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Modulus Values (modulus + value)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Polymers and Materials Science	65%
Medical Sciences	10%
Chemistry	10%
3 Other Domains	15%

Selected Abstracts

High-Nanofiller-Content Graphene Oxide,Polymer Nanocomposites via Vacuum-Assisted Self-Assembly

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 19 2010
Karl W. Putz
Abstract Highly ordered, homogeneous polymer nanocomposites of layered graphene oxide are prepared using a vacuum-assisted self-assembly (VASA) technique. In VASA, all components (nanofiller and polymer) are pre-mixed prior to assembly under a flow, making it compatible with either hydrophilic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) or hydrophobic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) for the preparation of composites with over 50 wt% filler. This process is complimentary to layer-by-layer assembly, where the assembling components are required to interact strongly (e.g., via Coulombic attraction). The nanosheets within the VASA-assembled composites exhibit a high degree of order with tunable intersheet spacing, depending on the polymer content. Graphene oxide,PVA nanocomposites, prepared from water, exhibit greatly improved modulus values in comparison to films of either pure PVA or pure graphene oxide. Modulus values for graphene oxide,PMMA nanocomposites, prepared from dimethylformamide, are intermediate to those of the pure components. The differences in structure, modulus, and strength can be attributed to the gallery composition, specifically the hydrogen bonding ability of the intercalating species [source]

High pressure structure of Tb2Ti2O7 pyrochlore at cryogenic temperatures

PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (B) BASIC SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 1 2007
Ravhi S. Kumar
Abstract The structure of Tb2Ti2O7 pyrochlore was investigated at high pressures up to 24 GPa at cryogenic temperatures down to 6.5 K using angular dispersive X-ray diffraction with synchrotron radiation at HPCAT, Advanced Photon Source. The cell parameters were obtained by performing full profile Rietveld refinements of the diffraction data. The equation of state is obtained at low temperatures by fitting the pressure-volume data to a second order Birch Murnaghan eqation and a bulk modulus value of 168(4) GPa is obtained. The results show persistance of the pyrochlore structure up to the maximum pressure studied in the experiment and further indicate that pressure induces solely magnetic ordering which do not involve crystal symmetry changes. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]

Viscoelastic and damping characteristics of poly(n -butyl acrylate)-poly(n -butyl methacrylate) semi-IPN latex films

POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 5 2007
K. I. Suresh
Abstract This article reports the synthesis, characterization, and damping characteristics of semi-interpenetrating (semi-IPN) latex systems composed of poly n -butyl acrylate (PBA) core and poly n -butyl methacrylate (PBMA) shell. The IPN's were prepared by seeded emulsion polymerization using crosslinked PBA seeds with varying crosslinker (m -diisopropenyl benzene) concentration. The polymer weight ratio in the first and second stage polymerization is maintained at 1:1 in all the cases. The particle size determined by dynamic light scattering shows a decrease in the shell thickness with increasing crosslinker concentration of the seed. The mechanical properties, like Shore A hardness of the films, increased from 18 to 65 when the crosslinker concentration is increased from 0 to 4.8,mol%. The dynamic mechanical studies show that the modulus value of the IPN's is below that of non-crosslinked films, and the value depends upon the crosslink density of the seed. Mechanical models, such as the Kerner's model and the Takayanagi's model, were used to explain the variation in the dynamic mechanical properties with the degree of seed crosslinking. The study indicates lower bound (rubbery) behavior for the films with lightly crosslinked cores. The study also shows that, at lower crosslinker concentration enhanced phase separation and better damping properties are achieved but at higher cross linker concentration (>2,mol%) greater interpenetration of the shell monomer to the cores takes place and tough films, with reduced damping properties are formed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Functional consequences of cartilage degeneration in the equine metacarpophalangeal joint: quantitative assessment of cartilage stiffness

EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 5 2005
H. BROMMER
Summary Reasons for performing study: No quantitative data currently exist on the relationship of the occurrence of cartilage degeneration and changes in site-specific biomechanical properties in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint in the horse. Objectives: To gain insight into the biomechanical consequences of cartilage deterioration at 2 differently loaded sites on the proximal articular surface of the proximal phalanx (P1). Hypothesis: Static and dynamic stiffness of articular cartilage decreases significantly in degenerated cartilage. Methods: Cartilage degeneration index (CDI) values were measured at the lateral dorsal margin (Site 1), lateral central fovea (Site 2) and entire joint surface of P1 (CDIP1) in 30 horses. Group 1 contained joints without (CDIP1 values <25%, n = 22) and Group 2 joints with (CDIP1 values >25%, n = 8) signs of cartilage degeneration. Cartilage thickness at Sites 1 and 2 was measured using ultrasonic and needle-probe techniques. Osteochondral plugs were drilled out from Sites 1 and 2 and subsequently tested biomechanically in indentation geometry. Young's modulus at equilibrium and dynamic modulus were determined. Results: Cartilage thickness values were not significantly different between the 2 groups and sites. Young's modulus at Site 1 was significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2; at Site 2, the difference was not significant. Dynamic modulus values were significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 at both sites. Conclusions: Degenerative cartilage changes are clearly related to loss of stiffness of the tissue. Absolute changes in cartilage integrity in terms of CDI are greatest at the joint margin, but concomitant changes are also present at the centre, with a comparable decrease of the biomechanical moduli at the 2 sites. Therefore, significant cartilage degradation at the joint margin not only reflects local deterioration of biomechanical properties, but is also indicative of the functional quality in the centre. Potential relevance: These findings may be important for improving prognostication and developing preventative measures. [source]

High-Nanofiller-Content Graphene Oxide,Polymer Nanocomposites via Vacuum-Assisted Self-Assembly

Elastic properties of dry clay mineral aggregates, suspensions and sandstones

GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2003
Tiziana Vanorio
SUMMARY The presence of clay minerals can alter the elastic behaviour of rocks significantly. Although clay minerals are common in sedimentary formations and seismic measurements are our main tools for studying subsurface lithologies, measurements of elastic properties of clay minerals have proven difficult. Theoretical values for the bulk modulus of clay are reported between 20 and 50 GPa. The only published experimental measurement of Young's modulus in a clay mineral using atomic force acoustic microscopy (AFAM) gave a much lower value of 6.2 GPa. This study has concentrated on using independent experimental methods to measure the elastic moduli of clay minerals as functions of pressure and saturation. First, ultrasonic P - and S -wave velocities were measured as functions of hydrostatic pressure in cold-pressed clay aggregates with porosity and grain density ranging from 4 to 43 per cent and 2.13 to 2.83 g cm,3, respectively. In the second experiment, P - and S -wave velocities in clay powders were measured under uniaxial stresses compaction. In the third experiment, P -wave velocity and attenuation in a kaolinite,water suspension with clay concentrations between 0 and 60 per cent were measured at ambient conditions. Our elastic moduli measurements of kaolinite, montmorillonite and smectite are consistent for all experiments and with reported AFAM measurements on a nanometre scale. The bulk modulus values of the solid clay phase (Ks) lie between 6 and 12 GPa and shear (,s) modulus values vary between 4 and 6 GPa. A comparison is made between the accuracy of velocity prediction in shaley sandstones and clay,water and clay,sand mixtures using the values measured in this study and those from theoretical models. Using Ks= 12 GPa and ,s= 6 GPa from this study, the models give a much better prediction both of experimental velocity reduction due to increase in clay content in sandstones and velocity measurements in a kaolinite,water suspension. [source]

Cover Picture: Spectroscopic and Photophysical Properties of a Highly Derivatized C60 Fullerol (Adv. Funct.

