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The subject of this research is a relatively detailed investigation of the rheological, morphological and electrical properties of nanocomposites based on polyolefin elastomer (POE), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). To formulate a mixture of two polymers (COC and POE), the melt mixing method was used and their morphology was studied by SEM technique and it was found that the morphology is of co‐continuous type. When the weight percentage ratio of COC was between 40 and 60, the desired morphology (co‐continuous) appeared. Interfacial tension calculations and TEM images proved that the nanotube particles were stabilized both within the phase of POE as well as at the interface of the two polymer phases. The rheological behavior was analyzed for composite samples containing 0–3 wt % MWCNT. The electrical and rheological percolation thresholds appeared at 1 and a 0.5 percent by weight of nanotube particles, respectively, which may be better to consider as related to the phenomenon of dual percolation. The highest conductivity was obtained for the nanocomposite containing 3% MWCNT. The results of mechanical tests also showed a strong upward trend of properties due to the addition of nanotube. Highlights: The effect of COC content on the morphology of POE/COC blend was investigated.The Morphology for the POE/COC blend at low COC content was droplet‐matrix type.MWCNT has a greater tendency to be in the POE phase than COC.Rheological behavior strongly depended on the amount of nanotube particles.The highest conductivity was obtained for the sample containing 3% MWCNT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A covalent adaptable network (CAN) of semicrystalline polyolefin blends with triple-shape memory effects was fabricated by the reactive melt blending of maleated polypropylene (mPP) and maleated polyolefin elastomer (mPOE) (50 wt/50 wt) in the presence of a small amount of a tetrafunctional thiol (PETMP) and 1,5,7-triazabicyclo [4,4,0]dec-5-ene (TBD). The polymer blend formed a chemically crosslinked network via the reaction between the thiol group of PETMP and maleic anhydride of both polymers in the blend, which was confirmed by FTIR, the variation of torque during the melt mixing process, a solubility test, and DMA. DSC analysis revealed that the crosslinked polyolefin blends show two distinct crystalline melting transitions corresponding to each component polymer. Improved tensile strength as well as elongation at break were observed in the crosslinked blend as compared to the simple blend, and the mechanical properties were maintained after repeated melt processing. These results suggest that thermoplastic polyolefin blends can be transformed into a high-performance and value-added material with good recyclability and reprocessability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lysine p-toluenesulfonic acid ionic liquid ([Lys][p-TSA]), one kinds of amino acid ionic liquids, was synthesized by one-step method, which was employed to control the interfacial structure and degradation behavior of poly(lactide)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) blends. The [Lys][p-TSA] was incorporated into PLA/PBAT blends with different contents by melt blending, and the effect of [Lys][P-TSA] on the interfacial structure, thermal stability, crystallization behavior, rheological behavior and degradation behavior of PLA/PBAT blends were investigated. The SEM results demonstrate that [Lys][p-TSA] could enhance the compatibility between PLA and PBAT in the PLA/PBAT blends. Thermal gravimetric results showed that the incorporation of [Lys][p-TSA] into PLA/PBAT blends could not affect their thermal stability. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements showed that [Lys][p-TSA] can improve the crystallinity of PLA, and the rheological behavior of the blends indicated that [Lys][p-TSA] can enhance the chain mobility of PLA and PBAT. More importantly, the degradation behavior of the blends revealed that [Lys][p-TSA] could affect the distribution of lipase in PLA/PBAT blends, so that the relative degradation rate of each component of the blends was well-controlled. As the [Lys][p-TSA] content increased, the degradation rate of the PLA/PBAT blend in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution, artificial seawater, porcine pancreas lipase (PPL) solution and Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) solution was enhanced. When the contents of [Lys][p-TSA] was 4 phr in the PLA/PBAT blend, the weight loss of the blend in PPL enzyme solution reached to 31.59% after 49 days, which was 3.79 times higher than that of PLA/PBAT blend without [Lys][p-TSA]. The enzymatic degradation mechanism of the blends was studied by density functional theory (DFT) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and it was found that [Lys][p-TSA] could control the distribution of lipase in the blends, which accelerated the enzymatic degradation of the PLA/PBAT blend. This study could provide some new way on enhancing the properties of PLA/PBAT blends while reducing the harm of microplastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a miscible crystalline/crystalline blend of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), the PET spherulites grew at 240 °C when the PTT content was 30 wt% or less. The growth rate of PET spherulites decreased with time due to the exclusion of PTT from the growth front of PET spherulites into the amorphous region, resulting in a three-stage crystallization process. Due to the exclusion, the spherulite growth stopped before the volume filling of the PET spherulites, causing the formation of an excluded PTT amorphous region. When the temperature was lowered from 240 °C to 210 °C, the PTT spherulites grew in the excluded PTT amorphous region. The spherulite growth rate of PTT in the excluded PTT amorphous region was equivalent to that of a blend of 60–70 wt% PTT in 30/70 PTT/PET. These results suggest a significant change in the PTT concentration in the amorphous region, from the initial PTT content of 30 wt% to 60–70 wt%, due to the exclusion of PTT during the melt crystallization of PET at 240 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethanol fuel is considered a renewable energy source with a lower global warming potential than gasoline. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the emissions and performance of gasoline-ethanol blends in SI engines under various conditions. A computerized 4s, 1cyl, VCR spark ignition engine is used for the tests to measure the performance of Gasoline-Ethanol (GE) blends in particular E-10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline). For measuring exhaust emissions as well as performance, regular gasoline fuel is used for the additional tests. Engine performance using ethanol-gasoline blended fuel has been evaluated at different working conditions: 1200-1800 rpm, AFR 0.9, STs 300, CR10:1. When vehicles running on ethanol-gasoline blend indicated a decrease in the amounts of HC, NOx, and CO exhaust gases while 3.9% increase in CO2 emissions as compared to unleaded gasoline fuel. Furthermore, it has been shown that the brake power, torque, specific fuel consumption increases when a Gasoline-Ethanol (GE) blend is used over regular gasoline fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low-temperature melt blending method was adopted to prepare ternary blends of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA), poly(butylene carbonate) (PBC), and poly(D-lactide) (PDLA), aiming to obtain fully biodegradable blends with well-balanced properties. The in situ formation of stereocomplex polylactide (SC-PLA) crystals was confirmed by torque changes, differential scanning calorimetry results, and wide-angle X-ray diffraction measurements. At a PDLA concentration of 5 mass%, SC-PLA crystals formed a percolating network structure, and the rheological behavior of the blend melts transformed from liquid-like to solid-like. The viscosity ratio between PLLA and PBC melts increased due to the presence of SC-PLA crystals, resulting in an enlargement of the PBC domain size. SC-PLA crystals exhibited an excellent nucleation effect, significantly accelerating the crystallization rate of PLLA. Compared to neat PLLA with elongation at break of 5.2%, PLLA/PBC/PDLA ternary blends containing 2 mass% PDLA with elongation at break of 247.2% presented excellent toughness. This work provided a facile method to prepare PLLA-based material with outstanding crystallization ability and tailored rheological behavior as well as mechanical properties, which had the potential to replace conventional plastic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Poly (butylene terephthalate) (PBT)/poly (ethylene glycol‐co‐cyclohexane‐1, 4‐dimethanolterephthalate) (PETG) blends were prepared by melt blending using a twin screw extruder. The non‐isothermal crystallization behaviors of PBT/PETG blends were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that the crystallization peaks of the PBT/PETG blends moved gradually toward lower temperature and the crystallinity decreased with the increase of PETG content. The PBT/PETG blends all show double melting peaks, which the low‐melting peak temperature Tm1 becomes lower as the cooling rate increases, but the high‐melting peak temperature Tm2 is not related to the cooling rate. The Jeziorny's method showed that the faster the cooling rate is, the shorter the crystallization time is required for the PBT/PETG blends. The Mo's method showed that the crystallization rate of the blends initially decreased and then increased with the addition of more PETG. The activation energy of non‐isothermal crystallization calculated by the Kissinger method is similar to that of the Takhor method. Highlights: The efficient blending of PBT and PETG was realized by twin screw extruder, which opened up a new way for the preparation of polymer materials.The crystallization behavior of PBT/PETG blends was successfully regulated, and the effect of PETG content on the crystallization peak temperature and crystallinity was revealed.The crystallization characteristics and kinetic behavior of the blends were comprehensively evaluated by DSC, Jeziorny method, Mo Zhishen method, and Kissinger method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carboxylic multi-walled carbon nanotube-loaded nickel (Ni/c-MWCNT) catalyst prepared by the excess impregnation method was used for the hydrogenation of oleoresin-based turpentine (OBT) into high energy density fuel. Benefiting from small nickel nanoparticle sizes (about 10 nm) and the carrier's high surface area, a hydrogenation rate of 99.1% was achieved at 145 °C and 3 MPa, superior to a commercial 5 wt.% Pd/C. Hydrogenated oleoresin-based turpentine (HOBT) satisfied the density, flash point, and freezing point outlined by the American Society of Testing and Materials standard. Hydrogenation improved the oxidative stability, smoke point, and calorific value of OBT while changing its color to water white. The impact of blend ratio on the blended biomass fuel performance was evaluated by measuring the smoke point, density, kinematic viscosity, calorific value, freezing point, and flash point of biofuels blended with HOBT and exo-tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene (JP-10). When HOBT was blended up to 20% (v/v) with JP-10, the performance of blended biomass fuel was comparable to that of JP-10 and even superior at freezing temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decade, growing efforts were made to replace crosslinked XLPE insulations with thermoplastic ones in high-voltage DC cables. The main reason for these development projects is the injection and trapping of charge carriers under DC conditions, leading to a field distribution within the insulation layer different from HVAC cables. Thermoplastic cable insulation is favorable in many respects, except for its thermal stability. So far, HDPE/LDPE and binary or ternary PP-based blends have been tried. The former offers a limited advantage in heat resistance, while the latter is too hard at high PP contents and loses thermomechanical properties at high elastomer contents. In this paper, the compatibility of binary polyolefin blends is first briefly reviewed; then, the cable-specific properties are presented together with examples taken from the literature. Deep trap formation, low conductivity, and optimum breakdown properties are observed in HDPE/LDPE blends under specific crystallization conditions where a fine-grained structure is formed. It results in a proper concentration of the traps, but these are not accumulated at the spherulite boundaries. Trap density and energy are also modulated by the relaxation processes. The future belongs to the PP-based blends, where several compatibilizing agents (copolymers, elastomers, in situ reactions) have been tried to find the balance between electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. In these materials, again, fine, close to co-continuous structures should be achieved to reach the required properties, but the aromatic and polar comonomer content also contributes to the formation of deep traps in relatively uniform distribution. The PP phase must remain continuous to maintain the necessary thermomechanical properties above the Tg of the soft components.

