Properties Of Polymer Composites Research Articles

Exploring synergies between GnP and fiber orientation in enhancing mechanical, thermomechanical, and shape memory properties of carbon fiber polymer composites

Abstract This research investigates the mechanical, thermomechanical, and shape memory properties across 12 configurations of shape memory hybrid composites, varying in carbon fiber orientation: uni-directional (UD), bi-directional-Twill (BDT), and bi-directional-Plain (BDP), and multi-walled carbon nanotube weight percentages of 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8% elucidate the synergistic effects of fiber architecture and nanomaterial reinforcement. The fabrication process involves initially preparing GnP-modified epoxy nanocomposites through ultrasonication followed by hand layup techniques to fabricate three-phase shape memory hybrid composites. Optimal tensile performance is observed in GnP-modified UD composites at a 0.6 wt% concentration, achieving a tensile strength of 728.32 MPa and a modulus of 71.29 GPa. Furthermore, enhancements in thermomechanical and shape memory properties are noted in GnP-modified BDT composites and are further improved in GnP-modified BDP composites configurations. These improvements are attributed to enhanced interfacial bonding between the polymer and fiber, with the maximum effect observed at the 0.6 wt% BDP composite, validated by morphological analysis using FESEM. The study demonstrates that despite polymer modification, all configurations maintain high shape recovery ratios, particularly notable at 97.54% for 0.6 wt% GnP modified BDP composite, exceeding 90% across all configurations, indicating robust performance in shape memory capabilities.

The Influence of the Amount of Technological Waste on the Performance Properties of Fibrous Polymer Composites

The objective of the experimental analysis was to assess the impact of the reuse of technological waste (recyclate) on the selected performance properties of the fibrous polymer composite used to produce components for the automotive industry by injection molding technology. Polyphthalamide (PPA), which belongs to a group of high-tech polymers, was chosen as the analyzed material. In accordance with the set goals, the rheological, mechanical, and structural properties of the material were evaluated using ANOVA analysis in the experimental part of the work, depending on the mass ratio of the recycled material added to the virgin material. The influence of the proportion of recycled material on the lifetime of moldings by the method of their exposure at an elevated temperature for a defined time was also assessed. During the research, it was found that at a concentration of up to 40 wt. % of recyclate, its mechanical properties do not change significantly. At a concentration of 50 wt. %, there is a rapid decrease in mechanical properties. In the long term, it can also be said that the addition of recyclate significantly affects the service life of the components. No significant changes in morphology were observed during the analysis of structural properties.

Analysis of aging effects on the mechanical and vibration properties of quasi-isotropic basalt fiber-reinforced polymer composites

Eco-friendly natural fiber composites, such as basalt fiber composites, are gaining traction in material science but remain vulnerable to environmental degradation. This study investigates the mechanical and vibrational properties of quasi-isotropic basalt fiber composites subjected to aging in two different environments: ambient (30 ºC) and subzero (-10 ºC), both in distilled water until moisture saturation. Aged specimens absorbed 8.66% and 5.44% moisture in ambient and subzero conditions, respectively. Mechanical testing revealed significant strength reductions in tensile, flexural, impact, and short beam shear tests, with ambient-aged specimens showing the largest decline (up to 31.7% in flexural strength). Vibrational analysis showed reduced natural frequencies, particularly under ambient conditions (27.27%). Sound absorption tests showed that pristine specimens had the highest transmission loss, while moisture-rich ambient-aged specimens had the lowest. SEM analysis confirmed surface degradation, with fiber pull-out and matrix debonding contributing to property loss. This research provides valuable insights into the environmental limitations of basalt fiber composites, emphasizing the need for enhanced durability in eco-friendly materials.

Impact of Graphene Nanoparticles on DLP-Printed Parts' Mechanical Behavior

Digital Light Processing (DLP) is one of the most promising techniques among the additive manufacturing (AM) technologies for polymer resin. The polymer parts produced through this technique demonstrate a diverse range of characteristics that can be specifically designed for various fields of application. Specific attributes can be attained by utilizing polymer composites composed of multiple materials in numerous ratios. This research delves into evaluating and comparing different properties, including microstructure, surface texture, and mechanical behavior, of resin-based polymer composites fabricated using the DLP 3D printing technology. To achieve this, specimens have been printed using photopolymer resin as the base material, with varying percentages of graphene nanoparticles added to the resin. Tensile tests and particle analysis based on optical microscope images validate that optimizing parameters, especially the energy setting of the printer, significantly impact the printed samples' strength, surface texture, layering, and microstructure. The findings indicate that at a specific percentage of graphene, such as 0.5%, there is an increase in tensile strength by 38.1%, Young’s modulus by 54.7%, and Yield strength by 11.2%, accompanied by an improved surface roughness. A graphene concentration of 0.75% results in diminished tensile strength, yield strength, and Young’s modulus. The significance of fine-tuning printing parameters to achieve desired properties in resin-based polymer composites manufactured via 3D printing is highlighted.

