Aging of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) in artificial weathering environment

Ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) containing ENB as diene was exposed to artificial weathering environment for different periods of time. The changes of appearance, morphology, mechanical properties and chemical structures were monitored by spectrophotometer, glossmeter, microscope, computer-controlled tensile testing, hardness measurements and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Crosslink density of EPDM specimens was measured by the solvent swell method. The results showed that the surface of EPDM became redder, yellower and lighter in the first stage of aging and then remained almost unchanged. The specular gloss reached a maximum when the sample was exposed for 18 days and then decreased. The aging process proceeded predominantly via crosslinking. The tensile strength increased with increase in crosslink density up to an optimum value and thereafter decreased with further increase in crosslink density. FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of carbonyl groups in an artificial weathering environment.     

Preparation and properties of water‐absorbent composites of chloroprene rubber,starch, and sodium acrylate

The effects of the amounts of starch, sodium acrylate (NaAA) and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) on the properties of chloroprene rubber (CR)/starch/NaAA composites prepared by melting method were investigated. The results showed that the addition of starch improved the mechanical properties, but decreased the water‐absorbing capacity of the composite, most likely due to the decrease in the local concentration of the main water‐absorbing material sodium polyacrylate and the increase in crosslinking density of the composite resulting from the reaction between starch and CR. This reaction was verified by the vulcanized curves, DSC curves, and the cut surface morphology. The as‐prepared composite demonstrated higher water‐absorbing capacity, resulting from the incorporation of NaAA. The mechanical properties decreased with increasing the DCP loading, and the water‐absorbing ratio is the maximum at 1.0 phr DCP. The tensile strength of the composite decreased significantly after water immersion, due to the absorbed water acting as a plasticizer. The extracted component from composites after water immersion is mainly sodium polyacrylate according to Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy analysis. The morphology of the composites before and after water immersion was observed by optical transmission microscopy (OTM). The results indicated that the starch exhibits a good dispersion state, and the water‐absorbing capacity results primarily from sodium polyacrylate. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of the performance of microcrystalline cellulose in retarding degradation of two epoxy resin systems

Accelerated weathering studies are necessary to determine future risks arising from the loss of durability of materials under environmental conditions (e.g. ultraviolet irradiation from the sun, moisture from rainfall, temperature cycling). The influence of different accelerated weathering conditions such as UV light and moisture on the properties of two epoxy resin systems incorporating microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was evaluated. This study aimed to assess changes in chemical properties (FTIR), mechanical properties (tensile tests), thermal properties (TGA and DSC) and morphology (SEM) before and after accelerated weathering. The samples exposed to different accelerated weathering times (1, 2, 3, 4, and 6?months) were based on the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A, DGEBA, or hydrogenated diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A, HDGEBA, with amine crosslinker (2,2,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexanediamine, TMDA) and 2% MCC. Incorporation of MCC improved thermal stability, reduced surface oxidation, and gave better retention of mechanical properties after accelerated weathering. Both epoxy resins and epoxy composites exhibited a reduction in the tensile strength upon accelerated weathering with the composites showing less reduction in the tensile strength after 6 months. The glass transition temperatures (T_g) before and after accelerated weathering were also measured. DGEBA-TMDA/2%MCC and HDGEBA-TMDA/2% MCC composites reduced the decrease in the T_g after accelerated weathering, compared to that of DGEBA-TMDA and HDGEBA-TMDA samples. Degradation primarily decreased the mechanical properties of the composites, with some damaged specimens showing on the surfaces of DGEBA-TMDA/2% epoxy composites and HGEBA-TMDA/2%MCC composites. Fewer morphological changes with limited voids were seen on the DGEBA epoxy interface for HDGEBA compared to DGEBA composite samples. Incorporation of 2%MCC in DGEBA-TMDA and HDGEBA-TMDA increased resistance to thermal degradation after accelerated weathering.     

