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Processing Temperature (processing + temperature)
Selected AbstractsProcessing of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene by hot isostatic pressing, and the effect of processing parameters on its microstructurePOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 10 2004Rizwan M. Gul The processing techniques available for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) do not lead to a homogeneous material. The processed material exhibits particle boundaries (fusion defects) reflecting the powder flakes of the virgin resin. Hot isostatic pressing has been used in this study as a possible technique to produce a homogeneous, defect-free material, and to study the effect of processing parameters on consolidation and other properties. The extent of consolidation was determined by optical microscopy using thin sections, and by scanning electron microscopy using cryofractured and solvent-etched specimens. Processing temperature is the most important variable affecting consolidation; fusion defects can be eliminated by increasing the processing temperature. This is sometimes accompanied by the appearance of spherulties; however, the degree of crystallinity, melting point, and density remain constant. DMA results show that the molecular weight between entanglements increases and the entanglement structure changes with an increase in processing temperature. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1848,1857, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers. [source] Fabrication of Microcantilever Sensors Actuated by Piezoelectric Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 Thick Films and Determination of Their Electromechanical Characteristics,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 12 2005H. Park Abstract The integration and the device realization of Pb(Zr,,Ti)O3 (PZT) thick films on Si substrates are known to be extremely difficult because the processing temperature of the PZT thick film is close to the melting point of Si. However, PZT thick-film devices on Si warrant attention as they are appropriate for biological transducers; they generate large actuating forces and have a relatively high sensitivity for mass detection, especially in liquids. In this study, Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 thick-film cantilever devices are successfully fabricated on a Pt/TiO2/SiNx/Si substrate using a screen-printing method and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) process. Elastic and electromechanical properties such as the Young's modulus and transverse piezoelectric coefficient are determined from microstructural and electrical analyses for further mechanical study. The calculated Young's modulus of the thick film, 53.9,±,3.85,GPa, corresponds to the resonant frequency obtained from the measured harmonic oscillation response. The transverse piezoelectric constant, d31, of ,20.7 to ,18.8,pC,N,1 is comparable to that of a dense thin film. These values promise the possibility of determining the resonance properties of a thick-film cantilever by designing its structure and then simulating the harmonic oscillation response. Using the PZT thick-film cantilever, a strong harmonic oscillation with a quality (Q) factor of about 23 is demonstrated in water. The observation of strong harmonic oscillation in liquid implies the feasibility of precise real-time recognition of biomolecules using PZT thick-film cantilevers. [source] A Low-Temperature-Grown Oxide Diode as a New Switch Element for High-Density, Nonvolatile Memories,ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 1 2007M.-J. Lee A one-diode/one-resistor structure, Pt/NiO/Pt/p-NiOx/n-TiOx/Pt, has been fabricated. This novel structure exhibits bistable resistance switching under forward bias, while the diode suppresses resistance switching in the Pt/NiO/Pt memory cell under reverse bias (see figure). Its low processing temperature and small cell size, as well as excellent rectifying characteristics, make this Pt/p-NiOx/n-TiOx/Pt diode structure a promising switch element for high- density, nonvolatile memory devices with 3D stack and cross-point structures. [source] The effect of addition of calcium and processing temperature on the quality of guava in syrupINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 4 2006Ana Carla K. Sato Summary The effect of process temperature and calcium concentration in the cooking syrup of guava in syrup were studied. A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was used to optimize the quality indices of the final product, such as texture and colour. All of the processed guava quality parameters were compared with those of the fresh fruit and of a commercial sample to evaluate the effects of processing on the final product quality. Increase in the process temperature promoted changes in the final product colour, the fruit becoming darker. On the contrary, higher calcium concentrations in the cooking syrup produced lighter samples, with colour parameters closer to those of the fresh fruit. In general, the addition of