Advanced Polymer Composites for Effective Removal of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Pollutants From Aqueous Solutions.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is extensively utilized in industrial applications, posing significant environmental and health risks because of its persistence and toxicity. Effective elimination methods are vital to mitigate its adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. In this study, we investigate the potential of biomass-derived polymer composite for PFOA adsorption in aqueous solution. Due to its unique surface interaction and porosity, the polymer-based composite derived from sustainable biomass sources exhibits favorable adsorption characteristics. The physicochemical properties of polymer composites were characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDS, XPS, and BET analysis. The polymer composites reached a maximum PFOA adsorption efficiency about 93.3% under optimized conditions determined by Box Behnken Design. The Langmuir isotherm model revealed and provided an adsorption capacity of PFOA about 13.98 mg g-1. Moreover, the polymer-based composites demonstrated reusability, with removal rates of PFOA ranging from 93.3% to 52% over the course of four cycles after desorption. Our findings underscore the possibility of biomass-derived polymer composites as long-term and effective adsorbents for PFOA removal from aqueous environments.

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.

Impact of Different Post-Curing Temperatures on Mechanical and Physical Properties of Waste-Modified Polymer Composites.

One of the key trends affecting the future of the construction industry is the issue of ecology; therefore, current activities in construction aim to reduce the use of raw materials, which is made possible by including recycled materials in composites, among other methods. This article describes the results of tests conducted using four types of epoxy composites, i.e., composites modified with waste rubber (WR), composites modified with waste polyethylene (PE) agglomerate, glycolysate obtained using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste, and control unmodified mortars (CUM). Selected properties of the mortars were monitored during their maturation under laboratory conditions, as well as after post-curing at elevated temperatures in the range of 60 °C-180 °C. With the increase in the reheating temperature, an increase in the flexural strength of all types of mortars was noted, with the highest more than twofold stronger than the unmodified composites. The compressive strength increased up to a temperature of 140 °C, and then decreased slightly. The highest value of 139.8 MPa was obtained using PET mortars. Post-curing also led to a slight loss of mass of all samples in the range of 0 to 0.06%. Statistical methods were employed, which made it possible to determine the post-curing temperature and composite composition for which the determined properties are simultaneously the most beneficial, especially for the prefabricated elements.

Deep learning-assisted morphological segmentation for effective particle area estimation and prediction of interfacial properties in polymer composites.

The link between the macroscopic properties of polymer nanocomposites and the underlying microstructural features necessitates an understanding of nanoparticle dispersion. The dispersion of nanoparticles introduces variability, potentially leading to clustering and localized accumulation of nanoparticles. This non-uniform dispersion impacts the accuracy of predictive models. In response to this challenge, this study developed an automated and precise technique for particle recognition and detailed mapping of particle positions in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs. This was achieved by integrating deep convolutional neural networks with advanced image processing techniques. Following particle detection, two dispersion factors were introduced, namely size uniformity and supercritical clustering, to quantify the impact of particle dispersion on properties. These factors, estimated using the computer vision technique, were subsequently used to calculate the effective load-bearing area influenced by the particles. An adapted micromechanical model was then employed to quantify the interfacial strength and thickness of the nanocomposites. This approach enabled the establishment of a correlation between dispersion characteristics and interfacial properties by integrating experimental data, relevant micromechanical models, and quantified dispersion factors. The proposed systematic procedure demonstrates considerable promise in utilizing deep learning to capture and quantify particle dispersion characteristics for structure-property analyses in polymer nanocomposites.

Improving the Mechanical, Thermoelectric Insulations, and Wettability Properties of Acrylic Polymers: Effect of Silica or Cement Nanoparticles Loading and Plasma Treatment.

The acrylic polymer composites in this study are made up of various weight ratios of cement or silica nanoparticles (1, 3, 5, and 10 wt%) using the casting method. The effects of doping ratio/type on mechanical, dielectric, thermal, and hydrophobic properties were investigated. Acrylic polymer composites containing 5 wt% cement or silica nanoparticles had the lowest abrasion wear rates and the highest shore-D hardness and impact strength. The increase in the inclusion of cement or silica nanoparticles enhanced surface roughness, water contact angle (WCA), and thermal insulation. Acrylic/cement composites demonstrated higher mechanical, electrical, and thermal insulation properties than acrylic/silica composites because of their lower particle size and their low thermal/electrical conductivity. Furthermore, to improve the surface hydrophobic characteristics of acrylic composites, the surface was treated with a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma jet. The DBD plasma jet treatment significantly enhanced the hydrophobicity of acrylic polymer composites. For example, the WCA of acrylic composites containing 5 wt% silica or cement nanoparticles increased from 35.3° to 55° and 44.7° to 73°, respectively, by plasma treatment performed at an Ar flow rate of 5 L/min and for an exposure interval of 25 s. The DBD plasma jet treatment is an excellent and inexpensive technique for improving the hydrophobic properties of acrylic polymer composites. These findings offer important perspectives on the development of materials coating for technical applications.

