Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS)/Polyamide 6 (PA6) Nanocomposites Prepared via Melt Mixing

Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)/polyamide 6 (PA6) blends containing various amounts of organomontmorillonite (OMMT) were prepared using a twin-screw extruder followed by injection molding. The effect of OMMT on the microstructure and properties of the ternary nanocomposites is investigated by wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mechanical properties testing. The results showed the OMMT platelets were preferentially located and exfoliated in the PA6 phase, but some were located at the interface of the ABS and PA6 phase. The effect of the addition of the OMMT on the morphology and mechanical properties was also evaluated. SEM revealed that the dimensions of the dispersed PA6 droplets were greatly reduced when the concentration of the OMMT was less than 4 phr. The domain size was less than the neat ABS/PA6 blends with the increasing of the OMMT content. It was suggested that the OMMT can compatibilize the ABS/PA6 blend. In addition, the flexural strength and modulus increased with increasing OMMT content, but the tensile strength became maximal at 3 phr OMMT. The OMMT had a negligible effect on the impact strength of the ABS/PA6 blend nanocomposite.     

Mechanical Properties and Morphology of Polypropylene/Polypropylene-g-Maleic Anhydride/Long Glass Fiber Composites

Long glass fiber (LGF)-reinforced polypropylene (PP) was prepared using a self-designed impregnation device. The effect of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and maleic anhydride (MA) content on the compatibilizer, PP grafted with maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA), was investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical properties. The experimental results demonstrated that the increase of DCP and MA could effectively improve the interfacial interaction between PP and GF. Good interfacial adhesion between PP and GF in PP/ PP-g-MA /LGF composites was observed from SEM studies for the higher contents of MA. The best mechanical properties of PP/ PP-g-MA /LGF(30%) composites were obtained when the content of DCP and MA were 0.4 and 0.8 wt%, respectively. The storage modulus of the PP/PP-g-MA/LGF composites increased and then decreased with the content of MA. When the content of MA was 0.8 wt%, tan δ had the lowest value, indicating that the corresponding composites had the best compatibility.     

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.     

Effect of Carbon Nanotubes on the Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene/Wood Flour Composites: Reinforcement Mechanism

Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MA) was employed as the compatibilizer and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or hydroxylated CNTs as reinforcements for polypropylene/wood flour composites. The results showed that when the PP-g-MA loading level was 10 wt%, the bending strength, tensile strength, Izod notched impact strength, and elongation at break of PP-wood composites were enhanced by 85% (66.3 MPa), 93% (33.7 MPa), 5.8% (2.01 kJ/m²), and 64% (23%), respectively, relative to the uncompatibilized composites. The introduction of pristine CNTs only improved slightly the overall mechanical properties of the compatibilized composites due to poor interfacial compatibility. Unlike CNTs, incorporating hydroxylated CNTs (CNT-OH) could significantly improve all of the mechanical properties; for instance, at 0.5 wt% CNT-OH loading, the flexural strength and tensile strength reached 68.5 MPa, and 40.4 MPa about 6.6% higher than that for the composites with the same CNT loading. Furthermore, CNT-OH also remarkably enhanced the storage modulus. Contact angle and morphology observations indicated that the increases in mechanical properties could be attributed to the improvements of interfacial interactions and adhesions of CNTs with the matrix and fillers.     

Structure and Properties of Polypropylene/Polyolefin Elastomer/Organic Montmorillonite Nanocomposites

The crystallinity, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of polypropylene (PP)/organic montmorillonite (OMMT) and PP/polyolefin elastomer (POE)/OMMT composites, with polypropylene-g-maleic anhydride/styrene (PPMS) as a compatibilizer for both, were compared. The results showed that the strong interaction between the clay platelets and compatibilizer, which were generated by the maleic anhydride (MAH), improved the compatibility of the polymer matrices with the OMMT. A unique lamellar, flocculated structure of OMMT was formed after introduction of the POE. The highly dispersed clay layers could act as nucleating agents, resulting in smaller spherulites and higher crystallization temperatures. Compared with pure PP, the PP/OMMT nanocomposite showed enhanced mechanical properties and thermal stability; however, the PP/POE/OMMT had the best impact toughness.     

