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Porous alumina structures were developed by indirect Powder Bed Fusion with Laser Beam (PBF-LB), employing a novel feedstock (composite granules) based on alumina (Al 2 O 3), bio-renewable polyamide 612 (PA612), and micron-sized graphite (MG) using a commercial PBF-LB machine that operates with a low-power visible light diode laser. Regular and slightly rounded composite granules were prepared via the thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) process in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) using 0.05 vol% of PA612, 40/60 vol% of Al 2 O 3 /PA612 and 6.25 wt% of MG, and then characterized via density measurements, Hausner's ratio, SEM-EDS, particle size distribution, Raman spectroscopy, DSC, and TGA. Experimental conditions to be used in the PBF-LB process were determined in order to obtain high-quality green porous structures with a controlled geometry. After the heating treatments, sintered components with good structural integrity, a high open porosity associated with interconnected pores in the struts, and a ceramic matrix with microsized-equiaxial grains were obtained. The evaluation of the mechanical properties was performed by diametral compression testing. In order to improve these properties, a vacuum infiltration process involving a low-concentration alumina-ethanol suspension was used on pre-sintered discs. As a consequence of the infiltration process, the discs showed improved mechanical properties after sintering without the porosity having been significantly affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric applications with extended service life and low energy loss due to friction are of great interest in conveyor and power transmission technology. Self‐lubricating systems utilizing microcapsules hold significant potential for increasing energy efficiency and extending the operational life of these applications. This study focuses on synthesizing oil‐filled microcapsules through in situ polymerization of polyamide and their incorporation in polyamide 6 and polyamide 6.6. Microcapsules with a core made of thermally stable lubricant Food Lube, and particle diameter D90 of 50 μm were synthesized and isolated as a free‐flowing powder via spray‐drying procedure. The resulting powder demonstrated high thermal stability (loss of 5% at 350°C) due to the high thermal stability of both core and shell materials. A compounding process utilizing a twin‐screw extruder was developed to blend microcapsules into thermoplastic matrices. An injection molding machine forms tension rods. The composites' tribological properties are assessed through ball‐on‐disc tests conducted in both oscillation and rotation. The friction coefficient and wear rate of the composites experience a reduction of 79% and 56% for polyamide 6, as well as 77% and 75% for polyamide 6.6. Mechanical testing of the microcapsule composites reveals a decrease in mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights For traditional materials, a polymer composite with high performance and large‐scale production is still the goal pursued by researchers. In our work, polyamide 6/calcium sulfate whiskers (PA6/SCW) composites were fabricated via melt‐compouding method. The calcium sulfate whisker based on gypsum mineral was used as reinforcement. After grafting silane coupling agent on the whisker surface, the whiskers showed a significant reinforcing effect in polyamide. The mechanics and tribology performance of the samples had been significantly inhanced. Based on the nucleation mechanism of lattice matching, calcium sulfate whiskers have obvious heterogeneous nucleation effect in PA6 matrix, while the crystallization period was slightly prolonged. This was caused by the network structure formed by the whiskers in the matrix, which impeded the free movement of polymer chain segments. In combination with the orientation degree of the molecular chains measured by the interdigital electrode, the reinforcing effect of the oriented PA6 specimens was derived from the orientation arrangement of the whiskers and the efficient load transfer. Mechanical and tribological properties of composite were significantly improved. The composite could achieved large‐scale production due to simple preparation. The whiskers had obvious heterogeneous nucleation effect in matrix. The reinforcing effect was derived from efficient load transfer from whiskers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights By incorporating nanomaterials into polymer matrices, nanocomposites can be produced with enhanced properties, combining the ease of processing thermoplastics with the superior physical characteristics of nanoparticles. In this study, fully bio‐based polyamide 1010 was used as the polymer matrix, with graphene oxide (GO), hexagonal‐boron nitride (h‐BN), and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), both individually and in hybrids, serving as fillers. The tensile behavior of these nanocomposites was evaluated at room temperature and −40 °C, along with their morphology and microstructure. Results showed that the nanomaterials slightly shifted the polymer's crystallization temperature upward, indicating a small nucleating effect, but also hindered the development of crystalline domains, reducing the crystallization kinetics. Despite no change in the final crystalline form, nanocomposites with h‐BN and MoS2 showed lower microstructural order as evidenced by XRD. Regarding tensile behavior, GO provided the greatest toughening at room temperature due to its larger lateral dimensions and good chemical affinity with the matrix. However, at low temperatures, h‐BN‐based nanocomposites maintained the toughening effect better than GO‐based ones. This can be attributed to the lower order of the polymer's semi‐crystalline structure promoted by h‐BN, allowing greater energy dissipation. Surprisingly, hybrid fillers did not exhibit synergistic effects, with one nanomaterial hampering the effect of the other. However, SEM analysis indicated that the fracture mechanisms of the nanocomposites remained unchanged from the neat polymer, which makes them interesting options for applications that require desirable mechanical properties at a wide temperature range. GO showed the best toughening of polyamide 1010 at room temperature. Toughening at room temperature is mainly due to nanomaterials physical traits. Most nanofillers lowered polyamide's overall microstructural order. Toughening at −40 °C is mainly due to lower microstructural order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visible light‐induced polymerization, as a promising and green strategy, is showing great potential in preparing value‐added polymers. Herein, a visible light photoredox catalysis method is reported to afford a library of polyamide with high yields (up to 99%) and high molecular weights (Mws) (up to 71 000 g mol−1). Dithioacids and diamines as the monomers, and 9‐mesityl‐10‐methylacridinium tetrafluoroborate (Mes‐Acr‐MeBF4) as the organic photoredox catalyst give the polyamides with structural diversity in air under mild conditions without extra metal, base, or additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyethylene‐supported nanofiltration (NF) membranes have been reported for several cases in recent years. However, few have disclosed a NF membrane which achieves a high salt/water separation efficiency. Here, a novel polyamide NF membrane was prepared by conducting interfacial polymerization on poly(vinyl alcohol)‐decorated polyethylene separator. The