Ultrasonic characterization of conductive epoxy resin/polyaniline composites

This study presents the ultrasonic characterization of conductive epoxy resin (ER)/polyaniline (PANI) composites. The prepared PANI is mixed with ER matrix at weight percentages of 5%, 10%, and 15% for preparing the ER/PANI composites. The effects of PANI amount on the mechanical properties of ER/PANI composites are investigated by ultrasonic pulse‐echo‐overlap method. Also, electrical conductivity, ultrasonic wave velocity and ultrasonic micro‐hardness values of ER/PANI composites are correlated. Experimental results show that there is an excellent correlation between ultrasonic micro‐hardness and ultrasonic shear wave velocity. Also, the results of ultrasonic velocities and elastic constants values illustrate that the appropriate combination ratio is 95 : 5 for ER and PANI in ER/PANI composites. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42748.     

Determining the elastic properties of modified polystyrenes by sound velocity measurements

The effect of the binding of various polyfunctional groups to polystyrene's (PS's) aromatic ring on the elastic properties of the PS were investigated by an ultrasonic method. Various sets of samples were prepared by chemical modification of pure PSs having different molecular weights with SA, maleic anhydride, and phthalic anhydride. The ultrasonic wave velocities of modified PSs were measured with the pulse‐echo method at room temperature by a computer‐controlled analyzer and a digital oscilloscope. The values of the acoustic impedance, Poisson's ratio, and elasticity constants of the samples were calculated by the measured values of the densities and sound velocities. The longitudinal and shear wave velocities and the values of all elastic constants increased with chemical modification of the pure PS. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Determination of elastic constants of epoxy resin/biochar composites by ultrasonic pulse echo overlap method

This study is carried out in order to determine the elastic properties of Epoxy Resin (ER) Composites reinforced with various mixtures of China Poplar Char (CPC) and Pine Cone Char (PCC) as biochars by ultrasonic wave velocity measurement method. The prepared chars are mixed with epoxy resin matrix at weight percentages of 10%, 20%, and 30% for preparing the ER/Biochars (BC) composites. The effect of biochar amounts on the elastic properties of the ER/BC composites are investigated by ultrasonic pulse echo overlap method. The morphologies of the samples are investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Based on the findings obtained from the present study, forming of the ER/CPC composites gives better values of elastic properties compared to forming of the ER/PCC composites. According to the obtained results, the composition ratio of 70:30 is the most appropriate composition ratio for both of the ER/CPC and the ER/PCC composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:2907–2915, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

The elastic constants of moulded polymeric composites

The paper makes an approach to the determination of the five independent elastic constants of uniaxial symmetric material with the ultrasonic immersion technique. Only five ultrasonic wave velocities are required during measurement. The elastic constants of the moulded composites comprised of poly(phenylene sulfide), poly(aryl ether sulfone) with cardo side groups, short carbon fiber and carbon black are measured by using the suggested treatment. The results exhibit a close relationship between the elastic properties and the structure of the materials.     

Recycling studies of marble processing waste: Composites based on commercial epoxy resin

Marble waste was obtained from marble processing plant wastewater with precipitation using different coagulants, such as sepiolite, zeolite, and pumice in dosages of 0.5–8 g/500 mL and mixed in 20 wt % with commercial epoxy resin. The effects of marble, coagulant type and dosage on the physicomechanical and thermal properties were investigated. The incorporation of marble processing waste particles increases the 10% decomposition temperature of pure epoxy by 5–50°C. Surface hardness, tensile strength, percentage elongation, and stress at maximum load of the composites were higher than those of pure resin, too. The composites reinforced with marble processing waste-pumice showed about 10% increase in elastic modulus, whereas the composite reinforced with marble processing waste-sepiolite or zeolite showed about 76.67–143.33% increase in elastic modulus over the pure epoxy matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for characterization of surface and cross sections of the composites to verify the results. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Determining the mechanical properties of epoxy resin (DGEBA) composites by ultrasonic velocity measurement

In this study, the composites of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy resin that have been formed by mixing epoxy resin with allyl glycidyl ether (AGE) and 2,3‐epoxypropyl methacrylate [glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)] were prepared in weight % ratios of 90 : 10, 80 : 20, and 70 : 30. A computer controlled analyzer with 35 MHz and a digital oscilloscope with 60 MHz were used for measuring the velocities of ultrasonic wave. The measurement of ultrasonic velocity carried out by pulse echo method at frequencies of 2.25 and 3.5 MHz at room temperature. The values of acoustic impedance (Z), Poisson ratio (μ), and coefficients of elasticity (L, G, K, E) of composites were calculated by values of densities and velocities that obtained. Thus, the effect of modificating epoxy resin (DGEBA) by AGE and GMA on mechanical properties of DGEBA was investigated using the ultrasonic method. Atomic force microscopy has been used for determining the microstructure of composites. By the results obtained from the investigation, it have been established that the longitudinal and shear ultrasonic wave velocities, and the values of all the elasticity constants of DGEBA were increased by modification with AGE and GMA. Also the most suitable combination ratio for the compound of DGEBA : AGE and DGEBA : GMA has been found as 80 : 20. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Non-destructive characterisation of alumina/aluminium titanate composites using a micromechanical model and ultrasonic determinations: Part I. Evaluation of the effective elastic constants of aluminium titanate

A method to evaluate the elastic constants of aluminium titanate in alumina/aluminium titanate composites is described. Results are derived from a three-phase micromechanical model proposed to relate the velocity of propagation of ultrasounds in the materials with their microstructural characteristics and the elastic behaviour of the constituents. Dense and un-cracked alumina and alumina + 10 vol.% aluminium titanate specimens have been fabricated by colloidal processing and the longitudinal and transverse ultrasound velocities have been determined by the ultrasonic jointly pulse-echo and transmission ultrasound-immersion techniques, employing a digital signal processing. In order to assure the adequacy of the proposed method, results for monophase alumina have been compared to those obtained from the resonance frequencies of high density alumina plates tested in flexure and shear. The values of elastic moduli obtained using the two methods were coincident, which assured the validity of the non-destructive proposed method.     

A comparative study of different concentrations of (Co/Ni/Cu) effects on elastic properties of Li–Mn ferrite employing IR spectroscopy and ultrasonic measurement

Three series of divalent ions (Co²⁺/Ni²⁺/Cu²⁺) substituted into lithium-manganese ferrites were synthesized using a typical ceramic technique. Two different methods were used to investigate their elastic properties. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy showed two essential bands referring to the tetrahedral ‘υ_A’ and the octahedral ‘υ_B’ sites. The force constant, elastic wave velocity and elastic moduli of all specimens have been calculated from the results of IR spectroscopy. Using the ultrasonic pulse transmission (UPT) technique, the longitudinal and shear wave velocities were measured. Using these values; bulk modulus (B), rigidity modulus (G), Young's modulus (E), and Poisson ratio (σ) were determined. In comparison, the elastic moduli resulting from IR spectroscopy results were larger than those obtained from UPT measurements. Because the present ferrite systems are porous, the elastic moduli of the compositions from UPT have been adjusted to zero porosity by two models. The values of the adjusted elastic moduli have been shown to have the same trend as those of the uncorrected elastic moduli. Elastic parameters have generally improved dramatically for Li–Mn–Co ferrite and Li–Mn–Ni ferrite compared to Li–Mn–Cu ferrite. Higher elastic moduli values have been obtained in Li–Mn–Co spinel ferrites, suggesting that such materials are ideal for use in core shapes. Two methods were used to evaluate the Debye temperature of all compositions.     

Estimation of Elastic Properties of Porous Ceramic Using Ultrasonic Longitudinal Wave Velocity Only

A method for estimation of the elastic moduli of porous ceramics solely based on ultrasonic longitudinal wave velocities is proposed. The method is based on a polynomial correlation between ultrasonic shear wave and longitudinal wave velocities of a given porous material. It is also shown that variations of Poisson's ratios for porous material with longitudinal wave velocities agree with the predictions of Mori-Tanaka mean field approach. The method provides a simplified route to quantitative non-destructive evaluation of the elastic moduli of porous material.     

