Polymer Composite Materials Research Articles

Investigation of the effect of repeated variable loads on the life cycle of transport structures using polymer composite materials

The problem of the life cycle of transport structures using polymer composite materials (PCM) is touched upon. It is noted that in the life cycle of transport structures, at the stage of operation, the endurance of structural materials plays a key role. The results of experimental studies of PCM depending on the magnitude of the coefficients of reinforcement with fiberglass reinforcement (SPA) are presented. The influence of the degree of prestress of the SPA on the life cycle of the structural element has been established. It is emphasized that in the study of the life cycle of structures, the coefficient of asymmetry of the external load application cycle is of no small importance. As a result of the study, it was found that with an increase in the coefficient of asymmetry of the application of an external load with a simultaneous increase in the prestress in the SPA, the coefficient of endurance, and, consequently, the life cycle of the element, increases.

The effect of filler distribution on electromagnetic properties of nanocarbon/magnetic particles/polymer composites

The type of multi-component fillers and their spatial distribution in conductive polymer-based composites greatly influenced their electrical properties, electromagnetic shielding efficiency (SE), and absorption capability, which require a deep understanding of how these properties improve with changes in the phase composition, content, and distribution of these fillers in the composite. In this study, three-phase polymer composite materials (CMs) with random (epoxy-based) and segregated (polyethylene-based) distribution of nanocarbon (graphite nanoplatelets GNP and carbon nanotubes CNTs) and magnetic (Fe and Co3O4) fillers have been developed. It was found that permittivity εr′ in the frequency range (40–60 GHz) increases sufficiently with the nanocarbon content and their values are slightly higher for random GNP-filled CMs (εr′=10–15 for 3–5 wt. % GNP) compared to CNT-filled CMs and much higher compared to segregated CMs (εr′=4–7 for 3–5 wt. % of nanocarbon). Dielectric loss tangent tanδ is increased with the nanocarbon content (especially for Fe-filled CMs) and sufficiently higher in segregated CMs compared to similar random composites. These enhanced tanδ values correlate with higher electromagnetic shielding efficiency due to absorption of segregated nanocarbon/magnetic/polyethylene CMs, for example, SEAd ≈ 18–23 dB/mm for 5 wt. %GNP. The most preferable for microwave absorption are random and segregated CMs with 2–3 wt. % GNP/30 wt. % magnetic filler: RLmin = −(27–35) dB, effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) Δf10dB=11.5–12.5GHz at a sample thickness of 0.5–0.7 mm. In CNT-based segregated CMs, |RLmin| and EAB values are lower compared with GNP-based CMs. The ability to manipulate these characteristics is important for obtaining good shielding and absorptive properties in the microwave range of electromagnetic radiation.

Morphological Characterization of an Eco Friendly Medi Grade Bio-Polymer Composites Using SEM Analysis

ABSTRACT Background: Medical and Dental Implant Biomaterial Research is focused on the cutting-edge interface of polymer composite material. Ongoing research and development in the bio-material field are focused on novel matrix-filler formulations of polymer composite material with improved properties in near future. Aim: This study focuses on the morphologic characterization and structural analysis of three different volume fraction of novel natural filler basalt reinforced with PEEK polymer. Materials and Methodology: The composite samples are prepared with three different volume fraction of basalt fiber in PEEK matrix, such as PBC1 having 90% PEEK and 10% basalt, PBC 2 having 80% PEEK and 20% basalt, and PBC 3 having 70% PEEK and 30% basalt. The basalt fiber influence in the composite was investigated using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X- Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. The crystalline structure and the grain size were examined by X-Ray diffraction method. Result: The SEM images reveal that PBC2 composite exhibits perfect bonding and less voids compared to pure PEEK, PBC1 and PBC3 composites. Conclusion: The study reports that 80% PEEK and 20% basalt fiber composite shows better structure and grain size compared to other samples with different proportions.

