1
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Behera K, Tsai CH, Liao XB, Chiu FC. Fabrication and Characterization of PLA/PBAT Blends, Blend-Based Nanocomposites, and Their Supercritical Carbon Dioxide-Induced Foams. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1971. [PMID: 39065288 PMCID: PMC11281301 DOI: 10.3390/polym16141971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, a twin-screw extruder was used to fabricate poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blends and blend-based nanocomposites with carbon nanotube (CNT) or nanocarbon black (CB) as nanofillers. The fabricated samples were subsequently treated with supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) to fabricate the corresponding foams. Bi-phasic morphology and selective distribution of CNTs or CBs in the PBAT phase were observed in the blends/composites through scanning electron microscopy. After the scCO2 treatment, the selective foaming of the PBAT phase in the prepared blends/composites was confirmed. The cellular structure of PBAT phase in scCO2-treated blends is similar to the size/shape of PBAT domains in untreated blends or treated neat PBAT foam. The addition of CNTs or CBs in the blends led to a slight reduction in cell size of the foamed PBAT phase, demonstrating CNT/CB-induced cell nucleation. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that CNTs and CBs played as nucleating agents and increased the initial crystallization temperature up to 14 °C compared with neat PBAT for PBAT in different composites during cooling. The scCO2 treatment induced the bimodal stability of PBAT crystals in different samples, which melted mainly in two temperature regions in DSC studies. Thermogravimetric analyses revealed that compared with parent blends, the addition of CNTs or CBs increased the temperature at 80 wt.% loss (degradation of PBAT portion) up to 6 °C. The electrical resistivity decreased by more than six orders of magnitude for certain CNT- or CB-added composites compared with the parent blends. The hardness of the blends slightly increased after forming the corresponding composites and then declined after the scCO2 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartik Behera
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (K.B.); (C.-H.T.); (X.-B.L.)
| | - Chien-Hsing Tsai
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (K.B.); (C.-H.T.); (X.-B.L.)
| | - Xiang-Bo Liao
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (K.B.); (C.-H.T.); (X.-B.L.)
| | - Fang-Chyou Chiu
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (K.B.); (C.-H.T.); (X.-B.L.)
- Department of General Dentistry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City 243, Taiwan
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2
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Wu M, Ren Q, Zhu X, Li W, Luo H, Wu F, Wang L, Zheng W, Cui P, Yi X. Super toughened blends of poly(lactic acid) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) injection-molded foams via enhancing interfacial compatibility and cellular structure. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125490. [PMID: 37348589 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) foams have drawn increasing attention due to environmental challenges and petroleum crisis. However, it still remains a challenge to prepare PLA foams with fine cellular structures and high impact property, which significantly hinders its widespread application. Herein, phase interface-enhanced PLA/ poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blend foam, modified by a reactive compatibilizer through a simple reactive extrusion, was produced via a core-back foam injection molding technique. The obtained PLA blend foams displayed an impact strength as high as 49.1 kJ/m2, which was 9.3 and 6.4 times that of the unmodified PLA/PBAT blend and its corresponding foam, respectively. It proved that the interfacial adhesion and cell size both strongly affected the impact strength of injection-molded PLA/PBAT foams, and two major conclusions were proposed. First, enhancing interfacial adhesion could cause a brittle-tough transition of PLA/PBAT foams. Additionally, for foams with high interfacial adhesion, small cell size (<12 μm) was more favorable for the stretching of cells and extension of the whitened region in comparison with big cell size (cell size >60 μm), leading to the drastic toughening of PLA blends. This study provides a feasible, industrially scalable and practical strategy to prepare super toughened and fully biodegradable PLA materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Wu
- Ningbo Key Lab of Polymer Materials, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315201, PR China; Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, 199 Taikang East Road, Ningbo 315000, PR China
| | - Qian Ren
- Ningbo Key Lab of Polymer Materials, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315201, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Xiuyu Zhu
- Ningbo Key Lab of Polymer Materials, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315201, PR China
| | - Wanwan Li
- Ningbo Key Lab of Polymer Materials, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315201, PR China
| | - Haibin Luo
- Ningbo Key Lab of Polymer Materials, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315201, PR China
| | - Fei Wu
- Ningbo Key Lab of Polymer Materials, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315201, PR China
| | - Long Wang
- Ningbo Key Lab of Polymer Materials, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315201, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China.
