Impact Of Fillers Research Articles

Modeling and analysis of TiO2 filler's impact on specific wear rate in flax fiber-reinforced epoxy composite under abrasive wear using Taguchi approach

PurposeThis study explores how titanium oxide (TiO2) filler influences the specific wear rate (SWR) in flax fiber-reinforced epoxy composites (FFRCs) through a Taguchi approach. It aims to boost abrasive wear resistance by incorporating TiO2 filler, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly materials.Design/methodology/approachThis study fabricates epoxy/flax composites with TiO2 particles (0–8 wt%) using hand layup. Composites were tested for wear following American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) G99-05. Statistical analysis used Taguchi design of experiments (DOE), with ANOVA identifying key factors affecting SWR in abrasive sliding conditions.FindingsThe study illuminates how integrating TiO2 filler particles into epoxy/flax composites enhances abrasive wear properties. Statistical analysis of SWR highlights abrasive grit size (grit) as the most influential factor, followed by normal load, wt% of TiO2 and sliding distance. Grit size has the highest effect at 43.78%, and wt% TiO2 filler contributes 15.61% to SWR according to ANOVA. Notably, the Taguchi predictive model closely aligns with experimental results, validating its reliability.Originality/valueThis paper integrates TiO2 filler and flax fibers to form a novel hybrid composite with enhanced tribological properties in epoxy composites. The use of Taguchi DOE and ANOVA offers valuable insights for optimizing control variables, particularly in natural fiber-reinforced composites (NFRCs).

Highly Thermally Conductive Triple-Level Ordered CNT/PVA Nanofibrous Films.

The escalating thermal power density in electronic devices necessitates advanced thermal management technologies. Polymer-based materials, prized for their electrical insulation, flexibility, light weight, and strength, are extensively used in this field. However, the inherent low thermal conductivity of polymers requires enhancement for effective heat dissipation. This work proposes a novel paradigm, emphasizing ordered structures with functional units, to create triple-level, ordered, low-filler loading of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA) nanofibrous films. By addressing interfacial thermal resistance through -OH groups, the coupling between polymer and MWCNT is strengthened. The triple-level ordered structure comprises aligned PVA chains, aligned MWCNTs, and aligned MWCNT/PVA composite fibers. Focusing on the filler's impact on thermal conductivity and chain orientation, the thermal transport mechanisms have been elucidated level by level. Our MWCNT/PVA composite, with lower filler loadings (10 wt.%), achieves a remarkable TC exceeding 35.4 W/(m·K), surpassing other PVA composites with filler loading below 50 wt.%.

Impact of filler and gelling catalyst/agent on properties of flexible polyurethane foam

AbstractIn this study, the physiomechanical properties of carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt (Na‐CMC salt) filler‐loaded foam and its impact on the wicking capacity of the foam were investigated in juxtaposition with the increasing tin concentration. According to the study's findings, standard unfilled foam demonstrated no wicking at all, while flexible PU foam filled with Na‐CMC salt, even with low porosity and subpar mechanical traits, displayed wicking heights of 4 mm, 3.4 mm, and 2.8 mm in test specimens of thicknesses of 6 mm, 8 mm, and 10 mm. Moreover, filled foam with a higher porosity level exhibited significantly better wicking heights of 11.4 mm, 10.8 mm, and 8.2 mm. The inclusion of CMC filler in the PU foam matrix is the reason for enhanced wicking property in foam. The sample thickness and wicking height trends are consistent among all foams; as foam sample thickness increases, wicking height progressively falls. The correlation between the foam's porosity value and the number of closed cell windows is confirmed by stereomicroscopy and the porosity values. According to this study, the infused filler's characteristics have a greater influence on the foam's wicking capacity than the foam's porosity. This study contributes significant insights into ongoing initiatives to enhance user experience, well‐being, and hygiene through innovative and meticulously designed new developed mattress foam using Na‐CMC as a filler.Highlights Co‐relation between concentration of tin and infused filler on wicking property. Standard unfilled foam demonstrated no wicking at all. Na‐CMC salt filled foam displayed wicking heights. After 15% increase in tin level, mechanical properties of foam degrade. Wicking depends on nature of infused filler and the foam's porosity.

