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This paper presents the influence of the type and structure of reinforcement, on the epoxy resin matrix polymer composites mechanical and ballistic properties. Aramid, basalt, glass fabrics and their hybrid systems were used as reinforcement. Impact strength according to Izod and "falling arrowhead", flexural strength and structure of the obtained composites were tested. The specific gravity was also determined. The aramid-glass hybrid composites showed high flexural strength (397 MPa) and Young's modulus (21 GPa). However, aramid-basalt composites had high impact strength (116 kJ/m2) and impact energy absorption (45 J).

As part of the work, innovative hybrid polymer composites dedicated to rapid prototyping, especially for 3D printing with the melted and extruded manufacturing (MEM) technique, were developed. For this purpose, the influence of modified fillers, such as alumina-modified silica, bentonite modified with quaternary ammonium salt, and lignin/silicon dioxide hybrid filler, on the functional properties of polystyrene-based composites was investigated. The introduced additives were selected to improve the processing properties of polystyrene (PS), in particular its thermal stability, while maintaining good mechanical properties. In the first part of the work, using the proprietary technological line, filaments from unfilled PS and its composites were obtained, which contain modified fillers in the amount of 1.5% to 3.0% by weight. Samples for testing functional properties were obtained by 3D printing in MEM technology and injection technique. The rheological properties—mass melt flow rate (MFR), viscosity, and mechanical properties—are presented in the further part of the work. The size and the respective dispersion in the polystyrene polymer matrix of the fillers used were determined by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersion spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). The correct dispersion of additives in PS was also confirmed by wide-angle X-ray analysis (WAXS). A significant improvement in the thermal stability of the obtained composites after the introduction of fillers into the polymer matrix was confirmed on the basis of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The remaining tests of physicochemical properties, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transform (FT-IR) allowed us to state no significant changes in relation to polystyrene. The obtained test results allowed us to conclude that the amount and type of fillers used in the PS polymer matrix significantly affect the performance properties of the tested hybrid composites. The composites obtained as part of the work can be successfully used in rapid prototyping technologies, especially for the production of details originally designed from PS, which are required to have higher thermal stability than is guaranteed only by the polymer matrix.

This work is a continuation of the publication [1], in which the torsional strength tests of samples made of polymer materials, loaded with torsional moment, which more and more often can be made with the use of incremental technologies, were carried out. The designed proprietary test stand, which was described in the publication [1], was used. A series of preliminary studies on the torsion of fittings with spline connections obtained using additive techniques were carried out. It was found, that a additive technologies have a clear impact on the torsional strength of the tested machine components, including the placement of the prototype relative to the 3D printing plane or the method of processing polymer material.

Przeprowadzono badania dotyczące wykorzystania nanokompozytów na osnowie dwuskładnikowych żywic poliuretanowych typu RenPIM-VG 5286 (PUR) z dodatkiem nanonapełniaczy: Nanobent® ZR1 i ZR2, modyfikowanych oktakis(tetrametyloamonio)oktasilseskwioksanem i oktakis{3-[N-(hydroksyetylo)dimetyloamino]propylo}oktasilseskwioksanem w technologii vacuum casting (VC). Zbadano reaktywność kompozycji odlewniczych (czas żelowania i maksymalną temperaturę utwardzania) oraz właściwości tiksotropowe, które mają istotny wpływ na przebieg procesu technologicznego wytwarzania prototypów kół zębatych w matrycach silikonowych. Oznaczono także wpływ rodzaju nanonapełniacza na właściwości użytkowe uzyskanych kompozytów. Wykazano, że dzięki wprowadzeniu układu hybrydowych napełniaczy, uzyskano ograniczenie skurczu promieniowego i osiowego, co dało radykalną poprawę dokładności wymiarowej odlewanych kół zębatych.