Microstructure,Interfacial Interactions,and Rheological Properties of PC/AES/Montmorillonite Composites

Polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile–EPDM (ethylene/propylene/diene elastomer)–styrene ter‐polymer (AES) blends and PC/AES/organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) composites were prepared at 20%, 40%, 50% by weight of AES and 3% by weight of OMMT. The microstructure, interfacial interactions, and rheological properties of the PC/AES blends and PC/AES/OMMT composites were studied systematically. X‐ray diffractometer (XRD) results reveal that the AES is easier to intercalate into OMMT than PC, and the content of AES has a little effect on the interlayer distance of OMMT. Wetting coefficient calculation indicates that OMMT distributes primarily at the interface of the polymer blend. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM) observation indicates that the phase morphology of PC/AES blends and PC/AES/OMMT composites is not influenced by the OMMT. However, linear rheological properties suggest that the addition of OMMT has a great effect on the linear rheological property.     

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.     

Study on the Tribological Properties of Carbon Fabric/Polyimide Composites Filled with SiC Nanoparticles

Carbon fabric reinforced thermoplastic polyimide composites have significant applications in the field of tribology. However, there are relatively few studies that have been focused on the investigation of these materials. In the present study, carbon fabric/polyimide (CF/PI) composites, reinforced further with SiC nanoparticles, were prepared by dip-coating and hot press molding methods. Rockwell hardness and flexural testing of the composites were conducted. The friction and wear behavior of the resulting carbon fabric composites were evaluated in a ring-on-block contact mode under dry sliding condition. The results showed that the SiC nanoparticles significantly improved the hardness and flexural strength when compared to the CF/PI composites without the SiC additions. The CF/PI composites reinforced with 5 vol% SiC nanoparticles demonstrated the most beneficial mechanical and tribological properties compared to the composites with greater and lesser SiC nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM) were employed in order to study the mechanism of tribological behavior. A continuous and thin transfer film formed during the friction test of the composites led to a significant improvement of the tribological properties.     

A Study on the Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Carbon Fabric/PTFE Composites

Carbon fabric reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites with different PTFE content, viz. 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 vol%, were fabricated by a dispersion impregnation technique followed by a hot-press process. The composites were evaluated for their mechanical and tribological properties. The tribological tests were conducted on a friction and wear tester with a ring-on-block arrangement. The mechanical properties were also tested and their relationship with tribological properties was analyzed. The worn surface and wear debris were analyzed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to study the wear mechanism. It was found that the resin content had a great influence on both the mechanical properties and the tribological properties, and the tribological properties were correlated with the mechanical properties. The composite with 50 vol% PTFE showed promising tribological behaviors under the selected test conditions.     

Influence of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) on morphology,crystallization, mechanical and thermal behaviour of PP/ABS blends and its composites in presence and absence of dual compatibilizer

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) filled 80/20 (wt/wt) polypropylene (PP)/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) blends and its composites in presence and absence of dual compatibilizer (polypropylene grafted maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA), and styrene-ethylene, butylene-styrene triblock copolymer grafted with maleic anhydrite (SEBS-g-MA)) have been prepared using twin screw extruder followed by injection moulding. Significant refinements in dispersed ABS droplets diameter and interparticle distance between dispersed ABS droplets were observed in case of HNTs filled 80/20 (wt/wt) PP/ABS blends and its composites in presence of PP-g-MA and SEBS-g-MA. This has resulted in significant enhancement in tensile and impact properties of HNTs filled 80/20 (wt/wt) PP/ABS blends and its composites in presence of PP-g-MA and SEBS-g-MA. Refinement in morphology of dispersed ABS phase results in decrease in crystallinity of HNTs filled 80/20 (wt/wt) PP/ABS blends and its composites in presence of PP-g-MA and SEBS-g-MA. In addition, HNTs act as heterogeneous nucleating agent for the growth of PP crystals, and hence crystallization rate of HNTs filled 80/20 (wt/wt) PP/ABS blends and its composites in presence and absence of PP-g-MA and SEBS-g-MA increases. Thermal stability also increases in case of HNTs filled 80/20 (wt/wt) PP/ABS blends and its composites in presence and absence of PP-g-MA and SEBS-g-MA.     

