Influence of nanofillers on the thermal and mechanical behavior of DGEBA-based adhesives for bonded-in timber connections

Results of an experimental investigation into the thermal behavior and mechanical properties of a room-temperature-cured epoxy adhesive (diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A, DGEBA) cross-linked with polyetheramines and filled with different fillers, namely nanosilica, liquid rubber (CTBN), and clay, are reported. The nanosilica and liquid rubber increased the flexural strength and elastic modulus of the adhesive systems; the addition of clay particles raised the elastic modulus significantly, but embrittled the adhesive. Establishing a correct cure time is very important for bonded-in timber structures, as it will affect the bond strength. A study on the effect of cure time on the flexural strength was carried out, from which it follows that the adhesives should be cured for at least 20 days at room temperature. The damping characteristics and the glass-transition temperature of the adhesives were determined by using a dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The results showed that the filled adhesives had a higher storage modulus, which was in agreement with the elastic moduli determined from static bending tests. The introduction of the fillers increased its glass-transition temperature considerably. Russian translation published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 42, No. 5, pp. 599–614, September–October, 2006.     

Braided reinforced composite rods for the internal reinforcement of concrete

This paper reports on the development of braided reinforced composite rods as a substitute for the steel reinforcement in concrete. The research work aims at understanding the mechanical behaviour of core-reinforced braided fabrics and braided reinforced composite rods, namely concerning the influence of the braiding angle, the type of core reinforcement fibre, and preloading and postloading conditions. The core-reinforced braided fabrics were made from polyester fibres for producing braided structures, and E-glass, carbon, HT polyethylene, and sisal fibres were used for the core reinforcement. The braided reinforced composite rods were obtained by impregnating the core-reinforced braided fabric with a vinyl ester resin. The preloading of the core-reinforced braided fabrics and the postloading of the braided reinforced composite rods were performed in three and two stages, respectively. The results of tensile tests carried out on different samples of core-reinforced braided fabrics are presented and discussed. The tensile and bending properties of the braided reinforced composite rods have been evaluated, and the results obtained are presented, discussed, and compared with those of conventional materials, such as steel. Russian translation published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 44, No. 4, pp. 327–338, May–June, 2008.     

Correlation between the mechanical properties and the amount of desorbed water for composites based on a recycled low-density polyethylene and linen yarn production waste

The effect of the amount of sorbed water on the mechanical properties (tensile modulus, tensile strength, unit work of fracture, and characteristic strains) of composites based on a recycled low-density polyethylene, both unmodified and modified with diphenylmethane diisocyanate (DIC), is an a lyzed by statistical methods. The results of tensile tests are found to depend on the amount of sorbed water considerably. The elastic modulus, the unit work of fracture, and the characteristic strains correlate linearly with the amount of water. It is found that the elastic modulus drops after the sorption of water, but then, during the desorption process, it is restored gradually and reaches its initial value after a 30-day drying. This is explained by the plasticizing effect of water on composite materials containing hydrophilic natural fibers. DIC improves the interfacial interaction of the fiber-matrix interface and slows down the desorption of water. The investigations of the main deformational and strength characteristics of the unmodified and modified systems showed that the ad verse effect of water completely disappeared after a 30-day drying. The same conclusion, with a 95% probability, can be drawn from the results of an analysis of variance (ANOVA). __________ Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 43, No. 5, pp. 626–638, September–October, 2007.     

Investigation,Modelling and Analysis of stiffened GFRP-Samples

Glasfibre structures feature high potentials for optimization and substitution of conventional materials like steel and aluminum and their alloys. The paper deals with the insertion of glasfibre trusses into thin glasfibre structures to reinforce them. The effective material properties of the glasfibre structures were estimated by experiments and simulations. Furthermore the Young's modulus of the trusses was obtained by bending tests and tension tests. A comparison between bending experiments and bending simulations is given. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Effects of temperature and moisture on the mechanical properties of polyester resin in tension