As part of the work, innovative polymer composites dedicated to 3D printing applications were developed. For this purpose, the influence of modified fillers, such as silica modified with alumina, bentonite modified with quaternary ammonium salt, and hybrid filler lignin/silicon dioxide, on the functional properties of composites based on glycol-modified poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET-G) was investigated. In the first part of the work, using the proprietary technological line, filaments from unfilled polymer and its composites were obtained, which contained modified fillers in an amount from 1.5% to 3.0% by weight. The fittings for the testing of functional properties were obtained using the 3D printing technique in the Melted and Extruded Manufacturing (MEM) technology and the injection molding technique. In a later part of the work, rheological properties such as mass melt flow rate (MFR) and viscosity, and mechanical properties such as Rockwell hardness, Charpy impact strength, and static tensile strength with Young’s modulus were presented. The structure of the obtained composites was also described and determined using scanning electron microscopy with an attachment for the microanalysis of chemical composition (SEM/EDS) and the atomic force microscope (AFM). The correct dispersion of the fillers in the polymer matrix was confirmed by wide-angle X-ray scattering analysis (WAXS). In turn, the physicochemical properties were presented on the basis of the research results: thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). On the basis of the obtained results, it was found that both the amount and the type of fillers used significantly affected the functional properties of the tested composites.

In this article a preparation method of epoxy resin/glass fabric composites with reduced flammability and smoke emission was presented. For this purpose the two groups of powder-epoxy compositions containing: (1) melamine polyphosphate (MPP) and aluminum diethyl phosphinate (AlDPi); (2) ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and dipentaerythritol (DPE) were used as matrices in six-ply glass fabric reinforced composites. The flame retardants content was 25 wt %. In addition, the 10–15 wt % of zinc borate (ZB) as a smoke reducing agent was added to each compositions. The flame resistant and smoke emission of prepared laminates designed for application in public transport components were evaluated. It was found that with the increase of zinc borate content, the emission of fumes decreased. The lowest maximum of specific optical density (Dsmax = 312.2), specific optical density in the first 4 minutes of the test [Ds(4) = 304.1] and cumulative specific optical densities in the first 4 minutes of the test (VOF4 = 707.6 min) have been achieved for composite containing 10 wt % of MPP, 15 wt % of AlDPi and 15 wt % of ZB. Furthermore, this composite was characterized by V0 class by UL94 test, limiting oxygen index LOI = 36.8 % and maximum average rate of heat emission MAHRE = 80 kW/m2.

This study investigates the impact of the type and amount of liquid phosphorus flame retardant additive on the flammability and mechanical properties of epoxy compositions dedicated to the infusion process. To this purpose, epoxy resin (EP) compositions containing 10 and 20 wt % of liquid ammonium polyphosphate (APPL) and dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) were obtained. Mechanical properties and flame resistance of obtained epoxy compositions were determined in terms of their use as a matrix in laminate infusion technology. Based on the results obtained, it was found, that the flame resistance increases, while the mechanical properties decreases with flame retardant loading. The best flame resistance results were obtained for a composite containing 20 wt % APPL: limiting oxygen index LOI = 23.9% instead of 19.8% – EP, peak of heat release rate pHRR = 427.3 kW/m2 instead of 1046.3 kW/m2 – EP.

Technological progress spurs the creation of new machine designs, the development of new highly advanced technologies, as well as the introduction of new materials, including polymeric ones, that meet the economic and ecological criteria. An analysis of the literature reveals that there are few works outlining the rules for the design of machine components using polymeric materials, including composites and nanocomposites. This article is a review of the literature on the use of polymer matrix thermoplastic composites (PA6 – polyamide 6, PA66 – polyamide 66 and POM – polyoxymethylene) in toothed transmission systems. The presented examples demonstrate the production of hybrid polymer nanocomposites with addition of inorganic fillers and their application in the manufacture of machine components, including gears.

The research on obtaining composites based on phenol-formaldehyde resin (PFR) with modified phlogopite quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) reinforced with hybrid glass and basalt fiber was carried out. The influence of the reinforcement structure (glass mesh weave) and the type of fiber on the performance properties of the obtained composites were assessed, especially in terms of their use a grinding wheels reinforced with modified hybrid glass and basalt fiber meshes. Based on the obtained research results, it was found that composites reinforced with a glass fiber layer mesh with a matrix of phenol-formaldehyde resin filled with modified phlogopite are characterized by higher mechanical strength, abrasion resistance and dynamic strength of the disk compared to unmodified composites.