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 1 2006
Mater.
Abstract The photo-oxidative stress in aqueous milieus can readily be generated in the presence of newly synthesized highly derivatized fullerenes (fullerols) reported in the Full Paper by Vileno and co-workers on p.,120. Their basic structural and photophysical properties were characterized using a range of methods, including X-ray photoelectron and IR spectroscopies, and electron spin resonance. Moreover, a significant drop of the local stiffness of a living cell was monitored using atomic force microscopy. This cell softening was attributed to the early effects of the photo-oxidative stress. Hydroxylated C60 molecules, also called fullerols, are a class of water-soluble fullerenes. Here we report the synthesis in acidic conditions of a highly derivatized fullerol (up to 36 carbons per C60 are oxidized). Spectroscopic investigations (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and infrared absorption) highlight the coexistence of both acidic and basic forms for the hydroxyl addends of derivatized C60. pH titrimetry reveals that, at millimolar concentrations, only ten protons per fullerol molecule are labile. Such a low value, as compared to 36 hydroxyl groups, is explained by the formation of clusters. A UV-vis absorption study performed over a large range of concentrations also points to the aggregation phenomenon. Moreover, this study shows that the clusters of fullerols appear at relatively low (micromolar) concentrations. An electron spin resonance (ESR) study, based on the attack of singlet oxygen (1,g) on 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinol (TMP-OH), has proved the potential of hydroxylated C60 for performing efficient generation of singlet oxygen in aqueous solution. ESR measurements, which allow detection and quantification of 1,g, have also revealed the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The yield of generation of 1,g and ROS is strongly correlated to the concentration of fullerol, thus also pointing to the aggregation of fullerol molecules. Exposing glioblastoma cells to oxidative stress in the presence of hydroxylated C60 and visible light has also been performed. Atomic force microscopy is used to monitor the relevant diminishment of the Young's modulus values for cells exposed to the oxidative stress. These results point to a possible application field of fullerols for performing bio-oxidations. [source]

Effect of solid state grinding on properties of PP/PET blends and their composites with carbon nanotubes

JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 5 2010
Ozcan Koysuren
Abstract In this study, it was aimed to improve electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of conductive polymer composites, composed of polypropylene (PP), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and carbon nanotubes (CNT). Grinding, a type of solid state processing technique, was applied to PP/PET and PP/PET/CNT systems to reduce average domain size of blend phases and to improve interfacial adhesion between these phases. Surface energy measurements showed that carbon nanotubes might be selectively localized at PET phase of immiscible blend systems. Grinding technique exhibited improvement in electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of PP/PET/CNT systems at low PET compositions. Ground composites molded below the melting temperature of PET exhibited higher tensile strength and modulus values than those prepared above the melting temperature of PET. According to SEM micrographs, micron-sized domain structures were obtained with ground composite systems in which PET was the minor phase. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source]

Polyamide 66 binary and ternary nanocomposites: Mechanical and morphological properties

JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 1 2010
Miray Mert
Abstract Polyamide 66 (PA 66)/impact modifier blends and polyamide/organoclay binary and PA 66/organoclay/impact modifier ternary nanocomposites were prepared by the melt-compounding method, and the effects of the mixing sequences on the morphology and mechanical and flow properties were investigated. Lotader AX8840 and Lotader AX8900 were used as impact modifiers. The concentrations of the impact modifiers and the organoclay (Cloisite 25A) were maintained at 2 and 5 wt %, respectively. Both the binary and ternary nanocomposites displayed high tensile strength and Young's modulus values compared to the PA 66/impact modifier blends. Decreases occurred in the strength and stiffness of the binary nanocomposites upon incorporation of the elastomeric materials into the polymeric matrix. In general, the mixing sequence in which all three ingredients were added simultaneously and extruded twice (the All-S mixing sequence) exhibited the most enhanced mechanical properties in comparison with the mixing sequences in which two of the components were extruded in the first extrusion step and the third ingredient was added in the second extrusion step. The mechanical test results were in accordance with the organoclay dispersion. The impact strength was highly affected by the elastomeric domain sizes, interdomain distances, interfacial interactions, and organoclay delamination. The smallest elastomeric domain size was obtained for the All-S mixing sequence, whereas the elastomeric domain sizes of the other mixing sequences were quite close to each other. Drastic variations were not observed between the melt viscosities of the ternary nanocomposites prepared with different mixing sequences. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [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]

Properties of nanocomposites based on maleate-vinyl ether donor,acceptor UV-curable systems

JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2007
Neena Ravindran
Abstract UV-curable nanocomposites based on donor,acceptor crosslinking chemistry were prepared containing organically modified montmorillonites. The coatings were characterized for thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy showed that nanocomposites were formed in all samples. Results showed that an increase in the percentage of clay caused an increased modulus and glass-transition temperature. It was also seen that tensile modulus showed dramatic improvement when compared with the unmodified polyester sample. Real time IR kinetic data showed that higher conversions were obtained at higher clay loadings. Pendulum hardness values and tensile modulus values showed different trends in properties depending on the combination of polymer matrix and organomodification. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007 [source]

THE IMPACT OF HOMOGENIZATION AND MICROFILTRATION ON RENNET-INDUCED GEL FORMATION

JOURNAL OF TEXTURE STUDIES, Issue 4 2008
STEPHAN THOMANN
ABSTRACT The effects of the independent variables, milk homogenization pressure (p1), concentration factor of milk microfiltration (i) and pH on the rheological properties of rennet milk gels were studied. Nondestructive oscillatory rheometry was used to determine rennet coagulation time (RCT), curd firming rate (CFR) and cutting time (CT). A central composite design, comprising two levels of i (1 and 2), pH (6.4 and 6.6) and p1 (0 and 8 MPa), was applied. Second-order polynomial models successfully described (R2 > 0.92) the relationship between processing parameters and rheological properties of the gels. pH had the most important influence on RCT, while CFR and CT were strongly influenced by i, pH and the interaction of i and pH. In contradiction to studies on active filler interactions for acid milk gels, a discrepancy was observed between results obtained by compression test and rheometry. Rennet gel firmness strongly decreased with a rise in p1 when measured using the compression test, whereby CFR increased with an increase in p1 when measured using rheometry. The latter result corresponds to higher storage modulus values after a certain time indicating higher gel stiffness. This effect was stronger for concentrated milk than for unconcentrated milk. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The use of microfiltration (MF) and homogenization may reduce raw material and processing time in conventional cheese manufacture. However, MF markedly influences milk composition, and homogenization alters the particle size distribution of fat globules. Hence, both technologies may influence rennet-induced gel formation, syneresis, cheese composition and quality. Curd firmness of homogenized milk is often too weak to resist the extensive curd treatment applied in semi-hard cheese manufacture which causes loss of curd fines during the syneresis process and finally decreases cheese yield. MF leads to high curd firmness if cutting is not performed at the appropriate time, which unnecessarily extends processing time. The study of the effect of the individual treatments, as well as of the combination of both on rennet-induced gel formation, is the first important step to evaluate their impact on further processing steps in cheese making. The combination of both technologies may overcome the antagonistic effect of the individual technology as low curd firmness due to homogenization can be compensated by MF that increases curd firmness and vice versa. [source]

Influence of heating conditions and starch on the storage modulus of Russet Burbank and Yukon Gold potatoes

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 15 2001
Renan Bu-Contreras
Abstract The storage modulus of Russet Burbank (RB) and Yukon Gold (YG) potato discs (13.3,mm,× 4.5,mm) was measured continuously during heating in water at temperatures ranging from 40 to 80,°C for 120,min using a dynamic mechanical analyser with a heating stage. The starch content of YG potatoes was higher than that of RB potatoes, but the raw starch granule size distribution of both varieties was similar. RB samples had the highest storage modulus values (25% higher than raw tissue) when heated in 60,°C water for 35,min. Image analysis revealed that the perimeters of starch granules in the potato samples increased by about 50% during heating for 30,min at 60,°C. Heating temperature and time and starch content influenced the storage modulus. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry [source]

