Mechanical and thermal properties of SEBS‐g‐MA compatibilized halloysite nanotubes reinforced polyethylene terephthalate/polycarbonate/nanocomposites

In this study, the effect of maleic anhydride grafted styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene (SEBS‐g‐MA) content on mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of polyethylene terephthalate/polycarbonate/halloysite nanotubes (PET/PC/HNTs) nanocomposites has been investigated. Nanocomposites of PET/PC (70 : 30) with 2 phr of HNTs were compounded using the counter rotating twin screw extruder. A series of formulations were prepared by adding 5–20 phr SEBS‐g‐MA to the composites. Incorporation of 5 phr SEBS‐g‐MA into the nanocomposites resulted in the highest tensile and flexural strength. Maximum improvement in the impact strength which is 245% was achieved at 10 phr SEBS‐g‐MA content. The elongation at break increased proportionately with the SEBS‐g‐MA content. However, the tensile and flexural moduli decreased with increasing SEBS‐g‐MA content. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a transition from a brittle fracture to ductile fracture morphology with increasing amount of SEBS‐g‐MA. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the addition of SEBS‐g‐MA into the nanocomposites promoted a better dispersion of HNTs in the matrix. A single glass transition temperature was observed from the differential scanning calorimetry test for compatibilized nanocomposites. Thermogravimetric analysis of PET/PC/HNTs nanocomposites showed high thermal stability at 15 phr SEBS‐g‐MA content. However, on further addition of SEBS‐g‐MA up to 20 phr, thermal stability of the nanocomposites decreased due to the excess amount of SEBS‐g‐MA. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42608.     

Artificial weathering effect on the structure and properties of polypropylene/polyamide‐6 blends compatibilized with PP‐g‐MA

The degradation of uncompatibilized and compatibilized PP/PA‐6 (70/30 wt %) with PP‐g‐MA under accelerated UV light was investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, melt flow index (MFI) tester, tensile test, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR analysis of the structure of the compatibilized and uncompatibilized blends after exposure to UV light showed the formation of photoproducts corresponding to both components. The MFI and mechanical results obtained revealed that photooxidation started primarily in PA‐6 rather than PP. In addition, the uncompatibilized blends exhibited a higher degradation rate compared to neat polymers for long exposure time, and the addition of PP‐g‐MA increased slightly their ageing rate in accordance with TGA data. Further, DSC analysis showed an increase in the crystallinity index and a decrease in the melting temperature of PP and PA‐6 after UV exposure either as neat polymers or as blend components. SEM micrographs of the cryo‐fractured surfaces of the samples illustrated the formation of cracks and fractures after UV irradiation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41722.     

Morphology and mechanical properties of PVC/straw‐fiber coated with liquid nitrile‐butadiene rubber composites

This study exhibited an approach of high‐value utilization of straw fiber (SF) in polymer composites. The rigid poly(vinyl chloride) [PVC]/SF and PVC/SF coated with liquid nitrile‐butadiene rubber (PVC/LNBR‐SF) composites were both fabricated by melt mixing. The chemical structure and crystal structure of LNBR‐SF were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The mechanical properties and micro‐structure of PVC/SF and PVC/LNBR‐SF composites were also studied. FTIR and XRD results showed that the chemical structure and crystal structure of SF did not change after modifying with LNBR. The mechanical properties analysis showed that the PVC/LNBR‐SF composites exhibited better tensile strength, elongation at break and notched impact strength than those of PVC/SF composites owing to the compatibilization and toughening effect of LNBR. Scanning electron microscope results indicated that the LNBR improved the dispersion of SF in PVC matrix to some extent. The interface adhesion between SF and PVC matrix with adding LNBR was also enhanced. These results suggested that PVC/LNBR‐SF composites exhibited promising potential for practical application in substitute for wood. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 44119.     

