Transition Temperature Research Articles

Tailored proton conductive membranes of PVdF-co-HFP: Investigating the synergistic effects of ammonium tetrafluoroborate and phosphoric acid dopants on dielectric characteristics

This study investigates the structural, thermal, and dielectric properties of pure PVdF-co-HFP matrix and its composite electrolytes, PVdF-co-HFP/NH4BF4[x], both before and after PA doping, using FTIR, SEM, TGA, and dielectric analyses. FTIR spectra reveal characteristic vibrational bands, confirming the presence of various functional groups and phases. SEM images display a smooth and homogeneous surface morphology for pure PVdF-co-HFP, while the composite electrolytes exhibit irregular dispersion of NH4BF4 salt and rougher surfaces upon PA doping. TGA analysis shows that the onset of thermal degradation occurs at approximately 370 ℃ for pure PVdF-co-HFP, while PA-doped samples demonstrate higher decomposition temperatures, exceeding 400 ℃ due to hydrogen bonding and ionic complex formation. The presence of NH4BF4 and PA doping also affects the crystallinity of the PVdF-co-HFP matrix, notably shifting the transition temperatures of the alpha and beta phases. Ionic conductivity measurements indicate that PA doping significantly enhances conductivity by increasing charge carrier concentration and facilitating ion transport. PA-doped PVdF-co-HFP/NH4BF4[10] showed the highest conductivity reaching 1.68 × 10−3 S.cm−1 at 1 MHz and 400 K. Dielectric studies reveal frequency-dependent behavior, with dielectric constant (ε') and loss (ε") showing distinct trends influenced by salt concentration and PA doping. The dielectric tangent loss (tanδ) of PA-doped PVdF-co-HFP/NH4BF4 composite membranes exhibits frequency and temperature dependence. At higher temperatures, tanδ increases with frequency, showing a resonance peak that shifts towards higher frequencies. The study elucidates the impact of PA doping on the structural, thermal, and electrochemical performance of PVdF-co-HFP/NH4BF4 composites, providing insights for their potential applications in advanced electrolyte systems.

Effects of quantum dots on the nematic to smectic-A phase transition

ABSTRACT Experiments on the composites of liquid crystals and quantum dots showed the significant role of quantum dots on the properties of the nematic–smectic-A phase transition. The effects of quantum dots on the nematic-smectic-A phase transition have been discussed using Flory- Huggins theory of isotropic mixing and Landau-de Gennes theory. The impact of quantum dots on the smectic-A order parameters, nematic–smectic-A transition temperature, splay and bend elastic constants has been discussed. The smectic-A order parameters, transition temperature and elastic constants decrease with the increase of volume fraction of quantum dots.

Controlled Vapor-Liquid-Solid Growth of Long and Remarkably Thin Pb1-xSnxTe Nanowires with Strain-Tunable Ferroelectric Phase Transition.

The Pb1-xSnxTe family of compounds possess a wide range of intriguing and useful physical properties, including topologically protected surface states, robust ferroelectricity, remarkable thermoelectric properties, and potential topological superconductivity. Compared to bulk crystals, one-dimensional (1D) nanowires (NWs) offer a unique platform to enhance the functional properties and enable new capabilities, e.g., to realize 1D Majorana zero modes for quantum computations. However, it has been challenging to achieve controlled synthesis of ultrathin Pb1-xSnxTe (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) nanowires in the truly 1D region. In this work, we report on a Au-catalyzed vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth of remarkably thin (20-30 nm) and sufficiently long (several to tens of micrometers) Pb1-xSnxTe nanowires of high single-crystalline quality in a controlled fashion. This controlled growth was achieved by enhancing the incorporation of Te into the Au catalyst particle to facilitate the precipitation of the Sn/Pb species and suppress the enlargement of the particle, which we identified as a major challenge for the growth of ultrathin nanowires. Our growth strategy can be easily extended to other compound and alloy nanowires, where the constituent elements have different incorporation rates into the catalyst particle. Furthermore, the growth of thin Pb1-xSnxTe nanowires enabled strain-dependent electrical transport measurements, which shows an enhancement of electrical resistance and ferroelectric transition temperature induced by uniaxial tensile strain along the nanowire axial direction, consistent with density functional theory calculations of the structural phase stability.

Scaling Laws for Protein Folding under Confinement.