Synthesis and Properties of Novel Fluorinated Poly(phenylene- co -imide)s

MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, Issue 3 2007
Wenmu Li
Abstract A new class of high-performance materials, fluorinated poly(phenylene- co -imide)s, were prepared by Ni(0)-catalytic coupling of 2,5-dichlorobenzophenone with fluorinated dichlorophthalimide. The synthesized copolymers have high molecular weights (,=,5.74,×,104,17.3,×,104 g,·,mol,1), and a combination of desirable properties such as high solubility in common organic solvent, film-forming ability, and excellent mechanical properties. The glass transition temperature (Tgs) of the copolymers was readily tuned to be between 219 and 354,°C via systematic variation of the ratio of the two comonomers. The tough polymer films, obtained by casting from solution, had tensile strength, elongation at break, and tensile modulus values in the range of 66.7,266 MPa, 2.7,13.5%, and 3.13,4.09 GPa, respectively. The oxygen permeability coefficients () and permeability selectivity of oxygen to nitrogen () of these copolymer membranes were in the range of 0.78,3.01 barrer [1 barrer,=,10,10 cm3 (STP) cm/(cm2,·,s,·,cmHg)] and 5.09,6.25, respectively. Consequently, these materials have shown promise as engineering plastics and gas-separation membrane materials. [source]

Novel Dynamic Viscoelastic Measurements of Polyurethane Copolymer Melts and Their Implication to Tack Results

MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 10 2006
Sonia Florez
Abstract Summary: A series of polyurethane multiblock copolymers with different proportions of hard segments (urethane) to soft segments (polyadipate of hexane-1,6-diol), are investigated. Dynamic viscoelastic functions of homogeneous melts in the terminal zone are determined. For the first time, entanglement modulus values of such copolymers are reported, which allows estimation of the packing length. These parameters do not vary with changing the hard-to-soft segment ratio, a result that is explained by a compensating effect of the chain architecture. For samples of similar molecular weight, the relaxation time of the terminal zone increases as the hard-to-soft segment ratio augments. The adhesives obtained from PUR solutions show a correlation between the elastic modulus and the debonding stress-strain curves in tack experiments. The storage modulus of the adhesives as a function of frequency at 70,°C. [source]

Surface Elastic Properties of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Melanosomes,

PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2008
Senli Guo
Atomic force microscope (AFM) imaging and nanoindentation measurements in water were used to probe the mechanical properties of retinal pigment epithelium melanosomes isolated from 14-year-old and 76-year-old donors. Topographic imaging reveals surface roughness similar to previous measurements on dry melanosomes. Force-indentation measurements show different types of responses that were catalogued into four different categories. In these measurements no permanent surface damage of melanosomes was observed as revealed by imaging before and after indentation measurements. The indentation measurements that exhibited nearly elastic responses were used to determine the Young's modulus of melanosomes. The average Young's modulus values are similar for 14-year-old and 76-year-old melanosomes with a somewhat narrower distribution for the 14-year-old sample. These elastic modulus values are considerably higher than the modulus of organelles with cytoplasm (<1 MPa) and approaching values of the modulus of protein crystals (,100 MPa) indicating rather high packing density of biologic material in melanosomes. The width of the Young's modulus distributions is considerable spanning from few megapascals to few tens of megapascals indicating large heterogeneity in the structure. A fraction of the force curves cannot be described by the homogeneous elastic sample model; these force curves are consistent with ,10 nm structural heterogeneity in melanosomes. The approach-withdraw hysteresis indicates a significant viscoelasticity, particularly in the samples from the 14-year-old sample. Adhesion of the AFM probe was detected on ,3% and ,20% of the surface of 14-year-old and 76-year-old samples, respectively. In light of previous studies on these same melanosomes using photoelectron emission microscopy, this adhesion is attributed to the presence of lipofuscin on the surface of the melanosomes. This suggestion indicates that part of the difference in photochemical properties between the old and young melanosomes originates from surface lipofuscin. [source]

Rubber plasticizers from degraded/devulcanized scrap rubber: A method of recycling waste rubber,

POLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 7 2004
Amiya R. Tripathy
Seeking a solution to the problem of disposing scrap tires, we attempted to depolymerize or degrade vulcanized rubber scrap such that the resulting pseudo-liquid material could be used as an extender/plasticizer in virgin rubber compounds. As degraded natural rubber (DNR) and degraded styrene-butadiene rubber (DSBR) are polymeric in nature (confirmed from gel-permeation chromatography (GPC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results), they can be unique substitutes for typical rubber plasticizers (oil). DNR-loaded samples have shown better mechanical property retention after aging and a lower extractable content in acetone than the respective oil-plasticized samples. Solvent swelling in toluene and 100% modulus values indicate that DNR-added rubber vulcanizates undergo a phase adhesion between the rubber matrix and the degraded polymer, as well as incurring extra reinforcement due to particulate carbon black present in the degraded rubber. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1338,1350, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers. [source]

