Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Flexural Modulus (flexural + modulus)
Selected AbstractsFlammability and mechanical properties of wood flour-filled polypropylene compositesJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 5 2010M. B. Abu Bakar Abstract Polypropylene (PP) composites filled with wood flour (WF) were prepared with a twin-screw extruder and an injection-molding machine. Three types of ecologically friendly flame retardants (FRs) based on ammonium polyphosphate were used to improve the FR properties of the composites. The flame retardancy of the PP/WF composites was characterized with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vertical burn testing (UL94-V), and limiting oxygen index (LOI) measurements. The TGA data showed that all three types of FRs could enhance the thermal stability of the PP/WF/FR systems at high temperatures and effectively increase the char residue formation. The FRs could effectively reduce the flammability of the PP/WF/FR composites by achieving V-0 UL94-V classification. The increased LOI also showed that the flammability of the PP/WF/FR composites was reduced with the addition of FRs. The mechanical property study revealed that, with the incorporation of FRs, the tensile strength and flexural strength were decreased, but the tensile and flexural moduli were increased in all cases. The presence of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) resulted in an improvement of the filler,matrix bonding between the WF/intumescent FR and PP, and this consequently enhanced the overall mechanical properties of the composites. Morphological studies carried out with scanning electron microscopy revealed clear evidence that the adhesion at the interfacial region was enhanced with the addition of MAPP to the PP/WF/FR composites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source] Molecular orientation, crystallinity, and flexural modulus correlations in injection molded polypropylene/talc compositesPOLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 5 2010Marcia Cristina Branciforti Abstract In order to promote better understanding of the structure-mechanical properties relationships of filled thermoplastic compounds, the molecular orientation and the degree of crystallinity of injection molded talc-filled isotactic polypropylene (PP) composites were investigated by X-ray pole figures and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). The usual orientation of the filler particles, where the plate planes of talc particles are oriented parallel to the surface of injection molding and influence the orientation of the , -PP crystallites was observed. The PP crystallites show bimodal orientation in which the c - and a*-axes are mixed oriented to the longitudinal direction (LD) and the b -axis is oriented to the normal direction (ND). It was found that the preferential b -axis orientation of PP crystallites increases significantly in the presence of talc particles up to 20,wt% in the composites and then levels-off at higher filler content. WAXD measurements of the degree of crystallinity through the thickness of injection molded PP/talc composites indicated an increasing gradient of PP matrix crystallinity content from the core to the skin layers of the molded plaques. Also, the bulk PP crystallinity content of the composites, as determined by DSC measurements, increased with talc filler concentration. The bulk crystallinity content of PP matrix and the orientation behavior of the matrix PP crystallites and that of the talc particles in composites are influenced by the presence of the filler content and these three composite's microstructure modification factors influence significantly the flexural moduli and the mechanical stiffness anisotropy data (ELD/ETD) of the analyzed PP/talc composites. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Physicochemical evaluation of silica-glass fiber reinforced polymers for prosthodontic applicationsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 3 2005Gökçe Meriç This investigation was designed to formulate silica-glass fiber reinforced polymeric materials. Fused silica-glass fibers were chosen for the study. They were heat-treated at various temperatures (500°C, 800°C and 1100°C), silanized, sized and incorporated in two modified resin mixtures (A and B). The flexural properties in dry and wet conditions were tested and statistically analyzed, and the content of residual methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer, dimensional changes with temperature, water sorption and solubility were determined. Woven fibers [36.9% (wt/wt)], heat-treated at 500°C, gave the highest strength values for the polymeric composites (an ultimate transverse strength of 200 Mpa and a flexural modulus of 10 GPa) compared with the fibers heat-treated at other temperatures. There was no statistically significant difference in the measured flexural properties between resins A and B regarding fiber treatment and water storage time. These fiber composites had a small quantity of residual MMA content [0.37 ± 