Mechanical properties of rigid polyurethane composites reinforced with surface treated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fibers

The mechanical properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers reinforced rigid polyurethane (PU) composites were studied, and the effects of the fiber surface treatment and the mass fraction were discussed. Chromic acid was used to treat the UHMWPE fibers, and polyurethane composites were prepared with 0.1 to 0.6 wt% as‐received and treated UHMWPE fibers. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared demonstrated that oxygen‐containing functional groups were efficiently grafted to the fiber surface. The mechanical performance tests of the UHMWPE fibers/PU composites were conducted, and the results revealed that the treated UHMWPE fibers/PU composites had better tensile, compression, and bending properties than as‐received UHMWPE fibers/PU composites. Thermal gravimetric analyzer showed that the thermal stability of the treated fiber composites were improved. The interface bonding of PU composites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and dynamic mechanical analysis, and the results indicated that the surface modification of UHMWPE fiber could improve the interaction between fiber and PU, which played a positive role in mechanical properties of composites.     

Effect of mastication time on the low strain properties of short pineapple leaf fiber reinforced natural rubber composites

Pineapple leaf fiber (PALF), used as a reinforcing agent, does not have good adhesion to natural rubber (NR) due to the difference in their polarities. As a result, the degree of reinforcement of NR imparted by PALF remains low compared to that in a polar rubber like acrylonitrile butadiene (NBR). One of the factors that determines the adhesion between the rubber and the reinforcement is the rubber molecular weight. Thus, the aim of this paper is to demonstrate that the stress at very low strains of short pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) reinforced natural rubber (NR) can be significantly increased by lowering the matrix molecular weight. This can be achieved by increasing the matrix mastication time. The composites studied here contain a fixed amount of PALF at 10 part (by weight) per hundred rubber (phr). The PALF fibers were both untreated (UPALF) and sodium hydroxide treated (TPALF). Mastication times of 2, 4, 8 and 16 min were used. Stress-strain curves of PALF reinforced NR prepared with different mastication times were then compared. The most affected region of the curve is in the low strain region. The slopes of the stress-strain curves (moduli) increase with increasing mastication time, indicating better fiber-rubber interaction. The maximum stress achieved at 10% strain is almost 370% that obtained with the usual short mastication time (2 min). The effect remains up to very high strains, although becoming smaller as the strain is increased. Hence, we demonstrate that, by using long enough mastication time, stress-strain curves and stress at low strain of PALF reinforced NR can be improved without the need of any other adhesion promoters.     

Comparative study of natural rubber and acrylonitrile rubber reinforced with aligned short aramid fiber

The aims of this paper are three-fold. The first is to determine the reinforcement of high performance short aramid fiber in two representative rubber matrices, namely natural rubber and acrylonitrile rubber. The second is to ascertain the effect of rubber polarity on the reinforcement. The third is to establish a pattern of reinforcement for use with less studied fibers. The rubbers were reinforced either with only aramid fiber or with a hybrid of aramid fiber and carbon black. The fiber contents were varied at 0, 2, 5 and 10 parts (by weight) per hundred rubber (phr) while those of carbon black were 0, 10, 20 and 30 phr. Conventional sulfur vulcanization was used. It was found that aramid fiber can reinforce both rubbers in the low strain region effectively, although to a significantly different degree. The hybrid carbon black provides additional reinforcement at low to medium strains and allows high strain stress upturn to occur in both rubber matrices. The findings enable the preparation of rubber composites having a wide, controllable range of mechanical behavior for specific high-performance engineering applications. Significantly, they also serve as a benchmark for developing reinforced systems from alternative fibers, particularly those from natural sources.     

Surface treatment of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene fibers using potassium permanganate and mechanical properties of its composites

Potassium permanganate was applied to improve the surface properties of the ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers. The results suggested that the surface oxygen atoms increased dramatically and the O/C ratio increased from 0.030 to 0.563 after treatment. The increased surface roughness and the O‐containing groups on the treated fiber surface decreased the contact angles with water and ethylene glycol. The crystallinity and the crystallite size of the treated fibers increased, and the DSC results indicated that chain scission and the formation of ―C═O chemical defects in the amorphous region were the main mechanisms of the deterioration of the treated UHMEPE fibers. The breaking strength and the elongation at break of the fibers decreased, but the modulus increased after treatment. The treated fibers exhibited better adhesion with epoxy matrix. An improvement of 27.6% from 101.4 to 129.4 MPa in ILSS confirmed the improvement in the interfacial adhesion strength of composites. The impact and bending strength of composites were both improved.     

Effect of preparation methods and carbon black distribution on mechanical properties of short pineapple leaf fiber-carbon black reinforced natural rubber hybrid composites

The aim of this work is to improve the performance of natural rubber reinforced with a hybrid of pineapple leaf fiber with carbon black. When there are multiple components to be mixed into a rubber matrix, mixing can be carried out in more than one way. Thus, in this study, the effects of preparation method and the resulting carbon black distribution on the mechanical properties of the hybrid composite were evaluated. Pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) and carbon black contents were fixed at 10 parts (by weight) and 30 parts (by weight) per hundred parts of rubber (phr), respectively. In order to improve the dispersion, PALF with rubber was prepared as a masterbatch. Carbon black was added to the compound either as a single portion or as two separate portions, one in the PALF masterbatch and the other in the main mixing step. It was found that, despite using the same final compound formulation, the mixing scheme significantly affected the medium strain region of the vulcanizate stress-strain curve. No stress drop in this strain region was observed for the two-step mixing scheme. Models for composites with different preparation methods are proposed and discussed.     

Improving the mechanical properties of short pineapple leaf fiber reinforced natural rubber by blending with acrylonitrile butadiene rubber

This work proposes a simple method for improving the rubber to filler stress transfer in short pineapple leaf fiber-reinforced natural rubber (NR). This was achieved by replacing some of the non-polar NR by polar acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). The amount replaced was varied from 0% to 20% by weight. The mixing sequence was designed so that the fiber would be coated with polar NBR before being dispersed in the NR matrix. A comparison system in which the mixing was carried out in a single step was also examined. Despite the fact that the two rubbers are immiscible, it was found that significant improvement of the stress transfer in the low strain region can be obtained. The mixing sequence affected the mechanical properties of the resulting composites. It is concluded that frictional stress transfer between the immiscible rubbers contributes more to the total stress transfer than does the frictional stress transfer between non-polar NR and polar cellulose fiber.     

Manipulation of mechanical properties of short pineapple leaf fiber reinforced natural rubber composites through variations in cross-link density and carbon black loading

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that the stress–strain behavior of natural rubber reinforced with short pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) can easily be manipulated by changing the cross-link density and the amount of carbon black (CB) primary filler. This gives more manageable control of mechanical properties than is possible with conventional particulate fillers alone. This type of hybrid rubber composite displays a very sharp rise in stress at very low strains, and then the stress levels off at medium strains before turning up again at the highest strains. The composites studied here contain a fixed amount of PALF at 10 part (by weight) per hundred rubber (phr) and varying carbon black contents from 0 to 30 phr. To change the cross-link density, the amount of sulfur was varied from 2 to 4 phr. Swelling ratio results indicate that composites prepared with greater amounts of sulfur and carbon black have greater cross-link densities. Consequently, this affects the stress–strain behavior of the composites. The greater the cross-link density, the less is the strain at which the stress upturn occurs. Variations in the rate of stress increase (although not the stress itself) in the very low strain region, while dependent on fillers, are not dependent on the crosslink density. The effect of changes in crosslinking is most obvious in the high strain region. Here, the rate of stress increase becomes larger with increasing cross-link density. Hence, we demonstrate that the use of PALF filler, along with the usual carbon primary filler, provides a convenient method for the manipulation of the stress–strain relationships of the reinforced rubber. Such composites can be prepared with a controllable, wide range of mechanical behavior for specific high performance engineering applications.     

Comparison between self-reinforced composites based on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers and isotropic UHMWPE

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Stabilisation of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene with Vitamin E

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been the material of choice for load-bearing articular components used in total joint arthroplasty in the past 30 years. However, the durability of the whole implant has often been compromised by oxidation of UHMWPE components. Since the use of a suitable, biocompatible stabilizer would minimize this inconvenience, the possibility of adding synthetic Vitamin E to medical grade UHMWPE is currently under investigation.In the present work, medical grade UHMWPE was blended with 0.05, 0.1 or 0.5 w/w% of α-tocopherol and consolidated by compression moulding. Small blocks of reference UHMWPE and of each blend were then gamma irradiated to 30 or 100 kGy. FTIR spectroscopy was used to monitor changes in both the polymer and the additive. Thin sections of virgin and α-tocopherol doped UHMWPE irradiated and unirradiated were aged in a ventilated oven at 90 °C and the kinetic of oxidation was followed by FTIR. In addition, CL-imaging curves were recorded at 180 °C on both irradiated and unirradiated samples.Phenol loss is observed in all the α-tocopherol doped samples upon irradiation. Hypotheses on the rearrangements of the additive structure include the formation of quinonoid products. Nevertheless, all the additive-containing samples exhibit better oxidation resistance compared to the virgin material, indicating stabilizing activity of the α-tocopherol derivatives.     

