Dynamic mechanical behavior of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) blends

The dynamic mechanical behavior of uncrosslinked (thermoplastic) and crosslinked (thermosetting) acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (NBR/EVA) blends was studied with reference to the effect of blend ratio, crosslinking systems, frequency, and temperature. Different crosslinked systems were prepared using peroxide (DCP), sulfur, and mixed crosslink systems. The glass‐transition behavior of the blends was affected by the blend ratio, the nature of crosslinking, and frequency. sThe damping properties of the blends increased with NBR content. The variations in tan δ_max were in accordance with morphology changes in the blends. From tan δ values of peroxide‐cured NBR, EVA, and blends the crosslinking effect of DCP was more predominant in NBR. The morphology of the uncrosslinked blends was examined using scanning electron and optical microscopes. Cocontinuous morphology was observed between 40 and 60 wt % of NBR. The particle size distribution curve of the blends was also drawn. The Arrhenius relationship was used to calculate the activation energy for the glass transition of the blends, and it decreased with an increase in the NBR content. Various theoretical models were used to predict the modulus of the blends. From wide‐angle X‐ray scattering studies, the degree of crystallinity of the blends decreased with an increasing NBR content. The thermal behavior of the uncrosslinked and crosslinked systems of NBR/EVA blends was analyzed using a differential scanning calorimeter. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 1556–1570, 2002     

聚丙烯／顺丁橡胶动态硫化增韧的研究

研究了在聚丙烯(pp)与顺丁橡胶(BR)共混过程中加入橡胶硫化剂使共混体系中橡胶相动态硫化交联。研究结果表明,采用动态硫化法可提高共混物的冲击强度和拉伸强度。借助于SEM和DMA,证实了动态硫化使PP/BR共混体系具有相界面粘结良好的多相结构,改善了两相相容性。探讨了动态硫化增韧的机理。     

Dynamically Photocrosslinking of Polypropylene／EPDM Blends as a Thermoplastic Elastomer

The mechanical properties and the crystal morphological structures of the dynamically photocrosslinked polypropylene (PP)/ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) blends have been studied by means of mechanical tests, wide-angle X-ray diffraction(WAXD), and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC). The dynamically photocrosslinking of the PP/EPDM blends can improve the mechanical properties considerably, especially the notched Izod impact strength at low temperatures. The data obtained from the mechanical tests show that the notched Izod impact strength of the dynamically photocrosslinked sample with 30% EPDM at -20℃ is about six times that of the uncrosslinked sample with the same EPDM component. The results from the gel content, the results of WAXD, and the DSC measurements reveal the enhanced mechanism of the impact strength for the dynamically photocrosslinked PP/EPDM blends as follows: (1) There exists the crosslinking of the EPDM phase in the photocrosslinked PP/EPDM blends ; (2) The β-type crystal structureof PP is formed and the content of α-type crystal decreases with increasing the EPDM component; (3) The graft copolymer of PP-g-EPDM is formed at the interface between the PP and EPDM components. All the above changes of the crystal morphological structures are favorable for increasing the compatibility and enhancing the toughness of the PP/EPDM blends at low temperatures.     

The effect of gamma irradiation on mechanical, and thermal properties of recycling polyethylene terephthalate and low density polyethylene (R-PET/LDPE) blend compatibilized by ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)

A study has been made on the compatibility of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) blend in the presence of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) as a compatibilizing agent prepared by extrusion hot stretching process. EVA content in the blend as a compatibilizing agent was an enhancement effect on radiation crosslinking of R-PET/EVA/LDPE blends and the highest radiation crosslinking was obtained when the EVA content was reached at 10 % EVA when irradiated by gamma irradiation. Blends containing different (EVA) ratios were irradiated to different doses of gamma irradiation 25, 50 and 100 kGy. The effect of the compatibilizer and radiation on mechanical, thermal properties of R-PET together with LDPE and morphology has been investigated. It was found that gamma irradiation together with the presence of compatibilizing agent (EVA) has positive effect on the mechanical and thermal properties of R-PET/LDPE blend. The structural properties of R-PET/LDPE modified by gamma irradiation and EVA as compatibilizing agent was examined by SEM. Also, it was found that the optimum concentration of EVA and gamma irradiation dose was found to be 10 % EVA and 100 kGy, respectively.     

