.2 kJ/m²). Mean while; the 20% and 30% fiber contents showed higher impact strength of 34.9, 27.9 kJ/m²; respectively. SEM showed that there is poor fiber/matrix adhesion. Thermal degradation took place in three steps. In the first step, composites as well as the matrix had a similar stability. At the second step, matrix showed a slightly better stability than the composites. At the last step, composites showed a better stability than the matrix.     

Optical properties of poly(vinyl chloride)/poly(ethylene oxide) blend

The relatively high dielectric constant poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was blended with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) polymer electrolytes to improve their electrical conductivity from the optical spectra of the given polymeric system. The optical properties in the UV–visible region of PVC polymer containing 0%, 20%, 50% and 70% by weight PEO are reported. The optical results obtained were analyzed in terms of the absorption formula for non-crystalline materials. The absorption coefficient and the optical band energy gap (E_opt) have been obtained from direct allowed transitions in k-space at room temperature. The width of the tail of localized states in the band gap (ΔE) was evaluated using the Urbach-edges method. It was found that both (E_opt) and (ΔE) vary with the concentration of the PEO complex in the polymer matrix. In addition, a correlation between the energy gap and the ac-conductivity as a function of PEO complex concentration is also reported.     

接枝共聚改性型医用聚氯乙烯

本文对增塑剂渗出性小或亲水性、生物相容性优异的接技共聚改性医用聚氯乙烯的研究进展进行了综述     

Thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of high density polyethylene composites filled with silicon carbide whiskers modified by cross-linked poly (vinyl alcohol)

A thin layer of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was coated on the surface of silicon carbide whiskers (SCWs) and crosslinked by glutaraldehyde, and then these modified whiskers (mSCWs) were incorporated into high density polyethylene (HDPE) to prepare HDPE/mSCW composites with a high thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity, mechanical properties, heat resistance, thermal stability and morphology of HDPE/mSCW and HDPE/SCW composites were characterized and compared. The results reveal that the thermal conductivity of both HDPE/SCW and HDPE/mSCW composites increases with the increase of filler loading, and reaches a maximum of 1.48 and 1.69?W/(m?K) at 40?wt% filler loading, which is 251.2% and 300.75% higher than that of HDPE, respectively. Significantly, HDPE/mSCW composites have a higher thermal conductivity than their HDPE/SCW counterparts with the same filler loading. In addition, the heat resistance, Young’s modulus and yield strength of both HDPE/SCW and HDPE/mSCW composites are also improved compared with that of HDPE. mSCW can be homogenously dispersed in the HDPE matrix, which contributes to the formation of thermally conductive networks by the inter-connection of mSCWs.     

Dielectric properties of montmorillonite clay filled poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(ethylene oxide) blend nanocomposites

Organic–inorganic nanocomposites of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)–poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blend filled with montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay up to 10 wt.% concentration were synthesized by aqueous solution-cast technique. The complex dielectric function, electrical conductivity, electric modulus and impedance spectra of the nanocomposites were measured in the frequency range 20 Hz–1 MHz at ambient temperature. A direct correlation was observed between the real part of dielectric function and the mean relaxation time of the polymer chain segmental dynamics, with the exfoliated and intercalated MMT clay structures, and the extent of miscibility between PVA and PEO due to hydrogen bonded bridging through exfoliated MMT clay nanosheets. The large increase of dielectric relaxation time revealed that the dispersed exfoliated nanoscale MMT clay in the polymers blend matrix produces a large hindrance to the polymer chain dynamics. Results confirm that the real part of dielectric function of the nanocomposites can be tailored by varying amount of MMT clay filler for their use as nanodielectric materials in the microelectronic technology.     

