A Study of the Relation between the Mechanical Properties and the Adhesion Level in a Laminated Packaging Material

The mechanical properties of a laminate consisting of aluminum-foil, adhesive, and polymer layers were studied in relation to the adhesion level. A special application for liquid-food packaging materials was considered. In experiments, laminates with and without adhesive layers were tested. Tensile tests were first run for every layer of the laminate, and the data obtained were then used in analyzing the results of tensile tests on the entire laminate, as well as in theoretical and finite-element calculations. Relations between different mechanical properties (such as Young's modulus, the peak stress, and the strain at the peak stress) and the adhesion level were analyzed. It was found that the tensile strength and the strain at the peak stress increased with adhesion level. Only slight differences in Young's modulus were observed at different adhesion levels.     

Effect of Magnetic Treatment on the Structure and Properties of Aramid-Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Plastics

The problems of hardening of aramid-fiber-reinforced (ARF) epoxy plastics during thermomagnetic treatment are considered. The basic results of experimental investigations of the effect of weak magnetic fields on the structure and properties of epoxy materials and on the thermohardening conditions of various ARF plastics are presented. It is found that the physicomechanical properties of ARF textolites, unidirectional aramid-fiber-filled (AFF) plastics, and cylindrical shells improve as a result of treatment in stationary and rotating magnetic fields.     

Influence of fiber structure modification on the mechanical properties of flax fiber-epoxy composites

The mechanical characteristics of flax fibers were optimized by using the NaOH treatment process to improve the properties of composite materials. Shrinkage of the fibers during this treatment had a significant effect on the structure and, as a result, on the mechanical properties of the fibers and the composites based on them. Due to the higher mechanical strength and stiffness of flax fibers after NaOH treatment under isometric conditions, the strength and stiffness of composites in general increase. Further, NaOH treatment leads to a rougher surface morphology, as shown, e.g., for jute fibers, compared with the surface of untreated fibers without improved fiber/matrix adhesion.     

Effect of the Work Expended on Mixing and Extrusion on the Properties of Thermoplastic Elastomer Compounds

The effect of the processing parameters of thermoplastic elastomer compounds on their properties is studied. The compounds consist of ethylene-propylene rubber and high- or low-density polyethylene (HDPE or LDPE) mixed with extenders in equal amounts. The variations in the degree of crystallinity under different mixing modes are examined by means of differential scanning calorimetry. The variations in the molecular weight distribution (MWD) of polymeric constituents of the compounds are estimated based on the results of rheological tests. An increase in the mixing and extrusion rates affects, up to certain limits, the mechanical properties positively. The optimum preparation modes for HDPE- and LDPE-based compounds are different. A noticeable mechanical destruction of HDPE-based compounds, estimated from the MWD parameters, occurs when the work of mixing exceeds 3.4 kJ/g and is accompanied by cross-linking. Up to 7.1 kJ/g, the work of mixing improves the properties of LDPE-based compounds. The extrusion effects do not smooth out the mixing effects — both these effects add up.     

Environmental Effects on the Mechanical Properties of Glass-FRP and Aramid-FRP Rebars

In the paper, the experimental results on the effect of temperature and moisture on the mechanical properties of FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Polymer) reinforcements are presented. FRP rebars made from glass and aramid fibers were subjected to cyclic thermal actions at temperatures ranging between 20 and 70°C, typical of natural hot-climate environments. Tensile tests were also carried out on FRP rebars. The effect of moisture was investigated by cyclic wetting and drying the FRP rebars under laboratory conditions before their testing in tension. Finally, the elastic modulus and tensile strength of the FRP rebars exposed to these cyclic actions were compared with those obtained for unexposed ones, in order to evaluate the mechanical damage caused by environmental conditions.     

Cross-Linked Thermoplastic Blends of Polyethylene with an Elastomer 2. Some Structural Characteristics and Their Relationship with Mechanical Properties

Results of an experimental investigation into the changes of some structural characteristics of binary blends of high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene with an elastomer (ethylene-propylene-dicyclopentadiene terpolymer, EPDM) in the course of γ-radiation and chemical cross-linking are reported for a wide range of component ratios. The data on changes in the crystallinity, density of the blends, content of the cross-linked part, as well the correlation of these characteristics with some mechanical properties, are discussed. Suggestions are put forward about the possibility of formation of a combined amorphous PE-EPDM phase with a higher structural arrangement than that in the individual components.__________Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 41, No. 4, pp. 545–562, July–August, 2005.     

