Polyvinyl Chloride Composites Research Articles

Preparation of ZnO nanoparticles modified with silane coupling-agents to fabricateanti-UV Poly(vinyl chloride) films

The uses of inorganic metal oxide as ultraviolet (UV) absorbers have potential to increase the production of UV protection and can also overcome the disadvantages of organic molecules. In this article, we report an effective technique to fabricating polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films with well UV shielding efficiency. Surface modification of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) with different silane coupling-agents were achieved, and through solution casting technique dispersed within the PVC matrix. Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and UV spectrophotometer were applied to study the structures, dispersions, and optical properties. The results showed that the functionalized ZnO NPs could be well dispersed in PVC and endow the polymer composite films with significantly improved anti-UV capability. The facile processing and obtained properties of PVC composites have shown potential for low cost and environmentally sustainable applications in the UV protection field.

The influence of zinc compounds on thermal stability and flame retardancy of wood flour polyvinyl chloride composites

Fire safety is an important issue for wood flour polyvinyl chloride (WF-PVC) composites. Here, three zinc salts are used in WF-PVC composites. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that zinc borate and zinc stannate did some negative effects on the thermal stability of WF-PVC composites at the first thermal decomposition stage, while zinc molybdate had little effects on thermal decomposition of the composites. However, zinc borate and zinc stannate promoted the formation of char. Based on the experiments and theoretical analysis, the charring ability of element zinc (Zn) was stronger than that of tin (Sn). According to the cone calorimetry, zinc stannate and zinc borate were effective flame and smoke retardants, which were mainly reflected in the longer ignition time and reduced heat and smoke release of flame retardant composites. From the char residue, zinc compounds played an important role in the condensed phase, the element tin mainly acted on the surface, while the element zinc worked in the whole phase. Finally, the flame retardants had unfavorable effects on the strength properties of WF-PVC.

INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF BORON NITRIDE AND COLEMANITE ON THE PROPERTIES OF POLYVINYL CHLORIDE

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used as an insulator in cable production. In order to enhance its thermal stability and flame retardant properties various chemicals have been added to PVC. In this study, hexagonal boron nitride (BN) and colemanite (C) at different concentrations were added to PVC to prepare composites by melt compounding method. The effect of formulation on the properties of PVC composites were observed. The thermal stability of PVC composites was determined by using a PVC Thermomat device. LOI (Limiting Oxygen Index) tests were performed to examine combustion characteristics. The mechanical properties of the composites were conducted by tensile tests. BN and C had a positive effect on the thermal stability of PVC. PVC remained stable for 3.74 hours at 210°C. Addition of BN and C (1 wt.% of the amount stabilizer) increased stability time to 4.16 hours, and 5.50 hours, respectively. The composite in which BN and C were used together remained stable for 5.74 hours. LOI value of BN and C added composite did not change noticeably, compared to neat PVC. The mechanical properties of composites remained within acceptable limits for being used in cable production. In brief, addition of BN or C to PVC is an effective technique to produce cables with improved properties for various applications.

Anti-Gnawing, Thermo-Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Polyvinyl Chloride: Effect of Capsicum Oleoresin and Denatonium Benzoate

Anti-rodent polymer composites were prepared using non-toxic substances denatonium benzoate (DB) and capsicum oleroresin (CO) mixed with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix. DB is mixed in zinc stearate (ZnSt) called DB/ZnSt, and CO, providing burning sensation, is impregnated in mesoporous silica named SiCO. There are three sets of sample: Blank, composites Set I and Set II. Set I consists of DB/ZnSt at concentration of 1.96 wt% and SiCO at concentration of 12.16 wt%, 14.47 wt%, 18.75 wt% and 23.53 wt%. Set II comprises SiCO at the same amount of Set I. The anti-rodent composites studied are anti-gnawing, surface morphology, thermo-mechanical and rheological properties. Anti-rodent testing is analyzed by one-way blocked analysis of variance (ANOVA) and compared with Tukey test with a 95% level of significance, presenting good anti-gnawing efficiency. The best rat-proof sample is II.4, consisting of SiCO 23.53 wt%, which presents percentage of weight loss from gnawing at 1.68% compared to weight loss of neat PVC at 59.74%. The addition of SiCO at concentration ranging from 12.16 to 23.53 wt% reduces tensile strength around 25–50%, elongation at break strength around 2–23%, shear storage modulus (G′) around 30%, shear loss modulus (G″) shear viscosity (η) and glass transition (Tg) around 43% compared to Blank. The increase in SiCO concentration slightly improves the thermal stability of PVC composites around 3%, but the addition of DB/ZnSt at 1.96 wt% slightly reduces those properties.

