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In this research, a fundamental study was conducted on damage behavior of cathodic arc evaporated TiN and Ti0.44Al0.56N coatings, in terms of oxidation and cracking/spallation, when they were exposed to single-pulse laser treatment in a temperature range of 1200–2100 °C. Moreover, a multiple-pulse laser treatment was designed to apply thermo-mechanical loads on the coatings in order to evaluate their thermal degradation during rapid heating/cooling cycles between 200 and 1200 °C. Single-pulse treatment of TiN up to 1500 °C led to the intercolumnar cracking and formation of ultrafine TiO grains. An increase in temperature up to 2100 °C resulted in a notable bulging of the surface, and formation of TiO2 of various morphologies such as grainy structure, dense molten and re-solidified structure, droplets from melt expulsion and, more interestingly, nanofibers. Multiple-pulse treatment of TiN was accompanied by a severe cracking and spallation, which divided the surface into two layers: a heavily cracked top layer composed of dense TiO2 grains, and a bottom layer having porous TiO2 grains indicating incomplete oxidation. Conversely, Ti0.44Al0.56N did not show any visible cracking and oxidation after single-pulse treatment. Multiple-pulse treatment did not also yield cracking and spallation for Ti0.44Al0.56N, and its ablated region consisted of TiO2 grains combined with thin Al2O3 platelets. An excellent combination of properties including higher oxidation resistance and greater fracture toughness at high temperatures led to a higher thermal damage resistance for Ti0.44Al0.56N coating compared to TiN when undergoing single- and multiple-pulse laser treatments.

In polymer nanocomposites, particle-polymer interactions influence the properties of the matrix polymer next to the particle surface, providing different physicochemical properties than in the bulk matrix. This region is often referred to as the interphase, but detailed characterization of its properties remains a challenge. Here we employ two atomic force microscopy (AFM) force methods, differing by a factor of about 15 in probing rate, to directly measure the surface nanomechanical properties of the transition region between filler particle and matrix over a controlled temperature range. The nanocomposite consists of poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) and poly(isobutyl methacrylate) (PiBMA) with a high concentration of hydrophobized silica nanoparticles. Both AFM methods demonstrate that the interphase region around a 40-nm-sized particle located on the surface of the nanocomposite could extend to 55-70nm, and the interphase exhibits a gradient distribution in surface nanomechanical properties. However, the slower probing rate provides somewhat lower numerical values for the surface stiffness. The analysis of the local glass transition temperature (T

Engineering materials that can store electrical energy in structural load paths can revolutionize lightweight design across transport modes. Stiff and strong batteries that use solid-state electrolytes and resilient electrodes and separators are generally lacking. Herein, a structural battery composite with unprecedented multifunctional performance is demonstrated, featuring an energy density of 24 Wh kg-1 and an elastic modulus of 25 GPa and tensile strength exceeding 300 MPa. The structural battery is made from multifunctional constituents, where reinforcing carbon fibers (CFs) act as electrode and current collector. A structural electrolyte is used for load transfer and ion transport and a glass fiber fabric separates the CF electrode from an aluminum foil-supported lithium–iron–phosphate positive electrode. Equipped with these materials, lighter electrical cars, aircraft, and consumer goods can be pursued.

Wide-spread use of cellulose nanofibril (CNF) biocomposites and nanomaterials is limited by CNF moisture sensitivity due to surface hydration. We report on a versatile and scalable interface tailor ...

The wetting, penetration, and film formation of wheat gluten dispersions on porous wood substrates have been studied using different microscopy techniques. The effect variation of wheat gluten concentration, processing temperatures, dispersion composition, and the application scheme has been studied. The results have been correlated to previously obtained results on the function of wheat gluten dispersions as adhesive binders for particle boards. The results show that the dispersions readily penetrate the porous wood substrate and that the key parameters for a successful gluing are the dispersion viscosity, concentration, and the application scheme.

The present study investigates the ageing performance of a UV protective system for wood, comprising the reactive UV absorber 2-hydroxy-4(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-benzophenone (HEPBP) and epoxy functional ...

The objective of this study was to modify highly insulative and lightweight biorenewable foam thermosets to be semi-conductive for primarily building material applications. The foams were formed an ...