polyethylene‐supported NF membranes were systematically investigated with respect to chemical structures, microscopic morphology, surface properties, as well as desalination performance. In particular, a distinctive morphology transformation occurred on the polyamide layers through regulating poly(vinyl alcohol) loading amounts. Performance testings demonstrated the optimal membrane reaches a water permeance over 17.4 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1 and Na2SO4 rejection above 98.7%, as well as favorable performance stability. This work may provide some consideration for fabricating NF membranes with new support layers and good desalination performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Hydrogel containing viologen-based hyperbranched polyamide amines with dual drug loading capacity. • Wearable Patch (Patch-DT) uses hydrogel as the drug-carrying cathode and magnesium flakes as the anode. • Patch-DT enables release of two drugs simultaneously, overcoming the limitations of monotherapy. • Visible drug monitoring through wearable Patch's electrochromic properties. Wearable drug delivery systems (DDS) have made significant advancements in the field of precision medicine, offering precise regulation of drug dosage, location, and timing. The performance qualities that wearable DDS has always strived for are simplicity, efficiency, and intelligence. This paper proposes a wearable dual-drug synergistic release patch. The patch is powered by a built-in magnesium battery and utilizes a hydrogel containing viologen-based hyperbranched polyamidoamine as both a cathode material and an integrated drug reservoir. This design allows for the simultaneous release of both dexamethasone and tannic acid, overcoming the limitations of monotherapy and ensuring effective synergy for on-demand therapy. In a mouse model with praziquimod-induced psoriasis, the patch demonstrated therapeutic efficacy at a low voltage. The inflammatory skin returned to normal after 5 days with the on-demand release of dual drugs. This work provides a promising treatment option considering its straightforward construction and the therapeutic advantages of dual-drug synergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coefficient of friction (CoF) between the deflection pulley and rope in a lift strongly affects the life span of the rope. Although surface roughness is a key factor affecting the metallic pulley–rope CoF, its effect on polymeric pulleys is unknown. The present study analyses the effect of roughness and working conditions on cast polyamide 6 (PA6G) deflection pulley–thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-coated rope contacts. The statistical analysis revealed that the effect of surface roughness on the CoF for low-load tests was significant. The present study contributes significantly to parameter selection in deflection pulley machining to minimise friction between the pulley and rope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the morphology, rheology, and mechanical performance of polyamide 6/polylactic acid/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (PA6/ABS/PLA) ternary blends were studied. The optimum ABS percentage in PA6/ABS binary blend to achieve highly toughened blend was determined around 35 wt.%. The spreading coefficient (Sij) predictions showed that each of PLA and ABS can form separate phase in the PA6 matrix. The evaluation of the interfacial interactions in the ternary blends revealed a higher tendency of PLA to interact with PA6 chains (Sij:−1.20) rather than ABS (Sij:−0.20) which is in comply with higher work of adhesion of PLA/PA6 than PLA/ABS and PA6/ABS. By adding PLA to the binary blends of PA6/ABS, it was found that the ABS domain size decreased due to rheological change. The localization of each component in the ternary blends observed in SEM analysis was in agreement with spreading coefficient predictions. Morphological evaluations revealed higher interfacial interactions between PA6 and PLA in the blends with up to 20 wt.% PLA. The optimized blend ratio of ternary blends showed higher complex viscosity at low shear rates and higher values than the mixing rule prediction. The optimum flexural modulus of 2 GPa and impact resistance of 47 kJ/m2 were achieved at 20 wt.% PLA in PA6/ABS/PLA ternary blend. Highlights: The optimum PA6/ABS blend ratio to achieve high toughness was determined.The phase localization in the blends predicted via Spreading Coefficient.The interaction of PA6 and ABS enhanced by the addition of PLA in the blends.The mechanical properties of blends are correlated with rheological behavior.The flexural modulus of blends was higher than Halpin–Tsai model predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen bonding is the prerequisite for polyamide fibers to have better stress–strain behavior. It affects the crystal structure of polyamide fibers, such as orientation and periodic arrangement. To illustrate the effect of intermolecular hydrogen bonding on fiber orientation structure and macroscopic mechanical properties, this work uses conventional polyamide resin doped with high molecular weight components to construct polymer compounds with discrete distribution characteristics. By analyzing the changes in intermolecular hydrogen bonds, melt rheological properties, non‐isothermal crystallization behaviors, the impact of hydrogen bonds on the crystal structure and orientation structure and thus on the fiber strength was clarified. The doping of high molecular weight components can make the compound form more hydrogen bonds and inhibit the relaxation of molecular chains through entanglement, thereby promoting melt non‐isothermal crystallization process and increasing complex viscosity η* and storage mode G'. 1D and 2D wide‐angle and small‐angle X‐ray scattering show that doping components reduce crystal size of α1(200) and α2(002, 202) planes from 4.19 to 3.47 nm and 5.88 to 4.96 nm, resulting in a denser long‐period structure. Through the strategy of this work, polyamide 6 fibers' tensile strength is effectively improved by18%, and the mechanical properties are significantly improved. Highlights: High‐strength polyamide compound fibers were prepared.Discretely distributed compounds are achieved.Discretely distributed molecular weight enabled hydrogen bonding regulation.Hydrogen bonding‐induced compound fiber crystal structure.Multiple external fields induced crystallization and orientation structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work analyzes the fracture topography of composite specimens subjected to three-point bending - static and impact. Scanning electron microscopy was used for this purpose. The tests were performed for two different materials, namely polypropylene and polyamide PA6, each reinforced with unidirectional glass fibers. In one case, the fibers were distributed evenly, and in the other, there were areas more and less reinforced with fibers. It was observed that in all cases the tension and compression parts could be clearly distinguished. However, for different materials and with different methods of destruction, varying failure mechanisms were observed, noted based on the analysis of the fracture topography. It was observed that regardless of the loading method and material, in the tensile part there were visibly protruding fibers, and in the compressed part it was the matrix, rather than the fibers, that was destroyed. In the case of statically loaded samples, damage occurred at the macrostructural level, and in the case of dynamically loaded samples, at the microstructural