No description available.

No description available.

In this study, the effect of compatibilizers on the gas separation performance of polycarbonate (PC) membranes was investigated. Membranes were prepared by solvent evaporation method. They were characterized by single gas permeability measurements of O2, N2, H2 and CO2 as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). Membranes containing 0.5 to 10 w% p-nitroaniline (pNA) were prepared to study the effect of compatibilizer concentration on the membrane performance. Permeabilities of all gases decreased but selectivities increased with pNA concentration. The membranes with 5 w% pNA showed a selectivity of 114.5 for H2 over N2, 53.9 for CO2 over N2 and 13.4 for O2 over N2 at room temperature, whereas, the H2/N2, CO2/N2 and O2/N2 selectivities for pure PC membranes were 43.5, 20.6 and 5.6, respectively. The N2 permeabilities through pure PC membrane and 5 w% pNA/PC membrane were 0.265 and 0.064 barrer, respectively. The glass transition temperature of the membranes decreased with increasing pNA concentration. FTIR spectra showed that the peaks assigned to nitro and amine groups of pNA shifted and/or broadened. The DSC and FTIR results suggested an interaction between PC and pNA. The effect of type of compatibilizer was also studied. The compatibilizers were 4-amino 3-nitro phenol (ANP), Catechol and 2-hydroxy 5-methyl aniline (HMA). Similar to membranes prepared with pNA, membranes prepared with these compatibilizers had a lower permeability and glass transition temperature but higher selectivity than pure PC membranes. Their FTIR spectra were also indicated a possible interaction between PC and compatibilizer. In conclusion, PC/compatibilizer blend membranes for successful gas separation were prepared. Low molecular weight compounds with multifunctional groups were found to effect membrane properties at low concentration range, 0.5-5 w%.

The aim of this study was to improve the mechanical properties &ldquo / Moplen&rdquo / EP300L which is a heterophase copolymer. Polymer blends and nanocomposites were prepared by melt compounding method in a twin screw extruder. Nanofil&reg / 5 (N5) and Nanofil&reg / 8(N8) were used as the organoclays, and maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (M) was used as the compatibilizer. The effects of additive concentrations and types of organoclays on the morphology, mechanical and thermal properties were investigated. Organoclay loading over 2 wt% prevented the intercalation mechanism resulting in large aggregates of clay, thus the material properties became poor even in the presence of compatibilizer. Compatibilizer addition improved the intercalation ability of the polymer, however a substantial increase in mechanical properties was not obtained up to 6 wt % loading of the compatibilizer. XRD analysis revealed that intercalated structures were formed with the addition of compatibilizer and organoclay. The nanocomposites that were prepared with N5 type organoclay showed delaminated structures at 6 wt % compatibilizer loading. v Nanofill &reg / 5 exhibited the highest improvements in mechanical properties, since the degree of organoclay dispersion was better in Nanofill &reg / 5 containing nanocomposites in comparison to Nanofill &reg / 8 containing ones. The DSC analysis indicated a insignificant reduction in the melting temperature of the ternary nanocomposites.

No description available.

