Effect of interphase interaction within zinc-filled composite coating on the potential of the cathodic protection of steel

The potential of cathodic protection of steel with composite coatings based on polystyrene (PS) filled by highly dispersed powders of zinc (Zn) of different forms and dispersivities is investigated. The potential for all PS/Zn systems with a low content of filler is shown to be less than for pure metal; as some critical value (the percolation threshold) is reached, the negative values of potential increase abruptly and become higher in absolute value than the potential of pure metal. The threshold zinc contents are found to depend on the particle shape and rise from 9 to 30 vol% upon transitioning from spear-shaped to spherical particles. The electrochemical protection properties of a composite coating are correlate with the enthalpy of mixing of filled composites. The enthalpy of mixing in regions of low filling is shown to be negative, indicating strong interphase interaction; that in regions of high filling is positive. The positive enthalpy of mixing corresponds to compositions that generate the potential of cathodic protection. It is found that an increase in the concentration range of positive values of a composition’s enthalpy of mixing occurs symbatically with a decrease in the threshold concentration of metallic zinc within the composition. We conclude that cathodic protection by zinc-filled polymeric composites is due to weak interphase interaction that results in the aggregation of particles of metallic zinc within a polymeric matrix and the appearance of an infinite cluster. In the case of PS/Zn compositions, it is shown that the infinite cluster appears at enthalpies of mixing greater than 0.6 J/g of the composition.     

Effect of the nature of a polymer matrix on the enthalpy of adhesion interactions in composites filled with nickel nanoparticles

Interfacial interactions in composites filled with nickel nanoparticles are studied experimentally. The concentration dependences of the enthalpy of mixing of rubbery and glassy homo- and copolymers of different polarities with nickel nanoparticles coated with a carbon shell are measured via isothermal calorimetry. On the basis of these data, the values of adhesion and the structural contributions to the enthalpy of mixing are calculated. A decrease in the kinetic flexibility of macromolecular chains with an increase in the glasstransition temperature of the polymer causes a gain in the positive structural contribution to the enthalpy of mixing of the composite. The contribution of adhesion interaction is negative and predominantly determined by electrostatic forces of the induction type. The maximum enthalpy of adhesion is proportional to the squared dipole moment of a polymer unit and independent of the relaxation state of the polymer matrix.     

Effects of the degree of dispersion and the morphology of zinc powder on the thermodynamics of its interaction with polystyrene in solution and in composite films

The adsorption of block PS on the surface of spherical, round, and flaky particles of highly dispersed Zn powders with dimensions of 3.5–23 μm and the interaction of the polymer with the surface of Zn powders in the composite films are studied by refractometry and isothermal calorimetry. During establishment of adsorption equilibrium, the concentration of PS in the bulk of solution increases, while, near the surface of Zn particles, the concentration of PS decreases, thus indicating the predominance of absorption from solution of the solvent o-xylene. With the use of the thermodynamic cycle, including processes of solution of the polymer and Zn-PS film composite and wetting of the Zn powder, the enthalpies of formation of PS-Zn composites are estimated. The enthalpies of mixing of filled compositions comprise two contributions of opposite signs: In the low-filling region, the negative contribution of adhesion interactions prevails, while in the region of high-filled compositions, a positive structural contribution, which is associated with additional loosening of the glassy packing of PS near the filler surface, plays the decisive role. The contribution of adhesion interaction is largely determined by the dimensions of filler particles, while the structural contribution is controlled by their shape. The experimental evidence suggests that spherical particles possess the highest thermodynamic compatibility with the polymer matrix of the composite material.     

Structure and Properties of Nanocomposites Based on SBS Block Copolymer and Alumina

The addition of inorganic filler into commodity plastics has a long history. Today, polymer composites based on nanosized filler are popular among polymer scientists from academia and industries due to their ability to enhance a number of physical properties. In this work, we investigate the dispersion and reinforcing effect of alumina nanoparticles using a polystyrene-polybutadiene based block copolymer (SBS) and organically modified alumina nanofiller. With the aid of solution casting procedures, polymer composites with good dispersion of nanoparticles could be produced. It has been demonstrated that with suitably coated nanoparticles, polymer composites with optimum dispersion of nanofiller ensuring marked reinforcement effect can be achieved.     

