Influence of crystal polymorphism on mechanical and barrier properties of poly(l-lactic acid)

The effect of crystal polymorphism on barrier and mechanical properties of PLLA is detailed in this contribution. PLLA films containing different amounts of α and α′ crystal forms were prepared by annealing quenched PLLA at different temperatures. The polymorphic structure of the films was analyzed by X-ray diffraction. Mechanical properties and permeability to water vapor were investigated as a function of degree of crystallinity (w_C) and related to crystal polymorphism developed during annealing. The polymorphic structure of PLLA significantly affects mechanical and barrier properties. The α crystal modification provides a better barrier to water vapor and a higher Young’s modulus, compared to films containing the α′ modification, but a lower elongation at break. The varied barrier and mechanical properties were correlated to the different packing of PLLA chains in the two analyzed polymorphs. The conformational disorder of the α′ form makes this structure a mesophase (condis crystal), with remarkable effects on material properties.     

Antiwear,Antiseize and Antioxidising Properties of Operation‐Conservation Oils Modified with Organometal Oil‐Soluble Additives Containing Nitrogen and Oxygen

The present work aims at studying the antiwear, antiseize and antioxidising properties of anode‐shielding corrosion inhibitors. The physicochemical properties of the inhibitors and those of the operation‐conservation motor oils modified with them were determined. It was found that these inhibitors improve the antiwear, antiseize and antioxidising properties of the motor oils obtained. Real‐life experiments were carried out with a four‐stroke four‐cylinder engine (“Skoda” Czech Republic) mounted on a 30‐ton fishing barge which uses diesel fuel containing up to 1,4% sulphur. The antiwear and antioxidising properties of the oils obtained were determined, and a probable action mechanism of the complex corrosion inhibitors was suggested.     

一种新型功能性显影促进剂的照相性能和抗老化性研究

研究了新型功能性显影促进剂照相性能与作用机理.照相性能试验结果表明:显影促进剂M能明显提高感光度而且具有良好的抗老化性能;染料吸收光谱的结果表明:它的使用不影响主成色剂成色染料的吸收光谱.     

离子液体谱学性质和热力学数据关联的新进展

离子液体的性质是其微观结构和相互作用的外在表现,与其应用密切相关.谱学手段能从分子水平上探测离子液体的微观环境和相互作用,近年来在定量关联或预测离子液体宏观性质方面发挥着越来越重要的作用.本文着重概述了红外光谱(IR)、拉曼光谱(Raman)、核磁共振波谱(NMR)和电子顺磁波谱(ESR)等常见谱学手段在定量关联离子液体及其溶液体系宏观性质方面的研究进展以及发展方向.     

A novel technique for the interfacial characterisation of glass fibre–polypropylene systems

In the present work, a new technique was developed to determine the interfacial properties of two opaque glass fibre/polypropylene (GF/PP) systems via fragmentation tests on single filament model composites. Fragmentation tests usually require the fibre inside the composites to be completely aligned in the loading direction. Since PP matrices are non-transparent, it is not possible to guarantee a priori this condition. Hence, a novel technique was developed to determine the inclination of the filaments embedded in the composites. The fibre–polymer systems were also evaluated by comparing their interfacial properties with the overall mechanical properties determined on pultruded GF/PP composites. The present work shows that the knowledge of the interfacial properties is important, not only to compare alternative fibre/matrix systems, but also to assess whether the level of adhesion in these systems is adequate to fabricate composites with good mechanical properties.     

Hydrophobicity Enhances the Formation of Protein-Stabilized Foams

Screening proteins for their potential use in foam applications is very laborious and time consuming. It would be beneficial if the foam properties could be predicted based on their molecular properties, but this is currently not possible. For protein-stabilized emulsions, a model was recently introduced to predict the emulsion properties from the protein molecular properties. Since the fundamental mechanisms for foam and emulsion formation are very similar, it is of interest to determine whether the link to molecular properties defined in that model is also applicable to foams. This study aims to link the exposed hydrophobicity with the foam ability and foam stability, using lysozyme variants with altered hydrophobicity, obtained from controlled heat treatment (77 °C for 0–120 min). To establish this link, the molecular characteristics, interfacial properties, and foam ability and stability (at different concentrations) were analysed. The increasing hydrophobicity resulted in an increased adsorption rate constant, and for concentrations in the protein-poor regime, the increasing hydrophobicity enhanced foam ability (i.e., interfacial area created). At higher relative exposed hydrophobicity (i.e., ~2–5 times higher than native lysozyme), the adsorption rate constant and foam ability became independent of hydrophobicity. The foam stability (i.e., foam collapse) was affected by the initial foam structure. In the protein-rich regime—with nearly identical foam structure—the hydrophobicity did not affect the foam stability. The link between exposed hydrophobicity and foam ability confirms the similarity between protein-stabilized foams and emulsions, and thereby indicates that the model proposed for emulsions can be used to predict foam properties in the future.     

