Non-Isothermal Crystallisation Kinetics of Polypropylene at High Cooling Rates and Comparison to the Continuous Two-Domain pvT Model

The modelling of the correlation between pressure, specific volume and temperature (pvT) of polymers is highly important for applications in the polymer processing of semi-crystalline thermoplastics, especially in injection moulding. In injection moulding, the polymer experiences a wide range of cooling rates, for example, 60 °C/min near the centre of the part and up to 3000 °C/min near the mould walls. The cooling rate has a high influence on the pvT behaviour, as was shown in the continuous two-domain pvT model (CTD). This work examined the Hoffman–Lauritzen nucleation and growth theory used in the modified Hammami model for extremely high cooling rates (up to 300,000 °C/min) by means of Flash differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) measurements. The results were compared to those of the empirical continuous two-domain pvT model. It is shown that the Hammami model is not suitable to predict the crystallisation kinetics of polypropylene at cooling rates above 600 °C/min, but that the continuous two-domain pvT model is well able to predict crystallisation temperatures at high cooling rates.

Continuous Two-Domain Equations of State for the Description of the Pressure-Specific Volume-Temperature Behavior of Polymers

The two-domain Schmidt equation of state (EoS), which describes the pressure-specific volume–temperature (pvT) behavior of polymers in both the equilibrium molten/liquid state and non-equilibrium solid/glassy state, is often used in the simulation of polymer processing. However, this empirical model has a discontinuity problem and low fitting accuracy. This work derived a continuous two-domain pvT model with higher fitting accuracy compared with the Schmidt model. The cooling rate as an obvious influencing factor on the pvT behavior of polymers was also considered in the model. The interaction parameters of the equations were fitted with the experimental pvT data of an amorphous polymer, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), and a semi-crystalline polymer, polypropylene (PP). The fitted results by the continuous two-domain EoS were in good agreement with the experimental data. The average absolute percentage deviations were 0.1% and 0.16% for the amorphous and semi-crystalline polymers, respectively. As a result, the present work provided a simple and useful model for the prediction of the specific volume of polymers as a function of temperature, pressure, and cooling rate.

How the hindered amines affect the microstructure and mechanical properties of nitrile-butadiene rubber composites

Different hindered amines, GW-622 and GW-944, were added to a nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) matrix to prepare a hybrid damping material. The microstructure, compatibility, and dynamic mechanical properties of the hindered amine/NBR composites were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMA). The FTIR results showed that hydrogen bonds formed between the hindered amine molecules and the NBR matrix. The SEM and DSC results showed that both GW-622 and GW-944 had partial compatibility with the NBR matrix, and a two-phase structure appeared. The effective damping temperature ranges of the hindered amine/NBR composites were narrow at room temperature and broad at higher temperatures with increasing amounts of GW-622 and GW-944. Comparatively, the damping effect from the addition of GW-944 molecules was more clearly. The present work provides a theoretical basis for the preparation of optimum damping rubber materials.