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Application of blast tests causes some problems to characterize the performance of panels due to the drastic conditions of explosive medium. Real test has high safety concerns and is not easily accessible because of its extra budget. Some approaches are needed for the preliminary predictions of dynamic characteristics of panels under blast loading conditions. In this study, the response of sandwiches under blast effect was evaluated by combining quasi-static experiments and computational blast test data. The primary aim is to relate the quasi-static panel analysis to dynamic blast load. Based on this idea, lightweight sandwich composites were subjected to quasi-static compression loading with a special test apparatus and the samples were assumed as single degree-of-freedom mass-spring systems to include dynamic effect. This approach provides a simpler way to simulate the blast loading over the surface of the panels and reveals the possible failure mechanisms without applying any explosives. Therefore the design of the panels can be revised by considering quasi-static test results. In this work, the peak deflections and survivabilities of sandwiches for various explosive weights were predicted based on the formulations reported in the literature. Major failure types were also identified and evaluated with respect to their thicknesses.

In this study, carbon fiber/epoxy (CF/EP) composites were interleaved with polyamide-6,6 (PA 66) nonwoven veils at two different areal weight densities (17 and 50 gsm) to improve their delamination resistance against Mode-I loading. Mode-I fracture toughness (DCB), tensile, open hole tensile (OHT), flexural, compression, short beam shear (ILSS) and Charpy-impact tests were performed on the reference and PA 66 interleaved composite specimens . The DCB test results showed that the initiation and propagation Mode-I fracture toughness values of the composites were significantly improved by 84 and 171% using PA 66-17 gsm veils respectively, as compared to reference laminates. The use of denser PA 66-50 gsm veils in the interlaminar region led to higher improvement in fracture toughness values (349% for initiation and 718% for propagation) due to the higher amount of veil fibers involved in fiber bridging toughening mechanism. The incorporation of PA 66-50 gsm nonwoven veils also increased the ILSS and Charpy impact strength of the composites by 25 and 15%, respectively. On the other hand, the PA 66 veils reduced in-plane mechanical properties of CF/EP composites due to lower carbon fiber volume fraction and increased thickness.

In this study, hybrid yarns were developed by commingling the continuous polypropylene and glass fibers using air jet and direct twist preparation techniques. The non-crimp fabrics were obtained with ± 45 ° fiber orientation from these hybrid yarns. The fabrics were prepared with fiber sizings that are compatible and incompatible with polypropylene matrix to investigate the effect of interfacial adhesion on the properties of the thermoplastic composites. Composite panels were produced from the developed fabrics by hot press compression method and microstructural and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. It was found that type of the hybrid yarn preparation technique and glass fiber sizing applied on the glass fibers have some important role on the properties of the composites. Composites made of fabrics produced by air jet hybrid yarn preparation technique exhibited better results than those produced by direct twist covering (single or double) hybrid yarn preparation techniques. The highest flexural properties (99.1 MPa flexural strength and 9.55 GPa flexural modulus) were obtained from the composites manufactured from fabric containing compatible sizing, due to better adhesion at the interface of glass fibers and polypropylene matrix. The composite fabricated from fabric with polypropylene compatible sizing also exhibited the highest peel resistance (interlaminar peel strength value of 5.87 N/mm). On the other hand, it was found that hybrid yarn preparation technique and type of the glass fiber sizing have insignificant effect on the impact properties of the glass fiber/polypropylene composites.

The effect of mechanical alloying and the sintering regime on the microstructural and the physical properties of W-SiC composites were investigated. Powder mixtures of W-20 vol.% SiC were mechanically alloyed (MA'd) using a Spex mill for 3 h, 6 h and 24 h. MA'd powders were characterized by Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analyzer, SEM and XRD investigations. MA'd W-20 vol.% SiC powder composites were sintered under inert Ar and reducing H2 gas conditions at 1680 °C and 1770 °C for 1 h. The microstructural and mechanical characterizations of the sintered samples were carried out by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Vickers Hardness analyses. The addition of SiC remarkably increases the hardness of the composites. Hardness is also increased with decreasing grain size and increasing amount of MA. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved., TÜBİTAK project number 105M065 and DPT project number 2001K120750