Spatial confinement significantly affects protein folding. Without the confinement provided by chaperones, many proteins cannot fold correctly. However, the quantitative effect of confinement on protein folding remains elusive. In this study, we observed scaling laws between the variation in folding transition temperature and the size of confinement, (Tf - Tfbulk)/Tfbulk ∼ L-ν. The scaling exponent v is significantly influenced by both the protein's topology and folding cooperativity. Specifically, for a given protein, v can decrease as the folding cooperativity of the model increases, primarily due to the heightened sensitivity of the unfolded state energy to changes in cage size. For proteins with diverse topologies, variations in topological complexity influence scaling exponents in multiple ways. Notably, v exhibits a clear positive correlation with contact order and the proportion of nonlocal contacts, as this complexity significantly enhances the sensitivity of entropy loss in the unfolded state. Furthermore, we developed a novel scaling argument yielding 5/3 ≤ ν ≤ 10/3, consistent with the simulation results.

Mechanisms of electrical transition using a conformal MoOx cap on Mo-doped VO2 thermochromics

Mo-doped VO2 thin-films are deposited on the soda-lime glass by a reactive high-power impulse magnetron co-sputtering technique (R-HiPIMS). Rapid thermal annealing at 500 °C for 3 min is performed to achieve the fabrication under low thermal budget. To prevent VO2 from further oxidation, a conformal and semi-conducting MoOx film is applied as the capping layer by the plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PE-ALD). After MoOx film is deposited, an electrical transition in the resistance ratio of 6–10 orders of magnitude has been found, especially for MoOx thicknesses less than 20 nm. A secondary phase of V2O3 plays an important role in abrupt change of current transportation. Also, the hysteresis of optical transition in transmittance at a wavelength of 2500 nm shows that both the width and transition temperature (TC) decrease with increasing the thickness of the MoOx cap. Moreover, the effect of localized surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR) due to the Karst-like structure has been detected by the absorption spectrum. The variations in LSPR peak, such as intensity, blue-shifting, and red-shifting, originated from either excess carrier or structure change are discussed. The high aspect ratio of surface morphology is further examined by atomic force microscopy. In addition, the coverage of MoOx on Mo-doped VO2 concerning the friction behavior is evaluated by lateral force microscopy (LFM), which is helpful in clarifying the responsible mechanisms during TC transition.

Stepwise Crystallization and Mass Transport Limitations in Annealed SPEEK Thin Films

Pt-supported SPEEK (sulfonated poly ether ether ketone) thin films, mimicking the ionomer-electrode interface in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs), were synthesized with thicknesses from 12 to 105 nm. Their glass transition temperature (Tg) was analyzed via in-situ thermal ellipsometry, revealing a thickness-dependent Tg decrease, indicative of confinement effects. Particularly, a 30 nm film, typical of practical ionomer films, exhibited surface crystallization preceding that at the buried interface, a phenomenon linked to higher mobility at the free surface, as con-firmed by grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GI-WAXS) at both sub-critical (0.09º) and supercritical (0.14º) angles. This study elucidates the dynamic interplay between the high-mobility free surface and the interaction-intensive buried interface in confined SPEEK thin films. It was observed that below 30 nm thickness, interfacial interactions become the primary factor influencing transition temperature. Additionally, spatially heterogeneous crystallization, more pronounced in the out-of-plane direction, correlates with reduced proton conduction.

An inverse ferroelastic type phase transition and electric properties in bis(ethylenediammonium)tetrachlorozincate chloride crystal

Here we present TGA, DSC, dielectric studies and polarized microscopy observations of bis-ethylenediammonium tetrachlorozinc dichloride. In our studies, we found a high-temperature first-order phase transition at about 478/470 K for the heating/cooling cycle, respectively. The reversibility of the phase transition was detected by DSC and dielectric measurements and also by polarized microscopy observations. The appearance of a ferroelastic-type domain structure phase above the phase transition temperature indicates a reduction in symmetry during the heating cycle. The domain walls observed in the (100) plane are characteristic of a ferroelastic-type phase transition and can be classified as mmmF2/m Aizu species. The reduction in symmetry above the phase transition temperature allows us to classify the phase transition at 476 K as a "reverse" type. Dielectric studies in the frequency range of 40 Hz - 8 MHz allowed to estimate the activation energy for conduction and relaxation processes both with increasing and decreasing temperature. Activation energies obtained both from conductivity (σdc) measured in the temperature range from 445 to 485 K and relaxation process are practically the same both for low- and high-temperature phases as well. Taking into account the results for all directions (a, b, c) and all temperatures, conductivity is 10−7 – 10−4 S/m and is within the range characteristic for semiconductors (10−8 – 106) S/m. The conductivity and relaxation activation energies determined for the directions (a, b, c) have values in the range from 0.58 to 3.7 eV, which are also within the range characteristic for semiconductors. Electrical properties show clearly anisotropic character of the studied material.

