Fracture Behavior of Covalently Re-Modified MWNT/Epoxy Nanocomposites

Summary: In this work, a surface re-modified multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) was prepared by the chemical attachment of oligomeric unsaturated polyester on the MWNT surface. The re-modified MWNT was incorporated in two concentrations of 0.35 and 0.70 Wt.% into epoxy resin in order to investigate its effect on morphology and mechanical behavior of the MWNT/epoxy nanocomposite. The transmission electron microscopy showed that the re-modification of MWNT surface improves its dispersion state in the epoxy matrix. The tensile measurements for the nanocomposite having different amounts of surface re-modified/not-modified MWNT showed that the fracture mechanism changed from brittle to tough beyond a certain amount of surface re-modified MWNT. The scanning electron microscopy findings on the fracture surface morphology of the resulted nanocomposite substantiated the observed phenomena.     

生物基氢化香豆素增韧环氧树脂的制备及性能

通过生物基原料氢化香豆素(DHC), 在铬(Ⅲ)络合物和氯化铵复合物协同催化作用下, 与环氧醚类物质交替共聚, 获得一类三维网状聚合物, 进而与环氧树脂(EP)单体在固化过程中构建双网络结构, 实现有效的应力传递和外部能量吸收, 达到对环氧树脂增韧增强的效果. 凝胶渗透色谱结果表明, DHC基网络(DHC-net)分子量随反应时间延长而增加. ¹H NMR证实了合成的DHC-net分子结构. 同时, 考察了环氧树脂的热力学及力学性能, 发现DHC-net与环氧树脂基体具有良好的相容性; 改性后的环氧树脂断裂伸长率比纯环氧树脂有大幅提高; 拉伸与冲击测试显示, DHC-net含量小于30%时, 改性后环氧树脂的拉伸强度和抗冲击强度均比纯环氧树脂有大幅提高.     

液体橡胶增韧环氧树脂/咪唑体系的形态与力学性能

液体橡胶增韧环氧树脂/咪唑体系的形态与力学性能;CTBN;HTBN; 增韧环氧树脂;形态结构;力学性能     

Rod‐Like Silicate‐Epoxy Nanocomposites

Summary: Epoxy nanocomposites containing rod‐like silicate (attapulgite) were prepared using a simple organic modification to the nanorods. The modification led to effective interfacial adhesion between the ceramic nanorods and the epoxy resin and hence good load transfer. Scanning electron microscopy examination revealed a uniform dispersion of nanorods in the epoxy resin. Compared to the neat resin, nanocomposites with 7.47 vol.‐% nanorods exhibited an increase in the (rubbery state) storage modulus of 122.5%. In addition, the nanocomposites exhibited improved dimensional stability both above and below the T_g.

Storage modulus of the neat resin and nanocomposites.     

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。     

Polyethylene and Poly(propylene)/Clay Nanocomposites

Polyethylene and polypropylene nanocomposites were investigated with focus on mechanical and barrier properties. Structure was observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Four types of nano-filler were used: Nanofil 5, 8, 9 and 3000. In case of polyethylene nanocomposites the dispersion and intercalation was to low extent. Mechanical and barrier properties were worse compared to pure PE. In case of polypropylene with Nanofil 5, 9 and 3000 tensile strength was better compared to pure PP. Also PP with Nanofil 9 and 3000 had better barrier properties than pure PP for both O₂ and CO₂. This was explained by better intercalation and dispersion of the filler documented by XRD measurement and TEM observation.     

Fracture morphology and mechanical properties of ethylene/vinyl acetate rubber vulcanizates reinforced by in situ prepared sodium methacrylate

Ethylene/vinyl acetate rubber (EVM) was reinforced by sodium methacrylate (NaMAA) that was in situ prepared through the neutralization of sodium hydroxide and methacrylic acid in EVM during mixing. The mechanical properties of EVM vulcanizates with different NaMAA loadings and at different crosslink densities were studied and compared with those of high abrasion furnace carbon black (HAF) filled EVM vulcanizates. The fracture surfaces of gum and filled EVM vulcanizates were observed with scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that NaMAA‐reinforced EVM vulcanizates had better mechanical properties than HAF/EVM vulcanizates. When the NaMAA loading was 50 phr, the tensile strength of the NaMAA/EVM vulcanizate was 30 MPa, the tear strength was 102 kN/m, and the elongation at break was over 400%. Fourier transform infrared analysis confirmed that NaMAA formed in the compounding process and underwent polymerization during vulcanization. Scanning probe microscopy analysis revealed that nanoscale particles dispersed in the NaMAA/EVM vulcanizates. The mechanical properties were correlated with the fracture morphology of all the vulcanizates. The tensile rupture of NaMAA‐filled EVM vulcanizates occurred through tearing from a crack in the bulk of the samples. Tear deviation occurred with the addition of NaMAA and resulted in a rough surface, leading to an improvement in the tear strength of NaMAA‐filled EVM vulcanizates. The micrographs of the tear surfaces of the vulcanizates indicated that the different fracture modes depended on the NaMAA loading and the crosslink density. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 1715–1724, 2004     