WOS: 000270632900014, This study aims to investigate the tensile mechanical behavior and fracture toughness of vinyl-ester/polyester hybrid nanocomposites containing various types of nanofillers, including multi- and double-walled carbon nanotubes with and without amine functional groups (MWCNTs, DWCNTs, MWCNT-NH2 and DWCNT-NH2). To prepare the resin suspensions, very low contents (0.05, 0.1 and 0.3 wt.%) of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were dispersed within a specially synthesized styrene-free polyester resin, conducting 3-roll milling technique. The collected resin stuff was subsequently blended with vinyl-ester via mechanical stirring to achieve final suspensions prior to polymerization. Nanocomposites containing MWCNTs and MWCNT-NH2 were found to exhibit higher tensile strength and modulus as well as larger fracture toughness and fracture energy compared to neat hybrid polymer. However, incorporation of similar contents of DWCNTs and DWCNT-NH2 into the hybrid resin did not reflect the same improvement in the corresponding mechanical properties. Furthermore, experimentally measured elastic moduli of the nanocomposites containing DWCNTs, DWCNT-NH2, MWCNTs and MWCNT-NH2 were fitted to Halphin-Tsai model. Regardless of amine functional groups or content of carbon nanotubes, MWCNT modified nanocomposites exhibited better agreement between the predicted and the measured elastic moduli values compared to nanocomposites with DWCNTs. Furthermore, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to reveal dispersion state of the carbon nanotubes within the hybrid polymer and to examine the CNT induced failure modes that occurred under mechanical loading, respectively. Based on the experimental findings obtained, it was emphasized that the types of CNTs and presence of amine functional groups on the surface of CNTs affects substantially the chemical interactions at the interface, thus tuning the ultimate mechanical performance of the resulting nanocomposites, TUBITAK of Turkey; JULICH of Germany, The authors acknowledge TUBITAK of Turkey and JULICH of Germany for financial support.

WOS: 000268032200008, This study aims to investigate the curing behavior of a vinyl ester-polyester resin suspensions containing 0.3 wt % of multiwalled carbon nanotubes with and without amine functional groups (MWCNTs and MWCNT-NH2). For this purpose, various analytical techniques, including Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy, and Thermo Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA) were conducted. The resin suspensions with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were prepared via 3-roll milling technique. DSC measurements showed that resin suspensions containing CNTs exhibited higher heat of cure (Q), besides lower activation energy (E-a) when compared with neat resin. For the sake of simplicity of interpretation, FTIR investigations were performed on neat vinyl ester resin suspensions containing the same amount of CNTs as resin. As a result, the individual fractional conversion rates of styrene and vinyl ester were interestingly found to be altered dependent on MWCNTs and MWCNT-NH2. The findings obtained from RS measurements of the cured samples are highly proportional to those obtained from FTIR measurements. TGA measurements revealed that CNT modified nanocomposites have higher activation energy of degradation (E-d) compared with the cured polymer. The findings obtained revealed that CNTs with and without amine functional groups alter overall thermal curing response of the surrounding matrix resin, which may probably impart distinctive characteristics to mechanical behavior of the corresponding nanocomposites achieved

In this study, mode I and mode II interlaminar fracture toughness, and interlaminar shear strength of E-glass non-crimp fabric/carbon nanotube modified polymer matrix composites were investigated. The matrix resin containing 0.1 wt.% of amino functionalized multi walled carbon nanotubes were prepared, utilizing the 3-roll milling technique. Composite laminates were manufactured via vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process. Carbon nanotube modified laminates were found to exhibit 8% and 11% higher mode II interlaminar fracture toughness and interlaminar shear strength values, respectively, as compared to the base laminates. However, no significant improvement was observed for mode I interlaminar fracture toughness values. Furthermore, Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were utilized to monitor the distribution of carbon nanotubes within the composite microstructure and to examine the fracture surfaces of the failed specimens, respectively. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved., TÜBİTAK and JULICH of Germany for financial support (under Julich 5 Project, 103M048)

