Waste marble dust-filled sustainable polymer composite selection using a multi-criteria decision-making technique

This research works with the optimal design of marble dust-filled polymer composites using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique. Polylactic acid (PLA) and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET)-based composites containing 0, 5, 10, and 20 wt% of marble dust were developed and evaluated for various physicomechanical and wear properties. The results showed that the incorporation of marble dust improved the modulus and hardness of both PLA and rPET. Moreover, a marginal improvement in flexural strength was noted while the tensile and impact strength of the matrices were deteriorating due to marble dust addition. The outcomes of wear analysis demonstrated an improvement in wear resistance up until 10 wt% filler reinforcement, after which the incidence of dust particles peeling off from the matrix was observed, thereby reducing its efficiency. The best tensile modulus of 3.23 GPa, flexural modulus of 4.39 GPa, and hardness of 83.95 Shore D were obtained for 20 wt% marble dust-filled PLA composites. The lowest density of 1.24 g/cc and the highest tensile strength of 57.94 MPa were recorded for neat PLA, while the highest impact strength of 30.94 kJ/m² was recorded for neat rPET. The lowest wear of 0.01 g was obtained for the rPET containing 5 wt% marble dust content. The experimental results revealed that for the examined criteria, the order of composite preference is not the same. Therefore, the optimal composite was identified by adopting a preference selection index-based MCDM technique. The findings demonstrated that the 10 wt% marble dust-filled PLA composite appears to be the best solution with favorable physical, mechanical, and wear properties.     

Preparation, properties and characterizations of halogen-free nitrogen-phosphorous flame-retarded glass fiber reinforced polyamide 6 composite

Halogen free nitrogen-phosphorous flame retardants (PMOP) were prepared through reaction of melamine and polyphosphoric acid in the presence of flame retardant modifier CM with silicotungistic acid as a catalyst in aqueous solution. FT-IR, XRD, DSC and TGA techniques were used to characterize the reaction product PMOP. The obtained flame retardants were then used to prepare flame retardant (FR) polyamide 6 (PA6) composite reinforced with glass fiber (GF) and the factors affecting the flame retardancy of the material were also investigated. The FR GF reinforced PA6 composite and the obtained charred layers were analyzed by utilizing TGA, SEM, FT-IR and XRD. The properties of the charred layer were connected with the flame retardancy of the corresponding material to reveal the flame retarding mechanism of FR GF reinforced PA6 composite. The experimental results show that PMOP flame retardant consists of melamine polyphosphate, melamine phosphate and possible melamine pyrophosphate. The presence of CM was found to improve the flame retardancy of FR GF reinforced PA6 composite. It was experimentally found that PMOP flame retardant, which is comparatively stable in the range of processing temperatures of PA6, is particularly suitable for flame retarding PA6 reinforced with GF. With increasing the flame retardant content, the flame retardancy of the FR reinforced material is not improved so obviously. However, the increase in the GF content greatly improves the flame retardancy of the composite, because GF greatly increases the char yield of material, decreases the maximal thermal decomposition rate, promotes the formation of charred layer with (PNO)_x structure and greatly increases the strength of the charred layer. The prepared FR GF reinforced PA6 composites have good comprehensive properties with flame retardancy 1.6 mm UL 94 V-0 level, tensile strength 76.8 MPa, Young's modulus 11.7 GPa, Izod notched impact strength 4.5 kJ/m², flexural strength 98.0 MPa and flexural modulus 7.2 GPa, showing a better application prospect.     

Fracture strength of class II slot cavities restored with polymerizable restorative materials

This study compared the fracture strength of Class II slot cavities restored with polymerizable restorative materials. Sixty, caries-free, posterior teeth were divided into five groups of 12 teeth. The Class II slot cavities were prepared. The teeth were restored with two packable composites (Filtek P60, Surefil), a microhybrid composite (Filtek Z250)and two ormocer (Definite, Admira). The restorations were then subjected to fracture resistance tests. The marginal ridges of the restorations were loaded at an angle of 13.5° to the long axis of the tooth in an Universal Testing Machine until failure. Analysis of mean forces indicated that, Filtek P60, Surefil and Filtek Z250 exhibited better performance than Definite and Admira. The tested resin composites differed in their mechanical properties. This study suggested that fracture behavior were highly influenced by the filler system. Overall, Filtek P60, Surefil, Filtek Z250, demonstrated good fracture resistance. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Comparative mechanical property characterization of three indirect composite resin materials compared with two direct composites

