Advances in Polymer Technology 

About: Advances in Polymer Technology is an academic journal published by Wiley-Blackwell. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Polymer & Ultimate tensile strength. It has an ISSN identifier of 0730-6679. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 1870 publications have been published receiving 30355 citations. The journal is also known as: Polymer technology.

Natural fiber polymer composites: A review

Abstract: Natural fiber reinforced composites is an emerging area in polymer science. These natural fibers are low cost fibers with low density and high specific properties. These are biodegradable and non-abrasive. The natural fiber composites offer specific properties comparable to those of conventional fiber composites. However, in development of these composites, the incompatibility of the fibers and poor resistance to moisture often reduce the potential of natural fibers and these draw backs become critical issue. This review presents the reported work on natural fiber reinforced composites with special reference to the type of fibers, matrix polymers, treatment of fibers and fiber-matrix interface. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Adv in Polymer Techn 18: 351–363, 1999

Carbon black filled conducting polymers and polymer blends

Abstract: The objective of this article was to review the use of carbon black (CB) as a conductive filler in polymers and polymer blends. Important properties of CB related to its use in conducting polymers are discussed. The effects of polymer structure, molecular weight, surface tension, and processing conditions on electrical resistivity and physical properties of composites are discussed. Several percolation models applicable to CB/polymer blends are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on recent trends using polymer blends as the matrix to obtain conducting composites at a lower CB loading. A criterion for the distribution of CB in polymer blends is discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 21: 299–313, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.10025

Preparation of polymer–clay nanocomposites and their properties

Abstract: An overview of the progress in polymer nanocomposites is presented in this paper with an emphasis on the different methods used for preparing polymer-layered silicate (PLS) nanocomposites and the extent to which properties are enhanced. Other related areas that are also discussed include the types of polymers used in PLS nanocomposites preparation, the types of PLS nanocomposites morphologies that are most commonly achieved, the structure and properties of layered silicates, and the most common techniques used for characterizing these nanocomposites. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 25:270–285, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20079

Blending polylactic acid with polyhydroxybutyrate: The effect on thermal, mechanical, and biodegradation properties

Abstract: Blends of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) at a number of different PLA/PHB weight ratios (100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75, 0/100) have been prepared by melt compounding. The morphology, thermal properties, mechanical properties, and biodegradation behavior of these blends have been investigated. The results indicate that PLA/PHB blends are immiscible but exhibit molecular interaction. PHB is highly crystallizable, and it enhances the recrystallization of PLA and consequently increases the heat distortion temperature. Adding PLA to PHB improves the mechanical properties of PHB. In fact, blending with PHB is also a viable approach to improve the mechanical properties of PLA because the PLA/PHB 75/25 blend exhibits significantly improved tensile properties compared with pure PLA. This is due to the finely dispersed PHB crystals acting as a filler and nucleating agent in PLA. The biodegradability, studied by weight change measurement at room temperature, improved with increasing PHB content. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 30: 67–79, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20235

Numerical analysis of the resin transfer molding process by the finite element method

Abstract: As large components of fiber reinforced composite materials are being more frequently produced by Resin Transfer Molding (RTM), a computer simulation of the injection process can help the mold designer to accomplish three important tasks: (1) to ensure a complete filling of the mold through adequate positioning of the injection ports and of the air vents; (2) to verify the integrity of the mold during the filling process through knowledge of the pressure distribution; and (3) to optimize the production cycle using information about the filling time. The resin impregnation is usually modeled as a flow through a porous medium. It is governed by Darcy's law, which states that the flow rate is proportional to the pressure gradient. In our model, Darcy equation is solved at each time step inside the saturated part of the mold using nonconforming finite elements. This method was chosen because the approximated flow rates, contrary to conforming finite elements, satisfy locally the important physical condition of resin conservation across inter-element boundaries. This permits simplification of the numerical procedure. It is no longer necessary to resort to a control volume approach to move the flow front forward. The resin pressure distribution and the resin front positions are obtained by the computer simulation and calculated results for selected mold geometries are compared with experimental observations. Molds with inserts, multiple injection ports, and the case of anisotropic preforms can be analyzed by the computer program. © 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.