Natural rubber composites reinforced with basic magnesium oxysulfate whiskers: Processing and ultraviolet resistance/flame retardant properties

The Magnesium sulfate whiskers (MOSw) were first modified by Stearic acid or Si69, and Natural rubber (NR)/modified-MOSw composites were prepared by blending the modified-MOSw with natural rubber latex. By adding modified-MOS_W into NR, the mechanical properties, the anti-ultraviolet aging property, flammability, and thermal stability of composites were improved obviously. The mechanical properties, crosslink density and thermal stability of composites reach the highest value at 4 wt% Si69-MOS_W. The composite with MOS_W addtion had a higher retention rate after ultraviolet irradiation and the MOS_W could improve the anti-ultraviolet aging property of rubber matrix. The modified MOS_W can effectively improve the oxygen index and the flame retardant grade of rubber composites.     

Improved interfacial properties of carbon fiber/UHMWPE composites through surface coating on carbon fiber surface

Carbon fibers were coated in an attempt to improve the interfacial properties between carbon fibers and ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene resin matrix. Atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were performed to characterize the changes of carbon fiber surface. Atomic force microscopy results show that the coating of carbon fiber significantly increased the carbon fiber surface roughness. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates that silicon containing functional groups obviously increased after modification. Interlaminar shear strength was used to characterize the interfacial properties of the composites.     

The effects of a silane coupling agent on curing characteristics and mechanical properties of bamboo fibre filled natural rubber composites

The effects of a silane coupling agent on curing characteristics and mechanical properties of bamboo fibre filled natural rubber composites were studied. Scorch time, t₂ and cure time, t₉₀ of the composites decrease with increasing filler loading and with the presence of a silane coupling agent, Si69. Mooney viscosity also increases with increasing filler loading but at a similar filler loading shows lower value with the presence of Si69. The mechanical properties of composites viz tensile strength, tear strength, hardness and tensile modulus were also improved with the addition of Si69.     

Influence of pineapple leaf fiber and it's surface treatment on molecular orientation in,and mechanical properties of,injection molded nylon composites

The objective of his work is to show that pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) can be used successfully to reinforce a high melting polymer such as nylon. One of the most important barriers to the utilization of lignocellulosic materials in polymer matrix composites is their limited temperature resistance. As a consequence, they are mostly used to reinforce low melting temperature polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene as well as polystyrene. However, this work reveals that PALF can be used to reinforce nylon. This is because of its very low lignin content. Nylon 6/66 composites containing a fixed amount of 20 wt % PALF in the form of short and fine fibers were prepared with a laboratory twin screw extruder and then injection molded. The mechanical properties of three types of PALF, i.e. untreated, alkaline- and silane-treated, were studied. Significant improvements in modulus and heat distortion temperature were obtained. The crystalline structure and orientation in the injected composites were investigated with synchrotron wide angle x-ray scattering (WAXS). It was found that both PALF and nylon crystallites oriented well along the flow direction and this is the key factor for the improvements observed.     

Multi-length scale wear damage mechanisms of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene nanocomposites

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is reinforced with 1–3 wt % sliver (Ag) nanoparticles and zinc oxide (ZnO) micro-rods, and tensile strength as well as wear resistance of the samples is evaluated. Tensile strength was observed to increase with Ag and ZnO reinforcement up to 18% for 1 wt % ZnO and 1 wt % Ag, but in case of 3 wt % ZnO and 3 wt % Ag + 3 wt % ZnO, it decreases marginally by 4% when compared with neat polymer. The sliding wear rate for 1 wt % Ag + 1 wt % ZnO and 3 wt % Ag + 3 wt % ZnO decreases from 9.54 × 10⁻⁵ mm³ (neat polymer) to 7.49 × 10⁻⁵ mm³ and 5.65 × 10⁻⁵mm³, respectively, showing the synergistic effect of Ag and ZnO reinforcement. In scratch testing, minimum damage is obtained in 1 wt % ZnO reinforced polymer. On one hand, where micro-scratch damage is resisted by harder ZnO, whereas on the other hand, pin on disc wear (repeated surface damage) is protected by softer Ag tribolayer. The improved tensile strength (up to 9.7%) and wear resistance with synergistic addition of Ag and ZnO (both 1 wt %) opens a window in the development of bearing surface biomaterials providing improved longevity and durability, thus, may reduce the chances of revision surgery.     

Synergistic effect by high specific surface area carbon black as secondary filler in silica reinforced natural rubber tire tread compounds

The partial replacement of silica by high specific surface area and high structure Carbon Black (CB) N134 as secondary filler, keeping the same total filler content at 55 phr, shows a clear synergistic effect on overall performance. At low content of CB, i.e. in the range of 0–36 wt% of CB relative to total filler amount, the Payne effect and tan delta at both 0 °C and 60 °C change marginally, but thereafter gradually increase. Cure times are shortened in the presence of CB, facilitating an increase of productivity. Bound rubber content and mechanical properties show an optimum at 18 wt% of CB relative to total filler amount or at a ratio of silica/CB 45/10 phr. With regard to tire performance as indicated by the laboratory test results, the abrasion resistance, wet grip and ice traction can therefore be enhanced while maintaining the tire rolling resistance at the optimum level for this silica/CB ratio.     

Novel and chemoselective dehydrogenation of 2-substituted imidazolines with potassium permanganate supported on silica gel

Various types of 2-imidazolines are efficiently oxidized to the corresponding imidazoles using potassium permanganate supported on silica gel under mild conditions at room temperature. 2-Alkylimidazolines are selectively converted to their corresponding imidazoles in the presence of 2-arylimidazolines. Chemoselective oxidation of 2-imidazolines in the presence of other oxidizable functional groups such as sulfide, ether, aldehyde, acetal, and THP ether was also achieved by this reagent system.     

Comparative study of pineapple leaf microfiber and aramid fiber reinforced natural rubbers using dynamic mechanical analysis

Natural fiber is often considered inadequate for high performance reinforcement of polymer matrix composites. However, some natural fibers have relatively high mechanical properties with modulus close to that of high-performance synthetic fibers. Since the reinforcing efficiency of a short fiber is determined not only by the fiber modulus, but also by other physical properties such as the length to diameter ratio. Here it is shown, for the first time, that pineapple leaf fiber, whose modulus is somewhat lower than that of aramid fiber, can be used to reinforce natural rubber more effectively than aramid fiber. The situation was achieved by breaking down the fiber bundles into the constituent microfibers to gain very high aspect ratio. Comparisons were made at fiber contents of 2, 5 and 10 parts (by weight) per hundred of rubber (phr) using dynamic mechanical analysis over a range of temperature. The results reveals that at temperature below the glass transition of the matrix rubber and low fiber contents of 2 and 5 phrs, aramid fiber displays slightly better reinforcement efficiency. At high temperatures of 25 and 60 °C and high fiber content of 10 phr, pineapple leaf microfiber clearly displays higher reinforcement efficiency than does aramid fiber. Surface modification of the fiber by silane treatment provides a slight improvement in reinforcing efficiency.     

Influence of chemical crosslinking on the creep behavior of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers

In this study, the effect of chemical crosslinking on the creep behavior of high-strength fibers, obtained by gel-spinning and subsequent hot-drawing of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), is examined. In the first part of the paper, the general aspects of the creep behavior of these fibers are discussed. The second part deals with UHMWPE fibers that are crosslinked by means of a) chlorosulfonation and b) dicumyl peroxide treatment followed by UV irradiation. The latter technique leads to an improvement of the creep resistance of the UHMWPE fibers without affecting their high tensile strengths. In spite of the fact that the network formation is fairly high, the creep cannot be completely removed. The results indicate that the creep process in UHMWPE fibers is associated with a deformation mechanism in the crystalline regions of the fiber, which are not affected by chemical crosslinking.     

Structure and properties of gel-spun ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers with high gel solution concentration

The gel-spun ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene(UHMWPE) fibers were prepared at the industrial production line with different gel solution concentrations of 15 wt%, 18 wt% and 24 wt%. The difference in ultimate structure and mechanical properties of UHMWPE fibers for different gel solution concentrations were analyzed by tensile testing, differential scanning calorimetry(DSC), wide angle X-ray diffraction(WAXD) and small angle X-ray scattering(SAXS). With the increase of gel solution concentration, the ultimate mechanical properties of UHMWPE fibers were decreased and the crystallization and orientation of UHMWPE fibers became inferior. Besides, both the average shish length(〈L _(shish)〉) and shish misorientation(B_φ) of UHMWPE fibers were decreased with the increase of gel solution concentration. In addition, the appropriate increase of spinning temperature led to the further optimization of the ultimate structure and mechanical properties of UHMWPE fibers.     

Structure and properties of composites of highly crystalline cellulose with polypropylene: Effects of polypropylene molecular weight

Composite of highly crystalline fibrous cellulose (CE) and polypropylene (PP) of different molecular weights () was prepared via melting-mixing, maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) was used as a compatibilizer. And the effects of molecular weight of PP on the properties of the composites were investigated. Through the studying of mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical properties, melting and crystallization behaviors, thermo-oxidative properties, water absorption behaviors, and the morphology of the composites, it was found that PP with higher molecular weight revealed stronger interfacial interaction with cellulose in the composites. Compared with the lower molecular weight, the composites derived from higher molecular weight of PP exhibited stronger tensile strength at the same cellulose content.