The effect of environment on the physical and mechanical properties of composite materials in some cases is determined by the environmental sensitivity of the binder. The results of experimental investigation of the deformability and strength of polyester resin, widely used as a binder in composites, upon the action of stationary and quasi-stationary loads, temperatures, and moisture are presented. The ranges of acceptable values of these services factors are determined. The elastic modulus and tensile strength of the material are obtained from quasi-static tests. The viscoelastic behavior of the resin is investigated in creep tests. From the results of a short-term experiment with stepwise loading up to failure, it is found that the creep of specimens with a moisture content of 0.14% can be described by a linear viscoelastic model for stresses up to 20 MPa (two thirds of the strength). The action of single loading impulses is summarized according to the Boltzmann superposition principle. The temperature and absorbed moisture are considered as factors accelerating the relaxation processes in the material. The creep activation under the action of these factors is described using the methods of time-temperature and time-moisture equivalence. The results of short-term creep tests allow us to determine the relaxation characteristics of the material in stationary conditions. The long-term creep under close-to-service conditions is predicted using these data and quite good agreement with the control test is obtained. The sensitivity of the material characteristics (strength, elastic modulus, and creep strain) to the action of temperature and moisture is estimated. The creep strain is most sensitive to the action of environmental factors. For a fully saturated material (moisture content 1.64 wt.%), after one hour creep, this strain four times exceeds that of a dry one. The same growth in deformability is caused by an 18°C increase in temperature. A quantitative comparison of the characteristics of polyester and epoxy resins allows us to choose the binder for composites and to estimate the expected environmental effect. Presented at the 11th International Conference on Mechanics of Composite Materials (Riga, June 11–15, 2000). Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 36, No. 3, pp. 395–406, May–June, 2000.     

Structure-stress relaxation relationship in polystyrene/fluorohectorite micro-and nanocomposites

Sodium fluorohectorite (FH) was incorporated into polystyrene (PS) in amounts of 4.5 and 7 wt.% by melt mixing, with and without latex precompounding. The latex precompounding was used for the latex-mediated predispersion of FH particles. The related masterbatch was produced by mixing PS latex with the water-swellable FH, followed by drying. The dispersion of FH in PS was studied by transmission-, scanning electron-, and atomic force microscopy techniques (TEM, SEM, and AFM, respectively). The stress relaxation in the PS composites was determined in short-term isothermal tests. The latter were performed at various temperatures between 25 and 75°C. The direct melt mixing of FH with PS resulted in microcomposites, whereas the masterbatch technique gave rise to nanocomposites. The master curves (relaxation modulus vs. time), constructed by applying the time-temperature superposition principle (TTSP), showed that the Williams-Landel-Ferry (WLF) equation, the Maxwell model, and the Findley power law were fairly applicable to the experimental results obtained. Russian translation published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 44, No. 5, pp. 709–722, September–October, 2008.     

Polytetramethylene glycol-modified polycyanurate matrices reinforced with nanoclays: synthesis and thermomechanical performance

The outstanding improvement in the physical properties of cyanate esters (CEs) compared with those of competitor resins, such as epoxies, has attracted appreciable attention recently. Cyanate esters undergo thermal polycyclotrimerization to give polycyanurates (PCNs). However, like most thermo setting resins, the main draw back of CEs is brittleness. To over come this disadvan tage, CEs can be toughened by the introduction of polytetramethylene glycol (PTMG), a hydroxyl-terminated polyether. How ever, PTMG has a detrimental impact on Young’s modulus. To simultaneously enhance both the ductility and the stiffness of CE, we added PTMG and an organoclay (mont morillonite, MMT) to it. A series of PCN/PTMG/MMT nanocomposites with a constant PTMG weight ratio was pre pared, and the resulting nanophase morphology, i.e., the degree of filler dispersion and distribution in the composite and the thermomechanical properties, in terms of glass-transition behaviour, Young’s modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break, were examined using the scanning elec tron micros copy (SEM), a dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and stress–strain measurements, re spectively. It was found that, at a content of MMT below 2 wt.%, MMT nanoparticles were distributed uniformly in the matrix, suggesting a lower degree of agglomeration for these materials. In the glassy state, the significant increase in the storage modulus revealed a great stiffening effect of MMT due to its high Young’s modulus. The modification with PTMG led to a 233% greater elongation at break compared with that of neat PCN. The nanocomposites exhibited an invariably higher Young’s modulus than PCN/PTMG for all the volume factors of organoclay examined, with the 2 wt.% material displaying the most pronounced in crease in the modulus, in agreement with micros copy results. Russian translation published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 45, No. 2, pp. 255–268, March–April, 2009.     

The influence of water sorption-desorption cycles on the mechanical properties of composites based on recycled polyolefine and linen yarn production waste

The effect of water on the mechanical properties (tensile modulus, ultimate tensile strength, tensile strain, and specific work at break) of both chemically treated and untreated composites based on a recycled low-density polyethylene and linen yarn production waste is analyzed. It is found that three water sorption-desorption cycles change the tensile properties of both the materials irreversibly. This effect is considered as the result of partial fracture of the fiber-matrix interface. Russian translation published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 43, No. 6, pp. 839–848, November–December, 2007.     

