Determination of dynamic properties of flax fibres reinforced laminate using vibration measurements

Experimental and numerical methods to identify the linear viscoelastic properties of flax fibre reinforced polymer (FFRP) composite are presented in this study. The method relies on the evolution of storage modulus and loss factor as observed through the frequency response. Free-free symmetrically guided beams were excited in the dynamic range of 10 Hz to 4 kHz with a swept sine excitation focused around their first modes. A fractional derivative Zener model has been identified to predict the complex moduli. A modified ply constitutive law has been then implemented in a classical laminates theory calculation (CLT) routine. Overall, the Zener model fitted the experimental results well. The storage modulus was not frequency dependant, while the loss factor increased with frequency and reached a maximum value for a fibre orientation of 70°. The damping of FFRP was, respectively, 5 and 2 times higher than for equivalent carbon and glass fibres reinforced epoxy composites.     

Mechanical behaviour of isotactic polypropylenes in the lower and the upper glass transitions ranges

 The effects of physical ageing on both glass transitions of isotactic polypropylenes (homopolymer and random copolymer)are investigated by isothermal dynamic mechanical spectroscopy and by low strain creep. The ageing-time dependent expressions of the amorphous fractions which undergo each relaxation are introduced in a rheological model composed by a modified Zener model (associated to the β-relaxation) in series with a γ-element (associated to the α-relaxation). The agreement between the responses of this model and the creep and dynamic results is good over a time (or frequency) range covering up to 15 decades for three kinds of isotactic polypropylenes. Received: 2 January 1996 Accepted: 16 August 1996     

橡胶在动态载荷下的能量损耗分析

以交联密度不同的同类轮胎胎面胶A1和A2为研究对象,通过动态拉伸实验得到储能模量及损耗模量随频率变化的曲线.建立了黏弹性广义Maxwell模型来定量分析不同温度的橡胶在不同频率的动态载荷下的能量损耗.采用非线性规划的方法分别在低频(10~25 Hz)及高频(25~60 Hz)下拟合模量-频率曲线,得到黏弹性广义Maxwell模型的参数值.采用有限元软件Abaqus模拟胎面胶动态拉伸过程并计算胎面胶的损耗角正切,得到不同温度下胎面胶的损耗角正切随激振频率的变化规律,通过和实验结果的比较证明文中所述黏弹性广义Maxwell模型及其参数获取方法可准确应用于胎面胶的动态拉伸性能分析.预测了在不同温度及频率下每一循环载荷周期中胎面胶的应力-应变迟滞回线以及单位体积胶料的能量损耗,阐释了不同温度下的胎面胶的能量损耗随频率的变化规律,同时结合2种胎面胶的交联密度测试数据分析了胶料的构效关系.     

INFLUENCE OF SURFACE-MODIFICATION FOR CALCIUM CARBONATE ON THE INTERACTION BETWEEN THE FILLERS AND POLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE

The surface of calcium carbonate(CaCO_3)particles was modified with stearic acid(SA)and the chemical structures of the product were characterized by FT-IR analysis.The interaction between polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS)and CaCO_3 fillers with different surface character was investigated by means of dynamic rheological and bound rubber tests for uncured compounds and mechanical properties measurements for the corresponding vulcanites.The results of dynamic tests indicate that with the increase of SA mass fract...     

Modelling procedures and properties of rubber in rolling contact

Rubber covered cylinders in rolling contact are studied in two cases; rolling over a flat surface and rolling over a groove. In the first case, two different finite element procedures are compared for the purpose of investigating if computational savings can be made when taking amplitude dependent effects into account by using a modified viscoelastic steady state rolling procedure. This procedure is compared with using a more expensive overlay method with an elastoplastic-viscoelastic material model. The two procedures and material models are shown two give equal results in the flat surface case. For the case of rolling over a groove, it is shown how the non-linear dynamic material characteristics of the rubber layer influence the rolling contact. The groove filling capacity of the rubber is shown to be strongly dependent on the material model. It is shown that amplitude dependent rubber materials have better ability to fill out contact surface irregularities such as a groove.     

Viscoelasticity of rubber-resin mixtures

The dynamic viscoelastic response of blends in various proportions of natural rubber with each of two tackifier resins, a poly(β-pinene) and a pentaerythritol ester of hydrogenated rosin, has been investigated. Results are presented in the form of master curves of the modulus G′_r and the viscosity η′_r against frequency. The two resins show remarkably similar behavior in modifying the viscoelastic behavior of the rubber; the most obvious effects of increasing resin concentration are (a) a displacement of the transition zone toward lower frequencies, (b) a reduction in width and eventual elimination of the “rubbery plateau,” and (c) a displacement of the terminal zone in the direction of higher frequencies. The effect (a) is interpreted in molecular terms as a restriction of segmental motion and may be quantitatively evaluated in terms of reduced fractional free volume and increased monomeric friction coefficient. Effects (b) and (c) are explicable in terms of reduced average molecular weight, with consequent reduction in entanglement coupling and resistance to viscous flow. Quantitative analysis of the results, using relaxation time spectra, lends support to the iso-free-volume theory of the glassy state and shows a correlation between fractional free volume and monomeric friction coefficient.     