Effects of Absorption on the Tribological Properties of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polyamide-6 Composites Manufactured by Fused Deposition Modeling

Abstract The present work studied the water absorption behavior of polymeric composite materials fabricated using 3D printing technology, as well as its effect on their tribological properties. Polyamide-6 was selected as the base matrix material. Short and continuous carbon fibers are used as the reinforced material. The results showed that the moisture absorption would impair the mechanical properties of polymer matrix and interface bonding between the fiber and the matrix. As a result, the tensile strength of the fiber reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) decreases with water absorption. Nevertheless, the effects of moisture absorption on the wear properties of FRPCs are more complicated, which are depending on the fiber length and sliding conditions. With the short fiber reinforcements, moisture absorption deteriorated the wear resistance under all the testing conditions. With the increase of moisture level, more severe fiber damage/removal was observed, associated with the higher wear loss. With a relative high volume fracture of continuous carbon fiber (∼35 vol%), however, the wear resistance of the FRPC increased with moisture level, especially under a relatively low load. Based on microscopic observations, it was proposed that water inside FRPC specimens is able to provide the lubricating and cleaning effects, which contribute to a lower friction and smooth worn surfaces. The work provides new insights into designing and selecting printed polymer materials, subjected to different loading conditions.

Numerical study of the influence of temperature data error on the determination of frictional heat generation

Subject of research: determination of the friction torque and functions of the specific intensity of heat generation in system of sliding bearings. The purpose of the study: To develop a method for determining the friction torque in sliding bearings using temperature data. Based on computational experiments, study the influence of errors in temperature data on the solution of the inverse problem. Methods and object of research: A system of sliding bearings made of a polymer composite material on which a rotating shaft rests is considered. A mathematical model of the thermal process in the considered system of friction units is presented, taking into account the spatial distribution of temperature and its change over time. The temperature is measured at several points in each bearing. Frictional heat generation is determined by solving the inverse heat conduction problem from the condition that the measured and calculated temperatures are close. To ensure continuous data processing and determine the friction torque during long-term tests, the inverse problem of determining the friction torque from temperature data is solved at successive short time intervals. Then the resulting solutions are «glued together». The main results of the study: With such a restoration, the discrepancy between the specified and restored functions of the specific intensity of heat generation is 10–15 % with an error level in temperature data of 10 %. The developed algorithm for solving the inverse problem of thermal conductivity can be used to determine the friction torques in real systems of self-lubricating sliding bearings.

Rheological properties of phosphorus-containing oligoester(meth)acrylate for processing by vacuum infusion

Objectives. To obtain polymer composite materials (PCM) with enhanced physicomechanical properties using the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VaRTM) method, binders must have a viscosity of up to 500 mPa∙s. In some cases, this leads to restrictions on the use of certain materials or requires the use of temporary diluents. This is closely related to the deterioration of other required composite characteristics, such as increased flammability. Three phosphorus-containing oligoester(meth)acrylates PhOEM-1, PhOEM-2, and PhOEM-3 were synthesized with significant differences in viscosity characteristics in the series PhOEM-1 << PhOEM-2 << PhOEM-3. The polymer based on PhOEM-1 exhibits inferior physicomechanical properties despite having lower viscosity. Hence, the aim of the study was to investigate the viscosity characteristics of mixtures of methacrylate binders of the same nature but different structures and functionalities. This was done by studying the rheological properties of the original oligoester(meth)acrylates and their mixtures taken in various ratios. The method used was to optimize compositions via a simplex lattice (Scheffe’s plan), in order to obtain PCM using the VaRTM technology.Methods. The study of rheological properties of phosphorus-containing oligoester(meth)acrylates and their mixtures was conducted using the method of rotational viscometry on a Brookfield LVDV-II + Pro viscometer with a spindle 27 at different shear rates ranging from 0 to 70 s−1 and temperatures from 30 to 70°C. Rheological studies were also conducted on a Lamy Rheology GT300 PLUS (GEL TIMER) viscometer in the same range of shear rates and temperatures.Results. It was established that the objects under investigation can be characterized by viscosity values ranging from 96 to 2137 mPa∙s depending on the temperature. The nature of the viscous flow of phosphorus-containing oligoester(meth)acrylates and their mixtures is similar to that of Newtonian liquids only at certain shear rates. The effective activation energies of the viscous flow of binders and their mixtures were calculated, and the influence of temperature on the viscosity of binders was determined.Conclusions. The study identified the features and nature of the flow curves of phosphorus-containing oligoester(meth)acrylate binders of the same nature but different structures and functionalities, as well as of their mixtures. The optimal composition ranges of threecomponent mixtures of phosphorus-containing oligoester(meth)acrylates for use in the VaRTM technological process in producing polymer composite materials within the temperature range of 30 to 70°C were defined. The optimal compositions and temperature conditions for obtaining polymer composite materials using the VaRTM technology were also identified. This enables the production of polymer products with complex geometric shapes and varying sizes.