calcium promoted better texture and minimized the negative effects of temperature on the mechanical properties. Processed guavas had higher rupture stress and strain than fresh fruit, indicating an increase in hardness and elasticity. [source] Influence of processing conditions on the weld line in doubly injection-molded glassy polycarbonate and polystyrene: Microindentation hardness studyADVANCES IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2005M. Boyanova Abstract The microhardness (H) technique has been used to characterize the quality of the weld line in injection-molded tensile bars from a two-component machine in which both melt streams from the same material can be independently controlled. More specific, the influence of melt temperature and indentation location (closer or further from the sample edge parallel to the injection direction and across the weld line) has been followed on polycarbonate (PC) and polystyrene (PS) glassy samples. For both polymers at lower melt temperatures, a strong H decrease (between 15 and 50%) followed by a sharp increase in a narrow distance (around 0.10 mm), is observed. When the melt temperature increases up to 300°C (for PC) and 270°C (for PS), a much smaller H decrease is observed in the central part of the samples. However, closer to the tensile bar edges (2 mm) the weld line remains undetectable by microhardness measurements. The present results reveal that the processing temperature affects the broadening of the weld line through the conditions for effective mutual interdiffusion of chains from the two fronts coming from opposite sides. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 24:14,20, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20028 [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] Weld line characteristics of PC/ABS blend.JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2008Abstract The effects of reactive compatibilizer and processing temperature on the morphology and the mechanical properties at the weld line of 60/40 (wt/wt) poly- carbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymer blends were investigated. Amine functionalized styrene/n -phenyl maleimide/maleic anhydride terpolymer (amine-SPMIMA) was used as the in-situ reactive compatibilizer for PC/ABS blend. Weld tensile strength increased as the content of amine-SPMIMA was increased. Weld impact strength showed maximum value for the blend containing about 3% amine-SPMIMA. The variation in the mechanical property at the weld line was correlated with the change in the morphology of the blend. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] EFFECTS OF COOKED TEMPERATURES AND ADDITION OF ANTIOXIDANTS ON FORMATION OF HETEROCYCLIC AROMATIC AMINES IN PORK FLOSSJOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION, Issue 2 2009GUOZHOU LIAO ABSTRACT Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are an important class of food mutagens and carcinogens produced in meats cooked at high temperature. The formation of HAAs in pork floss during processing and the effect of vitamin C and vitamin E on HAAs formation in pork floss were studied. Pork floss was prepared by steaming of raw pork, followed by pressing, tearing, adding various additives, and then the cooked pork was subjected to stir frying. The various HAAs in pork floss were isolated by solid phase extraction and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results showed that the type and level of HAAs increased with increasing processing temperature. Up to seven HAAs, 9H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Norharman), 1-methyl-9H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Harman), 2-amino-1- methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-f]pyridine (PhIP), 2-amino-dipyrido[1,2-a: 3,,2,-d]imidazole (Glu-P-2), 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2), 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (AaC) and 2-amino-3-methyl-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (MeAaC) were detected in pork floss when stir fried at 150C. Color development increased with cooking temperatures, and was correlated with HAAs formation. The addition of vitamin C at various levels was not effective toward HAAs inhibition. However, the incorporation of 0.1% vitamin E reduced Norharman, PhIP, AaC and MeAaC concentrations in the pork floss. PRACTICAL APPLICATION The formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) is one of the most unfavorable changes during the cooking of food. Since the connection between the consumption of dietary carcinogens and cancer risks in human has been established, interest in this matter has been growing. However, the processing methods and conditions of Chinese traditional food are different from Western, and to date, little is known about HAAs content in the traditional meat products of China. The information derived from this study serves as an essential base of knowledge from a public health standpoint, and contributes to a repository of HAAs information relevant to Chinese cooking; it also can provide clues to understanding the factors that affect