Ethylene/silane copolymers prepared with a metallocene catalyst as polymeric additives in polyethylene/aluminum trihydroxide composites

Metallocene catalyst based polyethylene‐co‐7‐octenyldimethyl phenyl silane (PE/Si? Ph ) and its post‐treated functional forms PE/Si? X ( X = Cl , F , OCH₃ , OCH₂CH₃ ) were used as additives in PE/ATH composites. The impact strength of the composites was significantly increased after a small addition (0.5–3.0 wt %) of the functionalized form of the copolymer (PE/Si? X ). The thermal study of the composites gave us more information about the additive's behavior at the filler/matrix interphase and correlation to the mechanical properties was found. According to this thermal data, the original untreated form of PE/Si? Ph also seemed to interact weakly with the ATH‐filler particles, which was seen in an altered interphase at the filler/matrix boundary layer. The interaction was not strong enough to improve the impact strength of composites but an increase was observed in some other mechanical properties (tensile stress, yield strain). © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 5597–5608, 2005     

Polypropylene/layered double hydroxide nanocomposites: Synergistic effect of designed filler modification and compatibilizing agent on the morphology,thermal, and mechanical properties

This work addresses the optimization of the morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties of polypropylene/layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites. For this, the nanofillers were modified by a calcination rehydration process using two surfactants, sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, respectively. The nanofillers were characterized at each step of the modification process by thermal gravimetry, X‐ray diffraction, and Infra red spectroscopy. Furthermore, the impact of anionic modifiers on the filler surface energy and on the interactions toward water was analyzed. Polypropylene (PP)/LDH nanocomposites were then prepared by a melt intercalation process and a high molar mass maleic anhydride functionalized polypropylene (PPgMA) was introduced as a compatibilizer. The dispersion of LDH in the PP matrix was characterized and the thermal and mechanical properties of the corresponding nanocomposites were determined and discussed as a function of the filler modification, of the nanocomposite morphology, and of the filler/matrix interfacial properties. The nanocomposites prepared from SDS modified LDH and PPgMA exhibited superior properties thanks to an optimized filler dispersion state and improved interfacial interactions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015 , 53, 782–794     

Mechanical,dynamic mechanical,and thermal analysis of Shorea robusta-dispersed polyester composite

The influence of Shorea robusta natural filler loading (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 v/v%) on the mechanical, dynamic mechanical, biodegradability, and thermal stability of the polyester composite was analyzed. The composites were fabricated using hand lay-up method. The maximum mechanical properties, storage modulus, and glass transition temperature were observed for the composite with 20 v/v% filler. The peak height of Tanδ was found to be lesser for the same. Thermal analysis results revealed that the thermal stability of composite increased with the incorporation of Shorea robusta as natural filler. Biodegradability testing showed that the addition of filler resulted in weight loss of the composite under soil burial test.     

Thermal properties of 4,4-oxydiphathalic anhydride chitosan filled chitosan bio-composites

The 4,4,-oxydiphthalic anhydride-chitosan (ODAC) filler at composition of 2–12 wt/v% was selected to reinforce the Cs matrix by solution casting method. The thermal properties of the bio-composites were then evaluated by thermogravimetry analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The addition of ODAC filler in Cs matrix up to 10 wt/v% had increased the thermal stability of the bio-composites by increasing the thermal degradation (T _d) and glass transition temperature (T _g) of the bio-composites. Good interfacial bonds of electrostatic interactions and inter-hydrogen bonds of the bio-composite components significantly influenced the thermal properties of the bio-composites.     