Nanocomposites with high volume fractions (15-50 vol%) of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) were prepared by impregnation of a wet porous NFC network with acetone/epoxy/amine solution. Infrared spectroscopy studies revealed a significant increase in curing rate of epoxy (EP) in the presence of NFC. The NFC provided extremely efficient reinforcement (at 15 vol%: 3-fold increase in stiffness and strength to 5.9 GPa and 109 MPa, respectively), and ductility was preserved. Besides, the glass transition temperature increased with increasing NFC content (from 68 degrees C in neat epoxy to 86 degrees C in 50 vol% composite). Most interestingly, the moisture sorption values were low and even comparable to neat epoxy for the 15 vol% NFC/EP. This material did not change mechanical properties at increased relative humidity (90% RH). Thus, NFC/EP provides a unique combination of high strength, modulus, ductility, and moisture stability for a cellulose-based biocomposite. Effects from nanostructural and interfacial tailoring are discussed. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

New wood protection technologies should be effective against biodeterioration and at the same time minimize environmental impact. The present study investigates the effect of polyaniline modificati ...

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art in structural battery composites research. Structural battery composites are a class of structural power composites aimed to provide mass-less energy storage for electrically powered structural systems. Structural battery composites are made from carbon fibres in a structural electrolyte matrix material. Neat carbon fibres are used as a structural negative electrode, exploiting their high mechanical properties, excellent lithium insertion capacity and high electrical conductivity. Lithium iron phosphate coated carbon fibres are used as the structural positive electrode. Here, the lithium iron phosphate is the electrochemically active substance and the fibres carry mechanical loads and conduct electrons. The surrounding structural electrolyte is lithium ion conductive and transfers mechanical loads between fibres. With these constituents, structural battery half-cells and full-cells are realised with a variety in device architecture. The paper also presents an overview of material modelling and characterisation performed to date. Particular reference is given to work performed in national and European research projects under the leadership of the authors, who are able to provide a unique insight into this emerging and exciting field of research.

To guide conservators in their decisions in active conservation of polystyrene materials, seven adhesives were tested before and after light ageing. The material was investigated by assessment of working properties, appearance, colour measurement, tensile testing, hardness measurement, assessment of break type, scanning electron microscope imaging, and assessment of reversibility. Based on a survey among conservators, the adhesives included were acrylates (Paraloid® B-72 in acetone: ethanol, or only ethanol, Paraloid® B-67 in isopropanol, Primal® AC 35, Acrifix® 116), epoxies (HXTAL®-NYL-1, Araldite ® 2020) and one cyanoacrylate (Loctite® Super Attack Precision). Adhesives were tested on extruded sheets of transparent, general purpose polystyrene applied on joined edges and as an open layer. Damage to the plastic could be seen for Acrifix® 116 and Loctite® Super Attack Precision. The average break force sensitivity values indicate that the cyanoacrylate was weakened while Acrifix® 116 was strengthened after ageing. In general, the cyanoacrylate was the strongest and Paraloid® B-67 the weakest. Most adhesives showed yellowing after ageing apart from Acrifix® 116 and HXTAL®-NYL-1. The Paraloids, Primal® AC 35, and the epoxies were possible to remove from the plastic.

WG proteins show potential as environmentally friendly replacements for amino/formaldehyde resins in particle boards. The performance of WG dispersions in combination with crosslinkers as adhesives ...

Composites of nanostructured polyaniline (PANI) conducting polymer in a polyester acrylate (PEA) formulation were made to provide conductive organic coatings. The effect of the presence and amount ...

The present study describes the possibility to polymerize aniline within wood veneers to obtain a semi-conducting material with solid wood acting as the base template. It was determined that it is possible to synthesize the intrinsically conductive polymer (ICP) polyaniline in situ within the wood structure of Southern yellow pine veneers, combining the strength of the natural wood structure with the conductivity of the impregnated polymer. It was found that polyaniline is uniformly dispersed within the wood structure by light microscopy and FT-IR imaging. A weight percent gain in the range of 3-12 wt % was obtained with a preferential formation in the wood structure and cell wall, rather than in the lumen. The modified wood was found to be less hydrophilic with the addition of phosphate doped polyaniline as observed by equilibrium water swelling studies. While wood itself is insulating, the modified veneers had conductivities of 1 × 10(-4) to 1 × 10(-9) S cm(-1), demonstrating the ability to tune the conductivity and allowing for materials with a wide range of applications, from anti-static to charge-dispersing materials. Furthermore, the modified veneers had lower total and peak heat releases, as determined by cone calorimetry, because of the char properties of the ICP. This is of interest if these materials are to be used in building and furniture applications where flame retardance is of importance.

