Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Auburn University, 2006. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographic references.

Montmorillonite reinforced polymers are a new development in the area of nanocomposite materials. Since reinforcement of epoxy is important to the development of high strength adhesives and composite matrices, the introduction of montmorillonite to epoxy is of interest. Compositional effects on epoxy reactivity, on molecular relaxation, and on mechanical properties were investigated. Change in reactivity was determined by Differential Scanning Calorimetry. Tensile properties at room temperature indicated improved modulus and retention of strength of the epoxy matrix but a decreased elongation to failure. Depression of dry nanocomposite glass transition was observed for nanocomposites beyond 5% by weight montmorillonite. Samples that were saturated with water showed lower moduli due to the epoxy matrix. The greatest moisture absorption rate was found at 7%, the least at 3%.

Abstract The reinforcement of concrete with steel fibres changes the failure of the composite material from catastrophic brittle failure to pseudo-ductile behaviour as a result of crack-bridging by the fibres, and the additional work which is absorbed by fibre pull-out. A good understanding of the properties of the fibre-reinforced concrete depends on an understanding of the fibre pull-out process. The main aim of the current study is to investigate, both experimentally and numerically, the pull-out behaviour of a single hooked end steel fibre from epoxy matrix, where epoxy was chosen to replace concrete in order to enable visualisation of the pull-out process. The experimental and numerical results both contribute to the development of a physical understanding of the mechanism of pull-out. Experimental studies included the evaluation of the mechanical properties of hooked end steel fibre and epoxy matrix by means of tensile tests, the manufacturing of pull-out specimens consisting of a single hooked end steel fibre embedded in epoxy matrix, and the experimental characterisation of the fibre pull-out. The significant features (peaks and minima) of the load vs. displacement graph were correlated to stills taken from a video of the pull-out process, in which the plastic deformation of the fibre is evident. Small deformations (spalling) were also observed in the matrix. A model is proposed for the mechanisms which interact during the pull-out process. / Dissertation (MEng)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering / unrestricted

No description available.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-08T17:19:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ROGER HOEL BELLO.pdf: 5998739 bytes, checksum: 0b20c26be8ef42194c531db9839d0937 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-20 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Enhancing the thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of epoxy resin with use of carbon-based nanoparticles there must be a good dispersion in the resin and interfacial interaction with the polymer matrix. Thus, the chemical functionalization incorporates functional groups on their surface which can improve both problems. The silanization has been preferred in the process of functionalization of nanoparticles, succeeding in enhancing the properties of nanocomposites. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of the silanization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes MWCNT and graphene nanoplatelets with organosilane (3-APTES) in the final properties of epoxy nanocomposites. Thus, both nanoparticles were oxidized with a sulfonitric mixture (3:1 by volume) and silanized with the organosilane (3-APTES). To evaluate the effects of the chemical functionalization in thermal, mechanical and electrical properties, nanocomposites containing MWCNT or graphene nanoplatelets at two different concentrations of pristine, oxidized and silanized nanoparticles (0.15 and 0.5% v/v) were prepared by polymerization in situ, without using solvents. The functionalizations were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy techniques. The thermal properties were analyzed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), the mechanical by instrumented nanoindentation and the electrical Impedance Spectroscopy. The XPS technique showed the successfully silanization on the the nanoparticles surface that was studied. Regarding the thermal properties, the addition of pristine and functionalized MWCNT or graphene nanoplatelets did not show significant variations, but increased the mobility of polymer chains in the matrix decreasing the values for the glass transition temperature (Tg) compared to pure resin. Increases in stiffness and