Features of the change in the thermal coefficient of electrical resistance upon heating electrically conductive composites of crystallizable polyolefins with carbon black

Objectives. To investigate electrically conductive polymer composite materials (EPCMs) based on crystallizable polyolefins and electrically conductive carbon black for the production of self-regulating heaters; to study the mechanism of the occurrence of positive and negative temperature coefficients (PTC and NTC) upon heating such composites.Methods. A comprehensive study of the structure and properties of crystallizable EPCMs with electrically conductive technical carbon was carried out. In order to measure the electrical characteristics of the composites, they were compacted into plates to model polymer heaters. Contact electrodes made of an ungreased brass mesh were embedded in their ends. The temperature dependencies of the electrical characteristics of the samples were investigated in a modified thermal chamber of an FWV 633.10 Vicat softening temperature meter. The change in the degree of crystallinity was analyzed by means of differential scanning calorimetry with a NETZSCH DSC 204 F1 Phoenix calorimeter. The dilatometric and rheological characteristics of the samples were studied using an IIRT-AM melt flow index tester.Results. It was determined that the self-regulation ability (an abnormally high positive thermal coefficient of electrical resistance) of selfregulating heaters made of composites of crystallizable polyolefins with electrically conductive technical carbon cannot be explained by the thermal expansion of EPCMs alone. It was shown that in crystallizable polyolefin-based EPCMs, the inversion of the thermal coefficients of electrical resistance (transition from PTC to NTC) is associated with a change in the aggregate state of EPCMs and the beginning of its transition to a viscous-flow state. A mechanism involving a sharp increase in the electrical resistance of self-regulating crystallizable polyolefin-based composite with electrically conductive technical carbon was proposed and substantiated. This mechanism takes into account the additional shear deformation effect produced on the crystalline phase of the EPCM by numerous expanding melt microvolumes formed at the early stages of the melting process with a minimum change in the degree of crystallinity.

Preparation and properties of polymer composites filled with modified highly dispersed polyethylene terephthalate

A new method of processing polyethylene terephthalate waste into a highly dispersed polymer filler by chemical treatment in an aqueous ammonia solution has been proposed. The possibility of obtaining highly dispersed polymer filler and polymer composite materials under elevated pressure and temperature by incorporating the filler into an epoxy oligomer has been demonstrated. The size and microphase structure of dispersed modified polyethylene terephthalate were determined using optical microscopy and speckle interferometry. Infrared spectroscopy established the presence of polyamide groups on the surface and preserved polyethylene terephthalate in the center of the particles. The use of 2-(tri-butoxymethyl)oxirane monoepoxide demonstrated that the resulting powder is an active filler and reacts with epoxy groups at elevated temperature, enhancing the strength of the composite after formation. Some operational characteristics of the polymer composites have been determined, and the feasibility of applying the proposed methods to address the disposal of PET containers, including plastic bottles, has been shown. The conditions for producing the fillers, along with the characteristics of the obtained fillers and the polymer composites based on them, have been established.

Isolation and characterization of biomass waste based bioplasticizer from Eucalyptus leaf: A suitability analysis of biofiller for polymeric composites