Although thiol–ene polymers have highly desirable processing properties the networks usually are limited to having characteristically low glass transition temperatures with low strength. This study is one of the first studies to examine a thiol–ene polymer thermoset matrix, having many industrial advantages compared to conventional polymer matrices, reinforced with continuous E-glass fibers. In order to control the interphase, a mercapto functional sizing of 1 wt% is applied to the glass fibers. The resulting composites of 12 vol% fibers are comparable to glass fiber reinforced polyesters in terms of strength with Young’s modulus. This work contributes to the furthering of thiol–ene ultra-violet cure systems, with their range of advantageous properties, for use in a broader scope of applications by way of creating a stronger material based on a novel class of thermoset matrix.

The main purpose of this study was to investigate wheat gluten (WG) dispersions as adhesives for particleboard. The effect of the dispersion concentration and two application methods were studied. ...

The introduction of a nanoscopic reinforcing phase to a polymer matrix offers great possibilities of obtaining improved properties, enabling applications outside the boundaries of traditional composites. The majority of the work in this thesis has been devoted to polymer/clay nanocomposites in coating applications, using the hydroxyl-functional hyperbranched polyester Boltorn® as matrix and montmorillonite clay as nanofiller. Nanocomposites with a high degree of exfoliation were readily prepared using the straightforward solution-intercalation method with water as solvent. Hard and scratch-resistant coatings with preserved flexibility and transparency were obtained, and acrylate functionalization of Boltorn® rendered a UV-curable system with similar property improvements. In order to elucidate the effect of the dendritic architecture on the exfoliation process, a comparative study on the hyperbranched polyester Boltorn® and a linear analogue of this polymer was performed. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the superior efficiency of the hyperbranched polymer in the preparation of this type of nanocomposites. Additionally, an objective of this thesis was to investigate how cellulose nanofibers can be utilized in high performance polymer nanocomposites. A reactive cellulose “nanopaper” template was combined with a hydrophilic hyperbranched thermoset matrix, resulting in a unique nanocomposite with significantly enhanced properties. Moreover, in order to fully utilize the great potential of cellulose nanofibers as reinforcement in hydrophobic polymer matrices, the hydrophilic surface of cellulose needs to be modified in order to improve the compatibility. For this, a grafting-from approach was explored, using ring-opening polymerization of e-caprolactone (CL) from microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), resulting in PCL-modified MFC. It was found that the hydrophobicity of the cellulose surfaces increased with longer graft lengths, and that polymer grafting rendered a smoother surface morphology. Subsequently, PCL-grafted MFC film/PCL film bilayer laminates were prepared in order to investigate the interfacial adhesion. Peel tests demonstrated a gradual increase in the interfacial adhesion with increasing graft lengths.

ZrN 1.20 /Zr 0.44 Al 0.56 N 1.20 multilayer films as well as ZrN 1.17 and Zr 0.44 Al 0.56 N 1.20 films were deposited by reactive arc evaporation on WC–Co substrates. Samples were post-deposition annealed for 2 h at 800–1200 °C. As-deposited and heat treated films were characterized by scanning transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and nanoindentation. The thermal stability was studied using a combination of differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, and mass spectrometry. The as-deposited Zr 0.44 Al 0.56 N 1.20 film exhibits a nanocomposite structure of cubic and wurtzite ZrAlN. During annealing, the formation of ZrN- and AlN-rich domains results in age hardening of both the Zr 0.44 Al 0.56 N 1.20 and the ZrN/ZrAlN multilayers. The age hardening is enhanced in the ZrN/ZrAlN multilayer due to straining of the ZrAlN sublayers in which a maximum hardness of 31 GPa is obtained after annealing at 1100 °C.

The combination of hardness, scratch resistance, and flexibility is a highly desired feature in many coating applications. The aim of this study is to achieve this through the introduction of an unmodified nanoclay, montmorillonite (Na(+)MMT), in a polymer resin based on the hyperbranched polyester Boltorn H30. Smooth and transparent films were prepared from both the neat and the nanoparticle-filled hyperbranched resins. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) corroborated a mainly exfoliated structure in the nanocomposite films, which was also supported by results from dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Furthermore, DMA measurements showed a 9-16 degrees C increase in Tg and a higher storage modulus-above and below the T(g)-both indications of a more cross-linked network, for the clay-containing film. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated the influence of the nanofiller on the thermal properties of the nanocomposites, where a shift upward of the decomposition temperature in oxygen atmosphere is attributed to the improved barrier properties of the nanoparticle-filled materials. Conventional coating characterization methods demonstrated an increase in the surface hardness, scratch resistance and flexibility, with the introduction of clay, and all coatings exhibited excellent chemical resistance and adhesion.