Rowanberry/vermiculite modified rigid polyurethane foams

Rigid polyurethane (PU) foams were modified with rowanberry/vermiculite fillers. The impact of fillers on selected properties of composites, such as rheological properties (dynamic viscosity, foaming behavior), mechanical properties (compressive and flexural strength, toughness), thermal properties (temperature of thermal decomposition stages, char residues at 600°C), flame retardancy (ignition time IT, total heat, and smoke release THR and TSR, maximum average rate of heat emission MARHE) was investigated. The results show that the incorporation of rowanberry/vermiculite fillers improves the properties of polyurethane foams. For instance, compared with the reference foam, modified foams showed increased synthesis times and higher values of apparent density, which then influenced the mechanical properties. Compared to the unmodified foam, modified foams showed an improvement in compressive strength (up to 7.8%, measured parallel to the foam growth direction), flexural strength (up to 5.8%), and toughness (up to 6.8%). Most importantly, the modified foams showed improved thermal stability and flammability parameters such as elongated ignition time, lowered values of THR, TSR, and MARHE parameters.

Impact of Filler on Mechanical and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Waste Marble Dust Filled Aramid Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composite

Impact of Filler on Mechanical and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Waste Marble Dust Filled Aramid Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composite

Microstructure Analysis of Cold Bituminous Emulsion Mixture Using Different Filler Type

Abstract In today’s scenario, the environmental impact of the transport sector plays a major role in net carbon emission generation and global warming. Seeing the emerging environmental issue, it has been mandatory to adopt sustainable technologies in every sector. The use of bitumen emulsion in the construction of pavement has been rapidly enhanced in the last decade. This technology eliminates the heating of aggregate and binder, resulting in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption, which is also termed as cold mix technology. Filler has a major role in the formation of bonds between bitumen emulsion and aggregate. In the present study, cement, lime, and fly ash have been considered as filler materials along with stone dust and the required optimum emulsion content and water content were determined. The impact of filler on the breaking of bitumen emulsion is studied through scanning electron microscope image analysis. The impact of filler on pH of bitumen emulsion mastic is also evaluated. The optimum emulsion content in cold bituminous emulsion mixtures (CBEMs) depends on the particle size of the filler. The required water content for lime is less compared to other filler materials. The results show that cement and fly ash are pozzolanic in nature, form hydration products in the presence of water in CBEM, and result in higher density and stability. The study depicts the role of filler material in CBEM at the microlevel.

Impact of toluene sorption on oligomers and antioxydants migration from HDPE pipes

The objective of this work was to investigate the ageing behaviour of filled HDPE samples, immersed into toluene at 60 °C, in terms of migration and extraction of stabilizers and oligomers. Firstly, the high level of solvent solubility (mass uptake of∼13.6 wt%), due to the high toluene/HDPE affinity allowed the oligomers (M < 450 g/mol) to migrate and to finally be extracted (3.5 wt% of the mass sample for an immersion time of 96 h). Secondly, the decrease in OIT values, measured at 200 °C on HDPE samples dried after immersion, also revealed the extraction of antioxydants. On the other hand, the impact of the introduction of spherical (ZnO) or lamellar (graphite and organomodified montmorillonite) fillers up to 15 wt% on toluene sorption and migration phenomena was studied. As a result, the introduction of fillers, whatever the filler type, led to modification of the extraction profile of the oligomers. However, ZnO and MMT fillers had little effect on toluene sorption compared to graphite. Indeed, a significant decrease in the amount of toluene sorbed by the matrix and a significant slowdown in the toluene diffusion rate were demonstrated for amounts of graphite greater than 10 wt%. Interestingly, a reduction in the migration of low molar mass oligomers was evidenced and attributed to possible adsorption on the filler surfaces. Among the fillers used, graphite-type was more effective, reducing the amount of extracted species by a factor of 3.5. Regarding the impact of fillers on the thermo-oxidative behavior, once again, it was shown that graphite, at concentration higher than 10 wt%, allowed to prevent the antioxidant migration and consequently the thermal-oxidative degradation. Finally, and as expected, another way to improve the thermo-oxidative resistance after immersion in toluene was to increase the initial amount of antioxidants by adding Irganox B225 which is an equimassic mixture of Irganox 1010, a primary antioxidant and Irgafos 168, a secondary antioxidant.

