Flame-Retarding and Mechanical Properties of Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride with Surface-Treated Lamellar Magnesium Hydroxide

The effects of hydrophobic magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) particles, prepared by a surface modification method with oleic acid, on the flame-retarding and mechanical properties of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were investigated. Comparison between the use of modified and unmodified Mg(OH)₂ in the preparation of PVC composites showed that the former could provide excellent optical and flame-retarding properties. The dispersion of the modified Mg(OH)₂ particles in the PVC matrix was investigated through scanning electron microscopy. Compared with a composite containing unmodified Mg(OH)₂, the rheological and impact strength properties of that containing the modified Mg(OH)₂ filler were found to be significantly improved. These improvements were mostly attributed to the better dispersion of the modified Mg(OH)₂ particles and the strong adhesion between the filler and matrix.     

RTV Silicone Rubber Filled with Surface Modified Montmorillonite

The surface modification of pristine montmorillonite (MMT) with four kinds of coupling agents for reinforcement of the room temperature vulcanized vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (RTV PDMS) networks was investigated. The four coupling agents containing γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH-560), γ-methacryloxypropyltri methoxysilane (KH-570), isopropyl trioleic titanate (NDZ-105), and stearic acid (SA) without N, P, or S compounds were used because the coupling agents harmless to the platinum catalyst used normally in the curing of RTV vinyl-terminated PDMS. The interaction between MMT particles and coupling agents was confirmed by diffused reflectance infrared spectroscopy (DR-FTIR) tests. By scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization, surface modified MMT was dispersed heterogeneously in the PDMS matrix for all four coupling agents. By X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization, the interlayer distances of the four surface modified MMT were not changed. Dielectric tests showed that the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of PDMS filled with KH-560, KH-570, and SA treated MMT were decreased comparing with those of PDMS filled with pristine MMT. With the increasing content of MMT treated with KH-570, the dielectric constant and dielectric loss value of PDMS composites increased.     

Influence of Fiber Surface Treatment on Mechanical Properties of CF/PET Composites

Carbon fiber (CF) / poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) composites were prepared with various contents (2–15wt%) of short carbon fibers. To investigate the effect of surface treatment of the CF on the mechanical properties of the composites, three specimens were prepared; those with short carbon fibers (called SCF), short carbon fibers oxidized with nitric acid (called NASCF) and the fibers oxidized with nitric acid and treated with silane coupling agent (called SCSCF). Flexural, tensile and impact tests were performed to observe mechanical behavior of the specimens. The morphology of the specimens was also studied with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). SCSCF composite had better mechanical properties than the other composites with the same content of carbon fibers since the coupling agent resulted in better interfacial adhesion between the fiber and the matrix.     

Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polypropylene/Silica Aerogel Composites

Polypropylene (PP) composites including various amounts of silica aerogel (SA) microparticles were prepared by melt mixing in an internal mixer. The morphology and microstructure of the prepared composites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical properties of the samples, including elastic modulus, tensile stress, elongation and stress at break, were measured by tensile tests. In addition, the other mechanical features, including Izod impact strength, hardness and wear resistance, were evaluated and then related to the structure of the PP/SA composites. Furthermore, the thermal characteristics of the composites, such as heat deflection temperature and thermal stability, were studied by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The SEM photographs indicated the satisfactory SA particles dispersion for the compositions of 1% and 3% but agglomeration of the aerogels at higher SA contents. Since the composites became stiffer, the impact and tensile strength decreased. The addition of the SA to the PP matrix yielded harder samples with lower weight loss and coefficients of friction in wear tests. The TGA evaluations confirmed that the presence of SA promoted and upgraded the thermal stability and heat deflection temperature of PP. The thermal results proved the superior potential of PP as an insulator when the SA particles were added.     