Sheet moulded compound (SMC) is a highly filled, glass fibre reinforced, thermoset material used in trim and body panel automotive parts. When SMC substrates are coated with conventional thermally cured paints, inherent porosity and entrapped volatiles of the substrate result in popping ('paint pops') defects. UV curable primers (UVP) provide an order of magnitude reduction of paint defects in SMC coatings, but typically have poor adhesion. The present study investigates a series of UVPs, showing the effect of resin functionality and isocyanate additive content on the adhesion of the coatings to SMC substrates. The SMC formulation is also considered regarding how variables such as surface chemistry, morphology, surface area and degree of post-mould emissions affect UVP adhesion. The present study reveals the crucial factors involved in achieving adhesion including the importance of low post-mould emissions, high surface areas, glass fibre and other oxygen moieties on the surface, and improved wetting of the surface.

A method based on focused ion beam milling and analytical electron microscopy to investigate the nature of the tool-chip interface is presented. It is employed to study tool-chip interfaces of the rake face of a (Ti0.83Si0.17)N coated PCBN insert after turning of case-hardened steel. Analytical electron microscopy shows the presence of a smeared adhered layer on the coating, which consists of steel elements from the work-piece, oxygen, and Si and N, most likely originating from the coating. Original Publication:Axel Flink, R M Saoubi, Finn Giuliani, J Sjolen, T Larsson, Per Persson, M P Johansson and Lars Hultman, Microstructural characterization of the tool-chip interface enabled by focused ion beam and analytical electron microscopy, 2009, WEAR, (266), 11-12, 1237-1240.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.wear.2009.03.001Copyright: Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam.http://www.elsevier.com/

It can be concluded by the study of UV primer formulations on sheet molding compound (SMC) substrates that all studied formulation parameters affect adhesion. Moreover, the dual cure approach can result in acceptable adhesion of UV primers on SMC substrates if the coating procedure and composition are well designed. Adhesion of UV cure primers as determined by the cross-cut test is significantly improved in formulations containing solvent. This is a result of enhanced wetting and interaction of the solvent with the SMC substrate, confirmed by contact angle and gravimetric swelling studies. Furthermore, sanded SMC surfaces demonstrated superior UV primer adhesion. This results from the increased surface area of the topography, confirmed by CSLM and the exposure of more oxygen moieties such as pigments and silanols at the air-substrate interface as confirmed by AFM and XPS. The UV films have a higher modulus with increasing resin functionality and resulting cross-link density which correlated with reduced adhesion in formulations without an added isocyanate functional UV monomer. This indicates that cure shrinkage may play a role in the adhesion of UV cure primers and will be investigated further. Also, the added adhesion that an isocyanate functional UV monomer provides results in a significant increase in the glass transition temperature (Tg) giving a glassier film at room temperature.

Sheet molded compound (SMC) is a highly filled, glass fiber reinforced, thermoset material used in trim and body panel automotive parts. When SMC-substrates are coated with conventional thermally c ...

The present study describes the mechanical behaviour of powder coatings used under very high compressive loads in clamping force joints. Carboxyl functional polyester powder coatings cured with hydroxyl functional β-hydroxyalkylamides with variations in amount of filler have been studied. The coatings were subjected to relaxation tests in tension and in compression. The tests in compression were performed in specially designed tests developed to study the behaviour of powder coatings under compressive loads in clamping force joints. The relaxation results for the matrix were used in a unit cell in micromechanical finite element (FE) model to predict the homogenised viscoelastic properties of the particle composite. These constitutive properties were subsequently used to evaluate the behaviour on a macromechanical scale in a screw joint. The model corresponds well with experimental data at ambient temperature. When increasing the temperature above the glass transition of the coating, however, the model predictions and experimental data differ. Experiments in compression show a much lower relaxation as compared to the FE model. The relaxation simulations of the coating under compressive loads from screw joints showed a significant sensitivity to the Poisson's ratio of the polymer matrix. As the Poisson's ratio approaches 0.5, the matrix becomes hydrostatically incompressible, which resulted in a negligible relaxation of the coating at the screw joint.