Surface modification of calcium sulfate whisker using thiol-ene click reaction and its application in reinforced silicone rubber

The hemihydrate calcium sulfate whisker (HCSW) was modified by γ-(methacryloxy)propyl trimethoxy silane (KH570) and trimethylolpropane tris(3-mercaptopropionate) via wet modification and thiol-ene click reaction, and then the unmodified and modified HCSW were added into α, ω-dihydroxy polysiloxane (DPS) matrix to prepare silicon rubber composites. After the dual-surface modification, the surface of HCSW was transformed to hydrophobic, the hydration of whisker was obviously improved, and the whisker dispersed more evenly in the polymer. The mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical properties, and the medium resistance of the silicone rubber composite were compared. The tensile test shows that the silicone rubber shows better mechanical properties after adding the modified whiskers, among which HCSW-KH570-SH has the most significant reinforcement effect. Moreover, DPS/HCSW-KH570-SH shows the best medium resistance in toluene, gasoline, and water. The addition of modified whiskers can improve the storage modulus of silicone rubber significantly, while DMA and DSC show that the addition of modified whiskers can reduce the glass transition temperature of silicone rubber. The bound rubber indicates that the interface interaction between HCSW-KH570-SH and silicone rubber is the best.     

Experimental characterization and viscoelastic modeling of isotropic and anisotropic magnetorheological elastomers

The paper presents experimental research and numerical modeling of dynamic properties of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs). Isotropic and anisotropic MREs have been prepared based on silicone matrix filled by micro-sized carbonyl iron particles. Dynamic properties of the isotropic and anisotropic MREs were determined using double-lap shear test under harmonic loading in the displacement control mode. Effects of excitation frequency, strain amplitude, and magnetic field intensity on the dynamic properties of the MREs were examined. Dynamic moduli of the MREs decreased with increasing the strain amplitude of applied harmonic load. The dynamic moduli and damping properties of the MREs increased with increasing the frequency and magnetic flux density. The anisotropic MREs showed higher dynamic moduli and magnetorheological (MR) effect than those of the isotropic ones. The MR effect of the MREs increased with the rise of the magnetic flux density. The dependence of dynamic moduli and loss factor on the frequency and magnetic flux density was numerically studied using four-parameter fractional derivative viscoelastic model. The model was fitted well to experimental data for both isotropic and anisotropic MREs. The fitting of dynamic moduli and loss factor for the isotropic and anisotropic MREs is in good agreement with experimental results.     

Dynamic mechanical properties of isotactic polypropylene/nitrile rubber blends: Effects of blend ratio,reactive compatibilization,and dynamic vulcanization

The effect of blend ratio and compatibilization on dynamic mechanical properties of PP/NBR blends was investigated at different temperatures. The storage modulus of the blend decreased with increase in rubber content and shows two T_g's indicating the incompatibility of the system. Various composite models have been used to predict the experimental viscoelastic data. The Takayanagi model fit well with the experimental values. The addition of phenolic modified polypropylene (Ph-PP) and maleic modified polypropylene (MA-PP) improved the storage modulus of the blend at lower temperatures. The enhancement in storage modulus was correlated with the change in domain size of dispersed NBR particles. The effect of dynamic vulcanization using sulfur, peroxide, and mixed system on viscoelastic behavior was also studied. Among these peroxide system shows the highest modulus. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 35 : 2309–2327, 1997     

Physical properties and structure of a poly(styrene-co-butadiene) rubber/poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene) rubber latex mixture film

The physical properties and the structure of a poly(styrene-co-butadiene) rubber (SBR) and poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene) rubber (NBR) latex mixture film are studied in relation to the composition of SBR/NBR for optimization as the precursor of a polymer electrolyte. The composition of SBR50/NBR50 is most suitable in terms of mechanical strength and ionic conductivity. The relationship between the mechanical strength and the structure is analyzed using a simple equivalent mechanical model modified from the Takayanagi model. Our model gives better agreement with experimental results and extends the range of validity of the model to the cocontinuous phase type morphologies. It is possible to estimate the mechanical strength from the continuity of the mechanical supporting phase, calculated from the mechanical model. The tensile properties are found to be strongly affected by the fragile component. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. A Polym. Chem. 36: 2493–2501, 1998     