Various new indirect composite materials have been developed with required advantages. In this study three indirect composite material (Artglass, Belleglass HP, Targis) were tested for flexural strength, fracture toughness, wear resistance and hardness against Filtek P60 and Z‐100. Five specimens of each material were fabricated according to the manufacturer's directions. The flexural strength and fracture toughness was measured using the bending test. The wear test was performed to accelerated wear in a toothbrushing apparatus. Vickers hardness was measured for each of the tested materials. The statistical tests used for flexural strength, fracture toughness, wear and hardness were One‐way ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis test. The level of statistical significance chosen was p = 0.05. Results of the study showed that Filtek P60 was superior to the other composites in all tests. Significant differences were found among the materials. The differences in flexural strength, fracture toughnes, wear and hardness may have been due to differences in chemistry or method of polymerization of the composites. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Additive manufacturing of continuous carbon fiber reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone with ultrahigh mechanical properties

Continuous carbon fiber reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone (CCF/PEEK) composites have attracted significant interests in mission-critical applications for their exceptional mechanical properties and high thermal resistance. In this study, we additively manufactured CCF/PEEK laminates by the Laser-assisted Laminated Object Manufacturing technique, which was recently reported by the authors. The effects of laser power and consolidation speed on the flexural strength of the CCF/PEEK composites were studied to obtain the optimal process parameters. Hot press postprocessing was performed to further improve the mechanical properties of the composites. Various fiber alignment laminates were prepared, and the flexural and tensile properties were characterized. The hot press postprocessing 3D printed unidirectional CCF/PEEK composites exhibited ultrahigh flexural modulus and strength of 125.7 GPa and 1901.1 MPa, respectively. In addition, the tensile modulus and strength of the composites reached 133.1 GPa and 1513.8 MPa. The results showed that the fabricated CCF/PEEK exhibited superior mechanical performance compare to fused filament fabrication (FFF) printed carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTP).     

Geometric and mechanical characterization of ribbed FRP rebars

The paper discusses the advantage of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) rebar for application in concrete because of its light weight, high strength, high corrosion resistance and durability. Different options of shaping the wave-like texture of FRP bars for concrete bonding are considered. The diameter measurement problem of ribbed FRP bars is examined, and a proprietary procedure is suggested to determine the equivalent diameter and elastic modulus of ribbed FRP bars. The tensile strength (889–1197 MPa) obtained herein is greater than the longitudinal flexural strength (566–822 MPa), which is due to the ribs, contrary to the case of plain bars. The elastic modulus values obtained (40–61 GPa) are in agreement with the known literature data.     

原位分散紫外光固化SiO_2纳米复合材料的性质

紫外光固化技术是以紫外光为辐射光源使体系快速固化的技术 ,具有易散热、快速固化成型、百分之百转化率、固化材料质量高等诸多优点 ,可用来制备各种功能材料 [1～ 3] .Adrian等[4] 在紫外光可固化材料中利用分散法填充各种传统填料 ,提高了固化材料的力学性能 .本文将 Si O2 纳米粒子分散在环氧丙烯酸酯齐聚体等构成的紫外光可固化溶液中 ,制得了 Si O2纳米复合材料 .试验表明 :原位分散紫外光固化合成纳米复合材料具有快速固化、容易成型、基体可选等优点 ,所得 Si O2 纳米复合材料具有良好的力学和光学性能 .试剂与仪器 :双酚 A环氧…     

高固相含量羟基磷灰石浆料的制备及凝胶浇注成型

为提高羟基磷灰石(HAP)浆料在水分散体系中的稳定性, 获得良好的固化性能, 采用二甲基丙烯酰胺(DMAA)作为单体, N,N’-亚甲基双丙稀酰胺(MBAM)作为交联剂, 偶氮二咪唑啉丙烷(AZIP)为引发剂, 研究了不同分散剂含量和不同固相含量HAP浆料的流变性. 使用自制的亚微米级粉体原料, 制备了固相含量高达55%(体积分数)的稳定浆料, 并成功实现了浇注成型. 获得相对密度高达57.5%的素坯, 其抗压强度、抗弯强度最高值分别达到(37.0±6.5)和(13.8±1.0) MPa. 经1250 ℃无压烧结2 h, HAP陶瓷具有优良的烧结性能, 相对密度为98.7%, 抗弯强度和弹性模量分别达到了(85.3±9.9) MPa 和(133.0±10.2) GPa.     

