Showing papers on "Thermoplastic published in 2009"

Induction Heated Joining of Aluminum and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Nylon 66

Abstract: Joining different material types, like metal and thermoplastic fiber reinforced polymer composites (TP-FRPC), offers a large potential for innovative light weight applications. This kind of bonding depends on mechanical, physical, and chemical interactions and is, therefore influenced by joining partner surface treatments. This study describes adhesion models and the effect of surface treatments of AlMg3-CF/PA66-joints. Joining by means of induction heating is an appropriate joining technology for the bonding of metal/TP-FRPC as it is utilized by a rapid heat generation. The characterization of the bonding mechanisms and the influence of the surface treatments are presented by single-lap joints and by microscopic analyses.

Preparation and characterization of LDPE and PP—Wood fiber composites

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 nonabrasive. 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. Wood-plastic composites (WPC) are a relatively new class of materials and one of the fastest growing sectors in the wood composites industry. Composites of wood in a thermoplastic matrix (wood–plastic composites) are considered a low maintenance solution to using wood in outdoor applications. WPCs are normally made from a mixture of wood fiber, thermoplastic, and small amounts of process and property modifiers through an extrusion process. In this study, Wood–plastic composites (WPC) are produce by adding a maleic anhydride modified low density polyethylene coupling agent to improve interfacial adhesion between the wood fiber and the plastic. Mixing is done with twin screw extruder. Subsequently, tensile strength, the modulus of elasticity, % elongation, hardness, Izod impact strength, melt flow index (MFI), and heat deflection temperature (HDT) are determined. Thermal transition temperatures and microstructure are determined with DSC and SEM, respectively. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009

Thermoplastic Starch: A Green Material for Various Industries

Abstract: Preface BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS AND THEIR PRACTICAL UTILITY Natural Polymers Polymers with Hydrolyzable Backbones Polymers with Carbon Backbones Practical Applications of Biodegradable Polymers BLENDS OF NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC POLYMERS Introduction Starch in Blends with Polymers Mechanical Properties of Starch/Polymer Blends Compatibilizers Conclusions BIODEGRADABILITY AND COMPOSTABILITY OF BIOPOLYMERS Definitions and Norms Biodegradability of Starch-Based Products Biodegradability of Polyesters Photo-Biodegradable Plastics Controlled Degradation Additive Masterbatches Methods of Biodegradability Measurement Environmental Aspects of Biopolymers TPS AND ITS NATURE Structure and Properties Glass Transition Temperature Mechanical Properties of Granulates Conclusions THE MELTING PROCESS IN THERMOPLASTIC STARCHES Introduction Melting Process Influence of Plasticizers on Melting Behavior of Starch Conclusions EXTRUDERS Introduction Single-Screw Extruders Pin Extruders Closely Intermeshing Twin-Screw Extruders Self-Wiping Twin-Screw Extruders Non-Intermeshing Twin-Screw Extruders Influence of Low-Viscosity Monomeric Feed The Mathematic of Extrusion Concluding Remarks EXTRUSION-COOKING OF TPS Process Stability Specific Mechanical Energy Conclusions INFLUENCE OF PROCESS CONDITIONS ON THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF TPS Plasticizers Extrusion of Thermoplastic Starch Test Methods Glass Transition Temperature Tensile Strength Impact Strength Shrinkage Conclusion TPS FILM-BLOWING Mechanical Properties of Films Concluding Remarks INJECTION-MOLDING Screw Injection Molding Injection-Molding Parameters Injection Technology Use and Development Trends Reinforced Injection-Molding Application of Natural Fibers in Processing of Biopolymers Chemical Modification of Fibers INFLUENCE OF ADDITION OF FIBER ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF TPS MOLDINGS Theory of Reinforcements Experimental Data on Fiber-Reinforced TPS Critical Fiber Length Mechanical Properties Conclusions STORAGE AND BIODEGRADABILITY OF TPS MOLDINGS The Influence of Low Temperatures on the Mechanical Properties of TPS Moldings Evaluation of Biodegradability of TPS Moldings Concluding Remarks SCALING-UP OF THERMOPLASTIC STARCH EXTRUSION Introduction Basic Analysis Summary of Equations Used Kinematic Similarity Geometrical Similarity Motor Power and Torque Equal Average End Temperature Similar Temperature Profiles Similarity in Residence Times Guidelines for Scaling

Thermoplastic cellulosic fiber blends as lost circulation materials

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing lost circulation in drilling wells, employing composite materials as lost circulation materials. The composites comprise a thermoplastic polymer and cellulosic fibers. Optionally the composites may include other components such as calcium carbonate, clay, oil and other blending agents.