Physical and Thermal Properties of High-Density Polyethylene Film Modified with Polypropylene and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene

Abstract

In view of the toughness and processing difficulty of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) film, the HDPE was modified by polypropylene (PP) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), and the melt index, haze, dart impact strength, elongation at break were characterized. In addition the infrared spectra (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared image analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data were obtained. The results showed that the toughening effect of the 10%PP/30%LLDPE/60%HDPE composition was the best; the haze was reduced 6% and its dart impact strength and elongation at break were increased by 27.3% and 47%, respectively, relative to the pure HDPE. The blend of 10%PP/30%LLDPE/60%HDPE had compatibility. The melting point of the 10%PP/30%LLDPE/60%HDPE blend film increased by 5?°C compared with the pure HDPE film, with the results indicating the application fields of HDPE film could be widened.     

Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Self-Reinforced Polyphenylene Sulfide Composites

25%, 50%, and 75% polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) long fiber reinforced PPS resin were prepared by a hot pressing method. Neat resin PPS and PPS fiber samples were also prepared to compare with the self-reinforced PPS composites. The reinforcing fibers were preheat treated at 240°C for 24 h. The tribological properties of the self-reinforced PPS composites against an AISI 1045 steel ring were determined by a block on ring type friction tester. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results indicated that a higher degree of crystallinity was retained in the self-reinforced PPS composites than in neat PPS resin after hot pressing. Therefore, the addition of PPS fiber improved both the mechanical and tribological properties of PPS resin significantly. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) demonstrated that the PPS fibers increased the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the PPS resin. SEM images of the fracture surfaces indicated that the toughness of the samples increased with increasing PPS fiber content. Additionally, PPS fibers improved the tribological properties of PPS resin by significantly reducing the friction coefficient and wear rate.     

Mechanical Properties and Morphology of Polylactide Composites with Acrylic Impact Modifier

Polylactide (PLA) composites with acrylic impact modifier BPM, i.e., PLA/BPM composites, were produced by the melt blending method. The effects of BPM on the thermal properties, melting behaviors, and dynamic mechanical properties of the PLA/BPMs were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis. Tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus of the injection molded specimens were measured by an Instron tensile machine. The influence of BPM on the impact strength of injection molded PLA/BPM composites was examined using an impact tester. The morphology of cryofractured surfaces and fracture surfaces of the composites after the tensile and impact testing was also investigated using scanning electron microscope. The test results show that the composites with BPM possess better flexibility when compared with neat PLA. However, the notched Izod impact strength showed improvement only when the BPM content was higher than 15 wt%.     

Phase Structure,Thermal, and Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene/Hollow Glass Microsphere Composites Modified with Maleated Poly(ethylene-octene)

Maleated poly(ethylene-octene) (POE-g-MAH), as a compatilizer and toughener, was incorporated in polypropylene/hollow glass microspheres (PP/HGM) binary composites, and the phase structure and thermal and mechanical properties of these composites were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated that the phase structure of ternary composites could be controlled by POE-g-MAH and the surface treatment of HGM. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that there was an amidation reaction between the treated HGM and POE-g-MAH during melt compounding. Differential scanning calorimetry suggested that the crystallization and melting behaviors of ternary composites were influenced by phase structure. Evaluation of mechanical properties showed that the amide linkage between the treated HGM and POE-g-MAH was favorable for improving the properties of ternary composites.     

The Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Aramid (Twaron) Fabric/Polytetrafluoroethylene Composites

A series of composites with Twaron fabric as reinforcement and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as matrix were fabricated with various contents of PTFE, viz. 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 vol%. The Rockwell hardness and tensile strength of the composites were tested according to the corresponding standards. The composites were also evaluated for their tribological behaviors on an MPX-2000A friction and wear tester. The worn surface and wear debris of the composites were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the mechanism is discussed. The PTFE content in the composites had a great influence on both the mechanical and tribological properties. The composite with 40 vol% PTFE provided the proper wetting of the fibers and the best load transfer efficiency and, hence, showed the best mechanical properties and tribological behaviors.     