ductility of the material were obtained when oxidized graphene nanoplatelets were added in the matrix. When was added 0.15% by volume of oxidized graphene nanoplateletes, the modulus of elasticity increased approximately 83%, whereas 0.50% by volume increased greater than 88% compared to the pure resin. Increasing of ductility was reached increasing volume fraction of 0.15 to 0.50% by volume when those nanoparticles were added into the resin, due to the approximately 10% of decreasing the values of nanohardness. The formation of percolating networks has been achieved only by pristine MWCNT with at a concentration of 0.50% by volume. As for the graphene nanoplatelets were added only when silanized graphene nanoplateletes at a concentration of 0.15% by volume, but for both nanoparticles were observed conductivities on the order of 10-7 S/m for frequencies near 100 Hz. / A alteração de propriedades térmicas, mecânicas e elétricas de uma resina epoxídica após a adição de nanopartículas alotrópicas de carbono depende da concentração, orientação, tipo de partícula, seu estado de dispersão e interação destas com a matriz. A funcionalização química pode auxiliar na melhoria de ambos os problemas, com a incorporação de grupos funcionais na superfície, paredes e pontas das nanopartículas. Assim, a silanização tem sido usada em processos de funcionalização química dos nanoreforços, tendo êxito no auxílio à melhoria das propriedades finais dos nanocompósitos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da silanização com o organosilano 3-APTES em nanotubos de carbono de paredes múltiplas (NTCPM) e nanoplateletes de grafeno nas propriedades finais dos nanocompósitos produzidos com a matriz epoxídica. Para isto, ambas as nanopartículas foram oxidadas com uma mistura sulfonítrica (3:1 em volume) e silanizadas com o organosilano (3-APTES). Para avaliar os efeitos das funcionalizações nas propriedades térmicas, mecânicas e elétricas, nanocompósitos contendo NTCPM ou nanoplateletes de grafeno em duas diferentes concentrações das nanopartículas pristine, oxidadas e silanizadas (0,15 e 0,5% v/v) foram preparados pela técnica de polimerização in situ, sem a utilização de solventes. As nanopartículas funcionalizadas foram caracterizadas pelas técnicas de infravermelho por transformada de Fourier (FTIR), espectroscopia de energia dispersa (EDS), difração de raios-X (DRX), espectroscopia de fotoelétrons por raios-X (XPS) e espectroscopia Raman. As propriedades térmicas foram analisadas por calorimetria diferencial de varredura (DSC), as mecânicas por nanoindentação instrumentada e, as elétricas por espectroscopia de impedância. A técnica de caracterização por XPS comprovou o êxito da silanização na superfície das nanopartículas estudadas. Em relação às propriedades térmicas, a adição de NTCPM ou nanoplateletes de grafeno pristine e funcionalizadas não apresentaram variações significativas, porém aumentaram a mobilidade das cadeias poliméricas da matriz, resultando no decréscimo da temperatura de transição vítrea (Tg) em relação à resina pura. Aumentos na rigidez e ductilidade do nanocompósito foram alcançados quando foram adicionados nanoplateletes de grafeno oxidados na matriz. A adição de 0,15% v/v desta nanopartícula foi observado um aumento de aproximadamente 83% para o módulo de elasticidade, enquanto que 0,50% v/v este aumento foi maior que 88% em relação à resina pura. Foi alcançado aumento da ductilidade com o incremento da fração volumétrica de 0,15 para 0,50% v/v destas nanopartículas, devido ao decréscimo dos valores da nanodureza em aproximadamente 10%. A formação de redes de percolação foi alcançada apenas com a adição de NTCPM pristine para concentração de 0,50% em volume. Enquanto que para os nanoplateletes de grafeno, este fenômeno foi observado apenas quando foram adicionados nanoplateletes de grafeno silanizadas na concentração de 0,15% em volume. Entretanto, para ambas as nanopartículas foram observados valores de condutividade na ordem de 10-7 S/m para frequências próximas a 100Hz.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-08T17:19:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Sara F Da Costa.pdf: 4048373 bytes, checksum: 81bb7b57c2e425cdcfcc5039f74fae1f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-07-27 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The change of mechanical properties of epoxy resins after the addition of nanoparticles (f. ex. graphite oxide) depends on its concentration, state of dispersion and interaction with the polymer matrix. To improve dispersion and avoid agglomeration of the GO nanoplatelets, due to van der Waals interactions, these nanoparticles can be functionalized using organosilanes as coupling agents. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of functionalization of graphite oxide by 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane in the final properties of nanocomposites of epoxy matrix DGEBA with OG and OGS. The functionalized nanoparticles and nanoparticles without functionalization were characterized by spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, CHN elemental analysis and X-ray diffraction. The presence of silicon on the surface of OG was confirmed by analysis of energy dispersive spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy along with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the functionalization GO with GLYMO by rise of new bands assigned to the Si-O-C bond. Images from scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that nanoplatelets OG were clustered and after functionalization with silane the nanoplateletes were exfoliated, indicating larger interaction with the epoxy matrix. The dispersion of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix was also studied by microscopy and spectroscopy techniques where noted that the functionalized nanoparticles were well dispersed. To evaluate the effect of the nanoparticles in the mechanical properties, nanocomposites containing 0.1 ,0.25, 0.5 e 1.0 wt% were prepared by in situ polymerization techniques, with the use of a solvent for better dispersion. It was observed that the addition of GO nanoparticles decrease the modulus of elasticity relative to the epoxy resin, and nanocomposites containing 0.25% and 1.0 wt% presented the highest stress decreases. For nanocomposites with GO nanoparticles silanized (GOS) a linear increase of the modulus of elasticity with the mass fraction and maximum stress higher than the epoxy resin and GO nanocomposites was observed, except OGS 1.0wt%, where the maximum stress is lower than of the epoxy resin, which is explained by the existence of larger agglomerates. Thus, the silanized GO provided a more homogeneous dispersion and larger interaction with the epoxy matrix when compared to the GO. / A alteração das propriedades mecânicas da resina epoxídica após a adição de nanopartículas de óxido de grafite (OG) depende da concentração, de seu estado de dispersão e da interação com a matriz polimérica. O OG pode formar aglomerados na matriz polimérica devido às interações de van der Waals e, para melhorar a dispersão e distribuição do mesmo na matriz polimérica pode ser feita a funcionalização utilizando agentes de acoplamento, como os organosilanos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da funcionalização via silanização do óxido de grafite pelo organosilano 3-glicidoxipropiltrimetoxisilano nas propriedades finais de nanocompósitos de matriz epoxídica DGEBA com OG e OGS. As nanopartículas com e sem funcionalização foram caracterizadas por técnicas de espectroscopia e microscopia, análise elementar CHN e difração de raios-X. A presença de silício na superfície do OG foi confirmada pela análise de espectroscopia de energia dispersiva e a análise de espectroscopia de infravermelho por transformada de Fourier juntamente com a análise de espectroscopia de fotoelétrons por raios-X confirmou a funcionalização do OG com o GLYMO através do surgimento de novas bandas atribuídas à ligação Si-O-C. As imagens de microscopia eletrônica de varredura de efeito de campo e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão mostraram que nanoplateletes de OG se apresentavam mais empacotados e após a funcionalização com o silano os nanoplateletes estavam esfoliados, indicando maior interação com a matriz epoxídica. A dispersão das nanopartículas na matriz polimérica foi também estudada por técnicas de microscopia e espectroscopia onde se observou que as nanopartículas funcionalizadas estavam mais bem dispersas. Para avaliar o efeito das nanopartículas com e sem funcionalização nas propriedades mecânicas, nanocompósitos contendo 0,1; 0,25; 0,5 e 1,0% (m/m) de nanopartículas foram preparados pelas técnicas de polimerização in situ , com a utilização de solvente para melhorar a dispersão. Foi observado que a adição das nanopartículas de OG diminuiu o módulo de elasticidade e a tensão máxima à tração em relação à resina epoxídica, e que nanocompósitos contendo 0,25% e 1,0% apresentaram as maiores diminuições de tensão. Para os nanocompósitos com as nanopartículas de óxido de grafite silanizado foi observado um aumento linear no módulo de elasticidade com o aumento da porcentagem mássica e apresentaram tensão máxima maior que da resina e dos nanocompósitos com OG, com exceção da porcentagem mássica de OGS 1,0%, onde a tensão máxima foi menor do que a tensão da resina epóxi, o que é explicado pela existência de aglomerados maiores. Assim, o OG silanizado proporcionou uma dispersão mais homogênea e assim, maior interação com a matriz epoxídica quando comparado ao OG.