Study of the Rheological Properties of PVC Composites Plasticized with Butoxyethyl Adipates

Polyvinyl chloride compositions are widely used to obtain various types of products. In the composition of the PVC composite, one of the main ingredients is a plasticizer, the introduction of which makes it possible to vary the characteristics of the obtained polymeric materials and products and significantly expand the range of their application. Manufacturability in the processing of polyvinyl chloride compositions serves as an important criterion for the suitability and economic efficiency of the developed plasticizer. In the modern world, the high quality of products is directly related to their environmental safety. In this regard, the work describes the production of environmentally friendly plasticizers based on adipic acid and ethoxylated butanol. Their physicochemical indicators have been investigated. The effect of the obtained additives on the rheology of PVC composites has been studied. The values of the flow characteristics of the melts of the developed PVC compositions plasticized with butyl butoxyethyl adipate and decyl butoxyethyl adipate were estimated. It was shown that the fluidity of melts, in comparison with compounds of a similar composition containing industrial dioctyl phthalate, is characterized by even slightly higher values.

Obtaining environmentally friendly cable PVC composites

Polyvinyl chloride compositions are very popular in the cable industry. The range of domestic fireproof cable PVC plastics is limited to several manufactured brands that were developed more than 30 years ago and do not meet modern international standards. The creation of new environmentally friendly formulations of fireproof cable plastics with improved operational properties is an urgent task. This paper describes a method of synthesizing a novel ester compound of phenyl dixylenyl phosphate. The conditions for its production with maximum yield are selected. Physicochemical properties of the new flame retardant are studied. A non-toxic biodegradable PVC composition based on a plasticizer of dibutoxyethyl adipate and a novel flame retardant is formulated. The results of tests of the developed PVC-composite on the main indicators for cable products of the I40-13 brand are presented.

Gamma radiation shielding properties of recycled polyvinyl chloride composites reinforced with micro/nano-structured PbO and CuO particles

In this work, the γ-ray shielding characteristics of fabricated recycled polyvinyl chloride (rPVC) loaded with micro and nano fillers of PbO and CuO composites were investigated. The PbO/rPVC and CuO/rPVC composites were prepared by changing the percentage of injected materials (PbO and CuO) between 10% and 40% with additions by 10%. Gamma-ray attenuation properties, such as mass attenuation coefficients, linear attenuation coefficients and half-value layer for PbO and CuO-supported polymers were obtained in the energy range between 59.5 and 1408.0 keV using narrow beam transmission geometry. These experiments were carried out by using a HPGe detector and five standard radioactive sources [241Am, 133Ba, 137Cs, 60Co and 152Eu]. Moreover, equivalent atomic numbers and the exposure buildup factor (EBF) values for incident photon energy in the range from 0.015 MeV to 15 MeV were also calculated by Geometric Progression (G-P) method. The experimental results revealed that, the measured values of the linear attenuation coefficients of the PbO/rPVC and CuO/rPVC composites showed their dependence on the type and the concentration of the filler (either PbO or CuO) and also on the incident gamma ray energy. Increasing the filler weight fractions wt.% in the rPVC matrix, increases the linear attenuation coefficients of the composite and the improvement is more significant in case of PbO compared to CuO of the same filler wt.% at the same energy. The results also demonstrated an enhancement in the radiation protection behavior of rPVC composites due to the addition of PbO and CuO fillers as nano-sized particles.

Comparison and characterization of polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylidene fluoride, and polyvinyl chloride composites functionalized with ferric hydroxide for removing arsenic from water

At present, common methods for preparing adsorbents for arsenic removal include electrospinning, tape-casting, and the powder method, but there is still a lack of research on the differences in the adsorption properties of arsenic-removal adsorbents prepared by these three methods. In this study, nine composite adsorbents were prepared by electrospinning, tape-casting, and the powder method with ferric hydroxide as the dopant, and their properties were examined. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction confirmed the existence of ferric hydroxide on the surfaces and insides of the composite adsorbents. Differential scanning calorimetry and mechanical performance tests showed that the addition of FeOOH changed the thermal and mechanical properties of the adsorbents. The arsenic(III) adsorption capacity of each composite adsorbent was also determined as well as the effects of pH and temperature. The results showed that polyacrylonitrile/ferric hydroxide (fiber) had the highest arsenic(III) adsorption capacity (11.31 mg/g) under the baseline conditions. When the pH was adjusted to approximately 9, the maximum adsorption capacity increased to 12.41 mg/g. When the control temperature was 15 °C, the maximum adsorption capacity was 12.07 mg/g. After three adsorption cycles, the arsenic(III) removal rate of each composite membrane reached 90%. Overall, the electrospun membranes had the highest adsorption efficiencies among the three types of adsorbents with respect to arsenic removal, and polyacrylonitrile proved to be the best base material. In comparison, polyvinylidene fluoride proved more suitable for tape-casting films and powder adsorbents. • The adsorption properties of different composite adsorbents for arsenic (As) were evaluated. • Compared the performance of three polymers and methods in the adsorption of As(III). • The effects of pH and temperature on the adsorption properties were assessed. • PAN and electrospun membranes achieved the best absorption performance.

