Study of effect of old corrugated cardboard in properties of polypropylene composites: Study of mechanical properties,thermal behavior,and morphological properties

The investigation of the economical use of lignocellulose waste, which is one of the environmental problems facing nations, is ongoing. In this study, waste cardboard paper fiber reinforcing polypropylene (PP) composites was developed. In order to modify the PP matrix maleated PP (MA‐g‐PP) a 5 wt% and a grafting rate of 1 and 2 wt% was used as a compatibilizer. The effects of fiber and compatibilizer content as well as graft content are evaluated by mechanical, thermal property measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The compatibilizer improved all mechanical properties significantly. Thus, the tensile strength of MA‐g‐PP‐containing composites increases compared to PP/cardboard composites paper content increases. However, the tensile modulus of a PP‐based composite increases with an increase in paper fiber with the compatibilizer having little effect. SEM revealed that the addition of MA‐g‐PP generates strong interactions between a PP matrix and paper fibers. However, the addition of the MA‐g‐PP compatibilizing agent gives a significant improvement on the crystallization of the composites, whereas the compatibilized PP/old corrugated cardboard (OCC) composites have higher crystallinity (Xc) than uncompatibilized PP/OCC composites. The MA‐g‐PP also diminished the water absorption in the composites. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:231–238, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Impact behavior of unidirectional polyethylene–glass fibers: PMMA hybrid composite laminates

Unidirectional (UD) hybrid laminates based on glass fibers (GF) and high performance polyethylene fibers (PEF) were prepared with partially polymerized methyl methacrylate (MMA) at room temperature followed by heating at 55°C (well below the softening point of PEF) for 2 h. Izod impact strength of the composites was then measured. An interesting observation of the study was the change in impact strength that was largely dependent on the position of GF and PEF ply/plies present within the hybrid laminates. When the ply/plies of PEF were at the impacted surface, the impact strength showed a higher value than that of the case when GF ply/plies were at the impacted surface of the hybrid laminates. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Electroless ultrasonic functionalization of diamond nanoparticles using aryl diazonium salts

We report a novel and very handful strategy for the functionalization of diamond nanoparticles (NDs), based on the ultrasound-assisted grafting of aryl groups from the electroless reduction of diazonium salts. For this study, 4-nitrobenzenediazonium salt was used as a model molecule and the reaction was investigated in neutral and acidic aqueous media. Spectroscopic evidence for the successful attachment of aryl groups to nanodiamonds (NDs) was given by IR and XPS which clearly detect characteristic NO₂ peaks. Moreover, the absence of any peaks from the ⁺N≡N group in the IR spectra is a clear indication of the chemical reduction of the parent diazonium salt at the surface of NDs. This spontaneous chemical modification of NDs by aryl diazonium salts was confined to the surface of the ND particles; indeed, XRD measurements have shown that the crystalline structure of the bulk of the particles was unaffected. It opens up new possibilities towards the control of the surface chemical composition of NDs using simple protocols operated in very soft conditions, i.e. in water at room temperature. It shows conclusively that the chemistry toolbox of experts interested in nanodiamonds should contain aryl diazonium salts, given their versatility in forming active platforms.     

Synthesis and kinetics of ascorbic acid initiated graft copolymerized delignified cellulosic fiber

Graft copolymerization of delignified Grewia optiva fiber with methyl methacrylate (MMA) as vinyl monomer was attempted using ascorbic acid/H₂O₂ as redox initiator. Different reaction conditions affecting the grafting percentage (P_g) were optimized to get the maximum P_g (32.56%) of MMA onto delignified Grewia optiva fibers. Grafted and ungrafted fibers were subsequently subjected to evaluation of physico‐chemical properties such as swelling behavior and acid and alkali resistance. The rate expression for the grafting reaction (R_g = k [ASC]^0.12 [H₂O₂]^0.53 [MMA]^0.05) was evaluated and a suitable mechanism for grafting was suggested. The overall activation energy of the copolymerization reaction was found as 11.97 kJ mol^?1 at temperature range 25–65°C. Further, morphological and structural analysis of raw, delignified, and grafted Grewia optiva‐g‐poly(MMA) were studied by using Fourier‐transform Infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis.The tensile properties of grafted and ungrafted fiber samples were also reported. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:474–484, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Biodegradable biocomposites from poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) and miscanthus: Preparation,compatibilization, and performance evaluation

Miscanthus fibers reinforced biodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) matrix‐based biocomposites were produced by melt processing. The performances of the produced PBAT/miscanthus composites were evaluated by means of mechanical, thermal, and morphological analysis. Compared to neat PBAT, the flexural strength, flexural modulus, storage modulus, and tensile modulus were increased after the addition of miscanthus fibers into the PBAT matrix. These improvements were attributed to the strong reinforcing effect of miscanthus fibers. The polarity difference between the PBAT matrix and the miscanthus fibers leads to weak interaction between the phases in the resulting composites. This weak interaction was evidenced in the impact strength and tensile strength of the uncompatibilized PBAT composites. Therefore, maleic anhydride (MAH)‐grafted PBAT was prepared as compatibilizer by melt free radical grafting reaction. The MAH grafting on the PBAT was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The interfacial bonding between the miscanthus fibers and PBAT was improved with the addition of 5 wt % of MAH‐grafted PBAT (MAH‐g‐PBAT) compatibilizer. The improved interaction between the PBAT and the miscanthus fiber was corroborated with mechanical and morphological properties. The compatibilized PBAT composite with 40 wt % miscanthus fibers exhibited an average heat deflection temperature of 81 °C, notched Izod impact strength of 184 J/m, tensile strength of 19.4 MPa, and flexural strength of 22 MPa. From the scanning electron microscopy analysis, better interaction between the components can be observed in the compatibilized composites, which contribute to enhanced mechanical properties. Overall, the addition of miscanthus fibers into a PBAT matrix showed a significant benefit in terms of economic competitiveness and functional performances. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45448.     