土壤非光滑表面电渗粘附的试验优化技术研究

阎备战等．土壤非光滑表面电渗粘附的试验优化技术研究．数理统计与管理，１９９８，１７（２），１７～２１．本文应用正交多项式试验优化技术，对非光滑表面电渗原理进行了试验设计，探讨了非光滑表面电渗技术的两个重要影响因素对土壤粘附产生的影响作用，揭示了一定条件下直流电渗电压与电渗时间对粘附力的影响规律。     

Effect of Radiation Modification of Disperse Polyethylene on Component Interaction and Properties of GFRP Based on It

The basic aspects of interfacial interaction between the polymer binder and the filler in glass-fiber-reinforced plastics (GFRP) based on a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are considered. The plastics were produced by the film-powder technology using a disperse radiation-modified HDPE as the binder. It is shown that the use of the -treated HDPE powder extends the capabilities of controlling the strength properties of GFRP sheets.     

Mechanical Properties of High-Density Polyethylene/Chlorinated Polyethylene Blends

Results of experimental investigation of mechanical properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) blends in tension are reported. The specimens of pure HDPE, CPE, and nine types of HDPE/CPE blends, with different component ratios at 10 wt.% intervals, are examined. The features of the stress-strain curves obtained are discussed. Data on the influence of blend composition on the elastic modulus, yield stress, breaking stress, and ultimate elongation are obtained. The results of investigations into the creep behavior are also presented. It is found that the creep compliance obeys the power law of creep with coefficients depending on blend composition.     

Mechanical Properties of Blends of Low-Density Polyethylene with Chlorinated Polyethylene

The results of experimental investigation into the mechanical properties of blends of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) in tension are presented. The specimens of pure LDPE, CPE, and nine types of LDPE/CPE blends, with different content of components at 10 wt.% intervals, were examined. Data on the influence of blend composition on the tensile stress-strain diagram, elastic modulus, yield stress, breaking stress, and ultimate elongation are obtained. The results of investigations of creep are also reported. It is found that the creep compliance (the total current compliance minus the elastic compliance) obeys the power law of creep.__________Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 41, No. 3, pp. 391–404, May–June, 2005.     

Comparison of Mechanical Properties and Effects in Micro- and Nanocomposites with Carbon Fillers (Carbon Microfibers,Graphite Microwhiskers,and Carbon Nanotubes)

The mechanical properties and effects in fibrous composite materials are compared. The materials are based on the same matrix (EPON-828 epoxy resin) and differ in the type of fibers: Thornel-300 carbon microfibers, graphite microwhiskers, carbon zigzag nanotubes, and carbon chiral nanotubes. Two material models are considered: a model of elastic medium (macrolevel model) and a model of elastic mixture (micro-nanolevel model). Mechanical constants of 40 materials (4 types + 10 modifications) are calculated and compared. The theoretical ultimate compression strength along the fibers is discussed. The effects accompanying the propagation of longitudinal waves in the fiber direction are investigated.     

Optimization of Multilayered Composite Structures with Randomly Distributed Mechanical Properties

The variability of mechanical properties commonly encountered in composite structures should be taken into account in the optimal design. The present paper discusses such a possibility by using the fuzzy-set and antioptimization approaches. The main attention is focused on the formulation of optimization problems. The formulation and methods proposed are successfully implemented in the buckling analysis of multilayered composite plates. The problem of optimum stacking sequence for plates is also solved. __________ Russian translation published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 41, No. 6, pp. 753–760, November–December, 2005.     

Analysis of the Adhesion and Adhesion Strength of Two-Layer Polymer Films and Coatings

The formation of adhesion bonds during the creation of two-layer polymer films and coatings capable of acid–base interaction is considered. The coatings are obtained from polymer solutions, and the second layer is formed from the polymer solutions and their mixtures on a hard polymer coating. As a result of absorption by the coating of a considerable amount of solvents (to 14%), polymer macrochains are able to approach one another at a distance necessary for the formation of acid–base (hydrogen) bonds and a transition layer. The polar component of the work of adhesion is equal to about 50% of the whole work W _a. There is no interrelation of the thermodynamic work W _a between the films and the work of their separation into layers. The main part of the external work upon the separation is spent (if strong donor–acceptor bonds are formed) for extracting the segments and macrochains of polymers out of the films.     

Mechanical Properties of Polyethylene and Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Blends

The results of experimental investigation of mechanical properties in tension of polyethylene (PE) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) blends are reported. Seven types of specimens with PE/PET weight ratios of 100/0, 90/10, 70/30, 50/50, 30/70, 10/90, and 0/100 were examined. The data on the influence of blend composition on the yield stress, breaking stress, yield strain, and ultimate elongation are obtained. The features of the effect of PE/PET ratio on the elastic properties of the blends are discussed.     