Effect of Fiber Surface Modification on the Interfacial and Mechanical Properties of Kenaf Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic and Thermosetting Polymer Composites

Abstract: The surfaces of kenaf fibers were treated with three different silane coupling agents. 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy silane (GPS), 3-aminopropyltriethoxy silane (APS), and 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxy silane (MPS). Among them, the most effective one for the property improvement was GPS when it was applied to the kenaf fiber surfaces at 0.5 wt%. Thermoplastic polypropylene (PP) and thermosetting unsaturated polyester (UPE) matrix composites with chopped kenaf fibers untreated and treated at different GPS concentrations from 0.1 wt% to 5 wt% were fabricated using compression molding technique. The present study demonstrates that the interfacial, flexural, tensile, and dynamic mechanical properties of both kenaf/PP and kenaf/UPE composites importantly depend on the GPS treatments done at different concentrations. The greatest property improvement of both thermoplastic and thermosetting polymer composites was obtained with the silane treatment at 0.5 wt% and the mechanical properties were comparable with E-gl...

Absorbent structures including coated absorbent material

Abstract: An absorbent layer containing water-absorbing polymeric particles that are surface-treated and that are immobilized by a matrix, formed from a thermoplastic adhesive component, including a thermoplastic polymers and a specific plasticizer, and being free of low weight average molecular weight (e.g. below 1000, or below 2000 or even below 3000 g/mole) tackifiers and plasticizers. The absorbent articles may for example be adult incontinence articles, infant (e.g. baby, toddler) diapers, including training pants, and feminine hygiene articles, such as sanitary napkins.

Conductive endless belt

Abstract: A conductive endless belt is composed of elastomer polyester with a crystalline melting point at 210° C. or more, or mainly composed of the elastomer polyester, and a thermoplastic polyester-based resin at 49 wt % or less, added a polymer ion conductive agent and a carbon black. The conductive endless belt. satisfies elastic modulus, creep resistance, bending durability, etc. and has decreased volume resistance variation and environment dependency while having superior durability, glossiness and setting performance that satisfying desired performance, without causing problems such as offset image.

Flame Retardant Thermoplastic Resin Composition

Abstract: Disclosed is a flame retardant thermoplastic resin composition that includes about 100 parts by weight of a mixed resin (A) including about 10 to about 90 wt % of an aromatic polyamide resin (A-1) and about 10 to about 90 wt % of a polyphenylene sulfide resin (A-2), about 05 to about 30 parts by weight of a phosphinic acid metal salt flame retardant (B), and about 10 to about 100 parts by weight of a filler (C)

Influence of mode ratio and hygrothermal condition on the delamination toughness of a thermoplastic particulate interlayered carbon/epoxy composite

Abstract: Double cantilever beam, end-notched flexure and single leg bending tests were used to determine the effects of temperature and moisture on the toughness of a thermoplastic particulate-toughened carbon/epoxy composite. Tests were performed on both dry and moisture-saturated specimens at temperatures of −43 °C, 21 °C and 98 °C, and on dry specimens only at 125 °C. In-situ observations and post-test scanning electron microscopy showed increasing matrix ductility with increasing temperature and moisture content. This correlated to an increase in the mode I and a decrease in the mode II toughness. The mixed-mode toughness data and fracture surface morphologies displayed a blend of the mode I and mode II behaviors.

Use of inorganic Fullerene-like WS2 to produce new high-performance polyphenylene sulfide nanocomposites: role of the nanoparticle concentration.

Abstract: The use of tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanoparticles offers the opportunity to produce novel and advanced polymer-based nanocomposite materials via melt blending. The developed materials, based on the high-performance engineering thermoplastic polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), display a unique nanostructure on variation of the nanoparticle concentration, as confirmed by time-resolved synchrotron X-ray diffraction. The cold-crystallization kinetics and morphology of PPS chains under confined conditions in the nanocomposite, as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), also manifest a dependence on the IF-WS2 concentration which are unexpected for polymer nanocomposites. The addition of IF-WS2 with concentrations greater than or equal to 0.5 wt % of IF-WS2 remarkably improves the mechanical performance of PPS with an increase in the storage modulus of 40−75%.