level. Additionally, the samples with uneven fiber distribution were more susceptible to delamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights The thermoplastic composites which in the automated tape placement (ATP) process are directly consolidated and formed in situ. The interlaminar bonding quality of the product is susceptible to the ATP process. Glass fiber‐reinforced bio‐based polyamides PA5X (GF/PA5X) tapes are used to prepare samples. The effect of process parameters on the interlaminar bonding quality is explored by peel test based on the principle of the response surface. A quadratic response surface model of hot gas temperature, placement speed, and roller force on the peel strength is established, and experiments are conducted to verify the accuracy of the model. The effect of process parameters and their coupling effect on the peel strength is obtained. The interlaminar bonding quality of the samples manufactured by ATP and compression molding are comparatively analyzed through peel and short beam shear tests. The results show that the best combination of process parameters obtained is: the hot gas temperature of 619°C, placement speed of 0.540 m/min, roller force of 684 N, and predicted peel strength of 9.89 N/10 mm. The peel and short beam shear strength of the samples manufactured by ATP is 9.96 N/10 mm and 34.2 MPa, reaching 66.0% and 60.0% of the samples manufactured by compression molding respectively. GF/PA5X thermoplastic composite tapes are used to prepare ATP samples. The effect of process parameters on the interlaminar bonding quality is explored. The micromorphology of the ATP samples is characterized. The ATP and compression molding samples are comparatively analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to improve the anti‐fouling properties of a thin‐film composite polyamide membrane by modifying it with chitosan and acrylic acid using UV‐induced and Redox‐initiated graft polymerization methods. The modified membrane's separation performance was evaluated by measuring the flux and retention of sodium ions in water during filtration. The anti‐fouling capacities of the modified membranes were determined by measuring the maintained flux ratios and irreversible fouling factors during the 8‐h filtration of aqueous solutions of sodium chloride at different concentrations (1000 and 10,000 ppm). In addition, by evaluating the membrane's surface properties using various methods, including field emission scanning electron microscopy, attenuated total reflection – Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and water contact angle measurements, we have demonstrated the validity of the experimental results. Our results showed that the grafted membranes under UV irradiation or redox initiators had enhanced anti‐fouling properties while maintaining salt retention. The modified membranes fabricated by UV‐induced or Redox‐initiated technique had superior anti‐fouling capabilities, with irreversible fouling factors and maintained flux ratios of around 8% and 43%, respectively, after 8 h of filtration, compared to only 12% and 36% for the unmodified membrane. These findings suggest that the modified membranes have the potential for use in filtration systems to prevent the fouling phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, for the first time, the effect of embedding irregular and jagged steel particles of recycled milling dendritic chips on the improvement of compressive and interlayer strength of thermoplastic polyamide6 (PA6)-based, 200 g/m2 plain weave E-glass-fabric-reinforced composite laminates was investigated. The goal here is to examine whether the sharp spikes on the particles can penetrate adjoining laminate layers to provide superior interface toughness compared to spherical toughening particles. In-plane compression tests, according to ASTM D695-15 standard, show that through thickness expansion leads to delamination and subsequent failure. Consequently, theoretical considerations suggest that enhancements in interface toughness should lead to an increase in compression strength. For this purpose, steel particles with three size ranges, 300–600 µm, 150–300 µm, and 75–150 µm, were prepared and embedded into the composite laminates using film-stacking and hot-pressing process, in four different volume fractions. The particle distribution, impregnation, and bonding with the PA6 matrix were analyzed using optical and scanning electron microscopy imaging. Overall, results demonstrate a very good mechanical bonding between the particles and the thermoplastic matrix. Some interlocks between the particles and composite laminates were observed which has led to an improvement in the compressive strength of the composite laminate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex ceramic core used for hollow turbine blades requires high porosity and flexural strength. This work combined vat photopolymerization 3D printing with sacrificial template method to prepare Al2O3 ceramic cores with strip‐shaped pores using polyamide 6 (PA6) fibers as templates. When the porosity was greater than 30%, the maximum flexural strength reached up to 110.48 MPa. The sacrificial templating method improved the porosity of Al2O3 ceramic cores, forming an internal porous structure that combined strip‐shaped large pores with irregularly shaped small pores. The influences of PA6 fiber content and diameter on the shrinkage, porosity, microstructure, and comprehensive properties of alumina ceramic cores were studied, revealing the mechanism of the coexistence of high porosity and high strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the paper is to investigate the effect of organo‐modified sepiolite (MSep) on morphology, mechanical, and viscoelastic properties of polyamide‐11 (PA11) prepared by melt compounding at 5 wt.%. The study reveals that the addition of both unmodified sepiolite (USep) and organo‐MSep to PA11 improves the reinforcement effect of the nanocomposite materials compared to neat PA11, being however more pronounced for the organo‐modified one. Indeed, morphological analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows a finer dispersion of organo‐MSep in PA11 matrix than the unmodified one, which is characterized by a significant presence of fibers aggregates in number and size. Further, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results are in a good agreement with both tensile properties and TEM observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of a study on the kinetics of the decrease in strength of polyamide fibers made from polyamide PA-6 (poly-ε-caprolactam) irradiated in air with X-rays in the range of absorbed dose rates of 0.16–10 Gy/s are presented. It has been shown that the strength of irradiated polyamide fibers decreases to a certain limiting value depending on the dose rate and can be described by the rate law of a reversible pseudo-first-order reaction. A structural–kinetic model of radiation-oxidative aging of fibers is considered, which takes into account the opposite influence of degradation and crosslinking of tie macromolecules on the strength of the oriented polymer (fiber) and the structural features of the oriented polymer. The model agrees well with experiment and makes it possible to describe the change in the strength of an oriented polymer (fibers) and a unidirectional composite based on them while the processes of radiation-oxidative degradation and chain crosslinking occur simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The joining of AA6082-T6 and polyamide 6 using