Optimization of tensile properties thermoplastic blends from soy and biodegradable polyesters: Taguchi design of experiments approach

Soy meal-based biodegradable blends were prepared by melt extrusion process. The effects of denaturants, i.e., urea and sodium sulfite and plasticizer (glycerol) and polyester type (polybutylene succinate, polycaprolactone, polybutylene adipate terephthalate) on tensile strength and elongation at break were investigated using a Taguchi experimental design approach. The results showed that the sodium sulfite had little or no effect on final properties of the blends. Also, biodegradable polyester type had significant effect on the tensile strength and elongation at break of the blends prepared. The predicted values and experimental were found to be in tune with each other. The chemical structure and morphology of the optimum sample was probed by FT-IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Also, the results provided an insight into how important the plasticization and destructurization of soy protein to obtain the blends with desired mechanical properties.     

Study of the effect of processing conditions on the co‐injection of PBS/PBAT and PTT/PBT blends for parts with increased bio‐content

This work studies the effect of processing parameters on mechanical properties and material distribution of co‐injected polymer blends within a complex mold shape. A partially bio‐sourced blend of poly(butylene terephthalate) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) PTT/PBT was used for the core, with a tough biodegradable blend of poly (butylene succinate) and poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) PBS/PBAT for the skin. A ½ factorial design of experiments is used to identify significant processing parameters from skin and core melt temperatures, injection speed and pressure, and mold temperature. Interactions between the processing effects are considered, and the resulting statistical data produced accurate linear models indicating that the co‐injection of the two blends can be controlled. Impact strength of the normally brittle PTT/PBT blend is shown to increase significantly with co‐injection and variations in core to skin volume ratios to have a determining role in the overall impact strength. Scanning electron microscope images were taken of co‐injected tensile samples with the PBS/PBAT skin dissolved displaying variations of mechanical interlocking occurring between the two blends. © 2014 The Authors Journal of Applied Polymer Science Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41278.     

Application of electrostatic precipitator in collection of smoke particles from hospital wastes combustion

The paper reports the development and implementation of a cost-effective electrostatic precipitator (ESP) prototype for the medical wastes incinerator of university hospital centre (CHU) of Sidi-Bel-Abbes, using a water washing system for cleaning electrodes. The impact of medical waste incineration on human health is a topical debate. The incineration process is a safe mode of disposal [OK] of such waste, but it is not an effective solution and needs a pollution control system. Generally, in Africa, cost is the major constraint for manufacturers and users. A half-scale ESP model was initially used for an experimental study in the laboratory. Thereafter, a full-scale model was produced and installed for the incinerator based on the optimal values obtained from this preliminary study.     

Statistical design of sustainable composites from poly(lactic acid) and grape pomace

Biocomposites from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and grape pomace (GP) were created via injection molding to examine the effects of GP in a PLA matrix. To optimize the mechanical performance the biocomposites were compatibilized with maleic anhydride grafted PLA (MA-g-PLA). The objective of this work was to create a model that could accurately predict the mechanical properties of GP/PLA biocomposites. A region of feasibility for the biocomposites was determined using a statistical design of experiments. Linear regression was used to model the mechanical performance and predicted results with an error of 10% for both tensile and flexural strength and 16% for impact strength. The model was verified with a biocomposite of PLA/GP/MA-g-PLA with a ratio of 62/36/2. This biocomposite had a tensile strength, flexural modulus, and impact strength of 25.8 MPa, 40.0 MPa, and 18.4 J/m, respectively. It was found that a linear model can accurately predict the mechanical properties of PLA/GP/MA-g-PLA biocomposites.     

A New Approach to Supertough Poly(lactic acid): A High Temperature Reactive Blending

A novel approach to PLA toughening is proposed in this study. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is toughened using poly(ethylene‐n‐butylene‐acrylate‐co‐glycydyl methacrylate) (EBA‐GMA) as a reactive compatibilizer with the aid of an epoxy‐based chain extender. It is found that the toughening effect of EBA‐GMA in the binary blend investigated is strongly influenced by blending temperature. Blending at high temperatures which are non‐typical for PLA processing (over 250 °C) allows toughness to be increased by an order of magnitude when compared to the toughness of blends prepared at low temperatures (below 200 °C). This effect is attributed to a combination of factors, namely an increasing rate of reactive bonding between PLA and EBA‐GMA at elevated temperatures and enhanced interfacial adhesion between PLA and EBA‐GMA phases. DSC studies show that PLA/EBA‐GMA bonding on the interface acts as an efficient nucleator for PLA. The nucleation ability of the PLA/EBA‐GMA interface strongly depends on blend processing temperature and gradually increases with increasing blending temperature. The PLA/EBA‐GMA interface shows its highest nucleation ability at 250 °C.