Polymer nanoparticles: their effect on rheological,thermal, and mechanical properties of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE)

Rheological, thermal, and mechanical properties of polymer particle/LLDPE blends were studied in this paper. The blends were prepared individually by incorporating nanoparticles of polystyrene (nPS) of ～60 nm and polymethyl methacrylate (nPMMA) of ～50 nm with different wt% loading (i.e., 0.10–0.5%). It was shown from the experimental results that rheological, thermal and mechanical properties were increased as polymer particles blended with LLDPE. Blends with 0.25 wt% loading of nPS and 0.5 wt% loading of nPMMA exhibited better rheological, thermal, and mechanical properties compared with that of other wt% loadings. The improvements in properties were due to the close packing of LLDPE chains as recorded by improvement in crystallinity of LLDPE with addition of nPS and nPMMA as shown by SEM. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of nano‐polystyrene (nPS) on thermal,rheological, and mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP)

Polystyrene nanoparticles (nPS) in the range of 10–100 nm with spherical shape were synthesized by oil/water (o/w) microemulsion process. In this process ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator, sodium dodecyl sulphate as a surfactant and n‐pentanol as cosurfactant were used. Isolated nPS was characterized by FTIR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. DSC studies of nPS showed higher T_g as compared to bulk PS. The effect of lower weight percentage (wt%) of nPS on the mechanical, rheological, and thermal properties of PP was investigated. The blends were prepared individually on brabender plastograph by incorporating nPS of ～60 nm with different wt% of loading (i.e., 0.10–0.5%). It was shown from the experimental results that thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties were increased as the polymer particles blended with PP. Blends with 0.25 wt% loading of nPS exhibit better properties compared with that of other wt% loadings. The improvements in properties were due to the close packing of PP chains as recorded by improvement in crystallinity of PP with the addition of nPS as shown by SEM. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Design of polyphosphazene hydrogels with improved structural properties by use of star-shaped multithiol crosslinkers

The feasibility of using a star-shaped crosslinker to produce a hydrogel with controlled mechanical properties and degradation rates was investigated. The aqueous blends of functional polymers and crosslinkers formed a solution at low temperature and a hydrogel with desired mechanical properties at body temperature. The introduction of star-shaped crosslinkers affected the microscopic and macroscopic properties of the hydrogel. The fabricated hydrogels could be suitable for many potential biomedical applications because of their injectability, tunable mechanical properties, controlled degradation rate and gel formation under physiological conditions.     

Investigation of the dielectric,mechanical, and thermal properties of noncovalent functionalized MWCNTs/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composites

To improve the dispersion of multi‐walled walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and investigate the effect of dispersant for MWCNTs functionalization on the dielectric, mechanical, and thermal properties of Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composites, two different dispersants (Chitosan and TritonX‐100) with different dispersion capability and dielectric properties were used to noncovalently functionalize MWCNTs and prepare PVDF composites via solution blending. Fourier transform infrared, X‐Ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy indicated that TritonX‐100 and Chitosan were noncovalent functionalized successfully on the surface of MWCNTs. With the functionalization of Chitosan and TritonX‐100, the dispersion of MWCNTs changed in different extent, which was investigated by dynamic light scattering and confocal laser scan microscopy. The dielectric, mechanical, and thermal properties of PVDF composites were also improved. Meanwhile, it was also found that the dielectric properties of PVDF composites are closely related to the dielectric properties of dispersant. High dielectric constant of dispersant contributes to the grant dielectric constant of PVDF composites. The mechanical and thermal properties of MWCNTs/PVDF composites largely depend on the dispersion of MWCNTs in PVDF, interfacial interactions and the residual solvent. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Prediction of thermodynamic, transport and vapor-liquid equilibrium properties of binary mixtures of ethylene glycol and water