pinless friction stir spot welding was investigated in this study. The influence of the clamping frame geometry was studied and the welds produced were characterized based on their morphology and mechanical performance. The morphological analysis was evaluated based on the comparison of the different joining areas and on the presence of defects in the resolidified layer of the polymer. In turn, the mechanical performance of the joints was evaluated by tensile-shear testing. Additionally, the influence of plunge depth parameter was studied for the clamping frame geometry providing the best mechanical performance. While the clamping frame geometry had a greater impact on the size of the joining areas, therefore influencing the micro-mechanical interlocking mechanisms, the plunge depth mainly affected the plunging of the aluminium into the polymeric material, therefore affecting the macro-mechanical interlocking mechanism. The strongest joints, which failed for a load of about 2700 N, were produced with the clamping frame geometry that restricted the welding zone the least, and used the highest plunge depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new series of flexible polyamide (PA) aerogels was synthesized using terephthaloyl chloride (TPC), 2,2′-dimethylbenzidine (DMBZ) and cross-linked with an inexpensive, commercially available tri-isocyanate (Desmodur N3300A) at polymer concentrations of 6–8 wt.% total solids and repeating units, n, from 30 to 60. The cross-linked DMBZ-based polyamide aerogels obtained, after supercritically drying using liquid CO2, had shrinkages of 19–27% with densities ranging from 0.12 g/cm3 to 0.22 g/cm3, porosity and surface areas up to 91% and 309 m2/g, respectively, and modulus values ranging from 20.6 to 109 MPa. Evidence suggests that a higher flexibility could be achieved using DMBZ in the polyamide backbone with N3300A as a cross-linker, when compared to previously reported TPC-mPDA-BTC PA aerogels, N3300A-polyimide aerogels, and N3300-reinforced silica aerogels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer composites are desirable for many additive manufacturing (AM) applications as they are light and structurally strong. The process parameters in fused filament fabrication (FFF) significantly affect the mechanical properties of SFRP parts. In this work, three‐point bending tests are carried out to investigate the flexural behavior of 3D‐printed polyamide 12 carbon fiber (PA12‐CF) specimens. An L18 Taguchi design of experiments with Gray relational analysis is applied to optimize the FFF parameters. It is shown that build orientation has the most influence on flexural properties and the distribution of short fibers has an additional effect. For a rectilinear infill pattern, the maximum flexural strength of the part was realized at the printing speed, layer thickness, and extrusion temperature of 30 mm/s, 0.15 mm, and 270°C, respectively. With these parameters, the flexural strength of the part is 119.9 MPa and the flexural modulus is 3038 MPa. For a concentric infill pattern, the flexural strength of the part is 15.8% higher at 138.8 MPa. The flexural modulus is also higher at 3692 MPa. This study's results contribute toward optimizing FFF parameters to suit the specific flexural loading requirements of an AM part. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to investigate the electrical output performance of the proposed textile‐based triboelectric nanogenerator (T‐TENG) under the operating principle of contact–separation mode. Herein, the T‐TENG structure is developed by electrospinning and weaving technologies. Therein, core–shell yarns are initially fabricated by applying nanocomposite zinc oxide /polyamide‐66 (ZnO–PAn) fibers on carbon (C) yarns. Then, yarns are directly woven as weft with polyamide‐66 yarns as warp to assemble the T‐TENG structure with the help of the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer. The results show that increasing the microscopic factor (i.e., the surface roughness) of the PTFE layer about twice can, respectively, enhance the open‐circuit voltage and short‐circuit current of the T‐TENG up to 27% and 21.7% on average; besides that the thickness of the PTFE layer plays an important role in the electrical output quality of T‐TENG. Equally important, improving the rough surface of the active layer (i.e., woven fabric layer) through nanocomposite fibers (ZnO/PAn) can endow the T‐TENG structure to generate excellent electrical potentials under different tapping frequencies. Interestingly, the best electrical output performance obtained in this article can reach maximum values (≈14 μA and 200 V) at 10 Hz with a structure (C–ZnO5%PAn/PAf@PTFE2m) and achieve a 2.7 mW power density on a 27 MΩ external resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyamide 12 (PA12) is vastly utilized in many additive manufacturing methods, such as Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and a better understanding of its mechanical behaviors promotes available knowledge on the behaviors of 3D-printed parts made from this polymer. In this paper, SLS-produced standard tensile specimens are studied under monotonic and cyclic tension tests, as well as stress relaxation experiments, and the obtained force-displacement responses are shown to be consistent with a hyper-viscoelastic material model. This finding is also observed in typical pantographic structures produced by the same manufacturing parameters. To propose a constitutive model for predicting these behaviors, the convolution integral of a strain-dependent function and a time-dependent function is developed where the material parameters are determined with the use of both short-term and long-term responses of the specimens. Numerical results of the presented model for standard test specimens are shown to be in good agreements with the experimental ones under various loading conditions. To prove the capabilities of the proposed model in studying any SLS-produced part, finite element implementation of the constitutive equations is shown to provide numerical results in agreement with the empirical findings for tensile loading of the 3D-printed pantographic structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different from extensively reported carbon nanotubes‐polyamide (PA) composite membranes, this work reports the scalable, low‐cost manufacturing of metallic single‐walled carbon nanotubes network supported PA reverse osmotic desalination membranes. Metallic single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) separated from high‐pressure carbon monoxide conversion (HiPCO) SWCNTs with a diameter ranging from 0.6 to 1.2 nm are deposited on polyethersulfone (PES) films by replacing surfactants around SWCNTs dispersed in aqueous solution, for supporting uniform and smooth sub‐10 nm PA nanofilm formed through aqueous‐organic bilayer interfacial polymerization. The industrial scale manufactured PA/SWCNTs/PES desalination membranes (508 mm × 915 mm) are rolled into spiral wound elements without damage through cutting, gluing, and rolling. The desalination tests on flat PA/SWCNTs/PES membranes exhibits 30 l m−2 h−1 (LMH) under 17.2 bar with 98.45% salt injection when fed with 2000 ppm NaCl at pH = 9. The normalized permeate flux of PA/SWCNTs/PES spiral wound elements is ≈17 LMH under 13.8 bar with 90% salt injection underfed with 2000 ppm MgSO4 at pH = 9–11 condition. The high‐performance sub‐10 nm smooth PA/SWCNTs/PES desalination membranes are fabricated with materials savings and can promote low operation costs compared to conventional 