Dynamically cured natural rubber/EVA blends: influence of NR‐g‐poly(dimethyl (methacryloyloxymethyl)phosphonate) compatibilizer

Graft copolymer of natural rubber and poly(dimethyl(methacryloyloxymethyl)phosphonate) (NR‐g‐PDMMMP) was prepared in latex medium via photopolymerization. It was then used to promote the blend compatibility of dynamically cured 40/60 natural rubber (NR)/ethylene vinylacetate copolymer (EVA) blends using various loading levels at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, and 15 wt%. It was found that the increasing loading levels of NR‐g‐PDMMMP in the blends caused the increasing elastic modulus and complex viscosity until reaching the maximum values at a loading level of 9 wt%. The properties thereafter decreased with the increasing loading levels of NR‐g‐PDMMMP higher than 9 wt%. The smallest vulcanized rubber particles dispersed in the EVA matrix with the lowest tan δ value was also observed at a loading level of 9 wt%. Furthermore, the highest tensile strength and elongation at break (i.e., 17.06 MPa and 660%) as well as the lowest tension set value (i.e., 27%) were also observed in the blend using this loading level of the compatibilizer. Addition of NR‐g‐PDMMMP in the dynamically cured NR/EVA blends also improved the thermal stability of the blend. That is, the decomposition temperature increased with the addition of the graft copolymer. However, the addition of NR‐g‐PDMMMP in the blends caused the decreasing degree of crystallinity of the EVA phase in the blend. However, the strength properties of the blend are still high because of the compatibilizing effect. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Chemical modification of polyolefin blends

The effect of crosslinking on the properties of low density polyethylene / polypropylene blends was investigated. It was found that crosslinking results in much higher deformability of the blends compared to uncrosslinked materials. A decrease in crystalline portion determined by DSC leads to lower modulus in crosslinked samples. High drawability of crosslinked samples is mainly attributed to peculiar behaviour of PE part of the crosslinked blend where thicker lamellae are formed during drawing.     

动态固化聚丙烯/环氧树脂共混物的研究

将动态硫化技术应用于热塑性树脂 热固性树脂体系 ,制备了动态固化聚丙烯 (PP) 环氧树脂共混物 .研究了动态固化PP 环氧树脂共混物中两组分的相容性、力学性能、热性能和动态力学性能 .实验结果表明 ,马来酸酐接枝的聚丙烯 (PP g MAH)作为PP和环氧树脂体系的增容剂 ,使分散相环氧树脂颗粒变细 ,增加了两组分的界面作用力 ,改善了共混物的力学性能 .与PP相比 ,动态固化PP 环氧树脂共混物具有较高的强度和模量 ,含 5 %环氧树脂的共混物拉伸强度和弯曲模量分别提高了 30 %和 5 0 % ,冲击强度增加了 15 % ,但断裂伸长率却明显降低 .继续增加环氧树脂的含量 ,共混物的拉伸强度和弯曲模量增加缓慢 ,冲击强度无明显变化 ,断裂伸长率进一步降低 .动态力学性能分析 (DMTA)表明动态固化PP 环氧树脂共混物是两相结构 ,具有较高的储能模量 (E′)     

Transport and thermal properties of poly(ether imide)/acetylene-terminated monomer blends

Blends of an acetylene-terminated monomer (ATM) with a commercially available poly(etherimide) (PEI, Ultem™) were prepared, crosslinked, and characterized. Varying degrees of crosslinking were achieved through thermal treatment at 150–270°C. Incorporation of the uncrosslinked additive into the PEI resulted in reductions in the glass transition temperature, gas permeabilities and selectivities, and thermal stability. These behavior are consistent with antiplasticization of the polymer host by the ATM additive. Crosslinking of the actylene-terminated additive led to increases in thermal and chemical stability and improved gas selectivities as compared to the uncrosslinked blend. Gas transport properties are reported as a function of temperature. For the blend composition considered (9 wt% ATM in PEI), the fully crosslinked blend had transport properties which were essentially equivalent to the virgin PEI. Further, processing of the blend could be achieved in the same manner as for the virgin PEI. The resistance of the crosslinked blend to chemical dissolution or swelling was markedly improved as compared to PEI.     

