Maleic Anhydride Compatibilizer Research Articles

Pengaruh Compatibilizer Polyvinyl Alcohol-graft-Maleic Anhydride (PVA-g-MAH) terhadap Karakteristik Plastik Degradable Berbasis Pati Sagu dan Pati Biji Nangka

Degradable plastics may be employed as a substitute for conventional plastics in various commercial applications. Plastics made from starch and PVA-g-MAH are biodegradable. This research uses sago and jackfruit starch, a maleic anhydride compatibilizer, and PVA to make degradable plastics stronger. The research method consists of several stages, making sago starch and jackfruit seed starch, preparing degradable plastic synthesis, and testing the resulting degradable plastic. The test of mechanical characteristics of degradable plastics carried out is the tensile strength test of 4.41 Mpa - 6.02 MPa on sago starch-based degradable plastic with PVA-g-MAH, while the tensile strength of 6.86 - 8.43 MPa on jackfruit seed starch-based degradable plastic with PVA-g-MAH. The test shows that the compound is hydrophilic, meaning it binds to water and is easily degraded by soil. The DSC thermogram shows that the plastic samples degrade when heated, both thermogram peaks occur which indicate physical changes. The swelling value obtained in sago starch degradable plastic with PVA-g-MAH is (28.14-72.17%) while in jackfruit seed starch degradable plastic, the swelling obtained ranges from (25.91-84.72%) showing a good result. Sago starch and jackfruit seed starch degradable plastics degraded in 6-18 days using PVA-g-MAH. Sago starch and jackfruit seed starch-based plastics using PVA-g-MA meet the ASTM 6400 standard for biodegradable plastics. The plastic should be able to biodegrade up to 60% within six months or 90% within one year.

Preparation and characterization of hybrid PLA biocomposites reinforced by wood and silane treated basalt fibers or compatibilized by maleic anhydride‐grafted polypropylene (MAPP)

AbstractIn this study, basalt and/or beech wood fibers were treated with vinyltrimethoxysilane or compatibilized by maleic anhydride‐ grafted polypropylene (MAPP) to produce hybrid polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites. Twin‐screw extruder was used to produce biocomposites, following by a hot press to form samples. Physical and mechanical properties of composites that were produced from both treated and untreated fibers were compared. Chemical, morphological, and thermal analysis of biocomposites were analyzed with TGA, FTIR and SEM, respectively. The results showed that silane treated basalt/wood fiber reinforced PLA (PBWS) and silane treated basalt reinforced PLA (PBS) have significantly better flexural strength than neat PLA. Besides, basalt reinforced bio‐composites except PBW3 and PBWM variations have significantly superior impact strength than neat PLA. Utilization of compatibilizers also reduced thickness swelling and water uptake features of biocomposites. All the above experimental data showed that the utilization of silane compatibilizer has better impact on properties than MAPP for such wood/basalt hybrid composite.Highlights Hybrid biocomposites with wood and basalt fibers by using coupling agents were prepared for the first time. Hybridization of organic and inorganic fibers gave promising results. Silane and maleic anhydride compatibilization improves physical properties. Vinyltrimethoxy silane grafted basalt fiber improves flexural strength significantly. Silanization of wood or basalt fibers enhances significantly the impact strength.

Synthesis, characterization, thermal and mechanical behavior of polypropylene hybrid composites embedded with CaCO<sub>3</sub> and graphene nano-platelets (GNPs) for structural applications

<abstract> <p>In this study, ultra-fine graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were employed as nanofillers to reinforce a polypropylene (PP) matrix. This was done in conjunction with a polypropylene grafted maleic anhydride (PP-MAH) compatibilizer and calcium carbonate (CaCO<sub>3</sub>), with the aim of improving the mechanical and thermal properties of the resulting hybrid composites. Formulations for the hybrid composites were fabricated by compounding the PP matrix with varying weight percentages of GNPs (x = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0), 2 wt.% CaCO<sub>3</sub>, and 5 wt.% PP-MAH using a twin-screw extruder followed by injection molding. This research thoroughly investigates the mechanical and thermal characteristics. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results confirm the successful development of hybrid composites. The thermal stability, crystallization temperature, melting temperature, tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance were evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), universal testing machine, and low-velocity impact tester, respectively. The results indicated a significant improvement in the tensile strength of the PP matrix with the addition of GNPs, with the highest enhancement observed at 1.5 wt.% GNP loading, where the tensile strength reached a maximum of 40.54 MPa. This improvement was attributed to the proper interconnection, bonding, and compounding of PP with GNPs, thus leading to an increase in the load transfer efficiency.</p> </abstract>

Combined Effect of Poly(lactic acid)-Grafted Maleic Anhydride Compatibilizer and Halloysite Nanotubes on Morphology and Properties of Polylactide/Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) Blends.

