Optical and mechanical properties of polyurethane/surface-modified nanocrystalline cellulose composites

in order to improve the optical and mechanical performances of waterborne polyurethane （WPU）, nanocrystalline cellulose （NCC）/WPU composites were synthesized in this study. NCC （prepared by acid hydrolysis of cotton fiber） was modified by （3-aminopropyl）triethoxysilane （APTES） to enhance its compatibility with WPU, and the surface-modified NCC was characterized by grafting ratio, crystallinity and contact angle （CA）. NCC/WPU composites were examined by scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, X-ray powder diffraction （XRD） and thermogravimetric analysis （TG）. The anti-yellowing property, specular gloss, pencil hardness, and abrasion resistance of NCC/WPU composites were investigated by the methods of Chinese National Standards GB/T 23999-2009, GB/T 9754-2007, GB/T 6739-2006 and GB/T 1768-2006, respectively. The results showed that the grafting ratio of NCC modified by 6% APTES was 36.01% and the crystallinity of modified NCC was decreased with the enhancement of APTES. CA of the modified NCC was decreased by 28.8% and the nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed in the WPU matrix. The XRD patterns of the NCC/WPU composites were relatively steady, while the thermal stability of the composites was enhanced by 6.7% with 1.0 wt% modified NCC. Modified NCC affected the specular gloss of NCC/WPU composites more obviously than the anti-yellowing property. The pencil hardness of NCC/WPU composites was increased from 2H to 4H by addition of NCC and the abrasion resistance of the composites was enhanced significantly. In general, NCC/WPU composites showed significant improvements in the optical and mechanical performances.     

Influence of the intercalated cations on the surface energy of montmorillonites: consequences for the morphology and gas barrier properties of polyethylene/montmorillonites nanocomposites

Organically modified montmorillonites obtained by cation exchange from the same natural layered silicate were studied. The surface properties of the pristine and a series of organically modified clays were determined by inverse gas chromatography and the water adsorption mechanisms were studied by a gravimetric technique coupled with a microcalorimeter. A significant increase of the specific surface area, a decrease of the water adsorption, and a decrease of the dispersive component of the surface energy were observed when the sodium cations of the natural montmorillonite were exchanged for a quaternary ammonium. Slighter differences in surface properties were observed, on the other hand, between the different types of organically modified montmorillonites. Indeed, similar dispersive components of the surface energy were determined on the organoclays. Nevertheless, the specific surface area increased in the range 48-80 m(2)/g with increasing d-spacing values and the presence of specific groups attached to the quaternary ammonium, such as phenyl rings or hydroxyl groups, led to some specific behaviors, i.e., a more pronounced base character and a higher water adsorption at high activity, respectively. Differences in interlayer cation chain organization, denoted as crystallinity, were also observed as a function of the nature of the chains borne by the quaternary ammonium. In a later step, polyethylene-based nanocomposites were prepared with those organically modified montmorillonites. The clay dispersion and the barrier properties of the nanocomposites were discussed as a function of the montmorillonite characteristics and of the matrix/montmorillonite interactions expected from surface energy characterization.     

Effects of functional graphene oxide on the properties of phenyl silicone rubber composites

Graphene oxide (GO) was treated with two types of surfactants, i.e., silane coupling agent (KH550) and 4,4’-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), incorporated into phenyl silicone rubber at a low concentration (≤0.2 wt%), and cured by the room temperature vulcanized method. The effects of functional graphene oxide on the dielectric behaviour, thermal conductivity, optical transmittance and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The results showed that the particle size changed after modification and that the modified GO dispersed well in the phenyl silicone rubber. The composites with MDI modified GO exhibited better electrical insulation and lower light loss in the ultraviolet–visible region than the composites with KH550 modified GO. However, composites filled with KH550 modified GO present better thermal conductivity.     

Thermal stability and flammability performance of polypropylene composites with silica pillared montmorillonites

In present work, silica pillared montmorillonite material (C‐SiO₂‐OMT) was prepared via the sol–gel method, and the influence of the powder on thermal stability and flammability performance of polypropylene (PP) composites was investigated. Characterization of C‐SiO₂‐OMT, elucidated with X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and N₂ adsorption–desorption, suggested that the powder had a mesoporous lamellar structure with high specific surface area and mesoporous volume. The formation of porous structure of C‐SiO₂‐OMT was more conducive than organically modified montmorillonite (OMT) to slowing the volatilization of pyrolytic products generated during thermal degradation process, which led to PP/C‐SiO₂‐OMT microcomposite show better thermal stability than PP/OMT nanocomposite at high temperature range. Flammability properties of these polymer materials evaluated by microscale combustion calorimetry, and cone calorimetry showed a contrary tendency, but C‐SiO₂‐OMT holds high promise to reduce the smoke yield. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Rheological properties of surface-modified nanoparticles-stabilized CO2 foam

