Effect Of Fillers Research Articles

Enhancement of friction and wear performance of polytetrafluoroethylene composites through the synergistic effect of hard fillers

AbstractThe Stirling engine is a high‐efficiency externally heating piston engine. The self‐lubricating properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are crucial for the operation of Stirling engines. Three PTFE composites filled with different contents of carbon fiber (CF), polyimide (PI) and nano‐zirconia (nano‐ZrO2) were prepared and their mechanical, friction and wear properties were investigated. The results showed that the density of CF‐containing PTFE composites was significantly reduced by 1.46% to 6.9% compared to neat PTFE. Meanwhile, the incorporation of fillers greatly enhanced the hardness by more than 21.4% over the hardness of neat PTFE. In addition, the friction coefficients of three PTFE composites were lower than those of neat PTFE, and the wear rate of these composites was three orders of magnitude lower than that of neat PTFE. In particular, the wear rate of PTFE filled with CF and PI at high pressure (2 MPa) and high velocity (4 m/s) was only 1.24 × 10–6 mm3/Nm. The wear morphology was also analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy. It was found that the addition of CF and PI in PTFE has the most pronounced improvement on tribological performances. The synergistic effect of CF's mechanical reinforcement and PI's adhesive properties reduces the wear of the matrix, resulting in excellent wear resistance of PTFE composites.Highlights The compressive strength of PTFE was reinforced by CF and nano‐ZrO2. CF can lower the density and significantly enhance hardness of PTFE. Synergistic CF and PI enhance PTFE composites' friction & wear performance. Adhesive fillers & debris size key to forming uniform continuous transfer films.

Non-Facial Skin Rejuvenation of the Neck, Chest, and Hands. Part One: Using Injections.

The demand for aesthetic procedures aimed at restoring and preserving a youthful appearance is growing. While numerous non-surgical facial rejuvenation techniques are available, there is a need for a comprehensive review of clinic-based procedures targeting non-facial body parts. This review aims to describe and evaluate clinic-based techniques for rejuvenating the neck, chest, and hands, focusing on various types of fillers and other non-invasive procedures. In this first part of this review, we conducted an extensive literature review on PubMed, reporting the effectiveness of different fillers, detailing their preparation, required volume per area, injection methods, durability, and any associated side effects. We also discuss the use of mesotherapy, microneedling, chemical peeling, and Profhilo in these specific body areas. The review synthesizes the latest data on the effectiveness and safety of these procedures, highlighting the advancements in filler technology and the growing popularity of non-invasive techniques for body rejuvenation. This article serves as a valuable resource for practitioners and patients interested in non-surgical body rejuvenation, providing insights into the best practices.

Performance evaluation of controlled low-strength blended cement concrete modified with recycled waste materials

Purpose This work aims to investigate the feasibility of recycling waste plastic (polyethylene terephthalate) as a coarse aggregate for producing blended cement concrete modified with fly ash and pond ash. Design/methodology/approach The low, medium and high controlled strength blended cement concrete modified with varied proportions of fly and pond ashes were produced. Manufactured sand and recycled plastic coarse aggregate (RPCA) replaced normal fine and coarse aggregates. Concrete samples were tested for workability, mechanical and durability characteristics. Microstructural analysis was performed on cement concrete blended with fly and pond ashes and compared to conventional concrete samples. Findings All concrete mixes showed better flowability with values greater than 200 mm. Besides, the maximum flow time was approximately 8 s. The wet density of blended cement concrete-RPCA-based concretes was approximately 30% lower than that of conventional concrete. The compressive strengths of the controlled strength mix at 7 and 28 days were within the specified ranges. While the conventional concrete had slightly higher permeability, the blended cement concrete-RPCA-based concretes had better thermal resistivity and lower thermal conductivity. The scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the densification of the microstructure due to the filler effects of fly and pond ashes. Originality/value This study establishes the prospects of substituting RPCA with normal coarse aggregate in the production of controlled low-strength blended cement concrete, offering benefits of structural fill concrete, lower permeability and thermal conductivity, higher thermal resistivity and reduced density and shrinkage.

Effectiveness and Safety of a Hyaluronic Acid Filler for Chin Augmentation and Correction of Chin Retrusion: A Multi-center, Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial.