Polylactide (PLA) and Highly Filled PLA - Calcium Sulfate Composites with Improved Impact Properties

Summary: Starting from gypsum as by-product of lactic acid fabrication process, novel high performance composites have been produced by melt-blending PLA and this filler after a previous specific dehydration performed at 500 °C for min. 1h. Due to PLA sensitivity towards hydrolysis, the utilization of β-anhydrite II (AII) as filler is a prerequisite. Characterized by attractive mechanical and thermal properties due to good filler dispersion throughout the polyester matrix, these composites are interesting in biodegradable rigid packaging or technical applications. Interestingly, tensile strength of PLA – AII composites proved remarkably high, e.g. higher than 35 MPa at 50 wt-% filler content. However a decrease of impact properties has been recorded. To increase the toughness of these composites while preserving high stiffness an impact modifier based on ethylene copolymer has been mixed with both the polymer matrix and AII by melt-compounding. The effectiveness of the impact modifier was confirmed in both neat PLA and AII-based composites. Addition of 5-10 wt-% impact modifier into highly filled composites (30 to 40 wt-% filler) leads to an attractively threefold increase of impact strength with respect to the compositions without modifier, remarkable thermo-mechanical performances and good filler dispersion.     

Structure–property relationship of octa‐substituted POSS in thermal and mechanical reinforcements of conventional polymers

In this article, we describe the structure–property relationships between the polyoctahedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) fillers and the thermomechanical properties of the polymer composites using polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), and ethylene‐(vinyl acetate) copolymer. We used eight kinds of octa‐substituted aliphatic and aromatic POSS as a filler, and homogeneous polymer composites were prepared with various concentrations of these POSS fillers. From a series of measurements of thermal and mechanical properties of the polymer composites, it was summarized that the longer alkyl chains and unsaturated bonds at the side chains in POSS are favorable to improve the thermal stability and the elasticity of polymer matrices. It was found that phenyl‐POSS can show superior ability to improve the thermomechanical properties of conventional polymers used in this study. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 5690–5697, 2009     

Structure and dielectric properties of a thermoplastic blend containing dispersed metal

In the present work broadband dielectric relaxation spectroscopy measurements were employed to investigate the dielectric properties of polymer composites. A polyethylene/polyoxymethylene (PE/POM) thermoplastic blend was used as a matrix, while the inclusions were iron (Fe) particles. For comparison, the two pure polymers- PE and POM- were used as a matrix, too. In the PE/POM-Fe composites, the polymer matrix is two-phase and the filler particles are localized only in the POM phase, resulting in an ordered distribution of the dispersed filler particles within the blend. In PE-Fe and POM-Fe composites, the filler spatial distribution is random. The behaviour of all the composites studied is described in terms of the percolation theory. The PE/POM-Fe composites, based on the PE/POM blend, demonstrate different electrical behaviour compared to that of POM-Fe and PE-Fe systems. The percolation threshold value of the PE/POM-Fe composites was found much lower than that of the other two systems. The results were related to the microstructure of the composites. A schematic model for the morphology of the composites studied has been proposed. This model explains the peculiar behaviour of the PE/POM-Fe composites by taking into account the ordered distribution of the filler particles in a binary polymer matrix. Optical microscopy photographs confirm this model.     

Thermal and microstructural characterization of compatibilized polystyrene/natural fillers composites

Composites of polystyrene (PS) with cellulose microfibres and oat particles, obtained by melt mixing, were examined. The compatibilization of the composites was carried out by addition of maleic anhydride-functionalized copolymers (SEBS-g-MA, PS-co-MA) and poly(ethylene glycol) to improve the fibre–matrix interfacial interactions. The plain components and their composites were characterised by FT-IR, DSC, TGA, SEM microscopy and mechanical tests. The properties of the various systems were analysed as a function of both fibre and compatibilizer amount. The compatibilized PS composites showed enhanced fibre dispersion and interfacial adhesion as a consequence of chemical interactions between the anhydride groups on the polymer chains and the hydroxyl groups on the fibres, as demonstrated by FT-IR spectroscopy. DSC analysis pointed out a neat increase of T _g of composites on addition of SEBS-g-MA, as compared to PS-co-MA. The thermal stability of composites was also influenced by the type and amount of fibres, as well as by the structure and concentration of compatibilizer. The effect of the reactive copolymers on the composites properties was accounted for on the basis of the polymer–polymer miscibility and chemical interactions at the matrix/filler interface.     