Given the global challenge of plastic pollution, the development of new bioplastics to replace conventional polymers has become a priority. It is therefore essential to achieve a balance in the performances of biopolymers in order to improve their commercial availability. In this topic, this study aims to investigate the morphology and properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/ poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) (at a ratio of 75/25 (w/w)) blends reinforced with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and compatibilized with poly(lactic acid)-grafted maleic anhydride (PLA-g-MA). HNTs and PLA-g-MA were added to the polymer blend at 5 and 10 wt.%, respectively, and everything was processed via melt compounding. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis shows that HNTs are preferentially localized in PHBHHx nodules rather than in the PLA matrix due to its higher wettability. When HNTs are combined with PLA-g-MA, a finer and a more homogeneous morphology is observed, resulting in a reduction in the size of PHBHHx nodules. The presence of HNTs in the polymer blend improves the impact strength from 12.7 to 20.9 kJ/mm2. Further, with the addition of PLA-g-MA to PLA/PHBHHX/HNT nanocomposites, the tensile strength, elongation at break, and impact strength all improve significantly, rising from roughly 42 MPa, 14.5%, and 20.9 kJ/mm2 to nearly 46 MPa, 18.2%, and 31.2 kJ/mm2, respectively. This is consistent with the data obtained via dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The thermal stability of the compatibilized blend reinforced with HNTs is also improved compared to the non-compatibilized one. Overall, this study highlights the effectiveness of combining HNTs and PLA-g-AM for the properties enhancement of PLA/PHBHHx blends.

Tribological properties of hemp fiber reinforced polylactic acid bio-composites: effect of different types of modification methods

In this study, green composites are prepared with 30 wt.% hemp fibers reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) to enhance the impact and tribological properties. Different surface treatments of alkali and silane, compatibilizer of maleic anhydride (MA), and blends of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and poly (butylene succinate) were applied to improve interfacial adhesion between fibers and matrix. Hemp-reinforced PLA bio-composites were fabricated and characterized by hardness, impact strength, wear, and friction properties. The tribological tests of the injection-molded components were performed under two different loads (10 N and 20 N) as dry-sliding linearly reciprocating motion per ASTM G133. Modified composites gave better tribological properties than unmodified composites. While no remarkable improvement was observed in the hardness value of untreated fiber-reinforced composite, alkali-treated composite reached up to 43% improvement in hardness value. In general, as the load increased, weight loss increase was observed in all composites. Unmodified bio-composite exhibited a very low weight loss and specific wear rate (SWR) compared to neat PLA under 10 N load. The SWR of the MA bio-composite had the lowest value for both loads (10 N and 20 N) compared to the other bio-samples. The TPU blended bio-composite exhibited the highest impact strength (22.96 kJ m−2) after pure PLA (26.5 kJ m−2). Therefore, due to surface treatments and blends applied to the fibers, some composites’ hardness and wear resistance were increased while the impact strength and friction coefficient was decreased. Especially silane surface treatment and MA compatibilizer application increased the wear resistance of composites. When the scanning electron microscope images were examined, it was revealed that the fiber and matrix interface bonding was good, and the fibers were firmly embedded in the matrix. Furthermore, forming a protective thin film layer formed by the polymer debris from the surface during dry-sliding increased the wear performance of the bio-composites.