UV-curable aromatic polyurethanes from different sustainable resources: Protocatechuic and cinnamic acids

An innovative aromatic monomer, 3,4-dihydroxybenzyl cinnamate (CDHB), was synthesized from protocatechuic and cinnamic acids. These latter can be obtained from different sustainable resources, such as plastic waste or biomass, by biotechnology and/or chemistry routes. From CDHB, used as chain extender, and aromatic or aliphatic diisocyanates, various aromatic thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) with cinnamic pendant chains were carefully synthesized and characterized. Different techniques such as NMR, FTIR, TGA and DSC have been used. The main results show that the TPUs exhibited good phase segregation and thermal stability, due to the aromaticity of the chain extender. The pendant cinnamic chains acted as internal plasticizer with a reduction of the glass transition temperature (Tg). The cinnamic groups were also able to undergo a [2 + 2] cycloaddition under UV irradiation, leading to the crosslinking of PU with a strong evolution of the properties. This reaction was followed by UV–Vis spectroscopy. 80 % of cycloaddition was reached in 20 h, significantly increasing PU gel fraction, Tg, and thermal stability. This study highlights the potential to create modulable sustainable and aromatic PU macromolecular architectures that can be UV curable and display enhanced properties.

Controlling the Relaxation Dynamics of Polymer Networks by Combining Associative and Dissociative Dynamic Covalent Bonds.

Dynamic polymer networks offer a promising solution to key challenges in polymers such as recyclability, processability, and damage repair. However, the trade-off between combining facile processability, fast self-healing, and high creep resistance remains a major obstacle to implementation. To overcome this, two very distinct dynamic covalent chemistries, Diels-Alder and transesterification, is combined in a single network. The resulting dual dynamic networks offer an unprecedented set of properties and control over the relaxation times. The system decouples the relaxation dynamics of the network from the spatial motifs, and the tuning of the ratio between chemistries enables to control of the relaxation dynamics over six orders of magnitude. Taking advantage of this control, the composition and rheological behavior is optimized to drastically improve the resolution for extrusion-based additive manufacturing of dynamic covalent networks. Additionally, two well-defined and separated stress relaxation peaks are observed at compositions close to 50% of each dynamic chemistry, accentuating the double character of the system's relaxation dynamics. This atypical situation, enables to preparation of self-healing materials with negligible creep, and with shape-memory properties solely leveraging the two distinct relaxation dynamics, instead of the glass transition temperature or the melting point.

Exploring strategies for valorizing wood processing waste: advancing sustainable, fully lignocellulosic biocomposites

This study presents the design and synthesis of bio-composites exhibiting high properties, wherein both the matrix and filler originate from wood biomass. Notably, no additional hardener compounds or treatments/modifications of the lignocellulosic filler were employed. Thermosetting materials were developed by homopolymerizing a bio-based aromatic epoxy monomer, the resorcinol diglycidyl ether (RDGE), with different percentages, from 1 wt% to 30 wt% of natural wood processing side-product, such as spruce bark powder (SB), which was used as such without additional treatments and modifications. The DSC analyses revealed enhanced reactivities with the bio-filler content, resulting in a reduced reaction temperature range and maximum reaction temperature. These findings provide evidence of the chemical interaction between the functional groups from spruce bark and the epoxides groups. The obtained fully based lignocellulosic materials show high E' values from 2.4 GPa to 2.5–3.5 GPa (glassy state) and from 64 MPa to 99–156 MPa in the rubbery region. The damping factor of the bio-composites with 1–10 wt% SB have shown an increase of the α transition temperature from 92 °C to 94–97 °C. The excellent filler/matrix interface and optimal adhesion between them were confirmed by SEM analysis.