Crystallisation and miscibility of poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(vinyl chloride) blends

Isothermal crystallisation of blends of Poly(ethylene oxide) and Poly(vinyl chloride), PEO/PVC, was analysed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The influence of the amorphous polymer, PVC, on crystallisation rate of PEO was investigated using pure PEO as reference. Pure PEO and PEO/PVC blends were submitted to different crystallisation temperatures (from 40 to 58°C) and crystallisation times (from 1 to 72 h). Using the Hoffman-Weeks plot procedure, the equilibrium melting temperature, T _m°, was determined for pure PEO and for PEO/PVC blends with compositions (in wt%): 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40, 50/50, 40/60, 30/70 and 20/80. The lamellar thickness factor of PEO crystals for pure PEO and for the blends showed a strong decrease when the PVC content was higher than 60 wt%. A small depression in T _m° was verified as the composition of PVC was increased. From the depression in T _m° the polymer-polymer interaction parameter, ₁₂, was evaluated using the Nishi-Wang equation. The results indicate that the miscibility between PEO and PVC in the molten state depends on the blend composition. The crystallisation rate also depends on the blend composition: the richer in PVC is the blend, the slower the crystallisation process.     

Supermolecular structure and thermal properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/lignin composites

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) has been compounded with lignin (L) by a single-screw extruder. The influence of L presence and its content on the thermal properties and crystalline structure of PET has been studied. Morphological analyses evidenced good dispersion of the L particles in the PET matrix. Polarizing optical microscopy (POM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques were employed to measure the L particles dimension. The influence of L on the overall isothermal crystallization of PET was investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). L particles acting as nucleating agent in the composite increased the crystallization rate. The crystallization process was composed of primary and secondary stages. As the L content was increased in the composite, the primary crystallization progressively proceeded toward higher percentage of the crystallizable PET fraction. As evidenced by SAXS and wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), the L presence produced a noticeable enhancement of PET crystallinity and crystal dimensions.     

Effects of extrusion temperature on the rheological,dynamic mechanical and tensile properties of kenaf fiber/HDPE composites

The effects of extrusion processing temperature on the rheological, dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile properties of kenaf fiber/high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites were investigated for low and high processing temperatures. The rheological data showed that the complex viscosity, storage and loss modulus were higher with high processing temperature. Complex viscosities of pure HDPE and 3.4 wt% composite with zero shear viscosity of ⩽2340 Pa s were shown to exhibit Newtonian behavior while composites of 8.5 and 17.5 wt% with zero shear viscosity ⩾30,970 Pa s displayed non-Newtonian behavior. The Han plots revealed the sensitivity of rheological properties with changes in processing temperature. An increase in storage and loss modulus and a decrease in mechanical loss factor were observed for 17.5 wt% composites at high processing temperature and not observed at low processing temperature. Processing at high temperature was found to improve the tensile modulus of composites but displayed diminished properties when processed at low processing temperature especially at high fiber content. At both low and high processing temperatures, the tensile strength and strain of the composite decreased with increased content of the fiber.     

Thermal and mechanical properties of poly(trimethyelene terephthalate)/acid-treated multiwalled carbon nanotube composites

Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) and acid-treated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (OMWCNTs) composites were prepared using melt processing, and effect of CNT loading on thermal and mechanical properties of PTT have been investigated. Addition of OMWCNTs showed no effect on thermal stability, crystallization, and melting temperature of PTT matrix. Wide angle X-ray diffraction also showed no change in the crystallite size of PTT on addition of OMWCNTs. The tensile testing results showed that tensile modulus and tensile strength of PTT increased significantly on addition of OMWCNTs. The reinforcing effect of OMWCNTs was further confirmed by dynamic mechanical analysis, which showed noticeable increase in storage modulus and shift in the glass transition temperature on addition of OMWCNTs. Scanning electron microscopy studies showed good interfacial interaction between OMWCNTs and PTT matrix.     