Maleic Anhydride Polyethylene Octene Elastomer Toughened Polyamide 6/Polypropylene Nanocomposites: Mechanical and Morphological Properties

A series of polyamide 6/polypropylene (PA6/PP) blends and nanocomposites containing 4 wt% of organophilic modified montmorillonite (MMT) were designed and prepared by melt compounding followed by injection molding. Maleic anhydride polyethylene octene elastomer (POEgMAH) was used as impact modifier as well as compatibilizer in the blend system. Three weight ratios of PA6/PP blends were prepared i.e. 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40. The mechanical properties of PA6/PP blends and nanocomposite were studied through flexural and impact properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the microstructure. The incorporation of 10 wt% POEgMAH into PA6/PP blends significantly increased the toughness with a corresponding reduction in strength and stiffness. However, on further addition of 4 wt% organoclay, the strength and modulus increased but with a sacrifice in impact strength. It was also found that the mechanical properties are a function of blend ratio with 70:30 PA6/PP having the highest impact strength, both for blends and nanocomposites. The morphological study revealed that within the blend ratio studied, the higher the PA6 content, the finer were the POEgMAH particles.     

聚丙撑碳酸酯／环氧树脂体系的力学性能

研究了聚丙撑碳酸酯／环氧树酯固化产物的动态力学性能和力学性能，考察了ＰＰＣ的分子量、含量对力学谱和力学性能的影响．结果表明，随ＰＰＣ含量增加，ｔａｎδ半峰宽增加，ＰＰＣ含量在２０～３０份时力学性能达最佳值，ＰＰＣ的分子量对力学性能的影响不大，但对动态力学和相区尺寸稍有影响。     

Novel highly elastic magnetic materials for dampers and seals: Part I. Preparation and characterization of the elastic materials

The new generation of magnetic elastomers represents a new type of composites, consisting of small (mainly nano and micron‐sized) magnetic particles dispersed in a highly elastic polymeric matrix. The combination of polymers with magnetic materials displays novel and often enhanced properties. Highly elastic magnetic composites are quite new and understanding of the behavior of these materials depending on the composition, external conditions, and the synthesis processes is still missing. Thus, the aim of this work is the study of fundamental principles governing the preparation of these materials as well as their structure and elastic properties. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

聚丙烯/PMMA/CaCO3纳米复合材料的制备、结构与力学性能

分别将经不同表面处理的纳米碳酸钙粒子与聚合物PP共混,制备PP／CaCO3和PP／PMMA／CaCO3纳米复合材料。用TEM观察了表面处理后纳米粒子的粒径与分散情况,发现复合粒子分散较均匀。用DSC与WAXD研究了复合材料的结晶行为,发现原位聚合制备的PMMA／CaCO3纳米复合粒子与PP共混后,PP有异相成核作用,出现了不稳定的PPβ晶型。PP／PMMA／CaCO3纳米复合材料力学性能有大幅度的提高。     

聚醚扩链脲增韧环氧树脂体系的冲击性能及其断裂面形态结构

聚醚扩链脲增韧环氧树脂体系的冲击性能及其断裂面形态结构     

氧化铅@碳纳米复合材料的制备与表征

以淀粉为碳源, 高温碳化含有硝酸铅的淀粉干凝胶, 制备了氧化铅@碳纳米复合材料,氧化铅颗粒无团聚, 粒径可调, 近于单分散, 且分布均匀, 可作为铅酸电池的电极材料, 有望提高其充放电性能和使用寿命.     

Study on the Effect of Uniaxial Elongational Flow on Polyamide Based Nanocomposites

This work focuses on the study of uniaxial elongational flow and its effects on morphology and stiffness of polyamide-6 based nanocomposites prepared by melt compounding. The elongational flow characterization was realized by converging flow method and fiber spinning technique. During the haul-off tests, fibers of the neat polyamide-6 and the hybrids (at 3 and 6 wt% of silicate) were collected at different draw ratios. Mechanical properties of the produced fibers were investigated and correlated to their nanostructure through analytical techniques sensitive to different aspects of morphology, such as DSC and TEM analysis. Rheological results, obtained with a capillary rheometer, indicate that the shear viscosity decreases with the silicate loading, while the extentional viscosity increases. Moreover, the presence of the silicate in polymer matrix leads to enhancements of draw-down force and reduction of the breaking draw ratio. In hybrid fibers an enhanced degree of exfoliation of the filler was observed upon drawing. Moreover, DSC analyses suggest that the crystalline structure of the fibers is the result of two opposite effects: the presence of the silicate which stabilizes the γ form and the drawing which promotes the α crystal phase. The degree of silicate exfoliation and the amount of the different crystal phases strongly affect the tensile properties of the fibers.     