50–100 nm crumpled PA films on any supporting substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study is to introduce a novel nanohydroxyapatite/polyamide 66(n-HA/PA66)n strut to improve biomechanical performance and reduce subsidence. Methods: One validated intact and 2 ACCF-simulated C3–C7 cervical spine models were developed (old strut: Group A, new strut: Group B). In the ACCF models, C5 underwent corpectomy and was fixed by an anterior cervical plate. Screw angles were categorized as 1 (0) and 2 (45) and divided into 4 groups, A1, A2, B1 and B2, for each model. An axial force of 74 N and a moment couple of 1.0 Nm were imposed on the C3 vertebra. The range of motion (ROM) of each segment and the stress distribution on the screw–vertebra interface, strut, and strut–endplate interface were recorded and analysed. Results: There was no significant difference in ROM between Group A and Group B during bending, extension and rotation under 74 N axial pressure. The stress concentration on the strut body in Group A was higher than that in Group B. The peak stress values at the screw–vertebral interface in Groups A1 and A2 were higher than those in Groups B1 and B2, except for during extension and lateral bending. Under axial pressure, the peak stress values at the strut body–endplate interface during bending, extension and rotation were lower in the A1 and A2 groups than in the B1 and B2 groups. The Group B model showed much higher graft stress than the Group A model. Conclusions: Based on finite-element analysis, compared with the old strut, the novel strut showed better biomechanical performance at the screw–vertebra interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the impact of weld lines on the mechanical properties and fracture behavior of injection‐molded unfilled and glass fiber‐reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6). The study aims to predict the weld line strength by analyzing the composite's microstructure at the weld line and investigating the influence of injection molding parameters. While weld lines had minimal effects in unfilled PA6 thanks to the matrix's high healing capability, composite samples showed reduced mechanical properties due to unfavorable fiber orientation at the weld line. Fracture surfaces revealed a bell‐shaped structure linked to the 'underflow' process caused by flow imbalances during injection molding. This phenomenon impacts fiber orientation at the weld line, affecting mechanical properties. The 'underflow' is simulated using Autodesk Moldflow®, predicting enhanced fiber alignment along the flow direction. Regarding processing parameters, both melt and mold temperatures showed negligible impacts, while enhanced mechanical properties were observed at elevated packing pressures. The analysis of fracture surfaces showed intensified "underflow" with increased packing pressure. A relationship is established between weld line strength and fiber orientation at the weld line, potentially serving as a predictive tool for estimating weld line strength. Highlights: Weld lines in unfilled PA6:Negligible impact on the mechanical properties.In the PA6 composite: significant drop due to unfavorable fiber orientation.Fracture behavior of the composite: Bell‐shaped weld line linked to "underflow."Melt and mold temperature: minor effect; packing pressure enhances properties.Correlation established between the weld line strength and fiber orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐strength and high‐gas‐barrier plastic packaging liners have emerged as competitive products with promising potential application in the field of Type IV hydrogen storage cylinders. Ternary composites, which contain PA6, organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT), and maleic anhydride grafted polyolefin elastomer (POE‐g‐MAH), have been proposed as possible material for this application. To achieve the goal of developing this material, the influence of material formulation on various properties such as mechanical, microstructure, gas barrier, thermal stability, and flow properties of the composites was investigated. The results show that the composites with 3 wt% OMMT had the best gas barrier and mechanical properties. Additionally, the effect of rotational molding process parameters on the wall thickness of the plastic liner was studied. Process parameter regulation methods were proposed to improve wall thickness consistency of the products. The investigation shows that the composites containing 3 wt% OMMT had the best wall thickness consistency of the products. Highlights: The effect of filler content on the properties of PA6 composites was investigated.The composites with 3 wt% OMMT had the best wall thickness consistency.The gas barrier property of the composite is improved by 43.9% over virgin PA6.The impact strength of the composite is improved by 133.8% over virgin PA6.Insights for the development of processing methods for plastic packaging inserts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PDA-HKUST-1 interlayer enhances the stability of OSN membrane structure. • PA layer thickness of PA/ PDA -HKUST-1 0.6 /PEI membrane is about 14 nm. • PA/CaAlg-HKUST-1 6 /PEI membrane has good solvent resistance. Polydopamine (PDA) and metal-organic skeleton HKUST-1 were co-deposited on the base membrane of hexamethylenediamine (HDA)-crosslinked polyetherimide (PEI) ultrafiltration membrane as the interlayer, and high-throughput organic solvent nanofiltration membrane (OSN) was prepared by interfacial polymerization and solvent activation reaction. The polyamide (PA) layer surface roughness from 28.4 nm in PA/PEI to 78.3 nm in PA/PDA-HKUST-1 0.6 /PEI membrane, reduced the thickness of the separation layer from 79 to 14 nm, and significantly improved the hydrophilic, thermal and mechanical properties. The flux of the PA/PDA-HKUST-1 0.6 /PEI membrane in a 0.1 g/L Congo Red (CR) ethanol solution at 0.6 MPa test pressure reached 21.8 L/(m2·hr) and the rejection of CR was 92.8%. Solvent adsorption test, N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) immersion experiment, and long-term operation test in ethanol showed that the membranes had high solvent tolerance. The solvent flux test demonstrated that, under the test pressure of 0.6 MPa, the flux of different solvents ranked as follows: methanol (56.9 L/(m2·hr)) > DMF (39.6 L/(m2·hr)) > ethanol (31.2 L/(m2·hr)) > IPA (4.5 L/(m2·hr)) > N - hexane (1.9 L/(m2·hr)). The ability of the membranes to retain dyes in IPA/water dyes solution was also evaluated. The flux of the membrane was 30.4 L/(m2·hr) and the rejection of CR was 91.6% when the IPA concentration reached 50%. This OSN membrane-making strategy is economical, environment-friendly and efficient, and has a great application prospect in organic solvent separation systems. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dyeing process of textile materials is inherently intricate, influenced by a myriad of factors, including dye concentration, dyeing time, pH level, temperature, type of dye, fiber composition, mechanical agitation, salt concentration, mordants, fixatives, water quality, dyeing method, and pre-treatment processes. The intricacy of achieving optimal settings during dyeing poses a significant challenge. In response, this study introduces a novel algorithmic approach that integrates response surface methodology (RSM), artificial neural network (ANN), and genetic algorithm (GA) techniques for the precise fine-tuning of concentration, time, pH, and temperature. The primary focus is on quantifying color strength, represented as K/S, as the response variable in the dyeing process of polyamide 6 and woolen fabric, utilizing plum-tree leaves as a sustainable dye source. Results indicate that ANN (R2 ~ 1) performs much better than RSM (R2 > 0.92). The optimization results, employing ANN-GA integration, indicate that a concentration of 100 wt.