In this study, layered clay/polymer nanocomposites were developed based on epoxy resins and montmorillonite as the nanoplatelet reinforcement. Clay particles were treated with hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (HTCA) through an ion exchange reaction. In this way, Na+ interlayer cations of the clay is exchanged with onium cation of the surfactant that turns the hydrophilic clays (MMT) to organophilic (OMMT) characteristics. Thermal analysis results revealed that the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the dynamic mechanical properties including the storage and loss modulus of the neat epoxy resin increases by the incorporation of clay particles. It was also found that flame resistance of the polymer is improved by the addition of the clay particles. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008

The aim of this study is to investigate temperature dependence of electrical conductivity of carbon nanotube (CNT)/polyester nanocomposites from room temperature to 77 K using four-point probe test method. To produce nanocomposites, various types and amounts of CNTs (0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 wt.%) were dispersed via 3-roll mill technique within a specially formulized resin blend of thermoset polyesters. CNTs used in the study include multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNT) with and without amine functional groups (-NH2). It was observed that the incorporation of carbon nanotubes into resin blend yields electrically percolating networks and electrical conductivity of the resulting nanocomposites increases with increasing amount of nanotubes. However, nanocomposites containing amino functionalized carbon nanotubes exhibit relatively lower electrical conductivity compared to those with non-functionalized carbon nanotubes. To get better interpretation of the mechanism leading to conductive network via CNTs with and without amine functional groups, the experimental results were fitted to fluctuation-induced tunneling through the barriers between the metallic regions model. It was found that the results are in good agreement with prediction of proposed model., TÜBİTAK-JÜLİCH 5 Project

The aim of the present work is the preparation of PMMA based porous nanocomposites that contain clay (montmorillonite, MMT) platelets as reinforcements within the cell walls of the porous structure. To render the clay layers organophilic, MMT was surface treated by an ion exchange reaction between interlayer cations of the clay and ammonium ions of a surfactant. Clay/PMMA based porous nanocomposites were prepared by polymerization of water-in-oil emulsions with and without clay addition. The microstructure and compressive mechanical behavior of the nanocomposites were investigated. The results of mechanical tests showed that the porous systems with the addition of 1 wt.% of organoclay (OMMT) exhibited a 90% and 50% increase of collapse stress and elastic modulus values, respectively, as compared to neat porous PMMA.

A three layer feed forward artificial neural network (ANN) model having three input neurons, one output neuron and two hidden neurons was developed to predict the ply-lay up compressive strength of VARTM processed E-glass/polyester composites. The composites were manufactured using fabric preforms consolidated with 0, 3 and 6 wt.% of thermoplastic binder. The learning of ANN was accomplished by a backpropagation algorithm. A good agreement between the measured and the predicted values was obtained. Testing of the model was done within low average error levels of 3.28%. Furthermore, the predictions of ANN model were compared with those obtained from a multi-linear regression (MLR) model. It was found that ANN model has better predictions than MLR model for the experimental data. Also, the ANN model was subjected to a sensitivity analysis to obtain its response. As a result, the ANN model was found to have an ability to yield a desired level of ply-lay up compressive strength values for the composites processed with the addition of the thermoplastic binder.

Electrical conductivity of an unsaturated thermoset polyester based gel-coat system containing 0.05 wt.% of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was investigated. The CNTs used were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition method by methane decomposition and Raman characterization showed that they were mostly single walled and high quality. To disperse CNTs in the gel-coat resin, 3-roll milling technique was used. It was found that as the CNTs are added to gel-coat system, resistivity value decreases significantly while neat gel-coat showed a high resistivity. By the application of an AC electrical field during curing process, it was attempted to align CNTs in the gel-coat resin and an electrically anisotropic polymer was obtained. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A needle-shaped metallic FeGa1.3 phase oriented in a specific direction and uniformly distributed within a GaSb matrix was grown by a vertical Bridgman method. Strain-gauge characteristics, such as strain-sensitivity coefficient (S), temperature coefficient of strain sensitivity (TCS) and temperature coefficient of resistance, of GaSb and GaSb-FeGa1.3 eutectic alloy have been investigated in the range of 200 to 400 K under deformation up to strains of 1.3 × 10-3. The value of S of the GaSb-FeGa1.3 composition is measured to be 40 ± 5 and its TCS is about 0.2% deg-1 when the current is perpendicular to the needles and the needles are parallel to the plane of the gauge substrate. The strain-sensitivity characteristics are linear and hysteresis free in the investigated temperature range in the aforementioned direction. It was found that GaSb-FeGa1.3-based strain gauges possess better deformation characteristics than GaSb-based gauges., NATO under a Collaborative Linkage Grant No. PST.CLGN 978434. Turkish Academy of Sciences, in the framework of the Young Scientist Award Program (LO/TUBA-GEBIP/2002-1-17).