Thermal and mechanical characterization of linear low‐density polyethylene/wood flour composites

A linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) matrix was modified with an organic peroxide and by a reaction with maleic anhydride (MAn) and was simultaneously compounded with untreated wood flour in a twin‐screw extruder. The thermal and mechanical properties of the modified LLDPE and the resulting composites were evaluated. The degree of crystallinity was reduced in the modified LLDPE, but it increased with the addition of wood flour for the formation of the composites. Significant improvements in the tensile strength, ductility, and creep resistance were obtained for the MAn‐modified composites. This enhancement in the mechanical behavior could be attributed to an improvement in the compatibility between the filler and the matrix. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 2775–2784, 2003     

The effect of a p‐phenylen‐bis‐maleamic acid grafted atactic polypropylene interface agent on the impact properties of iPP/mica composites

The present article is twofold. One of the purposes of this work lies in the study of the impact behavior of the polypropylene/mica system incorporating an interface modifier obtained from an industrial polymerization byproduct. The interface agent used was a p‐phenylen‐bis‐maleamic grafted atactic polypropylene (aPP‐pPBMA) obtained in our labs. The other objective is to obtain a mathematical model capable of forecasting the composite properties accurately. Consequently, this work has been undertaken by using a statistical Box‐Wilson experimental design in order to model the behavior of the composite system in terms of Charpy impact parameters. Two independent variables have been considered, the amount of mica particles and of interface agent. Impact strength, maximum force, and deformation were the dependent variables in the models. The existence of critical values in mica and interface agent optimizing the impact behavior is established. Additionally, an excellent correlation between the impact strength and the strength results coming from flexural and tensile tests is found. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44619.     

Preparation and properties of polyethylene terephthalate/polyethylene/near infrared reflective pigment composites

Polyethylene terephthalate/high density polyethylene (PET/HDPE) composites containing a near infrared reflective (NIR, nickel antimony titanium yellow rutile) pigment was prepared using ethylene‐glycidyl methacrylate‐vinyl acetate (EGMA‐VA) as a compatibilizer to increase the infrared reflection of PET/HDPE and limit the thermal heat accumulation in light of environmental and energy conservation concerns. HDPE was premixed with NIR to form N‐HDPE masterbatch. A good interfacial bonding between PET matrix and HDPE dispersed phase with the help of compatibilizer was confirmed through Fourier transform‐infrared spectra, scanning electron microscopy, and torque rheometer. For PET/N‐HDPE composites, the major X‐ray diffraction peaks and melting behaviors remained unchanged, indicating the limited alternation of crystalline structure for the composite systems with or without compatibilizer. The observed increment in the crystallization temperature of PET for the investigated PET/N‐HDPE composites was mainly due to the nucleation role of both inorganic NIR and HDPE. Tensile strength and elongation at break for compatibilized cases at various N‐HDPE contents conferred higher values than those of the corresponding counterparts without compatibilizer. Yet, Young's modulus for compatibilized systems was about 40% lower than that for systems without compatibilizer, attributed to the rubbery nature of EGMA‐VA. With the inclusion of NIR into HDPE to form PET/N‐HDPE composites with or without EGMA‐VA compatibilizer, the values of reflectance increased to a great degree. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40830.     

Compatibilized blends of PVC/PA12 and PVC/PP containing poly(lauryl lactam‐block‐caprolactone)

Specially designed block copolymers have played a role as compatibilizing agents in the system of immiscible polymer blends. We applied lauryl lactam (LA)–caprolactone (CL) block copolymer [P(LA‐b‐CL)] as a compatibilizing agent for immiscible poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) blends with various polymers. These blends possess high thermal performance and toughness. We investigated the effect of P(LA‐b‐CL) as a compatibilizing agent for immiscible PVC blends with poly(ω‐lauryl lactam) [polyamide 12 (PA12)]. We also described the invention of a new compatibilizing agent system involving P(LA‐b‐CL) for PVC/polypropylene (PP) blends. The mechanical and thermal properties of (1) PVC/PA12 blend compatibilized with P(LA‐b‐CL) and (2) PVC/PP blend compatibilized with P(LA‐b‐CL)/PA12/maleic anhydride–modified PP were both enhanced. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 1983‐1992, 2004     

Effect of polyethylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride as a compatibilizer on the mechanical and tribological behaviors of ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene/copper composites

Ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene/copper (UHMWPE/Cu) composites compatibilized with polyethylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PE‐g‐MAH) were prepared by compression molding. The effects of the compatibilizer on the mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties of the UHMWPE/Cu composites were investigated. These properties of the composites were evaluated at various compositions, and worn steel surfaces and composite surfaces were examined with scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The incorporation of PE‐g‐MAH reduced the melting points of the composites and increased their crystallinity to some extent. Moreover, the inclusion of the PE‐g‐MAH compatibilizer greatly increased the tensile rupture strength and tensile modulus of the composites, and this improved the wear resistance of the composites. These improvements in the mechanical and tribological behavior of the ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight‐polyethylene‐matrix composites with the PE‐g‐MAH compatibilizer could be closely related to the enhanced crosslinking function of the composites in the presence of the compatibilizer. Moreover, the compatibilizer had an effect on the transfer and oxidation behavior of the filler Cu particulates, which could be critical to the application of metallic‐particulate‐filled polymer composites in engineering. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 948–955, 2004     