The impact of fillers on the biodegradation of plasticized PVC-materials exposed to soil microorganisms

Due to the growing use of polymer materials, in particular in construction sphere, the issue of their recycling at the end of their service life is particularly relevant. Being the base for flooring, plasticized PVC-compositions, are utilized by soil microbial flora, as the plasticizer EDOS has a positive effect on the microbiocenosis of the soil. It was shown that for aqueous extracts of samples of PVC-compositions, there is no toxicity for two test objects - infusoria Paramecium caudatum and crustacean Daphnia magna. Filling plasticized PVC-materials with natural wollastonite Miwoll 10-97 inhibits the processes of soil respiration, and rice husk ash and synthetic wollastonite on its base, contribute to its preservation. At the same time, the use of these fillers reduces the degree of utilization of plasticized PVC-compositions by soil microbial flora, since the plasticizer EDOS is adsorbed on their surface and becomes less accessible for soil microorganisms. This was proved by infrared spectroscopy and occurs due to the formation of hydrogen bonds between EDOS and rice husk ash.

New opportunities for sustainable bioplastic development: Tailorable polymorphic and three-phase crystallization of stereocomplex polylactide by layered double hydroxide

Stereocomplexation between enantiomeric poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(d-lactide) (PDLA) is a promising sustainable approach and gaining momentum to overcome the shortcomings of polylactide (PLA) for its use as a replacement for fossil-based plastics. Filler addition in tailoring the crystallization of stereocomplex PLA (SC-PLA) has attracted extensive attention; however, research has primarily focused on the heterogeneous nucleation effect of filler. The impact of filler on the chain behavior of SC-PLA during crystallization has not been exclusively discussed, and the rigid amorphous fraction (RAF) development remains unknown. In this study, the crystallization of PLLA/PDLA blends was modified by low loading of layered double hydroxide (LDH) (≤ 1 wt%) with the proposed local effect of such filler, and additional RAF development was incurred. In the early stage of crystallization, LDH facilitates the pairing of PLLA and PDLA and arrests the ordered SC pairs during the dynamic balance between the separation and pairing of racemic segments. This explains the severely suppressed homochiral (HC) crystallization, promoted SC crystallization, and additional RAF formation driven by the nucleation-induced chain ordering. This work, for the first time, highlights the role of LDH in creating SC-PLA with tailorable polymorphism and RAF, where the mechanism can be extended to other filler-type nucleator systems.

Ecotoxicity Study of New Composite Materials Based on Epoxy Matrix DER-331 Filled with Biocides Used for Industrial Applications.

The impact of fillers in the epoxy oligomer on the test culture of the marine ecosystem was investigated. The content of additive—biocides—was selected based on the complex research using STAT-GRAPHICS® Centurion XVI. The ecotoxicity of composite surfaces was determined in model systems using methods which are standard in eco-microbiology. The microorganism was identified by studying morphological, cultural, biochemical, and antigenic properties. Studies of the structure and the microrelief of the surfaces of composite materials were conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. Based on comprehensive research, it was established that the composition of oxytetracycline with content of q = 1.5 wt% and nanosilver with a content of q = 0.075 wt% per 100 wt% of the DER-331 oligomer and 10 parts by the mass of the TETA hardener ensures the formation of a porous nano-heterogeneous structure of the coating, which leads to the acceleration of the release of silver ions from the surface of the polymer. The rational content of the complex additives of biocides ensures adhesion to the cell wall of bacteria with subsequent penetration into it and subsequent change to the cell membrane, its death, and, therefore, the suppression of the fouling process of metal structures.