The aim of the present study is to investigate the microstructure–property relation in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-based porous mould materials used for high-pressure casting of ceramic articles. For this purpose, porous plastic materials were produced by the polymerization of water-in-oil emulsions with various compositions of emulsion constituents and particle sizes of the filler PMMA beads. Pore morphology, porosity and water permeability of the materials were measured. The compressive stress–strain behavior, collapse stress and elastic modulus values of the macroporous materials were determined by performing compressive mechanical testing. Fracture toughness values of the materials were also measured using the single-edge notched bending method. The results showed that the concentration of emulsion constituents and PMMA bead sizes has significant effects on the pore morphology, porosity, water permeability and mechanical properties of the porous plastics.

Studies of the crushing behavior of closed-cell, aluminum foam-filled aluminum and steel tubes have shown an interaction effect between tube wall and foam filler [1, 2, 3]. The crushing loads of foam-filled tubes are, therefore, found to be higher than the sum of the crushing loads of foam (alone) and tube (alone) mainly due to this effect. Santosa et al. [1], based on FEM results, proposed the following equation for the average crushing load of foam-filled square tubes of length b

An experimental investigation was carried out to determine the effects of a preforming binder on the mechanical properties and ballistic performance of E-glass-fiber/polyester composite systems. The glass preforms were consolidated by application of heat and pressure over plies of the glass fabrics coated with various concentrations of a thermoplastic polyester binder. The peel strength of the preforms with various binder content was measured and the highest peel strength was obtained from preforms prepared with about 9 wt% of the binder. Composite laminates with and without binder were fabricated using VARTM technique and the effects of the binder on the composite mechanical properties were evaluated. It was found that the flexural strength and mode I interlaminar fracture toughness decreases by 15% and 40%, respectively, due to the presence of 3 wt% of the binder. Ballistic test was performed on E-glass/polyester composite panels using 1.1-g fragment-simulating projectiles and it was found that the binder amount has some considerable effect on the damage extension of the impacted composites. The results showed that the preforming binder has significant potential to tailor composite properties., İzmir Institute of Technology under contract ArFon 2001 Müh 21

The interphases of various sized E-glass-fiber/epoxy-amine systems were tested at displacement rates in the range 230–2450 μm/s by a new experimental technique (dynamic micro-debonding technique). By this method, the rate-dependent interphase properties, apparent shear strength and absorbed energies due to debonding and frictional sliding, were quantified. The systems include unsized, epoxy-amine compatible, and epoxy-amine incompatible glass fibers. The high displacement rates that induce high-strain-rate interphase loading were obtained by using the rapid expansion capability of piezoelectric actuators (PZT). The results of dynamic micro-debonding experiments showed that the values of interphase strength and specific absorbed energies varied in a manner that is dependent on the sizing and exhibited significant sensitivity to loading rates. The unsized fibers exhibit greater frictional sliding energies that could provide better ballistic resistance, while the compatible sized fibers show higher strength values that improve the structural integrity of the polymeric composites. In addition, significantly higher amounts of energy are absorbed within the frictional sliding regime compared to debonding. By using the experimental data obtained, a case study was performed to reveal the importance of the interphase related micro damage modes on energy absorption (and therefore ballistic performance) of glass/epoxy composite armor.