Plasticizers improve polymeric materials' properties and processability as additives. Currently, a variety of liquid synthetic plasticizers derived from fossil fuels are available. The environmental unsuitability of these materials could potentially lead to adverse effects on the environment. When we compare solid and liquid plasticizers, we find an infinite variety of liquid plasticizers. As a result, our work focuses on the extraction of plasticizer from plant sources. Accordingly, the plasticizer is extracted from eucalyptus leaves via solvent purification and surface catalysis. Research was conducted utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Ultraviolet (UV) visible spectroscopy to determine the characteristics of plasticizer. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrum (EDS) analysis are used to analyze the surface morphology of the isolated plasticizer. The plasticizer's UV examination reveals active absorption at 375.21 nm. The plasticizer was determined to have a lower density of 0.941 g/cm3. The plasticizer that was extracted had a low solubility in water and organic solvents while possessing an estimated molecular weight of 340. The glass transition temperature of plasticizer was also examined using differential scanning electron microscopy analysis and found to be 64.17°C. The crystallinity index and size were found to be 34.08% and 28.57 nm, respectively. The characteristic features obtained were well-suited for use as filler in polymer composite materials.

Modification of polyurethane latexes of the Aquapol® brand with polymer-polymer complexes for the production of fibrous-porous polymer composite materials

Modification of polyurethane latexes of the Aquapol® brand with polymer-polymer complexes for the production of fibrous-porous polymer composite materials

Unveiling the untapped potential of Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis lignocellulosic fiber: A multifaceted characterization for advancing sustainable biocomposite applications

In the pursuit of sustainable advancements in bio-inspired fiber reinforced polymer composite materials, the exploration of novel natural fibers has become a focal point of research. This experimental study aims to elucidate the unexplored potential of Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis fiber (HRF) as a versatile reinforcement material for high-performance composites. Through an integrated approach, this research offers a meticulous analysis of the HRF's physico-chemical properties, and single fiber tensile strength. The crystalline structure are revealed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal behavior are characterized through thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), and surface morphology has been visualized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) studies. From the results, it is found that the HRF contains a cellulose content of 79.50 %, positioning it as a prime bast fiber among its counterparts. This composition is complemented by hemicellulose (10.36 %), lignin (4.62 %), wax (0.84 %), and ash (2.96 %). The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra unveils the intricate functional groups present in the fibers. XRD analysis highlights a crystallinity index (CI) of 66.93 %, confirming a well-organized and structured crystalline arrangement. The thermal stability established through TGA underscores HRF's resilience up to 284 °C, presenting it is an optimal reinforcement material for bio-inspired green composites operating within 280 °C. The surface morphology of HRF is examined through FESEM and three-dimensional profiling, showcasing its inherent morphological intricacies. The multidimensional characterization provided herein contributes significantly to the evolving landscape of biocomposite research, fostering a platform for future advancements and innovations in HRF-based composite materials.

Near-field underwater explosion and its interaction with a sandwich composite plate

Polymeric composite sandwich materials are critical for marine structures, but their behavior under near-field underwater explosions is not well understood. This study investigates the dynamic response of carbon-fiber-reinforced sandwich composites with varying core densities subjected to near-field underwater explosions. Lab-scale experiments were conducted at two explosive stand-off distances using high-speed imaging and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) to capture the evolution of gas bubble dynamics, surface cavitation, and structural deformation. Results showed that reducing the stand-off distance led to a 0.7 ms increase in gas bubble period, along with an 80 mm increase in horizontal migration of the bubble, while vertical migration remained unaffected. The interaction between the gas bubble and surface cavitation, driven by fluid-structure interaction (FSI), significantly influenced the structural response. In particular, the simultaneous collapse of the gas bubble and surface cavitation resulted in higher localized impulsive loading, causing catastrophic failure in low-density core panels. Meanwhile, panels with higher core densities exhibited a 40 % reduction in out-of-plane deflection, demonstrating enhanced resistance to blast loading. This study provides new insights into the fluid-structure interaction mechanisms that occur during near-field underwater explosions and offers a basis for improving the design of marine structures by optimizing material selection and geometric configurations. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of shock mitigation strategies in composite materials and inform future research in marine structural design under extreme loading conditions.