HAAs formation and can indicate means of reducing or eliminating these compounds. [source] EFFECTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND PROCESS VARIABLES ON THE HEAT PENETRATION TIMES, FIRMNESS, AND PECTIC ENZYME ACTIVITY OF DICED TOMATOES (HALLEY BOS 3155 CV)JOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION, Issue 2 2001WENDY H. MA The effects of raw materials and process variables on the heat penetration times into diced tomatoes (Halley Bos 3155 cv) were evaluated. Variables included dice size (1.27 and 2.54 cm), maturity at harvest (red and red+2 weeks), and processing temperature (88 and 92C). Heat penetration times between dice sizes were significantly different, but not between maturities or processing temperatures. Tomatoes were also evaluated for firmness, pectin-methylesterase (PME) and polygalacturonase (PG) activities. Half-inch size diced tomatoes were processed at 88 and 92C, and evaluated for firmness using the shear-compression method. Firmness decreased to 60% of the initial raw firmness from 8.8 × 105 to 5.3 × 105 g-mm after 15 s at 88C, and to 50% from 8.8 × 105 to 4.4 × 105 g-mm after 15 s at 92C. Diced tomato firmness showed a slight firming trend after 150 s at both temperatures. PME was inactivated after 45 s, while 5% residual PG activity remained after 3 min. [source] Changes in Apple Liquid Phase Concentration throughout Equilibrium in Osmotic DehydrationJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 2 2007J.M. Barat ABSTRACT:, Previous results on apple tissue equilibration during osmotic dehydration showed that, at very long processing times, the solute concentrations of the fruit liquid phase and the osmotic solution were the same. In the present study, changes in apple liquid phase composition throughout equilibrium in osmotic dehydration were analyzed and modeled. Results showed that, by the time osmosed samples reached the maximum weight and volume loss, solute concentration of the fruit liquid phase was higher than that of the osmotic solution. The reported overconcentration could be explained in terms of the apple structure shrinkage that occurred during the osmotic dehydration with highly concentrated osmotic solutions due to the elastic response of the food structure to the loss of water and intake of solutes. The fruit liquid phase overconcentration rate was observed to depend on the concentration of the osmotic solution, the processing temperature, the sample size, and shape of the cellular tissue. [source] Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enteritidis in Liquid Egg White Using Pulsed Electric FieldJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 3 2006Malek Amiali ABSTRACT: The effects of temperature and pulsed electric field (PEF) intensity on inactivation of pathogens such as Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enteritidis in egg white was investigated. Liquid egg white inoculated with 108 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL of each pathogen was treated with up to 60 pulses (each of 2 JAS width) at electric field intensities of 20 and 30 kV/cm. The processing temperatures were 10°C, 20°C, and 30°C. After treatment, uninjured and total viable cells were enumerated in selective and nonselective agars, respectively. Maximum inactivations of 3.7 and 2.9 log units were obtained for S. enteritidis and E. coli O157:H7, respectively, while injured cells accounted for 0.5 and 0.9 logs for E. coli O157:H7 and S. enteritidis, respectively. For both bacteria, increasing treatment temperature tended to increase the inactivation rate. There was synergy between electric field intensity and processing temperature. The inactivation rate constant kT values for E. coli O157:H7 on both selective and nonselective agars were 8.2 × 10 -3 and 6.6 × 10 -3/,S, whereas the values for S. enteritidis were 16.2 × 10 -3 and 12.6 × 10 -3/,S, respectively. The results suggest that E. coli O157:H7 was more resistant to heat-PEF treatment compared with S. enteritidis. [source] Chemical composition and physical properties of extruded snacks containing crab-processing by-productJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 11 2003Michael G Murphy Abstract The crab-processing industries generate millions of pounds of by-product annually, which results in a loss of edible product and presents a considerable waste disposal problem. The purpose of this research was to investigate the use of crab-processing by-product (CB) in the development of a calcium-rich expanded snack. The specific objectives were to examine the effects of type of CB (wet or dry), feed composition and screw speed (150 or 250 rpm) on selected properties of extruded snacks. Product formulations consisting of 0,400 g kg,1 CB combined with corn meal and potato flakes were processed in a twin-screw extruder. The resulting extrudates were analysed for proximate and mineral (calcium, sodium) composition, pH, water activity (aw), total plate count, bulk density, expansion ratio and colour. Both CB type and level of incorporation had significant effects (P < 0.05) on the calcium content, expansion ratio, bulk density and pH of the extrudates. Increasing the CB level resulted in increased calcium content (from 5.1 to 52.4 mg g,1) and pH (from 6.1 to 8.8). Screw speed had no significant effects (P > 0.05) on expansion ratio and bulk density. A high processing temperature (157 °C) and low aw resulted in undetectable microbial growth on the extrudates. This research demonstrates that ground crab-processing by-product can be successfully incorporated into an expanded snack product. Further research will evaluate consumer response to this novel value-added product. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Electronic nose analysis of volatile compounds from poultry meat samples, fresh and after refrigerated storage,JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 3 2002Dorothy D, H Boothe Abstract Electronic nose technology has previously been applied to the assessment of the quality of red meats, pork and fish, but not poultry products. In the present study the ability of the electronic nose to assess the microbiological quality of raw poultry meat as a function of storage time and temperature was investigated. Four types of chicken pieces (boneless breast with and without skin, wings and thighs) were stored for up to 2 days at 13,°C (the maximum allowable temperature in poultry processing environments) or for up to 5 days at 4,°C (refrigeration temperature for raw poultry products prior to shipping or further processing). Saline rinses of meat samples were serially diluted in tryptic soy broth to 10,10. The rinses and their associated serial dilutions were analysed on an electronic nose with 12 metal oxide sensors in order to determine the specificity and sensitivity respectively of the assay. Principal component analysis (PCA) maps of the data confirmed that the electronic nose could differentiate volatile compounds associated with individual types of meat samples properly stored at 4,°C from those maintained at processing temperature, 13,°C, for a comparable time, even as early as day 1 of storage. Differences in headspace gases from any type of meat sample stored at one temperature could also be determined with increased storage time. However, data from samples stored at 4,°C clustered more tightly in PCA maps than those associated with samples maintained at 13,°C, indicating a greater diversity in volatile compounds at the higher temperature. We have shown herein that the electronic nose can detect changes in the volatile compounds associated with chicken meat based on product storage time and temperature; the technology can assess length of sample storage as well as deviation from refrigeration temperature. Published in 2002 for SCI by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Peroxide crosslinking of rigid poly(vinyl chloride)JOURNAL OF VINYL & ADDITIVE TECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2008Anoma Gunewardena Peroxide crosslinking of unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) with trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate was investigated. Formulations used in this work contained a nontoxic lead-free stabilizer and showed good color and heat stability. The samples were examined by differential scanning calorimetry, and their tensile properties were measured at room temperature and at 130°C. Gel content or tetrahydrofuran-insoluble material was measured as an indication of crosslinking. It was shown that premature crosslinking could be avoided during processing and that 190°C was the optimum processing temperature for maximum gel content. The residual unsaturation was monitored by using FTIR spectroscopy. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] The melting temperature (or not melting) of poly(vinyl chloride)JOURNAL OF VINYL & ADDITIVE TECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2008James W. Summers The best answer to what is the melting temperature of PVC is its previous processing temperature. That temperature is where secondary crystallites, created by gelation, melt and allow the primary particle flow units to flow again independently. In the case of powder compounds being processed for the first time, the question of melting is less relevant. The PVC, out of the polymerizer, contains crystallites that are not completely meltable. The issue is how easily the grains of PVC disperse to primary particle flow units. This property depends on polymerization conditions and the type of processing equipment. The temperature achieved affects the amount of fusion (gelation). J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers. [source] Influence of Processing Temperature on Microcellular Injection-Moulded Wood,Polypropylene CompositesMACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 10 2006Andrzej K. Bledzki Abstract Summary: Microcellular wood fibre reinforced polymer materials are significant because of their possibility to reduce the density of automotive components through microcellular structure, process and product part advantages, and as a new development with bio-fibre strengthened plastics. Soft wood fibre reinforced PP composites