Date palm fibre geometry and its effect on the physical and mechanical properties of recycled polyvinyl chloride composite

Natural fibre (NF) is considered as the most available resource that exists in nature. Date palm trees (DPT) accounts for more than 2.8 million tons of waste annually, making it the most abundant agricultural biomass waste in the MENA region. Date palm fibre (DPF) extracted from DPT possesses great mechanical and physical characteristics which make them superior to other NFs in the MENA region. This study investigates the effect of DPF diameter size and loading content on both the mechanical and physical properties of DPF reinforced recycled polyvinyl chloride (RPVC) composite. The composites are developed using melt-mixing technique which is followed by compression moulding. The influence of the mechanical properties is investigated by evaluating the impact strength, tensile strength and flexural strength. Meanwhile the sieve analysis, thickness swelling (TS), moisture content (MC) and water absorption (WA) characteristics are evaluated. Composite microstructures are examined using optical microscopy to investigate the interfacial bonding between DPF and RPVC matrix. Results showed that at 40 wt% DPF, the TS, MC and WA were the highest demonstrating an increase of 1.57%, 1.76%, and 10.80%, respectively. The flexural strength, tensile strength and impact strength decreased as the loading content increased showing maximum reduction at 40 wt% loading, varying depending on DPF geometry. Although the results demonstrated a decrease in mechanical properties and an increase in physical properties as DPF loading increased depending on DPF geometry, the results indicate a great potential that the developed technologies could be industrialised under the waste management scheme for non-structural applications.

Thermal stability, mechanical properties, and gamma radiation shielding performance of polyvinyl chloride/Pb(NO3)2 composites

Abstract Radiation shielding composites based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) reinforced with different weight ratios of Pb(NO3)2 (5, 10, and 20 wt%) were prepared using the solution-casting technique. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy, and tensile testing method were used to characterize the PVC composite films. FTIR and XRD investigations illustrate the structural change and modification of the as-prepared PVC composites. The morphological analysis of the composite revealed that Pb(NO3)2 was dispersed uniformly within PVC polymer matrix. TGA revealed that the incorporation of Pb(NO3)2 improved the thermal stability of the investigated composites, whereas adding Pb(NO3)2 to the polymer matrix worsened its tensile properties. The as-prepared composite films were investigated for radiation-shielding of gamma-rays radioactive point sources (241Am, 133Ba, 137Cs, and 60Co). Linear attenuation coefficient (μ, cm−1), mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ, cm2/g), and half-value layer (HVL, cm) have been estimated from the obtained data using the MicroShield program. Reasonable agreement was attended between theoretical and experimental results. The deviation between the experiment and theoretical values of mass attenuation coefficient is being to be lower than 9%, and this can be correlated to the good distribution of Pb(NO3)2. The results revealed that adding Pb(NO3)2 to PVC polymer composites improved their mass attenuation coefficient.

Influence of non‐metallic fraction of printed circuit boards waste on recycled polyvinyl chloride from waste wires

AbstractRecycling of electric and electronic equipment is an emerging global issue in order to decrease the high amount of waste deposited on landfill or incinerated, and thus reducing the environmental pollution. Different strategies of eliminating this waste can be applied. In this paper, the non‐metallic fraction of printed circuit boards, due to the contained amount of glass fiber and rigid epoxy matrix, are considered suitable for valorization as reinforcing filler for polyvinyl chloride recovered from the insulation of equipment cables. The composites containing up to 30% filler are characterized in terms of structural, morphological, thermal, dielectric, mechanical and dynamic‐mechanical properties. Physical interactions are established between the components. Good homogeneity of composites at small dosages of filler is proven, and thus the mechanical and dynamic‐mechanical properties present increased or unchanged values compared with the polymeric matrix. At higher amounts of waste powder, some defects and agglomerates are observed and correlated with decreased values of the main tensile characteristics. Based on the physical‐mechanical and dielectric characterization, the paper shows that reinforced recycled polyvinyl chloride composites with 15%–20% non‐metallic fraction of printed circuit boards waste present suitable properties for reuse the polymer in different technical applications, mainly as insulating technical materials.