Investigating the synergistic effects of carbon and glass fibers on the mechanical and thermal properties of phenol‐containing phthalonitrile composites

AbstractThe progressive development of lightweight composites exhibiting desirable thermo‐mechanical properties is an area of growing interest, particularly with the phthalonitrile (PN) based composites, which have shown great potential. However, our understanding of the mechanical and thermal properties of the phenol‐containing phthalonitrile (PN75) resin composites often reveals limitations that make them less suitable for specific structural applications. In this work, we focused on enhancing the mechanical and thermal properties of the PN75 resin through the incorporation of the 4‐aminophthalonitrile (4‐APN), resulting in improved the curing behaviors and increased thermal stability. Our investigation of the short carbon fiber (SCF) and short glass fiber (SGF) reinforced PN75 resin composites revealed that the hybrid SCF/SGF‐based composites at 15 wt% SCF and 15 wt% SGF content exhibited an excellent tensile and the flexural strength. Additionally, the thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated maximum onset degradation and decomposition temperatures at this ratio compared with the neat resin, also we evaluated the interfacial adhesion properties of the SCF/SGF and the PN75 resin composites. These findings contribute to the advancement of polymer composite materials and expand their potential applications across various industries.

Effect of Rheological on the Physical and Electrical Properties of Extruded Micro Carbon -LLDPE Composites

This study focuses on formulating and optimizing a conductive polymer composite (CPC) material tailored for electromechanical applications. Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) polymer and micro carbon particles derived from rice husk were compounded using a hot compaction process and melt blended through a single-screw extrusion machine. A mix of 50% loading of microcarbon particles was used in this research. It was determined that the experiment was successfully conducted, resulting in a stabilized density of approximately 1 g/cm³. The research demonstrates how the prototype Extruder Head effectively stabilizes the density of composites. Electrical conductivity demonstrated a notable increase in conductivity toward higher density. These findings underscore the successful development of a CPC material with improved electrical conductivity, making it a highly suitable tool for high carbon-loading composite material.

Parametric identification of coefficients for a model of fatigue stiffness degradation of a composite material

The problem of finding the fatigue characteristics of a composite material based on test results is considered. The results of endurance tests of unidirectional polymer composite materials with different initial stiffness, breaking stress and working cycle stress were used as the initial data. As a mathematical model of stiffness degradation, a nonlinear ordinary differential equation with five unknown parameters is used, reflecting characteristic changes in the properties of the material. It is required to find such parameter values that the solution of the differential equation should describe the available test results with sufficient accuracy. The solution procedure is reduced to the problem of optimizing the objective function, the value of which characterizes the achieved accuracy. As optimization methods, a method simulating the behavior of a flock of moths and a method of sequential reduction of the search set were used. A step-by-step algorithm for finding unknown model parameters is proposed, and numerical results of processing input data containing information on changing the elasticity modulus of the composite material in the course of applying load cycles are presented.

Control of the parameters of thermosetting binders directly during the molding of products made of polymer composite materials

For aviation binders at the moment there is no necessary methodological base on the basis of which it is possible to control the conditions of their curing by viscosity, reaction rate and glass transition temperature in real time. The paper presents a method of control of thermosetting binder parameters directly during the molding process. The epoxy binder VSE-59 was studied. A mathematical model of the relationship between the frequency maximum parameter of the imaginary component of the electrical impedance and the degree of curing is given, the results of dielectric analysis are compared with laboratory methods (differential scanning calorimetry and rheometry). It is shown that the convergence of the values of the degree of conversion is high. Rheological and dielectric analyses revealed a direct correlation between electrical and rheological properties in the range of injection temperatures. Equations were determined and coefficients were experimentally selected to describe the correlation between viscosity and glass transition temperature and dielectric parameters, which provides the possibility of their control in real time. The obtained results can be used to create a hardware and software base, which makes it possible to control the state of the binder at each moment of the process of forming products from polymer composite materials, as well as to carry out optimization to eliminate the emergence of conditions of uneven polymerization. Realization of the detailed control of the binder state in different parts of the product will allow to carry out verification of calculations, to predict and avoid the occurrence of warping and, accordingly, to increase the quality of composite products.

3D Printable Polymeric Composite Material with Enhanced Conductivity Achieved by Affinity Matching.