in box part and panel shape were prepared by an injection moulding process. Polymeric microspheres as a chemical foaming agent (endothermic) were used to produce the microcellular composites. The influence of injection moulding processing temperature on the microcellular structure and properties (tensile and flexural properties, notched charpy impact strength) was investigated by varying the temperature over the 150,170,°C, 160,180,°C and 170,190,°C. A comparative study of cell morphology, weight reduction and mechanical properties was conducted between box part and panel. Microcell morphology, cell size, shape and distribution were investigated using scanning electron micrographs. The results indicated that the lower processing temperature should be below the range of 170,190,°C and processing temperature at 160,180,°C, where the composites showed finer cellular structure compared to other processing temperatures. The mechanical properties did not differ with the variation of processing temperature regardless of composite types (box part or panel). Cellular structure changes in the box part were found considering near or far from injecting point. Microcellular injection-moulded box part (geometry: 150,×,100,×,70 mm3 in size) of soft wood fibre,PP composites. [source] Formation of in situ CB/PET Microfibers in CB/PET/PE Composites by Slit Die Extrusion and Hot StretchingMACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 6 2004Xiang-Bin Xu Abstract Summary: In this present study, the in situ fabrication of a microfibrillar composite based on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polyethylene (PE), and carbon black (CB) is attempted. PET and CB were first melt mixed. The CB/PET compound and PE were subsequently melt extruded through a slit die and then hot stretched. The morphological observation of the as-stretched extrudate indicated that well-defined microfibers of CB/PET compound could be generated at appropriate CB contents and a fixed hot stretch ratio. In addition, CB was always selectively located in PET. The microfibrillar CB/PET/PE composite has the potential to be a new electrically conductive polymer composite. Morphology of the carbon black/poly(ethylene terephthalate)/polyethylene (PE) composite after additional mixing in the mixer at the processing temperature of PE. [source] Reactive processing of syndiotactic polystyrene with an epoxy/amine solvent systemMACROMOLECULAR SYMPOSIA, Issue 1 2003Jaap Schut Abstract Syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) is a new semi-crystalline thermoplastic which is believed to fill the price-performance gap between engineering and commodity plastics. In order to reduce the high processing temperature of sPS (>290°C), an epoxy-amine model system was used as a reactive solvent. Such a processing aid can be used to achieve a 50 to 500 fold lowering of the melt viscosity. When initially homogeneous solutions of sPS in a stoechiometric epoxy-amine mixture are thermally cured, Reaction Induced Phase Separation (RIPS) takes place, leading to phase separated thermoplastic-thermoset polymer blends. We focus our study on low (wt% sPS < 20%) and high concentration blends (wt% sPS > 60%) prepared by two processing techniques (mechanical stirring in a laboratory reactor or internal mixer/ reactive extrusion respectively). These blends have different potential interests. Low concentration blends (sPS domains in an epoxy-amine matrix) are prepared to create new, tunable blend morphologies by choosing the nature of the phase separation process, i.e. either crystallisation followed by polymerization or polymerization followed crystallisation. High concentration blends (sPS matrix containing dispersed epoxy-amine particles after RIPS) are prepared to facilitate the extrusion of sPS. In this case, the epoxy amine model system served as a reactive solvent. The time to the onset of RIPS is in the order of 7-9 min for low concentration blends, while it increases to 20-45 min for high concentration samples, as the reaction rates are substantially slowed down due to lower epoxy and amine concentrations. During the curing reaction the melting temperature of sPS in the reactive solvent mixture evolves back from a depressed value to the level of pure sPS. This indicates a change in the composition of the sPS phase, caused by (complete) phase separation upon reaction. We conclude that our epoxy amine system is suited for reactive processing of sPS, where final properties depend strongly on composition and processing conditions. [source] Preparation of ZnO thin film by the sol,gel method using low temperature ozone oxidationPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 7 2010Takashi Ehara Abstract Zinc oxide thin films have been prepared by the sol,gel method from a 2-methoxyethanol solution of zinc acetate dihydrate on SiO2 substrates using air, pure oxygen, and 1% ozone in oxygen as oxygen source. In the cases where air or oxygen was used as the oxygen source for thermal annealing, samples annealed at 600 to 800,°C exhibit a (0002) peak in X-ray diffraction (XRD). A sample annealed at 