This study describes the mechanical response of thermoset polymers under high compressive loads. The study is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on the behaviour of a powder coating when used in a clamping force joint and how the properties vary when the chemical and physical structure of the coating is changed. The second part discusses the fundamental understanding of the behaviour of thermoset polymers with small thickness-to-width ratio subjected to compressive stresses, the aim being to develop mathematical material models for viscoelastic materials under high compressive loads. In the first part polyester powder coatings were used with variations in molecular weight, number of functional groups of the resin, amount and type of filler and thickness of the coating. The coatings were subjected to conventional tests for coatings and polymers and also to specially designed tests developed to study the behaviour of powder coatings in clamping force joints. The high compressive loads in a clamping force joint put high demands on the relaxation and creep resistance of the coating and the study shows the importance of crosslink density, filler content, and also coating thickness in order to achieve the desired mechanical properties of a coating. A high reactivity of the resin, facilitating a high crosslink density and hence a high Tg, is the most important property of the coating. A film with high crosslink density shows increase in relaxation time and in apparent yield strength under compression, and also an increase in relaxation modulus and storage modulus in tension at temperatures above Tg. Addition of fillers reduces the deformation during compression and tension, but also induces a lower strain at break and hence a more brittle coating. The reinforcing effect of the fillers is pronounced when increasing the crosslink density of the coating, especially in the compression tests. The effect is evident in compression even at low amounts of fillers, where the relaxation time and resistance to deformation are strongly increased. The combination of high crosslink density and addition of fillers is therefore desirable since fillers then can be used moderately in order to achieve a reinforcing effect in compression while minimising embrittlement. The study also showed that increased coating thickness will give rise to defects in the coating, especially voids and blisters due to evaporation of water formed during the curing of the polyester powder coating. These defects will give rise to stress concentrations and increased plastic deformations in the coating, impairing the properties of the clamping force joint. The results from relaxation tests in tension were used to create a micromechanical model. This model was used in finite element modelling to estimate the loss of clamping force in a screw joint and to correlate with the experimental results of the powder coatings. In the second part of the study a well-defined free radically cured vinyl ester resin was used and studied in six different geometries in order to determine the dependence of apparent mechanical properties on the particular size and shape of a sample when it is subjected to high compressive loads. Variation of the specimen thickness, boundary conditions and loading conditions reveals that the geometry of the sample has a significant effect on the mechanical performance of the polymer. The apparent modulus and the yield strength increase dramatically when the thickness-to-width ratio of the sample is reduced, whereas they decrease when the friction between the sample and the compression plate is reduced. The creep strain rate decreases when the thickness of the material is reduced and it decreases even more when the amount of material surrounding the compressed part of the sample is increased. Creep and strain recovery tests on large specimens were used to develop a mathematical model including non-linear viscoelastic and viscoplastic response of a thermoset vinyl ester. The model was used in FEM calculations where the experimental results were compared with the calculated results in order to model the trends of the material response when varying the sample geometry.

A nonlinear viscoelastic material model was used to describe the experimental behaviour of thin vinyl ester specimens Subjected to compression in thickness direction. The stress-dependent material ...

The present study describes the mechanical behavior of powder coatings used under very high compressive loads in clamping force joints.

An increased demand for new and improved coating systems, both due to environmental as well as performance reasons, have appeared during the last decades. Techniques such low temperature curing powder coatings, radiation curable systems, and high solids have gained an increased interest and obtained significant market shares. Although improved in many aspects, these systems still have limited use in certain applications due to technical reasons. One way to change the properties of thermoset resins that has obtained significant interest during the last decade is by changing the molecular architecture of the resin. An example of polymers which exhibit different properties compared to conventional linear structures are highly branched, dendritic, polymers [1-3]. These polymers, for example, exhibit a higher solubility and lower melt viscosity compared to their linear counterparts. They can also be tailored with respect to functionality and polarity to adjust the properties for certain applications. Coating resins based on hyperbranched polymers have been described both for liquid UV-curable systems as well as powder coatings [4-6]. This presentation will focus on how properties of resins based on dendritic polymers can be tailored and how this can applied to coating systems such as powder coatings, radiation curable resins and no-solvent liquid systems. The correlation between resin structure and its properties both before and after cure will be discussed.

Ductile polymer coatings were investigated in terms of their response to uniaxial deformation and contact deformation with respect to indentation and scratching. The effects of pigmentation, contact geometry, load and speed on the mechanical response were studied. The materials have been tested with extended spherical contacts deep into the coating layer and concentrated conical contacts close to the surface. The residual deformation pattern was examined with optical microscopy, white-light interferometry and atomic force microscopy. In the case of extended spherical contacts, corresponding to small effective strains, there was a correlation between the magnitude of residual deformation and the tensile strength. In the case of concentrated conical contacts, corresponding to larger strains, the materials were ranked differently. Reproducible failure transitions were detected with increased scratch load for the conical contacts. These failure transitions could not be directly linked to uniaxial break parameters. Stratification appears to be an issue in pigmented coatings. The effect of pigmentation was increased tensile stiffness and improved scratch resistance.