Interphase control in poly(styrene‐block‐butadiene‐block‐styrene) copolymer/magnesium hydroxide composites

The role of isostearic acid (ISA) and maleinised polybutadiene (MPBD) in the interphase control of SBS/magnesium hydroxide composites was investigated. Infrared studies showed that both ISA and MPBD interact chemically with the magnesium hydroxide. Flow microcalorimetry studies showed that model polymers that resemble the two phases of SBS (polybutadiene and polystyrene), were absorbed irreversibly on the surface of magnesium hydroxide. Differences in mechanical responses showed that filler surface modification with MPBD led to increased filler‐matrix adhesion compared to the composite based on untreated. ISA treatment of the filler led to reduced melt viscosities and filler‐matrix interaction, but resulted in higher levels of strain induced crystallization, relative to the composites based on untreated and MPBD treated magnesium hydroxide.     

具有高灵敏性且稳定可重复的正温度系数效应的PVDF/CF导电复合材料

以碳纤维(CF)为填料,聚偏氟乙烯(PVDF)为基体,通过熔融共混法制备PVDF/CF导电复合材料.所得复合材料具有显著的正温度系数(PTC)效应,温度上升到聚合物熔点附近时,电阻率对温度变化敏感.在转折温度区间(155.5~171.0oC,(35)(28)15.5oC)内,其体积电阻率的增加速率约为1.3×105?cm K-1.在不同CF含量下,复合材料表现出不同的PTC行为.随着CF含量的增加,其峰值电阻略有下降.高导电粒子含量下,无负温度系数(NTC)效应.在冷却循环过程,导电网络的重构性良好.复合材料即使经过多次热循环,依然表现出良好的PTC特性重现性.     

Properties of ultrahighly filled composites based on polymers and ground rubber

The stress-strain and strength properties of ultrahighly filled composites based on thermoplastic polymers and ground rubber wastes are studied. The content of the elastic filler is higher than 70 wt%. As is shown, introduction of minor amounts of the plastic polymer, which serves as the binder for the filler particles, makes it possible to improve the strength properties of ultrahighly filled composites and to prepare materials of a desired thickness. A correlation between the stress-strain properties of the plastic polymer-rubber systems and the effective viscosity of the matrix polymer is established. When a polymer with homogeneous deformation and good adhesion to the elastic filler is used as the matrix, the resultant composites are characterized by properties close to those of vulcanized rubbers. A new method is proposed for processing of ground rubber wastes and preparation of materials that are similar to hard rubbers.     

A methodology for studying the dependence of electrical resistivity with pressure in conducting composites

This work describes a simple and useful methodology based on electrical-mechanical data taken under dynamic conditions to evaluate the effectiveness of a conducting composite as a pressure sensor. This method utilizes the compression force applied by a universal testing machine and relates this value to the corresponding resistivity value given by an electrometer, using a computer program developed in our laboratory. The proposed methodology was employed on conducting composites constituted of polyaniline as the conducting filler dispersed into styrene-butadiene (SBS) block copolymer as the insulating polymer matrix. The compression sensitivity and the hysteresis of these materials were investigated.     

The nature of thermodynamic compatibility of components of aqueous solutions of starch and cellulose carboxymethyl derivatives

The Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy of mixing of starch and carboxymethyl derivatives of starch and cellulose with water were determined by sorption and calorimetry methods at 25°C throughout the entire range of compositions. The contributions due to the equilibrium intermolecular interactions and relaxation of a metastable glassy structure were separated. The relaxation of the metastable structure taking place during physical adsorption of the first portions of water on polymers makes a negative contribution to all thermodynamic functions of mixing. The contribution of equilibrium interactions, which includes pair nonviolent interactions of units and water molecules and electrostatic interactions of ions, is positive for the enthalpy and entropy of mixing. In this case, the positive entropy values exceed those of enthalpy, which is responsible for the thermodynamic compatibility. Thermodynamic analysis of the processes of dissolution of starch, carboxymethyl starch and carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salts showed that, contrary to the popular point of view, the compatibility of polysaccharides and their derivatives with water is based not on the enthalpy, but entropy nature and is strengthened additionally owing to relaxation of the metastable glassy structure of polymers.     