Optimization of tribological and mechanical properties of nanocomposites of polyurethane/poly(vinyl acetate)/CaCO3

Properties of samples containing polyurethane (PU), poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and nanosize particles of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) are correlated with concentrations of these components. Interphase phenomena in PU/PVAc/CaCO3 nanohybrids have been studied before, we focus here on wear and scratch resistance. In addition to polymer blends containing CaCO3, the effects of adding CaCO3 with grafted PVAc, and CaCO3 with grafted silane and PVAc in varying ratios are also evaluated. For blends that do not contain the filler, a hypothesis explaining the concentration dependence of friction called the Bump Model is advanced and supported by the experimental results. In particular, we explain how creating a blend containing only 10% of a second polymer results in a dramatic drop of friction of the majority polymer. In single scratch testing, above 3% the filler displays 'its own' resistance to scratching. Chemical modification of the filler results in shallower residual depths--a consequence of improved interaction of the filler with the polymeric matrix. In sliding wear determination, strain hardening is seen for blends as well as for filler-containing composites. In tensile testing, addition of an unmodified filler increases the elongation at break and thus lowers the brittleness; the effect is even larger for chemically modified fillers.     

Structural,thermal, mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of cenosphere filled polypropylene composites

Polypropylene (PP)/cenosphere based composites were fabricated and characterized for their structural/morphological and mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, impact and dynamic mechanical properties such as storage and loss moduli as a function of temperature. The morphological attributes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) while the thermal characterizations were done by conducting differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The morphological investigations have revealed a uniformly distributed/dispersed state of the cenosphere in the bulk PP matrix of the composites. The WAXD/DSC studies have revealed a decrease in crystallinity of the composites with increase in cenosphere content. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed an enhancement in the energy dissipation ability of the composite with 10 wt.% of cenosphere and an increase in the storage modulus up to ∼30% in the composites relative to the soft PP-phase. The tensile modulus increased up to ∼43% accompanied by a nominal decrease in tensile strength while the strain at break remained largely unaffected. The impact strength of the composites marginally reduced compared to PP indicating a low-cost material-concept with maximized stiffness–toughness combination. The theoretical modeling of the tensile data revealed appreciable extent of phase-adhesion despite the cenospheres lack any surface modification indicating better extent of mechanical interlocking and surface-compatibility between polymer and filler. Fractured surface morphology indicated that the failure mode of the composites undergoes a switch-over from matrix-controlled shear deformation to filler-controlled quasi-brittle modes above a cenosphere loading of 10 wt.% in the composites.     

Static and dynamic mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride) loaded with aluminum oxide nanopowder

A series of nanocomposites from poly(vinyl chloride) loaded with different concentrations of Al₂O₃ nanopowder was prepared. The tensile mechanical properties of these composites were studied at different temperatures namely; stress–strain curves. The elastic modulus was calculated and found to decrease with increasing both filler loading and temperature. The strain at a certain stress at different temperatures was studied and the thermal activation energy for polymer chains was calculated. The complex viscosity as well as the storage modulus was found to decrease with increasing the filler loadings at different frequencies. The relaxation time of the polymer matrix was calculated and found to independent on the concentration of the filler but it decreased linearly with increasing frequency. The glass transition temperature was found to increase with increasing both filler loading and frequency.     

Thermal conductivity of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer/nanofiller blends

To reduce weight and increase mobility, comfort, and performance of future spacesuits, flexible, thermally conductive fabrics and plastic tubes are needed for the Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment. As an approach to raise thermal conductivity (TC) of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (Elvax^™ 260), it was compounded with carbon based nanofillers: multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), vapor grown carbon nanofibers (CNFs), and expanded graphite (EG) as well as metallized CNFs, nickel nanostrands, boron nitride, and powdered aluminum. Ribbons and tubing of the nanocomposites, in which the nanofillers were aligned in the direction of flow, were extruded. Compression molding was used to fabricate nanocomposites in which the nanofillers were randomly oriented. TC of the samples was measured in the direction of, and perpendicular to, the alignment direction and significant improvement in TC (up to 24-fold) was observed when measurements were made in the direction of alignment.     