Pengaruh Konsentrasi Polikaprolakton dan Kompatibiliser Asam Maleat Anhidrida Terhadap Karakteristik Komposit Bioplastik Maizena-Glukomanan

The weaknesses of cornstarch and glucomannan bioplastic composites is they are hydrophilic, as a result, these bioplastic composites have swelling values, WVTR, tensile strength, elongation at break, and young modulus that not SNI. This study was to determine the effect of the concentration of polycaprolactone and maleic anhydride and their interaction on the characteristics of the cornstarch-glucomannan bioplastic composite, and to determine the concentration of polycaprolactone and maleic anhydride compatibilizer which can produce the best cornstrach-glucomannan bioplastic composite. This study used a randomized block design with two factors. The concentration of polycaprolactone which consists of 3 levels (10% ; 12.5% ; 15%). Factor II is the concentration of maleic anhydride which consists of 3 levels (2.5%; 5%; 7.5%). The variables observed were tensile strength, elongation at break, young modulus, swelling, WVTR, biodegradation and FTIR. The data obtained were analyzed for diversity (ANOVA) and continued with Duncan's test. The results showed that the concentration of polycaprolactone and maleic anhydride and their intereaction had a significant effect on tensile strength, young modulus, WVTR, and swelling except for the elongation at break and biodegradation. Concentration of 15% polycaprolactone and 5% maleic anhydride produced the best composite bioplastic with a tensile strength of 16.16 MPa, elongation at break of 2.610%, modulus young of 627 MPa, swelling of 30.26%, WVTR 0.64g/m2.hour and degradation time for 7.33 days. Cornstarch and glucomannan bioplastic composites with concentrations of polycaprolactone and maleic anhydride contain functional groups of expression -(CH2)n, alkane, hydroxyl alcohol, carboxyl, alkene, alkyne, alkanes, and carbonyl .

Effect of maleic anhydride compatibilizer addition on mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA)/cellulose acetate (CA) composites film

Environmental problems caused by the use of undegradable conventional plastics are still the major issue. According to the Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) in 2021, plastic waste in Indonesia accumulated as much as 66 million tons per year and is expected to raise gradually. PLA and CA, derived from renewable resources, are biodegradable, thermoplastic, resistant to pressure, and are often used as raw materials for the manufacture of composite plastics. PLA is hydrophobic and CA is hydrophilic, so a compatibilizer is needed as a substance that can improve the mechanical properties, compatibility, and homogeneity of the resulting composite film. This research aims to obtain the ratio of PLA/CA and the concentration of maleic anhydride (MA) compatibilizer to produce PLA/CA composites film with good mechanical strength and according to packaging material standards. The method in this research is solvent casting by synthesizing composite films through sample preparation, modification of CA with MA, grafting of PLA/CA and MA, synthesis of composite films of PLA/CA and MA, as well as several characteristic tests. The results showed that the obtained films were identified as having PLA, CA, and MA, had a relatively smooth surface and were degraded at a temperature treatment of 543 o C. The best film was obtained from mass variations of PLA/CA and MA (6:4:1.5 gram) with a tensile strength of 7.38 MPa, and elongation at break reached 18.11% and met the packaging standard values by Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS).

Rheological behavior of poly(propylene) reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets for injection molding

AbstractPoly(propylene) (PP)‐based graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) nanocomposites are processed by a melt blending technique. To obtain more knowledge about the rheological behavior of nanocomposites for injection molding, the rheological characterization of nanocomposites is performed using a double capillary rheometer over a shear rate range from 10 to 6000 s−1. The influence of processing temperature (170, 180, and 190°C) is evaluated. To improve the interaction between PP and GnPs, maleic anhydride (MA) is applied as a compatibilizer. The viscosity master curves are fitted to the Cross‐WLF model. In relation to neat PP, the presence of GnPs promote a viscosity decrease. The nanocomposites containing MA exhibit a higher viscosity than the non‐compatibilized counterparts, suggesting adhesion improvement between PP and GnPs. In addition to the MA compatibilizer effect, the results show that its presence could act as a plasticizer/lubricant in the PP matrix. The morphology characterization of nanocomposites suggests that in addition to improving the adhesion between PP and GnPs, the MA presence also improved the GnPs dispersion in the PP matrix. The presence of GnPs and MA can affect the Newtonian behavior of the PP matrix. All studied samples reveal thermo‐rheological simplicity and pseudo‐plastic behavior.