Polymer-based conductive composites are lightweight, low-cost, and easily processable materials with important applications in various fields. However, achieving highly conductive and 3D printable polymer-based conductive composites remains challenging. In this study, we successfully developed a highly conductive composite suitable for direct ink writing 3D printing using unsaturated polyester resin as the polymer matrix and graphene nanosheets as conductive fillers and rheological modifiers. Due to the well-matched affinity between graphene nanosheets and unsaturated polyester, the graphene nanosheets aggregate within the unsaturated polyester, forming a 3D conductive network. Moreover, the shearing force during direct ink writing 3D printing induces the orientation of the 2D graphene nanosheets, significantly enhancing their conductivity along the printing direction. At room temperature, the unsaturated polyester resin/graphene composite shows a high conductivity of 69.9 S m-1 while maintaining excellent 3D printability. Structures printed using this material exhibit improved heat dissipation and electromagnetic shielding performance. The reported unsaturated polyester resin/graphene nanosheet composites demonstrate outstanding electrical and heat conductivity and excellent processability, making them promising candidates for applications in electromagnetic shielding, printed electronics, and other fields.

Effect of radiation-induced graft polymerization onto pineapple nonwoven fabric reinforced polymer composite

Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites are gaining attention for their environmental benefits, such as biodegradability and reduced carbon footprint, as well as the potential of the natural fibers to replace or partially substitute synthetic fibers in various applications. However, challenges, such as poor interfacial adhesion and moisture absorption, limit the effectiveness of natural fibers, such as pineapple nonwoven fabric (PNWF) as reinforcement materials in polymer composites. To address these challenges, this study aims to enhance the properties of PNWF through glycidyl methacrylate grafting via radiation-induced graft polymerization. A 22 factorial design was employed to assess the effects of absorbed dosage and monomer concentration on the properties of the grafted PNWF. Infrared spectroscopy and electron microscopy analyses confirmed successful grafting. The grafted PNWF exhibited improved thermal stability and mechanical properties. The resulting composites showed significant enhancements in tensile and flexural strength, specifically, with tensile strength increase ranging from 23.32 to 34.49 MPa and flexural strength from 39.14 to 54.59 MPa. Additionally, the tensile modulus ranged from 0.77 to 1.29 GPa, while the flexural modulus varied from 1.17 to 2.06 GPa. These findings highlight the potential of PNWF grafted with polyglycidyl methacrylate (PNWF-g-PGMA) as an effective reinforcement material for various applications.

Boron nitride: The key material in polymer composites for electromobility

AbstractDespite the continuous development and improvement of many technologies and multifunctional materials for the electric powertrain (ePowertrain) for electric vehicles, there are still technical issues and challenges to address such as thermal management in batteries, electric motors, and power electronic devices, as most of their failures are due to poor thermal management. Consequently, conventional engineering polymer materials already used must be replaced since most of them have low thermal conductivity and are therefore limited in performance for thermal management applications. A key solution is to develop highly thermally conductive polymer composites that combine other features, such as flame‐retardant, electrical insulation, and mechanical and barrier properties, by incorporating fillers into the polymer matrix. This approach has attracted intensive research efforts. In this review, we first examine the key drivers, trends, and solutions of the ePowertrain segment, emphasizing thermal management. Second, special attention is given to the state‐of‐the‐art boron nitride (BN) polymer composites with current or potential applications in the automotive industry, especially, in batteries, electric motors, and power electronics. Third, analysis and prediction of thermal properties of BN polymer composites by finite element simulation are presented. Finally, outlooks for future research in this field are highlighted.Highlights Thermal management of batteries, electric motors and power electronics, using BN polymer composites, optimizes the functionality of electric vehicles. Cross‐linked polymers with BNNSs provide resins for high power motors, film capacitors, and Li‐metal battery electrolytes for electric vehicles. Mathematical modeling and life cycle analysis can predict trends and research gaps in ePowertrain applications.

Development of a comprehensive theoretical and experimental methodology for evaluating the parameters of recycling by pyrolysis of plastic based on polycarbonate and polyethylene

The results of thermogravimetric and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of polymer composite materials (PCM) based on polyethylene and polycarbonate are presented and compared to the polymers polyethylene and polycarbonate. Empirical data were obtained for mathematical modeling, including the amount of solid residue upon pyrolysis, volatile yield, and ash content of the studied PCMs and polymers. Results of the mathematical modeling of the pyrolysis process at a temperature of 600 °C are presented to quantitatively assess the composition of the pyrolysis gas.