Enhancement of mechanical and tribological properties in glass fiber-reinforced polymer composites with multi-walled carbon nanotubes and ANN-based COF prediction

ABSTRACT The study investigated the effects of incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into glass fiber-reinforced polymer composites on their mechanical and tribological properties. Experimental results demonstrated significant enhancements across various parameters. Microhardness increased by 25.03%, attributed to improved interfacial bonding and load transfer facilitated by MWCNTs. Tensile strength and modulus improved by 10.58% and 28.2%, respectively, indicating reinforced load-bearing capacity. Flexural strength and modulus increased by 33.78% and 36.29%, respectively, due to enhanced interfacial bonding. Inter-laminar shear strength (ILSS) exhibited a notable increase of 20.79% with MWCNT incorporation. Ity mpact toughness improved by 19.41% in Izod and 32.32% in Charpy tests, attributed to MWCNTs’ energy-dissipating properties and enhanced interfacial bonding. Tribological tests showed decreased wear and friction coefficients, along with reduced debris formation and fiber breakage in SEM analysis, indicating improved bonding between the matrix and fibers. Furthermore, an artificial neural network (ANN) model accurately predicted the coefficient of friction, aligning well with experimental values, offering potential for predictive modeling in composite material analysis. Overall, the incorporation of MWCNTs significantly enhanced mechanical properties and wear resistance of the composite material.

Unveiling the impact of particle size on the physio-mechanical properties of eco-friendly polymer composites

Unveiling the impact of particle size on the physio-mechanical properties of eco-friendly polymer composites

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.

Compressive behaviors and deformation mechanism of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites: A microscopic and molecular dynamics perspective

AbstractInvestigating the macro‐mechanical properties of polymer composites at the nanoscale is a challenging topic. Here we report the compressive performances of carbon fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The evolution of microstructure and microscopic energy, including free volume, radius of gyration, dihedral angle, potential energy, and interaction energy, has been investigated to characterize compressive behaviors at the nanoscale. Molecular chains gradually bend, and the movement space of the molecular chains decreases during compression loading. The radius of gyration and dihedral angle are deformed into a state of irreversible plasticity to accommodate the microstructural transformation. The interaction energy increases and subsequently declines as the carbon fiber/epoxy interface gets closer, reflecting the transition of the internal structure. The inhomogeneity and interfacial concentration distribution of stress, and local molecular stiffness under various strains have been obtained to reveal the nanoscopic mechanism of epoxy failure and interface delamination during compression. This study reveals the compression behaviors and deformation mechanism of carbon fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites at the molecular level, providing directions and possibilities for molecular design and structural optimization of composites.Highlights The nanoscopic compression deformation of CFRP composites is studied. Microstructural evolution and conformation transformation are revealed. The evolution and transition of microscopic energy are analyzed. Micro‐mechanism of epoxy deformation and interface delamination is elucidated.

Assessment of mechanical and thermal properties of hybrid co-woven biofiber polymer composites

The recent research explores the hybridizing effect of inter and intra woven natural engineering fibers in epoxy composites. The inter and intra woven brown flax (Fb), white flax (Fw), and jute (J) fabrics have been comingled with short coir fibers (SCF). The composites are successfully made using the hand layup procedure, and the successive arrangement of fabrics is based on the tensile characteristics of inter and intra-woven fabrics. The physical, thermal, and mechanical characteristics of composites are experimentally studied. The C1 composite having (Fb+Fw)/Fw/J/J/Fw/(Fb+Fw) fabric sequence without filler demonstrated highest tensile strength of 30.15 MPa, elastic modulus of 2164.59 MPa, flexural strength of 66.46 MPa, and flexural modulus of 3900.74 MPa. However, the C3 composite containing SCF filler, having a similar fabric sequence as that of C1 demonstrated highest impact strength of 116.52 KJ/m2. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the composite C3 exhibited better thermal stability than other hybrid patterns. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy study confirmed the interaction of hydrogen bonds with different polymers, matrices, and fillers. Further, microstructural and fractography analysis have been done to analyze the surface phenomena of the composites and mechanical failure analysis.