0.007% (wt/wt)] and very low water solubility, indicating good biocompatibility. It was suggested that silica-glass fibers could be used for reinforcement as a result of their anticipated good qualities in aqueous environments, such as the oral environment. [source] Toughening study of fire-retardant high-impact polystyreneFIRE AND MATERIALS, Issue 2 2009Cui Wenguang Abstract Fire-retardant high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) was modified by melt blending with varying amounts of three types of tougheners. The effects of the tougheners on the properties of the fire-retardant HIPS were studied by mechanical, combustion tests, and thermogravimetric analysis. The morphologies of fracture surfaces and char layers were characterized through scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the impact properties of styrene,butadiene,styrene (SBS)-containing composites were better than those of ethylene,propylene,diene monomer (EPDM)-containing or ethylene,vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)-containing composites. The tensile strength and flexural modulus of the fire-retardant HIPS decreased evidently with the addition of tougheners. It is found that the compatibility between SBS copolymer and HIPS matrix was best among the three types of tougheners. The addition of SBS had little influence on the thermal property, residue, flammability, and morphology of char layer of the fire-retardant HIPS, but the addition of EPDM rubber or EVA brought adverse influence on the residue, flammability, and morphology of char layer of the fire-retardant HIPS, especially for EPDM. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A preliminary study on bladder-assisted rotomolding of thermoplastic polymer compositesADVANCES IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2007A. Salomi Abstract In this preliminary work, a new process is examined for manufacturing hollow parts from continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymer. The new process combines the basic idea of bag forming (or bladder-assisted forming) with the rotation of the mold for the processing of thermoplastic matrix composites. A pressurized membrane is used to compact the composite on the inner wall of a mold, which is placed inside a forced convection oven. The mold is removed from the oven for the cooling stage. The process was initially developed by using a thermoplastic pre-preg obtained using yarns of commingled E-glass fibers with isotactic polypropylene (iPP). A preliminary characterization of the thermoplastic composite showed that the material can be consolidated with pressures as low as 0.01 MPa, which is readily achievable with the process of this study. The design of the mold and membrane was carried out on the basis of both structural analysis of the aluminum shell and thermal analysis of the mold. The mold thickness is of great importance with respect to both the maximum pressure allowed in the process and the overall cycle time. Molding was performed on stacks of three and six layers of yarn, varying the applied pressure between 0.01 and 0.05 MPa and maximum temperature of the internal air between 185°C and 215°C. The composite shells obtained under different processing conditions were characterized in terms of physical and mechanical properties. Mechanical properties comparable with those obtained by compression molding and vacuum bagging were obtained. The maximum values obtained are 12.1 GPa and 290 MPa for the flexural modulus and the flexural strength, respectively. Furthermore, the results obtained show that mechanical properties improve with increasing the pressure during the cycle and with the maximum temperature used in the process. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 26:21,32, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20085 [source] Curing behavior and mechanical properties of hollow glass microsphere/bisphenol a dicyanate ester compositesJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 3 2010Jinhe 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] Thermomechanical characteristics of benzoxazine,urethane copolymers and their carbon fiber-reinforced compositesJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2009Sarawut Rimdusit Abstract Copolymers of polybenzoxazine (BA-a) and urethane elastomer (PU) with three different structures of isocyanates [i.e., toluene diisocyanate (TDI), diphenylmethane diisocyanate, and isophorone diisocyanate], were examined. The experimental results reveal that the enhancement in glass transition temperature (Tg) of BA-a/PU copolymers was clearly observed [i.e., Tg of the BA-a/PU copolymers in 60 : 40 BA-a : PU system for all isocyanate types (Tg beyond 230°C) was higher than those of the parent resins (165°C for BA-a and ,70°C for PU)]. It was reported that the degradation temperature increased from 321°C to about 330°C with increasing urethane content. Furthermore, the flexural strength synergism was found at the BA-a : PU ratio of 90 : 10 for all types of isocyanates. The effect of urethane prepolymer based on TDI rendered the highest Tg, flexural modulus, and flexural strength of the copolymers among the three isocyanates used. The preferable isocyanate of the binary systems for making high processable carbon fiber composites was based on TDI. The flexural strength of the carbon fiber-reinforced BA-a : PU based on TDI at 80 wt % of the fiber in cross-ply orientation provided relatively high values of about 490 MPa. The flexural modulus slightly decreased from 51 GPa for polybenzoxazine to 48 GPa in the 60 : 40 BA-a : PU system. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009 [source] Preparation and properties of dynamically cured PP/MAH- g -EVA/epoxy blendsJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 3 2009Xueliang Jiang Abstract A method concerning with the simultaneous reinforcing and toughening of polypropylene (PP) was reported. Dynamical cure of the epoxy resin with 2-ethylene-4-methane-imidazole (EMI-2,4) was successfully applied in the PP/maleic anhydride-grafted ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (MAH- g -EVA), and the obtained blends named as dynamically cured PP/MAH- g -EVA/epoxy blends. The stiffness and toughness of the blends are in a good balance, and the smaller size of epoxy particle in the PP/MAH- g -EVA/epoxy blends shows that MAH- g -EVA was also used as a compatibilizer. The structure of the dynamically cured PP/MAH- g -EVA/epoxy blends is the embedding of the epoxy particles by the MAH- g -EVA. The cured epoxy particles as organic filler increases the stiffness of the PP/MAH- g -EVA blends, and the improvement in the toughness is attributed to the embedded structure. The tensile strength and flexural modulus of the blends increase with increasing the epoxy resin content, and the impact strength reaches a maximum of 258 J/m at the epoxy resin content of 10 wt %. DSC analysis shows that the epoxy particles in the dynamically cured PP/MAH- g -EVA/epoxy blends could have contained embedded MAH- g -EVA, decreasing the nucleating effect of the epoxy resin. Thermogravimetric results show the addition of epoxy resin could improve the thermal stability of PP, the dynamically cured PP/MAH- g -EVA/epoxy stability compared with the pure PP. Wide-angle x-ray diffraction analysis shows that the dynamical cure and compatibilization do not disturb the crystalline structure of PP in the blends. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009 [source] Dynamic mechanical and thermal properties of PE-EPDM based jute fiber compositesJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2008Gautam Sarkhel Abstract The present investigation deals with the mechanical, thermal and viscoelastic properties of ternary composites based on low density polyethylene (LDPE)-ethylene,propylene,diene terpolymer (EPDM) blend and high density polyethylene (HDPE)-EPDM blend reinforced with short jute fibers. For all the untreated and compatibilizer treated composites, the variation of mechanical and viscoelastic properties as a function of fiber loading (10, 20 and 30 wt %) and compatibilizer concentration (1, 2, and 3%) were evaluated. The flexural strength, flexural modulus, impact strength, and hardness increased with increasing both the fiber loading and the compatibilizer dose. The storage modulus (E,) and loss modulus (E,) of the HDPE-EPDM/jute fiber composites were recorded higher compared to those of the LDPE-EPDM/jute fiber composites at all level of fiber loading and compatibilizer doses. The tan, (damping efficiency) spectra showed a strong influence of the fiber loading and compatibilizer dose on the , relaxation process of polymer matrix in the composite. The thermo-oxidative stability was significantly enhanced for treated composites compared to untreated composites. Scanning electron microscopy investigation confirmed that the higher values of mechanical and viscoelastic properties of the treated composites compared to untreated composites is caused by improvement of fiber-matrix adhesion as result of compatibilizer treatment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] Effect of simulated resin-bonded fixed partial denture clinical conditions on resin cement mechanical propertiesJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 8 2003M. P. Walker summary The purpose of this study was to determine changes in flexural properties of resin cement under simulated resin-bonded fixed partial denture (RBFPD) clinical conditions using aqueous ageing and cyclic loading. Panavia F flexural modulus and strength were measured by static loading to failure after 48-h and 60-day aqueous ageing at 37 °C with and without simulated cyclic occlusal loading. Panavia F sorption and solubility were also measured. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the morphology of the fractured surfaces. A two-factor anova (P , 0·05) indicated that cyclic loading produced a significant increase in the flexural modulus with no significant effect on the flexural strength. Conversely, aqueous ageing time produced a significant decrease in flexural strength with no effect on the flexural modulus. The SEM fracture analysis indicated that resin matrix fracture occurred in static-aqueous specimens; while in the aqueous-cycled specimens, resin matrix fracture occurred in addition to an increasing proportion of filler/resin interface fracture. Collectively, these outcomes suggest that initial degradation under simulated resin cement clinical function may be related to breakdown of the filler/resin interface bond, which could contribute to in vivo RBFPD resin cement cohesive failure. [source] The influence of fibre placement and position on the efficiency of reinforcement of fibre reinforced composite bridgeworkJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 8 2001A. E. Ellakwa The effect of placement of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibres on the flexural properties and fracture resistance of a direct dental composite was investigated. The UHMWPE fibres are increasingly being used for the reinforcement of laboratory fabricated resin composite crown and bridgework. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a commonly used laboratory fabrication variable on the in vitro strength of beam shaped specimen simulating a three-unit fixed bridge. Four groups (10 specimens per group) of Herculite XRV were prepared for flexural modulus and strength testing after reinforcement with UHMWPE fibres. Two groups of control specimens were prepared without any fibre reinforcement. Half the specimen groups were stored in distilled water and the other groups were stored dry, both at 37 °C for 2 weeks before testing. The results of this study showed that placement of fibre at or slightly away from the tensile side improved the flexural properties of the composite in comparison with the unreinforced control specimen groups whilst the mode of failure differed according to fibre position. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) investigation revealed that placement of the fibre slightly away from the tensile side favoured crack development and propagation within the resin bridging the interfibre spaces in addition to debonding parallel to the direction of fibre placement. Laboratory fabrication variables may effect the strength of fibre reinforced bridgework significantly. [source] Physicochemical properties and application of pullulan edible films and coatings in fruit preservationJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 10 2001Tony Diab Abstract The effects of water, sorbitol and a sucrose fatty acid ester (SE) on the water sorption behaviour and thermal and mechanical properties of pullulan-based edible films as well as the physiological responses of fruit coated with pullulan have been studied. Incorporation of sorbitol or SE in pullulan films resulted in lower equilibrium moisture contents at low to intermediate water activities (aw), but much higher moisture contents at aw,>,0.75; estimates of monolayer values (within 4.1,5.9,gH2O,kg,1 solids) were given by application of the Brunauer,Emmett,Teller (BET) and Guggenheim,Anderson,DeBoer (GAB) models. A single glass,rubber transition (Tg), attributed to the polysaccharide component, was detected by calorimetry and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) at a sorbitol level of 15,30% DM. With both tests the strong plasticising action of water and polyol was evident in the thermal curves, and the Tg vs moisture content data were successfully fitted to the Gordon,Taylor empirical model. Multifrequency DMTA measurements provided estimates for the apparent activation energy of the glass transition in the range of , 300,488,kJ,mol,1. With large-deformation mechanical testing, large decreases in Young's moduli (tensile and three-point bend tests) were observed as a result of water- and/or polyol-mediated glass-to-rubber transition of the polymeric films. In the moisture content range of 2,8%, increases in flexural modulus (E) and maximum stress (,max) with small increases in moisture content were found for films made of pullulan or pullulan mixed with 15% DM sorbitol; a strong softening effect was observed when the water content exceeded this range. Addition of sorbitol increased the water vapour transmission rate of the films, whereas addition of SE had the opposite effect. Application of a pullulan/sorbitol/SE coating on strawberries resulted in large changes in internal fruit atmosphere composition which were beneficial for extending the shelf-life of this fruit; the coated fruit showed much higher levels of CO2, a large reduction in internal O2, better firmness and colour retention and a reduced rate of weight loss. In contrast, similar studies on whole kiwifruits showed increased levels of internal ethylene, which caused acceleration of fruit ripening during storage. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Chemically Extracted Cornhusk Fibers as Reinforcement in Light-Weight Poly(propylene) CompositesMACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 3 2008Shah Huda Abstract Flexural, impact resistance, tensile, and sound absorption properties of composites from cornhusk fiber (CHF) and PP have been investigated. The effect of holding temperature, CHF length, CHF concentration, and enzyme treatment of CHF on mechanical properties and the effect of the latter two on sound absorption have been studied. Compared with jute/PP composites, CHF/PP composites have similar impact resistance, 33% higher flexural strength, 71% lower flexural modulus, 43% higher tensile strength, 54% lower tensile modulus, and slightly higher noise reduction coefficient. Enzyme treatment of CHF results in increased mechanical and sound absorption properties. [source] Preparation and Properties of Natural Sand Particles Reinforced Epoxy CompositesMACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 4 2007Gang Sui Abstract An epoxy composite using Cancun natural hydrophobic sand particle as filler material was fabricated in this study. Three point bending tests demonstrated an enhancement of 7.5 and 8.7% in flexural strength and flexural modulus, respectively, of epoxy composite containing 1 wt.-% sand particles without any chemical treatment involved, compared to the pristine epoxy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies revealed that the fracture toughness of the epoxy matrix was enhanced owing to the presence of sand particles in an epoxy/sand composite. Through dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermal mechanical analysis (TMA) methods, it was found that the storage modulus (E,), glass transition temperature (Tg) and dimensional stability of the sand particles/epoxy composites were increased compared to the pristine epoxy. The friction behavior of epoxy/sand system reflected that the microstructure of epoxy composites was steady. These experimental results suggest that Cancun sand, as a freshly found natural micron porous material, may find promising applications in composite materials. [source] Effects of malonic acid treatment on crystal structure, melting behavior, morphology, and mechanical properties of isotactic poly(propylene)/wollastonite compositesPOLYMER COMPOSITES, Issue 6 2010Lin Li Wollastonite is treated with a new surface modifier (malonic acid). The influence of malonic acid treatment on the crystallization and mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP)/wollastonite composites has been studied. The results of differential scanning calorimetry, wide angle X-ray diffractometry, and polarized light microscopy prove that malonic acid-treated wollastonite increases the relative content of ,-crystal form of PP. The scanning electron microscopy shows that malonic acid-treated wollastonite has better compatibility with PP matrix than the untreated wollastonite. Higher ,-phase contents, smaller spherulite sizes, and better compatibility with PP matrix of the composites containing malonic acid-treated wollastonite result in improved impact strength and tensile strength, but lower flexural modulus. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy show that malonic acid reacts with the Ca2+ of wollastonite to form the calcium malonate, which acts as an effective ,-nucleating agent. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] Mechanical properties of wood plastic composite panels made from waste fiberboard and particleboardPOLYMER COMPOSITES, Issue 6 2008Majid Chaharmahali The possibility of producing wood-plastic panels using a melt blend/hot press method was studied in this research. The studied panels were compared with conventional medium density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard (PB) panels. Wood-plastic panels were made from high density polyethylene (as resin) and MDF waste and PB waste (as natural fiber) at 60, 70, and 80% by weight fiber loadings. Nominal density and dimensions of the panels were 1 g/cm3 and 35 × 35 × 1 cm3, respectively. Mechanical properties of the panels including flexural modulus, flexural strength, screw and nail withdrawal resistances, and impact strength were studied. Results indicated that the mechanical properties of the composites were strongly affected by the proportion of the wood flour and polymer. Maximum values of flexural modulus of wood plastic panels were reached at 70% fiber content. Flexural strength, screw and nail withdrawal resistance, and impact strength of wood plastic composites declined with the increase in fiber content from 60 to 80%. This was attributed to the lack of compatibility between the phases. The produced panels outperformed conventional PB panels regarding their mechanical properties, which were acceptable when compared with MDF panels as well. The best feature in the produced panels was their screw withdrawal resistance, which is extremely important for screw joints in cabinet making. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene nanocomposites filled with nanosized aluminaPOLYMER COMPOSITES, Issue 5 2008Kamal K. Kar A polymer nanocomposite was produced by acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and ,-alumina was prepared through sol-gel process using aluminum nitrate and citric acid. The particle size was analyzed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies. The nanocomposites were characterized through tensile strength, Young's modulus, strain% at break, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and impact strength. The ABS/Al2O3 nanocomposites are found to have slightly higher Young's modulus, but lower tensile strength, strain% at break, flexural and impact strength than the virgin ABS. But its flexural modulus increases with increasing Al2O3 content in ABS matrix. The d-spacing was calculated in nanocomposites to evaluate the interaction between Al2O3 and ABS. The particle distributions in nanocomposites were studied by SEM. The fractured surfaces of tensile test samples were also examined through SEM and show that the ductile fracture of ABS is converted to brittle fracture with addition of Al2O3. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] Flame retardancy and toughening of high impact polystyrenePOLYMER COMPOSITES, Issue 4 2007Wenguang Cui Flame retardant high impact polystyrene (HIPS) was prepared by melt blending HIPS, nano-modified aluminum trihydrate (nano-CG-ATH), red phosphorus masterbatch (RPM), and modified polyphenylene oxide (MPPO). Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) was used as a toughener in this research. The effects of nano-CG-ATH, RPM, MPPO, and SBS on properties of HIPS composites were studied by combustion test, mechanical tests, and thermogravimetric analysis. The morphologies of fracture surfaces and char layers were characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The HIPS/nano-CG-ATH/RPM/MPPO (60/6/9/25) composite and its combustion residues at various temperatures were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra analysis. The results showed that the UL-94 rating of the HIPS/nano-CG-ATH/RPM/MPPO (60/6/9/25) composite reached V-0 and its char layer after flame test was integrated, but its impact strength was low. Addition of SBS improved its impact property and did not influence its thermal and flame retardant properties but lowered its tensile strength and flexural modulus to some extent. The FTIR spectra confirmed that the POC group was present in the charred substance. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:551,559, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] In-situ pultrusion of urea-formaldehyde matrix composites.POLYMER COMPOSITES, Issue 1 2006II: Effect of processing variables on mechanical properties Unidirectional fiber reinforced urea-formaldehyde (UF) composites have been prepared by the pultrusion processes. The effects of the processing parameters on the mechanical properties (flexural strength and flexural modulus, etc.) of the glass fiber reinforced UF composites by pultrusion has been studied. The processing variables investigated included die temperature, pulling speed, postcure temperature and time, filler type and content, and glass fiber content. The die temperature was determined from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) diagram, swelling ratio, and mechanical properties tests. It was found that the mechanical properties increased with increasing die temperature and glass fiber content, and with decreasing pulling rate. The die temperature, pulling speed, and glass fiber content were determined to be 220°C, 20,80 cm/min, and 60,75 vol%, respectively. The mechanical properties reached a maximum value at 10, 5, 5, and 3 phr filler content corresponding to the kaolin, talc, mica, and calcium carbonate, respectively, and then decreased. The mechanical properties increase at a suitable postcure temperature and time. Furthermore, the properties that decreased due to the degradation of composite materials for a long postcure time are discussed. POLYM. COMPOS., 27:8,14, 2006. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] Characterization of a rigid silicone resinPOLYMER COMPOSITES, Issue 1 2003M. B. Chan-Park Silicone resins have been used as binders for ceramic frit coatings and can withstand temperatures of 650°C to 1260°C. Conceptually, silicone resins can potentially be used as matrices for high temperature fiber-reinforced composites. The mechanical and thermal properties of a commercially available silicone resin, Dow Corning® 6-2230, were characterized. Neat 6-2230 resin was found to have inferior room temperature mechanical properties such as flexural, tensile and fracture properties when compared to epoxy. The room temperature flexural properties and short beam shear strength of the silicone/glass composites were also found to be lower than those of epoxy/glass composite with similar glass content. However, the silicone resin had better elevated temperature properties. At an elevated temperature of 316°C, the retentions of flexural modulus and strength were 80% and 40% respectively of room temperature values; these were superior to those of phenolic/glass. Unlike the carbon-based resins, the drop in flexural properties of the silicon/glass laminates with temperature leveled off with increase in temperature beyond 250°C. The resin weight loss at 316°C in 100 cm3/min of flowing air was small compared to other carbon-based resins such as PMR-15 