| | - Wenge Zheng
- Ningbo Key Lab of Polymer Materials, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315201, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Ping Cui
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, 199 Taikang East Road, Ningbo 315000, PR China
| | - Xiaosu Yi
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, 199 Taikang East Road, Ningbo 315000, PR China
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3
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Tan X, Rodrigue D. Density graded polymer composite foams. CELLULAR POLYMERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/02624893221143507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
This article reviews the main developments associated with density graded polymer composite foams. After a short introduction, a discussion is made on both density graded polymer-based composites and foams separately to better understand the challenges when both structures are combined together to produce composite foams. In all cases, the basic concepts, fabrication methods, main properties and general applications are presented. Opening for future works are also presented to conclude.
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Affiliation(s)
- XueMei Tan
- College of Environment and Resources, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing, China
| | - Denis Rodrigue
- Department of Chemical Engineering and CERMA, Université Laval, QC, Canada
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4
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Wang B, Qi Z, Chen X, Sun C, Yao W, Zheng H, Liu M, Li W, Qin A, Tan H, Zhang Y. Preparation and mechanism of lightweight wood fiber/poly(lactic acid) composites. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 217:792-802. [PMID: 35902018 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The high density and poor thermal insulation of traditional wood-plastic composites limited the application in the field of building materials. In this paper, wood fiber (WF) and PLA were used as raw materials and azodicarbonamide was used as the foaming agent. Lightweight WF/PLA composites were prepared by the hot-pressing foaming method, aiming to obtain renewable, low-density material with high strength-to-weight ratio and thermal insulation performance. The results showed that after adding 20 % WF into PLA, the cell morphology was excellent and the cell size was uniform. The magnification reached the minimum value of 0.36 g/cm3 and the foaming magnification was 3.42 times. The impact strength and compressive strength were 3.16 kJ/m3 and 4.12 MPa, its comprehensive mechanical properties were outstanding. The thermal conductivity of foamed materials was 0.110-0.148 (W/m·K), which was significantly lower than that of unfoamed materials and common wood. Its excellent mechanical properties and thermal insulation can be suitable for application in the construction field to replace traditional wood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiwang Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Wooden Materials, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Bio-Based Material Science and Technology, Northeast Forestry University, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Zhongyu Qi
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Wooden Materials, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Bio-Based Material Science and Technology, Northeast Forestry University, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Xiaojian Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Wooden Materials, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Bio-Based Material Science and Technology, Northeast Forestry University, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Ce Sun
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Wooden Materials, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Bio-Based Material Science and Technology, Northeast Forestry University, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Wenrui Yao
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Wooden Materials, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Bio-Based Material Science and Technology, Northeast Forestry University, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Hao Zheng
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Wooden Materials, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Bio-Based Material Science and Technology, Northeast Forestry University, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Mengyao Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Wooden Materials, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Bio-Based Material Science and Technology, Northeast Forestry University, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Wenlong Li
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Wooden Materials, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Bio-Based Material Science and Technology, Northeast Forestry University, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Aihang Qin
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Wooden Materials, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Bio-Based Material Science and Technology, Northeast Forestry University, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Haiyan Tan
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Wooden Materials, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Bio-Based Material Science and Technology, Northeast Forestry University, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yanhua Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Wooden Materials, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Bio-Based Material Science and Technology, Northeast Forestry University, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China.
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5
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Nypelö T, Fredriksson J, Arumughan V, Larsson E, Hall SA, Larsson A. N2O–Assisted Siphon Foaming of Modified Galactoglucomannans With Cellulose Nanofibers. FRONTIERS IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fceng.2021.756026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Foaming of most bio-based polymers is challenged by low pore formation and foam stability. At the same time, the developing utilization of bio-based materials for the circular economy is placing new demands for easily processable, low-density materials from renewable raw materials. In this work, we investigate cellulose nanofiber (CNF) foams in which foaming is facilitated with wood-based hemicelluloses, galactoglucomannans (GGMs). Interfacial activity of the GGM is modulated via modification of the molecule’s amphiphilicity, where the surface tension is decreased from approximately 70 to 30 mN m−1 for unmodified and modified GGM, respectively. The chemical modification of GGMs by substitution with butyl glycidyl ether increased the molecule’s hydrophobicity and interaction with the nanocellulose component. The highest specific foam volume using 1 wt% CNF was achieved when modified GGM was added (3.1 ml g−1), compared to unmodified GGM with CNF (2.1 ml g−1). An amount of 96 and 98% of the GGM and GGM-BGE foams were lost after 15 min of foaming while the GGM and GGM-BGE with cellulose nanofibers lost only 33 and 28% of the foam respectively. In the case of GGM-BGE, the foam stability increased with increasing nanofiber concentration. This suggests that the altered hydrophobicity facilitated increased foam formation when the additive was incorporated in the CNF suspension and foamed with nitrous oxide (N2O). Thus, the hydrophobic character of the modified GGM was a necessity for foam formation and stability while the CNFs were needed for generating a self-standing foam structure.