The chin significantly influences facial aesthetics, contributing to the overall balance and harmony of the face. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the hyaluronic acid filler Hyamax® Volumizer for chin augmentation and correction of chin retrusion compared to a no-treatment control. Participants aged 18-55 years with mild to moderate chin retrusion were randomized in a 3:1 ratio to receive either the treatment group (n = 150) or control group (n = 50). Evaluations included blinded assessments using the validated Galderma Chin Retrusion Scale, Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale for aesthetic enhancement, and safety follow-up. The Galderma Chin Retrusion Scale responder rate (≥1 grade improvement) was significantly higher for the treatment group (70%) compared to the control group (0%) at 6 months (p < 0.0001), and remained higher at 12 months (54.67% vs. 0%; p < 0.0001). Aesthetic improvement rates were consistently high as reported by both blinded evaluating investigator (≥89.33%) and subjects (≥91.33%). Treatment-related adverse events were mild to moderate. Hyamax® Volumizer treatment is safe and effective when injected in the chin to treat chin retrusion, with results lasting through 1 year. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Effect of facial fillers on post-rhinoplasty oedema- a hypothesis based on literature review.

In the quest of achieving younger and media driven facial aesthetics, the use of fillers in the face has recently expanded exponentially. Therefore, it is inevitable that every facial plastic surgeon (FPS) will be facing patients with facial fillers. A consequence of fillers is a sub-optimal/altered lymphatic drainage, which has a direct impact on post-operative oedema following facial surgery including rhinoplasty. In the senior author's experience (AD), it was observed that patients with facial fillers had persistent oedema post-rhinoplasty. This research hypothesizes that prolonged post-rhinoplasty oedema may be related to fillers and aims to gather evidence from the literature to support this hypothesis. It also investigates whether fillers compromise lymphatic drainage. A narrative review was performed on selective articles based on fillers and post-rhinoplasty oedema. Then, it is methodologically analyzed to look for a standard theory and categorize it throughout the discussion. Theoretically, with inherent characteristics of hydrophilic nature, hardness, volume and back-flow phenomena, fillers can lead to prolonged oedema. Additionally, they can either directly block or indirectly exert pressure on the lymphatic pathways and hinder drainage. This research findings support the hypothesis that facial fillers can impact post-operative facial oedema. Future research is required to objectively measure the effect of fillers on facial lymphatic drainage. Facial plastic surgeon (FPS), Hyaluronic acid (HA), submandibular (SM), Lymph nodes (LN), ultrasonography (US). Hyaluronic acid fillers, dermal oedema, prolonged post-filler oedema, recurrent oedema, persistent oedema, facial oedema, face lymphatics. 'Conflict of Interest: 'none declared'. No commercial interest or financial support.

Swelling problems in immobilized filler: an improvement method and comparative study of the effect of different fillers on biotrickling filters.

Immobilized fillers have been increasingly utilized in biotrickling filters (BTFs) due to their positive impact on shock load resistance and recovery performance. However, due to the inherent characteristics of its immobilized carrier, the immobilized filler is prone to swelling during the long-term operation of the system, resulting in increased pressure drop. Polyurethane (PU) sponge was used as the cross-linked skeleton of immobilized filler and compared with direct emulsified cross-linked immobilized filler for treating ethylbenzene gas. In the early stage, both fillers can maintain good performance despite changes in the inlet concentration and short-term stagnation. However, on the 107th day of operation, the immobilized filler experienced swelling, and the pressure drop sharply increased to 137.2 Pa, while the PU immobilized filler was still able to maintain a low-pressure drop level. The results of the microbial diversity analysis revealed that the microbial community structure of PU immobilized fillers remained relatively stable when responding to the fluctuations in operating conditions. PU sponges as the skeleton can effectively prolong the service life of the immobilized filler and improve the performance of the biotrickling filter.

Effect of plasticizer and filler on the mechanical and thermal properties of carboxymethyl cellulose films from corn husk

Effect of plasticizer and filler on the mechanical and thermal properties of carboxymethyl cellulose films from corn husk

Remarkable improvement in radiation shielding efficiency, thermal insulation performance and compressive strength of rigid polyurethane foam composites by synergetic effect of PbO and colemanite fillers

Remarkable improvement in radiation shielding efficiency, thermal insulation performance and compressive strength of rigid polyurethane foam composites by synergetic effect of PbO and colemanite fillers

Effect of graphite fillers on electrical and thermal conductivity in epoxy-based composites: Percolation behavior and analysis

This work investigated a method for producing epoxy-based composites using various graphite fillers, such as natural, synthetic, and thermally expanded graphite. The study aimed to determine the impact of the filler type, size, and volume fraction on the composites’ thermal and electrical conductivity. Results indicate that the percolation model accurately represents electrical and thermal conductivity behavior, with graphite fillers forming conductive clusters in the polymer matrix. The percolation threshold for electrical conductivity varies between 2.8 and 8.5 vol.%, while for thermal conductivity, it ranges from 5.0 to 18.0 vol.%, which is twice that of electrical conductivity. This observation is due to both the electron transfer tunneling effect and the necessity of higher filler content to facilitate effective phonon transport. Notably, composites filled with thermally expanded graphite exhibit lower percolation thresholds. Understanding percolation behavior facilitates the prediction and optimization of composites with specific electrical and thermal properties for diverse applications.