Résumé: Le développement de l’industrie des polymères fourni de plus en plus de choix pour la formulation de matériaux pour les couvre-planchers. Les caoutchoucs, le PVC et le linoleum sont les polymères habituellement utilisés dans l’industrie des couvre-planchers. Ce projet répond à un problème de facilité de nettoyage des couvre-planchers de caoutchouc qui sont reconnus pour être mous, collants et ayant une surface rugueuse. L’INTRODUCTION couvrira l’état actuel de la recherche sur les couvre-planchers, surtout en regard au problème de la «nettoyabilité». La théorie pertinente et les informations générales sur les polymères, les composites polymériques et la science des surfaces seront introduites au CHAPITRE 1. Ensuite, le CHAPITRE 2 couvrira la méthode utilisée pour déterminer la nettoyabilité, l’évaluation des résultats ainsi que l’équipement utilise. Le CHAPITRE 3, discutera des premières expériences sur l’effet de la mouillabilité, la rugosité et la dureté sur la facilité de nettoyage des polymères purs. Plusieurs polymères ayant des surfaces plus ou moins hydrophobes seront investigués afin d’observer leur effet sur la nettoyabilité. L’effet de la rugosité sur la nettoyabilité sera investigué en imprimant une rugosité définie lors du moulage des échantillons; l’influence de la dureté sera également étudiée. Ensuite, un modèle de salissage/nettoyage sera établi à partir de nos résultats et observations afin de rationaliser les facteurs, ou « règles », qui détrminent la facilité de nettoyage des surfaces. Finalement, la réticulation au peroxyde sera étudiée comme une méthode de modification des polymères dans le but d’améliorer leur nettoyabilité; un mécanisme découlant des résultats de ces études sera présenté. Le CHAPITRE 4 étendra cette recherche aux mélanges de polymères; ces derniers servent habituellement à optimiser la performance des polymères purs. Dans ce chapitre, les mêmes tests discutés dans le CHAPITRE 3 seront utilisés pour vérifier le modèle de nettoyabilité établi ci-haut. De plus, l’influence de la non-miscibilité des mélanges de polymères sera discutée du point de vue de la thermodynamique (DSC) et de la morphologie (MEB). L’utilisation de la réticulation par peroxyde sera étudié dans les mélanges EPDM/ (E-ran-MAA(Zn)-ran-BuMA) afin d’améliorer la compatibilité de ces polymères. Les effets du dosage en agent de réticulation et du temps de cuisson seront également examinés. Finalement, un compatibilisant pré-réticulé a été développé pour les mélanges ternaires EPDM/ (E-ran-MAA(Zn)-ran-BuMA)/ HSR; son effet sur la nettoyabilité et sur la morphologie du mélange sera exposé. / Abstract: The development of industrial polymers provides more choices to the design of flooring materials. Rubbers, PVC and linoeleum are the most used polymers in the flooring industry. This project stems from the problem of cleanability (ease of cleaning) of the surface of rubber tile flooring which is known as a soft, sticky and rough surface. In the introduction, the current situation of research on the polymer flooring industry, especially the study on the cleaning problem will be introduced. The relevant theory and general information on polymers, polymer composites and surface science will be introduced in CHAPTER 1. In CHAPTER 2 different approaches, protocols and equipment to evaluate cleanability will be presented. The initial experiments and results (CHAPTER 3) will involve various fundamental concepts on surface wettability, roughness and hardness, as these properties can all influence the surface soiling and cleanability. In single-polymer systems, dozens of polymer materials with a hydrophobic or hydrophilic surface were investigated to observe their soiling and cleaning properties. The effect of roughness was also studied by surface printing method which is used to control the surface topography. Likewise, the influence of surface hardness on cleanability was also investigated with different polymer materials. From the above results and observations, a surface soiling/cleaning model is proposed in attempt to simplify the ― rules ‖ which determine the surface cleanability. Finally, peroxide crosslinking was investigated as a matrix modification method to improve the surface cleanability. The second part of the experiments and results (CHAPTER 4) extends to investigations of polymer blends, in attempt to optimize the performance of single-polymer materials. In this chapter, the surface cleaning model and its relevant rules are examined by the wettability, roughness and hardness tests discussed in CHAPTER 3. The influence of immiscibility on cleaning performance will be discussed in polymer blends from the point of view of thermodynamics (DSC) and morphology (SEM). In order to improve the compatibility in polymer blends, peroxide crosslinking was performed in EPDM/ (E-ran-MAA(Zn)-ran-BuMA) blends. The dosage of curing (cross-linking) agent and curing time were investigated to observe the influence of these experimental conditions on cleanability. Finally, a blend compatibilizer was designed to improve the compatibility of the EPDM/ (E-ran-MAA(Zn)-ran-BuMA)/HSR blends.The compatibilizer prepared by partial pre-crosslinking of EPDM (Nordel) and E-ran-MAA(Zn)-ran-BuMA (Surlyn) was incorpo rated in polymer composites and its influence on cleanability was studied and explained on the basis of changes in morphology of the blend polymer matrix.