Preparation and Characterization of Chemically Crosslinked Polyvinyl Alcohol/Carboxylated Nanocrystalline Cellulose Nanocomposite Hydrogel Films with High Mechanical Strength

Chemically crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/carboxylated nanocry-stalline cellulose (PVA/CNCC) nanocomposite hydrogel films were fabricated by film-casting of PVA/CNCC mixture solutions and subsequent thermal-curing of the PVA with the CNCC. Gel fractions of the hydrogel films were measured to confirm the occurrence of crosslinking. Morphologies of the hydrogel films were characterized by polarized light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermal properties, swelling behavior and mechanical properties of the hydrogel films were investigated to evaluate the influence of CNCC content (10～30% of PVA mass). Equilibrium water content of the hydrogel films was in the range of 40～49%. At swelling equilibrium, the hydrogel films could be stretched to 3～3.4 times their original length, and their tensile strength was in the range of 7.9～11.6 MPa. The results show that the PVA/CNCC nanocomposite hydrogel films were both extensible and highly tough.     

Increased Flame Retardant,Smoke Suppressant and Mechanical Properties of Semi-Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Treated with Zinc Hydroxystannate Coated Dendritic Fibrillar Calcium Carbonate

Zinc hydroxystannate (ZHS) coated dendritic fibrillar calcium carbonate (ZHSCC-_D) and ZHS coated cubic calcium carbonate (ZHSCC_-C) were prepared in the water solution of cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB)/glycerin and in a pure water solution, respectively. Compared with the semirigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) treated with ZHSCC_-C, when the addition level and the effective flame retardant component of ZHS were the same, the semi-rigid PVC treated with ZHSCC_-D showed a higher value of tensile strength, elongation and impact strength, and a lower smoke density rating (SDR) value than those of the semi-rigid PVC treated with ZHSCC_-C; except for the semi-rigid PVC treated with 10 g ZHSCC_-C (1:10) or ZHSCC_-D (1:10) per 100 g PVC, the semi-rigid PVC treated with ZHSCC_-D had almost the same LOI value as that of the semi-rigid PVC treated with ZHSCC_-C. The semi-rigid PVC treated with 10 g ZHSCC_-D (1:10) per 100 g PVC had the best integrated properties.     

Phase Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Polyamide-6/Polyolefin Elastomer-g-Maleic Anhydride Blends

The effects of addition of varying amounts of polyolefin elastomers (POE) (with and/or without grafted maleic anhydride) on the morphology and mechanical properties of polyamide-6 (PA6)-based blends were studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to obtain some detailed quantitative analyses of the morphology of the fracture behavior for the blends containing 80 wt% PA6 and 20 wt% total elastomer. Impact strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength were also measured for these blends. The results showed that POE and PA6 were an incompatible system, but the POE-g-MAH was compatible and had a toughening effect on PA6. PA6-g-POE was formed through the reaction between POE-g-MAH and PA6 during the melt extrusion process, which reduced the size of the dispersed phase and improved the impact and tensile strength of the blends. The impact strength was improved by nine times compared with the pure PA6 or the binary blend PA6/POE when the blend ratio of the ternary blend PA6/POE/POE-g-MAH was 80/16/4.     

Organic Nano-Montmorillonite for Simultaneously Improving the Flame Retardancy,Thermal Stability,and Mechanical Properties of Intumescent Flame-Retardant Silicone Rubber Composites

The flammability of room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber (RTVSR) composites filled with melamine phosphate (MP) as intumescent flame-retardant additives was characterized by limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94 test, and cone calorimeter. In addition, the thermal degradation of the composites was studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Furthermore, in order to relate to actual application requirements, the comprehensive performance of the RTVSR/MP composites was optimized by adding organic nano-montmorillonite (OMMT) as a partial substitute for the MP. The as-prepared intumescent flame-retardant RTVSR/MP/OMMT nanocomposites were characterized by LOI, UL-94 test, TGA, cone calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mechanical tests. The residue morphology formed after the burning of the nanocomposites was analyzed by its SEM and digital photographs. The results showed that the flame-retardant nanocomposites filled with 10 phr OMMT and 35 phr MP displayed the best comprehensive performance in terms of the flame retardancy, mechanical properties, and heat stability at low cost. It is expected that the intumescent flame-retardant silicone rubber composites with simultaneously improved flame retardancy, thermal stability, and mechanical properties will meet more requirements of the increasingly complex applications.     