The photo-aging of polyvinyl chloride microplastics under different UV irradiations

Microplastics (MPs) pollution is becoming a global environmental problem due to the ubiquity. Knowledge about transformation process of MPs under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was critical to understanding the environmental fate of these particles. In this study, the photo-aging characteristics and mechanisms of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) under different UV irradiations in the air or water condition were comprehensively investigated. When the PVC was exposed to the UVA, UVB and UVC irradiation, the surface morphology, functional group, crystal structure, and elemental composition of PVC were systematically characterized. With the increasing of aging time, the PVC was identified as more oxygen-containing functional groups, higher carbonyl index, and higher crystallinity, especially under the UVC irradiation. Based on the Two-dimensional correlation Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (2D-FTIR-COS), the active sites and aging sequence of functional groups were confirmed under UVA, UVB and UVC irradiation. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) were produced and increased with the aging time as the whole. Corresponding to the aging results, the intensity of ROS and toxicity from leaching under UVC irradiation was greater than that under UVA or UVB. These findings provide direct evidences of photo-aging processes of MPs and the potential ecological risks resulting from aging in the aquatic environments.

Kinetic and thermodynamic studies of polyvinyl chloride composite of manganese oxide nanosheets for the efficient removal of dye from water

Abstract Manganese oxide nanosheets and manganese oxide composite with polyvinyl chloride (MnO2-PVC) were synthesized by the oxidation method for the efficient removal of Congo red (CR). The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray, surface area (SA), point of zero charge (PZC) and thermogravimetric analysis were performed to verify the newly synthesized adsorbents. After functionalizing the surface of MnO2 nanosheets with PVC, the PZC and SA were amplified from 4.10 and 214 m2g−1 to 5.01 and 226 m2g−1, respectively. The batch adsorption results showed that the removal capacity of CR on both the adsorbents decreased with the increase of pH and time, but increased with the increase of adsorbent dosage. However, due to the high stability, porosity and greater surface area, the PVC composite of MnO2 was found to exhibit 15 times greater CR removal efficiency than its parent MnO2. Furthermore, the thermodynamic parameters specified that CR adsorption onto both the adsorbents was exothermic, spontaneous and film diffusion accompanied by the intraparticle diffusion is the rate controlling step. These results validate that MnO2 composite with PVC is a useful, eco-friendly, competent candidate for dye removal from wastewater.

An Innovative Tubular Standing Support Incorporating PVC and FRP Composites: Laboratory Tests

The importance of developing innovative support structure for underground mines has drawn much attention with the depletion of shallow resources. This paper presents a hybrid tubular standing support consisting of an exterior container made of the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) while the infill is the coal rejects based backfill material. The FRP jacket featured with the high strength-to-weight ratio is attached on the exterior surface of the PVC tube with the large rupture strain to provide confinement to infilled backfill material. A series of laboratory tests were conducted on this FRP-PVC tubular standing support (FPTSS) with different FRP thickness. Meanwhile, the FRP tubular standing support and the PVC tubular standing support with the sole confining material were also prepared and tested. Tests results showed that the FPTSS specimen exhibited the typical strain hardening behaviour attributed to the effective confinement provided by the combined container. It is also indicated that the enhancement of either the compressive strength or the axial deformation ability is closely related to FRP thickness. The other comparative advantage of FPTSS obtained from this research is its ductile post-peak behaviour after the rupture of the exterior FRP jacket, indicating the importance of using PVC tube in FPTSS. Except for its superior compressive behaviour, the cost effectiveness and ease of construction of FPTSS are also attractive from the design aspect.

EFFECT OF MODIFIED MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE ON POLYVINYL CHLORIDE PLASTICATES

The work is devoted to the study of the effect of magnesium hydroxide modified with a phosphorus boron-containing oligomer (PBO) on physical and mechanical properties and the reduction of combustibility of compositions based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Tests have shown that the addition of modified magnesium hydroxide to the polyvinyl chloride compositions provides a material of reduced flammability while providing improved tensile strength and hardness.