Viscoelastic behavior of polypropylene/nitrile rubber thermoplastic elastomer blends: Application of Kerner's models for reactively compatibilized and dynamically vulcanized systems

The viscoelastic properties of binary blends of nitrile rubber (NBR) and isotactic polypropylene (PP) of different compositions have been calculated with mean‐field theories developed by Kerner. The phase morphology and geometry have been assumed, and experimental data for the component polymers over a wide temperature range have been used. Hashin's elastic–viscoelastic analogy principle is used in applying Kerner's theory of elastic systems for viscoelastic materials, namely, polymer blends. The two theoretical models used are the discrete particle model (which assumes one component as dispersed inclusions in the matrix of the other) and the polyaggregate model (in which no matrix phase but a cocontinuous structure of the two is postulated). A solution method for the coupled equations of the polyaggregate model, considering Poisson's ratio as a complex parameter, is deduced. The viscoelastic properties are determined in terms of the small‐strain dynamic storage modulus and loss tangent with a Rheovibron DDV viscoelastometer for the blends and the component polymers. Theoretical calculations are compared with the experimental small‐strain dynamic mechanical properties of the blends and their morphological characterizations. Predictions are also compared with the experimental mechanical properties of compatibilized and dynamically cured 70/30 PP/NBR blends. The results computed with the discrete particle model with PP as the matrix compare well with the experimental results for 30/70, 70/30, and 50/50 PP/NBR blends. For 70/30 and 50/50 blends, these predictions are supported by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations. However, for 30/70 blends, the predictions are not in agreement with SEM results, which reveal a cocontinuous blend of the two. Predictions of the discrete particle model are poor with NBR as the matrix for all three volume fractions. A closer agreement of the predicted results for a 70/30 PP/NBR blend and the properties of a 1% maleic anhydride modified PP or 3% phenolic‐modified PP compatibilized 70/30 PP/NBR blend in the lower temperature zone has been observed. This may be explained by improved interfacial adhesion and stable phase morphology. A mixed‐cure dynamically vulcanized system gave a better agreement with the predictions with PP as the matrix than the peroxide, sulfur, and unvulcanized systems. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 1417–1432, 2004     

Prediction of solvent diffusion coefficient in amorphous polymers based on an equation‐of‐state

This study develops a modified free‐volume model to predict solvent diffusion coefficients in amorphous polymers by combining the Vrentas–Duda model with the Simha–Somcynsky (S‐S) equation‐of‐state (EOS), and all the original parameters can be used in the modified model. The free volume of the polymer is estimated from the S‐S EOS together with the Williams‐Landel‐Ferry fractional free volume, and the complex process of determining polymer free‐volume parameters in the Vrentas–Duda model and measuring polymer viscoelasticity can be avoided. Moreover, the modified model includes the influence of not only temperature but also pressure on solvent diffusivity. Three common polymers and four solvents are employed to demonstrate the predictions of the modified model. The calculation results are generally consistent with the experimental values. It is reasonable to expect that the modified free‐volume model will become a useful tool in polymer process development. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1000–1009, 2006     

MODIFICATION OF CeO2 AND ITS EFFECT ON THE HEAT-RESISTANCE OF SILICONE RUBBER

By means of the wet chemical surface modification,the surface of CeO_2 was modified by vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS).Infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate the structure of the modified CeO_2 and the result showed that VTMS has been attached onto the surface of CeO_2.Effect of VTMS concentration on the active index of the modified CeO_2 was also studied,and the result indicated that the active index of the modified CeO_2 increases with the increase of VTMS concentration and the optimal concentratio...     

Grafting characterization of natural rubber latex particles: wet-STEM imaging contributions

Natural rubber latexes investigated in this study have been chemically modified by seeded emulsion polymerization. Depending on the water affinity of the monomer involved (MMA or DMAEMA), the expected result was the grafting of the corresponding polymer inside or on the surface of the latex particles. The present article focuses on the grafting characterization of these modified natural rubber latexes. In this purpose, non-imaging classical experimental methods such as dynamic light scattering and nuclear magnetic resonance have been completed by microscopy techniques, including transmission imaging in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a recent imaging mode called wet-STEM. It consists in transmission imaging in an Environmental SEM operating in the wet-mode, allowing transmission observations of particles suspended in a liquid layer with good resolution and contrast. In the present study, we have adopted a comparative characterization approach between a nongrafted natural rubber latex and two grafted ones. Such an approach indeed contributes to highlight the particles morphology resulting from chemical modification using either MMA or DMAEMA. Transmission images in SEM of thin foils are relatively well interpreted and are completed with wet-STEM images of latexes in their native state, bringing important contributions for grafting characterization.     