This study investigates the rheological properties of surface-modified nanoparticles-stabilized CO₂ foam in porous media for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications. Due to the foam pseudo-plastic behavior, the foam apparent viscosity was estimated based on the power law constitutive model. The results show that foam exhibit shear-thinning behavior. The presence of surface-modified silica nanoparticles enhanced the foam bulk apparent viscosity by 15%. Foam apparent viscosity in the capillary porous media was four times higher than that in capillary viscometer, and foam apparent viscosity increased as porous media permeability increases. The high apparent viscosity of the surface-modified nanoparticles-stabilized foam could result in effective fluid diversion and pore blocking processes and enhance their potential applications in heterogeneous reservoir.     

Influence of the nature of curing agents on properties of polyetherurethanethiol composites

The effect of the nature of curing agents on the properties of sealants based on polyetherurethanethiols was examined.     

Fabrication of exfoliated graphite reinforced silicone rubber composites - Mechanical,tribological and dielectric properties

The effect of exfoliated graphite (EG) on the mechanical, tribological and dielectric properties of the silicone rubber (QM) composites has been systematically investigated and analysed. Morphological analysis of the composites helps to understand the interfacial interaction between the filler and the rubber matrix as well as wear mechanism respectively. An enhancement in the mechanical, tribological and dielectric properties was observed with an increase in filler loading and better performance was observed at 7 phr of filler loading. The improvement in performance is attributed to the better interaction between the QM chains and the EG layers as evident from the AFM and TEM analysis. It is also evident from the Kraus plot which supports the reinforcing effect of EG in QM matrix.     

Thermal stability and flammability of silicone polymer composites

Silicone polymer composites filled with mica, glass frit, ferric oxide and/or a combination of these were developed as part of a ceramifiable polymer range for electrical power cables and other high temperature applications. This paper reports on the thermal stability of polymer composites as determined by thermogravimetric techniques, thermal conductivity and heat release rate as measured by cone calorimetry. The effects of fillers on thermal stability and flammability of silicone polymer are investigated. Of the fillers studied, mica and ferric oxide were found to have a stabilising effect on the thermal stability of silicone polymer. Additionally, mica and ferric oxide were found to lower heat release rates during combustion, but only mica was found to increase time to ignition.     

Influence of the preparation procedure on the properties of polyaniline based magnetic composites

A versatile process for the preparation of composite films consisting of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles embedded in a polyaniline (PANI) matrix is reported. Spectroscopic properties of polyaniline matrix (PANI-EB), polyaniline protonated with camphor sulfonic acid (PANI-CSA_0.5) PANI-ES and PANI/Fe₃O₄-CSA_0.5 composites were studied, both in the state of the solutions of m-cresol and in thin films processed from the same solvents. The results of these studies indicate that m-cresol can be used for PANI/Fe₃O₄ composite preparation. Such films show both reasonably high electrical conductivity and magnetic permeability. A controlled application of a magnetic field during the casting process resulted in the formation of the materials with an unusual combination of magnetic and transport properties. The obtained films show the behavior that can be explained by the presence of both ferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases. The superparamagnetic contribution, if any, is very small. Application of the external magnetic field during fabrication of the composites stimulates creation of the aggregates of magnetic particles which, although keeps conductivity at a relatively high level, leads to a small decrease of the conductivity value.     

Influence of heat treatment on electromagnetic properties of polyimide/carbon black composites

A kind of absorbing materials was prepared by hot pressing method using polyimide as matrix and carbon black (CB) as filler. The mechanical properties, the electromagnetic properties, and the thermal stability of polyimide/CB composites were studied. The results showed that the complex permittivity increased from 6.82 + 1.38i to 18.69 + 9.47i, whereas the flexural strength decreased from 108 MPa to 77 MPa, respectively, when the CB content increased from 2 wt% to 8 wt%. The reflection loss curves shifted to low frequency with increase of the thickness at the same content. The reflection loss below ?10 dB could be obtained in the X band with 6 wt% CB content and did not display significant difference before and after the heat treatment at 400°C for 5 h. When the content of CB was 8 wt%, the decomposition temperature (at 5% weight loss) increased approximately 42°C compared with pure polyimide matrix. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A novel phase-change composites based on silicone rubber containing energy-storage microcapsules

A novel phase-change composites based on silicone rubber (MVQ) containing n-octadecane/poly (styrene-methyl methacrylate) microcapsules were successfully obtained by mixing energy-storage microcapsules into MVQ matrix using three preparation methods. The effect of microcapsules content on thermal property of the composites was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. The mechanical properties of the composites prepared by three methods were also investigated. The morphology and thermal properties of the composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry, and thermal response. Thermal and mechanical properties of the composites were excellent when the microcapsules were added into room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber with 2 phr (per hundred rubber) content and cured at room temperature. The composites were proved to have good energy-storage performance with 67.6 J g^?1 enthalpy value.     

