Polyimide-Silica Hybrids: Spectroscopy,Morphology and Mechanical Properties

Polyimide/silica hybrids were prepared by a sol-gel process and were evaluated in terms of curing behaviour, morphology and mechanical properties. The spectroscopic examination showed that the presence of the inorganic phase accelerates the imidization of the polyamic acid. Two types of morphology for the silica phase were obtained by tailoring the composition of the precursor solution mixture. The mechanical properties were found to be strongly dependent on the system morphology. The largest increase in rigidity and strength properties were achieved when the two phases were co-continuous.     

Optimizing Melt‐Processing Conditions for the Preparation of iPP/Fumed Silica Nanocomposites: Morphology,Mechanical and Gas Permeability Properties

A series of iPP/SiO₂ nanocomposites, containing 1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 wt.‐% fumed silica nanoparticles, were prepared by melt mixing in a twin screw co‐rotating extruder. The effect of different extrusion parameters was evaluated. The size of aggregates increased with increase in SiO₂ content and repetition of the mixing process improved the filler's dispersion. A similar effect was also exhibited by either increasing the rotor speed or the mixing temperature, with the latter being more pronounced at the ranges studied. The mechanical properties of the prepared nanocomposites were evaluated and various models used to explain the observed enhancements. However, only the three‐phase model could provide some correlation with the experimental results. All nanocomposites displayed lower permeability to gases.

     

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.     

Polypropylene Nanocomposites,Study of the Influence of the Nanofiller Nature on Morphology and Material Properties

Summary: In this paper we investigate the influence of various nanofilllers' aspect ratio, chemical nature and organic modification on some selected polypropylene properties, such as crystallinity, thermal and mechanical resistance and fire behaviour. Materials were prepared by twin-screw extrusion and characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, tensile and cone calorimeter tests. Fillers characteristics were found to influence at different extents, and for different reasons, the material final properties.     

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.     

Influence of Reactive Compatibilization on the Melt Flow Properties and Morphology of Polyamide 6/Styrene-Acrylonitrile Blends

Summary: In this study, we investigate the influence of reactive compatibilization on the rheological properties of polyamide 6/styrene-acrylonitrile (PA 6/SAN) blends in the melt. Linear viscoelastic shear oscillations, simple elongation to a large stretch ratio and subsequent recovery experiments were performed. The morphology of the blends was examined by atomic force microscopy. We prepared three PA 6/SAN blends with different composition ratios of PA 6 and SAN (70/30, 50/50, 30/70) and a constant concentration of the reactive agent. Our experiments revealed that reactive compatibilization significantly increases the complex modulus of PA 6/SAN blends at low frequencies. In particular, the data of the PA 6/SAN 50/50 blend and the PA 6/SAN 30/70 blend indicated that an elastic network between neighbouring PA 6 domains was formed. In simple elongation, the transient elongational viscosity of the blends exceeded the values of the single components. In recovery, the recovered stretch of all blends was larger than the recovered stretch of the pure components. The differences of the blend morphology and of the linear viscoelastic behaviour were qualitatively explained by the asymmetric properties of the reactively compatibilized interface.     

Mechanical Properties and Morphology of Melt-mixed PA6/SWNT Composites: Effect of Reactive Coupling

An interfacial reaction during melt mixing of maleic anhydride copolymer (SMA) encapsulated single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) and polyamide 6 (PA6) was used in order to disperse SWNT homogeneously and to enhance interfacial adhesion. The intended reactive coupling between PA6 and SMA was evident from IR spectroscopy. Nanocomposites with SMA encapsulated SWNT showed increased elongation at break as compared to PA6/SWNT composites. SEM investigation of tensile fractured surfaces of PA6/SWNT+SMA composites indicated enhanced interfacial adhesion between PA6 and SMA modified SWNT.     