Preparation and Properties of Organically Modified Montmorillonite/Nitrile Rubber Nanocomposites

A series of organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT)/nitrile rubber (NBR) nanocomposites were prepared by a simple mechanical-mixing method. The structures of OMMT and the dispersion of OMMT in the rubber matrix were detected by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The mechanical properties of the NBR/OMMT nanocomposites were characterized, and the tribological behaviors of the nanocomposites were evaluated on a ring-block (MRH-3) wear tester. The results showed that the OMMT was homogeneously dispersed in the NBR matrix. The tensile strength of the OMMT/NBR nanocomposites increased with increasing OMMT contents. Both the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear of the nanocomposites decreased remarkably with increasing OMMT content. In addition, the influence of the applied load on the tribological properties of the nanocomposites is discussed. It is expected that the research may be of aid in the rational design and use of solid, self-lubricating nanocomposites under different loading states.     

Dynamic Mechanical and Dielectric Properties of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate/Carbon Nanotube Composites

A comparative study of the dielectric and mechanical properties of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) filled with various concentrations of pristine and modified carbon nanotubes is reported. The surface of the carbon nanotubes was modified with 4-(2-(cholesteryloxycarboxy)ethyl) phenyl to improve the interaction of the filler with the block copolymer matrix. The improved interaction and the better dispersion of the modified carbon nanotubes (mMWCNTs) were demonstrated by a detailed study of the EVA molecular mobility through dynamic mechanical analysis and broadband dielectric relaxation spectroscopy. The storage modulus of the nanocomposite with 6 wt.% of mMWCNTs at ?50°C was enhanced by 103%, whereas for the nanocomposite with the same amount of unmodified filler, the storage modulus was only enhanced by 76% compared to the pure elastomeric matrix. This difference is more pronounced in the rubbery region in which the storage moduli were increased by 117% and 48% for the composite with the modified and unmodified fillers, respectively. The morphologies of the nanocomposites were studied with scanning and transmission electron microscopies to demonstrate the dispersion of the mMWCNTs within the EVA matrix.     

Mechanical Properties of Ni-Coated Single Graphene Sheet and Their Embedded Aluminum Matrix Composites

The effects of Ni coating on the mechanical behaviors of single graphene sheet and their embedded Al matrix composites under axial tension are investigated using molecular dynamics （MD） simulation method. The results show that the Young＇s moduli and tensile strength of graphene obviously decrease after Ni coating. The results also show that the mechanical properties of Al matrix can be obviously increased by embedding a single graphene sheet. From the simulation, we also find that the Young＇s modulus and tensile strength of the Ni-coated graphene/Al composite is obviously larger than those of the uncoated graphene/Al composite. The increased magnitude of the Young＇s modulus and tensile strength of graphene/Al composite are 52.27% and 32.32% at 0.01 K, respectively, due to Ni coating. By exploring the effects of temperature on the mechanical properties of single graphene sheet and their embedded Al matrix composites, it is found that the higher temperature leads to the lower critical strain and tensile strength.     