The compatibility between two distinct polymers in the blend is important to maximize various properties of the blends. This study investigated the effects of kaolin modifications through acid and calcination treatments on the compatibility, molecular weight, its distribution, and various properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) blends. In addition, the incorporation of the modified kaolin as a compatibilizer into the blends enhanced their mechanical and thermal properties, addressing the challenges of immiscibility between distinct polymers. The experimental approach included the utilization of scanning electron microscopy, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, x‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, rheometer, and melt flow index to examine the structural, molecular, and thermal, mechanical and rheological behaviors of the composites. The changes in various molecular weights were correlated with other properties. The incorporation of surface‐treated kaolin into the blend improved the compatibility between PLA and PVB, exhibiting a singular melting temperature peak and a less distinct interface between two different polymers. This research contributed to the development of sustainable material solutions by demonstrating the potential of modified inorganic fillers in improving the performance of biodegradable polymer blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Plastics / Zhongguo Suliao is the property of Journal Office of CHINA PLASTICS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this work, a polymeric blend of polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was prepared with different weight percentages. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) were added to the 90/10 and 80/20 blends with different weight ratios (1%, 2%, and 3%) to study their effect on both the mechanical and thermal properties of the PP/HDPE blends. A twin-screw extruder was used for the preparation of polymeric blends and their composites. Mechanical properties (tensile properties and hardness) were studied. Thermal properties using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were investigated. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) was used to predict the change in chemical structure. Results for PP/HDPE blends show that both tensile strength and hardness decrease as the amount of HDPE increases due to immiscibility, and these properties are improved by the addition of ZnO nanoparticles. Thermal properties from DSC show that the melting temperature Tm, crystallization temperature Tc were improved by the ZnO addition, and the degree of crystallinity improved only for the90/10 blend. FTIR shows that there is only a physical interaction, not a chemical one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present work, the rheological and morphological investigations in conjunction with the crystallization behavior analysis were carried out for clarifying the compatibility of isotactic polypropylene/high density polyethylene (iPP/HDPE) blends with different mass ratios. The results of rheology and SEM characterization showed that the iPP-rich blends possess higher interfacial interaction than the HDPE-rich blends originating from the first crystallized iPP with larger volume contraction as well as similar melt flow rates of iPP and HDPE, giving rise to positive deviation of viscoelasticity and smaller size of the dispersed phase. Based on the characterization of crystallization behavior by using DSC, POM and WAXD, it was concluded that, although the iPP and HDPE in the blend crystallize separately without the formation of co-crystals, there is still some interaction between them, which is reflected in the melting temperature depression of iPP and HDPE components, the destruction of the morphology of iPP spherulites, as well as the mutual effect on crystal growth. This could be ascribed to partial compatibility of iPP and HDPE. Moreover, advantageous interfacial interaction for the iPP-rich blends is favorable for effective stress transfer from matrix to dispersed phase, leading to better mechanical properties of the iPP-rich blends in contrast to those of pure iPP. On the contrary, the negative deviation of viscoelasticity and mechanical properties of the HDPE-rich blends could be attributed to the poor interfacial interaction between phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study analyzes the influence of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) resin on the properties of Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)/EVA blends produced by injection molding technique. It is based on the fact that a way to recycle PBT from toothbrush bristles is needed. Mechanical samples were made by mixing EVA into PBT with 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% contents. The samples were tested for flexural strength, impact strength, and hardness according to the standards of ASTM D790, ASTM D256, and ASTM D2240, respectively. The results show that when increasing the EVA content in the PBT/EVA blends, the flexural strength tends to decrease; the hardness fluctuates along a decreasing trend; however, the decrease is not significant. Interestingly, the measured impact resistance results are very positive, especially at the highest increase point, increasing by 40.7% compared to neat PBT. The microstructure results showed a good dispersion of EVA on the PBT substrate, but there was no compatibility between these two polymers. The results of XRD analysis showed that when EVA was mixed, it increased the crystallinity and improved the crystal growth of the blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While carbon fibers (CFs) are still the most attractive reinforcement material for lightweight structures, they are mostly manufactured using crude oil-based process chains. To achieve a higher eco-efficiency, the partial substitution of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) by renewable materials, such as lignin, is investigated. So far, this investigation has only been carried out for batch manufacturing studies, neglecting the transfer and validation to continuous CF manufacturing. Therefore, this work is the first to investigate the possibility of partial substituting lignin for PAN in a continuous process. Lignin/PAN-blended CFs with up to 15 wt.