Morphology and Properties of Particulate Filled Polymers

Although the structure of particulate filled polymers is usually thought to be very simple, often structure related phenomena determine their properties. Segregation occurs only when long flow paths and large particles are used in production. The occurrence and extent of aggregation depend on the relative magnitude of attractive and separating forces, which prevail during the homogenization of the composite; the balance of adhesive and shear forces determines structure. Fillers of small particle size always aggregate, usually leading to decreased strength and especially low impact resistance. Anisotropic particles (talc, mica, short fibers) are orientated during processing. ESR is a relatively simple technique for the estimation of orientation and orientation distribution, which are determined by processing conditions, i.e. flow pattern, shear conditions, mold filling rates, cooling conditions, etc. The orientation of the particles strongly affects composite stiffness and strength. In practice, often several factors simultaneously influence the properties of products prepared from particulate filled polymers. Separation of the effects of the influencing factors is difficult, although such knowledge would help to control composite properties. The structure and properties of injection and compression moulded PP composites containing CaCO₃ or talc differs considerably from each other. The aggregation of CaCO₃, the nucleating effect and the orientation of talc affect product properties. The latter are also influenced by the skin-core structure developing during injection molding as well as by the orientation of the polymer. An example is discussed in this paper, which facilitates the identification of the effect of these factors with the help of a simple model and indicates a way in which product properties can be controlled.     

Water‐assisted melt compounding of nylon‐6/pristine montmorillonite nanocomposites

An exploratory pioneering study on the fabrication of nylon‐6/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites with the aid of water as an intercalating/exfoliating agent via melt compounding in a twin‐screw extruder was conducted. Commercial nylon‐6 pellets and pristine MMT powder were directly fed into the hopper of the extruder. Water was then injected into the extruder downstream. After interactions with the nylon‐6 melt/pristine MMT system, water was removed from the extruder further downstream via a venting gate. As such, no third‐component residual was left within the extrudates. Transmission electron microscopy micrographs showed that pristine MMT was uniformly dispersed in the nylon‐6 matrix. The contact time between water and the nylon‐6/pristine MMT system inside the extruder was so short that nylon‐6 was subjected to very little hydrolysis, if any. The resultant nanocomposites showed higher stiffness, superior tensile strength, and improved thermal stability in comparison with their counterparts obtained without water assistance and the nylon‐6/organic MMT nanocomposites. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 1100–1112, 2005     

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。     

Influence of Epoxy Resin Treatment on the Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Hemp-Fiber-Reinforced Plant-Derived Polyamide 1010 Biomass Composites

In this study, we investigated the influence of epoxy resin treatment on the mechanical and tribological properties of hemp fiber (HF)-reinforced plant-derived polyamide 1010 (PA1010) biomass composites. HFs were surface-treated using four types of surface treatment methods: (a) alkaline treatment using sodium chlorite (NaClO₂) solution, (b) surface treatment using epoxy resin (EP) solution after NaClO₂ alkaline treatment, (c) surface treatment using an ureidosilane coupling agent after NaClO₂ alkaline treatment (NaClO₂ + A-1160), and (d) surface treatment using epoxy resin solution after the (c) surface treatment (NaClO₂ + A-1160 + EP). The HF/PA1010 biomass composites were extruded using a twin-screw extruder and injection-molded. Their mechanical properties, such as tensile, bending, and dynamic mechanical properties, and tribological properties were evaluated by the ring-on-plate-type sliding wear test. The strength, modulus, specific wear rate, and limiting pv value of HF/PA1010 biomass composites improved with surface treatment using epoxy resin (NaClO₂ + A-1160 + EP). In particular, the bending modulus of NaClO₂ + A-1160 + EP improved by 48% more than that of NaClO₂, and the specific wear rate of NaClO₂ + A-1160 + EP was one-third that of NaClO₂. This may be attributed to the change in the internal microstructure of the composites, such as the interfacial interaction between HF and PA1010 and fiber dispersion. As a result, the mode of friction and wear mechanism of these biomass composites also changed.     

Study on the Influence of Melt Processing on Segmented Polyurethanes Morphology

A study on thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) is described. The investigation focuses on morphology of TPU parts depending on processing conditions and its relation with mechanical and thermal properties. It was found that TPU materials present different crystalline structures depending on chemical composition and melt processing conditions during part manufacturing. Due to that fact, strong variations in mechanical and tribological properties are expected.     

Effect of Morphology on the Relaxation Processes and Mechanical Properties in Polyimide/Silica Hybrids

Polyimide/silica hybrids were produced by a sol-gel process and were examined in terms of their morphology, dynamic-mechanical properties and mechanical performances. Two types of morphology were obtained by tailoring the composition of the precursor solution mixture, i.e. phase- separated or co-continuous systems. These morphologies were found to exhibit considerably different properties. In particular, co-continuous nanocomposite systems were found much more effective in suppressing molecular relaxation processes than micron sized particulate hybrids. The latter systems, on the other hand, exhibited enhanced ductility and fracture toughness     

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.     