Ultrasonic Evaluation of Initiation and Development of Oxidation Damage in Ceramic-Matrix Composites

In this paper we report on the development of a method for ultrasonic nondestructive characterization of oxidation damage in ceramic-matrix composites. The method is based on ultrasonic measurement of elastic moduli of the composite, which are then used to determine the elastic moduli of the fiber-matrix interphase. Thus the interphasial damage may be estimated quantitatively. As a model system we used, to demonstrate applicability of the method, a unidirectional SiC-fiber-reinforced reaction-bonded silicon nitride matrix composite (SiC/RBSN). The composite samples were oxidized in flowing oxygen for 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 h at 600°, 900°, 1200°, and 1400°C. The ultrasonic phase velocity in the composite was measured at room temperature before and after oxidation; the data were then used to find the composite moduli, which quantify the induced damage. Significant changes in ultrasonic velocities and composite moduli were found as a result of oxidation. Fiber-matrix interphasial moduli were determined by multiphase micromechanical analysis. We found that oxidation of the carbon interphasial layer is the dominant mechanism in decreasing the elastic moduli of the composite. The critical exposure time for transition from the nondamaged to the damaged state at different oxidation temperatures has been determined.     

Ultrasonic evaluation of graphite/epoxy composites with different curing conditions

Ultrasonic evaluation of AS4/3501-6 graphite/epoxy composites and Hercules 3501-6 epoxies with different curing conditions has been carried out. A differential scanning calorimeter and a dynamic mechanical analyzer were used to characterize the cure status of these materials. The anisotropic elastic moduli, through-thickness longitudinal wave dispersion and attenuation were measured by different ultrasonic techniques. Effects of curing conditions on the mechanical properties of the composites and corresponding epoxies were discussed.     

Application of ultrasonic measurements to the determination of concentration of coal extracts

The velocities of ultrasonic wave propagation in tetrahydrofuran solutions of coal extracts from various coals (within the range 64.9–85.6% carbon) have been measured. Linear correlations between extract concentrations and ultrasonic wave velocities have been found.     

Fabrication and evaluation of PZT/Pt piezoelectric composites and functionally graded actuators

The PZT/Pt composites with various compositions were fabricated by using powder processing, and their mechanical, dielectric, piezoelectric and elastic properties were evaluated with the purpose to develop piezoelectric actuators with functionally graded microstructure (FGM). The piezoelectric and dielectric constants of the PZT/Pt composites decreased monotonously with increasing Pt content, whereas the addition of the Pt particles greatly improved the mechanical properties, particularly the fracture toughness in the composites. Miniature bimorph-type FGM actuators that consist of a composite internal-electrode (70 vol.%PZT/30 vol.%Pt) and three piezoelectric layers (100 vol.%PZT to 80 vol.%PZT/20 vol.%Pt) were fabricated by powder stacking and normal sintering techniques. The electrically-induced deflection characteristics of such an FGM actuator were measured with electric strain gages mounted on the top and bottom surfaces of the actuators, and the measured data were consistent with the analytical results given by the modified classical lamination theory model (CLT).     

Mechanical and thermal studies on epoxy toluene oligomer‐modified epoxy resin/marble waste composites

In this research, marble dust waste was recycled as raw material for the preparation of composite materials. Epoxy toluene oligomer (ETO) was synthesized from toluene and epichlorohydrin, which was used as a comatrix in 50 wt% with commercial epoxy resin (ER). Its chemical structure was characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and chemical analyses. The rigid filler used in epoxy polymer matrix was the marble processing waste obtained from wastewater using different coagulants, such as sepiolite, zeolite, or pumice. The thermal and mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated with thermogravimetric and mechanical analyses. The results showed that the marble wastes with all coagulants can significantly improve the thermal stability of an ER–ETO matrix at temperatures above 350°C. Composites exhibited a higher thermal degradation temperature with a much higher char yield. Surface hardness and tensile strength of the composites were higher than those of pure epoxy polymer matrix, as well. Scanning electron microscopy was used for the characterization of surface and cross‐sections of the composites to verify the results. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Anisotropic character and ultrasonic stiffness changes during the natural weathering of LDPE films

Blown extruded polyethylene films without stabilizers have been exposed outdoors under severe weathering conditions in the Sahara. The chemical aspect of aging has been followed by IR spectroscopy. The mechanical aspect of aging has been monitored by means of a nondestructive method. It consists of measuring velocities and attenuations of ultrasonic waves propagating in several directions in the film plane. Stiffness constants and energy dissipation terms have been calculated. From the results obtained it is shown that stiffening of the material leads to an increase of velocities and a decrease of wave attenuation. Moreover, the stiffness constants as well as the energy dissipation terms vary with aging and show a changing anisotropic character of the films. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 559–564, 2003     

Ultrasonic and mechanical measurements for the detection of crosslink density of SBR and NBR based on various curing systems

The stress–strain measurements of styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) samples based on various curing systems were used to access the crosslink density of various rubber mixes. Same materials were subjected to various uniaxial compression strains. The thicknesses before compression and after recovery were recorded. After recovery, pulse echo method was used to measure the ultrasonic velocity for the dilatational wave and that of shear wave at a frequency of 2 MHz and at room temperature. Both of the ultrasonic velocities were used to determine the elastic moduli of the samples. The relation between the elastic moduli and the corresponding recovery values were used to determine the crosslink density of samples. The crosslink density values obtained from the two techniques were compared. Butadiene‐acrylonitrile (NBR) rubber mix was used to show that the ultrasonic technique is applicable for other rubber compounds. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

A comparison of short glass fiber reinforced polypropylene plates made by conventional injection molding and using shear controlled injection molding

This paper describes a comparison of the fiber orientation structures and resulting elastic properties of samples of short glass fiber filled polypropylene made by conventional injection molding and by the SCORIM (Shear Controlled Orientation in Injection Molding) process developed at The University of Brunel. The 3D fiber orientation distributions of the composites were measured using a unique transputer based image analysis system developed at The University of Leeds. The mechanical properties of the samples were characterized using an ultrasonic velocity technique, which allows a full set of elastic constants to be determined for each material. The link between fiber orientation distributions and measured elastic properties was then investigated using theoretical models developed in this laboratory.     

Development of monolithic porous composites using carbonized coals as block porous supports, and poly(furfuryl alcohol) and chitosan as fillers

In this study, monolithic block cokes have been used as supports to develop carbon–carbon and carbon–polymer monolithic block composites using poly(furfuryl alcohol) and chitosan as fillers. Cokes were produced from single coals and coal blends by carbonization at 950 °C. The supports and the resultant composites were characterized by means of elemental analysis (carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen—CHN), low-temperature physical adsorption of nitrogen, gas helium densitometry, electric and ultrasonic measurements. Morphology of the supports and the composites was observed using scanning electronic microscope. The supports were found to be porous carbon materials of high C content within the range of 97.6–98.5 wt%, of porous structure characterized by macropores, with low contribution of mesopores with diameters of 17–25 nm. The resultant composites were found to be porous light materials with apparent density of less than 1 g/cm³, and bulk porosity ranging from 35 to 54 %, with high stiffness evidenced by dynamic elastic moduli reaching values up to ~5 GPa. Addition of the polymers to the cokes (block supports) was found to worsen electrical properties giving the electrical conductivity values ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 S/cm for all composites studied.     

Investigation of electrorheological properties and creep behavior of poly(oxymethylene)/polythiophene composites

In this study, electrorheological (ER) properties of polythiophene (PT) and poly(oxymethylene)/polythiophene (POM/PT), conducting composites having different compositions were investigated. The particle sizes of the composites were measured by dynamic light scattering method. Conductivities and dielectric properties of these composites were determined. Suspensions of PT and POM/PT composites were prepared in silicone oil (SO) at several concentrations (c = 5–25%, m/m) and their sedimentation stabilities were determined. The flow times of these suspensions at various dc electric field strengths were measured. The effects of dispersed particle concentration, particle size, shear rate, electric field strength, frequency, and temperature onto ER activities of these suspensions were investigated. Further, creep tests were applied to the composite suspensions and reversible viscoelastic deformations observed. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Millimeter wave absorbing property of flexible graphene/acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber composite in 5G frequency band

The coming fifth generation mobile communication technology (5G) puts forward enormous requirements on millimeter wave (MMW) absorbing materials above 24 GHz. In the present work, elastic absorbing composites were fabricated with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) of different reduction time and nitrile rubber (NBR). A series of characterization methods were used to study the reduction degree and the structure of composites, the electromagnetic parameters of composites in 26.5–40 GHz were also measured and used to conduct an analytical computation of reflection loss (RL). It was found that, 3h-RGO/NBR presented the minimum RL of ?45 dB at 35.4 GHz while 7h-RGO/NBR exhibited the widest effective bandwidth (<-10 dB) about 6.5 GHz. In addition, the mechanical properties of composites were also improved by RGO. Therefore, the obtained RGO/NBR composites displayed promising prospect as elastic MMW absorbing materials for 5G applications.