Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (dynamic + mechanical_analysis)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Effect of long-term natural aging on the thermal, mechanical, and viscoelastic behavior of biomedical grade of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene

JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 1 2010
H. Fouad
Abstract In the total joint prostheses, Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) may undergo an oxidative degradation in the long term. The overall properties of UHMWPE are expected to be altered due to the oxidative degradation. The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of natural aging up to 6 years in air on the thermal, mechanical, and viscoelastic properties of UHMWPE that was used in total joint replacement. The changes in UHMWPE properties due to aging are determined using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), uniaxial tensile tests, and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). The DSC results show that the lamellar thickness and degree of crystallinity of UHMWPE specimens increase by 38% and 12% due to aging. A small shoulder region in the DSC thermograms is remarked for aged specimens, which is an indication of formation of new crystalline forms within their amorphous region. The tensile properties of aged and nonaged UHMWPE specimens show a significant decrease in the elastic modulus, yield, fracture stresses, and strain at break due to aging. The DM testing results indicate that the storage modulus and creep resistance of UHMWPE specimens decrease significantly due to aging. Also, it is remarked that the , relaxation peak for aged UHMWPE specimens occurs at lower temperature compared to nonaged ones. The significant reduction in the strength and creep resistance of UHMWPE specimens due to aging would affect the long-term clinical performance of the total joint replacement and should be taken into consideration during artificial joint design. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source]


On the Interrelationship of Transreactions with Thermal Properties and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of PTT/PEN Blends

MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, Issue 16 2009
Seyed-Hassan Jafari
Abstract An attempt was made to explore the effects of interchange reactions on the crystallization, melting, and dynamic mechanical behavior of binary blends based on poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT)/poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate) (PEN). 1H NMR spectroscopy is used to verify the occurrence of interchange reactions at the interface, which are increased upon an increase in the melt processing time and temperature. The crystallinity of PTT was reduced while that of PEN was increased on blending. In addition, the crystallization temperatures of both phases showed depression. A single composition-dependent glass transition temperature (Tg) was detected in the second and subsequent heating thermograms of the blends, which is indicative of miscibility. The cold crystallization of the PTT phase was observed to increase while that of PEN was suppressed on blending. Each phase crystallized individually and a melting point depression was evident, which suggests a certain level of miscibility. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis corroborated differential scanning calorimetry results. A constructive synergism was observed in the glassy state storage moduli of the blends, which is suggestive of a reduced specific volume of the system because of enhanced interactions and crystallinity. [source]


Effect of EPDM on Morphology, Mechanical Properties, Crystallization Behavior and Viscoelastic Properties of iPP+HDPE Blends

MACROMOLECULAR SYMPOSIA, Issue 1 2007
Nina Vranjes
Abstract Summary: Blends of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) with and without ethylene-propylene-diene (EPDM) terpolymer as compatibilizer were systematically investigated to determine the influence of the EPDM on blends properties. The morphology was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Mechanical properties of investigated systems: tensile strength at break, elongation at break, yield stress and Izod impact strength were determined. Crystallization behavior was determined by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) was used to determined the storage modulus (E,), loss modulus (E,), and loss tangent (tan ,). The PP+HDPE blend revealed poor adhesion between PP and HDPE phases. Finer morphology was obtained by EPDM addition in PP+HDPE blends and better interfacial adhesion. Addition of HDPE to PP decreased tensile strength at break, elongation and yield stress. Decrease of tensile strength and yield stress is faster with EPDM addition in PP+HDPE blends. Elongation at break and impact strength was significantly increased with EPDM addition. The addition of EPDM in PP+HDPE blends did not significantly change melting points of PP phase, while melting points of HDPE phase was slightly decreased in PP+HDPE+EPDM blends. The EPDM addition increased the percentage of crystallization (Xc) of PP in PP+HDPE blends. The increase of Xc of HDPE was found in the blend with HDPE as matrix. Dynamical mechanical analysis showed glass transitions of PP and HDPE phase, as well as the relaxation transitions of their crystalline phase. By addition of EPDM glass transitions (Tg) of HDPE and PP phases in PP+HDPE blends decreased. Storage modulus (E,) vs. temperatures (T) curves are in the region between E,/T curves of neat PP and HDPE. The decrease of E, values at 25,°C with EPDM addition in PP+HDPE blends is more pronounced. [source]


Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) Nanoscale Reinforcement of Thermosetting Resin from Benzoxazine and Bisoxazoline

MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS, Issue 23 2005
Qiao Chen
Abstract Summary: The reaction between octaaminophenyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (OAPS) and 2,2,-(1,3-phenylene)-bis(4,5-dihydro-oxazoles) (PBO) over different temperature ranges was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy. The OAPS was used to modify benzoxazine (BZ) in the presence of PBO. The novel polybenzoxazine (PBZ)-PBO/OAPS hybrid nanocomposite was prepared by solvent methods. Dynamic mechanical analyses indicated that the nanocomposites exhibited much higher Tg values than the pristine PBZ and PBZ-PBO resin, and the storage modulus of the nanocomposites was maintained at higher temperatures, although only a small amount of OAPS was incorporated into the systems. Dynamic thermogravimetric analysis showed that the thermal stability of the hybrid was also improved by the inclusion of OAPS. DMA of PBZ (a), PBZ-PBO (b), and PBZ-PBO/OAPS nanocomposites (c,e). [source]


In situ reinforcement of poly(butylene terephthalate) and butyl rubber by liquid crystalline polymer

POLYMER COMPOSITES, Issue 5 2009
S. Kumar
Ternary in situ butyl rubber (IIR)/poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) and liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) blends were prepared by compression molding. The LCP used was a versatile Vectra A950, and the matrix material was IIR/PBT 50/50 by weight. Morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of blends were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Microscopy study (SEM) showed that formation of fibers is increasing with the increasing amount of LCP A950. Microscopic examination of the fractured surface confirmed the presence of a polymer coating on LCP fibrils. This can be attributed to some interactions including both chemical and physical one. The increased compatibility in polymer blends, consisting of IIR/PBT, by the presence of LCP A950 may be explained by the adsorption phenomena of the polymer chains onto the LCP fibrils. SEM and AFM images provided the evidence of the interaction between IIR/PBT and the LCP. Dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA) and TGA measurements showed that the composites possessed a remarkably higher modulus and heat stability than the unfilled system. Storage modulus for the ternary blend containing 50 wt% of LCP exhibits about 94% increment compared with binary blend of IIR/PBT. From the above results, it is suggested that the LCP A950 can act as reinforcement agent in the blends. Moreover, the fine dispersion of LCP was observed with no extensional forces applied during mixing, indicating the importance of interfacial adhesion for the fibril formation. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers [source]


Investigation of the gelatinization and extrusion processes of corn starch

ADVANCES IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2002
Roberta C. R. Souza
Abstract The gelatinization and extrusion processes of corn starch were studied. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to determine the gelatinization temperature as a function of the water content. Plasticized corn starch was processed in single- and twin-screw extruders to produce thermoplastic materials. The mechanical properties of the films obtained in the twin-screw extruder with the addition of different quantities of water were evaluated. Dynamic mechanical analysis applied to thermoplastic starch samples obtained with 33% (w/w) total plasticizers showed two transitions, attributed to the presence of two phases in the starch,glycerol,water system. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 21: 17,24, 2002; DOI 10.1002/adv.10007 [source]


Nano-AlN functionalization by silane modification for the preparation of covalent-integrated epoxy/poly(ether imide) nanocomposites

JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 5 2010
Jingkuan Duan
Abstract Aluminum nitride nanoparticle (nano-AlN) organically modified with the silane-containing epoxide groups (3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy silane, GPTMS) was incorporated into a mixture of poly(ether imide) (PEI), and methyl hexahydrophthalic anhydride-cured bisphenol A diglycidyl ether grafted by GPTMS was prepared for nanocomposite. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy were used to investigate the microscopic structures of nanocomposites. According to experimental results, it was shown that addition of nano-AlN and PEI into the modified epoxy could lead to the improvement of the impact and bend strengths. When the concentrations of nano-AlN and PEI were 20 and 10 pbw, respectively, the toughness/stiffness balance could be achieved. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results displayed that two glass transition temperatures (Tg) found in the nanocomposites were assigned to the modified epoxy phase and PEI phase, respectively. As nano-AlN concentration increased, Tg value of epoxy phase had gradually increased, and the storage modulus of the nanocomposite at the ambient temperature displayed an increasing tendency. Additionally, thermal stability of the nanocomposite was apparently improved. The macroscopic properties of nanocomposites were found to be strongly dependent on their components, concentrations, dispersion, and resulted morphological structures. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source]


Study of PET/PP/TiO2 microfibrillar-structured composites, part 1: Preparation, morphology, and dynamic mechanical analysis of fibrillized blends

JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 3 2009
Wenjing Li
Abstract The objective of this study was to manufacture and investigate a novel microfibrillar-reinforced material based on fibrillized blends of polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and TiO2 nanoparticles (300 nm and 15 nm in size). The uncompatibilized and compatibilized blends (polypropylene grafted maleic anhydride as compatibilizer) were extruded and subsequently cold-drawn into strands with a draw ratio of 10. The effects of compatibilizer and TiO2 particles on the structure and properties of drawn strands were investigated. Upon addition of compatibilizer, the preferential location of TiO2 particles shifted from the PET-dispersed phase to the PP matrix, which brought about different structures of the drawn strands. Differential scanning calorimetry study provided indications for a heterogeneous nucleation effect of the PET fibrils on the PP matrix and of the TiO2 particles on the PET fibrils. Dynamic mechanical analysis demonstrated that the mechanical properties of the drawn strands are strongly dependent on the strand structures. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009 [source]


Compatibility and viscoelastic properties of brominated isobutylene- co - p -methylstyrene rubber/tackifier blends

JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 3 2008
K. Dinesh Kumar
Abstract Brominated isobutylene- co-p -methylstyrene (BIMS) rubber has been blended with hydrocarbon resin tackifier and alkyl phenol formaldehyde resin tackifier, and the compatibility between the blend components has been systematically evaluated. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies show that BIMS rubber and hydrocarbon resin tackifier blends are compatible at all blend proportions studied. However, BIMS rubber and phenol formaldehyde resin blends exhibit very limited compatibility with each other and phase separation even at very low phenolic tackifier concentration. Morphological studies of the rubber,resin blends by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) corroborate well with the DMA and DSC results. From the DMA frequency sweep and temperature sweep studies, it is shown that the hydrocarbon resin tackifier acts as a diluent and causes a decrease in the storage modulus values (by reducing the entanglement and network density) in the rubbery plateau region. On the other hand, phenol formaldehyde resin behaves in the way similar to that of the reinforcing filler by increasing the storage modulus values (by increasing the entanglement and network density) in the rubbery plateau zone. The relaxation time estimated from the different zones of frequency sweep master curves provides information about the influence of the two tackifiers on the viscoelastic properties of the BIMS rubber in the respective zones. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source]


Formation of new thermosets by the reaction of cyanates with thiophenols

JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 1 2008
Monika Bauer
Abstract Sulfur-containing aromatic thermosets, mainly consisting of aryloxy- and arylthio-substituted 1,3,5-triazines, have been prepared through the reaction of difunctional cyanates with mono- and difunctional aromatic thiols. A straightforward three-step reaction scheme is proposed and verified by the identification of key substances: (1) the addition of thiol and cyanate groups, (2) the stepwise addition of (thio)imino carbonic esters with one another, and (3) the ring closure of chain-extended (thio)imino carbonic esters to form 1,3,5-triazines. Reactions of types 2 and 3 are associated with an abstraction of phenol or thiophenol, which can enter into reaction 1 again. Characterization of the curing behavior of dicyanate of bisphenol A with thiophenol as well as dimercaptodiphenyl sulfide by differential scanning calorimetry shows that the reaction rates are significantly enhanced by the admixture of thiols to the cyanate. Dynamic mechanical analysis of resulting thermosets showed that large amounts of comonomers can be incorporated into the network resulting in a decrease of glass temperature but increase of fracture toughness. Finally, the fully cured thermosets resulting from the reaction of dicyanate of bisphenol A with different admixtures of dimercaptodiphenyl sulfide were characterized by cone calorimetry to get information about flame retardancy. The flame retardancy is influenced by incorporation of dimercaptodiphenyl sulfide into the triazine network only slightly. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source]


Melt mixing of carbon fibers and carbon nanotubes incorporated polyurethanes

JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 1 2008
Shahrul Azam Abdullah
Abstract Polyurethane composites filled with carbon fibers (CF) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) were prepared by mixing and injection molding, and its mechanical as well as their thermal properties were investigated. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), and thermal conductivity tests were done, and the properties were evaluated as a function of the filler concentration. The storage modulus of the composites increased with fillers concentration, which also mean the increase of the stiffness, suggest a good adhesion between the polyurethane matrix and the fillers. Addition of more CF and CNT to the composites broadened and lowered the peak of tan , specifies that the polyurethane composite became more elastic because there is a good adhesion between the fillers and the matrix. The addition of carbon fillers improves the thermal stability of the polyurethane. The inclusions of CNT show a better thermal stability when compared with CF. The addition of carbon fillers also increased the thermal conductivity of the polyurethane composites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source]