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6
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Dou Y, Rodrigue D. Morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of polypropylene foams via rotational molding. CELLULAR POLYMERS 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/02624893211018825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In this work, polypropylene (PP) was foamed via rotational molding using a chemical blowing agent (CBA) based on azodicarbonamide over a range of concentration (0 to 0.5% wt.). The samples were then analyzed in terms of morphological, thermal and mechanical properties. The morphological analysis showed a continuous increase in the average cell size and cell density with increasing CBA content. Increasing the CBA content also led to lower foam density and thermal conductivity. Similarly, all the mechanical properties (tension, flexion and impact) were found to decrease with increasing CBA content. Finally, the efficiency of the rotomolding process was assessed by producing neat PP samples via compression molding. The results showed negligible differences between the rotomolded and compression molded properties at low deformation and rate of deformation indicating that optimal rotomolding conditions were selected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Dou
- Department of Chemical Engineering and CERMA, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Denis Rodrigue
- Department of Chemical Engineering and CERMA, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
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7
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Nobe R, Qiu J, Kudo M, Zhang G. Lightweight investigation of long chain branching polypropylene/cellulose nanofiber composite foams. J Appl Polym Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/app.50193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rie Nobe
- Graduate School of Systems Science and Technology Akita Prefectural University Yurihonjo Japan
- Ecological Material Development Section Akita Industrial Technology Center Akita Japan
| | - Jianhui Qiu
- Faculty of Systems Science and Technology Akita Prefectural University Yurihonjo Japan
| | - Makoto Kudo
- Ecological Material Development Section Akita Industrial Technology Center Akita Japan
| | - Guohong Zhang
- Faculty of Systems Science and Technology Akita Prefectural University Yurihonjo Japan
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8
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Micro- and Nanocellulose in Polymer Composite Materials: A Review. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13020231. [PMID: 33440879 PMCID: PMC7827473 DOI: 10.3390/polym13020231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The high demand for plastic and polymeric materials which keeps rising every year makes them important industries, for which sustainability is a crucial aspect to be taken into account. Therefore, it becomes a requirement to makes it a clean and eco-friendly industry. Cellulose creates an excellent opportunity to minimize the effect of non-degradable materials by using it as a filler for either a synthesis matrix or a natural starch matrix. It is the primary substance in the walls of plant cells, helping plants to remain stiff and upright, and can be found in plant sources, agriculture waste, animals, and bacterial pellicle. In this review, we discussed the recent research development and studies in the field of biocomposites that focused on the techniques of extracting micro- and nanocellulose, treatment and modification of cellulose, classification, and applications of cellulose. In addition, this review paper looked inward on how the reinforcement of micro- and nanocellulose can yield a material with improved performance. This article featured the performances, limitations, and possible areas of improvement to fit into the broader range of engineering applications.
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9
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Experimental-numerical studies of the effect of cell structure on the mechanical properties of polypropylene foams. E-POLYMERS 2020. [DOI: 10.1515/epoly-2020-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe effects of the cell size and distribution on the mechanical properties of polypropylene foam were simulated and analyzed by finite element modeling with ANSYS and supporting experiments. The results show that the reduced cell size and narrow size distribution have beneficial influences on both the tensile and impact strengths. Decreasing the cell size or narrowing the cell size distribution was more effective for increasing the impact strength than the tensile strength in the same case. The relationship between the mechanical properties and cell structure parameters has a good correlation with the theoretical model.
