Conversion of low density polyethylene foams into auxetic metamaterials

Cellular polymers, such as polyethylene foams, are commonly used in the packaging industry. These materials have short service life and generate a high volume of waste after use. In order to valorize this waste and produce added-value applications, it is proposed to convert these materials into highly efficient energy absorption structures. This was done by modifying the original cellular morphology of the foams (spheroidal or polygonal) into a re-entrant structure to produce auxetic materials. This work presents an optimized process combining mechanical compression and solvent vapor evaporation-condensation leading to low density foams (77–200 kg/m³) having negative Poisson's ratios (NPR). Three series of recycled low density polyethylene (LDPE) foams with an initial density of 16, 21, and 36 kg/m³ were used to optimize the processing conditions in terms of treatment temperature, time, and pressure. From all the samples prepared, a minimum Poisson's ratio of −3.5 was obtained. To further characterize the samples, the final foam structure was analyzed to relate with mechanical properties and compare with conventional foams having positive Poisson's ratios. The results are discussed using tensile properties and energy dissipation which were shown to be highly improved for auxetic foams. Overall, the resulting foams can be used in several applications such as sport and military protection equipment.     

An experimental and numerical study on an innovative metastructure for 3D printed thermoplastic polyurethane with auxetic performance

Metamaterials are specifically designed materials that possess unique properties that cannot be found in naturally occurring substances. These remarkable materials have the capability to bring about a significant transformation across a wide range of industries. Auxetic structures are a recent area of research possess a distinctive characteristic known as a negative Poisson's ratio. Unlike conventional materials that contract when stretched, auxetic structures actually expand in two dimensions. In this study, a new auxetic structure was introduced, and thermoplastic polyurethane samples were 3D printed using a fused filament fabrication method. The samples are then subjected to strains ranging from 5% to 50% and Poisson's ratios are measured both experimentally and numerically using finite element method in Ansys software. By comparing the results of the experimental research and simulation, it is evident that applying strains within this range causes the Poisson's ratio of the samples to change from −0.81 to −0.14 and it showed that the newly introduced structure is auxetic. According to the analysis of root mean square error, the hexagonal mesh with a size of 0.7 mm consistently produced the most accurate results, aligning closely with the experimental sample. Given that this is an entirely novel auxetic structure within the category of arrow-head auxetic structures, there is potential for future research to be conducted in order to further develop and enhance this model.     

A study on correlating reduction in Poisson's ratio with transverse crack and delamination through acoustic emission signals

During the uniaxial loading of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, Poisson's ratio (ν_xy), which is a constant elastic property for isotropic materials, decreases significantly. Micro-damage created within FRP composites as a result of an applied stress causes this decrease. As the level of micro-damage increases, a greater level of reduction in Poisson's ratio occurs. FRP composites, in general, show three main micro-damage types under uniaxial tensile loading, namely, transverse crack, delamination and fiber rupture. To determine micro-damage types which dominantly affects the relevant reduction in Poisson's ratio, glass fiber reinforced cross-ply laminates with three different off-axis ply content are produced and then tested under a uniaxial tensile loading. The Acoustic Emission (AE) signals are concurrently recorded and grouped into three clusters in accordance with their frequency, which is either associated with transverse crack, delamination or fiber rupture. The frequency based clustering of AE signal facilitates detailed investigation of delamination onset and effect of different micro-damage types on Poisson's ratio. It is proven that stacking sequences with a higher number of transverse cracks and delaminations, quantified based on AE signals, show a greater reduction in Poisson's ratio.     

Elastic Properties of a Polyethylene Single-Molecule

Analytical closed-form solution of the elastic properties (such as longitudinal stiffness, shear stiffness and Poisson's ratio) of a taut polyethylene single-molecule is developed in this paper in terms of C–C and C–C–C bond parameters. The concepts considered herein include resolution of forces and of displacement, with due application of Hooke's law to determine the longitudinal stiffness and the in-plane Poisson's ratio. Adopting the solid mechanics theory as an analogy, the shear stiffness of a taut polyethylene chain is conveniently obtained. Results reveal unique Poisson's ratio property of a polyethylene single-molecule in comparison to usual bulk materials, thereby suggesting size-dependency of nano-scale materials in terms of the Poisson's ratio. Finally some frequently occurring terms in all three elastic property expressions are grouped to summarize and to reveal some form of uniformity in the analytical solutions.     