Polylactide compositions. II. Correlation between morphology and main properties of PLA/calcium sulfate composites

Starting from calcium sulfate (gypsum) as fermentation by‐product of lactic acid production process, high performance composites have been produced by melt‐blending polylactide (PLA, L/D isomer ratio of 96:4) and β‐anhydrite II (AII) filler, that is, calcium sulfate hemihydrate previously dehydrated at 500 °C. Characterized by attractive mechanical and thermal properties due to good filler dispersion throughout the polyester matrix, these composites are interesting for potential use as biodegradable rigid packaging. Physical characterization of selected composites filled with 20 and 40 wt % AII has been performed and compared to processed unfilled PLA with similar amorphous structure. State of dispersion of the filler particles and interphase characteristic features have been investigated using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Addition of AII did not decrease PLA thermal stability as revealed by thermogravimetry analyses (TGA) and allowed reaching a slight increase of PLA crystallizability during melt crystallization and upon heating from the glassy, amorphous state (DSC). It was found by thermomechanical measurements (DMTA) that the AII filler increased pronouncedly storage modulus (E′) of the composites in comparison with PLA in a broad temperature range. The X‐ray investigations showed stable/unchanged crystallographic structure of AII during processing with molten PLA and in the composite system. The notable thermal and mechanical properties of PLA–AII composites are accounted for by the good filler dispersion throughout the polyester matrix confirmed by morphological studies, system stability, and favorable interactions between components. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2770–2780, 2007     

The role of organoclay on the properties of Polymethylsilsesquioxane: A systematic study

In this study, an attempt is made to improve the properties of PMSQ, an organosilicone polymer which possesses distinguished properties, through an easy and facile route by the inclusion of organically modified montmorillonite clay. PMSQ-clay composites were prepared by solution blending of the components initially and then heat curing under load. The effect of clay content, varied at 5–40 wt.%, on mechanical, thermal and dynamic mechanical properties was evaluated and the optimum was obtained for 20%. Morphology investigation as well as microstructure analysis revealed intercalated to exfoliated morphology of PMSQ-clay composite. An appreciable improvement in mechanical properties of PMSQ, compressive strength and impact strength in particular, was achieved by clay inclusion up to 20%. The properties declined at ≥ 30% clay loading. The composites showed increased thermal stability compared to unmodified PMSQ up to 400 °C. Also, increase in clay content accelerated conversion to ceramic SiOC. PMSQ-clay composites exhibited good visco-elastic characteristics with higher T_g probably due to enhanced polymer-clay interactions. Thus, a simple and viable method to enhance the mechanical and thermal characteristics of PMSQ by way of preparing its composite with the reinforcing filler organoclay is demonstrated here.     

Thermal resistance and mechanical stability of tungsten oxide filled polymer composite radiation shields

Abstract

The influence of tungsten oxide on thermal and mechanical properties of Isophthalic polyester was studied in detail. Ultrasonication technique was successful in dispersing WO₃ filler particles upto 40?wt% into the polymer matrix and was confirmed through the Scanning Electron Microscopy technique. The mechanical strength of the composites was found to increase with increase in the WO3 content and is acting as a reinforcer. About 77.4%, 65.4% and 7–8 times increase was observed in tensile, flexural and compressive strength respectively with respect to pristine. The thermogram of the composites reveal two stages of degradation. Maximum weight loss was observed in the first stage of degradation in almost all the composites. The initial degradation temperature of the composites range from 151?°C–226?°C. Activation energy was estimated using Horowitz–Metzger kinetic theory and was found to range from 25.31 to 78.58?kJ/Mol. The 50?wt% WO3 filled composite exhibits excellent thermal stability and mechanical strength. Thus, WO₃ filler particles were successful in enhancing the thermal and mechanical strength of Isophthalic polyester.     

The addition of functionalized graphene oxide to polyetherimide to improve its thermal conductivity and mechanical properties

The thermal and electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of polyetherimide (PEI) containing either alkyl‐aminated (enGO) or phenyl‐aminated graphene (pnGO) oxides were studied. A solution casting method was used to prepare functionalized graphene oxide/PEI composites with different filler contents. The introduction of functionalized graphene oxide to the PEI matrix improved the thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties. The thermal conductivities of the enGO 3 wt%/PEI and pnGO 3 wt%/PEI composites were 0.324 W/mK and 0.329 W/mK, respectively, due to the high thermal conductivity of the graphene‐based materials and the strong interface adhesion due to the filler surface treatment between the fillers and the matrix. The electrical conductivities of the functionalized graphene oxide/PEI composites were larger than that of PEI, but the electrical conductivity values were generally low, which is consistent with the magnitude of the insulator. The strong interfacial adhesion between the fillers and the matrix led to improved mechanical properties. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fabrication of thermoplastic polyurethane composites with a high dielectric constant and thermal conductivity using a hybrid filler of CNT@BaTiO3