This article considers the sandwich structures with aluminium (Al) foams of various thicknesses in conjunction with skins composed of fibre-metal laminates (FML). The FMLs with Al sheet and glass fiber reinforced polypropylene (GFPP) composites were integrated with Al foam for composing the sandwich panels. The FML-foam sandwich systems were manufactured by hot pressing in a mold at 200°C under 1.5 MPa pressure. The bonding between the components of the sandwich was achieved by various surface modification techniques, i.e., silane surface treatment, PP adhesive film additition, and their combination. The Al sheet/Al foam sandwiches were also prepared by bonding the components with an epoxy adhesive for comparing the effect of GFPP on the mechanical performance of the sandwich structures. The energy absorption capacities together with compressive mechanical behavior of both Al foams and FML-foam sandwich systems were evaluated by flatwise compression tests. Experiments were performed on samples of varying foam thicknesses., TÜBİTAK (107A015)

This article presents results from an experimental study, investigating the effects of core thickness on the mechanical properties of composite sandwich structures with polypropylene(PP)-based honeycomb core and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) face-sheets fabricated by hand lay-up technique. Epoxy matrix and non-crimp glass fibers were used for the production of GFRP laminates. Flatwise compression (FC), edgewise compression (EC), three-point bending (3PB) and double cantilever beam (DCB) tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical behavior of the composite sandwich structures (CSSs). Based on the FC tests, an increase in the compressive modulus and strength was observed with an increase in the core thickness. For EC tests, peak loads up to crush of the sandwich panel is discussed using core thickness. According to the 3PB tests, a decrease in core shear stress and facesheet bending stress was observed as the core thickness increases. © SAGE Publications 2010.

WOS: 000283759400010, In this study, electrical conductivity of a vinyl ester based composite containing low content (0.05, 0.1 and 0.3 wt.%) of double and multi-walled carbon nanotubes with and without amine functional groups (DWCNTs, MWCNTs, DWCNT-NH2 and MWCNT-NH2) was investigated. The composite with pristine MWCNTs was found to exhibit the highest electrical conductivity. Experiments aimed to induce an aligned conductive network with application of an alternating current (AC) electric field during cure were carried out on the resin suspensions with MWCNTs. Formation of electric anisotropy within the composite was verified. Light microscopy (LM), scanning electron (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were conducted to visualize dispersion state and the extent of alignment of MWCNTs within the polymer cured with and without application of the electric field. To gain a better understanding of electric field induced effects, glass transition temperature (T-g) of the composites was measured via Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). It was determined that at 0.05 wt.% loading rate of MWCNTs, the composites, cured with application of the AC electric field, possessed a higher T-g than the composites cured without application of the AC electric field, TUBITAK of Turkey; BMBF of Germany [5], The authors acknowledge TUBITAK of Turkey and BMBF of Germany for the financial support under Project No.: 5 and Poliya Polyester A.S., Istanbul for providing us with the resins used in this study. The authors would also like to thank Dr. Josef Kovacs for his valuable help in the construction of the experimental set up used to align CNTs within the polymer. The authors would also like to thank Prof. Dr. H. Mehtap Kutlu for her fruitful discussion and comments on preparation of TEM thin polymer samples.

WOS: 000271556000042, In this study, the cure kinetics of Cycom 977-20. an aerospace grade toughened epoxy resin, and its suspensions containing various amounts (1, 3 and 5 wt.%) of vapor grown carbon nanofibers (VGCNFs) with and without chemical treatment were monitored via dynamic and isothermal dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. For this purpose, VGCNFs were first oxidized in nitric acid and then functionalized with 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy silane (GPTMS) coupling agent. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was subsequently used to verify the chemical functional groups grafted onto the surfaces of VGCNFs. Sonication technique was conducted to facilitate proper dispersion of as-received, acid treated and silanized VGCNFs within epoxy resin. Dynamic DSC measurements showed that silanized VGCNF modified resin suspensions exhibited higher heat of cure compared to those with as-received VGCNFs. Experimentally obtained isothermal DSC data was then con elated with Kamal phenomenological model. Based on the model predictions, it was found that silanized VGCNFs; maximized the cure reaction rates at the very initial stage of the reaction. Accordingly, an optimized curing cycle was applied to harden resin suspensions. Fracture testing was then carried out on the cured samples in order to relate the curing behavior of VGCNF modified resin suspensions to mechanical response of their resulting nanocomposites With addition of 1 wt % of silanized VGCNFs, the fracture toughness value of neat epoxy was found to be improved by 12%. SEM was further employed to examine the fracture surfaces of the samples, Office of Naval Research [N00014-02-1-0811]; Advanced Materials Intelligent Processing Center at the Center for Composite Materials; University of Delaware, This work was supported by the Office of Naval Research through the project (N00014-02-1-0811)Advanced Materials Intelligent Processing Center at the Center for Composite Materials (CCM), University of Delaware. The authors also wish to thank Abdel Abusafieh and Rick Price from Cytec Industries Inc., for providing the toughened epoxy resin.