Enhanced mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites containing carbon nanotubes decorated with barium titanate

This study presents functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) decorated with functionalized barium titanate (BT) (denoted as BT@CNTs) via hydrothermal and self-assembly methods to improve dispersion in polypropylene (PP) matrix with enhanced thermal, mechanical, and thermomechanical properties. The CNTs, BT, and BT@CNTs with the addition of polypropylene maleic anhydride (PPMA) compatibilizer were used in the fabrication of the PP based nanocomposites for this study via solution mixing and melt compounding. FTIR, TEM, and SEM analyses, respectively revealed that the nanoparticles were successfully functionalized, CNTs decorated with BT, and well dispersion in the PP matrix. PP/BT@CNTs-based nanocomposite showed optimal tensile strength, modulus, heat deflection, and thermal stability of about 16.8%, 26.5%, 20.1%, and 30oC higher than that obtained for the pure PP. These properties were also respectively 10.6%, 17.6%, 19.0%, and 5.0oC higher than PP/3CNTs nanocomposite when compared to PP/3BT@CNTs. The PP/BT@CNTs based nanocomposites also revealed enhanced dynamic mechanical properties. The better performance in the measured properties of PP/BT@CNTs compared to pure PP and PP/CNTs were attributed to their uniform microstructures, effective interlocking of the PP matrix due to the presence of BT on CNTs surfaces.

Thermal, mechanical and dielectric properties of functionalized sandwich BN-BaTiO3-BN/polypropylene nanocomposites

Research attention has been drawn towards the development of polypropylene (PP) based materials, which simultaneously have large dielectric constant, mechanical strength, and thermal stability for power-related applications. This study achieved that by using sandwich structured BN-BaTiO3-BN in modification of PP matrix. The BN-BaTiO3-BN sandwich nanoparticles were prepared via hydrothermal and assembly techniques. Before that, the nanoparticles were surface functionalized using 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane. The functionalized nanoparticles were investigated using FTIR and TGA, which confirmed successful functionalization. Molten polypropylene grafted maleic anhydride (PPMA) compatibilizer was used to wrap the BN and BaTiO3 (BT) nanoparticles, which also promoted their compatibility with the PP matrix. The nanocomposites were prepared via melt compounding method using rheomixer. The developed PP nanocomposites showed enhanced DSC properties and thermal stability (above 20 °C compared to the pure PP). In addition, the dielectric constant increased from 2.02 at 100 Hz for the pure PP to 4.68 for PP/5BN-15BT nanocomposite, which is about 132% increase. The nanocomposite also retained an appreciable low loss of about 0.05 at 100 Hz. The enhanced dielectric and thermal properties are required for optimal performance of PP dielectric film capacitor for power applications and miniaturization of electronic components. The various improved properties were attributed to interfacial polarization, interlocking of PP chains and thermal barriers in the PP matrix offered by the nanoparticles.

Behaviour of PLA/POSS nanocomposites: Effects of filler content, functional group and copolymer compatibilization

The main purpose of this study was to investigate influences of three parameters on the mechanical and thermal properties of the polylactide (PLA) matrix nanocomposites filled with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) particles. For the first parameter of “Filler Content”, nanocomposites with 1, 3, 5, 7 wt% basic POSS structure were compared. For the second parameter of “Functional Group,” basic POSS structure having only nonpolar isobutyl groups were compared with three other functionalized POSS structures; i.e. aminopropylisobutyl-POSS (ap-POSS), propanediolisobutyl-POSS (pd-POSS) and octasilane-POSS (os-POSS). Finally, for the third parameter of “Copolymer Compatibilization,” all specimens were compared before and after their maleic anhydride (MA) grafted copolymer compatibilization. Specimens were produced with twin-screw extruder melt mixing and shaped under compression molding. Various tests and analyses indicated that the optimum filler content for the improved mechanical properties was 1 wt%; while the optimum structure for strength and modulus was pd-POSS structure, in terms of fracture toughness it was basic POSS structure. Additional use of MA compatibilization was especially effective for the basic POSS and os-POSS particles.