Effect of graphite flake and multi‐walled carbon nanotube on thermal, mechanical, electrical, and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of polycarbonate nanocomposite

AbstractThe current study reports the preparation of polycarbonate (PC) nanocomposite using graphite flake (GF) and multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) at varying weight percentages (10%, 20%, and 30%) by the melt mixing technique. The impact of filler on the properties of thermal conductivity (TC), electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI), electrical, and mechanical of the nanocomposite were studied. The improvement in the thermal conductivity value of ˃150% was achieved at a loading of 30% of graphite flake and 20% multiwalled carbon nanotubes. The morphology of the composite studied by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), confirmed the dispersion of filler in the PC matrix. The electrical conductivity of both the optimized compositions achieved was in the order of 10−2 S/cm. Further, the EMI shielding of ∼35 and ∼32 dB was observed for graphite flake and MWCNT based composites, indicating the suitability of the developed system for various commercial applications.

Mandarin peel as an auspicious functional filler for polymer composites

This work describes the mandarin peel (MP) application as a waste filler for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites. The main goal was to investigate the impact of filler’s essential oils, which include multiple terpenes and terpenoids, on the processing, physicochemical, mechanical and thermal properties, as well as color and volatile organic compounds emissions from the composites with different filler content (1-10 wt%). At small loadings, MP can be considered an efficient filler for wood-polymer composites, enhancing their flowability, tensile strength and thermal stability. Besides, it may act as colorant and aroma compound for polymer materials, and enhances the termooxidative resistance of composites. The oxidation induction time was elongated from 20 min for HDPE up to 62 min for the composites with 10 wt% of filler. The obtained research results allow application of the MP not only in the production of highly-filled composites, but also as an additive that significantly enhances the composites’ performance at low concentrations.

Screw holding performance in WPC composites

Screw holding performance in WPC composites. In this research effort, the impact of fillers’ composition on wood-plastic composites (WPC) made of poly (lactic acid) PLA was tested. The composites varied in filler type (bark, sawdust) and its content in the boards (40, 50, 60%). The composites were manufactured in a two-stage process consisting of extrusion and flat pressing. Analogically prepared HDPE boards were a reference. Composites were tested for density, density profile, and screw-holding ability. Boards based on PLA performed better screw-holding ability than HDPE. The greatest influence was exerted by the share of matrix/filler. An increase in the content of lignocellulosic particles from 40 to 60% (regardless of the type of matrix: PLA or HDPE) generally reduced screw-holding ability. The type of filler (sawdust, bark) was almost 3 times more important in the case of HDPE boards compared to PLA boards.

Evaluation of the Impact of Organic Fillers on Selected Properties of Organosilicon Polymer.

Eco-friendly composites are proposed to substitute commonly available polymers. Currently, wood–plastic composites and natural fiber-reinforced composites are gaining growing recognition in the industry, being mostly on the thermoplastic matrix. However, little data are available about the possibility of producing biocomposites on a silicone matrix. This study focused on assessing selected organic fillers’ impact (ground coffee waste (GCW), walnut shell (WS), brewers’ spent grains (BSG), pistachio shell (PS), and chestnut (CH)) on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of silicone-based materials. Density, hardness, rebound resilience, and static tensile strength of the obtained composites were tested, as well as the effect of accelerated aging under artificial seawater conditions. The results revealed changes in the material’s properties (minimal density changes, hardness variation, overall decreasing resilience, and decreased tensile strength properties). The aging test revealed certain bioactivities of the obtained composites. The degree of material degradation was assessed on the basis of the strength characteristics and visual observation. The investigation carried out indicated the impact of the filler’s type, chemical composition, and grain size on the obtained materials’ properties and shed light on the possibility of acquiring ecological silicone-based materials.