%, time of 86.06 min, pH level of 8.28, and a temperature of 100 °C yield a K/S value of 10.21 for polyamide 6 fabric. Similarly, a concentration of 55.85 wt.%, time of 120 min, pH level of 5, and temperature of 100 °C yield a K/S value of 7.65 for woolen fabric. This proposed methodology not only paves the way for sustainable textile dyeing but also facilitates the optimization of diverse dyeing processes for textile materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on investigating the effects of micro-scale carbon fibers (CF) and nano-scale graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) on the morphological, rheological, mechanical, thermo-mechanical and thermal properties of polyamide 11/poly (lactic acid) (PA11/PLA) blend. A twin-screw extruder and an injection molding machine were utilized to produce the samples. The amount of GNPs was varied up to 5 wt% for a fixed CF fraction of 20 wt%, and the composites were characterized. SEM micrographs of hybrid composites revealed stronger interfacial interactions between the matrix and CF and improved dispersion of GNPs. The pseudo solid-like behavior transition and high modulus detected in the rheological study with the addition of GNP confirmed the strong matrix-filler interactions in hybrid composites. The synergistic effects of multi-scale fillers have been observed in mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties. In comparison to 20CF, hybrid composites' tensile strength and modulus increased by 8%–4.8% and 4.5%–17%, respectively, by adding 0.5–5 wt% GNP. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that the tan δ peak shifted to higher temperatures in low GNP containing hybrid composites, indicating an increase in Tg. Also, differential scanning calorimetry confirmed the Tg increment and synergistic effect of fillers on crystallization. The thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that hybrid composites exhibited enhanced thermal stability. As a consequence, these hybrid composites offer an inventive viewpoint for environmentally friendly composites in the automobile industry thanks to their enhanced mechanical and thermal characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing requirements regarding the safety of using polymers and their composites are related to the emergence of more effective, sustainable, and hazardous-limited fire retardants (FRs). Significant amounts of FRs are usually required to effectively affect a polymer's burning behavior, while the knowledge of their recycling potential is still insufficient. At the same time, concerns are related not only to the reduced effectiveness of flame retardancy but also, above all, to the potential deterioration of mechanical properties caused by the degradation of temperature-affected additives under processing conditions. This study describes the impact of the four-time reprocessing of bio-based polyamide 11 (PA11) modified with an intumescent flame-retardant (IFR) system composed of ammonium polyphosphate (APP), melamine cyanurate (MC), and pentaerythritol (PER) and its composites containing additional short basalt fibers (BFs). Composites manufactured via twin-screw extrusion were subjected to four reprocessing cycles using injection molding. A comprehensive analysis of their structural, mechanical, and fire behavior changes in each cycle was conducted. The obtained results confirmed the safety of using the proposed fire-retarded polyamide and its composites while reprocessing under the recommended process parameters without the risk of significant changes in the structure. The partial increase in flammability of reprocessed PA-based materials caused mainly by polymer degradation has been described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights In this study, the impact of three different principles of surface activation techniques for polyamide fibers on the formation of conductive percolation during the subsequent electroless copper deposition process was investigated. The techniques used are (1) polyamide complexation using a solution mixture of calcium chloride, ethanol and water, (2) atmospheric plasma surface treatment and (3) grafting of 2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate by radical induced polymerization. As a result, the percolation threshold was shifted to lower copper contents. The copper content required to form conductive structures was reduced ranged between 59% and 89%, depending on the activation techniques. Furthermore, the deposition time was reduced by 37%–57%, resulting in a faster build‐up of the percolation on the fabric. Changes in wetting behavior and substrate surface topography were identified to be the main reasons for these observations. While all applied surface activation techniques led to higher copper contents compared to unmodified reference, the atmospheric plasma modification led to the highest copper contents during the deposition process and a more uniform appearance of the metallised layer. Three different fiber surface activation methods are evaluated. Fiber surface activation increases wetting and polymer‐metal adhesion. Activated polymer surface leads to faster copper deposition and percolation. Atmospheric plasma modification is the most efficient technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MP) are one of the most significant pollutants in the marine environment. For the first time along the Alexandria coast from the eastern to the western side, Egypt, the study recorded MP in surface water and sediment (bed, and beach) from five stations covering two seasons in 2020. In addition, the study evaluated the potential ecological risk of MP using the polymer hazard index (PHI) and potential ecological risk index (PERI). Results indicated the fluctuation of MP abundance in water samples (1.3MP/ l). The wet season showed a higher abundance of MP. The MP content of beach sediment (446.9MP/ Kg) was more than that of the bed sediment (170.6MP/ Kg). Most MP particles were fiber-shaped, blue, and transparent, with sizes larger than 1mm. The chemical identification showed that polyamide and rayon were the most common polymers in most samples. The ecological risk indices indicate that Sidi Bishir area is classified as V level of risk, and the bed and beach sediments are subjected to extreme danger of MP pollution. The study recommends a deeper interest in the chemical analysis of polymers and standardizing the sampling and identification methods. Clear management strategies to control MP aquatic pollution with MP should be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid expansion of urban areas and the increasing demand for water resources necessitate substantial investments in technologies that enable the reuse of municipal wastewater for various purposes. Nonetheless, numerous challenges remain, particularly regarding disinfection by-products (DBPs), especially carcinogenic compounds such as N-nitrosamines (NTRs). To tackle the ongoing issues associated with reverse osmosis (RO) membranes, this study investigated the rejection of NTRs across a range of commercially available RO membranes. In addition, the research aimed to improve rejection rates by integrating molecular plugs into the nanopores of the