Sandwich panel, method of forming core material for sandwich panel, and method of forming sandwich panel

Abstract: A light weight sandwich panel which, as a whole, has high rigidity against bending and shearing and in which a core material has high rigidity against compression. A sandwich panel comprising two resin skin material sheets and a thermoplastic resin core material sandwiched between the two resin skin material sheets and planarly adhered thereto. The thermoplastic resin core material consists of a foam resin and has openings formed in at least one surface of the core material. The openings extend inward and have recesses for forming cavities in the thermoplastic resin core material in such a manner that the cavities are closed by the skin material sheets. The number of recesses and the total area of the openings are determined in such a manner that the planar adhesion of the thermoplastic resin core material to the skin material sheets is successfully maintained and that a solid section of the foam resin of the thermoplastic resin core material effectively supports a compression load acting in the direction of the thickness of the thermoplastic resin core material.

Biodegradable packaging film

Abstract: A biodegradable packaging film is provided. The film is formed from a blend that contains a thermoplastic starch and polylactic acid. Starch is a relatively inexpensive natural polymer that is also renewable and biodegradable. Polylactic acid is likewise an inexpensive synthetic polymer that is biodegradable and renewable, yet also capable of providing increased tensile strength to the film. Although providing a good combination of biodegradability/renewability and increased tensile strength, the polylactic acid is also relatively rigid and can result in films having a relatively high stiffness (e.g., high modulus of elasticity) and low ductility. While more ductile than polylactic acid, the thermoplastic starch is often difficult to melt process in film forming processes and very sensitive to moisture and water vapor, reducing its ability to be used as a stand alone packaging film. In an effort to counteract the effect of such polymers, an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester is also employed in the blend of the present invention. While such copolyesters are biodegradable, they also possess the melt properties and ductility that lend them well to the formation of films. Although the combination of these polymers may achieve a good balance between biodegradability/renewability, high tensile strength, and good ductility (e.g., high peak elongation), it is still often difficult to achieve a precise set of mechanical properties as desired for packaging films. In this regard, the blend also contains a filler. Due to its rigid nature, the amount of the filler may be readily adjusted to fine tune the blend to the desired degree of ductility (e.g., peak elongation) and stiffness (e.g., modulus of elasticity).

Equipment for preparing continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin composite material presoaked belt and use thereof

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a continuous filament reinforced thermoplastic resin composite material prepreg tape, which comprises a yarn stand (10), a tension adjusting device (20), an electrostatic eliminating device (30), a preheating oven (40), a tension adjusting device (50), a dual-extruding die head (60), a three-roller dipping device (70), a cooling roll-in device (80) and a traction and winding device (90). The apparatus adopts the staggered dual-extruding die head (60) to pre-dip the continuous filament tape. Compared with the prior art, the apparatus has the advantages that the apparatus is simple, the continuous filament reinforced thermoplastic resin composite material prepreg tape prepared by the apparatus has low cost, the filament is dipped completely and the void ratio is kept to be not higher than 0.2 percent.

Heat resistant molded or extruded thermoplastic articles

Abstract: Disclosed is a molded or extruded thermoplastic article having high heat stability over at least 500 hours at least 170 °C including a thermoplastic composition including a thermoplastic resin; one or more polyhydric alcohols having more than two hydroxyl groups and a having a number average molecular weight (M n ) of less than 2000; one or more reinforcement agents; and optionally, a polymeric toughener; wherein 4 mm test bars prepared from said thermoplastic composition, and exposed at a test temperature at 170 °C for a test period of 500 hours, have, on average, a retention of tensile strength of at least 50 percent, as compared with that of an unexposed control of identical composition and shape. Further disclosed is a molded or extruded thermoplastic article, including a thermoplastic polyamide composition, wherein 4 mm test bars of said thermoplastic polyamide composition, when exposed at 210 °C for a test period of 500 hours, have a retention of tensile strength of at least 70 percent.

Flame-retardant resin composition and molded article using the same

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a flame retardant resin composition with excellent productivity for an insulating wire, an optical fiber cable and a molded article having good abrasion resistance, oil resistance and pressure welding properties, without elution of heavy metal compounds or phosphorus compounds from a landfill at disposal, large amount of smoke at incineration and generation of a corrosive gas. SOLUTION: The flame retardant resin composition comprises 100 pts. mass of a thermoplastic resin component (A) and 50-300 pts. mass of a component (B), which are heated and kneaded at a melt temperature of the thermoplastic resin component (A) or higher. The thermoplastic resin component (A) comprises (a) a block copolymer consisting of a vinyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene and/or a hydrogenated block copolymer obtained by its hydrogenation, (b) a non-aromatic softener for a rubber, (c) ethylene-α-olefin copolymer, and (d) a polypropylene resin. The component (B) comprises (e) 0.01-0.6 pts. mass of an organic peroxide, (f) 0.03-1.8 pts. mass of a (meth)acrylate and/or allylic crosslinking aid, and a metal hydrate.

