Toughening mechanisms of rubber modified thin film epoxy resins

An epoxy terminated polybutadiene (ETPB) was synthesized and utilized to enhance the toughening of an epoxy system, in both bulk and coating states. In the first step, the fracture energy of the modified samples was determined using a single edge notched type specimen in a three point bending (SEN3PB) geometry. The effective toughening mechanisms of bulk epoxy specimens were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that plastic void growth, cavitation and shear yielding mechanisms were the main toughening mechanisms of the bulk epoxy systems. In the next step, mechanical properties (i.e. impact resistance, flexibility, cupping resistance and hardness) and adhesion of the thin film specimens were evaluated in accordance to the amount of synthesized ETPB. The results showed that the mechanical properties of the ETPB modified epoxy resins considerably improved. In all cases, it was found that the improvement of the mechanical properties reached a maximum at 7.5 wt.% and then began to decrease with further increase in ETPB content. The effective toughening mechanisms in the modified thin films were also examined using SEM and compared to the bulk types. In contrast to the bulk types, the results showed that crack arresting and shear yielding were active mechanisms in thin films. The contribution of these mechanisms led to the improvement of adhesion and mechanical properties by energy dissipation.     

Correlation of nanostructural parameters and macromechanical behaviour of hyperbranched‐modified polypropylene using time‐resolved small‐angle X‐ray scattering measurements

Polypropylene (PP) is modified utilizing a poly(ester amide)‐based hyperbranched polymer (PS). A maleic‐modified PP is used to enhance the compatibility. Usual tensile experiments are carried out. The nanocrystalline structure is studied using small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) while a uniaxial mechanical load is simultaneously applied. SAXS patterns are analysed using procedures written in PV‐WAVE. The chord distribution function (CDF) is calculated and nanostructural parameters such as long period (l_p) and nanodeformation (?_Nano) are extracted. The correlations between macromechanical parameters and nanostructures are studied. Mechanical results show that PS has a plasticizing effect. Reactively blended samples demonstrate enhanced mechanical properties. SAXS patterns reveal a well‐known structure of PP as a peculiar architecture of the nanostructure. Crystalline branching occurs in a geometry that is known as a mother–daughter crystal lamellar structure, also called a crosshatching structure. It is concluded that adding PS distorts the stacking of crystalline domains. The structural information from SAXS patterns in reciprocal space is visualized in real space in the calculated CDFs. The CDFs indicate that in simple blends, l_p of the crystalline stacks increases compared to blank PP. Nevertheless, reactively blended samples show an increase of l_p compared to blank PP; however, they possess smaller l_p compared to simple blends. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Verification Concerning the Relative Superiority of a Cellulosic Fabric with Regard to Polyester in Terms of Flammability

In order to prove the superiority of cotton fabric to polyester with regard to flammability, we have studied the effect of Graham's salt as a moderate and nondurable finish on the flammability of pure polyester and cotton fabric. The laundered bone-dried, weighed fabrics were impregnated with suitable concentration of aqueous Graham's salt solutions by means of squeeze rolls and drying at 110°C for 30 min. They were then cooled in a desiccator, reweighed with analytic precision, and kept under ordinary conditions before the accomplishment of the vertical flame test. The optimum add-on value to impart flame retardancy was about 43.65% for polyester fabric and 36.78% for cotton fabric. The results obtained comply with the Coating Theory. Moreover, the superiority of cotton fabric to polyester fabric in terms of combustibility has been deduced.     

STUDY ON THE ACETYLENE HYDROGENATION PROCESS FOR ETHYLENE PRODUCTION: SIMULATION,MODIFICATION, AND OPTIMIZATION

In this study, an industrial acetylene hydrogenation unit is simulated utilizing three available kinetic models. The results are compared against six-day experimental data and the best model is selected. Effects of feed temperature and the amount of injected hydrogen on ethylene selectivity are also studied. According to the simulation results, the unit is not working under its optimum conditions. Furthermore, by reduction of the hydrogen flow rate to 52 kg/h, process selectivity is increased. In addition, a new approach is proposed to modify the hydrogenation process and reduce undesired by-products. In the simulation of the modified process, hydrogenation reactors temperature, hydrogen flow rate, and H-1/H-2 ratio were regulated as adjustable parameters for the process optimization. The simulation shows that ethylene selectivity increases by 12%, while acetylene concentration and hydrogenation reactor temperature remains within acceptable ranges. Such selectivity could be achieved at the hydrogen flow rate of 50 kg/h with H-1/H-2 ratio of 0.1/0.9.     

A Convenient and Efficient Protocol for the Synthesis of HBIW Catalyzed by Silica Nanoparticles under Ultrasound Irradiation

2,4,6,8,10,12-Hexabenzyl-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazatetracyclo[5.5.0.0^5,9.0^3,11]dodecane (hexabenzylhexaazaisowurtzitane, HBIW) has been synthesized by the reaction of benzylamine and glyoxal (40% aqueous solution) in acetonitrile as a solvent catalyzed by silica nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs, ca. 42 nm) under ultrasound irradiation. The effects of solvent, catalyst, and ultrasonic power are discussed. With optimized reaction conditions, HBIW was synthesized under the influence of ultrasound irradiation. Compared with conventional methods, the remarkable advantages of this method are the simple experimental procedure, shorter reaction time, and high product yield.