Thermoplastic polyurethane composites with an excellent dielectric constant and high thermal conductivity were obtained using CNT@BaTiO₃ as a filler through a low-speed melt extrusion method. Before preparing the hybrid filler for the composite, the filler particles were surface modified to ensure that the outer surfaces could facilitate the reaction among particles to form the hybrid and ensure complete dispersion in the thermoplastic polyurethane matrix. After confirming the proper surface treatment of the filler particles using infrared spectroscopy, thermal degradation analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy, they were used to prepare the composite materials at a processing temperature of 200 °C. The thermal stability, thermomechanical properties, mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, and dielectric properties of the composites were investigated. Compared to the neat thermoplastic polyurethane matrix, the prepared composite exhibited a higher thermal stability, approximately 300% higher storage modulus, higher tensile strength and elongation at break values, approximately three times higher thermal conductivity (improved from 0.19 W/(m.K) to 0.38 W/(m.K), and approximately five times larger dielectric constant at high frequencies (at 1 MHz a dielectric constant of 19.2 was obtained).     

Effect of AlN content on the performance of brominated epoxy resin for printed circuit board substrate

Polymer matrix composites, based on brominated epoxy, a type of material widely used in printed circuit boards (PCBs), as matrix and AlN particle as filler were prepared. The influences of AlN content on the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of the composites were investigated by uniaxial tensile test, TMA, thermal conductivity measurement, DMA, and dielectric properties measurement. It was found that the properties of composites monotonically varied with AlN content except that maximum tensile strength and strain of composites corresponded to a filler content of 10 wt %. The results of DMA also showed the AlN reinforcement was more pronounced above T_g, and the peak area of tan δ versus T curves decreased with AlN content, which implied the damping capacity of the composite gradually decreased. The increase in T_g and decrease in damping were probably due to strong interaction between the AlN and epoxy matrix inhibiting the mobility of the epoxy chain. In addition, different theoretical models reported in the literature were used to predict the E, CTE, k, and D_k, and compared with the experimental data. Finally, suitable models were recommended in the present materials system. For the significant improvement of performance of epoxy, we can conclude that these composite materials may be promising for PCB substrate. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 1662–1674, 2007     

Tube-like natural halloysite/fluoroelastomer nanocomposites with simultaneous enhanced mechanical, dynamic mechanical and thermal properties

A novel kind of fluoroelastomer nanocomposites based on tube-like halloysite clay mineral were successfully prepared using a bis-phenol curing system, which resulted in prominent improvements in mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties and in the elevation as high as 30 K of the thermal decomposition temperature. Wide-angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy techniques were employed to assess the morphology developed in the nanocomposites, while stress strain diagrams were used to evaluate the mechanical properties. These nanocomposites were further characterized by moving die rheometer, dynamic mechanical properties and thermo-gravimetric analysis. Structure-properties relationship and the improvement of the mechanical, dynamic mechanical and thermal properties of fluoroelastomers are reported in the present study. Increasing amount of the filler reduced the curing efficiency of the bis-phenol curing system, which was evident from the rheometric and physical properties of the resulting composites. A sort of filler–filler interaction was perceived during the strain sweep analysis of the composites. The polymer–filler interaction was reflected in the improved mechanical and thermal properties which were the consequence of proper dispersion of the nanotubes in the polymer matrix; whereas the intercalation of macromolecular chains into the nanotubes was not reflected in the X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Preparation and characterization of epoxy–silica networks chemically bonded through aminophenyl-trimethoxysilane