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10
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Kastner C, Mitterlehner T, Altmann D, Steinbichler G. Backpressure Optimization in Foam Injection Molding: Method and Assessment of Sustainability. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12112696. [PMID: 33207672 PMCID: PMC7698219 DOI: 10.3390/polym12112696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inspired by the Industry 4.0 trend towards greater user-friendliness and self-optimization of machines, we present a novel approach to reducing backpressure in foam injection molding. Our method builds on the compressibility of polymer-gas mixtures to detect undissolved gas phases during processing at insufficient backpressures. Identification of a characteristic behavior of the bulk modulus upon transition from homogeneous to heterogeneous polymer-gas mixtures facilitated the determination of the minimum pressure required during production to be determined, as verified by ultrasound measurements. Optimization of the pressure conditions inside the barrel by means of our approach saves resources, making the process more sustainable. Our method yielded a 45% increase in plasticizing capacity, reduced the torque needed by 24%, and required 46% less plasticizing work and lower pressures in the gas supply chain. The components produced exhibited both improved mechanical bending properties and lower densities. From an economic point of view, the main advantages of optimized backpressures are reduced wear and lower energy consumption. The methodology presented in this study has considerable potential in terms of sustainable production and offers the prospect of fully autonomous process optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Kastner
- Competence Center CHASE GmbH, Altenberger Strasse 69, A-4040 Linz, Austria
- Institute of Polymer Injection Molding and Process Automation, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, A-4040 Linz, Austria; (T.M.); (D.A.); (G.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Thomas Mitterlehner
- Institute of Polymer Injection Molding and Process Automation, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, A-4040 Linz, Austria; (T.M.); (D.A.); (G.S.)
| | - Dominik Altmann
- Institute of Polymer Injection Molding and Process Automation, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, A-4040 Linz, Austria; (T.M.); (D.A.); (G.S.)
- Kompetenzzentrum Holz GmbH (Wood K plus)—Biobased Composites and Processes, Altenberger Strasse 69, A-4040 Linz, Austria
| | - Georg Steinbichler
- Institute of Polymer Injection Molding and Process Automation, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, A-4040 Linz, Austria; (T.M.); (D.A.); (G.S.)
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11
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Guo G. Density reduction behaviors and cell morphology in extrusion of LLDPE/wood fiber composites with physical and chemical blowing agents. J Appl Polym Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/app.48829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gangjian Guo
- Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering & TechnologyBradley University Illinois 61625
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12
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Dong G, Zhao G, Hou J, Wang G, Mu Y. Effects of dynamic mold temperature control on melt pressure, cellular structure, and mechanical properties of microcellular injection-molded parts: An experimental study. CELLULAR POLYMERS 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0262489319871741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this work, the effects of dynamic mold temperature control (DMTC) on melt pressure, cellular structure, and mechanical properties of microcellular injection molding (MIM)-molded parts are investigated experimentally. It is found that with the increase of the mold temperature, the duration of foaming pressure in the cooling stage increases. Meanwhile, the average cell diameter and cell diameter dispersion increases as well as the cell density decreases in MIM molded parts. The turning point of mold temperature after which the foaming pressure in the cooling stage and the cellular structure in MIM molded parts generate a significant change is around the glass transition temperature of the used plastic material. Under DMTC conditions, with the increase of mold temperature, the tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength of MIM molded specimens of single gate without weld line change a little, while the tensile strength, flexural strength of MIM molded specimens of double gates with weld line increase obviously. When the mold temperature increases to 120°C and over, the tensile strength, flexural strength of MIM molded specimens of double gates with weld line reach an equivalent level of specimens of single gate without weld line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiwei Dong
- Key Laboratory for Liquid–Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die and Mould Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoqun Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Liquid–Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Junji Hou
- Key Laboratory for Liquid–Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Guilong Wang
- Key Laboratory for Liquid–Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yue Mu
- Key Laboratory for Liquid–Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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13
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Gong W, Fu H, Zhang C, Ban D, Yin X, He Y, He L, Pei X. Study on Foaming Quality and Impact Property of Foamed Polypropylene Composites. Polymers (Basel) 2018; 10:E1375. [PMID: 30961300 PMCID: PMC6401948 DOI: 10.3390/polym10121375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present work, foamed polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared by chemical foaming technology, and the foaming quality and impact property of the foamed PP composites were studied. The results showed that the foaming quality was significantly improved after the introduction of thermoplastic rubber (TPR) and polyolefin elastomer (POE). Meanwhile, it was found that the impact property depended on the intrinsic toughness and contribution of foams (cells) to the PP composites. Furthermore, the data regarding impact property in low temperature showed that when the temperature was between -80 and -20 °C, the impact properties of the foamed PP composites were higher than that of the unfoamed sample, which was due to the impact property being completely contributed by cells under this condition. Meanwhile, when the temperature ranged from -20 to 20 °C, the impact property of the unfoamed sample was higher, which was due to the PP matrix contributing more to the impact property under this temperature. This work significantly improved the foaming quality of foamed PP composites and provided reliable evidence for the improvement of impact property.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Gong
- College of Materials and Architectural Engineering, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China.
