Poly Phenylene Ether Research Articles

Effect of the Compounding Method on the Development of High-Performance Binary and Ternary Blends Based on PPE

The polymer blends are an effective strategy for materials design with new properties in the plastic industry; such features may depend on the blend components and the processing method. This study aimed to understand the effect of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) content and its architecture on blends based on polyphenylene ether (PPE), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), and SBS. In addition, this research compared and analyzed the blends formulated by different processing methods: twin-screw extrusion (TSE) and internal mixing (IM). Furthermore, three SBS copolymers, two radial and one linear (with different molecular weights), were used to produce PPE/HIPS/SBS blends, analyzing which SBS copolymer feature provides excellent viscoelasticity, thermomechanical properties, and impact resistance. The findings revealed that the melt processing method played a crucial role in Izod impact resistance of the PPE/HIPS/SBS blends, as well as the molecular architecture, molecular weight, and SBS content. The findings also demonstrated that the TSE process is more effective than the IM. Since the PPE/HIPS/SBS blends displayed higher Izod impact resistance than the PPE/HIPS or PPE/SBS binary blends, a synergistic effect of SBS and HIPS is suggested.

Dust explosion properties and mechanisms of polyphenylene ether mixed with volatile organic compounds

Polyphenylene ether (PPE), used in the production of copper-clad laminate resin, can emit methane and ethane at elevated temperature during the aforementioned production process. Moreover, a cloud of PPE dust can form during the feeding process. Both these scenarios can lead to a dust or inflammable gas explosion at the feed port. This study investigated the explosion characteristics of PPE in air, methane, and ethane atmospheres by using 20-L apparatus. The study findings revealed that the presence of methane and ethane lowered the minimum explosive concentration of PPE dust. In air, the minimum explosion concentration was 40 g/m³, which decreased to 30 and 22 g/m³, respectively, in the presence of methane and ethane. However, the addition of these gases also increased the severity of explosions from St-2 to St-3. Furthermore, the thermal depolymerisation of PPE dust was examined. PPE was discovered to undergo thermal depolymerisation when heated, releasing a substantial quantity of inflammable gases. These gases, in combination with oxygen, can form an explosive mixture, expanding the explosion range. Moreover, these inflammable gases exhibit various degrees of toxicity, posing substantial health and safety risks to workers involved in PPE manufacturing.

Accelerated seawater ageing and fatigue performance of glass fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites for marine and tidal energy applications

The use of thermoplastic composites as a sustainable alternative to thermosets is gaining increasing popularity due to their improved recyclability at the end of life. The fatigue performance of glass fibre/acrylic, glass fibre/acrylic- polyphenylene ether, and glass fibre/epoxy specimens, under three distinct upper stress levels (R-ratio = 0.1; f = 5 Hz) was studied. S–N curves were established for these specimens both before and after immersing them for three months in seawater (temperature: 50 °C). The dry thermoplastic composites exhibited similar fatigue performance to the thermoset counterpart at higher stress levels, with thermosets showing greater endurance at lower stress levels. Interestingly, the aged specimens showed comparable fatigue endurance, with a slight advantage in favour of the thermoplastic composites and less variability in their data. This study offers important insights into the fatigue performance of thermoplastic composites, emphasising their potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional thermoset composites for various marine applications.

Withdrawn: The Property of a Novel Cross‐Linked Foam from Thermoplastic Phenol‐Terminated Polyphenylene Ether Resin with High Molecular Weight Cured by Hydroxymethylated Phenol‐Terminated Polyphenylene Ether Resin with Low Molecular Weight

AbstractWithdrawal: Tingting Li, Wenhan Gao, Ruobing Yu, Rui Xia, Bu Chang, The Property of A Novel Crosslinked Foam from Thermoplastic Phenol‐Terminated Polyphenylene Ether Resin with High Molecular Weight (MPF) Cured by Hydroxymethylated Phenol‐Terminated Polyphenylene Ether Resin with Low Molecular Weight (LPR), Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics, 5th October 2023,(https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/macp.202300247).The above article, published online on 5th October 2023, on Wiley Online Library (https://doi.org/10.1002/macp.202300247), has been withdrawn by agreement between the journal Editor in Chief, Mara Staffilani, and Wiley‐VCH GmbH, Weinheim. The withdrawal has been agreed because the authors did not respond to requests to finalize their article for publication in the journal as the Version of Record.

Modification of polybutylene terephthalate by additives of simple and complex polyphenylene ether oxymates

The use 0.5–1% of synthesized polyphenylenesterformaloxymate and polyphenylenetherarylateoxymate as modifiers in compositions with polybutyleneterephthalate increases the heat resistance of composites, changes the PTR to values convenient for processing.