Influence of technological processing parameters on the properties of carbon filled thermoplastics

The effect of processing parameters of injection molding on the mechanical and tribotechnical properties of carbon plastics based on polyacetals is investigated. The copolymer of 1,3,5-trioxane with 1,3-dioxolane is used as the polymer matrix. Hydrated cellulose Ural LO-24 carbon fibers are used as the reinforcing filler. The effect of molding temperature, pressing time, and temperature of the casting mould on the properties of carbon plastics is investigated. It has been found that for improving the mechanical properties of carbon plastics it is necessary to raise the molding temperature up to 200–210°C. Prolongation of the technological cycle leads to thermal degradation of the polymer in the cylinder of a casting machine. The mould temperature only slightly affects the composite strength properties, but lower temperatures create better conditions for polymer crystallization. As a result of our investigations, the optimal processing parameters of the above carbon plastics are determined.Ukrainian State University of Chemical Technology, Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine. Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 35, No. 3, pp. 385–392, 1999.     

Effect of Interruptions in Loading on the Durability and Deformability of Structural Plastics

An alternative way of estimating the durability of structural plastics under stresses = const 0.4-0.8_f(_f is the failure stress) based on test data obtained in multiple rectangular loading-rest cycles is proposed. It is also suggested to employ the decrease in the instantaneous elastic modulus as a criterion for evaluating the residual service life of plastic parts and structures and elucidating the reasons for their early failure. For the first time, a possibility of considerably increasing the durability and endurance of structural plastics under short pulsed loadings with relatively long interruptions at the initial stage of stress concentration is considered. The cases of a significantly increased endurance of plastics caused by long interruptions after some fatigue loading by high-frequency tension cycles with a zero maximum stress are explained. First experimental confirmations of an increased durability and endurance of microcomposites subjected to short pulsed loadings alternating with long interruptions are obtained. The evolution of the effect of the loading-rest modes on the durability of massive specimens, microcomposites, and dry fibrous reinforcing fillers is demonstrated with examples of a glass-fabric laminate, a microcomposite, and a nonimpregnated glass strand.     

The Effect of an Active Diluent on the Properties of Epoxy Resin and Unidirectional Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Plastics

The influence of an active diluent on the properties of an epoxy matrix and carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) is investigated. The physicomechanical properties of an ED-20 epoxy resin modified with diglycidyl ether of diethylene glycol (DEG-1), the adhesion strength at the epoxy matrix–steel wire interface, and the mechanical properties of unidirectional CFRP are determined. The concentration of DEG-1 was varied from 0 to 50 wt.%. The properties of the matrix, the interface, and the composites are compared. It is stated that the matrix strength affects the strength of unidirectional CFRP in bending and not their strength in tension, compression, and shear. The latter fact seems somewhat unexpected. The interlaminar fracture toughness of the composites investigated correlates with the ultimate elongation of the binder. A comparison between the concentration dependences of adhesion strength and the strength of CFRP shows that the matrices utilized provide such a high interfacial strength that the strength of CFRP no longer depends on the adhesion of its constituents.     

Correlation between the Mechanical Properties and the Amount of Desorbed Water for Composites Based on Low-Density Polyethylene and Linen Yarn Production Waste

The effect of the amount of desorbed water on the mechanical properties of composites based on low-density polyethylene and linen yarn production waste (LW) is analyzed by statistical methods. It is shown that the amount of absorbed water decreases during the desorption process at room temperature both for specimens modified and unmodified with diphenylmethane diisocyanate (DIC.) The most sensitive to the action of water is the elastic modulus, which decreases considerably under the effect of water and is fully restored in the desorption process. The tensile strain also increases with the amount of absorbed water. It is found that the elastic modulus of the unmodified composite correlates linearly with the amount of desorbed water. Between the amount of desorbed water and the tensile strain, as well the specific work of deformation, a negative linear correlation is revealed. After water desorption, all strength and deformation characteristics of both the modified and unmodified composites are fully recovered.__________Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 41, No. 4, pp. 515–524, July–August, 2005.     

The Effect of the Size of Carbon Fibers on the Physicomechanical Properties of Fluvis Composites

The effect of the size of carbon fibers on the thermophysical and strength characteristics of a Fluvis antifrictional composite, which is based on PTFE and modified Viscum fibers, is studied. It is found that, at a carbon-fiber length of about 100 m, a jump in the coefficient of linear thermal expansion occurs in all temperature ranges. An increase in the fiber length leads to a decrease in the density, resistivity, and compression strength of the composite.