纳米刚性微粒与橡胶弹性微粒同时增强增韧聚丙烯的研究

通过力学性能测试、动态力学试验、ＤＳＣ 分析以及材料断面形貌与结构分析等手段,对以纳米二氧化硅（ＳｉＯ２） 为刚性微粒、以三元乙丙橡胶（ＥＰＤＭ） 为弹性微粒组成的聚丙烯（ＰＰ）／ 纳米ＳｉＯ２／ＥＰＤＭ 的同时增强增韧效果进行了研究．结果显示,上述两种微粒可同时大幅度提高ＰＰ 的韧性、强度和模量,当ＰＰ／ 纳米ＳｉＯ２／ＥＰＤＭ 为８０／３／２０ 时,两种微粒体现较明显的协同增韧效应．纳米ＳｉＯ２ 可提高ＰＰ 的结晶温度和结晶速度,并使球晶细化．纳米ＳｉＯ２ 刚性微粒在ＰＰ连续相中以微粒团聚体形态分布,构成团聚体的平均微粒数约为６ ～７ ,其与ＰＰ基体表现出较强的结合牢度．ＰＰ／ 纳米ＳｉＯ２／ＥＰＤＭ 的综合性能已接近或达到工程塑料的性能．     

Radiation crosslinked Polyolefinic blends: exploring thermally tuned dual Shape Memory character

Shape memory behavior of thermally triggered polymeric materials based on ethylene octene copolymer (EOC) and ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) has been studied in details. Investigation of the shape memory behavior of uncrosslinked EOC–EPDM and electron beam crosslinked EOC–EPDM blends have been pursued thoroughly. Shape memory study has been carried out at 60°C, which shows that with the effect of electron beam radiation shape fixity behavior of the crosslinked blends becomes poor as compared with its uncrosslinked blend system whereas the improvement in shape recovery behavior takes place after the exposure to electron beam radiation. Morphology study by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and crystallinity study by X‐ray diffraction analysis also give the clear idea regarding the formation of crosslinked network structure. Improvement in gel content with increasing radiation dose supports the formation of network structure. Even after the crosslinking in presence of electron beam radiation also, it has been found that crosslinked EPDM rich blends is superior in terms of shape memory behavior point of view. Lower decay of stress value coupled with lower relaxation ratio of crosslinked EPDM rich blend support its superior shape memory behavior. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photopolymerization of ternary thiol–ene/acrylate systems: Film and network properties

Photocurable, ternary‐component mixtures of a 1:1 molar multifunctional thiol–ene (trithiol and triallyl ether) blend and a 16‐functional acrylate based monomer have been photopolymerized, and the final film properties of the ternary crosslinked networks have been measured. The photopolymerization kinetics, morphology, and mechanical and physical properties of the films have been investigated with real‐time infrared, atomic force microscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The photopolymerization process is a combination of acrylate homopolymerization and copolymerizations of thiol with allyl ether and acrylate functionalities. The tan δ peaks of the photopolymerized ternary systems are relatively narrow and tunable over a large temperature range. The morphology is characterized by a distinct phase‐separated nanostructure. The photocured thiol–ene/acrylate ternary systems can be made to exhibit good mechanical properties with enhanced energy absorption at room temperature by the appropriate selection of each component concentration. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 822–829, 2007.     

Influence of mechanical properties,toughness, and barrier properties of PMMA‐EVA‐organoclay nanocomposites with and without in situ crosslinking

Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA)‐ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)‐organoclay nanocomposites were prepared with and without in situ crosslinking using tetrapropoxysilane (TPOS) as a crosslinking agent and dibutyl tin oxide (DBTO) as a catalyst. Brabender Plasticorder experimental results suggest that in situ crosslinking transforms the EVA from a liquid to a viscoelastic solid. Transmission electron micrographs analysis indicates that most of the organoclay was clustered in the crosslinked EVA phase. X‐ray diffraction and morphology indicate that the PMMA‐EVA‐organoclay nanocomposites were intercalated and incompatible. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results indicate some interaction between PMMA‐EVA‐clay nanocomposites. The in situ crosslinked of EVA and the addition of organoclay increased the modulus properties of PMMA. However, in situ crosslinking slightly reduced the barrier properties of PMMA‐EVA‐organoclay nanocomposites. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mesomorphic properties of liquid crystalline polysiloxanes and elastomers based on a tri-vinyl crosslinker