A Novel Approach by Spark Plasma Sintering to the Improvement of Mechanical Properties of Titanium Carbonitride-Reinforced Alumina Ceramics

Ti(C,N)-reinforced alumina-zirconia composites with different ratios of C to N in titanium carbonitride solid solutions, such as Ti(C_0.3,N_0.7) (C:N = 30:70) and Ti(C_0.5,N_0.5) (C:N = 50:50), were tested to improve their mechanical properties. Spark plasma sintering (SPS) with temperatures ranging from 1600 °C to 1675 °C and pressureless sintering (PS) with a higher temperature of 1720 °C were used to compare results. The following mechanical and physical properties were determined: Vickers hardness, Young’s modulus, apparent density, wear resistance, and fracture toughness. A composite with the addition of Ti(C_0.5,N_0.5)n nanopowder exhibited the highest Vickers hardness of over 19.0 GPa, and its fracture toughness was at 5.0 Mpa·m^1/2. A composite with the Ti(C_0.3,N_0.7) phase was found to have lower values of Vickers hardness (by about 10%), friction coefficient, and specific wear rate of disc (Ws_d) compared to the composite with the addition of Ti(C_0.5,N_0.5). The Vickers hardness values slightly decreased (from 5% to 10%) with increasing sintering temperature. The mechanical properties of the samples sintered using PS were lower than those of the samples that were spark plasma sintered. This research on alumina–zirconia composites with different ratios of C to N in titanium carbonitride solid solution Ti(C,N), sintered using an unconventional SPS method, reveals the effect of C/N ratios on improving mechanical properties of tested composites. X-ray analysis of the phase composition and an observation of the microstructure was carried out.     

Fabrication and characterization of biocompatible nacre-like structures from α-zirconium hydrogen phosphate hydrate and chitosan

Composite materials with an ordered layered structure resembling that of nacre were fabricated by layer-by-layer assembly making use of presynthesized α-zirconium hydrogenphosphate hydrate (ZrP) platelets and chitosan. These two biocompatible materials were chosen in view of possible applications in the biomedical field, e.g., as bone or joint replacement implants. The effect of different concentrations of the inorganic ZrP platelets and the organic components (chitosan) on the composite assembly and structure was investigated. A high concentration of chitosan (0.1 wt.%) resulted in a misalignment of the inorganic platelets, while at very low concentrations (0.001 wt.%), the substrate was not fully covered by the polymer, again leading to misalignment. Also, the concentration of the α-ZrP platelets affected the composite assembly and structure. The number of dipping cycles was varied between 70 and 220, yielding a maximum thickness of approximately 6 μm. The pH value of the chitosan solution was also varied to investigate its influence on the composite assembly. The mechanical properties of the composites were tested with a nanoindenter. For samples prepared with the same number of dipping cycles, higher values of Young's modulus and hardness were obtained with improved alignment of the platelets in the samples. For samples prepared with 220 dipping cycles, a Young's modulus of 2.6 GPa and a hardness of 70 MPa were observed. Important general relationships are recognized between the preparation parameters, the degree of order within the nacre-like films and the resulting mechanical properties.     

Mechanical properties and frictional resistance of Al composites reinforced with Ti_3C_2T_x MXene

Two-dimensional(2D) Ti_3C_2T_x MXene is an attractive additive not only used in base oil due to its low friction coefficient,but also used in composites due to its high aspect ratio and rich surface functional groups.So far there has been intense research into polymer matrix composites reinforced with Ti_3C_2T_x,Here we report on the use of 2D Ti_3C_2T_x to enhance the mechanical and frictional properties of Al matrix composites.Ti_3C_2T_x/Al composites were designed and prepared by pre s sureless sintering followed by hot extrusion technique.The prepared composites exhibit a homogeneous distribution of Ti_3C_2T_x.The Vickers hardness and the tensile strength continuously increase with increasing Ti_3C_2T_x content.A hardness of 0.52 GPa and a tensile strength of 148 MPa were achieved in the 3 wt% Ti_3C_2T_x/Al composite.The frictional properties of pure Al and the Ti_3C_2T_x/Al composite were comparably studied under dry sliding.A low friction coefficient of 0.2,twice lower than that of pure Al,was achieved in the 3 wt%Ti_3C_2T_x/Al composite.Ti_3C_2T_x acting as a solid lubricant reduces the abrasive wear in the composite,improving the frictional properties of Al matrix composites.     