Epoxy–silica hybrids with interfacial bonding using aminophenyl-trimethoxysilane (APTMOS) have been prepared by the sol–gel process. In a sequential polymerization procedure the amine groups present on the APTMOS were used to partially cure diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) whereas the methoxy groups created silica-network simultaneously, through the sol–gel process. Complete curing and cross-linking were carried out later using curing agent jeffamine D-400 at higher temperature. The nature of silica network structure chemically bonded with the epoxy chains was studied by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and the morphology of the hybrid through scattering electron and atomic force microscopies. The visco-elastic properties of the resulting hybrids were measured through dynamical thermal mechanical analysis. The effect of inter-phase bonding of the resulting hybrids and their thermal mechanical properties are compared with the similar DGEBA epoxy matrix where un-bonded silica network was produced from tetraethoxysilane. The properties of the hybrids using APTMOS show considerable improvement in thermal mechanical properties and the coefficient of thermal expansion is reduced in contrast to the un-compatiblized system.     

Preparation and Characterization of Nanocomposites of Carboxymethyl Cellulose Reinforced with Cellulose Nanocrystals

Summary: Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were extracted from Kraft pulp of Eucalyptus urograndis. The CNC were isolated by acid hydrolysis with H₂SO₄ 64% (w/w) solution, for 20 minutes at 45 °C. The morphology and crystallinity of the CNC were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The AFM image supports the evidence for the development of crystals of cellulose in nanometric scale. These nanoparticles were used as reinforcement material in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) matrix. Nanocomposites films were prepared by casting. The nanocomposites were characterized by thermal (TGA) and mechanical (DMA) analyses. A large reinforcing effect of the filler was observed. The tensile strength of nanocomposites was significantly improved by 107%, the elongation at break decreased by 48% and the thermal resistance increased slightly. The improvements in thermo-mechanical properties suggest a close association between filler and matrix.     

Study on insulating thermal conductive BN/HDPE composites

Thermal conductivity of boron nitride (BN) reinforced high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites was investigated under a special dispersion state of BN particles in HDPE, i.e., BN particles surrounding HDPE matrix particles. The results indicated that the special dispersion of BN in matrix gives the composites high thermal conductivity at low filler content; moreover, the smaller BN particles can more easily form conductive chains of filler compared to the larger filler particles. Examining the dependence of electrical insulation and mechanical properties of the composites on BN content demonstrated that the reinforced composites containing 30% by volume of filler has good electrical insulation and mechanical properties.     

Polylactide (PLA) and Highly Filled PLA - Calcium Sulfate Composites with Improved Impact Properties

Summary: Starting from gypsum as by-product of lactic acid fabrication process, novel high performance composites have been produced by melt-blending PLA and this filler after a previous specific dehydration performed at 500 °C for min. 1h. Due to PLA sensitivity towards hydrolysis, the utilization of β-anhydrite II (AII) as filler is a prerequisite. Characterized by attractive mechanical and thermal properties due to good filler dispersion throughout the polyester matrix, these composites are interesting in biodegradable rigid packaging or technical applications. Interestingly, tensile strength of PLA – AII composites proved remarkably high, e.g. higher than 35 MPa at 50 wt-% filler content. However a decrease of impact properties has been recorded. To increase the toughness of these composites while preserving high stiffness an impact modifier based on ethylene copolymer has been mixed with both the polymer matrix and AII by melt-compounding. The effectiveness of the impact modifier was confirmed in both neat PLA and AII-based composites. Addition of 5-10 wt-% impact modifier into highly filled composites (30 to 40 wt-% filler) leads to an attractively threefold increase of impact strength with respect to the compositions without modifier, remarkable thermo-mechanical performances and good filler dispersion.     

Cellulose whiskers reinforced polyvinyl alcohol copolymers nanocomposites

Nanocomposite materials were prepared from copolymers of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl acetate and a colloidal aqueous suspension of cellulose whiskers prepared from cotton linter. The degree of hydrolysis of the matrix was varied in order to vary the hydrophilic character of the polymer matrix and then the degree of interaction between the filler and the matrix. Nanocomposite films were conditioned at various moisture contents, and the dynamic mechanical and thermal properties were characterized using dynamic mechanical analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. Tensile tests were performed at room temperature to estimate mechanical properties of the films in the non linear range. All the results show that stronger filler/matrix interactions occur for fully hydrolyzed PVA compared to partially hydrolyzed samples. For moist samples, a water accumulation at the interface was evidenced. The reinforcing effect was found to be all the higher as the degree of hydrolysis of the matrix was high.     