Studying the Spectral Properties of Luminescent Polymer Composites Doped with Boron Difluoride Curcuminoids

Studying the Spectral Properties of Luminescent Polymer Composites Doped with Boron Difluoride Curcuminoids

Experimental studies of absorption properties of polymer composites based on core–shell fillers with hybrid shells

Microwave absorbing properties of polymer composites based on core-shell fillers with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene core and GNP-carbonyl iron, GNP-cobalt oxide Co3O4, GNP-micro-sized MoS2, and GNP-barium hexaferrite BaFe12O19 hybrid shells were investigated in the frequency range of 40–60 GHz. Scanning electron microscopy sizing of the constituent particles in the composites showed the characteristic dimension of micron for Fe particles while Co3O4 and BaFe12O19 particles are found to be much smaller (nanometer-sized); MoS2 particles mostly form agglomerates and have diverse shapes and varying from 70 nm to 3–4 μm sizes. The shielding properties of composite materials (CMs) with 30 wt % Fe (Co3O4,MoS2, BaFe12O19) + C wt. % GNP/PEwith the GNP concentration c in the range of 1–5 wt% of nanocarbon are weakly frequency dependent. But the analyzed composites interaction with the electromagnetic radiation reveals significant influence of both the nanocarbon content and the additional dielectric or magnetic component type in the shell materials on the shielding parameters. The calculated values of the effective absorption coefficients Aeff for the investigated composites with different hybrid shells have shown that at 3 wt % GNP in the composite with 30 % Co3O4Aeff increases greatly and reaches 0.75, exceeding the correspondent values for the 30%BaFe12O19+GNP system. The primary contribution of absorption to the shielding characteristics of the investigated polymer CMs based on core-shell fillers with hybrid shells constitutes good prospects of applications.

Tribological properties of oil impregnated carbon nanocapsules modified with polydopamine-polyethyleneimine

Self-lubricating microcapsules can reduce the coefficient of friction/wear and improve the tribological properties of polymer composites. Impregnation of prefabricated shell with core substances is a versatile and applicable route to obtain the microcapsules. In this work, double shell nanocapsules (PA@C HSM) with particle size of 448nm, shell thickness of 65nm are obtained by incorporating paraffin wax (PA) into the pre-synthesized hollow carbon nanospheres (PHCs)and then packaged by co-depositing with polydopamine (PDA) and polyethylenimine (PEI). The PDA/PEI transition shell increase the surface roughness of the nanocapsule and enhance the compatibility with the polymer matrix which will contribute to the improved oil storage ability and thermal stability of the nanocapsules as well. The distinguished mechanical interlocking and chemical interface bonding between PDA/PEI layer and EP matrix effectively facilitates mitigating the unfavorable impact of PA@C HSM on the mechanical properties of the composite with the modulus of the 7.5wt.% PA@C HSM/EP composites increased by 17.44%. As for the tribological performance of PA@C HSM/EP composite, the tribological properties are boosted remarkably and the friction coefficient and wear rate of 7.5%PA@C HSM/EP composite are reduced by 77.69% and 98.79% compared with pure EP material.

Determination of Fire Resistance, Mechanical Property and Physical Stability of Boron Phosphate Containing Wood Polymer Composites

Determination of Fire Resistance, Mechanical Property and Physical Stability of Boron Phosphate Containing Wood Polymer Composites

An Approach Toward Assessing Linear Low-Density Polyethylene/Alkali-Treated Peanut Shell Fiber Blends for Rotational Molding

In order to improve the mechanical properties of polymer composites, natural fibers are being employed more and more as reinforcements. However, incorporating natural fibers can be difficult in rotational molding, a process used to make hollow plastic objects like kayaks and fuel tanks. Bi-axial rotation is a procedure that can result in fiber aggregation and is challenging to regulate. The optimal combination of NaOH-treated peanut shell powder (TPSP) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) for rotational molding was examined in our research reported in the manuscript. Processability was assessed using a variety of testing techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), particle size distribution, bulk density, melt flow index (MFI), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Significant peaks with TPSP concentrations in LLDPE ranging from 10 to 22% were shown by the FTIR. Blends of TPSP with LLDPE containing more than 18% TPSP were not acceptable for rotational molding due to poor flowability, as shown by particle size and bulk density investigations and supported by MFI data. According to our study, a 16% TPSP blend was the best formulation for rotational molding since it improved the thermal stability and increased the crystallinity by around 10%.

Prediction of mechanical properties of polymer composites with carbon fillers based on low-frequency electrical conductivity data

Prediction of mechanical properties of polymer composites with carbon fillers based on low-frequency electrical conductivity data