Preparation and mechanical properties of water-dispersible hyperbranched polymer grafted carbon black/natural rubber composites by latex blending method

In order to improve the mechanical properties of rubber-matrix composites, carboxyl-terminated hyperbranched poly (2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid) grafted carbon black (CB-g-CTHBP) was prepared, and it could be stably dispersed in water for up to 90 days. CB-g-CTHBP dispersion and natural rubber latex were blended to obtain NR/CB-g-CTHBP, and the effect of CB-g-CTHBP content on the mechanical properties of composites was discussed. The results show that the dispersibility and wettability of CB-g-CTHBP to composites are significantly improved after grafting hyperbranched polymer onto the surface. Compared with the composite filled with NR/CB, when the amount of filler is 30 phr, tensile strength, tear strength, and shore A hardness of NR/CB-g-CTHBP increase by 54.78%, 55.13%, and 20.96%, respectively. Moreover, CB-g-CTHBP could disperse more evenly in the natural rubber-matrix, and the interaction between CB-g-CTHBP and rubber-matrix could further enhance in the composite.     

Development of Hemp Fibre – PP Nonwoven Composites

Summary: Nonwoven mats from hemp and polypropylene fibres in various proportions were produced and hot pressed to make composite material. The effect of hemp fibre content and anisotropy in nonwoven mats resulting from the carding technology were examined on the basis of the three-point bending, tensile and impact properties of the resultant composite materials. Because of the hydrophilic nature and poor dimensional stability of cellulosic fibres due to swelling, the effect of water sorption on mechanical performances was also investigated. Optimal mechanical properties were achieved in composites made from 40–50% of hemp fibre by weight. As it was expected, better mechanical properties were found in the specimens cut from the composite sheets parallel to the direction of carding. A strong decrease in three point bending properties was noticed after immersing the composite samples in distilled water for 19 days, while the impact strength increased. Double carding of raw materials resulted in a decreased anisotropy in composite material.     

Effect of different starch contents on physical,morphological, mechanical,barrier, and biodegradation properties of tapioca starch and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) blend film

Study on degradation behaviors of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blended with different compositions of thermoplastic starch (TPS) under soil burial and natural weathering environments is vital in order to predict the product service-life and planning for in situ biodegradation after product disposal. In this article, different compositions of TPS (0%, 20%, 40%, 50%, and 60%) were compounded with PBAT using single screw extruder. The samples were characterized for their tensile properties, fractured surface morphology, water barrier and surface hydrophorbicity properties in order to investigate the effect of starch fractions in PBAT blends. The degradation behavior under natural weathering and soil burial conditions was also determined during the 9 months duration by observing the change of physical appearance, weight loss, surface morphology, chemical structural, and tensile properties. The findings showed that the addition of TPS (20%, 40%, 50%, and 60%) had led to a reduction in tensile strength (41.47%, 60.53%, 63.43%, and 68.53%), and reduction in elongation at break (42.92%, 92.1%, 92.23%, and 93.22%, respectively) and water barrier properties. The findings also showed that there were distinct degradation behavior under both conditions. Upon exposure to natural weathering, photodegradation and Norrish type I & II occurred whereas under the soil burial condition, hydrolytic, and enzymatic degradation take places. Sample with the highest starch contents underwent the highest weight loss and reduction in tensile properties under both environments. The findings in this study are useful in order to investigate the feasibility of PBAT/Tapioca starch blends for biodegradable plastic film for various industrial applications especially in packaging and agricultural mulch.     

Effects of accelerated aging on mechanical,thermal and morphological behavior of polyurethane/epoxy/fiberglass composites

Wind blades, an important application of polymeric composite materials, are subject to natural weathering. This study aims to evaluate mechanical, thermal and morphological behavior during accelerated aging in three thicknesses of epoxy and fiberglass polyurethane-coated composite plates used in wind turbines, in addition to testing with two acoustic emission techniques. An accelerated aging chamber simulated natural weathering mechanisms for 45, 90, 135 and 180 days. This degradation primarily reduced the mechanical properties of the thinner composites, with some damaged specimens exhibiting fiber-matrix debonding. Thermal properties deteriorated. There were no morphological changes on the polyurethane–epoxy interface; however, degradation occurred in the fiber-matrix interface on the surface exposed to radiation. The degree of chalking indicated coating deterioration on the external surface of the polyurethane. The acoustic wave propagation speed and attenuation coefficient measured prior to mechanical testing indicated the presence of damage areas.     