The scope of this work has been to investigate storage and recovery processes in ductile polymer coatings. The effects of storage have been measured in terms of variations in mechanical response with time. The use of contact tests in combination with sophisticated surface imaging tools offered unique possibilities to monitor deformation recovery over long periods of time. The kinetics of the recovery processes has been monitored. Polyurethane coatings were found to recover in a similar fashion to a viscous liquid. By comparing the time scale of the recovery with transient tests, it was evident that this was not a viscoelastic effect. The effect of exposure to water and humidity on deformation response and recovery was significant for polyurethane coatings. In addition, high amounts of pigmentation had a great effect on recovery processes. Surface-, bulk-, and interfacial-properties were greatly affected by storage time.

Two ductile coating ma-terials were subjected to a combined indentation and scratch test procedure de-signed to screen a predetermined pattern of many small sample surfaces in a limited time. The screening of 50 surface spots ordered in a matrix pattern on the surface was carried out in 4.5 hr. The test provides reproducible data in terms of indentation modulus, elastic recovery, scratch penetration depth, and scratch residual depth, and also offers the possibility of detecting critical mechanical transitions such as rupture. The presented procedure produces sufficient data in a limited time scale to fulfill the requirements for a fast method to screen coating compositions.

A Tribological Study of a Novel Pre-Treatment With Linseed Oil Bonded to Mercaptosilane Treated Aluminium

The viscoelasticity of two thermally crosslinked polymer coatings was examined in terms of relaxation of the applied stress after a sudden strain. Two different transient methods were utilized: flat-ended cylindrical indentation testing of polymer film on a rigid substrate and tensile testing of a corresponding free-standing polymer film. The correlation between tensile and indentation tests was studied. The mechanical response of a viscoelastic layer deposited on a rigid substrate was investigated as a function of indentation depth. there was good agreement between the results of the tensile and indentation tests for thick film layers at moderate indentation depths. The findings indicate that the substrate influences the coating performance by reducing the viscous contribution to the stress response hand amplifying the magnitude of the equilibrium modulus for large indentation depths. The indentation method utilized here was shown to be a potentially suitable tool for the determination of Poisson's ratio of polymer films.

The use and interpretation of contact scratch tests on polymer coatings has been investigated. The influences from test parameters such as scratch speed, contact geometry and load on the deformation response were examined. Two ductile polymer coatings of commercial grade tailored for pre-painted steel applications were used as model systems. The residual deformation pattern was examined with optical microscopy, white-light interferometry, and atomic force microscopy. Free-standing coating films were also subjected to static, transient and dynamic tensile testing to find a correlation between the intrinsic coating properties and the scratch behavior. The results indicate that the use of a single set of contact parameters is insufficient to reflect the overall response of a coating material to real contact conditions. A well-designed scratch test will however give a substantial amount of useful information.

We report the stress relaxation behavior of arc-evaporated TiCxN1−x thin films during isothermal annealing between 350 and 900°C. Films with x=0, 0,15 and 0,45 each having an initial compressive in ...

This study investigated the morphology, electrochemical modification with respect to the wood fiber direction, and mechanical properties of wood modified by in situ polymerization with polyaniline (PANI). This polymerization formed a composite material with applications as an anti-static, electromagnetic, anti-corrosion, and heavy metal purifying materials. The polymer was found throughout the entire structure of the wood and was quantified within the wood cell wall and middle lamella by SEM-EDX. The presence of PANI affected the conductivity of the composite specimens, which was found to be higher in the fiber direction, indicating a more intact percolation pathway of connected PANI particles in this direction. The PANI modification resulted in a small reduction of the storage modulus, the maximum strength, and the ductility of the wood, with decreases in the properties of specimens conditioned in an environment above 66% relative humidity. The in situ-polymerized PANI strongly interacted with the lignin component of the veneers, according to the decrease in the lignin glass transition temperature (Tg) noted in DMA studies.

Silicon–carbon–nitride (Si–C–N) thin films were deposited by reactive magnetron co-sputtering of C and Si targets in a mixed Ar/N2 discharge. Films were grown to a thickness of more than 0.5 μm on ...