Hybrid composites of unsaturated polyester resin with the addition of glass microspheres and bentonite modified with a quaternary ammonium salt were obtained. The content of bentonite in composites was 3 wt %, while glass microspheres varied in the range of 5–15 wt %. The effect of the addition of glass microspheres on the rheological and mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester resin composites containing modified bentonite was investigated. On the basis of the obtained results, it was found that the optimum content of glass microspheres in polyester composites at which a clear increase in the value of most mechanical parameters was achieved, is 15 wt %. The Young’s modulus, flexural modulus, tensile strength, and Charpy impact strength increased by 14.7, 38.7, 17.7 and 25%, respectively, compared to the unmodified resin. On the other hand, with relation to the sample containing 3 wt % of bentonite, a significant improvement was achieved only in the case of the flexural modulus and impact strength, amounting to 16.5 and 36.0%, respectively. In addition, composite with 15 wt % of glass microspheres was characterized by a smaller, by about 25%, flexural strength in relation to the unfilled resin and resin with 3 wt % of bentonite. In turn, rheological studies have shown that as the content of glass microspheres increased, there was an increase in viscosity and a decrease in gelation time in relation to the reference sample and the sample with 3 wt % of bentonite.

The subject of the research presented in this article are viscoelastic polyurethane foams (VPF) made using a fillers from coffee grounds. The foams were made with varying content of coffee fillers. Foams and fillers were characterized by means of techniques such as infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and cone calorimeter. The changes in the microstructure of the foams were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. Foam properties in the compression test was assessed. As a result, it was concluded that the use filler from coffee grounds causes a significant reduction in compression set of foams after compression by 75% and by 90% of the height of the samples. It was shown that these changes are caused by changes in the chemical structure of the macromolecules of these foams but also in their structure. After addition the filler, all foams have permanent deformations with a value below the permissible limit of 10%. Addition of 20% by mass of filler caused by a decrease in the rate of heat release and the rate of smoke release during foam combustion.

One-part, moisture curing polyurethane (PUR) adhesives based on poly(oxypropylene)diol Rokopol® and 4,4’-diphenylmethylene diisocyanate (MDI) modified with di-isononyl phthalate and a number of inorganic fillers and additives such as carbon black, thixotropic agent, dispersants and dibutyltin dilaurate as curing catalyst were developed. Adhesive curing was followed using dynamic oscillation rheometry and effect of some components on viscoelastic properties of curing materials was discussed. The cured materials were characterized by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and water contact angle measurements. The adhesive performance of obtained materials in bonding aluminum was evaluated by tensile shear bond strength tests.

As part of the work, new polymer materials were used in 3D printing, which can be used in three technologies depending on the apparatus used: Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), Melted and Extruded Manufacturing (MEM), Melt Extrusion Polymers (MEP). As part of the work, the properties of obtained polymer composites were examined. Polylactide (PLA) was used as the matrix, and powdered natural ground fillers were used as fillers: bamboo dust (PB), cork dust (PK) and wood dust (PD). In the first part of the work, filaments were received from the tested composites using the filament preparation line made by METACHEM in Torun for use in 3D printers. Samples for mechanical tests were obtained from the filaments thus received by means of an MEP printer and after granulation by injection molding. In the next part of the work, rheological, mechanical and structural properties of obtained composites were examined. It was found that the addition of natural fillers increased the fluidity of the obtained polymeric materials in the case of composite with addition of PK even by 48.73% compared to unfilled PLA. It was also observed that the composites obtained had lower Charpy impact strength, Rockwell hardness and tensile strength. Observation of the microstructure of the composites using SEM confirmed the even distribution of natural fillers in the polymer matrix, which proves well-chosen parameters of their homogenization in the polymer matrix.

Appropriate selection of polymeric materials enables their wide application not only in machine construction elements, suspension and interior equipment of vehicles. Simultaneously with the development of new polymer materials, the processes of their processing developed. This also applies to incremental technologies. Rapid prototyping methods using 3D printers are largely based on various types of polymer materials. Currently, 3D printing is a well-known technique for producing functional elements, especially the Melt Extrusion Polymers (MEP) method, which is the oldest of the known techniques of spatial production. The main reason of the technology is designing and then manufacturing parts for many fields, including engineering, medicine, as well as the automotive and aviation industries. The article is a review of the literature on the use of composites based on thermoplastic polymers to develop new polymer materials used for 3D printing by MEP.