Glass bead effects on tribological and mechanical properties of plasticized polyvinyl chloride cable used in vehicles as a filler

Glass bead effects on mechanical and tribological properties of the plasticized polyvinyl chloride polymer, which is used for the vehicle's wire and cable insulation, are studied. Glass beads filler is added to the plasticized polyvinyl chloride thermoplastic polymer at ratios of 5, 10, and 20 wt.% by weight in the experimental study. Tensile, hardness, and tribological tests of the plasticized polyvinyl chloride were performed in the study. Tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, hardness, coefficient of friction, and wear rate values of the glass bead filled plasticized polyvinyl chloride composites were determined for measuring performance. As for the results of the study, the tensile strength, elongation at break, coefficient of friction, and wear rate values decreased while the tensile modulus and hardness values increased with the increase of the glass beads filler content in plasticized polyvinyl chloride composites for use in vehicle’s wire and cable insulation.

Correlation Between Composites Behavior and the Manufacturing Process Used

AbstractIn this work, alfa fiber reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composites treated with PVC‐g‐MA (5%), used as a compatibilizer, are prepared using three processing techniques: calendering, Brabender, and injection molding. The morphology, the tensile and thermal properties of PVC/alfa composites with and without compatibilizer obtained through these three processes are compared. The results showed, to a great extent, that the injection molding process is more effective for the manufacturing of PVC/alfa composites.

Effect of acrylonitrile styrene acrylate on mechanical, thermal and three-body abrasion behaviors of eucalyptus fiber reinforced polyvinyl chloride composite

The effect of different content (0–20 wt%) Acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylic (ASA) on mechanical, thermal and three-body wear behaviors of eucalyptus fiber/polyvinyl chloride (EF/PVC) composites were studied in this research. The results show that the mechanical properties of the composites such as impact strength, tensile strength, flexural strength and flexural modulus increased with increasing ASA content lower than 15 wt%. The addition of 15 wt% and 20 wt% ASA can improve thermal stability of the EF/PVC composites in the early period of the heating, and the effect weakened on later stage due to the thermal degradation of ASA, which occurred in the temperature range 416°C–442°C. The three-body wear resistance of the EF/PVC composites can be improved by ASA, and the abrasive wear mechanism of the composites was predominated by linear travel, sand particle plough and cut action, ASA and PVC plastic deformation, and fibers debonding.

Effects of inorganic‐organic surface modification on the mechanical and thermal properties of poly(vinyl chloride) composites reinforced with fly‐ash

AbstractFly ash (FA) derived from the combustion of coal is considered a potential reinforcing filler for polymers, but its application is somewhat limited by the number of hydroxyl groups on the surface. In this study, FA was modified with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) (denoted as OH‐FA), resulting in an increase in the number of OH groups on the surface of FA and thus improvement of the interfacial adhesion between FA and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). OH‐FA was subjected to ball milling to induce mechanochemical activation aided by a new polyether titanate coupling agent (ETi4) (denoted as M‐ETi4‐OH‐FA). The results show that the functional groups of ETi4 can interact with the OH groups on the surface of FA via electrostatic interactions, chemical interactions, intra‐ and intermolecular hydrogen bonds by ball milling, which can increase the compatibility and interfacial bonding between FA and PVC, and improve the mechanical and thermal characteristics of PVC composites. Significantly, the impact strength and yield strength of M‐ETi4‐OH‐FA/PVC composite reaches 6.2 kJ/m2 and 64.9 MPa, which is increased by 86.8% and 13.6% compared with that of PVC, and by 18.2% and 14.6% compared with that of ETi4‐OH‐FA/PVC, respectively. The thermal stability is also higher than that of other PVC composites, and the rapidest degradation temperature reaches 297°C, which is 16°C higher than that of pure PVC.

Structure regulation of boron‐doped calcium hydroxystannate and its enhancement on flame retardancy and mechanical properties of PVC

In this study, a perovskite type calcium hydroxystannate (CaSn[OH]6, CSH) was prepared by a facial coprecipitation method. Then boron was further doped into CaSn(OH)6 to obtain B@CSH as a new inorganic flame retardant to polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The characterization of chemical composition, morphology, and bonding structure for CSH and B@CSH reveals that the doping of boron can effectively regulate the morphology and particle size of CSH. When applying into PVC, flame retardancy, smoke suppression, and mechanical performance are significantly enhanced by the addition of CSH and B@CSH. Under 5% addition of CSH and B@CSH, the limited oxygen index (LOI) value of PVC composites was increased from 26.6% to 32.9% and 34.0%, respectively. The cone calorimetry tests show that the peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release (THR), and total smoke production (TSP) of PVC composites are all greatly reduced. The PHRR and TSP are reduced by 49.2% and 42.3% with the 5% loading of B@CSH, respectively. Furthermore, the mechanical strength and toughness of PVC are both improved by CSH and B@CSH. The synthesized CSH and B@CSH act as a multi‐functional additive for PVC with high efficiency.