Designing a phthalonitrile/benzoxazine blend for the advanced GFRP composite materials

High performance resin must be used in the high performance glass fiber-reinforced plastic(GFRP) composites, but it is sometimes difficult to balance the processabilities and the final properties in the design of advanced thermoset GFRP composites. In this study, a phthalonitrile/benzoxazine(PPN/BZ) blend with excellent processability has been designed and applied in the GFRP composite materials. PPN/BZ blend with good solubility, low melt viscosity, appropriate gel condition and low-temperature curing behavior could enable their GFRP composite preparation with the prepreg-laminate method under a relatively mild condition. The resulted PPN/BZ GFRP composites exhibit excellent mechanical properties with flexural strength over 700 MPa and flexural modulus more than 19 GPa. Fracture surface morphologies of the PPN/BZ GFRP composites show that the interfacial adhesion between resin and GF is improved. The temperatures at weight loss 5%(T_(5%)) and char residue at 800 °C of all PPN/BZ GFRP composites are over 435 °C and 65% respectively. PPN/BZ GFRP composites with high performance characteristics may find applications under some critical circumstances with requirements of high mechanical properties and high service temperatures.     

Synthesis,cure, and composite properties of mixed allyl/propargyl cyclopentadiene resins

A series of thermosetting resins were synthesized via phase transfer reaction of allyl chloride and propargyl bromide with cyclopentadiene in the presence of a strong base. Feed ratios of 1 : 1, 3 : 1, and 5 : 1 allyl chloride to propargyl bromide were used to give resins with varying amounts of propargyl and allyl functionality. In all cases the resins could be thermally cured, without added catalyst, at temperatures below 275°C to give black, glassy, brittle materials with densities of 1.15. TGA evaluation of the resins, with heating to 1000°C, resulted in carbon yields ranging from 48 to 66% with increasing propargyl functionality causing increased values. Physical mixtures of ACP and PCP resins were also made and evaluated. Cure of the mixed materials also occurred below 275°C, and carbon yields were comparable to the corresponding APCP resin. APCP/carbon fiber composites gave good mechanical properties with flexural modulus values of 115–130 GPa and flexural strength values of 1000 MPa. Carbonization of 1 : 1 APCP/carbon fiber composites provided materials with interlaminar strength values of approximately 1.14 MPa. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 36: 2869–2876, 1998     

Influence of high loading of cellulose nanocrystals in polyacrylonitrile composite films

Polyacrylonitrile-co-methacrylic acid (PAN-co-MAA) and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) composite films were produced with up to 40 wt% CNC loading through the solution casting method. The rheological properties of the solution/suspensions and the structural, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the resulting films were investigated. The viscosity of the composite suspensions increased with higher CNC loadings and with longer aging times. PAN-co-MAA/CNC films maintained a similar level of optical transparency even with up to 40 wt% CNC loading. The glass transition temperature (Tg) increased from 92 to 118 °C, and the composites had higher thermal stability below 350 °C compared to both neat PAN-co-MAA and neat CNC. The mechanical properties also increased with higher CNC loadings, elastic modulus increased from 2.2 to 3.7 GPa, tensile strength increased from 75 to 132 MPa, and the storage modulus increased from 3.9 to 10.5 GPa. Using the Kelly and Tyson model the interfacial shear strength between the PAN-co-MAA and CNC was calculated to be 27 MPa.     

Nanomechanical properties of silica-coated multiwall carbon nanotubes-poly(methyl methacrylate) composites

The mechanical properties of polymer composites, reinforced with silica-coated multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), have been studied using the nanoindentation technique. The hardness and the Young's modulus have been found to increase strongly with the increasing content of these nanotubes in the polymer matrix. Similar experiments conducted on thin films containing MWNTs, but without a silica shell, revealed that the presence of these nanotubes does not affect the nanomechanical properties of the composites. While carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have a very high tensile strength due to the nanotube stiffness, composites fabricated with CNTs may exhibit inferior toughness. The silica shell on the surface of a nanotube enhances its stiffness and rigidity. Our composites, at 4 wt % of the silica-coated MWNTs, display a maximum hardness of 120 +/- 20 MPa, and a Young's modulus of 9 +/- 1 GPa. These are respectively 2 and 3 times higher than those for the polymeric matrix. Here, we describe a method for the silica coating of MWNTs. This is a simple and efficient technique, adaptable to large-scale production, and might lead to new advanced polymer based materials, with very high axial and bending strength.     

