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In this paper, we focus on the mechanical relaxation of a multilayer polymer network built by connecting identical layers that have, as underlying topologies, the dual Sierpinski gasket and the regular dendrimer. Additionally, we analyze the dynamics of dipolar energy transfer over a system of chromophores arranged in the form of a multilayer network. Both dynamical processes are studied in the framework of the generalized Gaussian structure (GSS) model. We develop a method whereby the whole eigenvalue spectrum of the connectivity matrix of the multilayer network can be determined iteratively, thereby rendering possible the analysis of the dynamics of networks consisting of a large number of layers. This fact allows us to study in detail the crossover from layer-like behavior to chain-like behavior. Remarkably, we highlight the existence of two bulk-like behaviors. The theoretical findings with respect to the decomposition of the intermediate domain of the relaxation quantities, as well as the chain-like behavior, are well supported by experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report about the mechanical relaxation characteristics of an intrinsically self-healable imidazole modified commercial rubber. This kind of self-healing rubber was prepared by melt mixing of 1-butyl imidazole with bromo-butyl rubber (bromine modified isoprene-isobutylene copolymer, BIIR). By this melt mixing process, the reactive allylic bromine of bromo-butyl rubber was converted into imidazole bromide salt. The resulting development of an ionic character to the polymer backbone leads to an ionic association of the groups which ultimately results to the formation of a network structure of the rubber chains. The modified BIIR thus behaves like a robust crosslinked rubber and shows unusual self-healing properties. The non-covalent reversible network has been studied in detail with respect to stress relaxation experiments, scanning electron microscopic and X-ray scattering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite oxides find applications or are studied in many fields related to energy production, accumulation and saving. The most obvious application is oxygen or proton conductors in fuel cells (SOFCs), but the (anti)ferroelectric compositions may find application in high energy capacitors for energy storage, efficient electrocaloric cooling, and electromechanical energy harvesting. In SOFCs, the diffusion of O vacancies and other mobile ionic species, such as H+, are at the base of the functioning of the device, while in the other cases they constitute unwanted defects that reduce the performance and life-time of the device. Similarly, the (anti)ferroelectric phase transitions are a requisite for the use of some types of devices, but the accompanying domain walls can generate extended defects detrimental to the life of the material, and structural phase transformations should be avoided in SOFCs. All these phenomena can be studied by mechanical spectroscopy, the measurement of the complex elastic compliance as a function of temperature and frequency, which is the mechanical analogue of the dielectric susceptibility, but probes the elastic response and elastic dipoles instead of the dielectric response and electric dipoles. The two techniques can be combined to provide a comprehensive picture of the material properties. Examples are shown of the study of structural transitions and hopping and tunneling processes of O vacancies and H in the ion conductor BaCe1-xYxO3-x and in SrTiO3-x, and of the aging and fatigue effects found in PZT at compositions where the ferro- and antiferroelectric states coexist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium alloys with high refractory metals content are required to obtain advanced biomaterials with a low elastic modulus and good mechanical properties. This work studies the influence of Fe content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of powder metallurgy Ti35Nb10Ta(Fe) alloys, with Fe content additions of 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 wt%. Samples are obtained by uniaxial compaction and sintering at 1250 °C and 1300 °C. Microstructural characterization is performed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and mechanical characterization by bending, compression and a hardness test. The elastic modulus is measured by the ultrasounds technique. The results show a 10% increase in the maximum bending strength with an increase in the sintering temperature. The obtained microstructure is composed of β-Ti phase (bcc) and some regions where laths of the α-Ti (hcp) phase occur along the grain boundaries. Fe addition slightly improves the stability of the β-Ti phase and conversely decreases the maximum strength and final deformability due to increased porosity. The Ti35Nb10Ta alloy composition displays better properties, with an elastic modulus of 75 GPa, a bending strength of 853 MPa and compression strength of 1000 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]