and LaRC TPI. Only Avimid-N appeared comparable to Dow Corning® 6-2230. [source] Simultaneously improving the toughness, flexural modulus and thermal performance of isotactic polypropylene by ,-, crystalline transition and inorganic whisker reinforcementPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 2 2010Yewen Cao Magnesium salt (M-HOS) whisker and ,-nucleating agent were introduced into polypropylene and their effects on the crystalline structures, morphologies, mechanical properties, and thermal resistance of polypropylene (PP) were investigated. The results of wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and polar optical microscopy (POM) examinations suggested that the presence of the whisker did not cause any negative effect on the occurrence of ,-modification, and ,-phase became absolutely dominant form in ,-nucleated samples. The mechanical and thermal properties tests demonstrated that there is an excellent synergy between the ,-nucleating agent and the whisker. For PP composite containing 0.1 wt% of the ,-nucleating agent and 10 wt% of the whiskers, the Izod notched impact strength, elongation at break, flexural modulus, and heat deflection temperature were increased by 108, 194, 31, and 40%, respectively, compared with those of neat PP. By combining the toughening effect of ,,, transition with the reinforcing effect of the whisker, simultaneous improvement in toughness, flexural modulus, and thermal performance of PP was successfully achieved. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] Composites from PMMA modified thermosets and chemically treated woodflourPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 5 2003Betiana A. Acha The mechanical behavior of composites made from woodflour and a modified thermoset unsaturated polyester resin has been examined. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), a common low profile additive (LPA), was used as the matrix modifier. Woodflour, the reinforcing filler, was used ,as received' and was also modified with a commercial alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), in order to enhance the compatibility with the resin. The composites exhibited higher flexural and compressive modulus and compressive yield stress than the neat resin, while flexural strength and ultimate strain were reduced. The addition of PMMA to the unfilled thermoset led to a LPA morphology and decreased the flexural modulus, but produced an increment in flexural strain at break, impact energy and toughness of the UP resin. No enhancement in the mechanical behavior of the composites was found when treated woodflour instead of unmodified woodflour was used. [source] Wood/plastic composites co-extruded with multi-walled carbon nanotube-filled rigid poly(vinyl chloride) cap layerPOLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 5 2010Shan Jin Abstract Wood/plastic composites (WPCs) can absorb moisture in a humid environment due to the hydrophilic nature of the wood in the composites, making products susceptible to microbial growth and loss of mechanical properties. Co-extruding a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)-rich cap layer on a WPC significantly reduces the moisture uptake rate, increases the flexural strength but, most importantly, decreases the flexural modulus compared to uncapped WPCs. A two-level factorial design was used to develop regression models evaluating the statistical effects of material compositions and a processing condition on the flexural properties of co-extruded rigid PVC/wood flour composites with the ultimate goal of producing co-extruded composites with better flexural properties than uncapped WPCs. Material composition variables included wood flour content in the core layer and carbon nanotube (CNT) content in the cap layer of the co-extruded composites, with the processing temperature profile for the core layer as the only processing condition variable. Fusion tests were carried out to understand the effects of the material compositions and processing condition on the flexural properties. Regression models indicated all main effects and two powerful interaction effects (processing temperature/wood flour content and wood flour content/CNT content interactions) as statistically significant. Factors leading to a fast fusion of the PVC/wood flour composites in the core layer, i.e. low wood flour content and high processing temperature, were effective material composition and processing condition parameters for improving the flexural properties of co-extruded composites. Reinforcing the cap layer with CNTs also produced a significant improvement in the flexural properties of the co-extruded composites, insensitive to the core layer composition and the processing temperature condition. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Effects of organo-montmorillonite on the mechanical and morphological properties of epoxy/glass fiber compositesPOLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2007Mazlan Norkhairunnisa Abstract Epoxy composites filled with glass fiber and organo-montmorillonite (OMMT) were prepared by the hand lay-up method. The flexural properties of the epoxy/glass fiber/OMMT composites were characterized by a three-point bending test. The flexural modulus and strength of epoxy/glass fiber were increased significantly in the presence of OMMT. The optimum loading of OMMT in the epoxy/glass fiber composites was attained at 3 wt%, where the improvement in flexural modulus and strength was approximately 66 and 95%, respectively. The fractured surface morphology of the epoxy/glass fiber/OMMT composites was investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy. It was found that OMMT adheres on the epoxy/glass fiber interface, and this is also supported by evidence from energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Changes in the mechanical properties of tooth-colored direct restorative materials in relation to timePOLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 9 2003Gülbin Sayg Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the flexural strength, flexural modulus, Vickers hardness of a packable composite (Surefil), and an ormocer (Definite) in comparison with a microhybrid composite (Z-100), a microfil composite (Silux Plus) and a polyacid-modified composite resin (Dyract). Flexural strength and flexural modulus were determined using a three-point bending device. Microhardness was measured with a Vickers indentor. The specimens of each material were prepared according to manufacturer's instructions. The specimens were stored in artificial saliva at pH 6, all at 37°C. The groups were tested at the beginning of the test, at 3 months and at 6 months. Flexural strength values of Surefil and Definite showed a progressive increase. The highest MPa values were determined for Surefil (134.4,MPa) and the lowest MPa values were obtained for Dyract (59.6,MPa). The highest flexural modulus values were revealed for Surefil (10.000 GPa). Z-100, Silux Plus and Definite showed a tendency to decline in relation to time for their flexural modulus. GPa values of Silux Plus were stable at 3 and 6 months. Vickers hardness numbers showed that Surefil was the hardest and Dyract was the weakest material. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Controlling the properties of single-polymer composites by surface melting of the reinforcing fibers,POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 10-12 2002D. M. Rein Abstract All-thermoplastic single-polymer composites are materials in which both the reinforcing fibrous phase and the matrix between them are made of the same thermoplastic polymer. Excellent bonding is achieved by mutual entanglement macromolecules due to controlled surface melting of the fibers. This results in a uniform structure of a single chemical entity. The physical properties of the consolidated material, such as modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), can be controlled by the extent of melting effected in the process, which determines the fiber/matrix ratio. The fabrication technology utilizes oriented polymer fibers in various forms: unidirectional lay-up, woven fabric or chopped fibers/non-woven felt. The key element in the processing scheme is the control of the fibers' melting temperature by hydrostatic pressure. The fibers are heated under high pressure to a temperature that is below their melting point at the high pressure but above the melting temperature at some lower pressure. Reduction of pressure for controlled time results in melting of the fibers, which starts at the fiber surface. This surface melting under controlled pressure followed by crystallization produces the consolidated structure. We illustrate and describe this process using fibers of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), showing the effect of the processing conditions on the flexural modulus, fiber/matrix ratio, and CTE in plane and in the thickness direction. These properties are relevant to the use of such composites as substrates for microwave antennae. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Towards advanced circuit board materials: adhesion of copper foil to ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene compositePOLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 6 2002Dmitry Abstract Polyethylene based composites are attractive materials for advanced circuit board applications because of their unique combination of properties: low dielectric constant and loss factor, light weight, high flexural modulus and low thermal expansion coefficient controlled in all spatial directions. This investigation describes a process to consolidate chopped fibers of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene concurrently with its bonding to a copper foil. Bonding is affected by a thin sheet of low-density polyethylene, incorporating a crosslinking agent with a concentration gradient across the sheets thickness. In this single step process, the composite material is formed and bonded to the metal foil, achieving good adhesion without the use of extraneous glue. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||||||||