polyamide (PA) layer. Hexylamine (HEX) and hexamethylenediamine (HDMA), both linear chain amines, have proven to be effective as molecular plugs for enhancing the removal of NTRs. Given the environmental and human health concerns associated with linear amines, the study also aimed to assess the feasibility of diamine molecules as potential alternatives. The application of molecular plugs led to changes in pore size distribution (PSD) and effective pore number, resulting in a decrease in membrane permeability (from 5 to 33%), while maintaining levels suitable for RO processes. HEX and HDMA exhibited a positive effect on NTR rejection with ACM1, ACM5 and BW30LE membranes. In particular, NDMA rejection, the smallest molecule of the tested NTRs, with ACM1 was improved by 65.5% and 70.6% after treatment with HEX and HDMA, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyamides can absorb or desorb water from or to their surrounding environment. The impact of this process is significant as water molecules lead locally to a swelling and a coupling of diffusion and deformation behavior. To model these phenomena, a strongly coupled chemo-mechanical (or diffuso-mechanical) model is required, considering both local water concentration and the viscoelastic material behavior of polyamide. In the present work, we derive and apply such a model to polyamide 6. A diffusion equation describing changes in water concentration is coupled to the balance of linear momentum in polyamide 6. The interaction between deformation and concentration is derived from thermodynamic considerations by introducing a free energy consisting of a mechanical and a chemical part. The mechanical part describes a linear viscoelastic model and includes chemical strains due to the presence of water molecules. The chemical part builds upon the theory of Flory and Huggins, that takes into account changes in enthalpy and entropy of mixing due to the interaction of polymer and water molecules. The coupling of deformation to water concentration arises due to a dependency of the water flux on the hydrostatic stress inside the polyamide. We successfully apply the derived model in Finite-Element simulations to predict the drying of polyamide 6 specimens without any coupling to mechanical loads. In addition, we reproduce experimentally obtained data from relaxation measurements, where the drying of polyamide specimens leads to an increase in relaxation modulus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical strength of 2 film structures, machine-direction-oriented polyethylene (MDO-PE) laminated with linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and polyamide (PA) laminated with LLDPE was evaluated. PA/LLDPE films demonstrated superior impact strength (0.834 J/mm²) compared to MDOPE/LLDPE films (0.445 J/mm²). Tensile strength for modified LLDPE (C6) was 40 N/mm², higher than standard LLDPE (C8) at 33 N/mm². The elongation at break for LLDPE reference C8 was 689 %, compared to 682 % for LLDPE sample C6. Film stiffness was measured at 162 MPa for the LLDPE reference C8 and 122 MPa for the LLDPE sample C6. PA films exhibited increased mechanical strength due to their intrinsic polyamide structure, while MDO-PE films benefited from molecular orientation during production. The modified LLDPE or C6 displayed improved impact resistance and tensile strength with reduced stiffness. MDO-PE/LLDPE films are promising for sustainable and robust food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pervasive nature of plastic and the longevity of plastics leaves a legacy of microplastics (MPs) that contaminate our environment, including drinking water sources. Although MPs have been documented in every environmental setting, a paucity of research has focused on the transport and fate of MPs in groundwater. Previous field and laboratory studies have shown that MPs can migrate through aquifer material and are influenced by environmental factors. This study used controlled column experiments to investigate the influence of polymer type (polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester) and particle shape (fragment, fiber, and sphere) on MP retardation and retention. The results showed that all individual MP types investigated were retarded compared to the NaCl tracer, with a retardation factor ranging from 1.53 to 1.75. While hypothesized that presence of multiple types and shapes could change mobility, the results indicate that this hypothesis is not correct for the conditions tested. This study provides new insights into MP transport in groundwater systems based on the characteristics of MP particles. In addition, this study demonstrates the need for further research on types of MPs and under more conditions, especially in the presence of a mixture of types and shapes of MPs to gauge what is occurring in natural systems where many MPs are present together. Article impact statement: Microplastics are retarded approximately the same amount regardless of type or shape tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch utilization system (Sus)D-homologs are well known for their carbohydrate-binding capabilities and are part of the sus operon in microorganisms affiliated with the phylum Bacteroidota. Until now, SusD-like proteins have been characterized regarding their affinity toward natural polymers. In this study, three metagenomic SusD homologs (designated SusD1, SusD38489, and SusD70111) were identified and tested with respect to binding to natural and non-natural polymers. SusD1 and SusD38489 are cellulose-binding modules, while SusD70111 preferentially binds chitin. Employing translational fusion proteins with superfolder GFP (sfGFP), pull-down assays, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) has provided evidence for binding to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and other synthetic polymers. Structural analysis suggested that a Trp triad might be involved in protein adsorption. Mutation of these residues to Ala resulted in an impaired adsorption to microcrystalline cellulose (MC), but not so to PET and other synthetic polymers. We believe that the characterized SusDs, alongside the methods and considerations presented in this work, will aid further research regarding bioremediation of plastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microinjection molding (µIM) is an important technique to fabricate microparts for applications in the fields of automotive and microelectromechanical systems. However, the prevailing high shear conditions in µIM are unfavorable for constructing intact electrically conductive networks because the added fillers tend to be preferentially aligned along the melt flow direction. In this work, a series of polypropylene/polyamide 6/carbon black (PP/PA6/CB) composites with a selective localization of CB in the PA6 phase were used as the model system to prepare electrically conductive microparts. The prevailing high shearing and extensional flow effects in µIM were utilized to deform CBrich phase with an aim to in situ construct electrically conductive network, thereby improving the electrical conductivity (s) of subsequent moldings. The results indicated that a higher s was achieved for PP/PA6/CB microparts when compared with their PP/CB and PA6/CB counterparts, at a lower filler content (<10 wt%). The influence of blending sequence of various components (i.e., PP, PA6, and CB) and annealing treatment on the s of microparts was also studied. This work provided an approach to the design and preparation of electrically conductive microparts that can be potentially