PPS/recycled PEEK/ carbon nanotube composites: Structure,properties and compatibility

Blends of poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) and recycled poly(ether ether ketone) (r‐PEEK) were prepared using a twin‐screw extruder. The carbon nanotube (CNT) added to the blends not only improved the compatibility of the two polymers, but also affected the morphology of the immiscible PPS/r‐PEEK blends. R‐PEEK always forms the dispersed phase and PPS the continuous phase in such blends. In the composite, CNT particles were observed in the PPS phase, mostly distributes in the interface between PPS and PEEK. The results show that r‐PEEK improves the impact and tensile strength of PPS, but does not provide nucleation effect on PPS. However, CNT improved the flexural modulus of PPS/r‐PEEK blends and promoted the crystallization of r‐PEEK rather than that of PPS. The prepared PPS/r‐PEEK blends provided larger electrical conductivity than neat polymers. Adding 20 wt % CNT to blend resulted in composite with the minimum volume resistivity, a reduction of four orders of magnitude, compared with that of the neat blend. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42497.     

Polyolefin composites with natural fibers and wood‐modification of the fiber/filler–matrix interaction

Numerous strategies to improve the fiber–matrix interaction in natural fiber composites (NFCs) and wood polymer composites (WPCs) have been proposed and investigated. We have reviewed literature on polyolefin‐based NFCs and WPCs to get an overview of the current state of the art of compatibilization methods. Those are classified in two categories here, namely fiber‐based strategies and matrix‐based strategies. Although this issue has been covered by several reviews before, as yet no work exists that is focused on polyolefin‐based NFCs and WPCs. Furthermore, a ranking of the compatibilization methods based on their effects on material properties such as tensile/flexural strength and modulus, impact strength and water absorption, allows for an assessment of the efficiency of the various methods. As to the fiber‐based strategies, silanes, maleated polyolefins (MA‐POs), mercerization and acetylation are most thoroughly investigated. Silanes are most effective judged by achievable material property improvements, allowing for increases in tensile and flexural strength of more than 100%. Among the matrix‐based strategies, MA‐POs and isocyanates are most prominent in the literature. The first class enables the more significant material improvements, with reported increases of tensile and flexural strength of 132% and 85%, respectively. While strengths can be enhanced by many compatibilization methods, moduli, and impact strength (notched in particular) are in most cases improved to a lesser degree or even reduced. Especially, the last point calls for further attention, because impact strength is still a weak point of NFCs and WPCs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2013     

Synthesis of EP‐POSS mixture and the properties of EP‐POSS/epoxy,SiO2/epoxy,and SiO2/EP‐POSS/epoxy nanocomposite

The hybrid material of EP‐POSS mixture was synthesized by the hydrolysis and condensation of (γ‐glycidoxypropyl) trimethoxysilane. A series of binary systems of EP‐POSS/epoxy blends, epoxy resin modified by silica nanoparticles (SiO₂/epoxy), and ternary system of SiO₂/EP‐POSS/epoxy nanocomposite were prepared. The dispersion of SiO₂ in the matrices was evidenced by transmission electron micrograph, and the mechanical properties, that is, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and impact strength were examined for EP‐POSS/epoxy blends, SiO₂/epoxy, and SiO₂/EP‐POSS/epoxy, respectively. The fractured surface of the impact samples was observed by scanning electron micrograph. Thermogravimetry analysis were applied to investigate the different thermal stabilities of the binary system and ternary system by introducing EP‐POSS and SiO₂ to epoxy resin. The results showed that the impact strength, flexural strength, and modulus of the SiO₂/EP‐POSS/epoxy system increased around by 57.9, 14.1, and 44.0% compared with the pure epoxy resin, T_i, T_max and the residues of the ternary system were 387°C, 426°C, and 25.2%, increased remarkably by 20°C, 11°C and 101.6% in contrast to the pure epoxy resin, which was also higher than the binary systems. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 810‐819, 2013     