700,°C exhibited the highest (0002) peak intensity in conventional thermal annealing. However, the case using 1% ozone in oxygen as the atmosphere presented different results. A sample treated in 1% ozone at 100,°C had peak intensity in XRD (0002) comparable with samples annealed at several hundreds of degree in air or oxygen. This result indicates that the high oxidation efficiency of ozone is useful in decreasing the processing temperature of the sol,gel method. [source] Fabrication and electrical properties of CNT/PP conductive composites with low percolation threshold by solid state alloyingPOLYMER COMPOSITES, Issue 6 2010D.L. Gao The carbon nanotube/polypropylene conductive composites with a percolation threshold as low as 0.25 wt% were fabricated by solid state alloying. This solid state alloying method uses the super-high speed mechanical shearing (at 10,000 rpm) to process the entangled catalytically grown carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the polymer matrix in solid state. The electrical properties of the nanocomposites and the structure and distribution of CNTs were investigated. The results indicated that via the shear-intensive process, CNTs were truncated and dispersed effectively, and their length could be controlled properly to fully exert the advantage of high aspect ratios (length-to-diameter ratios). At the same time, a linear structure conductive network which may considerably lower the percolation threshold was also formed by this method. Moreover, the CNTs could be further dispersed under the action of thermo energy provided by increasing the processing temperature. The super-high speed solid state alloying method is a favorable approach for the production of low percolation threshold conductive composites of CNTs filled high viscosity resins. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] The impact of silane chemistry conditions on the properties of wood plastic composites with low density polyethylene and high wood contentPOLYMER COMPOSITES, Issue 5 2010Yu Geng Silane chemistry was implemented on various formulations of wood/thermoplastic polymer composites (WPCs) with low density polyethylene (LDPE) and high wood content (60 wt%). Taguchi analysis was used to evaluate the impact of vinyltrimethoxysilane content (VTMS), dicumyl peroxide content (DCP), and processing temperature on the rheological, morphological, and dynamic mechanic properties of WPCs. The torque power was measured by a Haake torque rheometer and indicated that the VTMS content and temperature most significantly impacted the rheological properties related to silane reactions. Differential scanning calorimetry also showed a larger depression in LDPE melting point and crystallinity index when a high VTMS content (35 phr), high DCP content (0.5 phr), and a high compounding temperature (200°C) were used. With dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), it was shown that the compounded formulations had a higher storage modulus over a wide range of temperature whereas the , transition temperature increased with higher content in silane reactants. Interestingly, the high humidity/temperature conditioning step aimed at crosslinking resulted in a drop of dynamic moduli compared to the freshly compounded formulations. This was explained by the fact that during compounding of LDPE with high wood content and silane reactants, significant amounts of matrix and interfacial silane crosslinking already occurred. Subsequent conditioning in a high humidity and temperature environment was proposed to hydrolyze the interfacial siloxane bonds resulting in a degradation of mechanical properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] In situ monitoring of residual strain development during composite curePOLYMER COMPOSITES, Issue 3 2002Allan S. Crasto Internal (residual) stresses build up in a thermosetting composite as the matrix shrinks during cure, and again as the composite is cooled to ambient from its elevated processing temperature. These stresses can be significant enough to distort the dimensions and shape of a cured part as well as initiate damage in off-axis plies, either during fabrication or under the application of relatively low mechanical loads. The magnitude of these stresses depends on a number of factors including constituent anisotropy, volume fraction and thermal expansion, ply orientation, process cycle, and matrix cure chemistry. In this study, embedded strain gauges were employed to follow, in situ, the buildup of residual strains in carbon fiber-reinforced laminates during cure. The data were compared to those from volumetric dilatometer studies to ascertain the fraction of resin shrinkage that contributed to residual stress buildup during cure. Based on earlier studies with single-fiber model composites, the process cycle in each case was then varied to determine if the cycles optimized to minimize residual stresses for isolated fibers in an infinite matrix were applicable to the reduction of residual stresses in conventional multifiber composites. The results of these studies are reported here. [source] Morphology