Properties Of Polymer Matrix Composites Research Articles

ПОЛІМЕРИ В БІОМЕДИЧНІЙ ІНЖЕНЕРІЇ: МАТЕРІАЛИ ДЛЯ ВИРОБНИЦТВА ПРОТЕЗІВ ТА ОРТЕЗІВ (ОГЛЯД)

Amputation of limbs as a result of the muscovites war as well as appearance of various injuries, accidents, diseases is becoming widespread in Ukraine. In this regard, the problem of high-quality prosthetics became relevant. The review highlights the main types of prostheses, orthoses and materials applied for their production also the problems concerning the research of materials and products. Studies conducted over the past 30 years show that prostheses are being made mainly of metal and polymer composites, as well as natural fiber-reinforced composites. Studies have shown that the good mechanical properties of polymer matrix composites reinforced with fibers of various nature have made such materials promising for the prosthetics application.

Filled Elastomers: Mechanistic and Physics-Driven Modeling and Applications as Smart Materials.

Elastomers are made of chain-like molecules to form networks that can sustain large deformation. Rubbers are thermosetting elastomers that are obtained from irreversible curing reactions. Curing reactions create permanent bonds between the molecular chains. On the other hand, thermoplastic elastomers do not need curing reactions. Incorporation of appropriated filler particles, as has been practiced for decades, can significantly enhance mechanical properties of elastomers. However, there are fundamental questions about polymer matrix composites (PMCs) that still elude complete understanding. This is because the macroscopic properties of PMCs depend not only on the overall volume fraction (ϕ) of the filler particles, but also on their spatial distribution (i.e., primary, secondary, and tertiary structure). This work aims at reviewing how the mechanical properties of PMCs are related to the microstructure of filler particles and to the interaction between filler particles and polymer matrices. Overall, soft rubbery matrices dictate the elasticity/hyperelasticity of the PMCs while the reinforcement involves polymer-particle interactions that can significantly influence the mechanical properties of the polymer matrix interface. For ϕ values higher than a threshold, percolation of the filler particles can lead to significant reinforcement. While viscoelastic behavior may be attributed to the soft rubbery component, inelastic behaviors like the Mullins and Payne effects are highly correlated to the microstructures of the polymer matrix and the filler particles, as well as that of the polymer-particle interface. Additionally, the incorporation of specific filler particles within intelligently designed polymer systems has been shown to yield a variety of functional and responsive materials, commonly termed smart materials. We review three types of smart PMCs, i.e., magnetoelastic (M-), shape-memory (SM-), and self-healing (SH-) PMCs, and discuss the constitutive models for these smart materials.

Temperature effect on mode I fracture toughness of silica/glass/epoxy composites

AbstractThe mechanical properties of polymer matrix composites, such as fracture toughness, can be affected by the operating temperature. In this study, experimental and computational approaches were used to investigate the effect of temperature on the mode I fracture toughness of a glass/epoxy composite laminate filled with nanosilica particles. Double cantilever beam (DCB) tests were conducted at room temperature, 50°C and 65°C conditions on the glass/epoxy and 0.5 wt.% nanosilica/glass/epoxy composites. The addition of nanosilica to the glass/epoxy composites increased the initiation (Gini) and propagation (Gpro) fracture toughness by 7.3% and 39.5%, respectively, at room temperature. This was due to the enhanced bond strength of the fiber/matrix resulting from the addition of nanosilica. At a test temperature of 65°C, the initiation fracture toughness of the glass/epoxy and the glass/epoxy/ nanosilica increased by 22.4% and 22%, respectively, while the propagation fracture toughness increased by 64% and 28%, respectively. Numerical simulations using Abaqus software on two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional models confirmed the capability of cohesive zone models to simulate the load–displacement response of the specimens under different thermal conditions.

UV and UV+ Water Effects on Mechanical, Thermal and Morphological Properties of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Based Composites

The degradation times of composite materials containing petroleum-based polymer matrix are quite long in nature and it causes environmental pollution. Researchers focus on producing alternative composite materials with organic and/or inorganic fillers to reduce degradation times in nature. In addition, the mechanical and chemical properties of polymer matrix composites are affected by heat, light, moisture and surface compatibility between matrix and filler. In the light of this information, many researchers examine the mechanical, thermal, morphological and similar properties of organic and/or inorganic filler composites by using artificial aging processes using one or more of the water, UV and temperature parameters. In this study, bentonite with surface modification by epoxysilane agent, and bentonite without any surface modification will be added to the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polymer matrix, which has two different segments, and will be mixed in a twin screw extruder and it will then be shaped by the injection molding process. Artificial aging processes of the obtained composites will be done under UV and UV+water for 2 and 4 weeks, respectively. The reason for choosing UV and UV+water processes is that UV and water processes have not been applied together at the same time and there is not much knowledge in the literature on this subject. Mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of composites were investigated.

