Bio-based epoxidised oil for compatibilization and value addition of poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) in recycled blend

The effective utilization of bio-based material, epoxidised soybean oil (ESO), in recycled blend of Poly(vinyl chloride)/Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PVC/PMMA) was considered for the first time in this present investigation. Recycled blend with different concentrations of ESO were prepared via melt blending technique. Resulted blends were characterized by various physiochemical, mechanical and thermal characterizations. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis indicates reduction in the degradation behaviour of PVC phase present in the PVC/PMMA blend after introduction of ESO into it. The recycled blend with 9 wt% of ESO exhibit superior impact strength than other compositions. The thermal gravimetric analysis of ESO incorporated blend shows improved thermal stability than its parent blend. The DSC analysis shows improved compatibility of recycled blends in presence of ESO. Moreover the scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis exhibits improved surface morphology with enhanced interfacial adhesion. Thus this study paves way for exploitation of bio derived ESO for value addition of recycled plastics from waste electrical and electronic equipments.     

Hybridization of MWCNTs and reduced graphene oxide on random and electrically aligned nanocomposite membrane for selective separation of O<Subscript>2</Subscript>/N<Subscript>2</Subscript> gas pair

This present study demonstrates the development of high-performance polysulfone (PSf) hybrid mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) through the collaborative inclusion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The nanofillers are aligned by virtue of an AC electric field in order to formulate a multifunctional composite membrane structure for selective separation of O₂/N₂ gas. Proper alignment of the conducting nanofillers within PSf was confirmed by utilizing different microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. Hybridization of CNTS and rGO resulted in concurrent enhancement of permeability as well as the selectivity of the neat membrane. The inclusion of rGO nanosheets established a long, tortuous path hindering the permeation of gas molecules possessing the larger molecular size, while CNTs-filled MMM achieved better permeation due to their favorable intrinsic structural characteristics. The overall performance of the aligned hybrid membranes was found to be significant in contrary to single filler-based membrane systems (PSf/CNTs and PSf/rGO).     

Damage tolerance behaviour of cloisite 15A incorporated recycled polypropylene nanocomposites and bionanocomposites

In the present investigation, recycled polypropylene (rPP) used as a matrix was modified by incorporating nanofillers through melt blending technique to prepare a masterbatch of nanocomposites. Untreated sisal fibre and mercerised sisal fibres were further incorporated into the nanocomposites for the preparation of bionanocomposites. Bionanocomposites containing 40 wt% of UT fibre and 5 wt% of MA-g-PP revealed an increase in the tensile strength and modulus to the tune of 27% and 370%, respectively, compared to rPP. The flexural strength and modulus also increased to the tune of 129% and 269%, respectively, compared to rPP. Further, the surface treatment of the fibre slightly increased the mechanical properties and stiffness of bionanocomposites. Interfacial strength between fibre and matrix was also evaluated by using Turcsanyi and Sato–Furukawa models. Damage tolerance of rPP nanocomposites and its bionanocomposites was evaluated using single-edge-notch specimens. The notch length ‘a’ to width ‘W’ ratios, a/W, were chosen as 0.3, 0.45 and 0.6. The nanocomposites showed better damage tolerance as compared to the rPP matrix. The corrugated structure with increased fractured surface area was observed in scanning electron microscopy. Better dispersion of clay in the nanocomposites was observed in transmission electron microscopy.     

Effect of feature spacing when injection molding parts with microstructured surfaces

The effects of microfeature spacing on the replication of thermoplastic elastomer features was investigated using micropillars with two diameters (10 μ m and 20 μ m) and three spacing ratios (0.5:1, 1:1, and 2:1). The tooling and part features were characterized for feature depth and height as well as feature definition using scanning electron microscopy and optical profilometry. Filling simulations provided insight into the process. Feature spacing significantly affected the replication of micropillars using a thermoplastic elastomer. This replication was competition between pressurization, relaxation, and cooling of the melt. Higher pressures generally improved feature replication, but did not always create perfect replication. Relaxation of the highly aligned polymer chains and cooling effects restricted filling, tended to reduce feature height, and increase feature diameters. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:1330–1338, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Insight on the Chemistry of Epoxy and Its Curing for Coating Applications: A Detailed Investigation and Future Perspectives

This article is aimed to focus on the developments in the polymeric materials used for coating with special importance to epoxy. A detailed discussion commencing from epoxy derived from both petroleum and plant resources, classification and its application have been elaborated along with various types of curing agents and some potential greener UV-curing techniques used in coating technology. Also detailed discussion on the future perspectives of the polymers in coating has been presented, which may be useful in framing-up the future of polymers from renewable resources via greener route.     