- National Engineering Research Center for Compounding and Modification of Polymeric Materials, Guiyang 550014, China.
| | - Hai Fu
- College of Materials and Architectural Engineering, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Chun Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Compounding and Modification of Polymeric Materials, Guiyang 550014, China.
| | - Daming Ban
- College of Materials and Architectural Engineering, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Xiaogang Yin
- College of Materials and Architectural Engineering, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Yue He
- College of Materials and Architectural Engineering, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Li He
- National Engineering Research Center for Compounding and Modification of Polymeric Materials, Guiyang 550014, China.
| | - Xianglin Pei
- College of Materials and Architectural Engineering, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China.
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14
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Mosleh Y, Vanden Bosche K, Depreitere B, Vander Sloten J, Verpoest I, Ivens J. Effect of polymer foam anisotropy on energy absorption during combined shear-compression loading. J CELL PLAST 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/0021955x17720156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Polymeric foams are extensively used in applications such as packaging, sports goods and sandwich structures. Since in-service loading conditions are often multi-axial, characterisation of foams under multi-axial loading is essential. In this article, quasi-static combined shear-compression behaviour of isotropic expanded polystyrene foam and anisotropic polyethersulfone foam was studied. For this, a testing apparatus which can apply combined compression and transverse shear loads was developed. The results revealed that the shear and compression energy absorption, yield stress and stiffness of foams are dependent on deformation angle. The total energy absorption of the anisotropic polyethersulfone foam is shown to be direction dependent in contrast to isotropic expanded polystyrene. Furthermore, for similar relative density, polyethersulfone foam absorbs more energy than expanded polystyrene foam, regardless of deformation angle. This study highlights the importance of correct positioning of foam cells in anisotropic foams with respect to loading direction to maximise energy absorption capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Mosleh
- Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Bart Depreitere
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jos Vander Sloten
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Biomechanics Section, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ignaas Verpoest
- Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Ivens
- Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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15
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Teymoorzadeh H, Rodrigue D. Morphological, mechanical, and thermal properties of injection molded polylactic acid foams/composites based on wood flour. J CELL PLAST 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/0021955x16671304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In this work, injection molding was used to produce polylactic acid foams using azodicarbonamide as a chemical foaming agent and to study the effect of wood flour concentration (15, 25, and 40% wt.) on morphology (scanning electron microscopy), density (gas pycnometry), as well as mechanical (tensile, flexural, and impact) and thermal (differential scanning calorimetry) properties. In particular, density reduction was controlled by the amount of material injected (shot size). The results showed that polylactic acid properties increased with wood content, but decreased with density reduction. Nevertheless, specific flexural modulus (per unit weight) always increased with foaming. Foaming was also shown to significantly increase polylactic acid crystallinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedieh Teymoorzadeh
- Department of Chemical Engineering and CERMA, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Denis Rodrigue
- Department of Chemical Engineering and CERMA, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
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16
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Sadik T, Pillon C, Carrot C, Reglero Ruiz JA, Vincent M, Billon N. Polypropylene structural foams: Measurements of the core, skin, and overall mechanical properties with evaluation of predictive models. J CELL PLAST 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/0021955x16633643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Relationships for the prediction of various linear mechanical properties of polymeric sandwich foams obtained in injection processes were studied in comparison with shear, tensile, and flexural tests. The samples were obtained by a core-back foam injection molding process that enables one to obtain sandwich materials with dense skins and a foamed core as revealed by the morphological analysis. Tensile, shear, and flexural moduli were investigated for the skin, the core, and the overall foamed structure. In addition, the Poisson’s ratio of the skin was also determined. The core properties were specifically analyzed by machining the samples and removing the skins. Tensile and shear properties of the core can be well described by the Moore equation. The tensile modulus can be calculated by a linear mixing rule with the moduli of the skin and of the core in relation to the thickness of the layers. Shear and flexural moduli are described by a linear mixing rule on the rigidity in agreement with the mechanics of beams. Tensile modulus, out-of-plane shear modulus, and flexural modulus can finally be predicted by the knowledge of only very few data, namely the tensile modulus and Poisson’s ratio of the matrix, the void fraction, and thickness of the core. The equations were proved to be physically meaningful and consistent with each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarik Sadik
- UMR 5223, Ingénierie des Matériaux Polymères, Université de Lyon, CNRS, Université Jean Monnet, Saint Etienne, France
| | - Caroline Pillon
- UMR 5223, Ingénierie des Matériaux Polymères, Université de Lyon, CNRS, Université Jean Monnet, Saint Etienne, France
| | - Christian Carrot
- UMR 5223, Ingénierie des Matériaux Polymères, Université de Lyon, CNRS, Université Jean Monnet, Saint Etienne, France
| | - José A Reglero Ruiz
- UMR 7635, Centre de Mise en Forme des Matériaux, MINES ParisTech, CNRS, Sophia Antipolis Cedex, France
| | - Michel Vincent
- UMR 7635, Centre de Mise en Forme des Matériaux, MINES ParisTech, CNRS, Sophia Antipolis Cedex, France
| | - Noëlle Billon
- UMR 7635, Centre de Mise en Forme des Matériaux, MINES ParisTech, CNRS, Sophia Antipolis Cedex, France
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Jonnalagadda D, Kuboki T. Effect of natural flours on crystallization behaviors of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate). J Appl Polym Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/app.43600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Jonnalagadda
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario N6A 5B9 Canada
| | - Takashi Kuboki
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario N6A 5B9 Canada
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18
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Mohebbi A, Mighri F, Ajji A, Rodrigue D. Current Issues and Challenges in Polypropylene Foaming: A Review. CELLULAR POLYMERS 2015. [DOI: 10.1177/026248931503400602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Thermoplastic foams have several advantages in comparison with unfoamed polymers such as lightweight, high strength to weight ratio, excellent insulation property, high thermal stability, high impact strength and toughness, as well as high fatigue life. These outstanding properties lead cellular plastics to various industrial applications in packaging, automotive parts, absorbents, and sporting equipment. Nowadays, polypropylene (PP), because of its outstanding characteristics such as low material cost, high service temperature, high melting point, high tensile modulus, low density, and excellent chemical resistance, is a major resin in the foaming industry. However, foaming of conventional PP is limited by its low melt strength leading to poor cell morphology, cell rupture/coalescence and limited density reduction. To improve PP melt strength, several strategies including particle addition as nucleating agent, introduction of long chain branching, blending with high melt strength polymers and crosslinking have been proposed. In this review, these issues are discussed and analyzed in terms of mechanical, thermal, and rheological characterizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abolfazl Mohebbi
- CREPEC, Research Center for High Performance Polymer and Composite Systems
- CQMF, Quebec Centre on Functional Materials, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Frej Mighri
- CREPEC, Research Center for High Performance Polymer and Composite Systems
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Abdellah Ajji
- CREPEC, Research Center for High Performance Polymer and Composite Systems
- Department of Chemical Engineering, École Polytechnique de Montréal, C.P. 6079, Montreal, QC, H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Denis Rodrigue
- CREPEC, Research Center for High Performance Polymer and Composite Systems
- CQMF, Quebec Centre on Functional Materials, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
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Zhao N, Zhu C, Howe Mark L, Park CB, Li Q. Batch foaming poly(vinyl alcohol)/microfibrillated cellulose composites with CO2and water as co-blowing agents. J Appl Polym Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/app.42551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhao
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-Nano Molding Technology, National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technology, Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou Henan China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou Henan China
- Microcellular Plastics Manufacturing Laboratory; Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Changwei Zhu
- Microcellular Plastics Manufacturing Laboratory; Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Lun Howe Mark
- Microcellular Plastics Manufacturing Laboratory; Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Chul B. Park
- Microcellular Plastics Manufacturing Laboratory; Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Qian Li