and mechanical properties of impact modified polypropylene blendsPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 11 2008Nathan Tortorella Isotactic polypropylene (PP) has been reactively blended with various grades of an ethylene,octene copolymer (EOC) in a twin-screw extruder. Free radical polymerization of styrene and a multifunctional acrylate during melt extrusion has resulted in an enhancement of mechanical properties over the binary blend. The reactive blend exhibits a notched Izod impact strength over 12 times that of pure polypropylene and greater than double the performance of the binary blend. Electron microscopy shows that by grafting onto the polymers, elastomer particle size and interparticle distance decrease, while particle shape becomes less spherical. The acrylate is crucial to achieve superior performance, as infrared spectra correlate an increase in graft yield to improvements in stress,strain behavior and impact strength. In addition, melt flow index (MFI) and melt strength data indicate a reduction in unwanted side reactions of polypropylene and the presence of long-chain branching. Dynamic-mechanical analysis reveals that the reaction promotes miscibility between polypropylene and the EOC and reduces molecular mobility at their glass-transition temperatures. Mechanical properties, graft yield, and MFI are shown to be highly dependent upon the elastomer's concentration, density, and molecular weight, initiator and monomer concentration, as well as processing temperature. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] A novel fabrication method for the mold insert of microlens arrays by hot embossing moldingPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 12 2006Y. K. Shen This paper reports a simple and novel procedure for fabricating the mold insert of microlens arrays. In this paper, an L9 experimental matrix design based on the Taguchi method is constructed to optimize the replication quality of molded microlens arrays. The results of the statistical analysis indicate that the processing temperature is the principal parameter affecting the sag height of the molded microlens array. The 200 × 200 arrays of molded microlens, with a diameter of 150 ,m, a pitch of 200 ,m and a sag height of 31.51 ,m have been successfully fabricated. The average surface roughness of the Ni mold insert is 6.916 nm. The average surface roughness of the molded microlens array is 4.608 nm. The processing temperature is the most important factor for the radius of curvature of molded microlens. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:1797,1803, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers. [source] Processing of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene by hot isostatic pressing, and the effect of processing parameters on its microstructurePOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 10 2004Rizwan M. Gul The processing techniques available for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) do not lead to a homogeneous material. The processed material exhibits particle boundaries (fusion defects) reflecting the powder flakes of the virgin resin. Hot isostatic pressing has been used in this study as a possible technique to produce a homogeneous, defect-free material, and to study the effect of processing parameters on consolidation and other properties. The extent of consolidation was determined by optical microscopy using thin sections, and by scanning electron microscopy using cryofractured and solvent-etched specimens. Processing temperature is the most important variable affecting consolidation; fusion defects can be eliminated by increasing the processing temperature. This is sometimes accompanied by the appearance of spherulties; however, the degree of crystallinity, melting point, and density remain constant. DMA results show that the molecular weight between entanglements increases and the entanglement structure changes with an increase in processing temperature. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1848,1857, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers. [source] Foaming of PS/wood fiber composites using moisture as a blowing agentPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 10 2000Ghaus Rizvi This paper presents an experimental study on foam processing of polystyrene (PS) and high-impact polystyrene HIPS/wood-fiber composites in extrusion using moisture as a blowing agent. Wood-fiber inherently contains moisture that can potentially be used as a blowing agent. Undried wood-fiber was processed together with PS and HIPS materials in extrusion and wood-fiber composite foams were produced. The cellular morphology and volume expansion ratios of the foamed composites were characterized. Because of the high stiffness of styrenic materials, moisture condensation during cooling after expansion at high temperature did not cause much contraction of the foamed composite and a high volume expansion ratio up to 20 was successfully obtained. The experimental results showed that the expansion ratio could be controlled by varying the processing temperature