The work examined the effect of flame retardant addition to the epoxy resin powder matrix on the mechanical properties of composites reinforced with biaxal glass fabric. Two flame retardant systems were used to modify the epoxy resin: (1) melamine polyphosphate (MPP) and aluminum diethyl phosphinate (AlDPi); (2) ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and dipentaerythritol (DPE). The flame retardant content was 25 wt %. In addition, individual compositions also contained 15 wt % of zinc borate (ZB). Tensile, bending and shear tests for the obtained composites were performed. Furthermore, using the digital image correlation method, an analysis of local strains on the sample surface during shear test was carried out. The obtained results indicate, that the amount and type of flame retardant affects the mechanical properties of the composites. Among the tested systems, the best results were obtained for a composite containing 18 wt % ammonium polyphosphate and 7 wt % dipentaerythritol. Compared to the reference sample, among others, the shear stress and shear modulus increased by 25.0 and 39.7%, respectively. In turn, a clear deterioration of the tested parameters was observed in the case of a composite with a matrix containing 15 wt % of AlDPi, 10 wt % of MPP and 15 wt % of ZB, because, compared to unmodified composite, the flexural, tensile and shear stress were reduced by 50.9, 53.5 and 34.8%, respectively.

As part of this work, polymer composites based on polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC/ABS) were obtained and used in 3D printing technology, particularly Melted Extrusion Modeling (MEM) technology. The influence of selected fillers on the properties of the obtained composites was investigated. For this purpose, modified fillers such as silica modified with alumina, bentonite modified with a quaternary ammonium salt, and hybrid lignin/silicon dioxide filler were introduced into the PC/ABS matrix. In the first part of this work, polymer blends and their composites containing 1.5–3 wt. of the filler were used to obtain the filament using the proprietary technological line. Moldings for testing the performance properties were obtained using additive manufacturing techniques and injection molding. In the subsequent part of this work, rheological properties (mass flow rate (MFR) and viscosity curves) and mechanical properties (Rockwell hardness and static tensile strength with Young’s modulus) were examined. The structures of the obtained composites were also determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS). The obtained results confirmed the results obtained from a wide-angle X-ray scattering analysis (WAXS). In turn, the physicochemical properties were characterized on the basis of the results of tests using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Based on the obtained results, it was found that the introduced modified additives had a significant impact on the processing and functional properties of the tested composites.

The common applications of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) in many industries mean that the topic of recycling and disposal of post-consumer waste is still very important. One of the methods of reducing the negative impact of PVC waste on the natural environment is to use technological or post-consumer waste of this polymer to produce new composite materials with favorable utility properties, with the addition of natural fillers, among which agro-waste, including hop residue, is deserving of special attention. In this study, the effect of the addition of residual hops (H) on the mechanical and physicochemical properties of poly(vinyl chloride) was investigated. PVC blends containing 10, 20 and 30 wt % of hop residue were mixed in an extruder, while the specimens were obtained by the injection molding method. It was observed that the addition of H increased their thermostability, as shown by a Congo red test. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis showed that the degradation rate of PVC/H composites in the first and second stages of decomposition was lower in comparison with unmodified PVC. In turn, composite density, impact strength and tensile strength decreased significantly with an increasing concentration of filler in the PVC matrix. At the same time, their Young’s modulus, flexural modulus and Rockwell hardness increased. Flame resistance tests showed that with an increasing residual hop content, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) decreased by 9.0, 11.8 and 13.6%, respectively, compared to unfilled PVC (LOI = 37.4%). In addition, the maximum heat release rate (pHRR) decreased with an increasing filler content by about 16, 24 and 31%, respectively. Overall, these composites were characterized by a good burning resistance and had a flammability rating of V0 according to the UL94 test.

In the study, measurements of 3D deformations of the flexspline in harmonic drive were performed by applying a digital image correlation (DIC) method. The tests were carried out with the use of physical 3D printed models made of ABS copolymer (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), which ensured sufficient capacity andrigidity of the structures. The findings related to deformations in flexspline, obtained through bench testing, were compared to the results of calculations conducted using the finite element method (FEM). Significant convergence in the findings obtained using the two methods was shown, yet deformations measured in the real-life model were characterized by greater irregularity compared to the corresponding solutions obtained with the numerical method. The results obtained through optical measurement confirm that physical models made of plastics, built using rapid prototyping technology, can justifiably be appliedin bench testing of prototype gear transmissions.