Polypropylene/clay nanocomposites prepared by in situ grafting-melt intercalation with a novel cointercalating monomer

JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 1 2008
Pingan Song
Abstract Polypropylene (PP)/clay nanocomposites were prepared by melt-compounding PP with organomontmorillonite (OMT), using maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP- g -MA) as the primary compatibilizer and N -imidazol- O -(bicyclo pentaerythritol phosphate)- O -(ethyl methacrylate) phosphate (PEBI) as the cointercalating monomer. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that the larger interlayer spacing of OMT in PP was obtained due to the cointercalation monomer having a large steric volume and the d -spacing further increased with the addition of PP- g -MA, as evidenced by transmission electron microscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the PEBI-containing PP nanocomposites exhibited better thermal stability than PEBI-free PP composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis demonstrated that the storage modulus was significantly enhanced, and the glass transition temperature (Tg) shifted slightly to low temperature with the incorporation of clay for PP/OMT hybrids. PEBI-containing PP/OMT composites gave a lower Tg value because of the strong internal plasticization effect of PEBI in the system. Cone calorimetry showed that the flame-retardancy properties of PP nanocomposites were highly improved with the incorporation of PEBI. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source]


Dynamic mechanical properties and morphology of high-density polyethylene/CaCO3 blends with and without an impact modifier

JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2007
Yu-Lin Yang
Abstract Dynamic mechanical analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were used to investigate the relaxations and crystallization of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) reinforced with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) particles and an elastomer. Five series of blends were designed and manufactured, including one series of binary blends composed of HDPE and amino acid treated CaCO3 and four series of ternary blends composed of HDPE, treated or untreated CaCO3, and a polyolefin elastomer [poly(ethylene- co -octene) (POE)] grafted with maleic anhydride. The analysis of the tan , diagrams indicated that the ternary blends exhibited phase separation. The modulus increased significantly with the CaCO3 content, and the glass-transition temperature of POE was the leading parameter that controlled the mechanical properties of the ternary blends. The dynamic mechanical properties and crystallization of the blends were controlled by the synergistic effect of CaCO3 and maleic anhydride grafted POE, which was favored by the core,shell structure of the inclusions. The treatment of the CaCO3 filler had little influence on the mechanical properties and morphology. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3907,3914, 2007 [source]


Preparation of high-temperature polyurethane by alloying with reactive polyamide

JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 20 2002
Tsutomu Takeichi
Abstract A series of novel poly(urethane amide) films were prepared by the reaction of a polyurethane (PU) prepolymer and a soluble polyamide (PA) containing aliphatic hydroxyl groups in the backbone. The PU prepolymer was prepared by the reaction of polyester polyol and 2,4-tolylenediisocyanate and then was end-capped with phenol. Soluble PA was prepared by the reaction of 1-(m -aminophenyl)-2-(p -aminophenyl)ethanol and terephthaloyl chloride. The PU prepolymer and PA were blended, and the clear, transparent solutions were cast on glass substrates; this was followed by thermal treatments at various temperatures to produce reactions between the isocyanate group of the PU prepolymer and the hydroxyl group of PA. The opaque poly(urethane amide) films showed various properties, from those of plastics to those of elastomers, depending on the ratio of the PU and PA components. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed two glass-transition temperatures (Tg's), a lower Tg due to the PU component and a higher Tg due to the PA component, suggesting that the two polymer components were phase-separated. The rubbery plateau region of the storage modulus for the elastic films was maintained up to about 250 °C, which is considerably higher than for conventional PUs. Tensile measurements of the elastic films of 90/10 PU/PA showed that the elongation was as high as 347%. This indicated that the alloying of PU with PA containing aliphatic hydroxyl groups in the backbone improved the high-temperature properties of PU and, therefore, enhanced the use temperature of PU. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 3497,3503, 2002 [source]


Preparation and characterization of poly(ethyl acrylate)/bentonite nanocomposites by in situ emulsion polymerization

JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 11 2002
Xin Tong
Abstract Transparent poly(ethyl acrylate) (PEA)/bentonite nanocomposites containing intercalated,exfoliated combinatory structures of clay were synthesized by in situ emulsion polymerizations in aqueous dispersions containing bentonite. The samples for characterization were prepared through direct-forming films of the resulting emulsions without coagulation and separation. An examination with X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy showed that intercalated and exfoliated structures of clay coexisted in the PEA/bentonite nanocomposites. The measurements of mechanical properties showed that PEA properties were greatly improved, with the tensile strength and modulus increasing from 0.65 and 0.24 to 11.16 and 88.41 MPa, respectively. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed a very marked improvement of the storage modulus above the glass-transition temperature. In addition, because of the uniform dispersion of silicate layers in the PEA matrix, the barrier properties of the materials were dramatically improved. The permeability coefficient of water vapor decreased from 30.8 × 10,6 to 8.3 × 10,6 g cm/cm2 s cmHg. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 1706,1711, 2002 [source]