Advanced Nafion nanocomposite membrane embedded with unzipped and functionalized graphite nanofibers for high-temperature hydrogen-air fuel cell system: The impact of filler on power density, chemical durability and hydrogen permeability of membrane

Nafion, a perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymer, is a key electrolyte that has contributed to commercialization of hydrogen-air fuel cells (HAFCs). However, adoption of Nafion membranes in high-temperature (HT) HAFCs remains an unsolved challenge. In this work, sulfonic acid-functionalized, unzipped graphite nanofiber (SO3H-UGNF) is explored as a potential filler for Nafion to create a composite membrane for HT-HAFCs. The presence of –SO3H groups in SO3H-UGNF permits better dispersion of filler and boosts physiochemical, thermomechanical, and electrochemical properties of Nafion/SO3H-UGNF membrane compared to bare Nafion, Nafion/GNF, and Nafion/UGNF membranes. A range of concentrations of SO3H-UGNF (0.5, 1, or 1.5 wt%) are added to Nafion matrix to establish an optimal content for enhancing proton conductivity at 100, 50, and 18% relative humidity (RH). The optimized Nafion/SO3H-UGNF (1 wt%) membrane achieved a power output of 0.226 W cm˗2 and durability of over 129 h at 120 °C with 18% RH, which represents one of the best performances among reported Nafion-based membranes in HT-HAFCs. The hydrogen permeability, mechanical strength, and morphology of Nafion/SO3H-UGNF membrane were retained reasonably after durability test in HT-HAFC. This study provides valuable insights for design and optimization of potential Nafion composites for HT-HAFCs.

Mixed Agro-waste Biocomposites of Low Density Polyethene; Impact of Fillers on Mechanical, Morphological, Water Imbibition and Biodegradability Properties

In retrospect, the incorporation of agricultural waste as a natural, biodegradable filler in polymer composites is a scientific innovation that has received global attention. This is due to its impact in enhancing sustainability of composites and degradation of plastics. The mechanical, morphological, water imbibition and biodegradability properties of low density polyethene produced composites were investigated using agro wastes blend of corn cobs and sugarcane bagasse. Agro waste with a particle size of 75μm was blended in a 50:50 ratio and integrated into LDPE polymer matrix at different percentages of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, with composites fabricated via injection molding. The mechanical properties like the tensile strength, percentage elongation at break, compressive strength, shear modulus and hardness test of the composites were studied in line with ASTM standards. Also, the morphological properties were studied with a Scanning Electron Microscope. From the results, there was a reduction in tensile strength of the composites with increasing filler loading. However, the percentage elongation at break of the LDPE composite increased as the filler loading increased as an indication that the composite is relatively ductile. Hardness, compressive strength and shear modulus of the polymer composites increased with increasing filler loading. Morphological study of the composites showed a good adhesion and interfacial bonding between the filler and the polymer matrix due to good dispersion of the fillers in the polymer matrix. Biodegradation test revealed a reduction in the mass of the composites after a 3- month burial period which was more pronounced after a 30-day test period indicating that the composite is more environmentally friendly. The highest degradation rate was observed at 20wt% CCSB-LDPE composite giving a 15% reduction after 90days. Result from the water imbibition test indicated no increase in the mass of the composites after immersion in water. This is an indication that the composite can be utilized in wet environments. Hence, from the findings, it is suggested that agro-wastes like rice husk and sugarcane bagasse be employed as fillers in the manufacture of plastics because they are cheaper and viable. Finally, the produced plastics would degrade when discarded.

Metal Organic Framework - Based Mixed Matrix Membranes for Carbon Dioxide Separation: Recent Advances and Future Directions.

Gas separation and purification using polymeric membranes is a promising technology that constitutes an energy-efficient and eco-friendly process for large scale integration. However, pristine polymeric membranes typically suffer from the trade-off between permeability and selectivity represented by the Robeson's upper bound. Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) synthesized by the addition of porous nano-fillers into polymer matrices, can enable a simultaneous increase in selectivity and permeability. Among the various porous fillers, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are recognized in recent days as a promising filler material for the fabrication of MMMs. In this article, we review representative examples of MMMs prepared by dispersion of MOFs into polymer matrices or by deposition on the surface of polymeric membranes. Addition of MOFs into other continuous phases, such as ionic liquids, are also included. CO2 separation from hydrocarbons, H2, N2, and the like is emphasized. Hybrid fillers based on composites of MOFs with other nanomaterials, e.g., of MOF/GO, MOF/CNTs, and functionalized MOFs, are also presented and discussed. Synergetic effects and the result of interactions between filler/matrix and filler/filler are reviewed, and the impact of filler and matrix types and compositions, filler loading, surface area, porosity, pore sizes, and surface functionalities on tuning permeability are discoursed. Finally, selectivity, thermal, chemical, and mechanical stability of the resulting MMMs are analyzed. The review concludes with a perspective of up-scaling of such systems for CO2 separation, including an overview of the most promising MMM systems.