Combined Effects of Solar Radiation and High Vacuum on the Properties of Graphene/Polysiloxane Nanocomposites in Simulated Space Environment

Polymer–matrix composites (PMCs) filled with graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) are ultralightweight combined with the ability to perform a wide range of functions. These materials are interesting for many applications in space environments, including the monitoring of degradation caused by radiation exposure. Recently, the growing interest in outer space exploration, by both unmanned probes and manned space vehicles, has encouraged research to make great strides to facilitate missions, with one goal being to monitor and limit the impact of highly damaging radiation. With this perspective, we investigate the effects of simulated space conditions on the physico-chemical, morphological, and mechanical properties of elastomeric PMCs made from a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix embedding pristine GNP or a hybrid graphene/DNA filler with high sensitivity to ionising radiation. An analysis of the PMC stability, outgassing, and surface modification is reported for samples exposed to solar radiation under high vacuum (HV, 10−6 mbar). The experimental results highlight the mechanical stability of the PMCs with DNA-modified GNP under solar radiation exposure, whereas the surface morphology is highly affected. On the contrary, the surface properties of PMCs with pristine GNP do not vary significantly under simulated space conditions.

Experimental Study of Polymer Matrix Composites using Polyester, HEMP and Calcium Silicate.

The present study deals with the preparation of polymer matrix composites with polyester resin as matrix and hemp as reinforced material and calcium silicate as filler particles’. The calcium silicate is available in powder form and it is known that, filler particle increases the mechanical properties of polymer matrix composites. In this project work the different percentage of calcium silicate is added in polyester resin to improve its hardness, strength and also mechanical properties of polyester resin. The objective of this project is to prepare PMCs using calcium silicate, hemp fibre and polyester resin using hand lay-up technique as per ASTM standards. In this project work, PMCs are prepared by varying three composition i.e. 2% CaSiO 3 + 5% hemp, and 93% polyester resin, 4% CaSiO3, 10% hemp and 86% polyester resin and 6% CaSiO 3, 15% hemp and 79% polyester resin. The experimental test will be carried on prepared PMCs and find out the different mechanical characteristics such as tensile strength, compression strength, flexural strength and also to study the dynamic behaviour of PMCs by using damping test with experimental set up.

Synergistic enhancement of dielectric properties of polymer matrix composites by micro‐nano bicomponent ceramics and conductive particles

AbstractBarium titanate (BaTiO3, BT) was co‐doped by solid‐state sintering with niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) and cobalt trioxide (Co3O4) as dopants. The modified barium titanate containing Nb and Co (BTNC) with larger particle size (0.5–1 μm) and silver powder (Ag) with smaller particle size (25 nm) were co‐filled with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to prepare (BTNC‐Ag)/PVDF three‐phase composites. The morphology and crystal structure of composites were characterised by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. SEM shows that when the volume ratio of BTNC and Ag in the composite is 4:1, the two fillers have good dispersion in polymer matrix and could intersperse with each other to reduce voids. XRD patterns display that the filling of BTNC and Ag powders was conducive to promoting the enhancement of the diffraction peaks of β phase and γ phase in PVDF. The dielectric properties of the composites are effectively enhanced through the synergistic effect of the micro‐nano bicomponent ceramic BTNC and conductive particles Ag co‐filled polymer PVDF. When the volume ratio of filler (BTNC:Ag = 4:1) to matrix PVDF is 2/1, the dielectric properties of the composite are the best, the dielectric constant reaches 134.1 at 102 Hz and the dielectric loss is 0.04.

Importance of Fiber-/Nanofiller-Based Polymer Composites in Mechanical and Erosion Performance: A Review

The addition of nanofillers in the polymer matrix composites (PMC) has shown a considerable improvement in the mechanical properties and acts as a suitable replacement material. Among the various properties, erosion studies play a key role in the establishment of new materials in engineering applications irrespective of material properties. This paper primarily focus on mechanical properties of PMC and provides a view of the erosion studies conducted on various PMC that are reinforced with natural fibers and nanofillers. The study related to natural fiber as secondary reinforcement and nanofiller as primary reinforcement is taken into consideration. The natural fibers such as sisal-, pineapple-, jute-, bamboo-, banana-based polymer composites and their improvement in mechanical properties by the addition of various fillers are compared and reported. From the survey, it was noticed that the incorporation of nanofillers with natural fiber and polymers provides an acceptable range of material behavior. Being the natural fiber and its proper surface treatment enhance erosion resistance behavior.