Physical Properties of PBMA- b -PBA- b -PBMA Triblock Copolymers Synthesized by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, Issue 16 2003
Luis Martín-Gomis
Abstract The physical properties of well-defined poly(butyl methacrylate)- block -poly(butyl acrylate)- block -poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA- b -PBA- b -PBMA) triblock copolymers synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) are reported. The glass transition and the degradation temperature of copolymers were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). DSC measurements showed phase separation for all of the copolymers with the exception of the one with the shortest length of either inner or outer blocks. TGA demonstrated that the thermal stability of triblock copolymers increased with decreasing BMA content. Dynamic mechanical analysis was used for a preceding evaluation of adhesive properties. In these block copolymers, the deformation process under tension can take place either homogeneously or by a neck formation depending on the molecular weight of the outer BMA blocks and on the length of the inner soft BA segments. Microindentation measurements were also performed for determining the superficial mechanical response and its correlation with the bulk behavior. Stress-strain curves for the different PBMA- b -PBA- b -PBMA specimens at room temperature and at 10 mm/min. [source]


Dynamic mechanical analysis of pineapple leaf/glass hybrid fiber reinforced polyester composites

POLYMER COMPOSITES, Issue 6 2010
L. Uma Devi
The dynamic mechanical properties of randomly oriented intimately mixed hybrid composites based on pineapple leaf fibers (PALF) and glass fibers (GF) in unsaturated polyester (PER) matrix were investigated. The PALFs have high-specific strength and improve the mechanical properties of the PER matrix. In this study, the volume ratio of the two fibers was varied by incorporating small amounts of GF such as PALF/GF, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, and 50/50, keeping the total fiber loading constant at 40 wt%. The dynamic modulus of the compositeswas found to increase on GF addition. The intimately mixed (IM) hybrid composites with PALF/GF, 80/20 (0.2 Vf GF) showed highest E, values and least damping. Interestingly, the impact strength of the composites was minimum at this volume ratio. The composites with 0.46 Vf GF or PALF/GF (50/50) showed maximum damping behavior and highest impact strength. The results were compared with hybrid composites of different layering patterns such as GPG (GF skin and PALF core) and PGP (PALF skin and GF core). IM and GPG hybrid composites are found more effective than PGP. The activation energy values for the relaxation processes in different composites were calculated. The overall results showed that hybridization with GF enhanced the performance properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers [source]


The effects of curing cycles on properties of the epoxy system 3221/RH glass fabric composites

POLYMER COMPOSITES, Issue 4 2008
Hong Xuhui
In this work, the epoxy system 3221 and its glass fabric laminates were thermally cured under different curing temperatures. The curing degree of the resin was increased with elevated reaction temperature. Dynamic mechanical analysis was performed on the laminate coupons and glass transition temperature (Tg) and relative stiffness (E,) of composites were measured before and after soaked in distilled water at 70°C. A shift in glass transition temperature to higher values and the splitting of the tan , curve were observed with extent of cure under dry conditions. Tg values shifted to lower temperatures after immersion. Under wet condition, the change in Tg1 was very small when the curing degree was up to 96%. The relative stiffness experienced a reduction both in initial modulus and the initial sharp drop temperature after immersion. It also suggested that the excessively high curing temperature (>130°C) had a negative effect on the retention of relative stiffness under wet condition. Both the interlaminar shear strength and dielectric properties of laminates were determined before and after immersion. The compared results demonstrated that the elevated curing temperature played a good influence on both of the properties before aged. However, for samples cured above 130°C, lower retention of interlaminar shear strength and poor dielectric properties were observed during immersion due to their higher moisture contents. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers [source]


Synthesis and characterization of poly(butyl acrylate- co -ethylhexyl acrylate)/ poly(vinyl chloride)[P(BA-EHA)/PVC] novel core-shell modifier and its impact modification for a poly(vinyl chloride)-based blend

POLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 6 2010
Mingwang Pan
Synthesis of poly(butyl acrylate-co-ethylhexyl acrylate)-core/poly(vinyl chloride)-shell [P(BA-EHA)/PVC] used as a modifying agent of PVC via semicontinuous seeded emulsion copolymerization is reported here. Diameter distributions and morphology of the composite latex particles were characterized with the aid of particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The grafting efficiency (GE) and grafting ratio (GR) of vinyl chloride (VC) grafted onto the P(BA-EHA) with varying content of crosslinking agent and core-shell ratios were investigated. TEM studies indicated that the P(BA-EHA)/PVC latex particles have core-shell structure, and the P(BA-EHA) rubbery particles in blending materials were uniformly dispersed in PVC matrix. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results revealed that the compatibility between the P(BA-EHA) and the PVC matrix was significantly improved due to the presence of the P(BA-EHA)-grafted-VC copolymer. The notched impact strength of the blending material with 3 wt% of rubber content was seven times that of the PVC. Linear regressions of mechanical properties as loading of the modifier were made. The resulting data of notched impact strength and elongation at break for the blending materials deviated significantly from regression lines within 3,4.5 wt% of the P(BA-EHA) content. The PVC blends modified by the modifier exhibited good toughness and easy processability. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers [source]


Mechanical, dielectric, and magnetic properties of the silicone elastomer with multi-walled carbon nanotubes as a nanofiller

POLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 9 2007
Il-Seok Park
Silicone elastomer and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composites, applicable as actuators and controllable dampers, were studied. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) were used to investigate the mechanical and magnetic properties of silicone elastomers and MWCNTs composites. Also, measurement of their dielectric property was conducted. The addition of MWCNT was able to tailor the damping and dielectric properties of the silicone elastomer. In this study, a 0.7 wt% of MWCNT composite demonstrated an attractive condition for the damping and the dielectric property. Exceedingly, the modulus increased with the application of a magnetic field. The good filler effect with the small addition of the MWCNTs content is caused by their unique structure, catalytic effect, and magnetic property. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1396,1405, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers [source]


Relaxation behavior of conductive carbon black reinforced EPDM microcellular vulcanizates

POLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 7 2007
S.P. Mahapatra
Dynamic mechanical analysis and dielectric relaxation spectra of conductive carbon black reinforced microcellular EPDM vulcanizates were used to study the relaxation behavior as a function of temperature (,90 to +100°C) and frequency (0.01,105 Hz). The effect of filler and blowing agent loadings on dynamic mechanical and dielectric relaxation characteristics has been investigated. The effect of filler and blowing agent loadings on glass transition temperature was marginal for all the composites (Tg value was in the range of ,39 to ,35°C), which has been explained on the basis of relaxation dynamics of polymer chains in the vicinity of fillers. Strain-dependent dynamical parameters were evaluated at dynamic strain amplitudes of 0.07,5%. The nonlinearity in storage modulus has been explained based on the concept of filler,polymer interaction and interaggregate attraction (filler networking) of carbon black. The variation in real and complex part of impedance with frequency has been studied as a function of filler and blowing agent loading. Additionally, the effect of crosslinking on the dielectric relaxation has also been reported. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:984,995, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers [source]


Effects of rubber-rich domains and the rubber-plasticized matrix on the fracture behavior of liquid rubber-modified araldite-F epoxies

POLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 11 2000
Keqin Xiao
The fracture behavior of a bisphenol A diglycidylether (DGEBA) epoxy, Araldite F, modified using carboxyl-terminated copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile (CTBN) rubber up to 30 wt%, is studied at various crosshead rates. Fracture toughness, KIC, measured using compact tension (CT) specimens, is significantly improved by adding rubber to the pure epoxy. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was applied to analyze dissolution behavior of the epoxy resin and rubber, and their effects on the fracture toughness and toughening mechanisms of the modified epoxies were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation and DMA results show that epoxy resides in rubber-rich domains and the structure of the rubber-rich domains changes with variation of the rubber content. Existence of an optimum rubber content for toughening the epoxy resin is ascribed to coherent contributions from the epoxy-residing dispersed rubber phase and the rubber-dissolved epoxy continuous phase. No rubber cavitation in the fracture process is found, the absence of which is explained as a result of dissolution of the epoxy resin into the rubber phase domains, which has a negative effect on the improvement of fracture toughness of the materials. Plastic deformation banding at the front of precrack tip, formed as a result of stable crack propagation, is identified as the major toughening process. [source]


Mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of nylon 66/montmorillonite nanocomposites fabricated by melt compounding

POLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 8 2004
Zhong-Zhen Yu
Abstract Nylon 66 nanocomposites were prepared by melt compounding of nylon 66 with organically modified montmorillonite (MMT). The organic MMT was pre-modified with about 14 wt% of ammonium surfactant, much lower than the 35,46 wt% in most commercial organic MMT powders. Transmission electron microscope observation indicated that the MMT layers were well exfoliated in nylon 66 matrix. Dynamic mechanical analysis confirmed the constraint effect of exfoliated MMT layers on nylon 66 chains, which benefited the increased storage modulus, increased glass transition temperature and reduced magnitude of alpha relaxation peak. The effects of organic MMT loading levels on reinforcement and fracture behaviour of the nanocomposites were evaluated using tensile and three-point bending tests. The addition of the organic MMT clearly increased Young's modulus and tensile strength but decreased ductility and fracture toughness of nylon 66. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


Novel epoxy compositions for vibration damping applications

POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 10 2004
D. Ratna
Abstract Three epoxy compositions have been developed by using polyether amine hardeners having varying chain lengths of polyethers. Unlike normal epoxies, the compositions show low glass transition temperatures (0,45°C). Dynamic mechanical analysis and time,temperature superposition of the isotherms indicate that they have broad and high loss factor values over broad frequency and temperature ranges suggesting their application as viscoelastic materials in constrained layer damping of structural vibrations. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Preparation and characterization of a polyimide nanofoam through grafting of labile poly(propylene glycol) oligomer

POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 7 2004
Sang Hyub Han
Abstract Preparation of a polyimide nanofoam (PI-F) for microelectronic applications was carried out using a polyimide precursor synthesized from poly[(amic acid)-co-(amic ester)] and grafted with a labile poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) oligomer. Polyimide precursor was synthesized by partial esterification of poly(amic acid) (PAA) derived from pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and 4,4,-oxydianiline (ODA). The precursor was then grafted with bromide-terminated poly(propylene glycol) in the presence of K2CO3 in hexamethylphosphoramide and N -methylpyrrolidone, imidized at 200°C in nitrogen and the product was subsequently decomposed in air at 300°C to eliminate the labile PPG oligomer to produce PMDA/ODA polyimide nanofoam. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques were used to characterize the formation of polyimide precursor and extent of grafting of PPG with polyimide. The results of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed three step decomposition of nanofoam with the removal of PPG at 350°C and decomposition of polyimide at around 600°C. The polyimide nanofoams were also characterized by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The morphology showed nanophase-separated structures with uniformly distributed and non-interconnected pores of 20,40,nm in size. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) indicated higher storage modulus for the foamed structure compared to the pure PI with reduction in loss tangent for the former system. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Nanofilled polyethersulfone as matrix for continuous glass fibers composites: Mechanical properties and solvent resistance,

ADVANCES IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
M. Aurilia
Abstract Polyethersulfone (PES) is high performance thermoplastic polymer; however, its applications are limited by the poor resistance to several classes of solvents. Fumed silica and expanded graphite nanoparticles were used to prepare nanofilled PES by a melt-compounding technique with the view to improve the barrier properties. Solvent uptake at equilibrium and solvents resistance of nanofilled PES compounds were investigated by three different methodologies: (1) weight increase by methylene chloride absorption in a vapor-saturated atmosphere, (2) solvent uptake of acetone at equilibrium, and (3) decay of storage modulus induced by acetone diffusion. The storage modulus decay was measured by means of dynamic mechanical analysis on samples immersed in an acetone bath. The collected data were fitted to an ad hoc model to calculate the diffusion coefficient. The produced nanofilled PES showed a significant improvement in barrier properties and considerable reduction in acetone uptake at equilibrium, in comparison with the neat PES. Nanofilled PES compounds were also used to produce continuous glass fiber composites by the film-stacking manufacturing technique. The composites exhibited, by and large, improvements in flexural and shear strength. Their solvent resistance was evaluated by measuring the variation of mechanical properties after exposure to acetone for 1 and 5 days. These tests showed that the composites produced with the nanocomposite matrix did not exhibit higher solvent resistance than those prepared with neat PES, probably because of the deterioration of the fiber/nanocomposite-matrix interfacial bond in the wet state. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 29:146,160, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary. DOI 10.1002/adv.20187 [source]