Guayule natural rubber composites: impact of fillers on their cure characteristics, dynamic and mechanical behavior

Guayule natural rubber (GNR) is an alternative resource of Hevea natural rubber (HNR) with 99.9% cis content in its 1,4-polyisoprene chemical backbone. In this study, compounds were formulated independently with four different reinforcing fillers such as carbon black (HAF), precipitated silica (VN3), fume silica (FUM) and nanofly ash (NFA) for the advancement of GNR based products. The cure characteristic, dynamic-mechanical performance and mechanical properties of GNR composite were studied with the reinforcing effect of different fillers on GNR. The cure characteristic results demonstrated that HAF and FUM silica filled compounds had more processing safety than VN3 and NFA filled compounds. Viscoelastic parameters of the vulcanizates were studied by dynamic mechanical analysis to estimate the glass transition characteristics and dynamic behavior. The higher storage modulus of FUM silica vulcanizate was an indication of superior filler reinforcing nature and improved rolling resistance than other filled systems. Additionally, HRTEM analysis also proved the better filler dispersion ability of FUM silica in GNR matrix. The mechanical properties were studied with a variation of each filler loading of 8, 16, and 32 phr in GNR vulcanizates. The tensile strength of each filled system increased with an increase of filler content from 8 to 32 phr. In comparison, FUM silica GNR vulcanizates exhibited better mechanical properties, therefore, it was considered as a better structure-performance composite than those of HAF, VN3 and NFA filled composites.

Do All Eagles Fly High? The Generic Overgeneralization Effect: The Impact of Fillers in Truth Value Judgment Tasks

Abstract The generic overgeneralization effect is an attested tendency to accept false universal generalizations such as “all eagles fly” or “all snakes lay eggs” as true. In this paper, we discuss the generic overgeneralization effect demonstrated by Polish adult speakers. We asked 313 native speakers of Polish to evaluate universal quantified generalizations such as “all eagles fly” or “all snakes lay eggs” as true or false. The control group of 107 respondents provided data on the acceptance rates of the corresponding generic generalizations such as “eagles fly” or “snakes lay eggs”. By determining the impact of test fillers on the participants’ acceptance rates, the study aimed to identify the scope of the generic overgeneralization effect. We manipulated four conditions: the universal negative, positive, neutral, and generic control conditions. The results showed significant differences between the first two conditions, but neither the negative nor the positive condition differed from the neutral one. The overall acceptance rates of universal statements were 63% for the negative condition, 49% for the positive condition, 55% for the neutral condition, and 90% for the control group. Overall, the participants accepted universal quantified statements at high rates even when they were prompted to reject them. The results may be interpreted as another piece of evidence in support of the generic overgeneralization effect.

Silica-Filled Composites from Epoxidized Natural Oils

Thermosetting cast resins, filled with varying levels of silica, were prepared from epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and epoxidized triolein (ETO) in order to study matrix-filler interactions and effects of cross-linking density on physical properties. While ESO is characterized by a highly heterogeneous composition, ETO had very regular structure but lower epoxy content. Room temperature ring opening polymerization initiated with butanediol was catalyzed by fluoroboric acid. Epoxy matrices were almost entirely made from natural oils, with cross-link densities correlated with epoxy oxygen content in the epoxidized oils. In spite of high cross-link density, glass transitions of ESO and ETO matrices were below room temperature, which was attributed partially to the plasticizing effect of “dangling chains” and side reactions (cyclization). Ground silica particles increased strength and modulus but did not shift glass transition in a predictable way. The impact of filler on mechanical properties was more pronounced in composites prepared with lower functionality ETO. These rapidly setting materials were prepared by a simple process of mixing and casting. The resulting inexpensive epoxy composites displayed relatively low polarity and low dielectric loss, particularly in the glassy state, and therefore may show utility in electrical insulation applications.