Effect of Al2O3 Particles on Mechanical Properties of Vinylester Composite Material

Vinyl ester resins are widely used as matrix materials in particle and fiber reinforced composites. Nowadays, particles are also preferred in micron-sized microstructures to increase the mechanical properties of polymer matrix composites. In this work, vinyl ester matrix composites reinforced with aluminum oxide particles of 1-3 micron dimensions were produced. Mechanical properties such as tensile, 3 point bending, hardness, impact and wear properties of specimens prepared were investigated. Teflon mold was preferred to production of samples. In the reaction 50% active methyl ethyl ketone peroxide as initiator and 6% cobalt naphthalate as accelerator were used. Aluminum oxide was added to the vinyl ester resin at 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 wt% ratios. In order to disperse the particles in the mixture and prevent agglomeration, MEG (mono ethylene glycol) was added 5 times the amount of particles and the formulation was mixed in an ultrasonic mixer for 30 minutes. Tensile, % elongation, impact, hardness and wear properties were improved in 1.5% Al2O3 reinforced composite materials. A decrease in flexural strength was observed.

Effect of micro and nano-sized ZrSiO4 particles on the friction and wear properties of polymer matrix composites

Abstract In this study, the size effect of zircon (ZrSiO4) on the tribological characteristics of polymer matrix friction composites were investigated. Hence, four friction composites containing micro and nano-sized zircon particles (5 and 10 wt%) were developed and produced using powder metallurgy method. Their wear and friction characteristics were examined using a friction-wear test device. The weight loss and specific wear rate were measured and compared with that obtained for microsized zircon particles. The surfaces of samples were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope, and less wear was observed in the samples containing nano-sized zircon particles. The results revealed that the size of abrasive particles plays a key role in enhancing the friction coefficient and friction stability.

Low-velocity impact studies on Kevlar/Epoxy composites reinforced with carboxyl functionalized Graphene

The addition of nanoparticles as fillers improves the properties of polymer matrix composites. In this work functionalized Graphene Platelets are added to Kevlar-reinforced epoxy composites and their mechanical properties such as tensile, short beam strength and low-velocity ballistic response are evaluated. For comparison, composites prepared with 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 wt% filler addition was compared with the condition of no filler addition. The fractured samples were examined to understand the failure mechanisms involved. The results indicated that the sample with 0.5 wt% had superior tensile, shear and energy-absorbing characteristics. A lower reinforcement weight percentage (0.25%) was unable to effectively transfer the loads while higher reinforcement percentage (0.75%) showed premature failures due to agglomeration. At the optimum reinforcement, a sufficient amount of nano-fillers passes through the matrix and the functionalization assists in good fiber–matrix adhesion through surface bonding. This leads to high interfacial properties giving high resistance to impact motion. In addition, the nanoparticles in the matrix phase help in matrix toughening giving resistance to cracking. This is evident from the micro and macroscopic fracture images which show a high fiber interaction and the least matrix failure. The lower damage area and the higher fiber pullouts also indicate the effectiveness of 0.5 wt% reinforcement.

Experimental study of polymer matrix composites using polyester, hemp and calcium silicate

The present study deals with the preparation of polymer matrix composites with polyester resin as matrix and hemp as reinforced material and calcium silicate as filler particles. The calcium silicate is available in powder form, and it is known that, filler particle increases the mechanical properties of polymer matrix composites. In this project work the different percentage of calcium silicate is added in polyester resin to improve its hardness, strength, and also mechanical properties of polyester resin. The objective of this project is to prepare PMCs using calcium silicate, hemp fibre and polyester resin using hand lay-up technique as per ASTM standards. In this project work, PMCs are prepared by varying three compositions i.e. 2% CaSiO<sub>3</sub> + 5% hemp, and 93% polyester resin, 4% CaSiO<sub>3</sub>, 10% hemp and 86% polyester resin and 6% CaSiO<sub>3</sub>, 15% hemp and 79% polyester resin. The experimental test will be carried on prepared PMCs and find out the different mechanical characteristics such as tensile strength, compression strength, flexural strength and to study the dynamic behaviour of PMCs by using damping test with experimental set up.