The cure kinetics of epoxy resin and epoxy resin containing 10 mass% of natural zeolite were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The conformity of the cure kinetic data of epoxy and epoxy-zeolite system was checked with the auto-catalytic cure rate model. The results indicated that the hydroxyl group on the zeolite surface played a significant role in the autocatalytic reaction mechanism. This group was able to form a new transition state between anhydride hardener and epoxide group. The natural zeolite particles acted as catalyst for the epoxy system by promoting its curing rate.

Mechanical and thermal properties of non-crimp glass fiber reinforced clay/epoxy nanocomposites were investigated. Clay/epoxy nanocomposite systems were prepared to use as the matrix material for composite laminates. X-ray diffraction results obtained from natural and modified clays indicated that intergallery spacing of the layered clay increases with surface treatment. Tensile tests indicated that clay loading has minor effect on the tensile properties. Flexural properties of laminates were improved by clay addition due to the improved interface between glass fibers and epoxy. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that the modified clay particles affected the glass transition temperatures (T g) of the nanocomposites. Incorporation of surface treated clay particles increased the dynamic mechanical properties of nanocomposite laminates. It was found that the flame resistance of composites was improved significantly by clay addition into the epoxy matrix., TÜBİTAK 104M365

Rheological properties of vinyl ester-polyester resin suspensions containing various amounts (0.05, 0.1 and 0.3 wt.%) of multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with and without amine functional groups (-NH2) were investigated by utilization of oscillatory rheometer with parallel plate geometry. Dispersion of corresponding carbon nanotubes within the resin blend was accomplished employing high shear mixing technique (3-roll milling). Based on the dynamic viscoelastic measurements, it was observed that at 0.3 wt.% of CNT loadings, storage modulus (G′) values of suspensions containing MWCNTs and MWCNT-NH2 exhibited frequency-independent pseudo solid like behavior especially at lower frequencies. Moreover, the loss modulus (G″) values of the resin suspensions with respect to frequency were observed to increase with an increase in contents of CNTs within the resin blend. In addition, steady shear viscosity measurements implied that at each given loading rate, the resin suspensions demonstrated shear thinning behavior regardless of amine functional groups, while the neat resin blend was almost the Newtonian fluid. Furthermore, dynamic mechanical behavior of the nanocomposites achieved by polymerizing the resin blend suspensions with MWCNTs and MWCNT-NH2 was investigated through dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer (DMTA). It was revealed that storage modulus (E′) and the loss modulus (E″) values of the resulting nanocomposites increased with regard to carbon nanotubes incorporated into the resin blend. In addition, at each given loading rate, nanocomposites containing MWCNT-NH2 possessed larger loss and storage modulus values as well as higher glass transition temperatures (Tg) as compared to those with MWCNTs. These findings were attributed to evidences for contribution of amine functional groups to chemical interactions at the interface between CNTs and the resin blend matrix. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies performed on the cured resin samples approved that the dispersion state of carbon nanotubes with and without amine functional groups within the matrix resin blend was adequate. This implies that 3-roll milling process described herein is very appropriate technique for blending of carbon nanotubes with a liquid thermoset resin to manufacture nanocomposites with enhanced final properties., TÜBİTAK and JULİCH

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have outstanding mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. As a result, particular interest has been recently given in exploiting these properties by incorporating carbon nanotubes into some form of matrix. Although unsaturated polyesters with styrene have widespread use in the industrial applications, surprisingly there is no study in the literature about CNT/thermoset polyester nanocomposite systems. In the present paper, we underline some important issues and limitations during the processing of unsaturated polyester resins with different types of carbon nanotubes. In that manner, 3-roll mill and sonication techniques were comparatively evaluated to process nanocomposites made of CNTs with and without amine (NH2) functional groups and polyesters. It was found that styrene evaporation from the polyester resin system was a critical issue for nanocomposite processing. Rheological behaviour of the suspensions containing CNTs and tensile strengths of their resulting nanocomposites were characterized. CNT/polyester suspensions exhibited a shear thinning behaviour, while polyester resin blends act as a Newtonian fluid. It was also found that nanotubes with amine functional groups have better tensile strength, as compared to those with untreated CNTs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was also employed to reveal the degree of dispersion of CNTs in the matrix., TÜBİTAK-JULİCH 5 Project