偶联剂对TATB造型粉表面性质及力学性能的影响

采用偶联技术制备TATB造型粉，研究了偶联剂加入前后TATB造型粉的表面行为及其力学性能。结果表明采用偶联技术能够改善TATB造型粉的力学性能和氟橡胶对TATB的粘附。其中，KH550是一种较为理想的改善TATB造型粉性能的偶联剂。     

Influence of Proteins on the Mechanical Properties of Agro-Based Materials

Summary : A new biodegradable thermoplastic material based on a wheat flour by-product has been developed. The influence of protein content in wheat flour on the mechanical properties of the material has been investigated. For protein content between 4% and 10%, no influence of the protein content was evidenced, whereas beyond 10% w/w of proteins in the wheat flour, the mechanical properties of agro-based materials decrease, thus confirming the advantage of using a wheat flour by-product (i.e. with protein content below 8% w/w).     

壳聚糖/氧化石墨烯纳米复合材料的形态和力学性能研究

通过溶液共混法成功制备了氧化石墨烯/壳聚糖纳米复合材料. 透射电镜(TEM)结果表明, 氧化石墨烯纳米粒子在壳聚糖基体中分散良好. 拉伸实验结果表明, 随氧化石墨烯含量的增加, 氧化石墨烯/壳聚糖纳米复合材料的杨氏模量和拉伸强度均显著改善, 加入4 wt%的氧化石墨烯能够使纳米复合材料的杨氏模量和拉伸强度分别提高123%和117%|但另一方面, 却也在一定程度上使复合材料的断裂伸长率或韧性下降.     

Tuning Mechanical Properties of Block Copolymer/Aluminosilicate Hybrid Materials

In this work the primary mechanical property profiles of a specific class of nano‐structured polymer/inorganic hybrid materials are characterized. By utilizing sol‐gel aluminosilicate synthesis with amphiphilic polyisoprene‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide) block copolymers as structure‐directing agents, block copolymer/aluminosilicate hybrid materials are prepared with nanometer scale hexagonally packed cylinders and lamellae of the inorganic hybrid components, as evidenced by small‐angle X‐ray scattering. Systematic thermal and dynamic mechanical analyses are performed on these hybrids as well as on the constituting components. Results reveal two transitions from the low temperature, glassy state of the hybrids into high temperature elastic plateau regions, with moduli that vary over orders of magnitude as a function of composition and morphology. The first transition can be assigned to the glass transition of the PI domains while the second is ascribed to a temperature induced softening of the organic components within the PEO/hybrid domains. The results suggest that in the present nanostructured block copolymer/aluminosilicate hybrid materials composition and morphology provide a powerful tool to tailor mechanical property profiles.

     

Barrier and Mechanical Properties of Poly(caprolactone)/organoclay Nanocomposites

In this study, biodegradable poly(caprolactone) (PCL) hybrids with two types of organoclays: Cloisite 30B (30B) and Cloisite 93A (93A) have been prepared by melt mixing and their barrier performance to air permeation and mechanical properties were investigated. The hybrids of PCL/30B were found to be nanocomposites resulted from the strong interaction between organic modifier of 30B and PCL and those of PCL/93A were microcomposites. The barrier performance of PCL/30B nanocomposite film to air permeation was much more improved than pure PCL and PCL/93A microcomposites at low organoclay concentration. With the increase of organoclay content the permeability coefficient was also increased that could attributed to the extra tortuous pathway for gas permeation caused by organoclay exfoliation. The barrier behaviour of PCL/30B nanocomposites could be approximately described by a theoretical model developed for composites. The mechanical properties measurements showed that the reinforcement of organoclay 30B in nanocomposites is more significant than 93A in microcomposites. Both tensile modulus and tensile strength were increased in PCL/30B nanocomposites even at at low amount of organoclay without much loss of strain at break as compared to pure PCL. The significant improvements in both barrier and mechanical properties in PCL nanocomposites could be attributed to the fine dispersion state of organoclay 30B platelets in PCL matrix and the strong interaction between organic modifier of 30B and matrix molecules.