甲基丙烯酸羟乙酯改性水性聚氨酯乳液的制备及性能

采用种子溶胀乳液聚合法,以水性聚氨酯为种子,甲基丙烯酸羟乙酯、甲基丙烯酸甲酯和丙烯酸丁酯为单体制备水性聚氨酯丙烯酸酯复合乳液,考察了甲基丙烯酸羟乙酯含量对复合乳液的T型剥离、胶膜的硬度、耐水性和力学性能的影响。结果表明,随着甲基丙烯酸羟乙酯含量的增加,复合乳液的T型剥离强度、胶膜的硬度和拉伸强度增大,胶膜的耐水性先增大后减小,断裂伸长率有所降低,适宜的甲基丙烯酸羟乙酯用量为3%。     

The effect of grass fiber filler on curing characteristics and mechanical properties of natural rubber

Natural rubber is reinforced with a novel type of grass fiber (Cyperus Tegetum Rox b). The effects of fiber loading of different mesh sizes on curing characteristics and mechanical properties of grass fiber filled natural rubber composite are studied. Since 400 mesh grass fiber loaded natural rubber composite shows superior mechanical properties, therefore the effect of silane coupling agent was studied for this particular composite. Here composites were prepared by using water leached grass fiber. Optimum cure time increases with the increase in fiber loading but the change in scorch time is less. The same trend of increase in optimum cure time is observed in the presence of Si69. But the value is higher compared to that of rubber composite without Si69. With increase in the fiber loading, modulus and hardness of the composite increases but tensile strength decreases. The mechanical properties of the composite, namely moduli at 200 and 300% elongation and hardness increase in the presence of Si69 but tensile strength is less compared to that of the composite without Si69. Elongation at break is not much affected due to the presence of Si69. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mechanical properties of UV‐curable carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer composite patch: Repair evaluation of damaged aluminum alloy

Epoxy resin composite patches reinforced by carbon fiber were prepared through ultraviolet (UV)–curing method, and the damaged aluminum alloy plates are rapidly repaired by means of adhesively bonding method. Mechanical properties of the composite patches and damaged aluminum alloy plates before and after repair were studied by experiment and numerical simulation. Results indicated that the tensile properties of carbon fiber/epoxy resin composite patches presented the tendency of first increase and then decrease with the increase of layer numbers of reinforced fiber. The composite patches with two layers fiber showed the best tensile properties, and the tensile strength and modulus reached 1.13 GPa and 27.79 GPa, respectively. However, the bending strength of composite patches decreased with the increase of layer numbers. Results of performance evaluation on the mechanical properties of damaged aluminum alloy plates repaired by the two layers carbon fiber/epoxy resin composite patches showed that the repair efficiency of tensile and bending properties of the repaired aluminum alloys reached more than 83% and 160%, respectively, compared with the undamaged aluminum alloys. Besides, results of numerical simulation showed that the stress intensity factor (SIF) of the crack tip on repaired aluminum alloy plates decreased significantly in comparison with the unrepaired aluminum alloy plates, which further revealing the reinforced mechanism of composite patches on the bending properties of repaired aluminum alloy plates.     

Degradation of agar films in a humid tropical climate: Thermal, mechanical, morphological and structural changes

Agar films were subjected to natural weathering exposure in a humid tropical climate for 90 days to determine their biodegradation behavior and functionality. Exposed samples were taken at 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 days. Mechanical, thermal, structural and morphological properties were determined using tensile test, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), attenuated reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The photodegradation process and temperature-relative humidity fluctuations promoted a decrease in agar mechanical properties in early exposure stages (30-45 days) caused by a reduction in agar molecular size and a decrease in the number of sulfate groups. These changes alter agar crystallinity, causing contraction that leads to formation of micro-fractures and embrittlement, and promote microbial attack. Accelerated weathering exposure of agar films showed that outdoor climate parameters play an important role in their degradation. These results will aid in further research to determine the potential use of agar as an environmentally friendly solution to the problem of biodegradable composites disposal.     