The effect of Al closed-cell foam filling on the quasi-static crushing behavior of an E-glass woven fabric polyester composite tube and thin-walled Al/polyester composite hybrid tube was experimentally investigated. For comparison, empty Al, empty composite and empty hybrid tubes were also tested. Empty composite and empty hybrid tubes crushed predominantly in progressive crushing mode, without applying any triggering mechanism. Foam filling was found to be ineffective in increasing the crushing loads of the composite tubes over the sum of the crushing loads of empty composite tube and foam. However, foam filling stabilized the composite progressive crushing mode. In empty hybrid tubes, the deformation mode of the inner Al tube was found to be a more complex form of the diamond mode of deformation of empty Al tube, leading to higher crushing load values than the sum of the crushing load values of empty composite tube and empty metal tube. The foam filling of hybrid tubes however resulted in axial splitting of the outer composite tube due to the resistance imposed by the foam filler to Al tube inward folding and hence it was ineffective in increasing crushing load and SAE values over those of empty hybrid tubes., TÜBİTAK for the grant #MISAG-227

MgB2/Mg composites were prepared using a metal matrix composite fabrication method that offers the potential to produce superconducting wires as an alternative approach to the powder in tube process. To obtain composites, MgB2 and Mg powders were mixed at different weight fractions and uniaxially pressed in a cylindrical die under the pressure of 0.5 and 1.0GPa for two hours at various temperatures. The x-ray diffraction technique was used for phase identification. Temperature dependence of resistivity and magnetization measurements were carried out to determine superconducting properties. The effects of composite fabrication temperature and the addition of the Mg on the mechanical properties of MgB2/Mg composites were investigated. For this purpose, the compressive mechanical testing was performed to measure the elastic modulus and fracture strength values of the composites. It was found that the relative weight fraction of the Mg and the fabrication conditions of the composites have considerable effect on the superconducting and mechanical properties of the composites., TÜBİTAK: TBAG-2031 and LO/TUBA-GEBIP/2002-1-17

Phenyl (PPS) and methyl (PMS) containing polysiloxanes were pyrolyzed at elevated temperatures (900-1500 °C) under argon atmosphere to investigate the phase developments within the polymers. It was found that pyrolysis of the polymers under inert atmosphere up to 1300 °C leads to amorphous silicon oxycarbide (SiOxCy) ceramics. Conversions at higher temperatures results in the transformations into the crystalline β-SiC phases. Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) were developed based on the active filler controlled pyrolysis (AFCOP) of polysiloxanes with active Ti filler additions. CMC monoliths were prepared with 60-80 wt.% of active Ti particulates blended into polymer precursors. Green bodies of the composites were made by warm pressing under 15 MPa pressure and ceramics were obtained by pyrolysis at elevated temperatures between 900 and 1500 °C under argon atmosphere. The results showed that due to the incorporation of active Ti fillers, formation of crystalline phases such as TiC, TiSi, and TiO occured within the amorphous matrix due to the reactions between the Ti and the polymer decomposition products. The microstructural and mechanical characterization results of the composites are presented within the paper., TÜBİTAK MİSAG 215

Proceedings of the 8th Conference and Exhibition of the European Ceramic Society; Istanbul; Turkey; 29 June 2003 through 3 July 2003, Pyrolytic conversion of a preceramic polymer, poly(phenyl)siloxane has been investigated to develop ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) at low temperatures with high dimensional stability. Furthermore, the thermal transformation of the polymer precursor under inert atmosphere was monitored. For this purpose, poly(phenyl)siloxanes were cured at about 200°C for 2 hours under air and pyrolysed at various temperatures in the range of 900 - 1500°C for 1 hour under inert argon atmosphere. The products of the pyrolytic conversion were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (TG and DTA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with EDX analyzer. It was found that pyrolysis under inert atmosphere up to 1300°C led to amorphous silicon oxycarbide (SiOxCy) ceramics. Conversions at higher temperatures caused the transformation into the crystalline β-SiC phases. Moreover, to obtain composite monoliths inert Al2O3 and active Ti and Si particulates were incorporated into the polymer as fillers employing compressive moulding at moderate temperatures. During pyrolysis, cross-linked green compacts of the particulate/polymer system were converted into ceramic body and the microstructural parameters and the effects of the filler type on the microstructure were investigated., TÜBİTAK for MİSAG 215 project