The effect of C<Subscript>60</Subscript> fullerene on the toughening of epoxy compositions

The effect of C₆₀ fullerene on the mechanical properties of epoxy resins has been investigated. It is found that this filler affects the tensile modulus and tensile strength of epoxy compositions only slightly, but their impact strength at a 0.01–0.12 wt.% content of C₆₀ increases by about 100–200%. A molecular mechanism of the toughening effect of C₆₀ on epoxy resins is suggested.     

Nanocomposites based on a styrene-acrylate copolymer and organically modified montmorillonite 1. Mechanical properties

The preparation of polymer nanocomposites by mixing a solution of a styrene-acrylate copolymer with a suspension of organically modified montmorillonite in dimethyl formamide is described. Seven different compositions with organomontmorillonite content from 0 to 7 wt.% were prepared and tested. Results of their X-ray diffraction analysis are presented. Data on the influence of organomontmorillonite content on the tensile stress-strain curves, elastic modulus, strength, and ultimate elongation of the nanocomposites are obtained. The concentration dependences of elastic properties of materials with differently oriented platelike nanoparticles is analyzed by using an algorithm elaborated for stepwise calculations of elastic constants with account of the features of structural hierarchy of intercalated and exfoliated nanocomposites. __________ Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 42, No. 3, pp. 375–388, May–June, 2006.     

Rheological and dynamic thermomechanical propert ies of epoxy composites reinforced with single- and multiwalled carbon nanotubes

An epoxy resin (Epon 828) was filled with single- and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT and MWCNT) in two steps by using the high shear mixing and ultrasonication techniques. The melt flow of the composites was characterized in a plate/plate rheometer. The thermomechanical properties of the composites were determined in dynamic mechanical analysis tests performed at various frequencies and temperatures. It was found that the incorporation of SWCNT or MWCNT increased the viscosity and stiffness of epoxy above its glass-transition temperature. The time-temperature superposition principle was employed to estimate the storage modulus of the composites as a function of frequency (f = 10^–33–10³ Hz) in the form of master curves.     

Bond-slip behavior of CFRP plate-concrete interface

The paper deals with evaluation of the bond performance between a CFRP plate and concrete with respect to various compressive strengths of concrete and bond lengths of the CFRP plate as parameters. To consider stress conditions in the tensile zone of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, double-lap axial tension tests were conducted for eight specimens with CFRP plates bonded to concrete prisms. In addition, a simple linear bond-slip model for the CFRP plate/concrete joints, developed from the bond tests, was used. To verify the model proposed, a total of seven RC beams were strengthened with CFRP plates and tested in flexure employing various bond lengths, strengthening methods, and numbers of CFRP plates. A nonlinear finite-element analysis, with the bond–slip model incorporated in the DIANA program, was performed for the strengthened RC beams. Also, the results of flexural test and analytical predictions are found to be in close agreement in terms of yield and ultimate loads and ductility.     

On the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of low-density polyethylene/ethylene-α-octene copolymer blends

Blends of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and ethylene-octene copolymer (EOC) were obtained. The effect of EOC content and absorbed radiation dose on the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of LDPE/EOC blends are investigated. Particular attention is given to a tensile stress-strain analysis and the “form-memory” effect of the blends. With growing LDPE content, the elastic modulus, the yield stress, and the thermorelaxation and residual stresses of the blends increase, but the ultimate elongation at break decreases, which is caused by the higher crystallinity of polyethylene. As a result of radiation-induced cross-linking, the elastic modulus, the yield stress (at a 1% strain), the ultimate yield strength, and the thermorelaxation and residual stresses increase, while the ultimate elongation at break and the melt flow-behavior index decrease, which is confirmed by the growing gel fraction in the blend. __________ Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 44, No. 2, pp. 279–286, March–April, 2008.     

Strength and deformation characteristics of poly(ethylene terephtalate)/elastomer blends

Changes in the toughness of crystalline poly(ethylene terephtalate) upon addition of two elastomers — ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer and ethylene-α-octene copolymer — are investigated. Blends with increasing elastomer content (up to 30 wt.%) were obtained and modified by γ-radiation up to a 300-kGy absorbed dose. The interrelation between the toughness and certain tensile characteristics (elastic modulus, yield stress, ultimate stress, elongation at break, and specific fracture energy) of the blends, with various structural features of components (crystallinity and the degree of cross-linking) and morphology of the blends, is discussed. __________ Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 44, No. 4, pp. 521–534, July–August, 2008.     