Case report of Capnocytophaga canimorsus septicemia with infective endocarditis in a hemodialysis patient: A not widely known dog pathogen

Keeping pets as a companion is a global phenomenon. This relationship, however, is not entirely free of risk as some diseases can be transmitted to human beings. It is important to emphasize safety among pet owners, particularly in people with chronic illness as they may have increased vulnerability to infection which could arise from an intimate relationship. We report an uncommon etiology of sepsis complicated with infective endocarditis in a 63-year old dog-owner who was on hemodialysis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of Capnocytophaga canimorsus infective endocarditis (IE) ever reported in a patient undergoing hemodialysis.     

Synthesis and characterization of waterborne epoxy derived from epoxidized soybean oil and bioderived C-36 dicarboxylic acid

This study focuses on synthesis of waterborne epoxy (WBE) derived from epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and its compatibility with water-dispersible curing agent Pripol 1009, which is a bioderived long-chain dimer acid. The reaction parameters involved in the synthesis of WBE from ESO have been optimized based on physicochemical properties like hydroxyl value, epoxy equivalent value and degree of solubility of WBE. The WBE obtained after 5 and 6 h of reaction time was found to be of optimum composition with balanced physicochemical properties. The mechanical, thermal and physicochemical properties of WBE obtained after 6 h of reaction time revealed relatively better performance characteristics as compared to ESO.     

Sustainability Assessment and Machinability Investigation of Austenitic Stainless Steel in Finish Turning with Advanced Ultra-Hard SiAlON Ceramic Tool under Different Cutting Environments

Silicon - This paper presents the evaluation of the performances of the various cooling-lubrication techniques (dry, compressed-air cooled, flooded and minimum quantity lubrication) applied in...     

Polylactide/transition metal ion modified montmorillonite nanocomposite—a critical evaluation of mechanical performance and thermal stability

Polylactide (PLA) nanocomposite was prepared by melt blending of PLA and transition metal ion (TMI) adsorbed montmorillonite (MMT). PLA nanocomposite was characterized for mechanical performance, and the results revealed that the tensile modulus, flexural modulus, and impact strength were increased marginally. The nanocomposite was optimized at 5 wt% of TMI‐modified MMT (TMI‐MMT) loading. Thermogravimetric analysis displayed increase in onset of degradation temperature, and differential scanning calorimetry showed marginal increase in glass transition temperature (T_g) and melting temperature (T_m) in case of PLA nanocomposites, when compared with virgin PLA. The flammability testing of nanocomposites indicated good fire retardance characters. X‐ray diffraction patterns of TMI‐MMT and the corresponding nanocomposites indicated an intercalation of the metal ions into the clay interlayer. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis indicate formation of [Zn(EDA)₂]²⁺ and [Cu(EDA)₂]²⁺ complexes in the MMT interlayer. Dynamic mechanical analysis shows increase in glass transition temperature (T_g) and storage modulus (E′) in case of PLA nanocomposites reinforced with 5 wt% modified MMT. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effect of surface modification of aluminum nitride on electrical and thermal characterizations of thermosetting polymeric nanocomposites

Thermally conductive composites and nanocomposites composed of epoxy resin as base matrix and aluminum nitride (AlN) as micro and nanofiller have been studied at variable temperatures and loading of AlN. To improve the dispersion of the filler within the polymer matrix, AlN was surface modified with silane‐coupling agent. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the interfacial bonding of epoxy‐ and silane‐modified AlN. The dielectric properties of epoxy/AlN composites and nanocomposites have been studied at variable percentage of filler. Test result indicated an increase of thermal conductivity of the composites at 20 wt% of AlN. Also, silane‐treated composites exhibited improved electrical conductivity properties, whereas the electrical insulation property decreased in terms of dielectric strength and resistivity. POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers