Rheological properties of the blends of polychloroprene with poly[ethylene(vinyl acetate)]

Blends of poly[ethylene(vinylacetate)] (EVAc-45; 45% VAc content) and polychloroprene (CR) have been studied with respect to capillary and dynamic flow. It is found that EVAc-45, CR, and their blends are shear thinning (pseudoplastic) in nature. Though shear viscosity (η_a) and dynamic out-of-phase viscosity (η′_E) obeys power law, dynamic elongational viscosity (η′_E) does not follow it due to the synchronization of molecular vibration with the applied frequency at around 11 Hz. Both η_a and η′_E of the blends show positive deviation with respect to their additive values. The relative positive deviation (RPD) in shear flow increases with increasing temperature and shear rate. In the case of dynamic flow, RPD increases with increasing temperature but exhibits a decreasing trend with increasing frequency. RPD can be fitted well into a fifth-order equation with a weight fraction of CR (W_CR) in EVAc-45—CR blends. From rheological point of view, this relative positive deviation indicates blend compatibility between EVAc-45 and CR. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 66: 1759–1765, 1997     

Blends of poly[ethylene(vinyl acetate)] and polychloroprene: Studies on capillary and dynamic flows

Rheological properties of the blends of poly[ethylene(vinylacetate)] (EVAc; vinylacetate content 28%) and polychloroprene (CR) have been measured through capillary and dynamic uniaxial elongational flows. Capillary flow indicates their shear thinning behavior. The decrease in the out of phase viscosities with increasing frequency is in accordance with the power law equation, whereas dynamic elongational viscosities follow nonlinear relationship in log-log plot with an initial increase at 11 Hz, followed by a very sharp drop. With an increase in temperature, the viscosity for capillary flow of all blends goes down due to their positive activation energy of flow but for dynamic elongational flow of EVAc blended with CR, viscosity increases, except for 30/70 blend and pure CR, in which case the dynamic elongational viscosity decreases with an increase in temperature. This abnormal behavior in dynamic elongational viscosity is due to the process of melting and recrystallization of EVAc at low heating rate (1°C/min) beyond the melting temperature. Capillary viscosities of all blends show positive deviation from the log additive values of pure polymers. But in the case of dynamic elongational flow, all blends show positive deviation at frequencies of 3.5 and 35 Hz and at higher temperatures (80–120°C). © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Studies on dielectric relaxation and ac conductivity of cellulose acetate hydrogen phthalate–poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) blend

The dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and ac conductivity of polyblends of cellulose acetate hydrogen phthalate (CAP) and poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) of different compositions were measured in the temperature range of 300–430 K and in the frequency range of 50 Hz–100 kHz. In the blends, the dielectric constant as well as the dielectric loss as a function of the temperature display a single peak corresponding to the glass transition temperature (T_g) in the region between the T_g values of the pure polymers. The T_g values observed agree well with those values obtained from DSC. Dielectric studies show that CAP forms a miscible blend with PVP. Ac conductivity values were calculated from the dielectric data and the conduction mechanism is discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 1702–1708, 2002     

Influence of thermal aging on the electrical properties of poly(vinyl chloride)

This article reports on the study of the thermal aging of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) used in medium‐ and high‐voltage cables. It is shown that the thermal aging leads to the degradation of the material and to the modification of its electrical properties. The degradation is all the more important and faster as the temperature is high. This degradation is attributed to a progressive evaporation of the plasticizer at the beginning of aging and to a weight loss of stabilizer followed by a change in the color of polymer and a release of hydrochloric acid at more advanced stages of aging. It also results in a crosslinking of the material and a shrinking of samples. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4728–4733, 2006     

Influence of ethylene vinyl acetate on the spinnability and mechanical properties of poly(propylene)/zeolite‐Ag blend fibers

The spinnability and mechanical properties of poly(propylene) (PP)/zeolite‐supported Ag⁺ (zeolite‐Ag)/ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) ternary blend fibers were studied. It was found that the spinning temperature of the ternary blend fibers was decreased in the presence of EVA. The addition of 2 wt % EVA substantially improved the spinnability of the blend system by enhancing its flowability. It was also found that the ternary fiber with EVA₂₈ (28 wt % vinyl acetate content) showed balanced improvement of mechanical properties by a concomitant increase in modulus and tensile strength. The improvements of spinnability and mechanical properties suggested that a core–shell structure of zeolite‐Ag/EVA₂₈ particles, with zeolite‐Ag as the core and EVA₂₈ as the shell, was formed and remained during the melt‐mixing process of the blended chips and during the course of fiber processing. EVA probably enhanced the binding between the zeolite‐Ag and the PP matrix, as made evident in SEM microphotographs. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 1460–1466, 2005     

Effect of nanostructured polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane on the physical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)

An effective amphiphilic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) encapsulated poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposite was successfully fabricated by solution blending method. Anionic octa(tetramethylammonium) (Octa‐TMA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were used as cage side groups in POSS (Octa‐TMA‐POSS and PEG‐POSS) for the present study. Transmission electron microscopic analysis revealed the uniform dispersion of POSS in the PVA matrix. Crystallinity of PVA/POSS system was computed from differential scanning calorimetric studies. The effect of POSS on the mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and dielectric properties of PVA has been analyzed and discussed in detail with respect to the weight percentage of POSS. The incorporation of POSS in PVA matrix remarkably enhances the Young's modulus of the matrix. The viscoelastic properties such as storage modulus, loss modulus, damping behavior, and glass transition temperature of the membranes were evaluated. The relaxation corresponding to the crystal–crystal slippage characteristic of semicrystalline polymers were observed in storage modulus curves of PVA/POSS system, suggesting the crystalline nature of matrix even in the presence of POSS. Less polar, inert, and stiff inorganic center core of POSS contributes to the reduced energy dissipation and dielectric constant of PVA/POSS system. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45447.     

Preparation and characterization of poly(vinyl alcohol) and gelatin blend films

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a water-soluble polymer that has been studied intensively because of several interesting physical properties that are useful in technical applications, including biochemical and medical applications. In this article, we report the effects of the addition of gelatin on the optical, microstructural, thermal, and electrical properties of PVA. Pure and PVA/gelatin blend films were prepared with the solution-casting method. These films were further investigated with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, and dielectric measurements. The FTIR spectrum shows a strong chemical interaction between PVA and gelatin molecules with the formation of new peaks. These peaks are due to the presence of gelatin in the blend films. The DSC results indicate that the addition of gelatin to PVA changes the thermal behavior, such as the melting temperature of PVA, and this shows that the blends are compatible with each other. This also shows that the interaction of gelatin and PVA molecules changes the crystallite parameters and the degree of crystallinity, and this supports the XRD results. The UV–vis optical study also reflects the formation of the complex and its effect on the microstructure of the blend film. Moreover, the addition of gelatin also gives rise to changes in the electrical properties of PVA/gelatin blend films. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Mechanical properties,flame retardancy,and smoke suppression of lanthanum organic montmorillonite/poly(vinyl chloride) nanocomposites

A dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium chloride modified organic montmorillonite (OMMT_‐I.44P)/poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) nanocomposite and anionic‐surfactant‐modified lanthanum organic montmorillonite (La‐OMMT)/PVC nanocomposites (with three different anionic surfactants for the La‐OMMTs) were prepared via melt‐intercalation technology. The effects of the La‐OMMTs and OMMT_‐I.44P on the mechanical properties, flame retardancy, and smoke suppression of PVC were studied. X‐ray diffraction characterization showed that the La‐OMMTs were exfoliated in the PVC matrix. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were enhanced by the incorporation of the La‐OMMTs. Cone calorimetry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses indicated that the incorporation of the La‐OMMTs enhanced the flame retardancy and smoke suppression of the PVC nanocomposites. Scanning electron microscopy photos further showed that the residual char surfaces of La‐OMMT/PVC were all intact and, thus, provided better barriers to energy and smoke transport. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43951.     

Synergy effects in dielectric and thermal properties of layered ethylene vinyl acetate composites with carbon and Fe3O4 nanoparticles

Properties of layered composites with carbon nanotube (CNT), GnP, Fe₃O₄ nanoinclusions, and hybrid composites with these nanoinclusions were investigated in the wide frequency range (from 20 Hz to 2 THz). All investigated composites (except with single Fe₃O₄ inclusions) are above percolation threshold. The strong enhancement of microwave and terahertz radiation absorption is observed in hybrid composites in comparison with composites with single inclusions. The synergy effect is discussed in terms of the complex impedance and the distribution of relaxation times. At low temperatures (below 200 K), the electrical conductivity of all hybrid composites follows the tunneling law model and the lowest potential barrier was estimated for composites with CNT inclusions. The best thermal properties are observed for composites with CNT inclusions. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137, 48814.     

Effect of different forms of poly o‐toluidine/poly vinyl chloride composites on dielectric properties in the microwave field

In this paper we report the preparation and dielectric properties of poly o‐toluidine:poly vinyl chloride composites in pellet and film forms. The composites were prepared using ammonium persulfate initiator and HCl dopant. The characterization is done by TGA and DSC. The dielectric properties including dielectric loss, conductivity, dielectric constant, dielectric heating coefficient, absorption coefficient, and penetration depth were studied in the microwave field. An HP8510 vector network analyzer with rectangular cavity resonator was used for the study. S bands (2–4 GHz), C band (5–8 GHz), and X band (8–12 GHz) frequencies were used in the microwave field. Comparisons between the pellet and film forms of composites were also included. The result shows that the dielectric properties in the microwave field are dependent on the frequency and on the method of preparation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 2253–2260, 2007     

The effect of physical ageing on the properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Physical ageing rates of poly(ethylene terephthalate) have been measured, and ageing is interpreted to be associated with the conventional glass formation process, which occurs at a more rapid rate at higher temperatures. Ageing is accompanied by a marked change in mechanical properties, increased tensile yield stress and drawing stress, more localized yielding of the polymer and a marked decrease in impact strength. The fracture results have been attributed to the increased yield stress and a change in contribution of plane stress and plane strain conditions in the samples. Fracture surfaces show evidence of mixed modes of fracture.     

氢氧化镁阻燃剂填充EVA共聚物力学性能研究

研究了普通氢氧化镁、六角片状氢氧化镁和硬脂酸(SA)改性氢氧化镁分别填充到乙烯-乙酸乙烯共聚物(EVA)中制得的复合材料的力学性能。用红外光谱(FT-IR)、扫描电镜(SEM)对3种类型氢氧化镁及EVA/氢氧化镁复合材料的结构和形貌进行了分析。结果表明:相比普通氢氧化镁,六角片状氢氧化镁和SA改性的氢氧化镁有效地降低了表面极性,大大降低了对复合材料的力学性能的影响;4%(质量分数)SA改性氢氧化镁在EVA树脂中的分散性均匀,填料表面与树脂表面的界面黏结性较好;氢氧化镁(MH)粉体的加入增加了EVA/MH复合材料的拉伸强度,其中4%(质量分数)SA改性氢氧化镁粉体对复合材料拉伸强度的影响最大,六角片状氢氧化镁影响最小;氢氧化镁粉体填充量达到60质量份(60质量份氢氧化镁填充至100质量份EVA中)时,断裂伸长率降低到100%以下,复合材料力学性能急剧恶化。     

Electromagnetic interference shielding properties of graphene quantum-dots reinforced poly(vinyl alcohol)/polypyrrole blend nanocomposites