Preparation and Characterization of Nano-Calcium Carbonate/Silane Coupling Agent Master Batch and Its Effect on Epoxy Resin

A nano-calcium carbonate (CaCO₃)/silane coupling agent (NCC/SCA) master batch was prepared by the reaction of SCA (γ-aminopropyl triethoxy silane, trade name KH550) with the hydroxyl groups of nano-CaCO₃. Both Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis indicated that the nanoparticles were grafted by SCA. An epoxy resin was modified by adding the NCC/SCA master batch. A simple dipping test suggested that a better dispersion of the treated NCC in epoxy could be obtained than that of the untreated NCC. Then samples of epoxy nano-composites were prepared by a hot press process. The compressive property of epoxy nano-composites was investigated; the results of these mechanical property tests revealed that the compressive strength, elastic modulus, and the total fracture work of the epoxy matrix filled with the treated NCC were significantly improved relative to that filled with the untreated NCC.     

Mechanical Properties of Ni-Coated Single Graphene Sheet and Their Embedded Aluminum Matrix Composites

The effects of Ni coating on the mechanical behaviors of single graphene sheet and their embedded Al matrix composites under axial tensionare investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method. Theresults show that the Young's moduli and tensile strength of grapheneobviously decrease after Ni coating. The results also show that the mechanical properties of Al matrix can be obviously increased by embedding asingle graphene sheet. From the simulation, we also find that the Young'smodulus and tensile strength of the Ni-coated graphene/Al composite isobviously larger than those of the uncoated graphene/Al composite. Theincreased magnitude of the Young's modulus and tensile strength ofgraphene/Al composite are 52.27 and 32.32 at 0.01 K, respectively,due to Ni coating. By exploring the effects of temperature on the mechanicalproperties of single graphene sheet and their embedded Al matrix composites, it is found that the higher temperature leads to the lower critical strain and tensile strength.     

Effect of an Ultrahigh Rubber ABS Impact Modifier Resin on Mechanical Properties of Intumescent Flame-Retardant ABS Composites

The effect of an ultrahigh rubber acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) impact modifier resin (UHR-ABS) on the mechanical properties of an intumescent flame-retardant ABS composite was characterized. Samples were obtained by compounding ABS and an intumescent flame-retardant master batch that was prepared using an intumescent flame-retardant composite (IFRC) with ABS and/or UHR-ABS as well as by direct compounding IFRC, UHR-ABS, and ABS. The incorporation of UHR-ABS resulted in reduction in the storage modulus, damping behavior and glass transition temperature, as evidenced by dynamic mechanical analysis. With increasing mass fraction of the UHR-ABS, the tensile strength and the flexural strength decreased gradually, and the notched impact strength increased, but the increase was more significant for compounding IFRC, UHR-ABS, and ABS than for compounding ABS and IFRC master batches. SEM micrographs of the fresh fracture surface of the composites were used to estimate the mechanism of the increased notched impact strength owing to the incorporation of UHR-ABS.     

Effects of Viscosity Ratio on Morphological,Rheological and Mechanical Properties of PP/PBT Melt Spun Alloy Fibers

Phase morphology formation plays an important role in the mechanical properties of polymer alloy fibers. The development of the blend morphology depends not only on the intrinsic properties of the component polymers but also on extrinsic factors such as viscosity ratio, λ, in the melt spinning process. The effects of blend component viscosity ratio on the morphological, rheological, and mechanical properties of polypropylene/poly(butylene terephthalate) (PP/PBT) melt spun alloy fibers were investigated. Accordingly, two kinds of PP as matrix phase and two kinds of PBT as dispersed phase, with various melt viscosity, were physically mixed and then blended during the extrusion step of melt spinning. SEM micrographs and rheological and mechanical properties evaluations showed that the morphology of PP/PBT alloy fibers strongly depend on the viscosity ratio, λ. Finer diameter PBT fibrils were observed for Viscosity ratios less than 1 (λ < 1) compared to samples with λ > 1. The best mechanical properties in alloy fiber samples were obtained for the viscosity ratio closest to unity (sample with λ = 0.9). The lowest differences among measured complex viscosities at various shear rates (0.1, 10, and 100 s^?1) were also observed in samples with λ = 0.9. The results showed that the mechanical properties of alloy fiber samples are affected not only by morphological properties observed at different viscosity ratios but also by the properties of the individual polymer components.