Synthesis and thermal properties of parent and modified DMN–<Emphasis Type="Italic">co</Emphasis>-GMA copolymers

The crystal structure, the unit cell parameters and the extent of mullitization were determined, using the Rietveld method, for range of mullite matrix formulations in which kyanite is used as particles reinforcement. The results combined with the mechanical properties and microstructure indicated the effectiveness of the kyanite particles to enhance the strength (>200 MPa), the Vickers hardness (>11 GPa) and the elastic modulus (150 GPa). The strengthening mechanism was particularly linked action of particles reinforcement. At low temperature, kyanite acts as fillers reducing the porosity and playing the role of nucleation sites for the crystallization of metakaolin to mullite. At high temperature (>1350 °C), kyanite decomposes to mullite avoiding the grain growth of the existing crystals and delaying the densification. The extent of the reduction in porosity and the extreme limitation of the liquid phase ensure the homogeneity and the refractoriness that justify the strength enhancement. The unit cell parameters and the crystal structure confirmed predominance of the mullite 3:2 with their small grain size being one of the most stable mullite phases. The small size of their particles and the continuity into the mullite matrix composites allow good packing process for the optimum characteristics achieved: strength, microstructure and thermal expansion coefficient.     

Is osmium diboride an ultra-hard material?

We report first-principles calculations of ideal tensile and shear strength for the recently synthesized orthorhombic OsB2 that is a primary example of a new class of ultra-hard materials synthesized by combining small, light, and covalent elements with large, electron-rich transition metals. Our calculations show that the shear strength on the (001) plane is highly anisotropic with a low peak stress of 9.1 GPa in the (001)[010] shear direction but a much higher peak stress of 26.9 GPa in the (001)[100] direction. The strong resistance against (001)[100] shear deformation prevents the indenter from making a deep imprint, giving rise to a high Vickers hardness on the (001) plane, despite the weak shear strength in the (001)[010] shear direction. The calculated peak stress of 26.9 GPa in the (001)[100] shear direction agrees well with the 30 GPa Vickers hardness observed experimentally on the (001) plane in OsB2. However, the weak shear strength (9.1 GPa) in the (001)[010] shear direction severely limits its application as abrasives and cutting tools for ferrous metals as well as scratch-resistance coatings. Our results highlight the importance of understanding atomistic deformation modes under various loading conditions in designing new ultra-hard materials.     

High speed melt spinning of poly(L-lactic acid) filaments

Poly(L-lactic acid) filaments were prepared by high speed melt spinning at take-up velocities up to 5000 m/min. The crystallinity, birefringence, tensile strength, Young's modulus and yield strength all exhibit maxima at take-up velocities between 2000 and 3000 m/min. The boiling water shrinkage exhibits a minimum in this range. The maximum tensile strength of the as-spun filaments was 385 MPa and the maximum modulus was 6 GPa. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 36: 1005–1012, 1998     

Tensile strengths and Young’s modulus of thin copper and copper-nickel (CuNi44) substrates

In this paper we report a method to determine tensile strengths and Young’s modulus of cubic biaxial textured metal tapes used as substrate materials for coated conductors (CC). Simplicity, rapidity and reproducibility of the procedure are important for the evaluation of continuous in-house productions. Our approach is based on the EN 10002-1 B tensile test method. A key role for satisfactory results is the sample preparation of 100–250 μm thick tapes, which will be described in detail. Copper (E-Cu57) can be successfully transformed to cubic biaxial textured substrates. Best results were achieved by annealing between 750°C and 850°C in reducing atmosphere. Best FWHM values for the ψ scan are 5.51° and for the ϕ scan are 4.5°. Pole figure analysis verified the sharp {001} <100> texture of the tape. Vickers hardness measurements (HV 0.1) for the cold worked material yielded values of 135 and for the annealed tape, values of 37. The ultimate tensile yield strength Rm of the textured substrate is 150 MPa and thus significantly lower than that for the cold worked material (413 MPa). Cubic biaxial substrates could be manufactured from Isotan CuNi44 (WM49) bars. Best results were achieved by annealing at 1200°C in reducing atmosphere. Pole figure analysis verified the {001} <100> texture with other low intensity texture components. Vickers hardness measurements (HV 0.1) for the cold worked material yielded values of 236 and for the annealed tape values of 92. The ultimate tensile yield strength R _m of the textured substrate is 300 MPa and thus significantly lower than that for the cold worked material (723 MPa).      

Biodegradable Fibers of Poly-L,DL-lactide 70/30 Produced by Melt Spinning

Melt spinning of poly-L, DL-lactide 70/30 has been studied. Fiber having diameter lower than 120 micron exhibited tensile modulus and strength in the range of 3–4 GPa and 130–180 MPa, respectively. Maximum attainable modulus and strength of 4.7 GPa and 205 MPa were predicted, according to a proposed equation in dependence on the draw ratio. In vitro degradation performed in PBS solution at 37 °C, showed that after 4 weeks fibers maintained adequate properties for tissue engineering applications.