Superconducting transition of GdBa2Cu3O7-x/La0.7A0.3MnO3 (A=Sr and Ca) bilayers governed by tunable interlayer structural coupling

Bilayers composed of high-Tc cuprate superconductors (HTS) with manganites have garnered significant attention due to the complex interaction between two layers, leading to competition among various ordering phenomena. When HTS and manganties are interfaced, new functionalities can emerge that are absent in the individual components. Notably, epitaxial strain can alter crystal structures and electronic states, significantly impacting superconductivity in HTS/manganite heterostructures. In this study, we analyze the superconducting and ferromagnetic behaviors of GdBa2Cu3O7-x(GdBCO)/La0.7A0.3MnO3(LAMO, where A=Sr and Ca) bilayers, maintain a constant GdBCO thickness of 500nm while varying the LAMO thickness from 25 to 100nm. We focus on the local structural correlations between the two layers. Temperature-dependent EXAFS spectra were systematically measured at the Cu and Mn K-edges to investigate the local atomic structures of both layers across the superconducting transition temperature (Tc). Our spectroscopic measurements reveal distinct conformations of the MnO6 octahedra near Tc, which are absent in single-layer LSMO, indicating structural coupling between the layers. Additionally, our magnetization studies show a strong relationship between the structural coupling, magnetic anisotropy (MA), and the superconducting transition of the GdBCO/LAMO bilayers. The additional distortion of the MnO6 octahedra in the GdBCO/LAMO bilayer, likely stemming from structural coupling, may account for the changes in the superconducting transition associated with magnetic anisotropy. This modification of structural coupling can be controlled by adjusting the LAMO thickness, yet it remains highly dependent on the bond geometry of LAMO. The Mn-O bond in LCMO is stiffer than in LSMO, resulting in a smaller change in structural coupling with varying thickness in LCMO compared to LSMO. The disparity in structural coupling directly impacts the magnetic properties of the LAMO layer and subsequently influences the superconducting property ΔTc. Our findings highlight the significance of structural coupling as a critical factor affecting the superconductivity of GdBCO/LAMO bilayers. Furthermore, this study provide foundational insight for designing various applications, such as magnetic sensors and spintronic devices, by enhancing our understanding of local dynamics at the interface between ferromagnets and superconductors.

4D printing of polylactic acid (PLA)/PLA-thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based metastructure: examining the mechanical, thermal, and shape memory properties

Abstract In the present day and age, increasing demand concerning the enhancement of the mechanical performance of Shape Memory Polymer (SMP) based structures has paved the way for developing newer metastructures of enhanced load-bearing, damping capacity, and durability. The present study focuses on developing SMP-based metastructures made of commercially available Polylactic Acid (PLA) and 30% by wt. of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) blended PLA. The designed metastructures are initially analyzed using numerical modeling to prevent lateral deformation, acute stress concentration zones, and row-wise collapse. Mechanical tests reveal that blending TPU with PLA enhances the material's flexibility and ductility, further improving the toughness and fracture resistance of the built metastructures. Loading-unloading and shape recovery tests (under compression mode) of the s-shape metastructure reveal that the PLA/TPU metastructure withstands ≅ 170 N load, less than neat PLA's ≅ 223 N due to TPU's flexibility. PLA/TPU endures 30 cycles, while PLA fails after the 9th cycle. In shape recovery plots, PLA/TPU metastructures exhibit a lower standard deviation (~0.32%) than PLA (~1.4%), attributed to the entropy decrease and cross-linkage disentanglements of PLA. Furthermore, a Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) assesses glass transition temperature, energy storage capability, and dissipation in variation with the temperature. The nephograms of ABAQUS result divulge accurate fracture initiation locations of the metastructure unit cells, which involves implementing ductile damage behavior modeling by employing damage initiation and evolution parameters. Finally, assessing compression tests and shape recovery behavior results elucidates that these SMP-based metastructures are promising for load-bearing pallets in the transporting and packaging industries, providing superior damping and self-repairing capabilities during significant plastic deformations.

Photo-thermal effects initiate multi-level energy conversion in “solid-solid” phase-changing fibers

The current textiles primarily employ passive heat barriers to minimize heat loss and achieve effective thermal insulation for human beings. Accordingly, intelligent fibers with energy storage and temperature control capabilities have garnered significant attention due to their potential to revolutionize textile technology. The study integrates the photo-thermal effect and phase change energy storage materials onto a fiber, thereby fabricating a fully intelligent energy storage fiber. This innovation enables the multi-level conversion of sunlight: “Optical energy - Thermal energy - Phase transition energy - Thermal energy”. The intelligent fiber efficiently converts solar energy into heat energy through the photo-thermal coupling of CuNPs, subsequently inducing a spatial conformational change in the solid-solid phase change material within the fiber for effective heat storage. The hybrid fiber possesses enhanced mechanical properties but also exhibits a significantly high phase transition enthalpy value of 49.75 J g−1 and a phase transition temperature suitable for human body temperature (20.19–30.21 °C), especially the fiber is more durable. The photo-thermal conversion test vividly demonstrates the systematic transformation of four distinct forms of energy within the composite fiber. This approach holds significant potential for advancing the field of smart fiber technology.