Mechanical Properties and Tensile Deformation Behavior of Polyamide 6/Maleated and Unmaleated Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer/Nano-CaCO3 Ternary Composites

Ternary composites composed of polyamide 6 (PA6), a mixture of maleated (EPDM-g-MA) with unmaleated ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) rubber at weight ratio 80/20 (defined as EPDM-M), and nano-calcium carbonate (nano-CaCO₃) were prepared by a two-step compounding route. Sandbag microstructure, in which nano-CaCO₃ agglomerates were embedded EPDM-M, were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Deformation of the composites was studied by video-aided tensile tests during uniaxial tension. The microstructural morphology and interfacial interaction were investigated through SEM and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Compared to PA6/EPDM-M/nano-CaCO₃ ternary composites without sandbag microstructure (E2), the microstructural morphology of PA6/EPDM-M/nano-CaCO₃ ternary composites with sandbag microstructure (E3) showed that numerous microfibrils and cavitations were formed by simultaneously stretching and debonding of nano-CaCO₃ agglomerates and EPDM-M in the sandbag microstructure, which resulted in a higher volume strain and larger quantity of energy dissipation. Additionally, better interfacial interaction between the sandbag microstructure and PA6 matrix in E3 caused a lower α-relaxation temperature and easier external energy transmission than E2 without sandbag microstructure. Consequently, the presence of the sandbag particles in PA6/EPDM-M/nano-CaCO₃ ternary composites changed the tensile yield deformation of PA6 from a more deviatoric plasticity to a more dilatational plasticity.     

Structure and Properties of a cis-1,4-Polybutadiene/Organic Montmorillonite Nanocomposite Prepared via In Situ Polymerization

Cis-1,4-polybutadiene (cis-1,4-PB) is one of the most important synthetic rubbers, having superior performances such as wear resistance, cold resistance and high elasticity. However, its mechanical properties, including low tensile strength, tear resistance and thermal stability, limit its application in comparison to natural rubber and butadiene-styrene rubber that have excellent overall performances. Thus, the reinforcing of cis-1,4-PB is a necessity. The dispersion of clay in rubbers on the nanoscale can improve the mechanical, gas permeability and thermal properties of the resulting composites. In this paper, organic montmorillonite (OMMT) clay was dispersed into the cis-1,4-PB matrix via an in-situ polymerization method and the chemical structure, phase morphology, mechanical properties and thermal stability of the composite were investigated. The properties of the composite were analyzed by such techniques as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). In the in-situ polymerization, a Ni-based catalyst system with the presence of OMMT showed high efficiency and 1,4-selectivity for the polymerization of butadiene. The OMMT could be dispersed in the polymeric matrix on the nanoscale during the polymerization. The interfusion of OMMT had little influence on the thermal stability and the chemical micro-structure of the cis-1,4-PB when the content of cis-1,4 units was more than 95%. The loss tangent of the composite was higher than that of cis-1,4-PB from ?110 to ?55°C, the temperature range examined, and the mechanical properties of the cis-1,4-PB/OMMT nanocomposite (NC) were improved upon the addition of OMMT.     

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 Construction of Sandbag Microstructure in Polyamide 6/Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Terpolymer/Nanometer Calcium Carbonate Ternary Composite

A sandbag microstructure was constructed in Polyamide 6(PA6)/ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM)/nanometer calcium carbonate (nano-CaCO₃) ternary composites by the addition of maleinated EPDM (EPDM-g-MA) to reduce the interfacial tension between EPDM and PA6 and EPDM and nano-CaCO₃. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed that the microstructure of the ternary composites evolved from the initial separated EPDM and nano-CaCO₃ dispersion structure to the sandbag structure and finally to the separated dispersion structure again with the increase of EPDM-g-MA content in the elastomer phase. The mechanical results showed the composites with the sandbag microstructure exhibited excellent toughness and stiffness.     

Tribological Properties of Hydroxyl-Terminated Liquid Nitrile Rubber-Modified Polyurethane/Epoxy Interpenetrating Polymer Network Composites

A series of castor oil-based polyurethane (PU)/epoxy resin (EP) graft interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) composites modified by two kinds of hydroxy-terminated liquid nitrile rubber (HTLN) was prepared. A systematic investigation of the tribological properties of the two kinds of HTLN-modified PU/EP IPN composites was carried out through a pin-on-disk arrangement under dry sliding conditions. Experimental results revealed that the incorporation of HTLN can improve the friction and wear properties of PU/EP IPN significantly. Both the friction coefficient and wear loss decreased with increasing content of HTLN. The worn surfaces of the samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscope and a three-dimensional (3D) noncontact surface-mapping profiler; the results showed that the worn surfaces of the PU/EP IPN composites became smooth when the HTLN was added. The mechanisms for the improvement of tribological properties are discussed.     

