Electro-conductive composite fibers by melt spinning of polypropylene/polyamide/carbon nanotubes

In this study, the blends of polypropylene/polyamide with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been prepared and melt spun to as-spun and drawn fibers. Thermal analysis showed that increasing the polyamide content, decreased the degree of crystallinity in the blends. Characterization of fibers showed that both conductivity and tensile strength have been improved by increasing the amount of polyamide in the blends as well as the melt blending temperature; furthermore, the morphology, electrical and mechanical properties of the blends were significantly influenced by adding 1 phr compatibilizer to the blend. The comparison between as-spun fibers and drawn fibers proved that although mechanical properties were improved after drawing, the electrical conductivity was decreased from the order of E?02 to E?06 (S/cm), due to applied draw-ratio of three.     

Self-diffusion of oil in lubricating greases by NMR

Self-diffusion of base oil in six model lubricating greases and in the base oils themselves was measured using pulsed-field gradient nucleic magnetic resonance (NMR) at 23, 40, 70, and 90°C. Three of the greases were based on naphthenic mineral oils, and three were based on synthetic polyalphaolefin oils. Soaps of 12-hydroxy stearic acid were used as thickener agents in all six greases. The purpose of the investigation using NMR was to see if structure varies with temperature, and if NMR is a viable method for structure determination. The ratio between the diffusion coefficient of the base oil in the grease and the neat base oil in itself was evaluated as a function of temperature. This ratio was taken as a direct indicator of the obstruction effect that the thickener has on the oil. The thickener showed a stronger obstruction effect on the base oil in the synthetic grease than in the mineral-based grease. This was related to the soap content, which, for these greases, is roughly twice as high in the synthetic greases as in the mineral ones. The obstruction effect was constant in the temperature range 40–90°C for mineral- as well as synthetic-based greases. NMR was judged to be a promising method for investigating how the gellant affects the diffusion coefficient of oil in a lubricating grease.     

Thermal and crystallization behavior of cotton—Polypropylene commingled composite systems

Techniques like thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and polarized optical microscopy were used to study the thermal and crystallization behavior of cotton‐polypropylene (PP) commingled composite system. Thermal analysis was used to understand the structure‐property relationship and also to quantify the amount of moisture and volatiles, which causes the deterioration of the composite performance. Thermal stability of the composite was found be intermediate between that of PP and cotton fibers. Presence of treated reinforcements had increased the crystallinity of PP. Also, fibers act as heterogeneous nucleants and favor the early crystallization of PP in the composites. The crystallization and onset crystallization temperature values were increased by the presence of cotton fibers. The theories of heterogeneous nucleation and crystal growth kinetics were used to explain the growth of transcrystalline layer (TCL) of PP on cotton fibers. The interfacial free energy difference for nucleation of PP on fiber was found to be smaller compared with that in the bulk PP. This favors the formation and growth of TCL. The thickness of TCL and radius of the spherulites increase with the increase in the crystallization temperature. Fiber surface roughness and thermal stresses facilitate the growth of transcrystallinity on cotton fiber. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1487–1494, 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

A software-based measurement system for testing and analysis of automotive brake squeal

A software-based measurement system using both analogue data acquisition and digital communication via a general-purpose interface bus (GPIB) board has been developed for analysis and evaluation of disc brake squeal. The system is built around a computer and based on commercial software. Brake pressure and torque, rotational speed, five different temperatures, and sound emission are logged once a second. If the sound is characterised as a squeal it is saved to file together with the other parameters. The measurement system is very flexible, allowing for different types of instruments and sensors to be used by adapting the software. Furthermore, the same software is used for evaluation of the collected data. Mechanically, the equipment consists of a complete front wheel suspension where the original brake disc and caliper are mounted in a steel tube chassis. The brake disc is driven by a DC electric motor, while a hydraulic system provides the brake pressure. Brake pressure and rotational speed can be controlled independently.