Mechanical characterization of polypropylene–wood flour composites

The mechanical performance of different wood flour/polypropylene (PP) composites with interface modifications was compared. Wood flour was incorporated into the matrix after esterification with maleic anhydride (MAN) or without any modification but with the addition of a compatibilizing agent [maleic anhydride–polypropylene copolymer (PPMAN)] to modify the polymer–filler interaction. Composites were prepared by injection molding with different concentrations of wood flour. Mechanical properties (except Young's modulus) were not improved either by the wood flour chemical modification or by the use of PPMAN. However, both compatibilization methods were successful in improving the dispersion of the wood flour in the PP matrix. Creep behavior of composite samples was improved by the addition of PPMAN, whereas the composites prepared from MAN‐treated wood flour showed larger deformations than composites made with untreated particles. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 1420–1428, 2003     

Recycled multilayer cartons as cellulose source in HDPE‐based composites: Compatibilization and structure‐properties relationships

In this article, an alternative mechanical recycling of multilayer carton scraps (MC), consisting in the use of MC without the physical separation of its different fractions (cellulose fibers and low‐density polyethylene, 80/20 wt/wt), is proposed. In particular, MC was considered as a source of cellulose fibers in the obtainment of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)‐based composites. Composites containing up to 60 wt % of milled MC were prepared by reactive processing, i.e., by adding different amount (5 and 10 wt %) of a linear low‐density polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride (coupling agent, maleated linear low‐density polyethylene) during HDPE/MC mixing. Then, structure/properties relationships were deeply investigated as a function of MC and coupling agent content. The coupling agent was able to induce a complete polymeric covering of cellulose fraction as well as a strong HDPE/cellulose interfacial adhesion. As a consequence, a significant improvement of mechanical properties at low and high deformation rates as well as a very interesting response of composites to water vapor permeability was obtained. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Reactive compatibilization of an immiscible polyester/polyolefin blend with PP‐g‐MAH and PMPI dual compatibilizers

Blends of a polyester hot melt resin and a poly‐α‐olefin hot melt resin were modified using the reactive compounding technique. The effects of the compatibilizers were evaluated by studying the mechanical properties, the morphology, and the thermal properties of the modified blends. A pronounced compatibilizing effect was obtained with dual compatibilizers composed of maleated polypropylene and poly[methylene (phenylene isocyanate)] (PMPI). The addition of 1 phr of PMPI was sufficient to improve the elongation and tensile strength. From the results, it is anticipated that PMPI can be used as an efficient coupler to enhance the compatibility of immiscible polyester/polyolefin blends. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40232.     

Thermal and mechanical properties of polypropylene/wood‐flour composites

In this research, polypropylene/wood‐flour composites (WPCs) were blended with different contents of wood and/or maleated polypropylene (MAPP) and clay. We found that the addition of MAPP or clay in the formulation greatly improved the dispersion of the wood fibers in the composite; this suggested that MAPP or clay may have played the role of an adhesion promoter in the WPCs. The results obtained with clay indicate that it also acted as a flame retardant. The thermal tests carried out with the produced samples showed an increased crystallization temperature (T_c), crystallinity, and melting temperature (T_m) with wood loading. The increase of the two former parameters was explained by the incorporation of wood flour, which played the role of nucleating agent and induced the crystallization of the matrix polymer. On the other hand, the T_m increase was ascribed to the insulating properties of wood, which hindered the movement of heat conduction. The effects of UV irradiation on T_m and T_c were also examined. T_c increased with UV exposure time; this implied that UV degradation generated short chains with low molecular weight that could move easily in the bulk of the sample and, thus, catalyze early crystallization. The flexural strength and modulus increased with increasing wood‐flour content. In contrast, the impact strength and tensile strength and strain decreased with increasing wood‐flour content. All of these changes were related to the level of dispersion of the wood flour in the polymeric matrix. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Rice husk/poly(propylene‐co‐ethylene) composites: Effect of different coupling agents on mechanical,thermal, and morphological properties

Poly(propylene‐co‐ethylene) composites with rice husk were prepared in a corotating intermeshing twin‐screw extruder using four different coupling agents. While modified maleic anhydrides such as maleated polypropylene (MAPP) and maleated polyethylene (MAPE) are commonly used as compatibilizers to improve interfacial adhesion between lignocellulosic filler and matrix, in this study, polypropylene grafted with acid comonomer (CAPP) and high‐density polyethylene grafted with acid comonomer (CAPE) were also used. The morphologies and the thermal and mechanical properties of the composites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning analysis, tensile and impact tests. The results indicate that the base resin of the compatibilizer is an important factor in determining the effectiveness of compatibilizers for composites. Composites with PP‐based compatibilizers are more effective than PE‐based compatibilizers due to the improved wetting of the former compatibilizer in the matrix polymer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Mechanical properties and densification behavior of β‐spodumene/anorthite composites

Although β‐spodumene/anorthite composites are interesting systems, little research work has been done to study their properties. This study aims at investigating the preparation and properties of β‐spodumene/anorthite composites containing β‐spodumene proportions ranging between 10 and 25 mass %. X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) were used to characterize the effect of addition of β‐spodumene on the phase relations, microstructure, and thermal expansion behavior of resultant composites. The results show that the presence of β‐spodumene significantly reduces the porosity and reduces the densification temperature. It reduces thermal expansion and enhances the mechanical properties of anorthite‐containing composites.     

Structural and mechanical properties of needle‐punched nonwoven reinforced composites in erosive environment

Polypropylene‐based needle‐punched nonwoven reinforced epoxy composites have been fabricated and were evaluated for their thermomechanical response and dry erosion performance. The erosive wear investigations were carried out using silica sand particles as erodent with varying impact velocity, angles of impingement, fiber content, and stand‐off‐distance as the operating variables. Design of experiments (DoE) approach‐based Taguchi analysis was carried out to establish the interdependence of operating parameters and erosion rate. Impingement angle and impact velocity have been found to be the most significant determinants of erosive wear performance of such nonwoven reinforced composites. The composites were also observed to be appreciably resistant to impact content and indentations in addition to exhibiting the absence of any storage‐modulus decay till 60°C accompanied with a nominal increase in the primary transition temperature as revealed from loss‐tangent peaks. The composite with 30 wt % and 40 wt % of nonwoven materials have shown the highest and lowest erosion rates, respectively. The morphology of eroded surfaces was examined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and their possible erosion mechanisms are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Mechanical,morphological, and thermal properties of nanotalc reinforced PA6/SEBS‐g‐MA composites

Ternary butylene‐styrene‐g‐maleic anhydride (SEBS‐g‐MA) (100/20 w/w) blend with varying content of nanotalc (1, 3, and 5 wt %) were prepared by melt compounding followed by injection molding. Thermal properties were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and the results show that the thermal properties of nanocomposites are slightly improved by the addition of nanotalc content. The morphology of nanocomposites using wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the delamination of talc layers in the ternary nanocomposites. The dynamic mechanical properties of the samples were analyzed by using dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer (DMTA). The results show that the storage modulus of the blend monotonically increased while tan δ curve show the diffuse pattern with the nanotalc content. The mechanical properties of PA6/SEBS‐g‐MA nanocomposites were studied by tensile, flexural, and impact tests. The tensile and flexural properties continuously increased while izod impact and elongation‐at‐break decreased with nanotalc content. Various theoretical predictive models were used to correlate tensile modulus with the experimental data. The experimental data shows the positive deviation with the applied models. Bela Pukanszky model has been used to calculate the value of parameter B by employing tensile strength data. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41381.     

Influence of grafted polypropylene on the mechanical properties of mineral‐filled polypropylene composites

The purpose of this work was to study how mineral fillers would behave in a polypropylene (PP) matrix when PP modified with maleic anhydride (MA) and/or itaconic acid (IA) was used as a coupling agent in the preparation of mineral‐filled PP composites. The composites were characterized with tensile mechanical measurements and morphological analysis. The optimum amount of the coupling agent to be used to obtain composites with improved mechanical properties was established. The results indicated that these coupling agents enhanced the tensile strength of the composites significantly, and the extent of the coupling effect depended on the nature of the interface that formed. The incorporation of coupling agents enhanced the resistance to deformation of the composite. The behavior of IA‐modified PP as a coupling agent was similar to that of a commercial MA‐modified PP for the filled PP composites. Evidence of improved interfacial bonding was revealed by scanning electron microscopy studies, which examined the surfaces of fractured tensile test specimens; their microstructures confirmed the mechanical results with respect to the observed homogeneous or optimized dispersion of the mineral‐filler phase in these composites. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 2343–2350, 2007