The hardness, elasticity, wear rate and friction coefficient of carbon nitride (CNx) films of defined microstructure and composition are presented. CNx films were deposited by dc reactive magnetron sputtering from a C target in N2/Ar plasma. Films were grown on Si (001), Ni, and HSS substrates to thickness of ~0.5 µm at a total pressure of 3 mTorr with the N2 fraction varied from 0 to 1, and the substrate temperature Ts, varied from ambient to 350°C. The mechanical and tribological properties of the coatings were evaluated by nanoindentation and dry ball-on-disk test. For CNx (0 = x = 0.35) films deposited below 200°C (amorphous structure), the elastic recovery and hardness do not change significantly with increasing N concentration, however, the friction coefficient increases from 0.19 to 0.45, while the coating wear rate is low. For CNx (0 = x = 0.15) films grown at Ts = 350°C, where a transition from a graphite-like to a "fullerene-like" phase occurs, a dramatic increase in hardness and elasticity is observed. Furthermore, the rms surface roughness decreases from 15.0 to 0.4 nm. For 0.15 = x = 0.20, CNx films deposited at Ts = 350°C (fullerene-like phase) exhibit a smooth surface, high hardness and elasticity (~90% recovery), and a coefficient of friction against hard steel of ~0.25. For all substrates, film friction coefficient tends to increase as the nitrogen content in the film is increased. Results also indicate the formation of a transfer layer which improves the tribological properties of the films. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

The lattice misfit strain and relaxation during growth of 60–950 A epitaxial TiC carbide films deposited by co-evaporation of C 60 and Ti on MgO(0 0 1) have been studied by reciprocal space mapping (RSM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). All the films exhibited a strained layer growth behavior with respect to the substrate. The strain e , ranged from 2.1% for the 60 A film to 0.8% for the 950 A film. Initial misfit strain relaxation was by slip on {1 1 0}〈 1 0 1 〉 and {1 1 1}〈 1 0 1 〉. After dislocation rearrangement the films predominantly exhibited well-developed misfit dislocations of edge type with line direction 〈1 0 0〉 along the interface plane and Burgers vectors 1/2 1 0 1 inclined to the interface with MgO.

The aim of this study was to improve the toughness of EB-cured acrylate thermost resins by using hyperbranched aliphatic polyesters as additives to obtain a liquid-liquid phase-separated resin. The ...

The concept of using hyperbranched polymers as scaffolds for solid thermoset resin applications is de-scribed. A series of semi-crystalline methacrylate-functional aliphatic poly-esters has been synthesized and characterized for applications as solid thermoset resing, e.g., powder coating resins. The polyester resins have been crosslinked by UV irradiation producing either amorphous or semi-crystalline crosslinked films depending on the initial structure. The resins are based on hyperbranched aliphatic polyesters onto which crystalline linear aliphatic polyester chains have been grafted and end-capped with methacrylate moieties. The resins exhibit a rheological behavior suitable for low temperature curing powder coatings, i.e., films that can be readily formed and UV cured at temperatures below 80°C.

A research area that has obtained increasing interest during the last decade concerns improvement of macromolecular properties by changes in the macromolecular architecture. One group of these materials is dendritic polymers, which are highly branched structures exhibiting very different properties compared with linear polymers. One potential application for these polymers is as radiation curable thermoset resins. This article describes a study where the use of an aliphatic hyperbranched polyester as a base for new radiation curable thermoset resins. The hyperbranched polyesters have been characterized with respect to cure rate and final mechanical properties compared with conventional resins. It is shown that hyperbranched polyesters can be used as versatile scaffolds for various radiation curable resin structures.

Electron-beam curing of thermoset resins used in fiber-reinforced composites has been investigated. Two resins, a bisphenol-A acrylate and methacrylate, were used as model systems. The temperature was monitored during cure to know the thermal history of the composite during cure. The thermo-mechanical properties were measured on the cured samples. It could be seen that all these values were influenced by the nature (glass or carbon) and amount (0-50 wt.-%) of fiber. A linear correlation was found between the maximum temperature during cure and the glass transition temperature. It was shown that it is possible to compensate for a lack of heat during cure in systems with too low exotherms. Some influence on the network homogeneity was also noticed when the thermal energy available during cure was too low.

This work aimed to compare three different techniques to cure thick composite matrices to see the effect of the process on the network and the thermomechanical properties of the polymer matrix. Two ...

