Toughening of Polyamide-6 with a Maleic Anhydride Functionalized Acrylonitrile-Styrene-Butyl Acrylate Copolymer

Synthesis, characterization and crystallization kinetics of a bio-based, heat-resistance nylon 5T/10T

The rapid consumption of fossil resources and its adverse impact on the environment require the use of bio-based materials to replace petrochemical products. In this study, we present a bio-based, heat-resistant engineering plastic, poly(pentamethylene terephthalamide) (nylon 5T). To address the issues of the narrow processing window and difficulty in melting processing of nylon 5T, we introduced more flexible decamethylene terephthalamide (10T) units to create a copolymer, nylon 5T/10T. The chemical structure was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (¹³C-NMR). We investigated the influence of 10T units on the thermal performance, crystallization kinetics, crystallization activation energy, and crystal structures of the copolymers. Our results demonstrate that the crystal growth mode of nylon 5T is a two-dimensional discoid growth pattern, while nylon 5T/10T exhibits a two-dimensional discoid or three-dimensional spherical growth pattern. The melting temperature, crystallization temperature, and crystallization rate first decrease and then increase, and crystal activation energy first increases and then decreases as a function of 10T units. These effects are attributed to the combined impact of molecular chain structure and polymer crystalline region. Bio-based nylon 5T/10T shows excellent heat resistance (melting temperature > 280 °C) and a wider processing window than nylon 5T and 10T, which is a promising heat-resistant engineering plastic.

Mostafa A, Lin L, Sakr AG. Preparation and characterisation of modified reclaimed asphalt using nanoemulsion acrylate terpolymer

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the best methods of utilisation of reclaimed asphalt pavements (RAP) in Egypt, to determine the effect of using 100% RAP instead of using virgin aggregates and asphalt; investigate the effect of thermoplastic elastomer polymer as asphalt modifier; and also improve the mechanical and physical characteristics and consequently improving the quality of asphalt paving, increasing service life of asphalt-paving and reducing costs.

Design/methodology/approach

Nano acrylate terpolymers were prepared with different % (Wt.) of and were characterised by Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), for molecular weight (Mw), by thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A 4% (Wt.) of the prepared nanoemulsion terpolymer was mixed with virgin asphalt as a polymer modifier, to improve and reuse of the RAP. The modified binder was tested. The tests conducted include penetration, kinematic viscosity, softening point and specific gravity. Application of Marshall mix design types; hot mix asphalt (HMA), warm mix asphalt (WMA) and cold in place recycled (CIR). Four different mix designs used; control mix contained virgin asphalt by HMA, and the other three mix designs were polymermodified asphalt sample by HMA, WMA and CIR.

Findings

The research results showed that using 4 Wt.% of the prepared nanoemulsion terpolymer to produce hot mix asphalt (HMA) and warm mix asphalt (WMA) achieved higher stability compared to the control mix and cold in place recycled (CIR).

Research limitations/implications

This paper discusses the preparation and the characterisation of nanoemulsion and its application in RAPs to enhance and improve the RAP quality.

Practical implications

Nano-acrylate terpolymer can be used as a new polymer to modify asphalt to achieve the required specifications for RAP.

Originality/value

According to the most recent surveys, Europe produced 265 tonnes of asphalt for road applications in 2014, while the amount of available RAP was more than 50 tonnes. The use of RAP in new blended mixes reduces the need of neat asphalt, making RAP recycling economically attractive.

Room temperature and low temperature toughness improvement in PBA-g-SAN/α-MSAN by melt blending with TPU

Toughness of PBA-g-SAN/α-MSAN blends at room temperature and low temperature was successfully improved by incorporating TPU elastomer.

Toughening of an epoxy thermoset with poly[styrene-alt-(maleic acid)]-block-polystyrene-block-poly(n-butyl acrylate) reactive core–shell particles

Reactive core–shell particles for epoxy toughening were synthesized via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer emulsion polymerization mediated by an amphiphilic macro-RAFT agent followed by core-crosslinking to increase stability.

Effect of Graphene Nanosheets on the Morphology, Crystallinity, and Thermal and Electrical Properties of Super Tough Polyamide 6 Using SEBS Compounds

Super tough polyamide 6 was prepared by using SEBS and effect of SEBS-g-MA as a compatibilizer of PA6/SEBS matrix on mechanical properties was investigated. Thus super tough polyamide 6/graphene nanocomposites were produced using graphene nanosheets (GNs) through the melt compounding method. To compare the effectiveness of graphene, effects of graphite and carbon black (the other carbon structures) are also studied on the same matrix. The effects of graphene on crystallinity, improvements of morphology, and thermal and electrical properties of the nanocomposites were researched and compared with similar samples of graphite and carbon black. Due to the reaction between the maleic anhydride groups of SEBS and amine groups of nylon chains during the melt mixing process, super tough polyamide 6 was produced with high impact and tensile strength. The most important results of this study can be noted as an increase in the electrical conductivity and thermal stability by adding graphene to PA6/SEBS blend. Also the effect of graphene compatibility on PA6/SEBS/SEBS-g-MA blend was investigated with studying morphology.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of amphiphilic tetrablock copolymer elastomers via RAFT miniemulsion polymerization: influence of poly[styrene-alt-(maleic anhydride)] segments

Tetrablock copolymer elastomers having poly[styrene-alt-(maleic anhydride)] segment (SMA) were synthesized via RAFT miniemulsion polymerization. Different fractions of SMA led to various morphologies and T_gs, affecting the mechaincal properties.

Surprising high hydrophobicity of polymer networks from hydrophilic components

We report a simple and inexpensive method of fabricating highly hydrophobic novel materials based on interpenetrating networks of polyamide and poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate) hydrophilic components. The process is a single-step solution casting from a common solvent, formic acid, of polyamide and ethyl cyanoacrylate monomers. After casting and subsequent solvent evaporation, the in situ polymerization of ethyl cyanoacrylate monomer forms polyamide-poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate) interpenetrating network films. The interpenetrating networks demonstrate remarkable waterproof properties allowing wettability control by modulating the concentration of the components. In contrast, pure polyamide and poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate) films obtained from formic acid solutions are highly hygroscopic and hydrophilic, respectively. The polymerization of ethyl cyanoacrylate in the presence of polyamide promotes molecular interactions between the components, which reduce the available hydrophilic moieties and render the final material hydrophobic. The wettability, morphology, and thermo-physical properties of the polymeric coatings were characterized. The materials developed in this work take advantage of the properties of both polymers in a single blend and above all, due to their hydrophobic nature and minimal water uptake, can extend the application range of the individual polymers where water repellency is required.