A Novel Quasi-Planar Two-dimensional Carbon Sulfide with Negative Poisson's Ratio and Dirac Fermions

In the present study, a novel and unconventional two-dimensional (2D) material with Dirac electronic features has been designed using sulflower with the help of density functional theory methods and first principles calculations. This 2D material comprises of hetero atoms (C, S) and belongs to the tetragonal lattice with P₄/nmm space group. Scrutiny of the results show that the 2D nanosheet exhibits a nanoporous wave-like geometrical structure. Quantum molecular dynamics simulations and phonon mode analysis emphasize the dynamical and thermal stability. The novel 2D nanosheet is an auxetic material with an anisotropy in the in-plane mechanical properties. Both composition and geometrical features are completely different from the conditions necessary for the formation of Dirac cones in graphene. However, the presence of semi-metallic nature, linear band dispersion relation, massive fermions and massless Dirac fermions are observed in the novel 2D nanosheet. The massless Dirac fermions exhibit highly isotropic Fermi velocities (v_f=0.68×10⁶ m/s) along all crystallographic directions. The zero-band gap semi metallic features of the novel 2D nanosheet are perturbative to the electric field and external strain.     

Structural,elastic, electronic and optical properties of the newly synthesized monoclinic Zintl phase BaIn2P2

The present study explores the structural, elastic, electronic and optical properties of the newly synthesized monoclinic Zintl phase BaIn₂P₂ using a pseudopotential plane-wave method in the framework of density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation. The calculated lattice constants and internal coordinates are in very good agreement with the experimental findings. Independent single-crystal elastic constants as well as numerical estimations of the bulk modulus, the shear modulus, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, Pugh's indicator of brittle/ductile behaviour and the Debye temperature for the corresponding polycrystalline phase were obtained. The elastic anisotropy of BaIn₂P₂ was investigated using three different indexes. The calculated electronic band structure and the total and site-projected l-decomposed densities of states reveal that this compound is a direct narrow-band-gap semiconductor. Under the influence of hydrostatic pressure, the direct D–D band gap transforms into an indirect B-D band gap at 4.08 GPa, then into a B–Γ band gap at 10.56 GPa. Optical macroscopic constants, namely, the dielectric function, refractive index, extinction coefficient, reflectivity coefficient, absorption coefficient and energy-loss function, for polarized incident radiation along the [100], [010] and [001] directions were investigated.     

First-principles study of structural,elastic, electronic and vibrational properties of BiCoO3

We used density functional theory (DFT) to study the structural, elastic, electronic, and lattice dynamical properties of tetragonal BiCoO₃ applying the “norm-conserving” pseudopotentials within the local spin density approximation (LSDA). The calculated equilibrium lattice parameters and atomic displacements are in agreement with the available experimental and theoretical results. Moreover, the structural stability of tetragonal BiCoO₃ were confirmed by the calculated elastic constants. In addition, the elastic properties of polycrystalline aggregates including bulk, shear and Young's moduli, and Poisson's ratio are also determined. The electronic band structure, total and partial density of states (DOS and PDOS) with ferromagnetic spin configuration are obtained. The results show that tetragonal BiCoO₃ has an indirect band gap with both up- and down-spin configurations and its bonding behavior is of covalent nature. We compute Born effective charge (BEC) which is found to be quite anisotropic of Bi, Co and O atoms. The infrared and Raman active phonon mode frequencies at the Г point are found. The phonon dispersion curves exhibit imaginary frequencies which lead from the high-symmetry tetragonal phase to low-symmetry rhombohedral phase in BiCoO₃. The six independent elastic constants, including bulk, shear and Young's moduli, and Poisson's ratio, complete BEC tensor and phonon dispersion relations in tetragonal BiCoO₃ are predicted for the first time. Results of the calculations are compared with the existing experimental and theoretical data.     

Structure and phase transitions in poly(diethylsiloxane)

The structure changes accompanying phase transitions in poly(diethylsiloxane) (PDES) have been studied by WAXS and SAXS techniques using oriented and isotropic samples. PDES may exist in two low-temperature modifications (the monoclinic α₁-form and presumably the “tetragonal” β₁-form) and two high-temperature modifications (the monoclinic α₂-form and the “tetragonal” β₂-form). In linear PDES the crystal - crystal transitions α₁–α₂ and β₁–β₂ occur near 214 and 206 K, respectively. At higher temperatures α₂ (280 K) and β₂ (290 K) forms transform into the mesomorphic phase α_m that gradually melts at 280–300 K giving an amorphous phase. According to x-ray and density data, α_m phase is also characterized by monoclinic structure slightly different from hexagonal packing.     

A comparison study on Raman scattering properties of α- and β-MnO2

In this comment to a recent paper [Anal. Chim. Acta 585 (2007) 241-245], we report a comparison study on Mn oxide-related compounds with different crystallographic forms, which distinguish between β-MnO₂ and α-MnO₂ type materials via Raman scattering (RS) spectroscopy. The tetragonal rutile-type β-MnO₂ is characterized by a RS band at ∼667 cm⁻¹ of symmetry A_1g, whereas the α-MnO₂ type materials feature two main RS contributions at about 574 and 634 cm⁻¹, belonging to A_g spectroscopic species of a tetragonal hollandite-type framework. These data represent a clear signature for identifying β-MnO₂ and α-MnO₂ type materials via RS spectroscopy.     

Phases of tetraphosphorus triselenide analysed by magic angle spinning 31P NMR and Raman spectroscopy,and the Raman spectrum of tetraphosphorus tetraselenide

The local environments of the cage molecules in the phases of P₄Se₃ are analysed with ³¹P MAS-NMR and Raman spectroscopy.The ³¹P MAS-NMR spectra of the orientationally ordered α and α′,-phases have different chemical shifts for the apical P atom (α: 68.0, 86 and 88.0 ppm; α′: 75.8 ppm), but similar chemical shifts for the basal P atoms (α: −58.8 ppm, α′: −60.0 ppm).When either α or α′-P₄Se₃ is heated above 358 K, the resulting β-P₄Se₃ has a well-resolved, liquid-like spectrum, indicating extensive molecular re-orientation. The slowly quenched β-phase shows a remnant β-phase mixed with the α-phase as well as P₄Se₄. A rapidly quenched sample of β-P₄Se₃ also shows a small remnant β-phase in the α-phase, but also a new phase with sharp resonances at 12.5, 3.6, 0.1 and −12 ppm. These are probably due to a P₄Se₄ phase which may be orientationally disordered.The Raman spectrum of P₄Se₃ heated above the α-β phase transition temperature shows a disappearance of the lattice modes and the 373 cm⁻¹ mode as previously reported, but also shows some decomposition to P₄Se₄. The β-phase reverts into the α-phase on quenching, with only weak remnant bands attributable to P₄Se₄. The bands of P₄Se₄ become more prominent as the temperature of the β-phase is raised, but above the β-∂ phase transition they are less prominent.The Raman spectrum of P₄Se₄ is reported. The strongest band is at 350 cm⁻¹, with the next strongest band at 185 cm⁻¹. The spectra indicate that the dominant isomer is the selenium analogue of α-P₄S₄ (D_2h), confirming previous ³¹P MAS-NMR studies.     

Boron-Dependency of Molybdenum Boride Electrocatalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Molybdenum-based materials have been considered as alternative catalysts to noble metals, such as platinum, for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). We have synthesized four binary bulk molybdenum borides Mo₂B, α-MoB, β-MoB, and MoB₂ by arc-melting. All four phases were tested for their electrocatalytic activity (linear sweep voltammetry) and stability (cyclic voltammetry) with respect to the HER in acidic conditions. Three of these phases were studied for their HER activity and by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for the first time; MoB₂ and β-MoB show excellent activity in the same range as the recently reported α-MoB and β-Mo₂C phases, while the molybdenum richest phase Mo₂B show significantly lower HER activity, indicating a strong boron-dependency of these borides for the HER. In addition, MoB₂ and β-MoB show long-term cycle stability in acidic solution.     