Enhancing fracture toughness of carbon fiber/epoxy composites using polyphenylene ether as a modifier

AbstractIn this study, carbon fiber/epoxy composites (CFRP) were fabricated by vacuum‐assisted resin infusion molding (VARIM) with polyphenylene ether (PPE) as a toughening agent. The PPE contained hydroxyl end groups that facilitated chemical bonding with epoxy during curing. PPE was incorporated into the epoxy matrix by dissolution, and spreading in the interlaminar regions. The presence of PPE as a toughener exhibited significant improvement in the Mode‐I fracture toughness of the composites. The CFRP samples, which were toughened with 5 wt.% and 10 wt.% PPE, showed about 191% to 380% enhancement, respectively, in the critical energy release rate (GIC) compared to the unmodified sample. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed about a 6°C increase in the glass transition temperature of the toughened composites, which is an interesting aspect of this work. These results indicate the potential of using PPE as a toughening agent in CFRP composites.

Design of The Mechanism for Auto Release Seat Belt in End-Button Release Buckle

This project revolves around the buckle of a seat belt, mainly push end release button type, where a feature was created to make it into an auto release seat belt through designing the mechanism within the buckle. The aim of the project is to design the mechanism part of a convertible end button release seat belt buckle, to simulate the designed mechanism part of the convertible auto release seat belt for vehicle cars and to analyze the designed mechanism regarding the effectiveness when installed. 3 different models of solenoid-triggered-parts were designed where Model 1 has no support on its side, presence of fillet and smallest surface area for the base. As for Model 2 and 3, there were no fillet used, presence of support of the side and Model 2 has larger surface area for the base, but Model 3 has the largest amongst the three models. The parameter of this project was the material used when running the simulation which is Polyphenylene Ether (PPE). Through the simulation results, a final model was designed consists of features such as, having support on the side, largest surface area for the base and presence of fillet as these features has shown the best results through the simulation. As for the conclusion, the study managed to achieve all of the objectives which are, the auto release mechanism was designed and simulated successfully using SolidWorks, and it was simulated through simulation within the software.

Effects of Friction Stir Welding Process Control and Tool Penetration on Mechanical Strength and Morphology of Dissimilar Aluminum-to-Polymer Joints

An engineering grade polymer—glass fiber-reinforced polyphenylene ether blended with polystyrene—and an aluminum alloy—AA6082-T6—were joined by friction stir welding in an overlap configuration. A comprehensive analysis was conducted of the effects of the tool penetration by adjusting the pin length and the process control on the joints’ mechanical performance. To this end, a series of welds with a fixed 3° tilt angle, a travel speed of 120 mm/min, and 600 RPM of rotational speed was carried out. The analysis encompassed the mechanical strength of the fabricated joints and the mechanical energy input throughout the joining processes, the resulting cross-sectional interfaces, both on macro and micro scales, and the observed defects. The quasi-static shear tensile tests resulted in average tensile strengths varying between 5.5 and 26.1 MPa, representing joint efficiencies ranging from 10.1% to 47.4%, respectively. The joints that exhibited the lowest mechanical performance were fabricated with the highest level of tool penetration (higher pin length) with the process being position-controlled, while the best performance was recorded in joints welded with the lowest tool penetration and a force-controlled process. Nonetheless, the joint welded with a 2 mm long pin and position-controlled process exhibited a mechanical strength comparable with the highest one with a significantly lower standard deviation, a promising attribute for technological industrialization. In this way, it was found that the tool penetration, controlled by adjusting the pin length, played a significant role in the development of the joints’ morphology and, consequently, mechanical performance, whereas the process control exhibited a minor influence on the mechanical performance of the joints, but a considerable effect on process repeatability.

Heat and fire-resistant nanofiber networks: Towards tailoring the new generation of lightweight intermeshing polymer composite systems