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) reinforced poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/polypyrrole (WPPy) nanocomposite films with various GQDs loadings were synthesized using the versatile solvent casting method. The structural and morphological properties of PVA/WPPy/GQDs nanocomposite films were investigated by employing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed enhanced thermal stability of synthesized nanocomposites while enhanced dielectric properties were also observed. The maximum dielectric constant value for PVA/WPPy/GQDs nanocomposite films was observed to be ε = 6,311.85 (50 Hz, 150°C). The electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) of nanocomposite films was determined in the X-band (8–12 GHz) and Ku-band (12–18 GHz) frequency region. The EMI SE was found to be increased from 0.8 dB for the pure PVA film to 9.8 dB for the PVA/WPPy/GQDs nanocomposite film containing 10 wt% GQDs loading. The enhanced EMI shielding efficiency of nanocomposite films has resulted from the homogenous dispersion of GQDs in PVA/WPPy blend nanocomposites. Thus, the prepared nanocomposites are envisioned to utilize as a lightweight, flexible, and low-cost material for EMI shielding applications.     

Evaluation of mechanical properties and physical interactions of a ternary blend of poly(ethylene‐co‐octene)/poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)/poly(vinyl chloride) in the molten state

In this work, ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate (EVA), poly(ethylene‐co‐octene) (POE), and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) blends were processed in a molten state process using a corotating twin‐screw extruder to assess both the balance of mechanical properties and physical interactions in the melt state. Tensile measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and oscillatory rheometry were performed. By means of flow curves, the parameters of the power law as well as the distribution of relaxation times were assessed with the aid of a nonlinear regularization method. The mechanical properties for the EVA‐POE blend approximated the values for POE, while inclusion of PVC shifted the modulus values to those of neat EVA. The rise in modulus was corroborated by the PVC phase dispersion as solid particles that act as a reinforcement for the ternary blend. The rheological properties in the molten state show that the POE does not present molecular entanglement effects and so tends both to diminish the EVA mechanical properties and increase the fluidity of the blend. However, the addition of PVC both restored the EVA typical pseudoplastic feature and promoted the increase in the viscosity and the mechanical properties of the ternary blend. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Effect of microstructure on the dielectric properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)–poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrenesulfonate) composite films

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT–PSS) was blended with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to form 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 vol % PEDOT–PSS/PVA solutions, and their freestanding films were prepared with a simple and cost‐effective solution casting technique at 27 °C in the absence of additives. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images revealed changes in the cocontinuous network to a rodlike morphology in the composite films from 10 to 50 vol % PEDOT–PSS/PVA. The alternating‐current conductivity was found to obey Jonscher's power law. The obtained values of the dielectric constant at 27 °C were relatively high, and a maximum value of 6.7 × 10⁴ at 100 Hz for 40 vol % PEDOT–PSS'/PVA was observed. The dielectric loss attained a maximum value of about 10⁶ at 100 Hz for 40 vol % PEDOT–PSS/PVA. However, a decrease in the dielectric parameters was observed at 50 vol % PEDOT–PSS/PVA because of locally induced strain in the microstructure. The variations in polarization with respect to the applied electric field (P–E) were determined for 50, 100, and 500 Hz at 500 V for the freestanding composite films of lower concentrations up to 20 vol % PEDOT–PSS/PVA. In summary, the dielectric and P–E measurements confirmed that the electrical characteristics changed in accordance to the contribution from both resistive and capacitive sites in the PEDOT–PSS/PVA composites. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45079.     

Cure characteristics,morphology, mechanical properties,and aging characteristics of silicone rubber/ethylene vinyl acetate blends

Silicone rubber/ethylene vinyl acetate (SR/EVA) rubber mixes with different ratios were prepared by using dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and benzoyl peroxide (BP) as curing agents. The vulcanization characteristics such as cure kinetics, activation energy, and cure rate of the blends were analyzed. The effects of blend ratio and curing agents on the mechanical properties such as stress–strain behavior, tensile strength, elongation at break, tear strength, relative volume loss, hardness, flex crack resistance, and density of the cured blends have been investigated. Almost all the mechanical properties have been found to be increased with increase in EVA content in the blends particularly in DCP‐cured systems. The increment in mechanical properties of the blends with higher EVA content has been explained in terms of the morphology of the blends, attested by scanning electron micrographs. Attempts have been made to compare the experimental results, from the evaluation of mechanical properties, with relevant theoretical models. The aging characteristics of the cured blends were also investigated and found that both the DCP‐ and BP‐cured blends have excellent water and thermal resistance. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1069–1082, 2006     