Ethylene-Octene Copolymer-Nanosilica Nanocomposites: Effects of Epoxy Resin Functionalized Nanosilica on Morphology,Mechanical, Dynamic Mechanical and Thermal Properties

A comparative study of the structural, thermal, mechanical and thermomechanical properties of ethylene-octene copolymer 1

1 Ethylene-octene copolymer is produced using Dow's INSITETM ™ constrained geometry catalyst and process technology. ENGAGE the trade name of this copolymer.

(mPE) 2

2 This copolymer will be represented as mPE .

nanocomposites synthesized with pure nanosilica (NS) and nanosilica-functionalized with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (ENS) has been reported. These nanocomposites were prepared using “melt mixing” method at a constant loading level of 2.5 wt. %. The effects of pure nanosilica (NS) and epoxy resin-functionalized-nanosilica (ENS) on the above mentioned properties of ethylene-octene copolymer were analyzed by wide-angle-x-ray diffractometer (WAXD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermo gravimetric analyzer (TGA), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). TEM studies have shown a better dispersion of nanoparticles in case of ethylene-octene copolymer-epoxy resin-functionalized-nanosilica nanocomposite (mPE-ENS) than that of ethylene-octene copolymer-nanosilica nanocomposite (mPE-NS). The tensile tests show that organic modification of nanosilica particles brings up an appreciable increase in yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation at break of the polymer. DMA studies have shown an increase in the storage modulus and glass transition temperature for mPE-ENS with respect to mPE-NS. Further, the TGA results have shown a higher thermal stability for mPE-ENS in comparison to mPE-NS.     

Preparation and Characteration of UV-cured EA/MMT Nanocomposites Via In-Situ Polymerization

A long-chain surfactant, enzoylbenzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-octadecylammonium bromide (BDOB) with a benzophenone group, was synthesized to modify the montmorillonites (MMT) for the preparation of nanocomposites via photo-induced polymerization. The BDOB-modified MMT was characterized by the fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the results of XRD indicated that the intercalated structures of BDOB-modified MMT was obtained. The conversion of the bisphenol A epoxy diacrylate (EA) was quantified by the FTIR, and the results indicated that conversion increased with an increase in the amount of BDOB-modified MMT. The morphologies of the UV-cured EA/MMT nanocomposites prepared from this organically modified MMT were studied by means of XRD and TEM, and the results showed that all the samples contained an intercalated structure with partial exfoliated structure. The results of TGA and mechanical properties also indicated that the thermal and mechanical properties of UV-cured nanocomposites were significantly enhanced due to the presence of the long chain surfactant organically modified MMT.     

Mechanical and Thermal Properties and Morphology of Epoxy Resins Modified by a Silicon Compound

A silicon compound (GAPSO) was synthesized to modify the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA). The chemical structure of GAPSO was confirmed using FT-IR, ²⁹Si NMR and GPC. The mechanical and thermal properties and morphologies of the cured epoxy resins were investigated by impact testing, tensile testing, differential scanning calorimetry and environmental scanning electron microscopy. The impact strength and tensile strength were both increased by introducing GAPSO, meanwhile the glass transition temperature (T_g ) was not decreased and the morphologies of the fracture surfaces show that the compatibility of GAPSO with epoxy resin was very good and the toughening follows the pinning and crack tip bifurcation mechanism. The high functional groups in GAPSO can react during the curing process, and chemically participate in the crosslinking network. GAPSO is thus expected to improve the toughness of epoxy resin, meanwhile maintain the glass transition temperature.     

Simultaneous Preparation of PI/POSS Semi‐IPN Nanocomposites

Summary: This investigation presents a simultaneous and convenient approach to produce a high‐performance polyimide with a low dielectric constant by introducing the octa‐acrylated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (methacrylated‐POSS) into a polyimide matrix to form polyimide semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (semi‐IPN) nanocomposites. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) results indicate that the self‐curing of methacrylated‐POSS and the imidization of polyamic acid (PAA) occurs simultaneously. The morphology of a semi‐IPN structure of polyimide/POSS‐PI/POSS nanocomposites with POSS nanoparticles embedded inside the matrix is elucidated. The POSS particles are uniform and are aggregated to a size of approximately 50–60 nm inside the polyimide matrix. The interconnected POSS particles are observed at high POSS content. The structure is highly cross‐linked, so the PI/POSS nanocomposites have an enhanced glass transition temperature. The high porosity of the PI/POSS nanocomposites markedly reduces the dielectric constant of PI because of the nanometer‐scale porous structure of POSS.

FT‐IR spectra of the various compounds of A) methacrylate‐POSS before curing, B) methacrylate‐POSS after curing, C) PAA containing 15 wt.‐% POSS, and D) PI/POSS containing 15 wt.‐% POSS.     

Physico-Mechanical Properties of Biodegradable Rubber Toughened Polymers

Summary: In this study, blends of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) were studied for their mechanical and thermal properties as a function of the PBAT content. Tensile testing, impact testing, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMTA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the blends. It was observed that PLA/PBAT blends maintained quite high modulus and tensile strength compared to pure PLA. Small amounts of PBAT improved the elongation at break and the impact resistance showing a debonding effect typical of rubber toughened systems.