[pt] Corrosão é um fenômeno natural que afeta basicamente todo tipo de material, consome bilhões de dólares anualmente em todo o mundo e pode ter resultados catastróficos. Revestimentos são a técnica de prevenção de corrosão mais utilizada de todas. Nesse sentido, resinas epóxi são amplamente utilizadas em todos os setores da indústria. Apesar de serem polímeros de alta performance, resinas epóxi apresentam problemas, como a necessidade do uso de endurecedores normalmente tóxicos e longos tempos de cura. Benzoxazinas são uma classe emergente de monômeros termofixos de alta performance e auto-cura. Enquanto monômeros mono- e bifuncionais são tipicamente explorados, benzoxazinas de funcionalidade mais alta e sintetizados em procedimento sem solvente e purificados por solventes mais seguros, são um caminho mais desejável em direção à síntese de PBZ para aplicações de alta performance. Nesse trabalho nós descrevemos uma abordagem sustentável para a síntese de benzoxazina trifuncional a partir de melamina, fenol e paraformaldeído. A estrutura química do monômero sintetizado foi confirmada por análises espectroscópicas, enquanto o processo de polimerização foi monitorado por análise calorimétrica. O monômero de benzoxazina foi, então, copolimerizado com uma resina epóxi bifuncional comercial. Nós investimgamos o efeito sinergístico no aumento das propriedades térmicas por meio de DSC e TGA. Resultados revelaram temperatura de transição vítrea de até 268 Graus C. Alta estabilidade térmica também foi obtida, com início de degradação próximo a 400 Graus C e rendimento residual de 22 wt (porcentagem) a 800 Graus C. Posteriormente, o copolímero foi combinado com sílica para produzir revestimentos anti-corrosão. Resultados revelaram superfícies superhidrofóbicas com ótimas resistência a risco e adesão ao substrato de aço. Teste eletroquímico provou alta efetividade dos revestimentos como barreira anti-corrosão, com performance aumentada pela incorporação de sílica. / [en] Corrosion is a natural phenomenon that affects virtually every material, consumes billions of dollars annually worldwide and may result in catastrophic events. Coating is the most utilized technique to prevent corrosion. In this sense, epoxies are widely applied in all sectors of industry. Despite being high performance polymers, epoxies present issues, such as the use of toxic crosslinkers and long curing time. Benzoxazines are an emerging class of high performance self-curing thermosets. While typical monomers are based on mono- and difunctional derivatives, higher functional benzoxazines, prepared without using solvents, but purified with nontoxic solvents, are more desirable towards a greener synthesis of PBZ for high performance applications. Herein, we describe an environment-friendly approach to synthesizing a trifunctional benzoxazine from melamine, phenol, and paraformaldehyde. The chemical structure of the synthesized benzoxazine was confirmed by spectroscopic analyses, while the polymerization was monitored by thermal analysis. The synthesized benzoxazine monomer is, then, copolymerized with a commercial difunctional epoxy resin. We investigate the synergistic effect on improved thermal properties using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Results showed that a glass transition temperature of up to 268 Degrees C was obtained. A higher thermal stability was also achieved with an onset degradation of nearly 400 Degrees C and char yield of 22 wt (percentage) at 800 degrees C. Later, the copolymer was combined with silica to produce anticorrosion coatings. Results revealed superhydrophobic surfaces with great scratch resistance and adhesion to steel substrate. Electrochemical test proved high effectiveness of the coatings as anti-corrosion barrier, with increasing performance with the incorporation of silica.