Exploring uncertainty in glass phase transitions through machine learning

Machine learning methods have shown significant potential and are widely used in modern physics research. However, the uncertainty linked to machine learning, arising from the opacity of its workflow, demands attention and consideration. This study investigates the application of machine learning models in analyzing the glass transition of Cu50Zr50 metallic glass. By employing supervised learning techniques with ResNet50, MobileNetV3, and GoogleNet image extraction models, the study reveals that while machine learning can capture variations in the disordered atomic structure during the transition process, different models may yield divergent results in determining the glass transition temperature. Moreover, variations in atomic sizes within the images can lead to fluctuations in the predicted transition temperatures. These findings highlight the inherent uncertainties associated with using machine learning to analyze continuous phase transitions and stress the importance of ensuring that the extracted structural features align with the physical characteristics of the transition process.

Solid-state vitrification of LiPO3 through mechanical milling

A novel glass state of LiPO3 was obtained in powders produced by mechanical planetary ball milling of the crystal phase, in a direct room temperature solid-state process. X-ray diffraction shows that the amorphization develops through the compression along the [2 0 2] direction. This new material shows the calorimetric signatures of the glass state (glass transition and crystallization), and is produced in an excited state relaxing the excess of enthalpy through an exothermic event below the glass transition, akin to bulk glasses produced by hyperquenching of their melts. 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) reveals the progressive amorphization of the particles: the collapse of the resonances from P crystallographic sites and the appearance of broad resonances from amorphous domains. The nature of this glass is different from those obtained through melt-quench of bulk samples. The glass transition (Tg = 303 °C) and crystallization (Tc = 350 °C) temperatures are lower than in the melt-quenched glass (Tg = 330 °C, Tc = 379 °C). Also, 31P NMR shows a broader distribution of environments around Q2 phosphates, and higher populations of Q1 and Q3, suggesting differences in middle-range order. The amorphization can be fully reversed by recrystallization of the powders at 333 °C.

Allylic Epoxides Increase the Strain Energy of Cyclic Olefin Monomers for Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization.

Ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) is an effective method for synthesizing functional polymers, but since the technique typically relies on high ring strain cyclic olefins, the most common monomers are norbornene derivatives. The reliance on one class of monomer limits the obtainable properties of ROMP polymers. In this work, we investigate new bicyclic monomers synthesized via epoxidation of commercial dienes. DFT estimates of these monomers' ring strains suggests a significant increase in strain for cyclic olefins containing allylic epoxides. We found that the eight-membered (3,4-COO) and five-membered (CPO) cyclic olefins were particularly effective for ROMP. CPO was of especially intriguing due to its excellent polymerizability when compared to the limited reactivity of other five-membered rings. Unlike polynorbornenes, the resulting polymers of both monomers displayed glass transition temperatures well below room temperature. Interestingly, poly(3,4-COO) showed both high stereo- and regioregularity while poly(CPO) showed little regularity. Both polymers could be readily modified via post-polymerization ring-opening of the reactive allylic epoxides. With a high epoxide density in poly(CPO), CPO is an exciting new ROMP monomer that is easily synthesized, can be polymerized to high conversion at room temperature, and may be facilely modified to yield a wide range of functional materials.

Allylic Epoxides Increase the Strain Energy of Cyclic Olefin Monomers for Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization

Ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) is an effective method for synthesizing functional polymers, but since the technique typically relies on high ring strain cyclic olefins, the most common monomers are norbornene derivatives. The reliance on one class of monomer limits the obtainable properties of ROMP polymers. In this work, we investigate new bicyclic monomers synthesized via epoxidation of commercial dienes. DFT estimates of these monomers’ ring strains suggests a significant increase in strain for cyclic olefins containing allylic epoxides. We found that the eight‐membered (3,4‐COO) and five‐membered (CPO) cyclic olefins were particularly effective for ROMP. CPO was of especially intriguing due to its excellent polymerizability when compared to the limited reactivity of other five‐membered rings. Unlike polynorbornenes, the resulting polymers of both monomers displayed glass transition temperatures well below room temperature. Interestingly, poly(3,4‐COO) showed both high stereo‐ and regioregularity while poly(CPO) showed little regularity. Both polymers could be readily modified via post‐polymerization ring‐opening of the reactive allylic epoxides. With a high epoxide density in poly(CPO), CPO is an exciting new ROMP monomer that is easily synthesized, can be polymerized to high conversion at room temperature, and may be facilely modified to yield a wide range of functional materials.