Adhesive ability of a heat-resistant double-chain polymer and the strength of CFRP based on it

The adhesive ability of a heat-resistant polyiminoquinazolindione (PIQD) binder, based on a double-chain polymer, and the physicomechanical characteristics of unidirectional CFRPs made with it are investigated. It is shown that, at room temperature, the strength of model adhesive joints (PIQD-steel wire) and of the CFRPs in shear and bending is rather low — about half of that of similar specimens based on an epoxy binder. At the same time, all their mechanical characteristics, to a large measure (50%), are retained at temperatures up to 450°C, which considerably exceeds the heat resistance of all polymer matrices used at the present time. The elastic modulus of the CFRPs in bending practically remains the same up to 450°C. __________ Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 44, No. 4, pp. 535–546, July–August, 2008.     

Interlaminar fracture of multidirectional glass/epoxy laminates under mixed-mode I + II loading

The mixed-mode I + II interlaminar fracture of multidirectional glass/epoxy laminates is investigated. Mixed-mode bending (MMB) tests were performed on specimens with delaminations in 0/θ-type interfaces, with θ varying from 0 to 90°. Preliminary three-dimensional finite-element analyses validated the beam theory model (BTM) used for analysing experimental data. The compliances measured are in a good agreement with BTM predictions. The total critical energy release rate G_c varies linearly with the mode II ratio G_II/G, although some discrepancies are observed in the high-mode II results for the 0/45 and 0/90 specimens. Russian translation published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 43, No. 3, pp. 349–366, May–June, 2007.     

Modeling the nonlinear deformation of composite laminates based on plasticity theory

The plasticity theory has been successfully used for describing the nonlinear deformation of laminated composite materials under a monotonically increasing loading. Generally, several tests are needed to determine the parameters of the plastic potential for a laminate. We explore an alternative approach and obtain the plastic potential by using theoretical considerations based on a laminate analysis. The model is shown to provide an accurate prediction for the response of a cross-ply glass/epoxy laminate under uniaxial tensile loading at different angles to the material orthotropy axes. Russian translation published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 43, No. 3, pp. 309–318, May–June, 2007.     

A procedure for measuring the flexibility of single wood-pulp fibres

A way of determining the flexibility of wood-pulp fibres is developed, which involves i) a precise measurement of the topology of single-fibres by using a confocal laser scanning microscope and ii) the measurement of the elastic modulus of the fibres by using a single-fibre fatigue cell. Reported in this paper are the initial results of tests carried out on black spruce fibres, which have been subjected to three different levels of mechanical refining energy, namely ∼1100, 2300, and 3500 kWh/t. It is found that the fibre flexibility rises significantly between the first and second energy levels, but it does not change to the same degree between the second and third ones. The described procedure of measuring the flexibility of fibres may be used to establish the appropriate refiner energy necessary for the production of a specific grade of paper. Russian translation published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 42, No. 1, pp. 115–128, January–February, 2006.     

Transient response of sandwich viscoelastic beams, plates, and shells under impulse loading

The transient response of sandwich beams, plates, and shells with viscoelastic layers under impulse loading is studied using the finite element method. The viscoelastic material behavior is represented by a complex modulus model. An efficient method using the fast Fourier transform is proposed. This method is based on the trigonometric representation of the input signals and the matrix of the transfer functions. The present approach makes it possible to preserve exactly the frequency dependence of the storage and loss moduli of viscoelastic materials. The logarithmic decrements are determined using the steady state vibrations of sandwich structures to characterize their damping properties. Test problems and numerical examples are given to demonstrate the validity and application of the approach suggested in this paper. Submitted to the 11th International Conference on Mechanics of Composite Materials (Riga, June 11–15, 2000). Published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 36, No. 3, pp. 367–378, March–April, 2000.     

Strength and deformation characteristics of polymer blend films obtained from water systems

The relationship between the tensile strength and deformation characteristics, composition, and structural organization of films obtained by casting of two-component water-based system blends — a solution of the rigid partly crystalline polymer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and an emulsion of the compliant amorphous polymer polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) — has been investigated. The aim of this investigation was to ascertain the possibility of obtaining film materials with increased deformability based on the biodegradable PVA. The composition dependences of the initial modulus of elasticity, the maximum stress, yield stress, the ultimate strength, the ultimate strain, and of the unit work of fracture and other characteristics of films have been analyzed. An analysis of the tensile true stress–strain curves of systems with volume fractions of PVA less than 0.5 points to their considerable orientation strengthening upon tension.