Development of renewable resource,based cellulose acetate bioplastic: Effect of process engineering on the performance of cellulosic plastics

POLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 5 2003
A. K. Mohanty
This paper deals with the development of a cellulose acetate biopolymer. Plasticization of this biopolymer under varying processing conditions to make it a suitable matrix polymer for bio-composite applications was studied. In particular, cellulose acetate was plasticized with varying concentrations of an eco-friendly triethyl citrate (TEC) plasticizer, unlike a conventional, petroleum-derived phthalate plasticizer. Three types of processing were used to fabricate plasticized cellulose acetate parts: compression molding, extrusion followed by compression molding, and extrusion followed by injection molding. The processing mode affected the physicomechanical and thermal properties of the cellulosic plastic. Compression molded samples exhibited the highest impact strength, tending towards the impact strength of a thermoplastic olefin (TPO), while samples that were extruded and then injection molded exhibited the highest tensile strength and modulus values. Increasing the plasticizer content in the cellulosic plastic formulation improved the impact strength and strain to failure while decreasing the tensile strength and modulus values. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the cellulose acetate increased with increasing amounts of plasticizer. Plasticized cellulose acetate was found to be processable at 170,180°C, approximately 50°C below the melting point of neat cellulose acetate. [source]

Association between plasticized starch and polyesters: Processing and performances of injected biodegradable systems

POLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 5 2001
Luc Avérous
Different formulations of wheat thermoplastic starch (TPS) have been processed with various plasticizer/starch ratios and moisture contents. The biodegradable polyesters tested are polycaprolactone (PCL), polyester amide (PEA), polybutylene succinate adipate (PBSA) and polybutylene adipate co terephtalate (PBAT). TPS and polyesters are melt blended in different proportions by extrusion and then injected to obtain dumbbell specimens. Various properties are evaluated such as the mechanical properties (tensile and impact tests), and the hydrophilic character with contact angle measurements. Additionally, uniaxial shrinkage is evaluated. Results show that the addition of polyester to TPS increases the dimensional post-injection stability. Blend modulus values are close to the results of the classical rule of mixture. Elongation at break, resilience values and SEM observations seem to give some indications about the compatibility between both polymeric systems. PBAT and PEA present better results than PCL and PBSA. Contact angle measurement show that we have a drastic increase of the hydrophobic character from 10% of polyester in the blend. The different combinations of TPS and polyesters give a wide range of mechanical behavior for compostable materials, to be developed in specific applications. [source]

Anisotropic elastic properties of cancellous bone from a human edentulous mandible

CLINICAL ORAL IMPLANTS RESEARCH, Issue 5 2000
Aisling M. O'Mahony
The elastic moduli have not been reported for cancellous bone from the edentulous mandible. Accurate values are needed for finite element modeling of the mandible. The aim of this study was to determine elastic modulus values in three orthogonal directions for cancellous bone taken from an edentulous jaw and to relate these values to apparent density and volume fraction. Seven samples were obtained from the edentulous mandible of a 74-year-old female. Young's modulus was determined by compression testing of cubes cut with the faces aligned with the anatomic axes. Bone volume fraction averaged 0.33 (SD 0.14) and apparent density averaged 0.55 g/cc (SD 0.29). Young's modulus was greatest in the mesio-distal direction (mean 907 MPa, SD 849 MPa), followed by the bucco-lingual (mean 511 MPa, SD 565 MPa) and infero-superior direction (mean 114 MPa, SD 78 MPa). The infero-superior direction was less than the bucco-lingual (P=0.03) and mesio-distal (P=0.002). The mesio-distal and bucco-lingual directions could not be shown to be different (P=0.32). This suggests a model of transverse isotropy for cancellous bone in the jaw, where the symmetry axis is along the infero-superior (weakest) direction. [source]