Functional dyeable polypropylene fabric development and process parameter optimization Part I: Dyeable modified polypropylene development with process parameter optimization

This study aims to develop dyeable modified polypropylene (PP) granules with disperse dye. The optimal dyeable modified PP granule process used polyester as a mixed copolymer. The purpose was to overcome the excessive difference between the polyester material melting point and PP melting point. The development of a low-melting modified co-polybutylene adipate terephthalate (Co-PBAT) was the key point. After the low-melting modified Co-PBAT was presented, PP and a PP grafting maleic anhydride compatibilizer were made into a composite by dual-screw mixing process. The disperse dye dyeability was reached by the molecular behavior of the Co-PBAT chain segment. The prepared material was applied to explore the thermal properties of modified ester pellets and the functional group was verified by Fourier infrared spectroscopy. In this study, the Taguchi method and principal component analysis were used to optimize the process parameter design of two quality characteristics; namely, the color strength and the polymer melt flow index (MFI). According to the results, the multi-quality optimization of the ester pellets consisted of a modified Co-PBAT melting point of 170°C, the modified Co-PBAT content of 9 wt%, the compatibilizer content of 3 wt%, and the mixing temperature of 205°C. The MFI of the regular PP polymer was 28.1 g/10 min, the color strength was 100 K/S. For the optimal process, the MFI of the PP/Co-PBAT dyeable granules was 37.88 g/10 min, and the color strength was 121.31 K/S. It could be observed that the developed polymer had good circulating workability and color strength.

High-density polyethylene/recycled HDPE/nanoclay composites using an amine-alcohol modified polyethylene as a compatibilizer

The effect of a high-density polyethylene grafted amine alcohol (HDPE-g-DMAE) as compatibilizer on the mechanical, rheological and morphological characteristics of polyethylene/polyethylene post-consumer recycled blends (HDPE/rHDPE) reinforced with nanoclay was studied. Blends of HDPE with high rHDPE contents, more than 60% (wt) of rHDPE, were evaluated. HDPE bottles were manually separated from municipal solid waste, washed, grinded, and finally compounded at various concentrations with virgin HDPE and nanoclay. The effect of this HDPE-g-DMAE was compared with conventional polyethylene maleic anhydride (HDPE-g-MA) compatibilizer. FTIR characterization confirmed the formation of this HDPE-g-DMAE compatibilizer. The mechanical properties of uncompatibilized blends decreased with increasing rHDPE content, whereas these properties were significantly enhanced when HDPE-g-DMAE was used compared with HDPE-g-MA compatibilizer and with uncompatibilized blends. Scanning electron (SEM) micrographs of the fractured surfaces when using HDPE-g-DMAE showed improvement in the interfacial adhesion and interaction between recycled and virgin polyethylene. The nanocomposites compatibilized with PE-g-DMAE had better clay exfoliation–intercalated structure compared to PE-g-MA-compatibilized nanocomposites. The novelty of this work is based on the use of PE-g-DMAE as a compatibilizer in HDPE/rHDPE/nanoclay composites with improved mechanical properties. This compatibilizer promoted the adhesion between recycled and virgin polymer phases in the blend and increased the interactions between compatibilizer and hydroxyl groups on the clay surface, as well as oxidized groups in the recycled polymer. This indicates that recycled postconsumer HDPE could replace, in larger proportions, part of the virgin HDPE for certain applications with better mechanical performance than uncompatibilized blends. This is an option to bring recycled plastics back into the market and increase the versatility of products manufactured with recycled polymers.

The role of interface on the toughening and failure mechanisms of thermoplastic nanocomposites reinforced with nanofibrillated rubber.

