Orientador: Prof. Dr. Wendel Andrade Alves / Coorientadora: Dra. Irina Marinho Factori / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Federal do ABC, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nanociências e Materiais Avançados, Santo André, 2018. / A técnica de eletrofiação é um método versátil para fabricar polímeros em fibras contínuas com diâmetros que variam alguns nanômetros. A alta razão superfície/volume, as dimensões nanométricas, que possibilitam obter ótimo desempenho com pouca quantidade de nanomaterial, e a alta porosidade, tornam as nanofibras eletrofiadas sistemas muito atraentes para aplicações como filtração, engenharia de tecidos, fabricação de roupas de proteção, esteiras têxteis não tecidas, feixes fibrosos orientados, até andaimes estruturados tridimensionais. Nos últimos anos, muitas estratégias sintéticas foram desenvolvidas para obter nanomateriais poliméricos unidimensionais (1D). Em particular, a poliamida 6 foi extensivamente investigada devido às suas boas propriedades mecânicas e físicas. Além disso, as suas propriedades funcionais podem ser moduladas pela adição de polieletrólitos como a quitosana. A quitosana é um polissacarídeo com excelente biocompatibilidade e admirável biodegradabilidade com atividades biológicas versáteis, como atividade antimicrobiana, baixa imunogenicidade e baixa toxicidade. Neste trabalho, é apresentada a proposta de um material, preparado por eletrofiação, composto por poliamida 6 (PA6) e quitosana (Q) de baixa massa molar. O material foi avaliado à temperatura ambiente nas proporções 100/0; 90/10; 80/20; 70/30 e 60/40 de PA6/Q. Devido às suas características intrínsecas, essas nanofibras poliméricas são atrativas para aplicações biomédicas e biotecnológicas, tais como nanocompósitos, implantes médicos e biossensores. As propriedades morfológicas e estruturais das nanofibras foram investigadas por técnicas de análise térmica (DSC, DTG e TGA), espectroscópicas (FTIR) e microscópicas (MEV). Os resultados obtidos mostraram que as nanofibras eletrofiadas apresentam uma diminuição do grau de cristalinidade com a adição da quitosana (~27 para ~16%). Revelou ainda que o processo de eletrofiação promove uma redução da cristalinidade na PA6 (~45 para ~27%). Além disso, a adição da quitosana diminuiu a temperatura de degradação da PA6 (437 ¿ 420°C), mas proporcionou a obtenção de nanofibras de diâmetro menor (~100 - ~30 nm). A intenção futura deste trabalho é aplicar essas nanofibras no campo dos biossensores, como substrato para ancoragem. O uso do dispositivo de cobre de duas hastes, como coletor no processo de eletrofiação, permitiu obter nanofibras de PA6 sem e com adição de diferentes teores de quitosana. / The electrospinning technique is a versatile method to manufacturing polymers into continuous fibers with diameters ranging a few nanometers. The high surface/volume ratio, the nanometric dimensions, that allow to obtain optimum performance with little amount of nano-material and the high porosity, make electronanofibers as very attractive systems for applications such as filtration, tissue engineering, e others, non-woven textile mats, oriented fibrous bundles, even three-dimensional structured andaimes. Over the last few years, many synthetic strategies have been developed to obtain one-dimensional polymer nanomaterials (1D). In particular, polyamide 6 has been extensively investigated cause of its good mechanical and physical properties. Their properties can be modulated by adding polyelectrolytes such as chitosan, that is a polysaccharide having excellent biocompatibility and admirable biodegradability with versatile biological activities such as antimicrobial activity, low immunogenicity and low toxicity. In this work, it is be results showed that the electrophilic blankets showed a decrease in the degree of crystallinity with the addition of chitosan (27 to 16%). It also revealed that the electrochemical process promotes a reduction of crystallinity in PA6 (45 to 27%). In addition, addition of chitosan lowered the degradation temperature of PA6 (437-420 ° C), but yielded nanofibers of smaller diameter (100 - 30 nm). The future intention of this work is to apply these nanofibers in the biosensors field, as substrate for anchorage. The use of the two-presented the proposal of a material, prepared by electro-spinning, composed of polyamide 6 (PA6) and chitosan (Q) with low molar mass. The material was evaluated at room temperature in proportions 100/0; 90/10; 80/20; 70/30 and 60/40 PA6 /Due to their intrinsic features, these polymeric nanofibers are attractive for biomedical and biotechnological applications such nanocomposites, medical implants and biosensors. The morphological and structural properties of nanofibers were investigated by thermal (DSC, DTG and TGA), spectroscopic (FTIR) and microscopic (SEM) techniques. The results showed that the electrophilic blankets showed a decrease in the degree of crystallinity with the addition of chitosan (27 to 16%). It also revealed that the electrochemical process promotes a reduction of crystallinity in PA6 (45 to 27%). In addition, addition of chitosan lowered the degradation temperature of PA6 (437-420 ° C), but yielded nanofibers of smaller diameter (100 - 30 nm). The future intention of this work is to apply these nanofibers in the biosensors field, as substrate for anchorage. The use of the two-rod copper device, as a collector in the electro-spinning process, allowed to obtain PA6 blankets without and with the addition of different contents of chitosan.

Orientador: João Sinézio de Carvalho Campos / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Química / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-27T02:43:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Louzi_VitorCesardeAlmeida_M.pdf: 3130788 bytes, checksum: 990e3e0e872cccd2ed1287be8d2b6cf8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Resumo: Fibras poliméricas sintéticas vêm sendo muito utilizadas em diversas aplicações (medicina, têxtil, etc), especialmente na forma de monofilamentos, com diversos diâmetros, devido às suas características de resistência mecânica. No entanto apresentam baixa hidrofilidade e energia livre de superfície com propriedades adesivas relativamente fracas, limitando assim suas aplicações. Com objetivo de ampliar as aplicações deste material, técnicas estão sendo desenvolvidas no sentido de melhorar estas propriedades, especialmente as de superfície. Dentre as técnicas de modificação de superfície destaca-se a descarga corona a qual pode operar em condições ambientes de temperatura e pressão, sem necessidade de agentes químicos, minimizando a geração de resíduos. Desse modo, o presente trabalho estuda os efeitos promovidos pela descarga corona em três diferentes fibras poliméricas: polipropileno (PP), politereftalato de etileno (PET) e poliamida-6 (PA-6). Amostras desses polímeros foram submetidas à descarga corona sob condições ambientes controladas. O tratamento corona foi realizado em função dos parâmetros: distância entre os eletrodos e tempo de tratamento. Após tratadas, as amostras foram submetidas às técnicas de caracterização: ângulo de contato (Método de Wilhelmy), espectroscopia no infravermelho (FT-IR/ATR), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC), ensaios de tração e absorção de água. Os valores de ângulo de contato dinâmico foram reduzidos em até 29,6%, 27,9% e 18,6% para amostras de PP, PET e PA-6 tratadas, respectivamente. Os valores de energia de superfície aumentaram em 50,3%, 26% e 15% para PP, PET e PA-6. Amostras de PP, PET e PA-6 tratadas por descarga corona (4mm e 120s) apresentaram grau de absorção de água igual a 9,4%, 8,5% e 9,1%. A partir dos resultados obtidos com amostras de monofilamentos de PP, PET e PA-6, sem tratamento e após corona, pode-se concluir que o tratamento corona promove aumento da hidrofilidade e as propriedades térmicas e mecânicas não são afetadas. Palavras-chave: descarga corona, fibras têxteis, monofilamentos poliméricos, polipropileno, politereftalato de etileno, poliamida-6, propriedades de superfície, hidrofilidade, ângulo de contato / Abstract: Synthetic polymer fibers have been widely used in various applications, especially in the form of monofilament and under various diameters, due to its characteristics of mechanical resistance. However synthetic polymer fibers exhibit low hydrophilicity and surface free energy with relatively weak adhesive properties, thus limiting their applications. Aiming to expand the applications of these materials, techniques are being developed to improve these properties, especially the surface. Among modification techniques there is the corona discharge which can operate in ambient temperature and pressure, without the need for chemical agents, minimizing the generation residue. Thus, this research work studies the effects caused by the corona discharge in three different polymeric fibers: polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyamide-6 (PA-6). Samples of these polymers were