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-Nano Molding Technology, National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technology, Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou Henan China
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20
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Hu F, Lin N, Chang PR, Huang J. Reinforcement and nucleation of acetylated cellulose nanocrystals in foamed polyester composites. Carbohydr Polym 2015; 129:208-15. [PMID: 26050907 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2015.04.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The biodegradable foamed nanocomposites were developed from the reinforcement of surface acetylated cellulose nanocrystals (ACNC) as bionanofillers and the poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) as polymeric matrix. The surface modification of high-efficiency acetylation on the cellulose nanocrystals converted the hydrophilic hydroxyl groups to hydrophobic acetyl groups, which improved the compatibility between rigid nanoparticles and polyester matrix through the similar ester groups of two components. With the introduction of 5 wt% ACNC, the specific flexural strength (σ/ρf) and the specific flexural modulus (E/ρf) of the foamed composites significantly increased by 75.7% and 57.2% in comparison with those of the neat PBS foamed material. Meanwhile, with the change of the ACNC concentrations, the cell size and cell density of the foamed composites can be regulated and achieved the high cell density of 1.95 × 10(5)cells/cm(3) bearing the small average cell size of 178.84 μm (5 wt% ACNC). The microstructure observation of the foamed composites indicated the moderate loading levels of rigid ACNC can serve as the reinforcing phase for the stress transfer and promote the crystallinity advancement of the foamed composites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Hu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan, China
| | - Ning Lin
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan, China; Université Grenoble Alpes, Laboratoire Génie des Procédés Papetiers (LGP2), F-38000 Saint Martin d'Hères Cedex, France
| | - Peter R Chang
- Bioproducts and Bioprocesses National Science Program, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X2, Canada
| | - Jin Huang
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan, China.
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Berezvai S, Kossa A. Effect of the skin layer on the overall behavior of closed-cell polyethylene foam sheets. J CELL PLAST 2015. [DOI: 10.1177/0021955x15575801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This article presents an experimental investigation of the effect of the skin layer on the mechanical behavior of a closed-cell polymeric foam material. The skin layer is a thin layer with increased density due to the manufacturing processes, which results in inhomogeneity. The skin-layer effect is investigated by comparing the stretch-stress characteristics of specimens with and without this skin layer on a particular closed-cell polyethylene foam sheet. The characteristics were recorded via uniaxial tension and compression tests, respectively, in all principal manufacturing directions. Thus, the skin-layer effect can be obtained by analyzing the recorded data points, which are also presented. The skin-layer-free specimens are prepared with a particularly designed assembly in accordance with the ASTM standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szabolcs Berezvai
- Department of Applied Mechanics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary
| | - Attila Kossa
- Department of Applied Mechanics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary
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Yetgin SH, Unal H, Mimaroglu A. Influence of foam agent content and talc filler on the microcellular and mechanical properties of injection molded polypropylene and talc filled polypropylene composite foams. J CELL PLAST 2014. [DOI: 10.1177/0021955x14543313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In this study, influence of the chemical foaming agent content and talc mineral filler on the microcellular and mechanical properties of pure polypropylene and 20 wt% talc filled polypropylene composite foams was investigated. The chemical foaming agent at 1 wt% and 2 wt% ratios was added to pure polypropylene and talc filled polypropylene composites. Using an injection molding machine, foam materials were produced under a set of process parameters consisting of injection pressure, injection speed, melt temperature, and packing pressure. For each set of process parameters, the cell number, cell size, distance between cells, skin layer thickness, cell density, and the mechanical properties of foam products were recorded. The results indicate that the cell number, cell density, skin layer thickness, tensile strength, and tensile modulus values for microcellular talc filled polypropylene composite foam are higher, while the cell diameter, impact strength, and elongation at break values are lower than that of pure microcellular polypropylene foam.
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Affiliation(s)
- SH Yetgin
- Faculty of Technology, University of Sakarya, Esentepe kampusu, Adapazari, Turkey
| | - H Unal
- Faculty of Technology, University of Sakarya, Esentepe kampusu, Adapazari, Turkey
| | - A Mimaroglu
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Sakarya, Esentepe kampusu, Adapazari, Turkey
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