used in high-tech sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Furan semi-aromatic polyamides have become a biobased substitute for existing petrochemical semi-aromatic polyamides and received more and more attention. In this study, a series of high-performance biobased furan polyamides with different diamine chain lengths (Poly(butylene furanamide) (PA4F), Poly(pentylene furanamide) (PA5F), Poly(hexamethylene furanamide) (PA6F), Poly(octamethylene furanamide) (PA8F) and Poly(dodecamethylene furanamide) (PA12F)) were successfully prepared; Except for PA4F, other resins could be synthesized by one step bulk polymerization. Meanwhile, the effect of diamine chain length was studied. Except for PA4F they were amorphous which was confirmed by IR, XRD and DSC analysis. PA12F to PA5F had high weight-average molecular weights (Mw) ranging from 34,000 to 65,500 g/mol, number-average molecular weight (Mn) ranging from 6100 to 26,300 g/mol, glass transition temperature (Tg) ranging from 89 to 138 ℃ and temperature of decomposition at 5% mass loss (Td-5%) from 357 to 408 ℃. The Tg of PA4F reached as high as 142 ℃. The tensile strength of PA12F, PA8F and PA5F was obtained for the first time, and reached up to 45, 62 and 84 MPa, respectively. The tensile strength of PA6F was also high at 74 MPa. The α relaxation temperatures of PA12F to PA5F were also high, up to 107, 136, 146 and 158 ℃, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pollution of waste plastic microfragments to the marine ecosystems is an increasingly serious problem. Pyrolysis is widely recognized as a viable technique for the treatment of such plastic waste materials. The pyrolysis behaviors, characteristic parameters, kinetics, thermodynamics, volatiles, and possible chemical reactions during the pyrolysis of micron polyamide waste (the main component of fishing gear abandoned in the marine environment) are studied in inert atmosphere in the present work. The results show that the pyrolysis of micron polyamide may be regarded as a one‐step reaction. The peak and average reaction rates decrease significantly when the heating rate increases. The calculated kinetic parameters can effectively predict the pyrolysis behaviors of micron polyamide. The pyrolysis of micron polyamide is characterized as an endothermic reaction that occurs non‐spontaneously. Furthermore, the information of volatiles was obtained. The volatiles with higher content were –CH2 groups, CO2, and lactam, and the volatiles with smaller content were: –NH groups, NH3, HCN, H2O, CO, and amide derivatives. In addition, an analysis was conducted to explore the potential chemical reactions. Highlights: The pyrolysis of micron polyamide can be considered as a one‐step reaction.The obtained kinetic parameters can well predict the pyrolysis process.Pyrolysis of micron polyamide is a non‐spontaneous and endothermic reaction.Specific volatile products are determined by Fourier transform infrared and mass spectrometry.The chemical reactions that may occur during the pyrolysis have been inferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recycled nylon (RN)‐based biocomposites were fabricated by adding 25% lignin biocarbon. Lignin was pyrolyzed at 300, 600, and 900°C to produce Lig300, Lig600, and Lig900 biocarbon (BioC) samples, respectively. Higher functionality of Lig600 (unlike Lig900) allowed for improved interfacial interaction with the polar nylon matrix. Mechanical properties were further enhanced for RN_Lig600 composite with enhanced flexural and tensile strength by 18% and 8%, respectively, compared to neat polymer (RN). RN_Lig900 composite showed enhancement in tensile and flexural modulus by 32.6% and 51.1%, respectively, compared to RN. Incorporation of Lig900 in RN matrix resulted in 77.9% reduction in burning rate compared to RN. These results show the potential of lignin BioC as a filler in RN composites for flame retardant applications and mechanical enhancement, such as in the automotive industry. Highlights: Effect of pyrolysis temperatures (300, 600, and 900°C) on lignin biomass.Composites prepared from recycled polyamide 6 from carpet waste and biocarbon.Improved interfacial adhesion of 600°C biocarbon with recycled nylon matrix.Enhanced thermal, mechanical properties, reduced flammability of biocomposites.Sustainable biocomposites with 900°C biocarbon reduced burning rate by 78%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diphenolic acid/furfurylamine‐based bio‐benzoxazine (DPA‐fa‐Boz) was selected here as the starting material to prepare a phenol hydroxyl‐containing polyamide (PA) derivative, PA‐DFB, via sustainable benzoxazine‐isocyanide mechanochemistry (BIC‐MC). Further, a type of PA/phosphazene‐based, organic–inorganic covalent hybrid (PD‐HCCP), which comprises various N/P/O‐containing substructures (NP ring, amide, carboxylic acid, and tertiary amine), was successfully prepared by the condensation between PA‐DFB and hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP). The presence of heteroatoms‐containing segments endows PD‐HCCP with specific affinity for some cationic agents. PD‐HCCP's binding capability for Pb(II) can be feasibly utilized for the detection of this heavy metal. The downstream application investigation of PD‐HCCP revealed that it can be used as an enrichment‐type Pb(II) electrochemical probe, characterizing a wide detection range (1–40 μM) and a low detection limit (0.0245 μM). Meanwhile, PD‐HCCP also showed the selective binding for cationic dye, methylene blue (MB), providing a maximum adsorption capacity of ~424.97 mg/g and a high adsorption rate (with 98% removal efficiency at 6 min), with the pseudo‐second‐order rate constant up to 0.0325 g mg−1 min−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the impact of two compatibilizers, ethylene terpolymer (C1) and maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (C2), on the mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties of 30% glass-fiber-reinforced polyketone (PK) and polyketone/polyamide 6 (PK/PA-6) blend composites was investigated. In the case of 30% glass-fiber-reinforced PK composites, the mechanical test results showed that C2 significantly improves the impact resistance (over 48.8%) and elongation at break (over 13.3%) values due to the enhanced compatibility between glass fibers and the PK matrix, attributed to the maleic anhydride functionality. The tensile and flexural properties of the 30% glass-fiber-reinforced PK/PA-6 blend composites were determined to be between the values of pure PK/GF30 and PA-6/GF30 composites, which were its constituent components. Notably, these blend composites displayed higher impact resistance (19.6 kJ/m2) and elongation at break (4.86%) values than the pure PK/GF30 and PA-6/GF30 composites. The SEM images suggested that C2 creates a better interface between glass fibers and the matrix, resulting in a more cohesive structure. Differential scanning calorimeter analysis revealed two distinct glass transition temperatures, indicating the existence of two phases, and reflecting the immiscibility of the two polymers. Tribological studies showed that the friction coefficients and specific wear rates of PK/PA-6/GF30 composites were improved by increasing PK segment. The PK-25/PA6-50/GF30-C2 sample exhibited a friction coefficient of 0.341 μ and a specific wear rate of 1.15 10¯6 mm3/Nm. Overall, the C2 proved to be a more suitable compatibilizer than C1, offering valuable insights for tailoring high-performance materials with enhanced properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]