Mechanical properties of the novel organometallic polymer poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane)

A study of the mechanical properties of poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane) [Fe(η‐C₅H₄)₂SiMe₂]_n, 3 , a novel organometallic polymer, has been performed on thin films of this material. The Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of film samples (15 × 1 × 1 mm) of 3 were measured in quasi‐static tension using a video extensometer. For 3 , the values of the Young's moduli (E) and Poisson's ratios (ν) were similar between axes in the plane and independent of the splicing direction used during sample preparation. The mean and standard deviation of the Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio were 0.78 ± 0.08 GPa and 0.37 ± 0.06 GPa, respectively. Thermomechanical analysis of 3 revealed a steady decrease of E from a room temperature value of approximately 0.70 GPa. Additionally, it was found that at 150 °C, 3 was unable to support even small stresses, consistent with the onset of a melt transition (ca. 135 °C). A mathematical model based on molecular geometry is developed to describe the results. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 2280–2288, 2005     

Zur Kenntnis der Dialkalimetalldichalkogenide β-Na2S2, K2S2, α-Rb2S2, β-Rb2S2, K2Se2, Rb2Se2, α-K2Te2, β-K2Te2 und Rb2Te2

On Dialkali Metal Dichalcogenides β-Na₂S₂, K₂S₂, α-Rb₂S₂, β-Rb₂S₂, K₂Se₂, Rb₂Se₂, α-K₂Te₂, β-K₂Te₂ and Rb₂Te₂ The first presentation of pure samples of α- and β-Rb₂S₂, α- and β-K₂Te₂, and Rb₂Te₂ is described. Using single crystals of K₂S₂ and K₂Se₂, received by ammonothermal synthesis, the structure of the Na₂O₂ type and by using single crystals of β-Na₂S₂ and β-K₂Te₂ the Li₂O₂ type structure will be refined. By combined investigations with temperature-dependent Guinier-, neutron diffraction-, thermal analysis, and Raman-spectroscopy the nature of the monotropic phase transition from the Na₂O₂ type to the Li₂O₂ type will be explained by means of the examples α-/β-Na₂S₂ and α-/β-K₂Te₂. A further case of dimorphic condition as well as the monotropic phase transition of α- and β-Rb₂S₂ is presented. The existing areas of the structure fields of the dialkali metal dichalcogenides are limited by the model of the polar covalence.     

Stereocontrolled glycosidations using a heterogeneous solid acid, sulfated zirconia, for the direct syntheses of α- and β-manno- and 2-deoxyglucopyranosides

Novel α- and β-stereocontrolled glycosidations using a heterogeneous solid acid, sulfated zirconia (SO₄/ZrO₂), as an activator have been developed. The glycosidations of manno- and 2-deoxyglucopyranosyl α-fluorides with several alcohols using SO₄/ZrO₂ in MeCN proceeded α-stereoselectively, while those with the same activator in the presence of MS 5A in Et₂O occurred with β-stereoselectivity. Thus, both the α- and β-manno- and 2-deoxyglucopyranosides were effectively obtained by the present glycosidations.     

Poisson ratios and upper bounds of intrinsic birefringence from brillouin scattering of oriented polymers

To overcome the difficulties in measuring high-frequency shear constants of polymeric materials by ultrasonic or Brillouin scattering technques, we extrapolate results from oriented materials to zero birefringence. Shear constants C₄₄ in the high-frequency limit (GHz) are determined for polyethylene, poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(vinyl chloride), poly(methyl methacrylate), and polycarbonate using Brillouin scattering. Accurate values of Poisson's ratio are derived. The extrapolation to full orientation using an amended Moseley relation gives upper bounds for the “intrinsic birefringence.” Changes in the character of the orientation process are easily detected by monitoring the mode numbers, which are defined by analogy to Poisson's ratio. Extrapolation of these ratios to their upper bound 0.5 gives an independent check of the maximum intrinsic birefringence. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

A simplified compression test for the estimation of the Poisson's ratio of viscoelastic foams

This paper describes a simplified procedure for determining the Poisson's ratio of homogeneous and isotropic viscoelastic materials. A cylindrical shaped material is axially excited by an electromagnetic shaker and consequent displacement waves are investigated. Using a frequency sweep as an excitation signal, the frequency domain displacement response is measured upstream and sideways of the sample itself. A plane cross-section analytical model of the experimental setup is used to estimate Poisson's ratio through a minimisation-based procedure, applied to radial displacement once the complex modulus has been directly determined under the assumption of spring-like behaviour of the axial displacement. The results are presented and discussed for different materials and compared to well-established quasi-static and finite element simulations.     

Synthesis and properties of polyaniline doped with iron-substituted silicotungstate isomers with Keggin structure

Four polyaniline hybrid materials doped with iron-substituted silicotungstate isomers α,?β _i - K_5?n H _n [SiW₁₁Fe(H₂O)O₃₉]?·?xH₂O (β_i?=?β₁, β₂, β₃) were prepared. The materials were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, UV-Vis spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), TG-DTA and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The conductivity and fluorescence were determined and thermal stability was studied. The UV-Vis, IR and XRD results confirm the existence of Keggin anions. Thermal analysis indicates that SiW₁₁Fe/PANI has better thermal stability. The images of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) show that the materials are microporous. The materials exhibit excellent proton conductivity of 8.5?×?10^?2?S?cm^?1 at room temperature (20°C). The spectral data indicate that polyaniline doped with α, β_i-SiW₁₁Fe have similar fluorescence, λ_em?=?418–470?nm, and emit blue light.     

Theoretical prediction of the structural,elastic, electronic,optical and thermal properties of the cubic perovskites CsXF3 (X = Ca,Sr and Hg) under pressure effect

Some physical properties of the cubic perovskites CsXF₃ (X = Ca, Sr and Hg) have been investigated using pseudopotential plane-wave method based on the density functional theory. The calculated lattice parameters within GGA and LDA agree reasonably with the available experimental data. The elastic constants and their pressure derivatives are predicted using the static finite strain technique. We derived the bulk and shear moduli, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio and Lamé’s constants for ideal polycrystalline aggregates. The analysis of B/G ratio indicates that CsXF₃ (X = Ca, Sr and Hg) are ductile materials. The thermal effect on the volume, bulk modulus, heat capacity and Debye temperature was predicted.     

The Formation of NaYF4 : Er3+, Yb3+ Nanocrystals Studied by In Situ X-ray Scattering: Phase Transition and Size Focusing

β-NaYF₄ nanocrystals are a popular class of optical materials. They can be doped with optically active lanthanide ions and shaped into core-multi-shell geometries with controlled dopant distributions. Here, we follow the synthesis of β-NaYF₄ nanocrystals from α-NaYF₄ precursor particles using in situ small-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering and ex situ electron microscopy. We observe an evolution from a unimodal particle size distribution to bimodal, and eventually back to unimodal. The final size distribution is narrower in absolute numbers than the initial distribution. These peculiar growth dynamics happen in large part before the α-to-β phase transformation. We propose that the splitting of the size distribution is caused by variations in the reactivity of α-NaYF₄ precursor particles, potentially due to inter-particle differences in stoichiometry. Rate equation modeling confirms that a continuous distribution of reactivities can result in the observed particle growth dynamics.     

Das mechanochemische Gleichgewicht der Phasen α- und β-PbO2

On mechanochemical treatment of α- and β-PbO₂, respectively in a vibration mill an enantiotropic phase transformation was observed, leading to a mechanochemical equilibrium. Chosen conditions of milling presumed, this equilibrium will yield 90% of α- and 10% of β-PbO₂. This was deduced from quantitative x-ray analysis and derivatographic investigations.