Role,effect, and influences of micro and nano‐fillers on various properties of polymer matrix composites for microelectronics: A review

Ever since the discovery of polymer composites, its potential has been anticipated for numerous applications in various fields such as microelectronics, automobiles, and industrial applications. In this paper, we review filler reinforced polymer composites for its enormous potential in microelectronic applications. The interface and compatibility between matrix and filler have a significant role in property alteration of a polymer nanocomposites. Ceramic reinforced polymeric nanocomposites are promising candidate dielectric materials for several micro‐ and nano‐electronic devices. Because of its synergistic effect like high thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion, and dielectric constant of ceramic fillers with the polymer matrix, the resultant nanocomposites have high dielectric breakdown strength. The thermal and dielectric properties are discussed in the view of filler alignment techniques and its effect on the composites. Furthermore, the effect of various surface modified filler materials in polymer matrix, concepts of network forming using filler, and benefits of filler alignment are also discussed in this work. As a whole, this review article addresses the overall view to novice researchers on various properties such as thermal and dielectric properties of polymer matrix composites and direction for future research to be carried out.     

剪切作用下纳米粘土对LDPE熔体粘弹响应的影响

以LDPE/EVA/纳米粘土复合体系为研究模型,考察了剪切作用下,分散良好的纳米粘土对聚合物基体熔体稳态及瞬态粘弹响应的影响.发现剪切作用下,纳米粘土增加了聚合物熔体粘弹特性对剪切速率、剪切应变及剪切作用史的依赖性,改变了相应的依赖关系.稳态剪切时,纳米粘土的加入使体系第一法向应力差(N1)在低剪切速率区变为负值,而在高剪切速率区N1与粘土的含量无关;同时就瞬态剪切应力及N1的应变依赖关系而言,复合体系明显不同于聚合物基体;预剪切对聚合物基体瞬态粘弹响应几乎没有影响,而当纳米粘土的加入量大于3wt%后,与未经预剪切的样品相比较,经预剪切的复合体系的瞬态剪切应力值、应力过冲程度以及稳态剪切应力值均明显下降,且预剪切前后复合体系达到稳态时其瞬态剪切应力差值随纳米粘土含量的增高而线性增加.此外,纳米粘土的添加对聚合物熔体受剪切作用的非线性粘弹响应存在影响.复合体系熔体呈现特异非线性粘弹响应,其缘由被认为是由于纳米粘土在聚合物基体中剥离分散,或聚合物分子链插层于粘土片层间,形成局部有序结构,受剪切作用而排列取向.     

多壁碳纳米管/聚乙烯复合材料的制备及其导电行为

多壁碳纳米管/聚乙烯复合材料的制备及其导电行为;碳纳米管;高密度聚乙烯;渗流阈值;导电行为;V-PTC特性     

Rheological analysis as a means for determining the silane crosslink network structure and content in crosslinked polymer composites

For evaluating the crosslink content of a polymer, gel content determination is a commonly used method. However, for crosslinked polymer composites containing particulate filler, the gel content may be overestimated due to partly trapping filler inside the gel portion. In this paper, parallel-plate rheology was used, together with the gel determination and FTIR measurement, for determining the silane crosslink network structure and content in crosslinked ethylene–octene copolymer composites. The effects of filler surface property on structure and content of silane crosslink are also discussed. The results show that a correlation plot between gel content, IR absorption index and crosslink density provides useful information on changes in silane network structure and properties of the crosslinked composites. The network structure formed (loose or tight network) shows a strong influence on the final tensile properties of the crosslinked products.     

Influence of the properties of the matrix polymer on the strain characteristics of dispersion-filled composites based on polyethylene and crumb rubber

Mechanical properties of highly filled composites based on polyethylene of various grades and crumb based on ethylene-propylene-diene rubber were studied. The influence of the crack resistance of the matrix polymer on the strain properties of rubber-reinforced plastics was considered. A scheme of failure of highly filled composites with the deformable filler was suggested.     

The use of surfactants for dispersing carbon nanotubes and graphene to make conductive nanocomposites

Applications of composites based on carbon nanotubes and graphene require their exfoliation and dispersion in a polymer matrix. One of the main approaches to disperse and exfoliate carbon nanotubes and graphene is based on the use of surfactants. Here we review the surfactants utilized for dispersing carbon nanotubes and graphene, the mechanisms of filler stabilization and the methods for composite preparation based on the use of surfactants to get conductive polymer composites with minimum nanofiller loading.