Equilibrium and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulation techniques were applied to predict various thermodynamic, transport and vapor-liquid equilibrium properties of binary mixtures of ethylene glycol and water (EG-W) based on OPLS-AA and SPC/E force fields. The properties predicted include density, vaporization enthalpy, enthalpy of mixing, heat capacities, diffusion coefficients, shear viscosities, thermal conductivities, vapor-liquid coexistence isotherms and isobaric curves, and saturation vapor pressures. Good agreements with experimental data were obtained for most of these properties. Errors are mostly related to inaccuracy found in predictions of pure fluids; a correction to prediction of pure substance can systematically improve prediction for the mixture. This work suggests that OPLS-AA and SPC/E force fields using the common combining rules are transferable for predicting multiple physical properties of EG-W mixtures.     

Structure and Processing Properties of Nine Yam (Dioscorea opposita Thunb) Starches from South China: A Comparison Study

In order to explore the processing and application potential of Chinese yam starch, nine kinds of Chinese yam starch (GY11, GY5, GY2, GXPY, LCY, SFY, MPY, SYPY, ASY) from South China were collected and characterized. The chemical composition, rheological properties, thermal properties, and in vitro starch digestion were compared, and the correlation between the structure and processing properties of these yam starches was analyzed using Pearson correlation. The results show that GY2 had the highest amylose content of 28.70%. All the yam starches were similarly elliptical, and all the yam starch gels showed pseudoplastic behavior. Yam starches showed similar pasting temperatures and resistant starch content, but SYPY showed the largest particle size (28.4 μm), SFY showed the highest setback (2712.33 cp), and LCY showed the highest peak viscosity (6145.67 cp) and breakdown (2672.33 cp). In addition, these yam starches also showed different crystal types (A-type, B-type, C-type), relative crystallinity (26.54–31.48%), the ratios of 1045/1022 cm⁻¹ (0.836–1.213), pasting properties, and rheological properties, so the yam starches have different application potentials. The rheological and pasting properties were related to the structural properties of starch, such as DI, Mw, and particle size, and were also closely related to the thermodynamic properties. The appropriate processing methods and purposes of the processed products of these yam starches can be selected according to their characteristics.     

尼龙6/高岭土界面相互作用对其复合材料力学性能和流变行为的影响

<正> 无机填料填充复合材料的性能,除了依赖于聚合物基体和填料固有的内在性质外,很大程度上依赖于它们之间的界面性质。因此,研究聚合物/填料界面相互作用,对合理地设计具有优良性能的复合材料具有十分重要的意义。 目前,还很难对粉末填料与聚合物基体之间界面相互作用进行定量的研究,而且关于这方面的报道也较少。本文利用接触角法测定了高岭土填料和尼龙6基体的表面自由能、界面张力、粘附功等热力学参数,对高岭土与尼龙6之间界面相互作用与复合材料力学性能、流变行为的关系进行了分析和探讨。     

新型孪尾Gemini两性离子表面活性剂应用性能

分别采用改进的Ross-Miles法及分水时间法,对3种新型孪尾Gemini两性离子表面活性剂(C8C8L3Sz、C8C8L4Sz和C10C8L3Sz)的泡沫性能及乳化性能进行了研究,并考察了表面活性剂浓度、分子结构和温度等对其的影响。 结果表明,该系列表面活性剂具有较好的泡沫性能,且随其浓度的增加,泡沫最大高度和半衰期均存在一个稳定值,疏水链越长,其起泡性能越差,泡沫稳定性越好;温度升高,起泡性能变好,泡沫稳定性变差;当表面活性剂浓度一定时,体系中加入低浓度的短链醇及无机盐均能提高泡沫的稳定性;C8C8L3Sz、C8C8L4Sz和C10C8L3Sz作乳化剂的最适宜的用量分别为6×10-4、6×10-4和4×10-4 mol/L,疏水基越长,乳化性能越好,而连接基对其影响较小;温度升高,乳化性能变差;当油相烷烃碳数相同时,环烷烃要比直连烷烃更易达到最佳乳化效果,但二者的乳状液稳定时间相当;对于油相烷烃碳数不同时,烷烃的碳链越长,乳状液的稳定性越差,乳化效果越不好。     