A travers cette thèse, nous avons pu valoriser les rejets agricoles du palmier dattier (Phoenix L. dactylifera) (fibres issues des folioles) par leur introduction comme renfort fibreux dans la préparation des biocomposites à matrice polyépoxyde (DGEBA/IPD). Le but de la première partie de la thèse était l’étude de la modification chimique des fibres de palmier par oxydation au 2,2, 6,6–tétraméthylpipéridine-1-oxyle (TEMPO). Le suivi cinétique et la topologie de la réaction, ainsi que la caractérisation des fibres à l’état brut et à l’état oxydé, ont été aussi étudiés. Un modèle cinétique original a été proposé ensuite rendant compte du caractère hétérogène de cette réaction chimique. La deuxième partie était consacrée à l’étude cinétique et rhéocinétique de la polymérisation du système DGEBA/IPD seul et en présence de fibres brutes et oxydées. Parallèlement, l’étude thermique de la polymérisation du réseau final a été également réalisée. La dernière partie avait comme but l’étude des propriétés mécaniques aux petites et grandes déformations de ces composites et mettre en évidence l’effet de l’oxydation des fibres sur ces propriétés. D’autre part, le suivi de mise en forme par RTM (moulage par transfert de résine) a montré un effet positif de l’oxydation sur le déroulement de l’injection. Une meilleure mouillabilité du mat des fibres oxydées par la résine est à l’origine de l’amélioration du procédé. / To increase in value the agricultural waste products of the date palm tree -phoenix dactylifera l-, especially the fibers from the leaflets, their use as filler in polyepoxide matrix (dgeba / ipd) was investigated to prepare new bio-based composites. Our goal in the first part is to study the chemical modification of palm fiber by oxidation mediated by 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (tempo). The kinetic and the topology of the reaction, as well as the characterization of fibres in rough and oxidized state, were also studied. An original kinetic model was proposed taking into account the heterogeneous character of this chemical reaction. The second part was devoted to study the kinetics and rheokinetic of the polymerization of dgeba / ipd with and without modified and unmodified fibers. This enabled to show the effect of the introduction of the date palm tree fibers (oxidized and non oxidized) on the composite formation. The thermal properties of the prepared composites were also investigated in this part of work. In the last part of this work, the mechanical properties of these composites were investigated and enabled to highlight the effect of the fibers oxidation on these properties. In addition, the effect of oxidation on the course of the injection during the rtm process (moulding by transfer of resin) was investigated. A positive effect of the oxidation of the fibers on the course of the injection was obtained and was attributed to the higher wettability of oxidized fibres by the resin.

Les tapis de nanotubes de carbone verticalement alignés sont des candidats potentiels pour des applications telles que les interconnexions ou les matériaux d'interface thermique. Ce travail de recherche porte sur la synthèse de tapis de nanotubes de carbone alignés selon le procédé de dépôt chimique en phase vapeur (CVD) d'aérosols liquides, sur l'élaboration de nanocomposites constitués de différentes nuances de matrices époxy infiltrées au sein de ces tapis, ainsi que sur l'étude des propriétés mécaniques et thermiques longitudinales et transverses des tapis secs eux-mêmes et des nanocomposites 1D formés. Les conditions de synthèse permettent notamment de faire varier les caractéristiques des tapis telles que leur épaisseur, leur masse volumique, le diamètre externe moyen des nanotubes de carbone (NTC), l'espace intertube et la teneur volumique en NTC, alors que leur structure cristalline peut être modifiée par le biais d'un traitement thermique à haute température. L'objectif principal de ce travail consiste à démontrer et quantifier l'effet de certaines caractéristiques des tapis de nanotubes de carbone sur les propriétés mécaniques et thermiques des différents types de tapis et matériaux composites obtenus. Les deux méthodes d'imprégnation mises en oeuvre, voie liquide et infusion, conduisent à des tapis de NTC alignés denses avec un alignement des NTC conservé et une répartition homogène des NTC au sein du système époxy. La fraction volumique en NTC s'avère être le paramètre-clé permettant d'exacerber, dans la direction longitudinale aux NTC, les propriétés mécaniques et thermiques des nanocomposites. Par ailleurs, les tapis de NTC et les nanocomposites voient leurs propriétés de conduction thermique longitudinale nettement exacerbées lorsque les NTC présentent une amélioration de leur structure cristalline. L'augmentation significative des performances apportées par les tapis