and the moisture content in the wood fiber. The effects of a small amount of a chemical blowing agent and mineral oil on the cell morphologies of plastic/wood-fiber composite foams were also investigated. [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] Morphology control of polyoxy-methylene/thermoplastic polyurethane blends by adjusting their viscosity ratioPOLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 9 2006Zhengang Cheng Abstract Polyoxymethylene (POM) is an important plastic with very good properties. However, its poor impact strength limits its applications. Theoretical and experimental studies have confirmed that thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) can effectively enhance the notched impact strength of POM. This paper reports that the notched impact strength of POM/TPU blends can be further improved when these blends are endowed with a fine morphology by changing the viscosity ratio of TPU to POM (P = ,TPU/,POM) during processing. The experimental results show that the viscosity of TPU is more sensitive to temperature than that of POM, and that the viscosity ratio P decreases with increasing temperature; also for quite a wide range of shear rate, P is close to 1 when the processing temperature (Tp) is around 190 °C. Accordingly, the phase structure of POM/TPU blends changes with P. The dispersed phase of TPU shows ellipsoidal morphology when P > 1 at Tp < 190 °C, filamental morphology when P , 1 at Tp , 190 °C and spheroidal morphology when P < 1 at Tp > 190 °C. The results suggest that the filamental morphology endows POM/TPU (90/10) blends with the highest notched impact strength (,14 kJ m,2). Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Novel Segmented Thermoplastic Polyurethanes Elastomers Based on Tetrahydrofuran Ethylene Oxide Copolyethers as High Energetic Propellant BindersPROPELLANTS, EXPLOSIVES, PYROTECHNICS, Issue 1 2003Fu-Tai Chen Abstract Novel thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomers based on copolyether (tetrahydrofuran ethylene oxide) as soft segments, isophorone diisocyanate and 1,4-butanediol as hard segments were synthesized for the purpose of using as propellant binders. In order to increase the miscibility of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers with nitrate ester, polyethylene glycol (PEG) is incorporated in the co-polyether (tetrahydrofuran ethylene oxide) as soft segment. When the molecular weight and content of polyethylene glycol are controlled to 4000 and 6% of soft segments, respectively, the properties of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers are most perfect. If plasticizing ratio of nitrate ester to thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers exceeds 4 no crystallinities are determined at room temperature. The propellant samples were prepared by a conventional absorption-rolling extrusion process and the mechanical and combustion properties evaluated afterwards. The maximum impulse reaches up to 265,270 s which is a little bit higher than that of a HTPB propellant. The measured results reveal a promising TPE propellant candidate which shows good processing temperature (<393,K) and excellent mechanical properties. An attracting feature which can be pointed out is that the burning rate pressure exponent reaches as low as 0.36 without the addition of burning rate catalysts. This enables an easy control of propellant combustion. [source] Characterization of cryogel monoliths for extraction of minor proteins from milk by cation exchangeBIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOENGINEERING, Issue 6 2009Jagan M. Billakanti Abstract Extraction and purification of high-value minor proteins directly from milk without pre-treatment is a challenge for the dairy industry. Pre-treatment of milk before extraction of proteins by conventional packed-bed chromatography is usually necessary to prevent column blockage but it requires several steps that result in significant loss of yield and activity for many minor proteins. In this paper, we demonstrate that it is possible to pass 40,50 column volumes of various milk samples (raw whole milk, homogenized milk, skim milk and acid whey) through a 5 mL cryogel chromatographic column at 550 cm/h without exceeding its pressure limits if the processing temperature is maintained above 35°C. The dynamic binding capacity obtained for the cryogel matrix (2.1 mg/mL) was similar to that of the binding capacity (2.01 mg/mL) at equilibrium with 0.1 mg/mL of lactoferrin in the feed samples. The cryogel column selectively binds lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase with only minor leakage in flowthrough fractions. Lactoferrin was recovered from elution fractions with a yield of over 85% and a purity of more than 90%. These results, together with the ease of manufacture, low cost and versatile surface chemistry of cryogels suggest that they may be a good alternative to packed-bed chromatography for direct capture of proteins from milk. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;103: 1155,1163. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||