A reciclagem de resíduos sólidos tem se tornado cada vez mais relevante devido a alguns fatores como os impactos ambientais ocasionados com o seu descarte inadequado, ao rigor crescente de legislação específica e ao custo elevado para o gerenciamento apropriado destes resíduos. Na área de materiais poliméricos, os resíduos poliméricos podem ser de origem pósconsumo ou pós-industrial. Alguns rejeitos industriais poliméricos possuem características estruturais ou químicas que impossibilitam o seu reaproveitamento direto no processo que o gerou, como é o caso filmes multicamadas de polietileno de baixa densidade (PEBD) com poliamida 6 (PA6), usados para a produção de embalagens. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo central o reaproveitamento de rejeitos de filmes multicamadas de PEBD com PA6 na forma de blendas recicladas destes polímeros, fazendo uso de agente compatibilizante e variação na composição das blendas com a incorporação de PA6 virgem, a fim de produzir materiais com propriedades adequadas e custo compatível para a aplicação comercial. O desenvolvimento experimental foi dividido em três etapas que consistiram na avaliação do teor mais adequado de agente compatibilizante de fases da blenda (etapa 1), na determinação do comportamento das propriedades das blendas não compatibilizadas em diferentes composições de rejeito do filme multicamada e PA6 virgem (etapa 2) e na associação do uso de compatibilizante com variação das composições das blendas (etapa 3). A partir da execução experimental das atividades das etapas 1 e 2 do trabalho foi possível determinar que o teor de 2,5% do agente compatibilizante polietileno grafitizado com anidrido maleico (PEg- AM) é o mais adequado para compatibilizar as blendas poliméricas e que a maioria das suas propriedades das blendas apresentam um comportamento próximo ao aditivo linear, que leva em consideração somente as propriedades iniciais dos componentes poliméricos PEBD e PA6 isolados. Os diversos materiais gerados no desenvolvimento desta pesquisa apresentam desempenho de propriedades e custo de produção variáveis em função do teor de PA6 nas blendas, que podem viabilizar o uso deste material reciclado em aplicações comerciais específicas. / Recycling of solid waste has been an important issue due to some factors such as environmental damage caused by inappropriate discards, increasing rigor of specific legislation and high cost to the appropriate management of these waste. Polymeric waste can be originated from post-consume or post-industrial sources. Some polymeric waste have chemical or structural characteristics that difficult their direct reuse in the same productive process such as multilayer film of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyamide 6 (PA6), which are used for packing. The aim of this work has been the study the mechanical recycling of multilayer films of PEBD and PA6 as PEBD/PA6 blends with adequate properties and compatible cost for commercial applications. The experimental development has been performed in 3 steps, which correspond to evaluation of more adequate content of compatibilizer agent for interface of blends (step 1), determination of behavior of the properties of blends without compatibilizer agent on different compositions of waste form multilayer films (step 2) and production of blends with compatibilizer agent graphitized polyethylene with maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) (step 3). Has been verified that the content of 2.5% of PE-g-MA is more adequate to be used in the compatibilization of recycled PEBD/PA blends and that the performance of the blends dependents of the content of PA6 in the material. The recycled materials have potential for commercial applications.