de NTC verticalement alignés au sein de ces matériaux nanocomposites anisotropes par rapport aux matrices organiques non chargées est prometteuse et ouvre des pistes de réflexion visant à répondre aux nouvelles exigences de multifonctionnalité des secteurs de l'aéronautique et de l'aérospatial. / Vertically aligned carbon nanotube carpets are potential candidates for applications such as interconnections or thermal interface materials (TIMs). This research work deals with the synthesis of aligned carbon nanotube carpets from the aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition (CVD) technique, with the elaboration of nanocomposites made of different grades of epoxy matrix infiltrated within these carpets, as well as the study of both longitudinal and transverse mechanical and thermal properties of dry carpets themselves and 1D-nanocomposites separately. The synthesis conditions notably enable to vary characteristics of the differents carpets such as their thickness, their density, the mean external diameter of the carbon nanotubes (CNT), the intertube space and the CNT volume fraction, whereas their crystalline structure can be modified with a high temperature thermal treatment. The main goal of this work is to prove and quantify the effect of some of the characteristics of the carbon nanotubes carpets on both mechanical and thermal properties of the different kinds of CNT carpets and resulting composite materials. The two impregnation methods used, liquid way and infusion, lead to dense CNT carpets with a preserved alignment of the CNT and an homogeneous distribution of these latest within the epoxy system. The CNT volume content is evidenced as the key-parameter exacerbating the mechanical and thermal properties mainly in the longitudinal direction compared with the alignment axis of the CNTs. Moreover the mechanical and thermal conduction properties of the CNT carpets and the 1D-nanocomposites are clearly increased when the crystalline structure of the CNT is improved. The significant increasing of the properties brought by the vertically aligned CNT within these anisotropic 1D-nanocomposites compared with the only organic matrixes is promising and opens new pathways aiming to meet the latest specifications related to multifunctionnality in fields such as aeronautics and aerospace.

Les structures aéronautiques font de plus en plus appel aux matériaux composites pour alléger les structures dans le but d’améliorer leurs performances et de limiter la consommation de carburant. Les composites à matrice organiques représentent aujourd’hui plus de 50% de la structure des avions civils de dernière génération (A350 et B787). Les matériaux utilisés sont essentiellement des composites à matrice époxy avec des températures d’utilisation en service continu pour de longues durées ne dépassant pas 110°C. Continuer à augmenter cette part de matériaux composites passe par leur introduction dans des zones plus chaudes, proches des réacteurs ou des turbines. Les matériaux composites à matrice bismaléimides sont compatibles avec des températures d’application d’au moins 200°C, mais sont très sensibles aux impacts et présentent une fragilité beaucoup trop importante pour des pièces de structure. Les composites à matrice époxy ont fait l’objet de développements pour améliorer ces propriétés, en incorporant dans les formulations des thermoplastiques solubles et insolubles qui ont pour effet de freiner la propagation des délaminages induits par des impacts. En s’inspirant des méthodologies et des connaissances acquises sur les formulations époxys, l’objectif de ces travaux est de développer des systèmes réactifs de type bismaléimide à propriétés optimisées et d’identifier les paramètres clé pour y parvenir. / Aeronautics use more and more composite materials to reduce structures weight, in order to improve performance and to limit fuel consumption. Polymer matrix composite materials represent today more than 50% of last generation civil aircrafts structure (A350, B787). Most of thermoset matrices are epoxies with service temperatures below 110°C for long time services. To further optimize the composite part ratio, it is now necessary to use those materials in structural parts exposed to higher temperatures, for instance, near engines. Among high performance thermoset matrices, bismaleimides offer potential in service temperature up to at least 200°C, but their brittleness makes them non-suitable for structural applications. Epoxy-based composite materials have gone through improvements, increasing their toughness by mixing with soluble and non-soluble thermoplastics to hold in delamination crack propagation. Starting with methods and knowledge from epoxies toughening strategies, this work is dedicated to develop toughened bismaleimide systems and to identify relevant parameters to reach this aim.