Manufacturing and study of the properties of polymer matrix composites reinforced with magnetite and carbon black for electromagnetic shielding applications

This work describes the production and morphological, structural, and magnetic characterization, as well as the electromagnetic shielding properties of polymeric based composites reinforced with different ratios of magnetite and carbon black. This kind of composites are used not only for the manufacture of electronic elements such as shape memory polymers, sensors and transducers, but especially for the production of electromagnetic shielding materials in both passive defense and civil construction applications; Buildings, vehicles or airplanes. The melt mixing method and vulcanization procees was followed for the manufacture of the composites.Composite materials with natural magnetite and synthetic magnetite have been considered separately. Reinforcements fillers were added in different ratios. The morphological analysis carried out by FESEM demonstrates the differences in size and shape of the fillers.Through the Raman and XPS spectroscopy the  interface matrix-fillers was studied. The magnetite content, as well as its source, directly affect the magnetic behavior of the composites. The electromagnetic shielding properties were evaluated in the X band of frequency (8-12 GHz) and K band (18-27 GHz), with attenuations greater than 34 dB for the composites with the highest amount of magnetite.&nbsp

Comparative Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of Polymer Matrix Composites Reinforced with Fiberglass Fabric

The composites materials are increasingly displacing the traditional ones and are the most widely used of all groups of engineering materials. Polymer matrix composites have the greatest application and they are used for equipment operating in the sea-water environment and polymer pipes. In this article, the mechanical properties of six types of polymer matrix composites reinforced with fiberglass fabric are considered and analyzed. Two types of resin were used for the matrix – polyester resin and vinyl ester resin. The both types of matrices are reinforced with three different fiberglass fabric- monoaxial, biaxial and triaxial fiberglass. The investigated composites are obtained by mechanical pressing in the form of sixlayer panels. A comparative analysis of tensile strength and banding strength of the six types investigated composites was made. A macrofractographic analysis of the structure was also performed.

Progress on Polymer Composites With Low Dielectric Constant and Low Dielectric Loss for High-Frequency Signal Transmission

The development of information transmission technology towards high-frequency microwaves and highly integrated and multi-functional electronic devices has been the mainstream direction of the current communication technology. During signal transmission, resistance-capacitance time delay, crosstalk, energy consumption increase and impedance mismatch restrict the high density and miniaturization of Printed circuit board (PCB). In order to achieve high fidelity and low delay characteristics of high-frequency signal transmission, the development of interlayer dielectric materials with low dielectric constant (Dk) and low dielectric loss factor (Df) has become the focus of researchers. This review introduces the dielectric loss mechanism of polymer composites and the resin matrix commonly used in several high-frequency copper-clad laminates, and mainly describes how to reduce the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of materials from the level of molecular structure design, as well as the effect of fillers on the dielectric properties of polymer substrates. As a kind of potential functional fillers for dielectric polymeric composites, the carbon nanofillers are used to tailor the dielectric properties of their composites via different dimensions and loadings, as well as their proper preparation methods. This review finally summarizes the interface bonding failure mechanism and a feasible idea to optimize the dielectric properties of polymer matrix composites is also proposed.

Mechanical Properties of PC-ABS-Based Graphene-Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites Fabricated by FDM Process.

This experimental study investigates the mechanical properties of polymer matrix composites containing nanofiller developed by fused deposition modelling (FDM). A novel polymer nanocomposite was developed by amalgamating polycarbonate-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC-ABS) by blending with graphene nanoparticles in the following proportions: 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 wt %. The composite filaments were developed using a twin-screw extrusion method. The mechanical properties such as tensile strength, low-velocity impact strength, and surface roughness of pure PC-ABS and PC-ABS + graphene were compared. It was observed that with the addition of graphene, tensile strength and impact strength improved, and a reduction in surface roughness was observed along the build direction. These properties were analyzed to understand the dispersion of graphene in the PC-ABS matrix and its effects on the parameters of the study. With the 0.8 wt % addition of graphene to PC-ABS, the tensile strength increased by 57%, and the impact resistance increased by 87%. A reduction in surface roughness was noted for every incremental addition of graphene to PC-ABS. The highest decrement was seen for the 0.8 wt % addition of graphene reinforcement that amounted to 40% compared to PC-ABS.