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

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

Paclitaxel-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) composite for stent coating by ultrasonic atomizing spray

Abstract

The mixture of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) (PEVA) forms a homogeneous liquid in an organic solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, and a phase-separated PLGA/PEVA composite can be prepared from it by evaporating the organic solvent. Exploiting this phenomenon, we designed a novel method of preparing a drug-loaded PLGA/PEVA composite and used it for coating drug-eluting stents (DESs). Paclitaxel (PTX), an anticancer drug, was chosen as a model drug. PLGA acts as a microdepot for PTX, and PEVA provides mechanical strength to the coating material. The presence of PLGA in the PLGA/PEVA composite suppressed PTX crystallization in the coating material, and PTX showed a sustained release rate over more than 30 days. The mechanical strength of the PLGA/PEVA composite was better than that of PEVA used as a control. After coating the stent with a PLGA/PEVA composite using ultrasonic atomizing spray, the morphology of the coated material was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the release pattern of PTX was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography.     

The intercalation of poly(methyl methacrylate)/aluminophosphate nanocomposites and the properties improvement

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/dodecylamine templated lamellar aluminophosphate (DDA-LAP) intercalated nanocomposites are prepared by in situ bulk polymerization of MMA. The intercalated structure is characterized. With the intercalation of DDA-LAP in PMMA matrix, the glass-transition temperatures of nanocomposites (T_g) are increased. The nanocomposites obtained keep relatively high transparency in optical property and have a significant improvement in mechanical properties and thermal stability. The mechanism for the properties enhancement is investigated. The strong interfacial interaction between the aluminophosphate layers and the PMMA chains, the homogeneously distribution and the graphitized char formation during heating are three key roles for the properties improvement.     

Paclitaxel-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) composite for stent coating by ultrasonic atomizing spray

The mixture of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) (PEVA) forms a homogeneous liquid in an organic solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, and a phase-separated PLGA/PEVA composite can be prepared from it by evaporating the organic solvent. Exploiting this phenomenon, we designed a novel method of preparing a drug-loaded PLGA/PEVA composite and used it for coating drug-eluting stents (DESs). Paclitaxel (PTX), an anticancer drug, was chosen as a model drug. PLGA acts as a microdepot for PTX, and PEVA provides mechanical strength to the coating material. The presence of PLGA in the PLGA/PEVA composite suppressed PTX crystallization in the coating material, and PTX showed a sustained release rate over more than 30 days. The mechanical strength of the PLGA/PEVA composite was better than that of PEVA used as a control. After coating the stent with a PLGA/PEVA composite using ultrasonic atomizing spray, the morphology of the coated material was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the release pattern of PTX was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography.     

Effect of mechanical activation pretreatment on the properties of sugarcane bagasse/poly(vinyl chloride) composites

This current work is concerned with the pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) by mechanical activation (MA) using a self-designed stirring ball mill and surface modification of SCB using aluminate coupling agent (ACA). The untreated and differently treated SCBs were used to produce composites with poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) as polymer matrix. The activation grade (A_g) measurement and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of SCB showed that MA enhanced the condensation reaction between ACA and hydroxyl groups of the SCB fibres, which obviously increased the hydrophobicity of SCB. It was found that the mechanical properties of both the PVC composites reinforced by SCB with and without ACA modification increased with increasing milling time (t_M). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that MA pretreatment significantly improved the dispersion of SCB in the composites and interfacial adhesion between SCB and PVC matrix, resulting in better mechanical properties of the composites.     

Thermal and elastic properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) + chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) blends

Eight types of PVC + CPE blends with different weight ratios (PVC/CPE = 100/0, 90/10, 80/20, 60/40, 40/60, 20/80, 10/90, and 0/100) are tested. Data on the heat conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and heat capacity of the blends investigated are reported. Primary attention is paid to the structural approach for effective elastic constants: bulk, shear, and Young's modulae. The blends are considered as random mixtures of two isotropic constituents. It is found that the elastic moduli may be well represented by the Kerner and Budiansky equations.