Effects of fused deposition modeling process parameters on tensile,dynamic mechanical properties of 3D printed polylactic acid materials

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is an important process among the available additive manufacturing technologies in various industries. Although there exists many works investigating the effects of FDM process parameters on the mechanical properties of printed materials, there are still several points need to be studied. One is the effects of process parameters on the dynamic mechanical properties of FDM-printed materials, especially in environments where the temperature often changes. The other is the mechanism by which process parameters affect the mechanical properties of printed materials. Aiming at these two points, uniaxial tensile tests and dynamic mechanical analysis are carried out respectively to characterize the tensile properties and dynamic mechanical properties of FDM-printed PLA materials under different FDM process parameters, namely printing angle, layer thickness, fill rate and nozzle temperature. Based on the experimental results explanations are given for the influence of the FDM process parameters on the mechanical properties of the printed materials.     

Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Bio-Phenolic/Epoxy Polymer Blends

Polymer blends is a well-established and suitable method to produced new polymeric materials as compared to synthesis of a new polymer. The combination of two different types of polymers will produce a new and unique material, which has the attribute of both polymers. The aim of this work is to analyze mechanical and morphological properties of bio-phenolic/epoxy polymer blends to find the best formulation for future study. Bio-phenolic/epoxy polymer blends were fabricated using the hand lay-up method at different loading of bio-phenolic (5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, and 25 wt%) in the epoxy matrix whereas neat bio-phenolic and epoxy samples were also fabricated for comparison. Results indicated that mechanical properties were improved for bio-phenolic/epoxy polymer blends compared to neat epoxy and phenolic. In addition, there is no sign of phase separation in polymer blends. The highest tensile, flexural, and impact strength was shown by P-20(biophenolic-20 wt% and Epoxy-80 wt%) whereas P-25 (biophenolic-25 wt% and Epoxy-75 wt%) has the highest tensile and flexural modulus. Based on the finding, it is concluded that P-20 shows better overall mechanical properties among the polymer blends. Based on this finding, the bio-phenolic/epoxy blend with 20 wt% will be used for further study on flax-reinforced bio-phenolic/epoxy polymer blends.     

Sound transmission testing of polymer compounds

Acoustic properties of polymer compounds are an important consideration for many applications. Currently, there are standard test methods for the determination of these properties. There is, however, no standard for the equipment used in these tests, only a specification for the test conditions. The objective of this work was to evaluate the operation and performance of a bench top laboratory sound testing system for its potential as a simple cost effective method for the initial evaluation of materials that require specific acoustic properties. The work was limited to an investigation of the property of sound transmission loss (STL). A study of the effect of the mounting conditions for the samples on the STL was carried out. Following this, a series of polymer and polymer composite samples was tested. The results presented demonstrate the potential for the testing system as an effective standard test method for the acoustic properties of polymer composites and other materials.     

Physical mechanism of the electrical polarization of polyethylene terephthalate

The relation between the structural and dynamical properties of amorphous and partially crystalline polyethylene terephthalate and its electret properties was analyzed. The thermal stability of polarization charges and space charges was found to increase with aging in the glassy state and with increasing degree of crystallinity. The discharge behavior was governed by the interaction of real charges and polarization charges. The combination of different charging techniques resulted in a linear superposition of the respective discharge processes on heating.     

Understanding ionic liquids at the molecular level: facts, problems, and controversies

Ionic liquids (ILs) are organic salts with melting points near room temperature (or by convention below 100 degrees C). Recently, their unique materials and solvent properties and the growing interest in a sustainable, "green" chemistry has led to an amazing increase in interest in such salts. A huge number of potential cation and anion families and their many substitution patterns allows the desired properties for specific applications to be selected. Because it is impossible to experimentally investigate even a small fraction of the potential cation-anion combinations, a molecular-based understanding of their properties is crucial. However, the unusual complexity of their intermolecular interactions renders molecular-based interpretations difficult, and gives rise to many controversies, speculations, and even myths about the properties that ILs allegedly possess. Herein the current knowledge about the molecular foundations of IL behavior is discussed.