Influence of surface properties on the interfacial adhesion in carbon fiber/epoxy composites

A polyacrylonitrile‐based carbon fiber was electrochemically oxidized in an aqueous ammonium bicarbonate solution with current density of up to 2.76 A/m² at room temperature. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the oxygen content increased with increasing current density before approaching saturation. The increase can be divided into two regions, the rapid increase region (0–1.78 A/m²) and a plateau region (1.78–2.76 A/m²). The surface chemistry analysis showed that the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) value of the carbon fiber/epoxy composite could be improved by 24.7%. The carbon structure was examined using Raman spectroscopy in terms of order/disorder in the graphite structure and the results indicated that the relative percentage of graphite carbon in the form of sp² hybridization increased above a current density of 1.39 A/m². The increasing non‐polar graphite carbon on the carbon fiber surface decreased the surface energy. As a result, both the surface free energy () and its polar component () decreased when current density increased above 1.78 A/m². The ILSS value had no direct relationship with the nature and surface density of the oxygen‐containing functional groups nor with the carbon structure. It is the surface free energy (), especially the polar component (), which played a critical role in affecting the interfacial adhesion of carbon fiber/epoxy composites. The ILSS value changed with increasing current density and could be divided into three distinct regions, as chemical interaction region (I), anchor force region (II) and matrix damage region (III). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Influence of surface modification of potassium polytitanates on the mechanical properties of polymer composites thereof

A comparative analysis of the influence of various finishing agents on the properties of epoxy compounds filled with potassium polytitanates was carried out. The addition of such micro- and nanodisperse fillers is essential for preparation of composite materials with improved mechanical properties which are largely determined by the processes occurring at the binder-filler interface. The mechanisms of interaction of the finishing agents with the binder and filler were determined. The properties of the composite materials were examined in relation to the content of the finishing agent and the filler addition procedure.     

Influence of ferrocene on smoke suppression properties and combustion behavior of intumescent flame-retardant epoxy composites

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - This article mainly studies smoke suppression properties and synergistic flame-retardant effects of ferrocene (Fe(C5H5)2) on intumescent...     

Spectral properties of rhodamine 3B adsorbed on the surface of montmorillonites with variable layer charge

Montmorillonite was thermally treated at several temperatures to reduce the charge density of its layer surface. Absorption and fluorescence (steady-state and time-resolved) spectroscopies are now applied to study the adsorption of rhodamine 3B (R3B) laser dye in reduced charge montmorillonites (RCMs) in aqueous suspensions. The decrease in the charge density increases the intermolecular distance between adsorbed R3B molecules, reducing the tendency of the dye to self-associate. H-type and J-type aggregates of R3B in RCMs are spectroscopically characterized, the fluorescent J-aggregates being more extensively formed by decreasing the charge density. Both the reduction in the dye aggregation and the formation of J-type aggregates enhance the fluorescence efficiency of R3B dye adsorbed in montmorillonite particles. Absorption with linearly polarized light reveals that the H-aggregates are more disposed toward the perpendicular of the clay surface than the monomer and J-aggregates species.     

Influence of carbon black on the properties of plasticized poly(lactic acid) composites

Using acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) and poly(1,3-butylene adipate) (PBA) as the plasticizer of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and carbon black (CB) as reinforced filler, high performance composites were prepared in melting blend. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the interaction existed between PLA and CB, and plasticizer could improve this interaction. The rheology showed that plasticizer could obviously improve the fluidity of the composites, but just the reverse for CB. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the addition of plasticizer facilitated the dispersion of the CB in PLA. With the increasing of CB content, the enforcement effect, storage modulus and glass transition temperature increased. The elongation at break of PLA/PBA (30 wt%) could be above 600%, which was higher than the same weight ATBC plasticized PLA. Moreover, CB could restrain the thermally induced migration of plasticizer in plasticized PLA. Compared with ATBC, PBA was a thermal stable plasticizer for PLA.     

Composite nanomaterials on the basis of acid-activated montmorillonites

Properties of Ca-and Na-montmorillonites and their acid-activation products are studied by modern physicochemical methods. New evidence showing that the mechanism of acid activation of montmorillonites involves consecutive deactionation is presented. Features of formation and properties of the composite materials obtained on the basis of acid-activated montmorillonites and alumina are considered. It is shown that such materials hold promise as catalyst carriers and sorbents.