The interface plays a crucial role in the physical and functional properties of polymer nanocomposites, yet its effects have not been fully recognized in the setting of classical continuum-based modeling. In the present study, we investigate the roles of interface and interfiber interactions on the toughening effects of rubber nanofibers embodied in thermoplastic-based materials. Emphasis is placed on establishing comprehensive theoretical and atomistic descriptions of the nanocomposite systems subjected to pull-out and uniaxial extension in the longitudinal and transverse directions. Using the framework of molecular dynamics, the annealed melt-drawn nanofibers were spontaneously formed via the proposed four-step methodology. The generated nanofibers were then crosslinked using the proposed robust topology-matching algorithm, through which the chemical reactions arising in the crosslinking were closely assimilated. The interfiber interactions were also examined with respect to separation distances and nanofiber radius via a nanofiber-pair atomistic scheme, and the obtained results were subsequently incorporated into the pull-out and uniaxial test simulations. The results indicate that the compatibilizer grafting results in enhanced interfacial shear strength by introducing extra chemical interactions at the interface. In particular, it was found that the compatibilizer restricts the formation and coalescence of nanovoids, resulting in enhanced toughening effects. Together, we have shown that the presence of a small amount of well-dispersed rubber nanofibrillar network whose surfaces are grafted with maleic anhydride compatibilizer can dramatically increase the toughness and alter the failure mechanisms of the nanocomposites without any deterioration in the stiffness, which is also consistent with the recent experimental observations in our lab. The interfacial failure mechanism was also investigated by monitoring the changes in the atomic concentration profiles, mean square displacement and fractional free volume. The results obtained may serve as a promising alternative for the continuum-based modeling and analysis of interfaces.

Compatibilizer/graphene/carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR)/ethylenepropylenediene monomer (EPDM) nanocomposites: Morphology, compatibility, rheology and mechanical properties

AbstractIn this study, nanocomposites based on different blends of XNBR/EPDM with 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1 phr graphene were prepared on a two‐roll mill. The role of EPDM‐grafted maleic anhydride compatibilizer (EPDM‐g‐MAH) and the effect of graphene on morphology, curing characteristics, and mechanical properties were investigated. The curing behavior of the nanocomposites was studied using a rubber curing rheometer. Also, microstructure of the nanocomposites was observed by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. With increasing the graphene content in the composite, in addition to the torque, the curing time and scorch time were increased. Fracture surface morphological studies indicated that the presence of EPDM‐g‐MAH improved the graphene dispersion within the XNBR/EPDM matrix and a uniform dispersion with a small amount of aggregation was observed. On the other hand, the presence of graphene in the matrix created a rough fracture surface. In addition, with adding EPDM‐g‐MAH compatibilizer and increasing the graphene, the dispersed phase size of EPDM in the XNBR matrix became smaller and a uniform dispersion was obtained. Also, hardness, tensile strength, fatigue, modulus, and elongation‐at‐break of XNBR/EPDM nanocomposite showed a significant increase by the addition of compatibilizer and increasing the graphene content.

Compounding and characterization of recycled multilayer plastic films

AbstractMechanical recycling of multilayer plastic films from food packages was investigated. The multilayer films were manually separated from municipal solid waste, washed, grinded, and finally compounded at 0–100 wt% concentrations with virgin low‐density polyethylene (PE‐LD). Polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PE‐g‐MA) compatibilizer was used in two of the compounds to replace 2 and 5 wt% of the PE‐LD to study its effect as well. PE‐g‐MA is expected to improve the mechanical properties of the compounds by promoting the adhesion between incompatible polymer phases. The composition of the compounds was characterized with Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry and their properties were studied with tensile testing and rotational rheometer measurements. All tested compounds had relatively good mechanical properties and processability. This indicates that recycled multilayer films could replace at least part of the virgin PE‐LD in applications where high‐thermal stability or good visual appearance is not required. The PE‐g‐MA compatibilizer did not have a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the compounds.

Preparation of high-strength SEBS nanocomposites reinforced with halloysite nanotube: Effect of SEBS-g-MA compatibilizer