Friction and wear properties of PA6 filled PTFE composites under oil lubrication

Blending polytetrafluorothylene (PTFE) to PA6 at different compositions was produced in a corotating twin-screw extruder where, PTFE acts as the polymer matrix and PA6 as the dispersed phase. The tribological properties of PTFE composites filled with PA6 under oil lubrication were investigated. The worn surface morphologies of neat PTFE and its composites were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the wear mechanisms were discussed. The presence of PA6 particles dispersed in the PTFE continuous phase exhibited superior tribological characteristics to unfilled PTFE. The optimum wear reduction was obtained when the content of PA6 is 30 vol%.     

Tribological Properties of Surface-Modified Graphene Filled Carbon Fabric/Polyimide Composites

To improve the wear resistance of carbon fabric reinforced polyimide (CF/PI) composite, surface-modified graphene (MG) was synthesized and employed as a filler. The flexural strength, Rockwell hardness and thermal properties of the composites were tested. The composites were also evaluated for their tribological properties in a ring-on-block contact mode under dry sliding conditions. The results showed that the wear rate of MG reinforced CF/PI composites was reduced when compared to unfilled CF/PI composite. It was found that the 1?wt% MG filled CF/PI composites exhibited the optimal tribological properties. The worn surface, wear debris and transfer films were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM) with the results helping to characterize the wear mechanism.     

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.     

Flowability and Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Nylon 6/Ethylene bis-Stearamide/Carboxylic Silica Composites

Nylon 6 (PA 6)/ethylene bis-stearamide (EBS)/SiO₂- carboxylic acid-functionalized silica nanoparticles (COOH) composites were prepared by in-situ polymerization of caprolactam. SiO₂-COOH was used to enhance the compatibility between SiO₂ and PA 6 matrix. For comparison, pure PA 6 and PA 6/EBS composites were also prepared via the same method. The PA 6/EBS/SiO₂-COOH composites with low content of EBS and SiO₂-COOH had greater melt-flow index (MFI) (the value of MFI increased by 50%–80%) than the pure PA 6. The results of mechanical properties showed almost no decrease in the tensile strength of PA 6/EBS/SiO₂-COOH composites, with the bending strength decreasing by 17%–21%. However, the Izod impact strength of the PA 6/EBS/SiO₂-COOH composites was greatly improved compared with pure PA 6, which indicated that the toughness of PA 6/EBS/SiO₂-COOH had been greatly improved. The morphology of Izod impacted fractured surfaces of PA 6/EBS/SiO₂-COOH was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that the PA 6/EBS/SiO₂-COOH composites presented a typical ductile fracture behavior with large amounts of long and large strip-like cracks. When the content of SiO₂-COOH was 0.2 wt%, the SiO₂-COOH particles were uniformly dispersed over the entire body of the PA 6 matrix. The results from differential scanning calorimetry indicated that the melting point (T_m), degree of crystallinity (X_c), and crystallization temperatures (T_c) of PA 6/EBS/SiO₂-COOH composites were lower than the pure PA 6.     

Studies on wettability, mechanical and tribological properties of the polyurethane composites filled with talc

A series of polyurethane (PU)/talc composites modified by a high molecular weight hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (HTPDMS) were prepared. The effect of the talc content on the mechanical, wettability and tribological properties of the PU composites was studied. Tensile strength of the PU composites reached to the maximum after adding 5% talc. The water contact angles (CA) of the original surfaces and worn surfaces of the polyurethane composites were measured. The experimental results indicated that the contact angles of the worn surface increased after friction. The friction and wear experiments were tested on a MRH-3 model ring-on-block test rig at different sliding speeds and loads under dry sliding and water lubrication. Experimental results revealed that the talc contributed to largely improve the tribological properties of the PU composites. The coefficient of friction (COF) of the composites increased with increasing talc. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) investigations showed that the worn surfaces of the talc filled PU composites were smoother than pure polyurethane under given load and sliding speed.