Safe use of materials is a primary focus of emerging low-carbon industry. Catastrophic fire incidents due to high flammability of polymers as versatile materials necessitate developing fire-proof polymer composites. In this study, a novel and robust strategy is implemented to fabricate non-flammable and fire-proof thermoplastics with remarkably lower flame retardant (FR) content leading to outstanding limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 30% and UL 94-V0. This can be achieved using nano-fibrillation by forming networks of heat-resistant polymeric nanofibers (polyphenylene ether (PPE) or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)) within polystyrene (PS). Formation of heat-resistant nanofibers creates a continuous network-structured layer/shield to preserve the matrix against burning and suppresses dripping by boosting the melt-strength. Nanofibers also lead to promoting a graphitized char layer to thoroughly protect the polymer against fire. These synergistic effects enhance FR efficiency, as demonstrated by a 30% reduction in fire growth rate and peak heat release rate, upon inclusion of 15 wt% PPE nanofibers, compared to an equivalent composite with spherical particles. Only the PS sample containing 25 wt% FR and 15 wt% heat-resistant nanofibers meets UL 94-V0 while presence of a similar content of spherical PPE or PPS, graphene nanoparticles, or carbon nanotubes does not provide this feature. Nanofibers also strengthen energy absorption leading to high impact strength of PS composites (120%). Hence, this novel strategy can be extended to a wide range of polymer systems to fabricate novel generation of fire-proof devices with tunable properties for various potential applications including energy storages packs, electronic equipment, and robotics.

Upcycling of polyphenylene ether waste products to hypercrosslinked organic porous materials

Dimethyl phenol (DMP) oligomers are a side product of industrial poly(phenylethyl ether) (PPE) fabrication and significantly contribute to the environmental burden associated with PPE application. Here, a new process for the upcycling of waste-derived DMP into hyper-crosslinked porous polymer networks through Friedel-Crafts alkylation with p- dichloroxylene as an external crosslink agent is presented. The resulting hypercrosslinked porous polymers exhibited a maximum BET surface area of 740 m2/g and displayed and adsorption capacity of 5.9 wt% and 0.85 wt% towards CO2 (at 1.0 bar, 298 K) and H2 (at 1.0 bar, 77.3 K), respectively. Form stability of micro- and mesopores was attributed to the rigidity of the aromatic network structure. The results suggest new opportunities for the upcycling of DMP-waste components for applications such as carbon capture that could reduce the negative environmental const associated with the fabrication and application of PPE and related engineering polymers.

Application of Polyphenylene Ether for Low-loss Material

Application of Polyphenylene Ether for Low-loss Material

Aperture-Sensitive Distal Depth Scanning Raman Spectroscopy

Depth sensitive Raman spectroscopy has shown its advantages in the detection of Raman spectra for layered tissues. However, till now the depth scanning mode in Raman spectroscopy is the proximal scanning mode, which has disadvantages in significant variation of probe-sample contact and the size of the probe. Here, we developed a new Raman system with an axicon lens and a graduated ring-activated zero aperture. The focal range of the system was about 35 mm and nearly two orders of magnitude higher than that of the traditional Raman system. The Raman spectrum obtained from different materials at a fixed depth was demodulated with two Raman spectra from two adjacent depth ranges. Two and three-layer models were used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed Raman system. The Raman spectra of polyvinyl chloride, polyphenylene ether and silica gel were demodulated successfully from overlapped Raman spectra. The new Raman system used the distal scanning mode and offered the following advantages. First, the Raman spectra of full range and a fixed depth can be obtained simultaneously. Second, depth scanning is performed far from the sample. Third, the method can be used in endoscopic applications to reduce the size of the probe.

Preparation and characterization of high temperature resistant thermosetting polyphenylene ether resin

AbstractTo explore high thermal properties, low dielectric constant and loss for copper clad laminates, poly(phenylene oxide) (PPE) with different end groups (allyl and epoxide groups) were successfully prepared. Firstly, low molecular weight polyphenylene ether was synthesized using the redistribution method. Then the polyphenylene ether thermosetting polymers by modifying their terminal hydroxyl groups were reported and their fundamental materials properties were compared. Through property tests and data analyses, it was found that PPE with vinyl end groups had the best performances, especially high glass transition temperature (about 230°C), the thermal conductivity was 0.32–0.38 Wm−1 K−1, low dielectric constant (about 2.5) and low dielectric loss (about 4.4 × 10−3). The possible reason was that the main chain of polyphenylene ether contains non‐polar crosslinkable group (CC). In a word, through properties comparison of thermosets of PPE, the results demonstrated that the materials of all systems were suitable for using as printed circuit boards.

Present and Future Trends in Polymer Blends Technology

Abstract The plastics industry shows the highest growth rate of all industrial materials. Within this group the engineering resins (ER) are developing fastest. The review focuses on polymer alloys and blends (PAB) of ER. After the discussion of the economic aspect of PAB the patent literature is briefly reviewed and illustrated by a summary of selected, recent patents on polyphenylene ether blends. There is little doubt that the future trend in PAB technology will require control of morphology, especially in most common multiphase systems. For this reason the last part of the article summarizes the available information of criteria for rheological and thermodynamic control of morphology. The review ends with a brief description of the methods and equipment used by industry to compound and form the PAB.