A adição de fibras de sílica em compósitos de polipropileno (PP) foi investigada neste trabalho como uma proposta de desenvolvimento de novos materiais utilizados pela indústria automotiva, os quais permitam a redução de peso do veículo e a consequente economia de combustível. As fibras são leves, constituídas de sílica amorfa e tratadas com aminossilano para uma melhor interação com a matriz polimérica. Compósitos de PP homopolímero, bem como de compósitos de PP heterofásico modificados com o copolímero etileno e 1-octeno (POE), foram formulados utilizando-se 20% de fibras de sílica e com PP funcionalizado com anidrido maleico (PP-g-MAH) como compatibilizante. As amostras foram avaliadas quanto às propriedades mecânicas, térmicas, características morfológicas, anisotropia e quanto a requisitos específicos, como emissões de voláteis, odor e resistência a riscos. O compósito de PP homopolímero na presença de 2% de PP-g- MAH apresentou o melhor balanço de propriedades, porém com comprometimento quanto à tenacidade. A análise morfológica desta formulação indicou a presença de fibras descoladas, demonstrando que o tratamento das fibras com o aminossilano, não foi totalmente efetivo para a redução das tensões interfaciais. Os compósitos de PP heterofásico modificados com POE (5% em peso) e com fibras de sílica apresentaram boa dispersão, forma e tamanho de domínios elastoméricos, os quais promoveram um bom efeito de tenacificação. O copolímero POE atuou como um agente compatibilizante, melhorando a adesão fibra-polímero. Por outro lado, estes compósitos apresentaram um grande número de partículas de borracha descoladas da matriz por cavitação, sugerindo que a adesão entre as fases pode ser melhorada, apesar da afinidade química da blenda PP/POE. De uma forma geral, as fibras curtas de sílica constituem uma alternativa potencial para o reforço de compósitos de PP. Além de menor densidade, os compósitos estudados apresentaram bons resultados quando comparados a formulações com o emprego de talco, o qual é muito empregado em peças automotivas. / The addition of silica fibers in polypropylene (PP) composites was investigated on this work as a proposal to develop new materials used in automotive industry, in order to enable the reduction of vehicle weight and the resulting fuel economy. The fibers are lightweight, made of amorphous silica and treated with amine silane for better interaction with the polymer matrix. Composites of PP homopolymer and PP heterophasic composites modified with ethylene and 1-octene (POE) were formulated using 20% of silica fibers as reinforcement and PP functionalized with maleic anhydride (PP-g-MAH) as compatibilizer agent. The samples were evaluated for mechanical, thermal, morphological, anisotropy, as well as specific requirements such as emissions of volatiles, odor and scratch resistant. The composite of PP homopolymer in the presence of 2% of PP-g-MAH showed the best balance of properties, however the tenacity was impaired. The morphological analysis of this formulation indicated the presence of detached fibers, demonstrating that treatment of fibers with the amine silane was not totally effective in reducing the interfacial tensions. Heterophasic PP composites modified with POE (5 wt%) and silica fibers presented good dispersion, shape and size of elastomeric domains, promoting a good toughening effect. The POE copolymer acted as a coupling agent, enhancing the adhesion fiber-polymer. On the other hand, these composites showed a large number of rubber particles detached from the matrix by cavitation, suggesting that the adhesion between the phases can be improved, despite the chemical affinity of the blend PP/POE. In general, short silica fibers are a potential alternative for polypropylene composites reinforcement. In addition to lower density, the studied composites demonstrated good results when compared to formulations with the use of talc, which is very used in automotive parts.

Poli(p-fenileno de tereftalamida) (PPTA), usualmente chamado de aramida, é uma fibra polimérica de baixa densidade que possui alta rigidez e resistência à tração, assim como excelente estabilidade térmica e química. Essa fibra é utilizada como reforço em materiais compósitos utilizados nas indústrias aeroespacial e automobilística, em artefatos de proteção balística e de proteção ao corte. No entanto, sua aplicação como reforço em materiais compósitos está limitada por sua baixa afinidade interfacial com matrizes poliméricas, devido a sua superfície lisa e relativamente inerte. Para superar esta desvantagem, diversos tratamentos foram desenvolvidos para modificar a superfície da aramida. Contudo, realizar essa modificação sem diminuir a resistência mecânica da fibra é um grande desafio, assim como desenvolver um método industrialmente viável. Líquidos iônicos (LI) apresentam-se como uma alternativa promissora para a compatibilização da aramida com matrizes poliméricas, devido à possibilidade de ajuste de suas propriedades com a escolha de ânions e cátions específicos. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste estudo é investigar a influência de diferentes LI nas propriedades adesivas entre Kevlar e uma resina epoxídica. Para tanto, as fibras foram submetidas a soluções de etanol e LI imidazólicos (cloreto de 1-n-butil-3-metilimidazólio, cloreto de 1-carboximetil-3-metilimidazólio, metanossulfonato de 1-trietilenoglicol monometil éter-3-metilimidazólio e metanossulfonato de 1-n-butil-3-metilimidazólio) e analisadas por espectroscopia do infravermelho, análise termogravimétrica e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. A resistência mecânica das fibras foi investigada por teste de tração e a interface foi caracterizada em termos de molhabilidade e adesão pelos testes de ângulo de contato e pull-out. Os resultados mostraram um aumento na molhabilidade e na adesão nas fibras tratadas com cloreto de 1- n-butil-3-metilimidazólico, metanossulfonato de 1-trietilenoglicol monometil éter-3- metilimidazólio e metanossulfonato de 1-n-butil-3-metilimidazólio. Dois compósitos laminados foram fabricados com os tecidos comercial e tratado com metanossulfonato de 1- trietilenoglicol monometil éter-3-metilimidazólio. Suas propriedades mecânicas foram aferidas por ensaios de tração e short beam. O compósito feito com o tecido tratado apresentou maior resistência mecânica, módulo e tensão de cisalhamento interlaminar. / Poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA), known as aramid, is a low density polymeric fiber that has high rigidity and exceptional tensile strength, as well as excellent thermal and chemical stability. It is used as reinforcement in composite materials in the aerospace and automobile industry and in ballistic and stab-resistant articles. However, its inferior interfacial affinity towards polymeric matrices due to its smooth surface hampers its use in composite materials, preventing full achievement of its potential as reinforcement. To overcome this drawback, various treatments have been applied to modify the aramid surface. Nevertheless it is a great challenge to introduce this modification without diminishing the fiber mechanical properties and to develop an industrially feasible process. Ionic liquids (IL) might be an alternative as compatibilizer in polymeric matrices reinforced with aramid fibers because of their unique set of physical-chemical properties that can be finely tuned by their chemical structures. Hence, the objective of this study is to investigate the influence of different IL on the adhesive properties between Kevlar and epoxy resin. Kevlar fibers were submitted to solutions of ethanol and imidazolium IL (1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, 1- carboxymethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, 1-n-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, 1- triethyleneglycol monomethyl ether-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate and 1-n-butyl-3- methylimidazolium methanesulfonate) and then analyzed by infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical strength of the fibers was analyzed by tensile strength tests and the interface was characterized by contact angle measurements and pull-out tests. There was an increase in wettability and adhesion of the fibers treated with 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, 1-triethyleneglycol monomethyl ether-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate and 1-n-butyl-3- methylimidazolium methanesulfonate. Two laminated composites were manufactured with commercial and 1-triethyleneglycol monomethyl ether-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate treated fabrics and their mechanical properties were measured with tensile strength and short beam test. The composite made with treated fabrics presented higher mechanical resistance, modulus and interfacial shear strength.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of compatibilizers, fumed silica and mixing order of components on morphological, thermal, mechanical and flow properties of LDPE/Fumed silica nanocomposites. As compatibilizer(Co) / ethylene/n-butyl acrylate/maleic anhydride (E-nBA-MAH), ethylene/glycidyl methacrylate (E-GMA) and ethylene/methyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate (E-MA-GMA) Lotader&reg / resins / as silica Cab-o-sil&reg / M5 fumed silica were used. All samples were prepared by means of a lab scale co-rotating twin screw extruder and injection molded into standard samples. In the first step, individual effects of filler and compatibilizers were studied in binary systems with LDPE. Then, keeping the amount of compatibilizer constant at 5%, ternary nanocomposites were prepared by adding 2 or 5% of fumed silica using different component mixing orders. Among investigated mixing orders, mechanical test results showed that the best sequences of component addition are FO1 [(LDPE+Co)+M5] and FO2 [(LDPE+M5)+Co] mixing orders. Considering the compatibilizers, E-nBA-MAH terpolymer showed the highest performance in improving the mechanical properties, E-GMA copolymer also gave satisfactory results. According to the DSC analysis, since addition of fumed silica and compatibilizer does not influence the crystallization behavior of the compositions, it is concluded that, neither fumed silica nor any of the compatibilizers have nucleation activity on LDPE. MFI test results showed that, addition of fumed silica increases the melt viscosity, decreasing MFI values of samples. This change seems to be directly proportional to fumed silica amount.