Grafting of maleic anhydride onto waste acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and its application for compatibilization of ABS blends

AbstractIncorporating recycled plastics into the manufacturing process is an essential way to establish a sustainable plastics economy. However, current processes are limited by the degradation of mechanical properties, high cost, and inconsistent product quality compared with their virgin counterparts. Here, we present an upcycling strategy for waste plastics where waste acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (reABS) is first grafted with maleic anhydride (MAH), then utilized to compatibilize nylon 6(PA6)/ABS and PA6/ABS/CaCO3 blends. The reABS‐g‐MAH exhibits improved Young's modulus and tensile strength, but lower strain at break and impact strength compared with reABS. As an additive, reABS‐g‐MAH effectively compatibilizes PA6/ABS and PA6/ABS/CaCO3 blends, indicated by greatly decreased PA6 domain size, homogeneous dispersion of fillers, and narrowed glass transition temperature regions between PA6 and ABS. Adding only 5 wt% reABS‐g‐MAH increases the Young's modulus, strain at break, and impact strength of PA6/ABS blends by 26%, 180%, and 110%, respectively, compared with uncompatibilized samples. Similarly, for PA6/ABS/CaCO3 blends, the strain at break and impact strength increase by 370% and 150%, respectively, while the Young's modulus and tensile strength show increases of 5% and 10%. The results show that this strategy of using polar groups to functionalize waste plastics as compatibilizers may open numerous opportunities for upcycling waste plastics.

Study on the Inhibition Performance of a Lipoic Acid Microcapsule Gel Composite Inhibitor in the Spontaneous Combustion of Coal

ABSTRACT In order to improve the inhibition performance of an inhibitor, a microcapsule material was prepared with modified chitosan and lipoic acid as the main raw materials, and a gel material was prepared with polyethylene glycol and sodium alginate. By combining the microcapsule and gel, a composite inhibitor SAA/PEG-MALA was finally obtained, with a good inhibition effect and a long-lasting inhibition time. A scanning electron microscopy experiment showed that SAA/PEG-MALA has a unique radioactive pore structure, thus improving the moisture absorption and water retention performance. A thermogravimetric experiment showed that, after treatment with SAA/PEG-MALA, the characteristic temperature of the coal samples were increased, of which the dry cracking temperature T2 was increased by 16.9°C, and the thermal decomposition temperature T5 was increased by 72.2°C. A differential scanning calorimetry experiment showed that the transition temperature of an SAA/PEG-MALA-inhibited coal sample increased by 31.6°C, and the heat release decreased by 5828.0 J/g. A thermogravimetric infrared experiment showed that the average inhibition rate of the SAA/PEG-MALA was 94.04%, and its average inhibition life was 27.43 min. These results indicate that SAA/PEG-MALA can effectively inhibit the spontaneous combustion of coal.

Influence of polar‐modified ESBO on the thermal and mechanical properties of FKM/EPDM rubber blends

AbstractRenowned for its oil, heat, and chemical resistance, fluoroelastomer rubber (FKM) also presents notable drawbacks, such as inferior low‐temperature performance. In this study, 2,2‐trifluoroethylamine (TF) and 2,4‐difluorobenzylamine (DF) were grafted onto epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO) to generate two innovative plasticizers: ESBO‐TF and ESBO‐DF that they were specifically designed to augment the low‐temperature performance of FKM. A thorough investigation into the effects of ESBO‐TF/DF on FKM/EPDM blends' properties was conducted. The study demonstrated that the integration of ESBO‐TF and ESBO‐DF enhanced the vital properties of the FKM/EPDM blends, including elongation at break, tear strength, and, significantly, low‐temperature performance. There was a noticeable decrease in the glass transition temperature (Tg), dropping by 3.54 and 2.95°C with the incorporation of 10 phr ESBO‐TF and ESBO‐DF, respectively. These respective plasticizers showed positive effects on the plasticization and compatibilization of the FKM/EPDM blends, thus proposing a novel methodology for developing new plasticizers for FKM and related blends.