Electron-beam (EB) curing of two epoxy resins, one acrylated and one methacrylated, has been investigated. The change in thermomechanical properties, such as T-g, and the change of residual unsaturation have been studied as a function of dose. These results, in combination with in situ measurements of the temperature during cure, have shown the importance of sample geometry for the final properties of the thermoset. The thermal history of the sample during cure greatly affects the properties of the cured resin. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

The synthesis and characterization of a new type of low temperature curing powder coating is described. The type of materials used were mixtures of an amorphous methacrylate-functional prepolymer and crystalline acrylate and methacrylate monomers. The introduction of a crystalline component in an amorphous resin mixture was shown to markedly reduce the melt viscosity and thus enhance the flow properties of the powder coating. Curing experiments showed the advantage of using photoinitiation compared to thermal initiation. The reaction was much faster and the problem with oxygen inhibition could be avoided.

Introduction of serrations on the electrical contacts in low voltage contactors has been studied. By using serrations a number of well defined a-spots are formed distributed evenly over the complete contact surface. In contrast, flat contact surfaces typically result in a-spots distributed along the edges of the contacts. The distributed a-spots of the serrated contacts lead to a more evenly distributed heat formation over the surface, compared to using flat contact surfaces, when the contactor is connected to resistive loads and is in the closed state. The even heat distribution decreases the thermal load, hence reducing the temperature increase at the terminals of the contactor. In making operations the serrations and the well distributed a-spots result in decreased blow-off force since the current is distributed on many defined paths. Further, serrations have also proven to decrease the welding forces in the first critical operations of a contactors life. By introducing serrated contacts in a contactor the temperature at the terminals decreased with roughly 12°C, enabling significant upgrading. Together with another improvement, this has been used to upgrade a contactor in rated current for AC1 duty from 1050 A to 1250 A.

There is currently considerable interest in producing new materials with extreme combinations of mechanical properties such as high hardnesses and moduli. One example of such a material is crystalline C3N4, which has been predicted to have a bulk modulus higher than that of diamond. In this paper we report on experiments carried out to synthesize CNx thin films. The films were grown in an unbalanced magnetron-sputtering system by reactive sputtering of C in N2 discharges. Si(001) substrates with the native oxide removed by thermal desorption and then kept at temperatures ranging from 150 to 600°C and substrate bias voltages Vs between 7.5 and -200 V were used. The films were analysed using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Auger electron spectroscopy, Rutherford backscattering and nano-indentation tests. Typically the films were grown at rates of 5 nm s−1 to total thicknesses of 300 nm. Owing to an extensive re-sputtering, only low negative bias voltages (−80

This paper presents the physical mechanism behind the phenomenon of self-layering in thin films made by industrial scale cathodic arc deposition systems using compound cathodes and rotating substrate fixture. For Ti-Si-C films, electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry reveals a trapezoid modulation in Si content in the substrate normal direction, with a period of 4 to 23 nm dependent on cathode configuration. This is caused by preferential resputtering of Si by the energetic deposition flux incident at high incidence angles when the substrates are facing away from the cathodes. The Ti-rich sub-layers exhibit TiC grains with size up to 5 nm, while layers with high Si-content are less crystalline. The nanoindentation hardness of the films increases with decreasing layer thickness. Original Publication: Anders Eriksson, Jianqiang Zhu, Naureen Ghafoor, Mats Johansson, Jacob Sjölen, Jens Jensen, Magnus Odén, Lars Hultman and Johanna Rosén, Layer Formation by Resputtering in Ti-Si-C Hard Coatings during Large Scale Cathodic Arc Deposition, 2011, Surface & Coatings Technology, (205), 15, 3923-3930. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.surfcoat.2011.02.007 Copyright: Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam. http://www.elsevier.com/

Carbon nitride CNx (0⩽x⩽0.35) thin films, deposited by reactive dc magnetron sputtering in Ar/N2 discharges have been studied with respect to microstructure using electron microscopy, and elastic modulus using nanoindentation and surface acoustic wave analyses. For growth temperature of 100 °C, the films were amorphous, and with an isotropic Young’s modulus of ∼170–200 GPa essentially unaffected by the nitrogen fraction. The films grown at elevated temperatures (350–550 °C) show anisotropic mechanical properties due to a textured microstructure with standing basal planes, as observed from measuring the Young’s modulus in different directions. The modulus measured in the plane of the film was ∼60–80 GPa, while in the vertical direction the modulus increased considerably from ∼25 to ∼200 GPa as the nitrogen content was increased above ∼15 at. %.