This study examined, the effect of chemically extracted raspberry pomace on the thermal stability, mechanical properties, flammability, chemical structure and processing of poly(vinyl chloride). It was observed that the pomace in this study was used to extract naphtha, thereby permitting the removal of bio-oil as a factor preventing the obtaining of homogeneous composites. Furthermore, adding 20% raspberry pomace filler after extraction extended the thermal stability time for the composites by about 30%. It was observed that composite density, impact strength, and tensile strength values decreased significantly with increasing concentrations of filler in the PVC matrix. At the same time, their modulus of elasticity and Shore hardness increased. All tested composites were characterized by a good burning resistance with a flammability rating of V0 according to the UL94 test. Adding 20 to 40% of a natural filler to the PVC matrix made it possible to obtain composites for the production of flame resistant elements that emitted less hydrogen chloride under fire conditions while ensuring good rigidity.

The compositions of polyester powder paint BFP and selected nanofillers: modified bentonite and silica modified with 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate were prepared using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. The obtained compositions were applied to metal plates. It was found that the coatings prepared from the compositions of powder paint, nanofillers and additives showed much better performance (gloss, relative hardness, impact resistance, ductility, scratch resistance, adhesion to substrate and shear strength) compared to the coating obtained using unmodified powder paint.

The investigations on linear low density polyethylene (PE-LLD) based composites flame retarded with packaged aluminum hydroxide (AH) coated with calcium stearate (AH40CD) and uncoated (AH40D) have been carried out. Loading of AH in composites was 60 wt %. It was found that for composites with coated AH (K2, K3 samples), fire resistance and mechanical properties were improved.

Boron-containing oligoetherol was synthesized from melamine diborate (MDB) with ethylene carbonate. The oligoetherol was then used to obtain polyurethane foams. Additional amount of MDB was also used as additive flame retardant added at the foaming step into foaming composition. Obtained PUFs were non-flammable as demonstrated by vertical and horizontal flaming tests. The products has also high thermal resistance and can be exposed to long term heating at 175°C. Fire properties of the obtained foams were compared with the properties of foams obtained from melamine and propylene carbonate and from MDB and ethylene carbonate.

The effect of the amount of the modified silicates and commercial flame retardants on the properties of rigid polyurethane foams (SPPUR) was investigated. The foams were prepared in a one-step process from two-component system: polyol premix and isocyanate. The mechanical and physical properties as well as flame resistance of the prepared rigid foams were evaluated. The structure of foams was analyzed using optical microscope. It was found that the polyurethane foam containing ammonium polyphosphate (APP), triethyl phosphate (TEP) and halloysite modified with melamine-formaldehyde resin (HALM) had the lowest flammability (class V-1, LOI = 23.5 %) while the reference sample was not classified in the UL94 test (LOI = 19.7 %).

The possibility of application of calcium lignosulfonate (CLS) as an eco-friendly additive for crosslinking fibrous composites with phenol-formaldehyde resin matrix was investigated. CLS has been characterized in detail in terms of its physicochemical and dispersive-morphological properties. The compositions of phenol-formaldehyde resin with CLS or with bentonite modified with trimethyl-2-hydroxypropyl ammonium chloride were prepared. Such compositions were used to impregnate fiberglass meshes. Mechanical properties of the prepared samples were determined, and their morphology as well as surface properties were assessed. A pronounced effect of the type of applied filler on the mechanical properties was observed. The best results were obtained for fiberglass meshes impregnated using phenol-formaldehyde resin with 1 wt % modified bentonite and 1 wt % CLS.

The present study continues research on the application of bentonites modified with quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) to produce composites based on phenol-formaldehyde resin (PF). The as-prepared composites were used for impregnating fiberglass mesh of various weave and weight per unit area. The effect of the reinforcement structure (weave of fiberglass mesh) on the mechanical and structural properties of the obtained composites was investigated, especially in terms of their use as grinding wheels. Based on the obtained results, it was found that the composites with matrices containing modified aluminosilicates were characterized by greater mechanical strength and abrasion resistance, than those with non-modified matrix. On the basis of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), much better wetting of glass meshes by bentonite-modified PF compositions was observed when compared to those with unfilled phenol-formaldehyde resin.