Exploring synthesis techniques for an imidazole-based one-component epoxy latent curing agent: Chemical capping and mechano-chemical capsuling

The increasing demand for one-component epoxy is driven by its eco-friendliness, convenience, and cost-effectiveness, underscoring the importance of developing latent curing agents that trigger reactions under specific conditions. This study introduces an imidazole-based latent curing agent (ICM-SU) characterized by superior storage stability and low-temperature curing capabilities, achieved through dual protections of chemical capping and mechano-chemical capsuling. The process commences with the synthesis of isophorone diisocyanate capped 2-methylimidazole (ICM), wherein the reactivity of 2-methylimidazole (2MI) is controlled via the inductive effect of isophorone diisocyanate, achieved through chemical capping. Subsequently, ICM-SU is produced by uniformly coating it with silica nanoparticles and a urea shell through mechano-fusion system’s dry processing for mechano-chemical capsuling, effectively isolating it from contact with epoxy. The curing mechanism and chemical structure of ICM-SU are identified in four stages: de-capping, de-shelling, formation of epoxy-imidazole adducts, and chain growth. Notably, the melting point of the urea shell (122 °C) closely matches the curing onset temperature, suggesting that the exposure of epoxy to restored 2MI initiates the curing process. As a result, ICM-SU demonstrates significantly enhances storage stability at 20 °C for over 42 days, a stark improvement over 2MI, which solidifies within 8 h. Moreover, specimens cured with ICM-SU exhibits a 32 % increase in tensile strength and a 25 % improvement in Young’s modulus compared to those cured with 2MI, attributed to the reinforcing filler effect of silica nanoparticles.

Na3Zr2Si2PO12-Polymer Composite Electrolyte for Solid State Sodium Batteries.

The integration of the flexibility of organic polymer electrolyte and high ionic conductivity of the ceramic electrolyte is attempted in search of efficient and safer battery. Composite solid polymer electrolyte (CSPE) provides high ionic conductivity with a sustainable thin film of electrolyte having the synergistic effect of ionic liquid and active inorganic filler. The CSPE is synthesized by the solution cast technique using Na3Zr2Si2PO12 (NZSP) as ceramic and poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) with Salt-Ionic liquid as polymer electrolyte. X-ray diffraction (XRD) of CSPE includes amorphous nature due to the polymer part as well as crystalline peaks of ceramic NZSP, simultaneously. The prepared CSPE sample shows homogeneous and interconnected surface morphology is observed by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows electrolyte is thermally stable up to 200 °C and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) reveals decrease in degree of crystallinity due to NZSP addition in the CSPE. By complex impedance spectroscopy (CIS), room temperature ionic conductivity of the prepared CSPE is found ~1.03 mS/cm. The dielectric behaviour of the prepared electrolyte is also studied to investigate the ion dynamics within the sample. The cationic transference number is 0.53 and the electrochemical stability window (ESW) of the CSPE is 4.9 V which is suitable for sodium solid-state batteries applications.

Synergistic Reinforcing Effect of Hazelnut Shells and Hydrotalcite on Properties of Rigid Polyurethane Foam Composites.

Recently, the development of composite materials from agricultural and forestry waste has become an attractive area of research. The use of bio-waste is beneficial for economic and environmental reasons, adapting it to cost effectiveness and environmental sustainability. In the presented study, the possibility of using hazelnut shell (HS) and hydrotalcite (HT) mineral filler was investigated. The effects of fillers in the amount of 10 wt.% on selected properties of polyurethane composites, such as rheological properties (dynamic viscosity, processing times), mechanical properties (compressive strength, flexural strength, hardness), insulating properties (thermal conductivity), and flame-retardant properties (e.g., ignition time, limiting oxygen index, peak heat release), were investigated. Polyurethane foams containing fillers have been shown to have better performance properties compared to unmodified polyurethane foams. For example, the addition of 10 wt% of hydrotalcite filler leads to PU composite foams with improved compression strength (improvement by ~20%), higher flexural strength (increase of ~38%), and comparable thermal conductivity (0.03055 W m-1 K-1 at 20 °C). Moreover, the incorporation of organic fillers has a positive effect on the fire resistance of PU materials. For example, the results from the cone calorimeter test showed that the incorporation of 10 wt% of hydrotalcite filler significantly reduced the peak of the heat release rate (pHRR) by ca. 30% compared with that of unmodified PU foam, and increased the value of the limiting oxygen index from 19.8% to 21.7%.