Poly(styrene -b-ethylene- co-butylene -b-styrene) (SEBS)/organophilic halloysite nanotube (Org-HNT) nanocomposites were prepared by solution mixing and then compression molded. Maleic anhydride grafted SEBS (SEBS- g-MA) was also used as a compatibilizer in preparation of SEBS/SEBS- g-MA/Org-HNT ternary nanocomposites. Surface morphologies and both static and dynamic mechanical analyses as well as thermal stabilities of the nanocomposites were carried out. Both the binary and ternary nanocomposites exhibited higher tensile moduli, tensile strength, and toughness values compared to neat SEBS. The elastic modulus was found to increase about 385% and 320% with addition of 3 and 5 phr Org-HNT into the SEBS matrix, respectively, while the maximum toughness was achieved via SEBS-5H composite with an increase of 45%. The ternary nanocomposite having 3 phr Org-HNT and 10 phr SEBS- g-MA (3H10SMA) gave about a 325% and 103% increase in the elastic modulus and toughness, respectively, together with a 75% increase in the tensile strength as the maximum value. This result was ascribed to interactions of the surface of the nanotubes with the maleic anhydride (MA) group of the compatibilizer. The same nanocomposite was also found to have two times higher dynamic storage modulus at 25°C than neat SEBS and almost the same damping value, which is an indication of improvement in the elastic character of SEBS without impairing its damping ability. Although a much higher damping value was obtained via use of 20 phr SEBS- g-MA with the same amount of nanotubes, the corresponding storage modulus decreased too much, close to that of neat SEBS. The enhanced tensile modulus, strength, and toughness of the 3H10SMA nanocomposite, which is consistent with its dynamic mechanical properties, indicate a good balance between the toughness/damping and stiffness. Moreover, all the nanocomposites exhibited better thermal stabilities than neat SEBS, showing higher midpoint degradation temperatures and peak maximum temperatures at which the maximum degradation occurs.

Effects of micro‐nano titania contents and maleic anhydride compatibilization on the mechanical performance of polylactide

AbstractThe first aim of this study was to compare influences of various contents of the micro‐ (200 nm) and nano (50 nm)‐sized titania (TiO2) particles especially on the mechanical performance of the polylactide (PLA) biopolymer. Micro‐ and nano‐composites were prepared by twin‐screw extruder melt mixing, while the specimens were shaped by compression molding. Scanning electron microscope analyses and mechanical tests revealed that due to the most efficient uniform distribution in the matrix, the best improvements in the strength, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness values could be obtained either by using 5 wt% micro‐TiO2 or by only 2 wt% nano‐TiO2 particles. The second purpose of this study was to investigate influences of using maleic anhydride (MA)‐grafted copolymer (PLA‐g‐MA) compatibilization on the performance of one nanocomposite composition. Due to the improved chemical interfacial adhesion, use of PLA‐g‐MA compatibilization for the specimen of PLA/2 wt% n‐TiO2 composition resulted in the highest improvements in the mechanical performance of neat PLA. The improvements were 14% in tensile strength, 20% in flexural modulus, and as much as 67% in fracture toughness. Thermal behavior of all specimens was also observed by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analyses.

Evaluating the Influence of Specific Mechanical Energy on Biopolymer Blends Prepared via High-Speed Reactive Extrusion

This work studies, for the first time, the influence of specific mechanical energy (SME) on the reaction efficiency and blend’s performance during reactive extrusion of biopolymer compounds. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) were compounded separately with poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) and a premade maleic anhydride (MAH) compatibilizer to achieve functionalization. Different screw speeds (reaching 1000 rpm) and flow rates were tested. Results indicated that the grafting efficiency was directly proportional to the SME imparted in the system. The PBS blends compounded at shorter times and faster speeds experienced less degradation and better mechanical properties than blends compounded at longer times. The effect was similar but less pronounced for the PLA formulations. It is possible to optimize the reactive compatibilization of biopolymer blends by means of SME calculations and that better blend performance is achieved when conducting high-speed extrusion at short residence times.

Investigation of static, dynamic and thermal behavior of novel glass fabric reinforced polymer composites

The present study investigates the influence of maleic anhydride compatibilizer on the mechanical and thermal behavior of glass fiber reinforced polypropylene composites. The composites were prepared by hot compression molding using novel glass fabric and functionalized polypropylene. The tensile, open-hole tensile, dynamic mechanical analysis and differential scanning calorimetry tests were performed as per ASTM standards to characterize the prepared composites. The experimental test results revealed that the increase in maleic anhydride concentration initially increased the tensile strength and open-hole tensile strength by 20.69% and 9.8%, respectively, and then decreased. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed the higher thermal stability of thermoplastic composites and also confirmed the enhancement of both the modulus, due to the addition of glass fiber. Differential scanning calorimetry results had shown a significant change in the degree of crystallinity behavior. It was observed by scanning electron micrographs that the functionalized polypropylene has improved the interfacial bonding between the constituent materials and was ascertained by Fourier transform analysis.