As part of the present work, polymer composites used in 3D printing technology, especially in Melted and Extruded Manufacturing (MEM) technology, were obtained. The influence of modified fillers such as alumina modified silica, quaternary ammonium bentonite, lignin/silicon dioxide hybrid filler and unmodified multiwalled carbon nanotubes on the properties of polycarbonate (PC) composites was investigated. In the first part of the work, the polymer and its composites containing 0.5–3 wt.% filler were used to obtain a filament using the proprietary technological line. The moldings for testing functional properties were obtained with the use of 3D printing and injection molding techniques. In the next part of the work, the rheological properties—mass flow rate (MFR) and mechanical properties—Rockwell hardness, Charpy impact strength and static tensile strength with Young’s modulus were examined. The structure of the obtained composites was also described and determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The porosity, roughness and dimensional stability of samples obtained by 3D printing were also determined. On the other hand, the physicochemical properties were presented on the basis of the research results using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide angle X-ray scattering analysis (WAXS) and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Additionally, the electrical conductivity of the obtained composites was investigated. On the basis of the obtained results, it was found that both the amount and the type of filler significantly affected the functional properties of the composites tested in the study.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) studies revealed that the content of urethane, urea, and allophanate groups in hard segments depends on the amount of biopolyol used for the synthesis of elastomers (Table 2). Replacement of polyol of petrochemical origin with a natural material can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but it should not deteriorate heat resistance and fire resistance, which determine the suitability of obtained elastomers for technical applications (eg. in the mining industry). The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) under atmosphere of nitrogen and air atmosphere as well as combined analysis TGA/FT-IR of the obtained PUUR samples in air (Tables 3–4, Figs. 1–3) have shown that use of a polyol rapeseed oil resulted in only a slight reduction in their heat resistance as compared to the sample prepared without biopolyol. Use of biopolyol slightly worsens the fire resistance (Tables 5–6, Figs. 4–6).

In this article the research related to the scope increase of incremental technology in machine industry is presented. Those technologies were used for the manufacture of components from polymeric materials with torque loaded such as: shafts, clutches of gear hubs and other elements of the propulsion system in which torque is transferred. To analyze the properties of the manufactured elements the original testing stand was designed and a series of preliminary torsional strength tests of the gear shaft fittings obtained using additive techniques have been carried out. On the basis of the obtained results it was stated that there is a clear influence of the printing plane in the applied incremental technologies [SLS (selective laser sintering) and FFF (fused filament fabrication)] on the torsion resistance of the obtained elements. The properties of the shafts also depend on the type of polymeric materials which they were made of.

A novel group of silsesquioxane derivatives, which are siloxane-silsesquioxane resins (S4SQ), was for the first time examined as possible flame retardants in polypropylene (PP) materials. Thermal stability of the PP/S4SQ composites compared to the S4SQ resins and neat PP was estimated using thermogravimetric (TG) analysis under nitrogen and in air atmosphere. The effects of the non-functionalized and n-alkyl-functionalized siloxane-silsesquioxane resins on thermostability and flame retardancy of PP materials were also evaluated by thermogravimetry-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (TG-FTIR) and by cone calorimeter tests. The results revealed that the functionalized S4SQ resins may form a continuous ceramic layer on the material surface during its combustion, which improves both thermal stability and flame retardancy of the PP materials. This beneficial effect was observed especially when small amounts of the S4SQ fillers were applied. The performed analyses allowed us to propose a possible mechanism for the degradation of the siloxane-silsesquioxane resins, as well as to explain their possible role during the combustion of the PP/S4SQ composites.

The paper presents the methodology of the process of manufacturing of technical profile models on the example gear wheels made of epoxy composites cast in silicone molds using vacuum casting technology. Research on preparation of epoxy resin composites filled with hybrid modifiers has been carried out. Mechanical and processing properties of composites have been evaluated, particularly in terms of application in rapid prototyping of gear wheels. Considerable improvement of tensile strength (up to 44 %) and unnotched impact strength (up to 93 %) has been observed. Geometric accuracy of gear wheels prepared by casting of the analyzed hybrid composites has been determined using a coordinate measuring machine. Morphology of the brittle fracture of studied composites has been observed on brittle fractures using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).