subjected to corona discharge under controlled environmental conditions. The corona treatment was performed on the basis of the parameters: distance between the electrodes and time of treatment. After treated, the samples were subjected to characterization techniques: contact angle (Wilhelmy Method), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR/ATR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile and water absorption. The dynamic contact angle values were reduced by up to 29,6%, 27,9% and 18,6% for PP, PET and PA-6 treated samples, respectively. The surface energy values increased by 50,3%, 26% and 15% for PP, PET and PA-6. PP, PET and PA-6 samples treated by corona discharge (4mm and 120s), showed the degree of water absorption equal of 9,4%, 8,5% and 9,1%. From the results obtained with samples of PP, PET and PA-6, without treatment and after treatment, can be concluded that the corona treatment enhances the hydrophilicity and the thermal and mechanical properties are not affected. Keywords: corona discharge, textile fibers, monofilament polymer, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide-6, surface properties, hydrophilicity, contact angle / Mestrado / Ciencia e Tecnologia de Materiais / Mestre em Engenharia Química

Orientador: Alexandre Luiz Souto [Unesp] Borges / Resumo: Este estudo visou sintetizar e caracterizar mantas não tecidas de nanofibras (NFs) do acrilonitrila butadieno estireno (ABS), poliamida 6 (PA6) e poliestireno (PS), e avaliar sua capacidade de ser utilizada como reforço no polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA). O ABS foi dissolvido em diclorometano e acetona, a PA6 pelo 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol e o PS pela dimetilformamida, em uma concentração definida em estudo piloto. Após determinados os melhores parâmetros de eletrofiação (tensão contínua, razão de fluxo e distância agulha/anteparo) as amostras de cada grupo foram analisadas em microscopia eletrônica de varredura, análise de molhabilidade, análise de difratometria de raios X, espectroscopia de infravermelho por transformada de Fourier, diâmetro das fibras e resistência a tração. As NFs produzidas foram incluídas na área de tração dos corpos de prova em resina acrílica ativada termicamente (RAAT) conforme ISO1567, perfazendo 4 grupos (n=20), 1 controle (Grupo 1) e 3 experimentais (Grupo 2, RAAT+NF/ABS; Grupo 2, RAAT+NF/PA6; Grupo 4, RAAT+NF/PS), para ensaio de flexão três pontos para analisar suas propriedades mecânicas, como: módulos de elasticidade e resistência a flexão. De acordo com os testes de caracterização, as mantas se apresentaram hidrofóbicas, não houve mudança de sua estrutura polimérica, concluindo-se então que a técnica da eletrofiação foi promissora na síntese de mantas de NFs. A variação dos parâmetros afetou diretamente a morfologia, resultando em fibras u... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: This study aimed to synthesize and characterize non-woven blankets of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide 6 (PA6) and polystyrene (PS) nanofibers (NFs), and to evaluate their ability to be used as reinforcement in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). ABS was dissolved in dichloromethane and acetone, PA6 by 1,1,1,3,3,3- hexafluoro-2-propanol and PS by dimethylformamide at a concentration defined in a pilot study. After determining the best electrospun parameters (continuous voltage, flow rate and needle/shield distance) the samples from each group were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, wettability analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, fiber diameter and tensile strength. The NFs produced were included in the tensile area of the thermally activated acrylic resin (RAAT) specimens according to ISO1567, making up 4 groups (n = 20), 1 control (Group 1) and 3 experimental (Group 2, RAAT+NF/ABS; Group 3, RAAT+NF/PA6 and Group 4 (RAAT+NF/PS), for three point bending test to analyze their mechanical properties, as: modules of elasticity and flexural strength. According to the characterization tests, the blankets were hydrophobic, there was no change in their polymeric structure, concluding that the electrospinning technique was promising in the synthesis of NFs blankets. The parameters variation affected directly in the morphology, resulting in uniform, bulky and without defects (beads) NFs blankets. The Groups 3 and 4 (NF/PA6+RA... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

No description available.