Evaluation of mechanical properties and characterization of silicon carbide–reinforced polyamide 6 polymer composites and their engineering applications

In this article, the tensile strength, impact, and hardness properties of silicon carbide (SiC) reinforced with polyamide 6 (PA6) are described for the first time. The composites were fabricated by an injection molding method using the SiC with varying weight percentages. The tensile and hardness of SiC/PA6 composites showed a regular trend of increasing tensile strength, impact, and hardness properties with varying weight percentages until 10 wt% and impact strength of SiC/PA6 composites increased up to 5 wt% afterwards decreasing the mechanical properties of the composite with greater weight percentages. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies were carried out to evaluate the SiC/PA6 interactions. The results related to SiC/PA6 composites were compared with those obtained for pure PA6.     

Flexural Properties of Glass Fibre Reinforced Composite with Partially Biodegradable Polymer Matrix

Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate flexural properties of a partially biodegradable glass fibre reinforced composite after water immersion and dehydration. In addition water sorption and solubility was determined. E-glass fibres were preimpregnated with a biodegradable biopolymer of poly(hydroxyproline) amide (PA). The preimpregnated fibres were then further-impregnated with Bis-GMA–TEGDMA-resin and light polymerized (n = 6). There was also specimen made of plain polymer and FRC without PA. After water immersion and/or dehydration, the specimens were tested by the three-point bending test. The flexural strength and Young's modulus was increased in most cases after water immersion and dehydration except for PA containing specimens. The water sorption was <50 µg/mm³ for all studied specimens and solubility was 20 µg/mm³ for specimens without PA and 35 µg/mm³ for specimens with PA.     

高性能光催化降解聚乙烯薄膜的研究

利用酸性蓝BGA染料敏化的纳米TiO2作为光催化剂, 与低密度聚乙烯(LDPE)树脂复合制备了具有可见光催化降解性能的复合塑料薄膜. 采用SEM、FTIR、VHX-100数码显微镜和高温凝胶渗透色谱(HTGPC)等分析技术系统地研究了该塑料薄膜在紫外光和太阳光照射下的降解性能. 探讨了塑料薄膜在光辐照前后的力学性能、质量和分子量变化规律. 研究结果表明, 该薄膜在经紫外线照射5 d后质量损失达到17.6％, 数均分子量由21800降低为5900; 经太阳光照射48 d后质量损失达到12.5％, 分子量降为8100. 辐照后薄膜拉伸强度和断裂伸长率显著降低, 羰基含量升高.     

IFSS, TG, FT-IR spectra of impregnated sugar palm (Arenga pinnata) fibres and mechanical properties of their composites

This study aimed to investigate the effect of resin impregnation on the interfacial shear strength (IFSS), thermogravimetric (TG) and fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) of sugar palm (Arenga pinnata) fibres. In addition, the effect of resin impregnation on the mechanical properties of sugar palm fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester (UP) composites was also studied. The fibres were impregnated with UP via vacuum resin impregnation process at a pressure of 600 mmHg for 5 min. Composites of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 % fibre loadings were fabricated and tested for tensile and flexural properties. It was observed that the impregnation process caused the fibres to be enclosed by UP resin and this gave a strong influence to the increase of its interfacial bonding by the increase of its IFSS from single fibre pull-out test. It was also observed with TG and FT-IR spectra that the impregnated fibre had lower moisture uptake than the control and there was no significant increase in thermal stability of the impregnated fibre. The sequence of fibre decomposition started from the evaporation of moisture, hemicelluloses, cellulose, lignin and finally ash content and the presence of these components were proven by FT-IR spectra. For the composite specimens, due to the high interfacial bonding of the impregnated fibre and the matrix, the impregnated composites showed consistently higher tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, flexural strength, flexural modulus and toughness than the control samples. It was also observed that 30 % fibre loading gave optimum properties.     