Proceedings of the 8th Conference and Exhibition of the European Ceramic Society; Istanbul; Turkey; 29 June 2003 through 3 July 2003, The ceramic whiteware/sanitaryware industry is rapidly undergoing to implement high-pressure casting techniques for ceramic article production. In these techniques, materials with open pore microstructure that allows drainage of water under applied pressure are needed. The polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) based polymeric porous materials have become the most suitable type of materials for this purpose because of their short casting periods and high service lives. However, the superior service life and performance of these materials are closely related to the microstructure. In the present study, the porous materials with various compositions of the constituents in the emulsion were produced to effect the microstructure of PMMA-based materials. The variations on the pore microstructure were interrelated to the performance of the material for high-pressure sanitaryware casting. The pore morphology and water permeability of the samples was measured using optical and SEM microscopy and permeability measurement techniques, respectively. The compressive collapse stress and modulus values were determined by performing compression testing. The results showed a significant interrelation between microstructure and the performance of the PMMA-based ceramic mould materials.

Compressive mechanical behaviour and failure modes of E (electrical)-glass/polyester composite laminates tailored with a thermoplastic preforming polyester binder were investigated under ply-lay up and in-plane loading directions. Fiber preforms with various amount of the binder were consolidated under heat and pressure. The preform compaction experiments were performed by applying compressive pressure to the preforms, and the average thickness as a function of pressure was measured. It was found that the highest compaction of the preforms and therefore the highest fiber volume fraction can be obtained with 3 wt.% of the binder. Further increase of the amount of binder decreases the degree of compaction. Composite panels were fabricated by vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding using fabric preforms with various binder concentrations. The present investigation reveals that there are considerable effects of the binder on the compressive mechanical behaviour of the composites. Compression testing of the composites showed that the average strength values are in the range of 400-600 and 150-300 MPa for ply-lay up and in-plane directions, respectively. Also, both the strength and modulus values increase up to 3 wt.% of the binder, and these values decrease with further addition of the binder. Scanning electron microscopy showed that failure modes of the composites are altered significantly by the presence of the binder. Furthermore, the interaction between the binder and the reacting resin was followed to determine the extent of the binder dissolution and its effects on the viscosity of the resin and the mechanical behaviour of the matrix polymer. The results indicate that there is a partial dissolution of the binder within the matrix resin., Izmir Institute of Technology of Turkey under contract 2002 IYTE 06 project

In this study, the effects of modifying interlaminar region of unidirectional carbon fibre/epoxy composites by the incorporation of electrospun polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibres were investigated. PVA nanofibres were directly deposited onto the carbon fabrics by electrospinning method to improve mechanical performance of those composites. The features of the electrospun nanofibres were characterized by microscopy techniques. The unidirectional carbon fibre/epoxy composite laminates with/without PVA nanofibre interlayers were manufactured by vacuum-infusion technique in a [0]4 configuration. Tensile, three-point bending, compression, Charpy-impact and Mode-I fracture toughness tests (Double Cantilever Beam (DCB)) were carried out in accordance with ASTM standards to evaluate mechanical performance of the composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations were made on the specimens to evaluate microstructural features. It was observed that the carbon fabrics were successfully coated with a thin layer of PVA nanofibres by electrospinning technique. The results showed that P VA nanofibres improve the mechanical properties of unidirectional carbon/epoxy composite laminates when subjected to in-plane loading. On the other hand, PVA nanofibres slightly reduced the mode-I fracture toughness values although they led to more stable crack propagation., Scientific Research Projects of Izmir Institute of Technology with Project no.2015IYTE30