A series of crosslinked liquid crystalline polymers and the corresponding uncrosslinked liquid crystalline polymers were prepared by graft copolymerization; their liquid crystalline properties were characterized by DSC, POM and X-ray measurements. The results show that the crosslinking obtained in the isotropic state leads to a reduction of the clearing point (T_c) of the crosslinked polymers, as compared with the corresponding uncrosslinked polymers. The crosslinked polymers with low crosslinking density (P₁-P₇) exhibit nematic mesogenic phases, as do the uncrosslinked polymers. In contrast, a high crosslinking density leads to the crosslinked polymers P₈ and P₉ losing their thermotropic liquid crystalline phases; they instead exhibit stress-induced orientation.     

PBT/POE-g-MAH/PP共混体系的相态结构与性能

采用马来酸酐接枝乙烯-辛烯共聚物弹性体(POE-g-MAH)与聚丙烯(PP)在双螺杆挤出机上进行熔融共混,制备了3种新型增韧改性剂.研究了增韧改性剂的种类及其用量对共混物的力学性能、相形态结构、熔融与结晶行为的影响.力学性能测试表明,POE-g-MAH与适量PP并用具有显著的协同增韧作用,当POE-g-MAH与PP的配比为70/30时,所得增韧改性剂(POEg2)具有最佳的增韧效果.当POEg2含量达到15%时,共混物的缺口冲击强度(Is)从纯PBT的7.5 kJ/m2提高到51.2 kJ/m2,与15%的纯POE-g-MAH弹性体增韧PBT具有相近的缺口冲击强度值.同时,共混物的拉伸强度(σb)损失最小.采用AFM和SEM观察发现,新型增韧改性剂作为分散相具有软壳-硬核结构.DSC测试表明,随增韧改性剂中PP含量增加到一定值时,壳-核结构中软壳层出现不完整现象,导致界面作用力减小,共混物的Is和σb都出现明显下降.     

Migration of nanosilica particles in polymer blends

Hydrophilic pyrogenic silica melt mixed in immiscible polypropylene/poly (ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (PP/EVA) blend was found to migrate from the PP matrix to the EVA dispersed domains and remained confined inside them. Surprisingly, it was shown than silica was also able to migrate from a dispersed PP phase to an EVA matrix but this transfer was slower and not complete. The same silica with a hydrophobic surface treatment moved and accumulated to the blend interface and in PP. The mechanisms from which this migration proceeds are discussed. Whereas self diffusion of the particles was shown to have almost no effect, shear induced movements and collisions with dispersed drops is believed to be the most efficient mechanism. The possible trapping of silica aggregates during droplet–droplet coalescence was impossible to observe but is thought to be a possible additional mechanism. No quantification on the relative importance of the latter phenomenon can be drawn at the moment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1976–1983, 2008     

A critical analysis of the effect of crosslinking on the linear viscoelastic behavior of styrene–butadiene rubber and other elastomers

The linear viscoelastic behavior in dynamic shear and tensile creep at temperatures from −30 to 70 °C is measured for an styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) elastomer cured with dicumyl peroxide to crosslinking densities between 0 and 23.5 × 10⁻⁵ mol/cm³. The G′, G″, and tan δ isotherms are analyzed by time–temperature superposition (TTS), where the tan δ master curves are consistent with those of Mancke and Ferry. However, to achieve the TTS in the lightly crosslinked SBR systems, an anomalous vertical shift is required in the narrow temperature region from 10 to 30 °C. The vertical shift factor in this temperature region is not the standard from rubber elasticity. No anomalous behavior is detected in the equilibrium modulus, which is a linear function of temperature in accordance with the classical theory of rubber elasticity. In contrast to SBR, standard vertical shifts are required to effect TTS for uncrosslinked polybutadiene and an ethylene propylene diene monomer elastomer. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013     

Unique size-change behavior of photo-crosslinked cinnamic acid derivative nanoparticles during hydrolytic degradation

A unique size change of photo-crosslinkable poly[(3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid)-co-(4-hydroxycinnamic acid)] nanoparticles was observed during hydrolytic degradation depending on the crosslinking degree. The diameter of uncrosslinked nanoparticles decreased from 850 to 300 nm during hydrolysis, whereas that of 75% crosslinked nanoparticles increased from 700 to 950 nm. The diameter changes of crosslinked nanoparticles during hydrolysis might be induced by swelling of the crosslinked networks depending on the crosslinking degree. Moreover, the diameter of the uncrosslinked nanoparticle recovered by additional UV irradiation during hydrolysis. These results suggested that the diameter of the nanoparticles could be controlled even during hydrolysis by UV irradiation.     

