Search

Coating of bio-based polymers with ceramic layer has attracted interest recently, the research topic raising difficulties regarding the technology of obtaining layers that involve very high working temperatures. The study aims to analyses the mechanical, tribological and structural characteristics of the Arboblend V2 Nature biodegradable polymer after the deposition of ceramic microlayers. The micro powders used were Amdry 6420 (Cr2O3), Metco 143 (ZrO2 18TiO2 10Y2O3) and Metco 136F (Cr2O3-xSiO2-yTiO2). The coated samples were obtained by injection molding and the deposition was achieved by using Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS) method. The results of the related analyses showed that, in general, the deposits of ceramic micro particles increased the material surface characteristics (hardness, scratch resistance, apparent friction coefficient), due to the uniformity of the ceramic coating on the polymeric substrate. Based on these, it was possible to recommend the use of coated bio-based polymer - Arboblend V2 Nature in harsh operating conditions, such as the automotive industry.

Biodegradable materials investigation has become a necessity and a direction for many researchers worldwide. The main goal is to find sustainable alternatives which gradually replace plastics based on fossil resources from the market, because they are very harmful to the environment and to overall quality of life. In order to get to the stage of obtaining different functional parts from biodegradable materials, it is necessary to study their properties. Taking into account these shortcomings, this paper aims at the mechanical characterization (DMA-Dynamic Mechanical Analysis) and thermal degradation (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)) of lignin-based biopolymers: Arboform LV3 Nature ® , Arboblend ® V2 Nature, and Arbofill ® Fichte Arboform ® LV3 Nature reinforced with aramid fibers. The tested samples were obtained by using the most common fabrication technique for polymers-injection molding. The obtained results for the DMA analysis showed separate polymeric-specific regions for each material and, based on the tanδ values between (0.37-0.54), a series of plastics could be proposed for replacement. The mechano-dynamic behavior could be correlated with the thermal expansion of biopolymers for temperatures higher than 50/55 °C, which are thermally stable up to temperatures of at least 250 °C.