Wastes from Wood Extraction Used in Composite Materials: Behavior after Accelerated Weathering

New materials were obtained by incorporating in polypropylene (PP) matrix 60% wood wastes resulting after extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide, water, and ethanol. Structural, mechanical, thermal, and rheological characterizations, as well as moisture uptake of the composites, were evaluated before and after accelerated weathering. It was found that the extraction method influenced the composite properties due to the hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance. The addition of extracted fibers results in an increase in hardness and tensile properties and a decrease of impact strength as compared to PP.     

Copolymerization of acrylonitrile. II. Physical and mechanical properties of copolymers with styrene derivatives containing nitrile groups in the side chain

Copolymers of acrylonitrile with cinnamonitrile (I), ethyl benzylidenecyanoacetate (II), and benzylidenemalononitrile (III) were prepared in suspension up to high conversions. Films and molded specimens were made from the copolymers and their basic physical and mechanical properties, such as solubility, viscosity, glass transition temperature, and tensile and compressive strength were determined. Further, treatment by heat and ultraviolet light, the permeability of water vapors, and the behavior of films in a weathering tester were studied.     

Dual-responsive shape memory and self-healing ability of a novel copolymer from epoxy/cashew nut shell liquid and polycaprolactone

In this work, the blends of epoxy (EP) and polycaprolactone (PCL) with a bio-based curing agent, viz. cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) were studied for their dual-responsive shape memory and self-healing behaviors. The suitable EP/CNSL weight ratio was observed at 70/30. The increase of PCL content up to 20 wt% in EP-CNSL matrix significantly enhanced the shape memory response to both thermal and chemical stimuli. All specimens showed 100% thermo-responsive shape recovery and the recovery time decreased with increasing PCL content. In the case of chemo-responsive shape memory, the immersion times spent for 100% shape recovery in water and methanol substantially decreased when PCL was added. Moreover, after thermal treatment, the EP-CNSL matrix with 20 wt% PCL showed significant self-healing ability with high tensile strength recovery at 93.70%. The EP-CNSL/PCL copolymer could be a promising alternative bio-related smart material for various applications such as dual-activated sensors and coatings with self-healing ability.     

Effects of Wood Flour (WF) Pretreatment and the Addition of a Toughening Agent on the Properties of FDM 3D-Printed WF/Poly(lactic acid) Biocomposites

In order to improve the properties of wood flour (WF)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) 3D-printed composites, WF was treated with a silane coupling agent (KH550) and acetic anhydride (Ac₂O), respectively. The effects of WF modification and the addition of acrylicester resin (ACR) as a toughening agent on the flowability of WF/PLA composite filament and the mechanical, thermal, dynamic mechanical thermal and water absorption properties of fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D-printed WF/PLA specimens were investigated. The results indicated that the melt index (MI) of the specimens decreased after WF pretreatment or the addition of ACR, while the die swell ratio increased; KH550-modified WF/PLA had greater tensile strength, tensile modulus and impact strength, while Ac₂O-modified WF/PLA had greater tensile modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus and impact strength than unmodified WF/PLA; after the addition of ACR, all the strengths and moduli of WF/PLA could be improved; after WF pretreatment or the addition of ACR, the thermal decomposition temperature, storage modulus and glass transition temperature of WF/PLA were all increased, and water absorption was reduced.     

The effect of water immersion and fibre content on properties of corn husk fibres reinforced thermoset polyester composite

This work presents an experimental investigation into the effect of cornhusk fibre (CHF) content upon the mechanical properties, water absorption behaviour, and swellability of CHF/polyester (PE) composites used in water environments. The CHF/PE was prepared at different volume fractions using hot compression (~175 °C). To investigate the rate of water absorption and swellability behaviours, composites were immersed in water for varying durations. The mechanical properties of composites (i.e. tensile, bending and compression strengths) immersed in water were carefully evaluated. The results indicate that the composites with an increased CHF content and a longer immersion time are prone to lower mechanical properties. The large amount of water absorbed by the composite reduces the bonding interface between CHF and PE, which is responsible for the damage. Moreover, the amount of water absorbed and the swellability increase with a corresponding increase in the CHF content. The lowest water absorption (2.39%) was detected in 20% CHF and 80% PE composite immersed for 6 days. The findings gathered in this research endorse CHF/polyester thermoset composites as a viable alternative for construction applications.