Polymer characterization by ultrasonic wave propagation

ADVANCES IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY, Issue 2 2008
Francesca Lionetto
Abstract The propagation of low-intensity ultrasound in polymers, acting as a high-frequency dynamic mechanical deformation, can be successfully used to monitor changes in the modulus of polymers associated with glass transition, crystallization, cross-linking, and other chemical and physical phenomena related to changes in the viscoelastic behavior, such as gelation phenomena. The velocity of sound is related to the polymer storage modulus and density, whereas the absorption of ultrasonic waves is related to the energy dissipation in the material and, therefore, to the loss modulus. Accordingly, ultrasonic measurements have been used by several authors to monitor the evolution of the viscoelastic moduli of polymers as a function of time or temperature and, recently, become a characterization technique of its own right, generally known as ultrasonic dynamic mechanical analysis (UDMA). Often the technique is used in conjunction with rheological methods as a means of providing a better insight into the viscoelastic behavior of polymer systems. As yet UDMA is underutilized primarily because of the low operating temperatures (usually below 100,C) of commercially available ultrasonic transducers, and also due to the requirement of a coupling medium to ensure an efficient energy transfer mechanism between the transducer and the test material. Despite these limitations, this paper shows that the use of ultrasonics is potentially a powerful method for the characterization of polymers, particularly as a tool for online monitoring of events occurring during polymer processing and in the manufacture of polymer matrix composites. The aim of this paper is to review the progress made in recent years, highlighting the potential and reliability of UDMA for monitoring physical transitions in polymers such as glass transition, melting, crystallization, as well as physical changes taking place during curing of thermosetting resins. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 27:63,73, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20124 [source]


Gellan,adipic acid blends crosslinked by means of a dehydrothermal treatment

JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2010
Niccoletta Barbani
Abstract Blends of gellan gum (GE) and adipic acid (ADA), at various ratios, were manufactured in the form of films by casting from aqueous solutions and crosslinked by a dehydrothermal treatment (DHT). The materials, before and after DHT, were characterized by both physicochemical tests and cellular adhesion and growth on the film surfaces. The total reflection and spotlight Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and optical and scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of both GE-rich and ADA-rich regions and the formation of ester groups after DHT. Differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed that the crosslinking by DHT made the materials more thermally stable. The swelling in water, which diminished in the films subjected to DHT, confirmed that the crosslinking enhanced the whole stability of the material. DMA also showed that the behavior of the GE,ADA blends was quite similar to that of some living tissues, such as the skin. The cell cultures indicated that the materials, especially that with a 6 : 10 ADA-to-GE ratio, were very able to promote cellular adhesion and proliferation. In conclusion, the GE,ADA crosslinked blends appeared very suitable for a use as biomaterials; in particular, the cell cultures indicated that they might be useful as scaffolds for tissue reconstruction. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source]


Influence of processing conditions and physicochemical interactions on morphology and fracture behavior of a clay/thermoplastic/thermosetting ternary blend

JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2010
M. Hernandez
Abstract This study provides information on the mechanical behavior of epoxy-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-clay ternary composites, which have been prepared using the phase separation phenomenon of PMMA and the introduction of organophilic-modified montmorillonites (MMTs), the continuous matrix being the epoxy network. Two dispersion processing methods are used: a melt processing without any solvent and an ultrasonic technique with solvent and a high-speed stirrer. TEM analysis shows that phase separation between PMMA and the epoxy network was obtained in the shape of spherical nodules in the presence of the clay in both process methods used. Nanoclay particles were finely dispersed inside thermosetting matrix predominantly delaminated when ultrasonic blending was used; whereas micrometer-sized aggregates were formed when melt blending was used. The mechanical behavior of the ternary nanocomposites was characterized using three-point bending test, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and linear elastic fracture mechanics. The corresponding fracture surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy to identify the relevant fracture mechanisms involved. It was evidenced that the better dispersion does not give the highest toughness because ternary nanocomposites obtained by melt blending present the highest fracture parameters (KIc). Some remaining disordered clay tactoids seem necessary to promote some specific toughening mechanisms. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source]


Curing behavior and mechanical properties of hollow glass microsphere/bisphenol a dicyanate ester composites

JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 3 2010
Jinhe Wang
Abstract Hollow glass microsphere (HGS)/bisphenol A dicyanate ester (BADCy) composites have been prepared by mechanical mixing, followed by a stepped curing process. The effect of HGS on the curing behavior of BADCy was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The mechanical properties of the composites were examined by mechanical tests, and the improvements of the mechanical properties were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The results show that HGS is catalytic for the polycyclomerization of the BADCy, which is advantageous to reduce the maximal processing temperature. The impact strength, flexural strength, flexural modulus and storage modulus of BADCy are improved. The improvements of the mechanical properties without sacrificing thermal properties, the ability of lowing processing temperature and the low cost make HGS good filler for cyanate ester resin. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source]