-% lignin were able to attain mechanical properties comparable to unmodified PAN-based carbon fibers, achieving tensile strengths of up to 2466 MPa and a Young's Modulus of 200 Pa. In summary, this study provides the basis for continuous Lignin/PAN-blended CF manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the mechanical properties and fracture behavior of polypropylene (PP)‐based blend‐nanocomposites comprising 30 wt.% ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM) and 5 wt.% SiO2 nanoparticles. Different mixing sequences were employed to prepare the nanocomposites, and the resulting morphology development and dispersion states of modifiers were analyzed. Mechanical performance of the nanocomposites was evaluated through quasi‐static and high‐speed dynamic fracture tests. The dispersion and distribution of SiO2 nanoparticles within the nanocomposites were significantly influenced by the mixing protocol. In impact fracture tests, the presence of nanoparticles exhibited a beneficial efffect on fracture energy, demonstrating a synergistic toughening effect of the soft EPDM and rigid SiO2 particles. Conversely, adverse effects were observed in quasi‐static tests. Essential work of fracture (EWF) parameters indicated an increase in the yielding component and a decrease in the necking‐to‐tearing component with SiO2 incorporation into the PP/EPDM blends. During impact loadings, the highest improvement in crack propagation resistance was observed in nanocomposites with nanoparticles localized around the rubbery domains forming a network‐like structure of EPDM/SiO2‐nanoparticles. Morphologies where rubber domains and nanoparticles were separately distributed in the PP matrix resulted in the lowest fracture parameters. Energy dissipation mechanisms were elucidated, revealing multiple void formation followed by matrix shear yielding as the primary source under both quasi‐static and impact fracture conditions. In the latter case, stress‐concentrating percolated structures in the PP matrix facilitated the nucleation of dilatational bands evolving into highly stretched void‐fibrillar structures upon further loading. These findings contribute valuable insights into tailoring nanocomposite morphologies for enhanced mechanical performance in different loading scenarios. Highlights: Fracture behavior of PP/EPDM/SiO2 ternary systems was evaluated by EWF methodology and Izod impact test.Rubber particles surrounded by silica nanoparticles led to a percolated morphology and as a result to superior impact resistance.EWF parameters were mostly controlled by the tearing‐related parts regardless of phase morphology.The impact toughness was mainly controlled by the dispersion and distribution characteristics of the SiO2 nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, NiMnSb alloy and PLA/PHA blend composite films with shape memory properties, which exhibit magnetic, elastic, and smart properties at the same time, were prepared by solution casting method. After the magnetic shape memory alloy (MSMA) used in different ratios was doped into the polymer, its effect on the characteristic functional groups of PLA and PHA was examined by attenuated total reflectance‐infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐IR). When the thermal data were examined, it was determined that as the NiMnSb ratio increased, the percentage residue amount increased and the highest residue amount at 500 °C was in the PLA/PHA blend composite film containing 20 % alloy. In X‐ray diffraction (XRD), it was observed that the characteristic signal of the NiMnSb alloy in polymer blend composite films became evident with increasing concentration at 2θ=45° (222). VSM results showed that when a ferromagnetic material such as NiMnSb was doped into the diamagnetic PLA/PHA blend film, the resulting composite now showed ferromagnetic properties. In addition, it has been determined that MSMA further improves this feature of the PLA/PHA blend, which has a shape memory effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study explored the utilization of Rugulopteryx okamurae (RO), an invasive brown seaweed, as a renewable raw material for plastic materials based on biopolymer blends. The goal of this study was to improve the previously observed poor mechanical properties of materials based on single biopolymer RO. To enhance these properties, two polymers with distinct hydrophobicities were incorporated into the formulation of different blends: hydrophobic polycaprolactone (PCL) and hydrophilic acylated soy protein isolate (SPIa). SPIa was derived from soy protein through a chemical modification process, introducing hydrophilic carboxyl groups. The addition of PCL significantly strengthened the blend, increasing the storage modulus (E′1 Hz) from ~ 110 to ~ 250 MPa. Conversely, SPIa incorporation resulted in softening, with E′ values around 40 MPa. Both additives enhanced deformability proportionally to their concentrations, with SPIa exhibiting notably higher deformability, reaching a maximum deformation of ~ 23% for a RO/SPIa ratio of 25/75. In summary, the study demonstrates the feasibility of producing environmentally friendly blend materials based on RO, tailored for specific applications by incorporating suitable additives into the formulation. Therefore, PCL is recommended for applications susceptible to moisture effects, such as packaging, while SPIa is suggested for highly absorbent applications such as personal care or horticulture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the biodegradation behavior of a blend of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and amorphous polyhydroxyalkanoate (aPHA) (50:50 wt%) under seawater conditions for 12 weeks at 30 °C. The results revealed that the inclusion of aPHA in the blend enhanced the biodegradation of PLLA. The average molecular weight analysis indicated that the blend underwent homogeneous degradation primarily through exo-chain scission. Morphological changes observed via scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that aPHA first underwent decomposition in the blend, creating channels within PLLA that enhanced water and microorganism contact and promoted PLLA hydrolysis. The release of low-molecular-weight acids from the aPHA decomposition further facilitated PLLA hydrolysis. The graph depicts fluctuations in the weight-average molecular weight of PLLA, the PLLA/aPHA blend, and aPHA throughout the biodegradation period under seawater conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of China Condiment is the property of China Condiment and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Edible oils are vulnerable to oxidation-induced degradation, leading to off-flavors, carcinogenic products, and reduced nutritional content. This work aimed to prepare a blended oil (BO) from indigenous mustard and sesame seeds to extend the oil’s shelf life and boost its nutritional value. Four blends were formulated with sesame oil (SO) and mustard oil (MO) in the ratios of SO50:MO50, SO60:MO40, SO70:MO30 and SO80:MO20. GCMS analyses showed that the SO80:MO20 blend had an erucic acid content of 4.22 %, which is below the internationally accepted limit of 5 %, and an ideal fatty acid ratio of 1:1.3:1; saturated fatty acid (SFA): monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA): polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), close to the WHO/FAO permissible limit. The blend SO80:MO20 was then assessed and related to single oil. The physicochemical properties of the blended oil were superior to those of the individual oils. BO exhibited higher levels of lignan (48.96 %) and tocopherol (13.58 %) than SO (48.89 % and 12.74 %) and MO (0.24 % and 6.22 %). Additionally, BO’s sterol content was 18.7 %, surpassing SO’s 14.7 % but falling short of MO’s 21.13 %. Moreover, BO’s flash point (318 °C) closely resembled that of SO (320 °C) and MO (316 °C). Aflatoxin and trace metal levels were detected and found to be well below than permitted ranges. The blend had a total antioxidant capacity of 95 % with an IC50 value of 0.575 mg/mL, which was higher than that of the individual oils and comparable to standards. Over 180 days of storage at room temperature, the moisture content, refractive index, free fatty acids, peroxide value, p-anisidine value, saponification value, iodine value, and totox value of the BO showed a slower increase compared to the individual oils. The estimated fatty acid ratio and enriched antioxidant in the blended oil enhanced its stability and nutritional potency over the individual oils. The results of this work may represent Bangladesh’s first unique oil blend composition.

This work compares the delamination behavior of epoxy CFRPs nano‐modified with nitrile butadiene rubber/polyethylene oxide (NBR/PEO) blend nanofibrous membranes with a rubber content of 70 wt%. While the electrospun mat is able to retain the nanofibrous structure even without crosslinking, photocrosslinking is also carried to evaluate the potential different efficacy on the delamination hindering. Double cantilever beam (DCB) and end‐notched flexure (ENF) tests show significant improvements of the energy release rates (G) both in Mode I (up to ≈4 times) and Mode II (up to ≈1.5 times). In particular, the presence of "liquid" rubber (uncrosslinked mat) leads to the best reinforcing action in Mode I, while the crosslinked membrane gives the highest delamination hindering in Mode II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubber containing nanofiber is investigated as structural modifiers of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) to improve their delamination resistance. The ability to obtain long lasting nanofibrous shape from liquid nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) has been demonstrated even without requiring instant cross‐linking when a second component is used together with NBR in the process. The second component can be a thermoplastic which either melts, such as poly(e‐caprolactone) (PCL), or holds steady, as poly(m‐phenylene isophthalamide) (PMIA) or nylon 66, during CFRP curing process. Assuming that NBR is not crosslinked, during curing of low Tm thermoplastic‐based rubber nanofibers, their morphology is lost, as for NBR/PCL, and both polymers blend with the surrounding epoxy resin thus leading to an outstanding toughening effect, but at the cost of the overall composite mechanical performance. When a second component is used which is preserved in nanofibrous fashion during curing (NBR/PMIA, NBR/nylon 66), instead, a good compromise is achieved, with still outstanding delamination hindering ability, together with almost fully preserved thermo‐mechanical performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of an exhaust pipe suspender made of a blend of natural rubber (NR) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) filled with rice husk ash (RHA) and periwinkle shell (PS) was investigated. The samples were compounded using a two-roll mill at various filler loadings of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 phr with an 80/20 NR/SBR blend ratio. The mechanical characteristics of the compounded samples, including tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, hardness, abrasion resistance, compression set, and flex fatigue, were determined and compared. The results showed that the incorporation of rice husk ash (RHA) and periwinkle shell (PS) into the NR/SBR blend increased the tensile strength (13.0562 N/mm2–27.5106 N/mm2 for RHA-filled NR/SBR blend composites and 13.0562 N/mm2–23.0007 N/mm2 for PS-filled NR/SBR blend composites), tensile modulus (4.2435 N/mm2–12.5200 N/mm2 for RHA-filled NR/SBR blend composites and 4.2435 N/mm2–9.5845 N/mm2 for PS-filled NR/SBR blend composites), hardness (28.1668 IRHD–68.4603 IRHD for RHA-filled NR/SBR blend composites and 28.1668 IRHD–64.3209 IRHD for PS-filled NR/SBR blend composites) and abrasion resistance (20.0043 Mm3/rev.–35.007 Mm3/rev. for RHA-filled NR/SBR blend composites and 20.0043 Mm3/rev–29.3068 Mm3/rev for PS-filled NR/SBR blend composites) whereas the elongation at break, compression set and flex fatigue of composites decreased. The NR/SBR blend's tensile strength and tensile modulus appear to have improved with the addition of either RHA or PS, but they appeared to have degraded at 50 phr. Additionally, the hardness, elongation at break, compression set, and flex fatigue (0-50 phr) all improved.

With the aid of a solution casting technique, we created a blended film made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). Gamma doses (5-40 kGy) were applied to samples of the synthetic PVA/PVP film. UV spectroscopy and the CIE colour alterations procedure were used to investigate the impact of the γ dose on the optical features of the synthesized film. The direct optical bandgap (Eg), affected by cross-linking, destroyed the crystalline structure and formed the amorphous regions, dropped from 2.53 to -2.08 eV with the increase in γ dose to 40 kGy. Thus, the PVA/PVP film's compact structure increases. The films displayed a transition which was directly allowed as the ϵ'' vs. hν plots revealed Eg approximately equal to the values derived from Tauc's equation. The colour variances, between the unaltered and irradiated films, were also identified. Significant colour differences could be seen in the pure PVA/PVP film.

Copyright of China Plastics / Zhongguo Suliao is the property of Journal Office of CHINA PLASTICS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Increasing the internal light extraction efficiency of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) is key to improving their performance for solid‐state lighting applications; however, it is challenging to do this in a way that is compatible with high volume manufacturing. Here, it is shown that the outcoupling efficiency of OLEDs can be improved by diluting their hole transport layer (HTL) with the low refractive index material trifluoropropyl oligomeric silsesquioxane (F‐POSS). Specifically, co‐evaporating 40 vol.% F‐POSS in the HTL of single and multi‐stack phosphorescent OLEDs decreases its refractive index by Δn ≈ 0.2, which in turn yields a ≈12% increase in their outcoupling efficiency with no impact on electrical performance or operational lifetime. This result is significant because F‐POSS is a small molecule that sublimes cleanly, does not aggregate, and is compatible with state‐of‐the‐art HTL materials, making it a realistic path to increase light extraction in commercial OLEDs manufactured on existing production lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the self-healing properties of PA6/COC blends, in particular, the impact of three compatibilizers on the rheological, microstructural, and thermomechanical properties. Dynamic rheological analysis revealed that ethylene glycidyl methacrylate (E-GMA) played a crucial role in reducing interfacial tension and promoting PA6 chain entanglement with COC domains. Mechanical tests showed that poly(ethylene)-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MAH) and polyolefin elastomer-graft-maleic anhydride (POE-g-MAH) compatibilizers enhanced elongation at break, while E-GMA had a milder effect. A thermal healing process at 140 °C for 1 h was carried out on specimens broken in fracture toughness tests, performed under quasi-static and impact conditions, and healing efficiency (HE) was evaluated as the ratio of critical stress intensity factors of healed and virgin samples. All the compatibilizers increased HE, especially E-GMA, achieving 28.5% and 68% in quasi-static and impact conditions, respectively. SEM images of specimens tested in quasi-static conditions showed that all the compatibilizers induced PA6 plasticization and crack corrugation, thus hindering COC flow in the crack zone. Conversely, under impact conditions, E-GMA led to the formation of brittle fractures with planar surfaces, promoting COC flow and thus higher HE values. This study demonstrated that compatibilizers, loading mode, and fracture surface morphologies strongly influenced self-healing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) has been widely used in fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing. In order to improve its comprehensive properties in 3D printing, in this study, 0-40% content of polybutylene adipate terephthalate(PBAT) was selected to be blended with PLA in a twin-screw extruder; the resulting pellets were drawn into a homogeneous filament; then, PBAT/PLA samples were prepared by FDM 3D printing, and the effects of the dosage of PBAT on the mechanical properties, thermal behavior, surface wettability and melt flowability of the samples were investigated. The results showed that all the samples could be printed smoothly, and the ductility was slightly improved by the increase in the PBAT dosage; the thermal stability of PLA was enhanced by blending with PBAT, and the crystallinity increased monotonically with the increase in PBAT. After blending with PBAT, the surfaces of the samples were more hydrophilic and flowable. The important conclusion achieved in this work was that the PBAT/PLA blends, especially those containing 30%PBAT, showed great potential to replace petroleum-based plastics and are suitable for use in FDM 3D printing technologies for different applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a blend of epoxy and polycaprolactone (PCL) was prepared to investigate its properties. Different weight percentages of thermoplastic PCL (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 wt%) were combined with epoxy coatings. The final morphology revealed PCL scattered as spherical particles within the epoxy phase, which was functioning as a continuous matrix. The coating showed toughness and rigidity when it had fully cured. The PCL phase had a special behavior when heated, called "bleeding," in which it filled any open surfaces of its own volition. By using molten PCL to fill in cracks, this property can be used for self-healing applications. The self-healing efficacy of blends with different PCL contents was assessed. The self-healing efficacy of the various mixes was determined by dividing the width of the self-healed crack by the width of the original crack. The results showed that the highest thermal-mending efficiencies, reaching 100%, were achieved with a PCL/epoxy blend containing co-continuous phases, specifically at a 1 wt.% PCL content. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis indicated that there was physical interaction between the epoxy and PCL phases, but no chemical bonding occurred between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The FKM-g-SiR macromolecular compatibilizer was produced by using a high-temperature thermomechanical grafting process to graft long-chain vinyl silicone oils (SiR, terminal vinyl dimethicone) with varying vinyl contents (0.09%,0.21%, and 0.63%) onto fluoroelastomer (FKM). The impact of initiator dosage, silicone oil dosage and vinyl content on the mechanical characteristics of FKM/MVQ (Methyl vinyl silicone rubber) blends was probed using a three-level orthogonal design experiment with a three-factor range analysis. Optimal conditions for the preparation of the compatibilizer were obtained accordingly. The findings indicated that the vulcanization properties, mechanical properties, and resistance to oil of the FKM/MVQ blends that were rendered compatible were optimized when the quantity of initiator Dicumyl Peroxide (DCP) was 0.25 parts, the volume of silicone oil was 9 parts, and the vinyl content was 0.63%. The composites exhibited the following specifications: the maximum torque difference can reach up to 12.56 dN.m, while the tensile strength and elongation at break can reach up to 8.39 MPa and 348.04%, respectively. Additionally, the rate of change in oil volume and mass can be reduced by 25.2% and 14.37%, correspondingly. The blended rubber's structure and performance were characterized using several methods, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Rubber processing analyzer (RPA), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The results indicated that the compatibilizer significantly improved the compatibility of the FKM/MVQ blend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expanded polystyrene will account for 5.3% of total global plastic production in 2021 and is widely used for food packaging due to its excellent moisture resistance and thermal insulation. However, some of these packages are often used only once before being discarded, generating large amounts of environmentally harmful plastic waste. A very attractive alternative to the conventional methods used for polymer processing is the use of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) since it has mass-transfer properties adapted to the foam morphology, generating different path lengths for the diffusion of active compounds within its structure and can dissolve a wide range of organic molecules under supercritical conditions. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of operational variables on the process of caffeic acid (CA) impregnation and subsequent foaming of polylactic acid (PLA) as well as two PLA/poly(butylene-co-terephthalate-adipate) (PBAT) blends using scCO2. The results showed an increase in the degree of crystallinity of the CA-impregnated samples due to the nucleation effect of the active compound. On the other hand, SEM micrographs of both films and foams showed significant differences due to the presence of PBAT and its low miscibility with PLA. Finally, the results obtained in this work contribute to the knowledge of the important parameters to consider for the implementation of the impregnation and foaming process of PLA and PLA/PBAT blends with potential use in food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/poly(propylene carbonate) (PLA/PPC) blends with balanced strength, ductility, and heat resistance were prepared by combining the modification of 30 wt% PPC and uniaxial pre-stretching at 60°C. The undrawn PLA/PPC blend fractured in a brittle way due to the network structure composed of cohesional entanglements. After pre-stretching, the elongation at break was increased to 229.4% at pre-stretching ratio (PSR) of only 0.5, which should be attributed to the destruction of the network structure of cohesional entanglements and the orientation of PPC component in PLA matrix. With the increase of PSR, the modulus, strength at yielding, and break were improved obviously (2433.4, 76.1, and 98.3 MPa at PSR = 2.5) whereas the elongation at break (51.7% at PSR = 2.5) reduced gradually because of the formation of orientation, mesophase, and crystal phase. However, the elongation at break was still larger than that of neat PLA (6.8%) and undrawn PLA/PPC blend (12.3%), indicating that the uniaxial pre-stretching was an effect way to strengthen and toughen PLA blends. Significantly, the heat resistance of ps-PLA/PPC blend was increased obviously with increasing the PSR, which will promote the widespread application of the blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugar-energy sector is key to the provision of food and energy worldwide. However, it can largely generate mill-run bagasse as an agro-residual biomass. The tradition of the sector is to put it back into the industrial process as an alternative fuel to co-generate steam and power for milling and biorefining factories. However, excessive ash in the mineral phase of this material typically makes it challenging for burning it in boilers cost-effectively, driving the need of developing a more suitable pathway for its disposal. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze whether co-pelleting sugarcane bagasse with either pinewood sawdust or peanut shell could make it possible for transforming this low-technical-quality agro-residual biomass into a solid biofuel of superior quality. The production of pellets consisted of co-pressing sugarcane bagasse with either pinewood sawdust or peanut shell at the standard proportion of 50/50 on an automatic pelletizer at 200 MPa and 125°C. The blending improved the quality of biopellets. These products fulfilled the requirements of European standards for premium-grade solid biofuels. Blends proved to be highly energetic (15.1–15.35 GJ m−3) and durable (98.05–98.7%). They also emitted less of NOx (92.7–101.55 mg m−3), CO (59.05–63.2 mg m−3), and volatile organics (26.3–29.65 mg m−3), making it possible for the boiler to operate a clearer and safer way. Therefore, insights into the conceptual and technical ramifications of this study can provide further knowledge to progress the field's prominence in transforming sugarcane bagasse into a solid biofuel of greater quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Rubber Industry is the property of Editorial Office of China Rubber Industry and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Polystyrene (PS), as a commercial thermoplastic polymer, suffers from brittleness at low temperatures. Blending with elastomers can resolve this defect. In this regard, waste rubbers from tires, shoes, and other sources are promising candidates for some applications. This approach of waste rubber recycling is an environmental‐friendly and economical method to produce value‐added products. This work aims to comprehensively review all reported cases regarding PS (or high‐impact polystyrene, HIPS, and expanded polystyrene, EPS)/waste rubber blends. The influences of different parameters on the mechanical properties were carefully summarized, including mixing conditions (temperature, mixing time, rotor speed, and mixing sequence), rubber content, rubber particle size, compatibilizer addition, rubber devulcanization, and surface treatment of rubber. Some parameters had a negligible effect on the mechanical properties, such as the rotor speed in the mixing process, while significant influences were observed for some parameters, such as rubber content. The effect of some parameters was remarkable only at low or high rubber loading, such as particle size and solvent‐inducing surface treatment of rubber, respectively. Finally, the effects of aforementioned parameters on tensile and impact strengths were compared and recommendations for future research in this field were suggested. Highlights: All reported research regarding PS/waste rubber blends was comprehensively reviewed.All different factors influencing mechanical properties were carefully summarized.The effects of different factors on tensile and impact strengths were compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this investigation bending, shear and fabric hand behaviors of fabrics produced from Trevira CS and its blends were studied. On a ring spinning machine, 100% Trevira CS, Trevira/Cotton (80/20), Trevira/Acrylic (80/20), and Trevira/Modal (80/20) yarns were spun. Using a single jersey weft knitting machine, these four different types of yarns were made into fabrics. The hand values were computed after the textiles were examined for low-stress bending and shear qualities using the Kawabata evaluation system for fabrics (KES-F). It was observed from this finding that Trevira CS/Modal and Trevira CS/Acrylic blended fabrics have the highest bending rigidity and hysteresis properties. Trevira CS/Acrylic and Trevira CS/Modal blended fabrics outperform followed by pure Trevira CS fabric in terms of Koshi (primary hand) value. Trevira CS/Acrylic blended fabrics give the highest shear rigidity and Trevira CS/Modal blended fabrics exhibits the highest shear hysteresis properties. Shear rigidity and shear hysteresis increase when modal and acrylic Fibres are added to Trevira CS-blended fabrics. Because acrylic blended fabric is coarser and tougher than pure Trevira CS, Cotton, and Modal fabrics, Trevira CS/Acrylic blended fabric has a higher hand value than pure Trevira CS, Cotton, and Modal fabrics. Trevira CS/Cotton blended fabric has a higher Numeri value than all other fabrics, owing to Trevira CS's decreased stiffness when compared to all other fabrics. The hand value is directly proportional to the fabric weight. Given that the textiles are to be used for summer apparel, Trevira CS/Modal fabric has a higher total hand value (THV) than any other fabrics of similar construction and areal density. This finding strongly implies that blending cotton, modal, and acrylic in Trevira CS fabric improves its hand value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Plastics / Zhongguo Suliao is the property of Journal Office of CHINA PLASTICS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The morphology and microstructure of crystalline blends of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) were examined using polarized optical microscopy (POM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As PEG was in the melt state during PLLA crystallization, it was rejected from the PLLA bundles. The size of PEG inclusions determined by their extraction is around 1 μm. The PEG/PLLA blends exhibited not only spherulites with Maltese crosses but also distinct extinction rings. The formation of ring-banded spherulites and the periodic distance between the rings were related to the degree of supercooling of the polymer. The ring-banded structure was easily obtained at a high PEG content (70 wt%) and high PLLA crystallization temperature (120 °C). The end group of PEG significantly affected the morphology of PEG/PLLA blends. PLLA blended with PEG containing both end groups as CH3 exhibited the greatest melting temperature depression and lowest degree of supercooling of PLLA, implying the formation of ring-banded spherulites with the smallest PEG content (30 wt%) and lowest PLLA crystallization temperature (85 °C). PEG morphology was also observed using POM after the formation of PLLA crystals. Because PLLA crystals confined the formation of PEG crystals, the chain growth direction of PEG was in association with that of PLLA. Therefore, a brighter POM image was obtained on PEG crystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]