Photocrosslinking and related properties of intumescent flame‐retardant LLDPE/EVA/IFR blends

The photoinitiated crosslinking of halogen‐free flame retarded linear low density polyethylene/poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) blends (LLDPE/EVA) with the intumescent flame retardant (IFR) of phosphorous‐nitrogen compound (NP) in the presence of photoinitiator and crosslinker and their characterization of related properties have been investigated by gel determination, heat extension test, cone calorimeter test (CCT), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical properties measurements, limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94, and water resistance test. The data from the gel content and heat extension rate (HER) show that the LLDPE/EVA/IFR blends filled with NP are readily crosslinked to a gel content of above 75% and the HER values reach about 50% by UV‐irradiation of 5 sec under suitable amount of photoinitiator and crosslinker. The data obtained from the CCT and LOI indicate that photocrosslinking can considerably decrease the heat release rates (HRR) by 10–15%, prolongate the combustion time, and increase two LOI values for the LLDPE/EVA/NP blends UV irradiated for 5 sec. The results from TGA and the dynamic FTIR spectra give the evidence that the photocrosslinked LLDPE/EVA/NP samples show slower thermal degradation rate and higher thermo‐oxidative degradation temperature than the uncrosslinked LLDPE/EVA/NP samples. The morphological structures of charred residues observed by SEM give the positive evidence that the compact charred layers formed from the photocrosslinked LLDPE/EVA/NP samples play an important role in the enhancement of flame retardant and thermal properties. The data from the mechanical tests and water‐resistant measurements show that photocrosslinking can considerably improve the mechanical and water‐resistant properties of LLDPE/EVA/NP samples. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

1,4-双(二苯基膦)丁烷交联的季膦化聚芳醚酮阴离子交换膜

以1,4-双(二苯基膦)丁烷为交联剂,以具有四甲基联苯结构的聚芳醚酮为基体材料,分别制备了刚性三苯基膦和柔性三丁基膦修饰的阴离子交联膜材料.交联剂在交联结构形成的过程中转变成季膦盐,在提高膜材料机械稳定性的同时保持离子交换功能基团的含量.研究了2种阴离子交换膜的尺寸稳定性、电导率、机械性能及耐碱稳定性等.研究结果表明,当交联度为20%时,三苯基膦与三丁基膦修饰的阴离子交换膜的拉伸强度分别由未交联时的27和18 MPa提高到45和30 MPa;交联的膜材料在60℃的3 mol/L KOH溶液中浸泡120 h后,三苯基膦修饰的阴离子交换膜的电导率保留率为81%,三丁基膦修饰的阴离子交换膜的电导率保留率为69%,膜的耐碱稳定性均较未交联时有明显提高.交联度相同时,三苯基膦修饰的阴离子交换膜表现出更高的拉伸强度和更好的耐碱稳定性.     

Crosslinkable poly(propylene carbonate): High‐yield synthesis and performance improvement

A crosslinking strategy was used to improve the thermal and mechanical performance of poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC): PPC bearing a small moiety of pendant C?C groups was synthesized by the terpolymerization of allyl glycidyl ether (AGE), propylene oxide (PO), and carbon dioxide (CO₂). Almost no yield loss was found in comparison with that of the PO and CO₂ copolymer when the concentration of AGE units in the terpolymer was less than 5 mol %. Once subjected to UV‐radiation crosslinking, the crosslinked PPC film showed an elastic modulus 1 order of magnitude higher than that of the uncrosslinked one. Moreover, crosslinked PPC showed hot‐set elongation at 65 °C of 17.2% and permanent deformation approaching 0, whereas they were 35.3 and 17.2% for uncrosslinked PPC, respectively. Therefore, the PPC application window was enlarged to a higher temperature zone by the crosslinking strategy. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5329–5336, 2006