Effect of Filler on the Microstructural Behavior of Dissimilar MIG Weldments for High Pressure Vessel Applications

Effect of Filler on the Microstructural Behavior of Dissimilar MIG Weldments for High Pressure Vessel Applications

Effect of Mixing Methods and Black Conductive Fillers on Properties of Natural Rubber Composites

Carbon black, graphite, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, and metal fillers increase composite conductivity in natural rubber, which is electrically insulating. Depending on dispersion, conductive filler lowers insulating material resistivity. These materials are frequently used for electromagnetic/radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI) shielding, conductive flexible seals gaskets, and conductive mats used to prevent electrostatic damage to electronic devices. These elastomers could be used to make flexible solar cells or mechanical-to-electricity devices. Temperature, mixing time, shear rate, and cross-linking during vulcanization affect rubber electrical conductivity of composite. To study shear rate effects, vulcanizate of Natural Rubber-based composites filled with carbon black, millable carbon fiber powder, and synthetic graphite powder was prepared by open mixing (two roll mill) and close mixing (internal mixer). We compared how shear rate affects cure, stress-strain, and volume resistivity of conductive filler-based Natural Rubber composites. Increment in clearance of two roll mill during addition of rubber additives along with rubber of reduced the shearing force resulted in less dispersive and distributive mixing and stagnant points due to band formation on roll surface compared to intermix where compound movement had no stagnation point and long wings pushed material axially and two nogs pushed material in other chamber. Compared to two roll mill samples, the compound reached every point of the mixing chamber for best homogeneity, reducing cure time and improving stress-strain and volume resistivity.

Synergistic effect of ceramic filler in polymer salt complex for improved ion dissociation and migration mechanism

Abstract Use of Ceramic filler is one of the most common approaches to improve the conductivity and stability properties of a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) cum separator. Among them, active fillers like Garnet have been extensively used to enhance the stability and conductivity of SPE. However, SPE suffers from limited ion migration at room temperature acting as a bottleneck for their application in all solid-state batteries. An extensive study on these fillers' role in ion dissociation and migration can be a stepping stone for advanced SPE. In the present work, an FTIR analysis has primarily been used to identify and evaluate cation coordinate site-cation, and ion pair interactions in a Li6.5La3Zr1.75Te0.25O12 loaded polyethylene oxide-LiCF3SO3 matrix with varying ceramic concentrations. Further, the Trukhan model has been used to calculate diffusion coefficient, mobility, and charge carrier density to interpret relaxation parameters, conductivity, and FTIR results in the SPE samples. Finally, an ion migration model has been proposed based on the results obtained in experimental studies.&amp;#xD;

Hydrogen-Rich Syngas Production in a Ce0.9Zr0.05Y0.05O2−δ/Ag and Molten Carbonates Membrane Reactor

This study proposes a new dense membrane for selectively separating CO2 and O2 at high temperatures and simultaneously producing syngas. The membrane consists of a cermet-type material infiltrated with a ternary carbonate phase. Initially, the co-doped ceria of composition Ce0.9Zr0.05Y0.05O2−δ (CZY) was synthesized by using the conventional solid-state reaction method. Then, the ceramic was mixed with commercial silver powders using a ball milling process and subsequently uniaxially pressed and sintered to form the disk-shaped cermet. The dense membrane was finally formed via the infiltration of molten salts into the porous cermet supports. At high temperatures (700–850 °C), the membranes exhibit CO2/N2 and O2/N2 permselectivity and a high permeation flux under different CO2 concentrations in the feed and sweeping gas flow rates. The observed permeation properties make its use viable for CO2 valorization via the oxy-CO2 reforming of methane, wherein both CO2 and O2 permeated gases were effectively utilized to produce hydrogen-rich syngas (H2 + CO) through a catalytic membrane reactor arrangement at different temperatures ranging from 700 to 850 °C. The effect of the ceramic filler in the cermet is discussed, and continuous permeation testing, up to 115 h, demonstrated the membrane’s superior chemical and thermal stability by confirming the absence of any chemical interaction between the material and the carbonates as well as the absence of significant sintering concerns with the pure silver.