Natural rubber nanocomposites

Natural rubber obtained from a milky colloid (latex) extras mainly from the tree Hevea Brasiliensis is approximately 95% cis-polyisopren has important physical properties. Among its shortcomings are resistance to aging and thermal stability that limits its applications. The use of fillers in rubber is almost as old as the use of rubber itself. ZnO originally used for whiteness was the first “active” filler. In 1904 carbon black was discovered and since then became the most important powder used in rubber technology. Recently various mineral and organic nanoparticles are studied as reinforcements for elastomers in view -with minimum amounts – to achieve required properties. Natural rubber nanocomposites bring together mechanical and thermal properties from the rubber matrix and special characteristics of the nanoparticles.     

Influence of heat treatment on electromagnetic properties of polyimide/carbon black composites

A kind of absorbing materials was prepared by hot pressing method using polyimide as matrix and carbon black (CB) as filler. The mechanical properties, the electromagnetic properties, and the thermal stability of polyimide/CB composites were studied. The results showed that the complex permittivity increased from 6.82 + 1.38i to 18.69 + 9.47i, whereas the flexural strength decreased from 108 MPa to 77 MPa, respectively, when the CB content increased from 2 wt% to 8 wt%. The reflection loss curves shifted to low frequency with increase of the thickness at the same content. The reflection loss below ?10 dB could be obtained in the X band with 6 wt% CB content and did not display significant difference before and after the heat treatment at 400°C for 5 h. When the content of CB was 8 wt%, the decomposition temperature (at 5% weight loss) increased approximately 42°C compared with pure polyimide matrix. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Impact of surface adaptation and Acacia nilotica biofiller on static and dynamic properties of sisal fiber composite

Nowadays, the awareness of the public along with strict legitimate forces over the use of polymers, the manufacturing and automotive industries started using the renewable materials. Since, natural fiber reinforced composites play vital role in developing lightweight structural materials, this study focuses on utilizing sisal fiber as reinforcement in polyester matrix along with natural filler. The influence of fiber length and fiber volume fraction on the mechanical properties of sisal fiber was studied initially. Test results revealed that the composite with 20?mm fiber length and 20-volume fraction composite has better mechanical properties. Furthermore, the effect of fiber surface modification has been analyzed using various chemical solutions such as NaOH, KMnO₄, stearic acid, and maleic acid. Of these, NaOH treatment enhances the mechanical properties of composite compared to all other cases. Finally, the influence of Acacia nilotica, a natural filler addition into the alkali-treated sisal fiber composite has been evaluated by mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties. It is found that the addition of natural filler and surface treatment has enhanced the properties of composites due to their synergetic effect. This effect improves the adhesion and uniform stress transfer among the reinforcements. The fiber surface morphology was evaluated using micrographs obtained from scanning electron microscope.     

Thermal and mechanical properties of particulate fillers filled epoxy composites for electronic packaging application

Epoxy composites containing particulate fillers‐fused silica, glass powder, and mineral silica were investigated to be used as substrate materials in electronic packaging application. The content of fillers were varied between 0 and 40 vol%. The effects of the fillers on the thermal properties—thermal stability, thermal expansion and dynamic mechanical properties of the epoxy composites were studied, and it was found that fused silica, glass powder, and mineral silica increase the thermal stability and dynamic thermal mechanical properties and reduce the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The lowest CTE value was observed at a fused silica content of 40 vol% for the epoxy composites, which was traced to the effect of its nature of low intrinsic CTE value of the fillers. The mechanical properties of the epoxy composites were determined in both flexural and single‐edge notch (SEN‐T) fracture toughness properties. Highest flexural strength, stiffness, and toughness values were observed at fillers content of 40 vol% for all the filled epoxy composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph showed poor filler–matrix interaction in glass powder filled epoxy composites at 40 vol%. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.