Anomalous behavior of the dielectric and electrical properties of polymeric nanodielectric poly(vinyl alcohol)–titanium dioxide films

The complex dielectric permittivity, alternating‐current electrical conductivity, electric modulus, and impedance spectra of polymeric nanocomposite (PNC) films consisting of a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix dispersed with nanosize particles of titanium dioxide (TiO₂); (i.e., PVA–x wt % TiO₂, where x is 0, 1, 3, or 5) were investigated in the frequency range 20 Hz to 1 MHz at ambient temperature. A detailed analysis of the results showed that the values of the dielectric and electrical parameters of these PNC‐based nanodielectric films varied anomalously with increasing TiO₂ concentration. The temperature‐dependent dielectric characterization of the PVA–3 wt % TiO₂ film revealed that the dielectric polarization at a fixed frequency increased nonlinearly with increasing temperature. The temperature‐dependent electric modulus relaxation time values of the nanodielectric film obeyed Arrhenius behavior. The X‐ray diffraction study confirmed that the crystalline phase of the PVA matrix decreased with increasing TiO₂ concentration; this suggested that the interaction of the TiO₂ nanoparticles caused some destruction of the hydroxyl group dipolar ordering in the hydrogen‐bonded crystalline structure of the pristine PVA matrix. The intensities of the diffraction peaks of the TiO₂ nanofiller were enhanced as its concentration increased in these nanodielectrics; this confirmed the existence of TiO₂ nanoparticles inside the crystalline phases of the PVA matrix. The surface morphology of the films was examined by the study of their scanning electron micrographs. The feasibility of using these flexible polymeric nanodielectric films as electrical insulators and dielectric substrates in low‐power microelectronic devices operated at audio‐ and radio‐frequency electric fields was explored. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44568.     

Influence of aging conditions on the mechanical properties and flame retardancy of HIPS composites

In this study, we evaluate the changes in physical properties and flame retardancy of HIPS composites after natural aging tests in Turpan (high sunlight radiation dose and dry) and Qionghai (high temperature and rainy) in China for 21 months. The HIPS composite aged in Turpan revealed a higher chromatic aberration than that in Qionghai due to the higher sunlight radiation dose. After aging tests for 21 months, the mechanical properties and the peak heat release of the HIPS composite aged in Qionghai decreased by more than 50% and increased by 39.7%, respectively, results that were worse than for the HIPS composite in aged Turpan. This was related to the combined effects of light, temperature, rain, and moisture in Qionghai leading to more severe degradation of HIPS composites, which results in breaking of the polymer chains and migration and erosion of the flame retardant. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46339.     

Influence of carbon‐based nanofillers on the electrical and dielectric properties of ethylene vinyl acetate nanocomposites

A comparative study of ethylene vinyl acetate nanocomposites based on expanded graphite, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanofibers has been carried out to investigate the effect of different carbon nanofillers on the electrical properties of the corresponding composites. The composites were prepared by ultrasonic dispersion of fillers in ethylene vinyl acetate solution, followed by casting and compression molding. The dependence of AC conductivity and dielectric constant on the frequency and filler concentration was investigated. Carbon nanofibers provided maximum conductivity as well as lowest percolation threshold (8.2 vol%) compared to expanded graphite and multiwalled carbon nanotubes filled composites. The improvement in both electrical conductivity and dielectric constant was attributed to the high filler aspect ratio and the formation of conducting networks. The relationship of dielectric constant with filler volume fraction for all the composite systems is estimated using a power law. The pressure sensing capability of the composites at respective percolation thresholds was also compared. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers