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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]

Organic solar cells (OSCs) made of at least two electronically dissimilar molecules have attracted a lot of attention due to their low-cost solution manufacturing and color tunability. Bulk-heterojunction active layer usually achieved through spin-coating provide an appealing technique. These cells generate Frenkel excitons through photo-absorption in one molecule combined with acceptor resulting in the formation of free charge carriers that emerge after exciton dissociation at the donor–acceptor interface. These processes highly depend on optimization of the blend composition and deposition parameters such that we form an interpenetrating bi-continuous network with the domain sizes roughly twice of the exciton diffusion length. The choice of materials plays a major role in ensuring that sufficient energy offset at the donor/acceptor interface leads to an efficient charge separation. The study focused on probing a blend of poly [2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethylhexyloxy)-1, 4-phenylenevinylene (MEH-PPV) and fullerene derivatives of phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) forming a bulk heterojunction active layer. We investigate the optical and morphological properties of MEH-PPV: PC71BM spin-coated films at varied spin-coating parameters such as spin-rates and spin-step as well as blend properties including solution concentration, deposition techniques and donor–acceptor blend ratios. We related how deposition parameters affect the exciton quenching capabilities at donor–acceptor interface, film-surface homogeneity and light absorption in deposited films. From the optimized results obtained, deep photoluminescence quenching was observed for MEH-PPV doped with 75% PC71BM in addition to reduced optical band gap energy (1.88 eV), a signature of improved charge transfer rate and photon-absorption. The optimized MEH-PPV: PC71BM systems are possible candidates for photovoltaic applications especially in the production of thin organic photovoltaic solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first case report of a vitamin E‐blended polyethylene liner fracture after total hip arthroplasty. Our case highlights the importance of considering a vitamin E‐blended polyethylene liner fracture, the interposition of fracture fragments between the articulating surfaces after dislocation and blocked successful reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the crystallization kinetics and morphology evolution of miscible crystalline/crystalline blends of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) during isothermal melt crystallization. The integrated light-scattering intensity and the spherulite size increased gradually and then steeply as crystallization progressed in 70/30 PTT/PET at 215 °C, indicating the two-step crystallization behavior. The compact PET spherulite grew in the first step, and the dendritic PTT spherulite grew in the second step, forming the double spherulite consisting of a PET component in the inner region and a PTT one in the outer region. The spherulite size of PET increased nonlinearly with time, suggesting the exclusion of PTT from the crystal growth front. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) observation revealed that the PTT fibrils were interfiled within the PET spherulite in the inner region and continued outward to the outer region consisting of the PTT spherulite. These results suggest that the excluded PTT crystallizes into fibrils by interfiling crystallization within the inner PET spherulite, and then the interfiled PTT fibrils continue to grow outward to form the outer dendritic PTT spherulite after the spherulite growth of PET stops due to the excluded PTT at the growth front. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste (polyethylene terephthalate) (PET) water bottles are among the most common plastic wastes in nature. These plastic wastes disappear within hundreds of years after they are released into nature. Therefore, it causes serious environmental pollution. Therefore, it is important to make these wastes reusable. This study aims to bring a new perspective to the reuse literature. It is aimed to produce smart polymer blend from waste PET, which is highly demanded and important in practical applications. Therefore, in this study, waste polymer PET was blended with smart polymer PLA into filament blends. The thermal properties of the blends were analysed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), chemical bond structures were determined by Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR spectroscopy) and shape memory tests were performed to determine whether the blends exhibit smart material properties. As a result of this study, it was observed that the thermal stability of the blended filaments varied according to the polymer ratio and the blend was characterized as an immiscible polymer blend. It was also found that the polymer blends exhibit shape memory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contributing to a sustainable economy requires the use of pure recycled materials. Analyzing polyolefin post-consumer materials and cross-contaminations in these materials is an essential part in ensuring consistent product quality. Therefore, the aim of this work was to quantify the linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) content in polypropylene (PP)-dominant strips. The materials investigated included virgin PP, custom PP-LLDPE blends and PP post-consumer recyclates. To this end, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and parallel-plate rheometry were used. For complementary measurements, Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were employed, confirming the morphological occurrence of LLDPE enclosed in PP up to 30 wt%. The DSC measurements demonstrated that the evaluated specific melt and recrystallization enthalpies alone are insufficient to quantify the LLDPE content, especially at 1–10 wt%. The rheometric results showed a strong correlation between the cross-over point (COP) and zero-shear viscosity for pure PP grades, and there was a deviation from this correlation depending on the LLDPE content in the PP-LLDPE blends. An approach for determining low (1–15 wt%) and medium (up to 30 wt%) LLDPE quantities in PP via two mathematical models is proposed based on the rheometric measurements of custom blends and can be applied to assess the level of LLDPE contamination in PP post-consumer materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the dissolution of two biopolymers, cellulose and silk fibroin, in a mixture of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EmimAc) and dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO). EmimAc is a promising environmentally friendly solvent currently in wide use but can be limited by its high viscosity, which inhibits the speed of dissolution. To mediate this, DMSO has been used as a cosolvent and has been shown to significantly lower the solution viscosity and aid mass transport. Dissolution experiments are carried out separately for both cellulose and silk fibrion with a range of EmimAc:DMSO ratios from 100 wt% EmimAc to 100 wt% DMSO. Interestingly, the optimal EmimAc:DMSO ratio (in terms of dissolution speed) is found to be very different for the two biopolymers. For cellulose, a mixture of 20 wt% EmimAc with 80 wt% DMSO is found to have the fastest dissolution speed, while for silk fibroin, a ratio of 80 wt% EmimAc with 20 wt% DMSO proves the fastest. These dissolution trials are complemented by rheological and nuclear magnetic resonance experiments to provide further insight into the underlying mechanisms. Finally, we produce hybrid biopolymer films from a solution to show how this work provides a foundation for future effective dissolution and the preparation of hybrid biopolymer films and hybrid biocomposites. [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 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]

Polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene (PP), and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) have been blended with adhesive-grade ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), propylene elastomer (VMX), isobutylene–isoprene rubber (IIR) and an acrylic block copolymer (MMA-nBA-MMA). The blends were prepared using a two-roll mill and injection molding. The mechanical properties of the blends, such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at maximum load, and impact resistance, were investigated. The water contact angle, melt flow rate (MFR), and differential scanning calorimetry were ascertained to evaluate the blends. The blend samples exhibited the following properties: all POM/EVA blends showed reduced crystallinity compared to neat POM; the 80% PMMA/20% MMA-nBA-MMA blend showed improved impact resistance by 243% compared to the neat PMMA. An antiplasticization effect was observed for POM/EVA 1% blends and PMMA/EVA 1% blends, with MFR reduced by 1% and 3%, respectively. The MFR of the PP/IIR 1% blend increased by 5%, then decreased below the MFR near the polymer for the remaining IIR concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Synthetic Fiber Industry is the property of Sinopec Baling Petrochemical Company 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 study, it is aimed to provide new functions to polymers by producing polymer blends. Two important biopolymers, PLA as the main matrix and PEG polymers were mixed in different ratios to produce shape memory (SM) PLA-PEG blend by solution method. The characteristic -C = O stretching vibration of PLA was observed as a strong signal in the ATR-FTIR spectra of the polymer blends. According to the heat flux versus temperature measurement results of PLA-PEG blends, characteristic peaks of each polymer were observed with increasing temperature. This result indicates that the polymer blends are immiscible. The thermal stability of the PLA-PEG blend was determined by thermogravimetric measurements and it was observed that the mass loss in the blend decreased with increasing PEG ratio. Since PEG and PLA are bicrystalline polymers, crystal structures of both polymers were found in X-ray measurements in the shape memory polymer blends produced. Finally, it was found that the produced PLA-PEG blend showed shape memory property and the blend could return to its original shape in as short as 8 sec. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polymer Materials Science & Engineering is the property of Sichuan University, Polymer Research Institute 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 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]

Copyright of China Synthetic Fiber Industry is the property of Sinopec Baling Petrochemical Company 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 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]

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.)

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]

ABSTRACT This is the first case report of a vitamin E‐blended polyethylene liner fracture after total hip arthroplasty. Our case highlights the importance of considering a vitamin E‐blended polyethylene liner fracture, the interposition of fracture fragments between the articulating surfaces after dislocation and blocked successful reduction.

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.)

This article addresses the word formation process known as blending in written data of Brazilian Portuguese from a descriptive-quantitative perspective. The objective of the study is to discuss the morphophonological and lexical aspects involved in the emergence of this phenomenon. Our data sample consists of blends formed from animal names, organized using different sources. The main variables explored are number of syllables, blend stress and the stress of its bases, and lexical frequency of the bases. The results show a predominance of polysyllabic blends with penultimate stress formed by disyllabic or trisyllabic bases with penultimate stress. Moreover, the stress of the blend was found to be categorically equivalent to the stress of its second base. As far as frequency is concerned, using Corpus Brasileiro as a reference, the bases identified as more frequent showed fewer segmental deletions when compared to less frequent bases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article presents an analysis of the level of knowledge and use of blends in Brazilian Portuguese. This phenomenon is described as a word formation process that mixes two bases to designate a third (Braga, 2023), presenting suppression of phonological material, as in bicitáxi (bicicleta + táxi). Given this inherent singularity of the phenomenon, we propose to approach the analysis of the perception of its knowledge and use by native speakers. For this purpose, the following question was raised: What is the level of knowledge and use of blends by native speakers? As a hypothesis, it is considered that the level of knowledge of the blend would be associated with the native speakers' ability to semantically decompose the bases that compose them, and the level of use would be related to the social context in which the blend was created. A survey was conducted via Google Forms to assess the level of speakers' knowledge about words constituted by blends. The results indicate that the judges tend to recognize the blend by the fragments that go to the phonetic level, regardless of social factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Copyright of China Synthetic Fiber Industry is the property of Sinopec Baling Petrochemical Company 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.)

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]

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]

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]

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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.)

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]

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.

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.

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]