Pengaruh Sintering Serbuk Batuan Basalt sebagai Bahan Penguat pada Komposit Polyester terhadap Sifat Fisik dan Mekanik

Basalt rock has great potential in Lampung Province but is only used as a building construction material. Basalt has superior characteristics such as abrasion/wear resistance, compressive strength and chemical reaction resistance making it suitable as a filler or reinforcement for composites. This study aims to determine the effect of basalt rock powder sintering as a reinforcing filler on the mechanical and physical properties of polymer matrix composites. The parameters used included variations in sintering temperature: 8500C, 9500C, and 1.0500C, variations in particle size: 100 < X < 150 mesh, 150 < Y < 200 mesh and 200 < Z < 270 mesh, and the volume fraction comparison of basalt sintering powder and polyester resin. 70: 30%, 80: 20%, and 90: 10%. The experimental design uses the L9 3^3 taguchi orthogonal array run 9 specimens. Taguchi analysis shows that the parameters that affect the mechanical and physical properties are the sintering temperature. sintering temperature contributed 61.77% to wear, and 87.58% to compressive strength, and 95.32% to composite density. The experimental results with the best value obtained a wear value of 0.235 x 10-7mm2 / kg, a compressive strength of 118.873 MPa, and a density of 2.272 gr/cm3.

Influence of stitching on the out-of-plane behavior of composite materials – A mechanistic review

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites are widely used in the aerospace industry due to their high stiffness and strength-to-weight ratios. However, their applicability can be limited by their relatively low interlaminar properties when compared to metallic alternatives. Through-thickness reinforcement approaches, such as stitching, z-pinning, needling, tufting, and three-dimensional weaving, have been developed in recent decades to enhance the interlaminar properties of composites. Stitching is considered to be an efficient and cost-effective method to reinforce composites in the through-thickness direction. Additionally, stitch parameters (stitch density, linear thread density, thread material, pretension, etc.) highly influence the in-plane and out-of-plane properties. This paper summarizes results from over one hundred papers on the influence of stitch parameters on fracture energy, interlaminar strength, and impact characteristics of stitched composite laminates, sandwich composites, and high-temperature composites. Much of the research on the influence of stitch parameters has focused on thermoset polymer matrix composites (PMCs), while fewer studies have investigated the impact of stitch parameters on high temperature or sandwich composites. Modification of existing and new test methods have been developed to adequately measure the effectiveness of stitching on the out-of-plane behavior of PMC panels. Results demonstrate that out-of-plane properties of PMCs are highly dependent on stitch parameters and can be enhanced by through-thickness stitching.

Gas permeability of three-dimensional stitched carbon/epoxy composites for cryogenic applications

3D through-the-thickness stitching can be used to improve interlaminar properties of polymer matrix composites (PMCs) and produce lightweight, unitized structures for cryogenic storage tanks. To fully utilize stitched composite structures for these applications, their inherent gas permeability challenges must be understood. Therefore, the effects of cryogenic cycling on the gas permeation of three-dimensional stitched PMCs are investigated. Stitched and unstitched carbon/epoxy composites of standard modulus (237 GPa) and intermediate modulus (290 GPa) carbon fibers were thermally cycled and the helium gas permeability was measured at selected cryogenic cycles. Results show that stitching increases gas permeability in PMCs, with the standard modulus stitched composites having approximately twice the permeability of the intermediate modulus stitched specimens. Optical microscopy images show that cracks develop in the resin rich areas around the stitching seams. These internal cracks produce the increase in the midspan microcrack density that leads to the increase in permeability of stitched composites.

Effects of CeO2 nano-particles on anti-aging performance of HDPE polymer during friction

The water-lubricated polymer stern tube bearing is a key-component which has great influences on operational reliability and safety of marine power systems. The poor thermal conductivity and frictional heat generated by friction easily cause severe deforming behaviours on the polymer bearing contacting surfaces, and lead to the high coefficient of friction as well as fluctuations. Therefore, for figuring out the tribological properties of polymer matrix composites after being modified by nano-fillers and conducted aging treatments, an array of high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites composed with CeO2 were manufactured and tested on a commercial tribo-tester. The results showed that the CeO2 nano-particles had a significant effect on the anti-aging property of HDPE and affected its tribology properties. Compared with the pure HDPE, CeO2 nano-particles could reduce the COF after aging, and the COF reduction rate reached maximum to 46.6% after aging for 25 d. The CeO2 nano-particles reduced the internal molecular chain fractures of the modified polymer under aging conditions, and slowed down the descending trends of the typical physical properties of polymer. The tribology properties of the modified polymer were enhanced by CeO2 nano-particles compared with the pure HDPE, and the reinforcement model was disclosed in the end. The knowledge gained herein will be useful for designing a new water lubricated bearing polymer with good anti-aging property for extending its applications under extreme circumstances.