A five-parameter fractional derivative temperature spectrum model for polymeric damping materials

To capture viscoelastic behavior of polymeric damping materials based on limited dynamic mechanical analysis tests, a simple fractional temperature spectrum model representing the viscoelastic materials is proposed in this paper and experimental tests aims at stressing the validity of the model. The storage modulus, the loss modulus, and the loss factor, are established based on the five-parameter fractional derivative model and the time–temperature superposition principle. The dynamic mechanical tests of two polymeric materials are carried out to verify this temperature spectrum model. Results indicate a good agreement between the temperature spectrum model and experimental tests at various temperature conditions. Furthermore, thermodynamic coupling of the viscoelastic material is investigated by temperature rise calculation and vibration experiment test. Comparison analysis shows that the temperature rise model can simulate the temperature rise process for the shear vibration of the constrained damping, which provide references for the damping capability, thermal damage and failure of viscoelastic material.     

Surface modification of silica nanoparticles by a polyoxyethylene sorbitan and silane coupling agent to prepare high-performance rubber composites

The interfacial interaction between nano-silica and rubber matrix is very important for the preparation of high-performance rubber composites. In this paper, we first proposed the use of TWEEN-20 as a new silica modifier, it has four long arms consisting of three polyether chains with terminal hydroxyl group and a fatty chain. The oxygen on the polyether can form a hydrogen bond with the silanol groups on silica surface, and the terminal hydroxyl groups can chemically react with the silanol groups without any VOCs. Moreover, the long fatty chain can weaken silica polarity to obtain a better compatibility with rubber, so that silica modified by TWEEN-20 with chemical reaction and physical absorption can homogeneously disperses in rubber matrix. Nextly, we prepared high-performance natural rubber (NR) composites by adjusting the ratio of TWEEN-20 to TESPT to adjust the physical and chemical interaction between nano-silica and rubber molecular chains. The results indicated that the performances, including the filler dispersion, static mechanical properties, and dynamic heating (viscoelastic self-heating), were optimal when the ratio of TESPT to TWEEN-20 was 2:1. In addition, one-third of TESPT was replaced by TWEEN-20 to prepare silica/rubber composites, which can reduce one-third of VOCs, improve “scorchy”, and achieve high dispersion of silica.     

橡胶／纳米无机粒子增韧增强环氧树脂的研究

综述了当前环氧树脂增韧增强改性的研究现状,详细介绍了弹性体增韧环氧树脂、无机纳米粒子改性环氧树脂、粘土改性环氧树脂、纳米SiO2改性环氧树脂以及弹性体／无机纳米粒子协同增韧增强环氧树脂的机理和实验方法。并对其实验结果进行了分析比较。     

Measurement of the mechanocaloric effect in rubber

An apparatus for measurement of mechanocaloric effect in rubber has been constructed and tested by measuring the thermal response of three rubber materials to mechanical strain. The results obtained were satisfactory. Detailed measurement has been performed on these materials. The entropy changes that accompany elongation were calculated from the experimental results and compared with those derived from literature data and statistical theory of the macromolecular chain. A dissipative effect was found to accompany the rapid deformation of rubber and attributed to viscoelastic irreversibility. An experimental procedure to eliminate this effect was identified. The apparatus, assembled with the readily available components, will be a useful device for introducing the entropy concept in thermodynamics courses.     

Rubber products prepared from silica modified by radiation-induced admicellar polymerization

Unmodified silica, silica modified with Si69, silica modified by thermal admicellar polymerization and silica modified by radiation-induced admicellar polymerization were applied as rubber reinforcement. Mechanical properties of these different rubber formulae were subsequently tested. The results revealed that the mechanical properties of rubber reinforced with silica modified by admicellar polymerization were superior to those reinforced with unmodified silica or silica modified with Si69. As for the silica modified by admicellar polymerization, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) proved to be the most effective surfactant, compared to dodecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (DTAB) and tetradecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (TTAB).     

分数Maxwell模型应用于PTFE松弛模量的研究

用分数Maxwell模型对聚合物PTFE(Polytetrafluoethylene)的应力松弛过程进行了研究. 分数Maxwell模型的渐近行为是确定其参数的基本依据, 但根据实验数据确定的松弛时间与渐近解成立的条件并不自恰. 通过适当选定松弛时间, 利用起始时段的实验数据确定初始松弛指数和松弛模量, 并适当优化末端松弛指数, 分数Maxwell模型可以对粘弹性应力松弛过程给出非常好的描述.