Effects of waste wollastonite filler on hot mix asphalt performance

Asphalt pavement plays a critical role in global infrastructure, necessitating substantial annual investments for maintenance and repair. Enhancing asphalt mixture performance is essential for prolonging pavement life and reducing associated costs. This study explores the use of waste wollastonite, a neutral mineral composed of silica and lime, as a filler material in asphalt mixtures. Comprehensive micro-scale performance tests, including Marshall Stability, resistance modulus, indirect tensile strength, and moisture sensitivity, were conducted on samples incorporating waste wollastonite. The findings indicate that replacing lime filler with waste wollastonite significantly improves asphalt performance; specifically, complete substitution resulted in increases in Marshall Stability, Marshall Quotient, and resistance modulus by 30%, 28%, and 26%, respectively. Furthermore, a 70% replacement of lime with waste wollastonite led to a 9% increase in tensile strength ratio while demonstrating a notable reduction in indirect tensile strength compared to control samples. These results suggest that waste wollastonite is a viable and effective filler option for enhancing the durability of asphalt mixtures.

Understanding Li6.24La3Zr2Al0.24O11.98 effect on poly(ionic liquid)-based electrolytes for high voltage solid-state lithium batteries working at room temperature

Hybrid electrolytes composed of poly(ionic liquid), ionic liquids (ILs), and fillers are very promising candidates for solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs). However, a significant knowledge gap in the field of hybrid electrolytes lies in the understanding of filler effect on properties and performance. Herein, we have investigated hybrid electrolytes based on poly(diallyldimethylammonium) bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (PDDA-FSI), N-propyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (PYR13FSI), lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) and different loadings (from 0 to 19.2 vol%) of Li6.24La3Zr2Al0.24O11.98 (Al-LLZO) particles. All the electrolytes present a homogeneous morphology and excellent thermal stability. Moreover, our results demonstrate that Al-LLZO particles do not contribute to the ionic conductivity of the hybrid electrolytes. A 2.6 vol% of Al-LLZO led to the excellent performance in full cells at room temperature. Surprisingly, the battery performance was not correlated with the transport properties. Instead, this study found out a mechanical-performance relationship, which follows a master equation: t = A (−12.48 (1-e(1.53x10-4σy))) / P that enables to correlate the effect Al-LLZO particles on the cell performance, and predicts, for the first time, the lifetime of the battery through the mechanical properties.

Effect of sawdust fillers loaded on Cucumis sativus fiber‐reinforced polymer composite: a novel composite for lightweight static application

AbstractThis research investigates the impact of sawdust fillers on Cucumis sativus fiber‐reinforced polymer composites through a conventional hand layup process. The objective is to develop a novel material suitable for static applications that is both lightweight and environmentally sustainable. A range of analytical techniques including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, mechanical testing, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis were employed to thoroughly characterize the resulting composite material. By integrating Cucumis sativus fibers and sawdust fillers into a polymer matrix, the study demonstrates the potential to create materials with improved mechanical properties due to addition of sawdust filler, including tensile strength (27.61 MPa), flexural strength (32.84 MPa), impact resistance (14.7 J cm−2) and hardness (42). These enhancements, averaging at 16.2%, are attributed to the addition of sawdust filler, which opens new avenues for environmentally conscious engineering solutions. XRD analysis reveals the composite's crystalline structure, indicating a crystallinity index of 64.5% and the orientation of crystalline planes. FTIR spectroscopy identifies chemical bonding and CO and CO functional groups present in the material with major peaks at 2123 and 2438 cm−1. TGA assesses the composite's thermal stability and decomposition behavior up to 380 °C. Additionally, SEM imaging elucidates the microstructural features and distribution of Cucumis sativus fibers and sawdust fillers within the epoxy matrix, while EDX analysis provides quantitative data on elemental composition. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Synergistic effects of graphene nanoparticles on the thermomechanical properties of PEEK-HNTs nanocomposites

In our previous study, we selected a 3% concentration (PH3) from various prepared PEEK-HNTs nanocomposites. Poly (ether ether ketone) (PEEK) is characterized by non-perfluorinated aromatic compounds with 1,4-disubstituted phenyl groups linked by carbonyl (––CO––) and ether (––O––) groups, offering exceptional thermal stability, mechanical strength, tribological properties, and chemical resistance at high temperatures. Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are known for their non-toxic, environmentally friendly, cost-effective properties, with tunable release and rapid adsorption rates. In this study, we prepared graphene nanoparticle (GNP) composites at three different concentrations while maintaining constant PH3 levels. The composites underwent comprehensive characterization using FTIR, TGA, DSC, SEM, and DMA techniques. Thermomechanical properties were evaluated using a universal testing machine. Results demonstrate significant enhancements in hardness, impact strength, elongation at break, tensile modulus, and flexural modulus, with the highest performance observed in the GNP-loaded 0.3% (PHG3) concentration. The synergistic effects of GNP fillers in PH3 are attributed to enhanced interfacial adhesion and favorable interactions with the polymer matrix.