Impact of European Norms Euro 6 on Usage of Polymeric and Composite Products in Automotive Industry with the Purpose of Reducing Pollution

This study presents the evolution of the European Norms of depollution and their environment impact. Therefore, starting Euro 1 Norms (1992), the European Commission defines and regulates the exhaust emissions of the vehicles produced and sold in the European Union. From 2014 until the end of 2020, car producers are under the regulations of the Euro 6/VI Directives. These regulations had a great impact on the process of vehicles engineering design as they influence the materials used during the manufacturing process such as metals, additives or plastic and polymeric composites. One key role in the development of less polluting vehicles is the usage of polymeric composites. Thanks to these materials, cars are now lighter, therefore they consume less fuel and they produce less pollution, and also they present an increased level of comfort and safety. One main target of the Euro 6 regulation is to popularize electrical, hybrid or hydrogen cars. Plastic and polymeric composites such as polyacetal, polyphenylene ether or other engineering resins are a key part of the evolution of car industry. This article is intended to summarize how using polymers on different car components impacts the quality of air.

Effective Halogen- and Phosphorus-Free Polyphenylene Ether Resin-Based Flame-Retardant Foam.

A novel halogen- and phosphorus-free intrinsic flame-retardant foam is fabricated from curable phenol-terminated polyphenylene ether resin with a high molecular weight using phenol, formaldehyde, and diphenyl ether as starting materials. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the pure foam is 24.90% ± 0.28. When 0.5 wt % silica sol is added, the LOI of the foam (SPF-0.5) is up to 28.5% ± 0.15 and both the combustion heat release rate and total combustion heat are low. Moreover, the SPF-0.5 foam exhibits high carbon residue, high compressive strength, and low pulverization rate and is superior to some previously reported phenolic foam. The flame-retardant mechanism includes the condensed-phase flame retardation and the gas-phase flame retardation, with the former being the main step, which is based on the high cross-linking density, the higher strength and smaller size of foam cells, and the formation of a carbon–silicon compound in the foam. This halogen- and phosphorous-free flame-retardant foam is also environmentally benign.

Investigation of low frequency fibre Bragg grating accelerometer based on thermoplastic cantilever beam

Vibration measurement technique is very important in structural integrity monitoring. Various fibre Bragg grating (FBG) based accelerometers have been developed for vibration measurement. However, most of the researchers focused on high frequency monitoring and only few reported works are based on low frequency measurement. Therefore, this paper presented a low frequency FBG accelerometer based on Polyphenylene Ether (PPE) thermoplastic cantilever beam. The proposed FBG accelerometer was attached to a shaker and vibration signals were given with variations in frequency and acceleration. As a result, the FBG accelerometer has a sensitivity of 110 pm/g and natural frequency of 9 Hz. The proposed accelerometer capable to detect low frequency of 2 Hz at 0.04 g which is suitable for utilisation in seismic monitoring of earthquake.

Anomalous Characteristics of Ion Emission during Fracture of Polymers

Current–voltage characteristics of ion emission during mechanical fracture of polymer films (polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, polyphenylene ether) in high vacuum have been studied. Positive ions appear at a pulling potential of 100–200 V, after which their number monotonically increases with potential until saturation. Negative ion emission starts at <<200 V and exhibits resonance behavior within the 0–50 V interval, whereby the resonance peak position depends on the nature of polymer. The resonance character of negative ion emission found corresponds to the proposed physical mechanism of ion formation.

Аномальные характеристики ионной эмиссии при разрыве полимеров

Measurements of the current-voltage characteristics of ion emission during the rupture of film samples of polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, and polyphenylene ether in high vacuum have been carried out. Positive ions begin to be detected at a pulling potential of 100–200 V, and their number monotonically increases to saturation with increasing potential. Emission of negative ions is observed at a potential of &lt;&lt; 200 V and in the range of 0–50 V has a resonance character, and the position of the resonance peaks is determined by the nature of the polymer. The discovered resonant nature of negative ion emission corresponds to the proposed physical mechanism of ion formation

Modification of Industrial Polyphenylene Ether Sulfone by New Block Copolymers Containing Oxime Groups

New universal modifiers (UM) - simple block copoly-ether-hydroximates of various chemical structures were synthesized. It was found that a 5 % by weight addition of UM to Radel R, an industrial aromatic simple polyethersulfone, improves its heat, heat resistance and physicomechanical properties.