High-pressure on-chip mechanical valves for thermoplastic microfluidic devices

Abstract: A facile method enabling the integration of elastomeric valves into rigid thermoplastic microfluidic chips is described. The valves employ discrete plugs of elastomeric polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) integrated into the thermoplastic substrate and actuated using a threaded stainless steel needle. The fabrication process takes advantage of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a sacrificial molding material to isolate the PDMS regions from the thermoplastic flow channels, while yielding smooth contact surfaces with the PDMS valve seats. The valves introduce minimal dead volumes, and provide a simple mechanical means to achieve reproducible proportional valving within thermoplastic microfluidic systems. Burst pressure tests reveal that the valves can withstand pressures above 12 MPa over repeated open/close cycles without leakage, and above 24 MPa during a single use, making the technology well suited for applications such as high performance liquid chromatography. Proportional valve operation is demonstrated using a multi-valve chemical gradient generator fabricated in cyclic olefin polymer.

Highly compatible wood thermoplastic composites from lignocellulosic material modified in ionic liquids: Preparation and thermal properties

Abstract: A study of converting chemically modified wood into thermoplastic materials was undertaken to de- velop a new technology platform for the effective utiliza- tion of wood-based lignocellulosic materials. Highly substituted benzoylated spruce thermomechanical pulp (TMP) and lauroylated spruce TMP were used as compo- nents for thermoplastic composites of poly(styrene) and poly(propylene). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dif- ferential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) were used to characterize the interfacial mor- phology and thermal properties of the resultant compos- ite filaments. The coupling of the interfacial morphology effort and that of torque analysis applied during process- ing indicated that the thorough modification of wood fibers by benzoylation and/or lauroylation reactions can improve the compatibility between the wood-based ligno- cellulosic materials and poly(styrene) and poly(propyl- ene). Thermal analysis showed that, with the addition of wood derivatives into poly(styrene) and poly(propylene) matrices, a slight decrease in their Tgs was observed. Fur- thermore, all of the prepared composites showed improved thermal stability, as revealed by TGA. The re- sultant thermoplastic wood composites exhibited good melting properties and were readily extruded into fila- ments or sheets. V C 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 111: 2468-2476, 2009

Thermoplastic compositions based on soluble starch and method for preparing such compositions

Abstract: A novel starch-based composition includes: (a) at least 45% by weight of at least one soluble starch, (b) at most 55% by weight of at least one non-biodegradable, non-amylaceous polymer, and (c) a bonding agent carrying at least two functional groups capable of reacting with molecules carrying functions including an active hydrogen, these amounts being expressed with respect to solids and relative to the sum of (a) and (b). A method for preparing such a starch-based composition and a thermoplastic composition prepared by heating such a composition are also described.

Polypropylene-based flame-resistant resin composition for cable insulation material with superior mechanical properties

Abstract: Disclosed are a polypropylene-based flame-retardant insulating resin composition that has abrasion resistance and flexibility and is suitable for cables used in, in particular, vehicles, and an electric cable using the same. The composition comprises a polypropylene resin or reactor-made thermoplastic polypropylene resin that satisfies the predetermined ranges of abrasion resistance by a scrape test, bending elasticity by a three-point bending test and storage modulus by dynamic mechanical analysis. The composition also comprises an inorganic flame-retardant, and optionally further comprises a rubber and a modified resin containing a polar functional group.

Halogen-free, flame retardant thermoplastic compositions for wire and cable applications

Abstract: Disclosed is a halogen-free, flame retardant thermoplastic resin composition based on polypropylene and one or more thermoplastic elastomers with an organic nitrogen- and/or phosphorus-based intumescent flame retardant comprising a piperazine component. The composition is processed easily to make a wire and cable sheath exhibiting a balance of high flame retardancy, good flexibility, high wet electrical resistance and excellent heat deformation properties, and which passes the VW-I flame retardancy test, the UL1581 heat deformation test at 150 °C and the wet electrical resistance test, and also exhibits good tensile and flexibility properties. Also disclosed is a wire and cable sheath made from the composition.

Implant, method of preparing an implant, implantation method, and kit of parts

Abstract: An implant according to the invention includes first thermoplastic material portions, and second thermoplastic material portions liquefiable by mechanical vibrations and being in contact with the first thermoplastic material portions, wherein the second thermoplastic material portions preferably constitute at least a part of a surface of the implant, and wherein the first thermoplastic material portions have a glass transition temperature above an implantation temperature (about 20° C. to 40° C.), and wherein the second thermoplastic material portions either have a glass transition temperature below said implantation temperature or include means for transforming non-mechanical energy into heat.