Finite element simulation of thermoplastic components is gaining importance as the companies aim to avoid overdesign of the components. Cost of the component can be minimized by using an adequate amount of material for its application. Life of the component, in a particular application, can be predicted as early as during its design phase with the help of computer simulations. To achieve reliable simulation results, an accurate material model which can predict the material behaviour is vital. Most material models consist of a number of material parameters that needs to be fed into them. These material parameters can be identified with the inputs from physical tests. The accuracy of the data extracted from the physical tests, however, remains the base for the aforementioned process. The report deals with the implementation of optical measurement technique such as Digital Image Correlation (DIC) in contrast with the conventional extensometers. A tensile test is conducted on a glass fibre reinforced thermoplastic specimen, according to ISO 527-2/1A, to extract the experimental data with the help of DIC technique. The material behavior is reproduced within a finite element analysis software package LS-DYNA, with the combination of elastoplastic model called *MAT_024 and stress state dependent damage and failure model called GISSMO. The tensile test is performed under quasi-static condition to rule out the strain rate dependency of the thermoplastic material. The mesh sensitivity of the damage model is taken into account with the element size regularization. The thesis concerns setting up a routine for material parameter identification of thermoplastics by full-field calibration (FFC) approach. Also, comparison of the strain field in the specimen, obtained through the newly set up routine against the regular non-FFC i.e. extensometer measurement routine. The major objective being, through the comparisons, a qualitative assessment of the two routines in terms of calibration time vs. gain in simulation accuracy. Material models obtained through both the routines are implemented in three-point and four-point bending simulations. The predicted material behaviors are evaluated against experimental tests.

Les études présentées dans le cadre de cette thèse visent à copolymériser l'ԑ-caprolactame (CL) avec différents dérivés de l'α-amino-ԑ-caprolactame (qui possèdent une amine primaire fonctionnalisable) par polymérisation anionique par ouverture de cycle. En utilisant cette stratégie, nous décrivons; (i) la préparation de polyamides 6 fluorés thermiquement plus stables, et ayant une surface hydrophobe; (ii) la synthèse de polyamides 6 portant des groupes pendants cinnamoyl thermo et photosensibles. Une réticulation réversible est observée ainsi que l'amélioration des propriétés thermo-mécaniques; (iii) la copolymérisation anionique par ouverture de cycle de CL avec un bis-monomère issu de l'α-amino-ԑ-caprolactame comme contrôle de la réticulation du polyamide 6. Enfin, dans le cadre de notre intérêt continu pour la chimie du polyamide 6, nous avons mis en évidence la possible combinaison de la polymérisation anionique par ouverture de cycle de CL avec la polycondensation en chaîne de l'éthyl-4-butylaminobenzoate pour obtenir en une étape un polyamide aliphatique/aromatique / The studies presented in this thesis aim to copolymerize ԑ-caprolactam (CL) with different derivatives of α-amino-ԑ-caprolactam (which has a functionalizable primary amine) via anionic ring-opening polymerization. By using this strategy, we describe: (i) the synthesis of thermally more stable fluorinated polyamide 6 having a hydrophobic surface; (ii) the synthesis of polyamides 6 bearing pendant cinnamoyl groups, which are thermo-and photoresponsivechromophore groups, and demonstrating their reversible crosslinking as well as improved thermo-mechanical properties; (iii) the copolymerization ofCL with a crosslinker (N-functionalized α-amino-ԑ-caprolactambis-monomers) into crosslinked polyamides 6.As part of our continuing interest in polyamide 6 chemistry, we developed the combination of anionic ring-opening polymerization of CL and chain-growth condensation polymerization of ethyl 4-butylaminobenzoate in order to obtain aliphatic/aromatic polyamides in one-step.

Notre étude a porté sur la compréhension microscopique des mécanismes de déformation du polyamide 6 (PA6) à l’état massif. Par des traitements thermiques appropriés, on a obtenu un jeu d’échantillons présentant des microstructures semi-cristallines variées, avec différentes formes cristallographiques (allotropes : α, γ ou β), différents taux de cristallinité (de 24 à 35%), différentes périodes de l’empilement des lamelles cristallines (de 7 à 12nm), ceci pour deux masses moléculaires différentes. Les propriétés mécaniques en traction ont été caractérisées au-dessus et au-dessous de la transition vitreuse de la phase amorphe (Tg). Les différents matériaux présentent des différences notables de comportements. Le taux de cristallinité semble être le facteur prédominant au-dessus de Tg, mais d’autres facteurs sont à prendre en compte en dessous de Tg, comme la forme cristalline et la morphologie lamellaire (épaisseur et facteur de forme). Grâce à un dispositif expérimental fabriqué sur mesure, des essais de traction ont été suivis par diffusion des rayons X aux petits (SAXS) et grands angles (WAXS) sur la ligne D2AM, ESRF, pour caractériser les déformations à l’échelle des empilements lamellaires et à l’échelle de la maille cristalline. Dans les échantillons présentant principalement de la phase cristalline β, les lamelles tendent à s’orienter perpendiculairement à la direction de traction (TD). Ce mécanisme d’orientation local (que nous appelons « modèle de réseau de chaînes ») est induit par la transmission des contraintes par les chaînes amorphes reliant les lamelles cristallines adjacentes. L’allongement local est plus faible que l’allongement macroscopique dans les lamelles perpendiculaire à TD, ce qui implique que les lamelles inclinées doivent être cisaillées. De plus, la phase β se transforme en phase α aux fortes extensions. Dans les échantillons présentant principalement de la phase α (la plus rigide), au-dessus de Tg, dans le régime élastique, les chaînes tendent d’abord à s’orienter perpendiculairement à TD, ce qui implique que les lamelles s’orientent parallèlement à TD (« modèle de lamelles rigides »). Ensuite, dans le régime plastique, une majeure partie des lamelles se réoriente perpendiculairement à TD, comme dans le « modèle de réseau de chaînes », tandis qu’une fraction mineure reste orientée parallèlement à TD. Une morphologie fibrillaire fortement orientée est finalement obtenue pour tous les échantillons quelle que soit la température. / Mechanical properties of bulk polyamide 6 (PA6) have been studied in relation to microscopic deformation mechanisms. By applying various thermal treatments, sets of samples with different semi-crystalline microstructures, namely various crystalline allotropic forms (denoted α, γ and β) and different values of the crystallinity index (from 24 to 35%) and of the long period of the lamellar stacks (from 7 to 12 nm), have been obtained, for two different molecular masses. Mechanical properties have been measured in the linear (viscoelastic) and nonlinear (plastic) regimes below and above the glass transition of the amorphous phase (Tg). Differences of behavior have been observed depending on the microstructure. While the crystallinity index seems to be the predominant factor affecting the mechanical behavior above Tg, other structural parameters such as the crystalline form and the lamellar morphology (thickness and aspect ratio) have to be taken into account below Tg. Deformations at the scales of lamellar stacks and of the crystalline unit cell have been characterized by small and wide angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS) performed in-situ during tensile tests. In samples with predominantly β phase, lamellae tend to orient perpendicular to the tensile direction (TD). This orientation mechanism (which we denote as ‘Chain Network model’) is driven by the amorphous chains which transmit the stress between adjacent lamellae. The tensile strain in lamellar stacks perpendicular to TD is lower than the macroscopic tensile strain, which must be compensated by increased shear in inclined stacks. Also, at high extension ratios, the β phase transforms into α phase. In samples with predominantly α phase and above Tg, morphology changes are more complex. In a first step, chains orient perpendicular to TD, which implies that lamellar planes tend to orient parallel to TD, possibly due to their high aspect ratio (denoted as ‘Rigid Lamella’ model). In a second step, beyond the yield, a major fraction of crystallites then reorients normal to TD, i.e. chains themselves become parallel to TD, while a minor fraction remains oriented along TD. A highly oriented fibrillar morphology is ultimately obtained in all cases.

Polyamide 6/SiO2 hybrid materials were produced by a coupled polymerization reaction of three monomeric components namely 1,1′,1′′,1′′′-silanetetrayltetrakis-(azepan-2-one) (Si(ε-CL)4), 6-aminocaproic acid (ε-ACA) and ε-caprolactam (ε-CL) within one process. Si(ε-CL)4 together with ε-ACA has been found suitable as a precursor monomer for the silica and PA6 components. The accurate adjustment of the molar ratio of both components, as well as the combination of the overall process for producing the polyamide 6/SiO2 hybrid material with the hydrolytic ring opening polymerization of ε-caprolactam is of great importance to achieve homogeneous products with a low extractable content. Water in comparison with ε-ACA has been found unsuitable as an oxygen source to produce uniformly distributed silica. The procedure was carried out in a commercial laboratory autoclave at 8 bar initial pressure. The molecular structure and morphology of the hybrid materials have been investigated by solid state 29Si and 13C NMR spectroscopy, DSC and FTIR spectroscopy and electron microscopy measurements. / Dieser Beitrag ist aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.

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No. of bitstreams: 1 DissBDQ.pdf: 27222907 bytes, checksum: eb17b232bd0096bfa1e0fb1dd7f4bf74 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-10-06 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / In this study nanocomposites of polyamide-6 (PA-6) reinforced with silica nanoparticles (SiO2) were prepared in order to promote improved mechanical properties for engineering applications. The nanoparticles’ surfaces were chemically modified with the silane agent 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (3- APTMS) to improve the chemical and physical interactions between them and the PA-6 matrix. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy (FT-IR) showed that 3-APTMS grafting on nanoparticles surface was accomplished. The nanocomposites mixing process was studied in two forms: by torque rheometry, using a torque rheometer internal mixer; and in a co-rotating and intermeshing twin-screw extruder. A preliminary study of the influence of processing variables at the torque rheometer on the degradation of polyamide-6 matrix was performed. The results showed that the greater the filling volume of the mixture in the chamber and the rotational speed of the rheometer’s rotors, the lower the degradation of the polyamide-6. Based on this preliminary study, compositions with 1, 2, and 4 % weight of SiO2 nanoparticles, both unmodified and chemically modified with 3-APTMS were prepared in the torque rheometer. The nanocomposites were compression molded and it was observed that nanocomposites reinforced with 1 wt.% SiO2, both unmodified and surface-modified, presented the best tensile properties. For the nanocomposite samples processed in the twin-screw extruder, the influence of relevant variables – nanoparticle content, chemical surface modification, physical form of the fed PA-6 (granule and powder), rotational speed of screws and extruder feed rate – on mechanical, thermal, and dynamic-mechanical properties were studied. The samples were afterwards injection molded and it was observed that the samples produced using 1 wt.% surface-modified and 100% finely ground PA-6 showed the higher tensile modulus and yield strength values. / Neste estudo foram preparados nanocompósitos de poliamida 6 (PA6) reforçados com nanopartículas de sílica (SiO2), com o objetivo de promover melhoria de propriedades mecânicas para aplicações de engenharia. A superfície das nanopartículas foi modificada quimicamente com o agente silano 3-aminopropiltrimetoxisilano (3-APTMS) para melhorar as interações químicas e físicas entre elas e a matriz de PA6. Análises de ressonância magnética nuclear (RMN) e espectroscopia de absorção no infravermelho por transformada de Fourier (FT-IR) mostraram que houve sucesso na funcionalização das nanopartículas com o agente silano. O processo de mistura dos nanocompósitos foi estudado de duas formas: por meio de reometria de torque em um misturador interno; e em extrusora com rosca dupla co-rotacional e interpenetrante. Um estudo preliminar da influência das variáveis de processamento no reômetro de torque sobre a degradação da poliamida 6, mostrou que quanto maior o volume de preenchimento da câmara de mistura e a velocidade de rotação dos rotores do reômetro, menor foi a degradação da poliamida 6. Com base neste estudo preliminar, foram preparadas no reômetro de torque composições com 1, 2 e 4% em massa de nanopartículas de SiO2 não modificadas e modificadas quimicamente com 3- APTMS. Os nanocompósitos obtidos foram moldados por compressão, tendo sido observado que os nanocompósitos reforçados com 1 %m. de SiO2 não modificada apresentaram as melhores propriedades mecânicas de resistência à tração e deformação na ruptura em ensaio de tração, enquanto os nanocompósitos com 1 %m. de nanosílica modificada apresentaram as melhores propriedades mecânicas de módulo elástico também no ensaio de tração. Para as amostras de nanocompósitos processadas na extrusora de rosca dupla, foram estudadas as influências do teor de nanopartículas, da modificação química superficial, da forma física da PA6 alimentada (grânulo e pó), da velocidade de rotação das roscas e da taxa de alimentação da extrusora sobre as propriedades mecânicas, térmicas e dinâmico-mecânicas. Posteriormente, os corpos de prova foram moldados por injeção e observou-se que a amostra cuja composição polimérica foi de 100% de PA6 fina e reforçada com 1 %m. de nanosílica modificada superficialmente pelo agente silano 3- APTMS apresentou os maiores valores de módulo de elasticidade e de tensão no escoamento no ensaio mecânico sob tração.

Polyethylene (PE) resins being non-polar in nature and having a high degree of crystallinity have limited miscibility and compatibility when blended with polar polymers. The miscibility and compatibility of these blends are generally worsened when they are prepared by direct injection moulding without a precompounding process. Such situations are commonly encountered in particular by polymer converters when blending colour and/or additive concentrates, commonly known as masterbatches. Typically, masterbatches are mixtures containing high loading of pigments and/or additives predispersed in a suitable solid vehicle (commonly known as carrier) such as a polyethylene resin. These masterbatches are usually used for the colouration of a wide range of polymers and the carrier used must therefore be compatible with these matrix (host) polymers. The preliminary stage of this study involved the investigation of the properties of blends based on high density polyethylene (HDPE) and a range of engineering thermoplastics (ABS, PC, PBT, PA6), prepared by injection moulding. Five different types of compatibilisers namely, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, ethylene-methyl acrylate (EMA) copolymer, ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate (E-GMA) copolymer, ethylene-methyl acrylateglycidyl methacrylate (E-MA-GMA) terpolymer and maleic anhydride grafted HDPE (HDPE-g-MAH) copolymer were evaluated with respect to their efficiencies in compatibilising HDPE with the four engineering polymers. The pre-compounded HDPE/compatibiliser binary blends at 2 different blend ratios (1:1 and 3:1) were added at 15 wt% concentration to each engineering thermoplastics and test samples were produced directly by injection moulding. Results of mechanical testing and characterisation of the blends showed that glycidyl methacrylate compatibilisers, E-MA-GMA, in particular have the most universal compatibilising effectiveness for a range of engineering thermoplastics including ABS, PC, PBT, and PA6. Blends compatibilised with E-MA-GMA compatibiliser had the best notched impact performance irrespective of matrix polymer type. The presence of an acrylic ester (methyl acrylate) comonomer in E-MA-GMA resulted in increased polarity of the ii compatibiliser leading to improved miscibility with the polar matrix polymers demonstrated by fine blend morphologies, melting point depression and reduction in crystallinity of the HDPE dispersed phase. The second stage of this study involved the reactive modification of HDPE using a low molecular weight di-functional solid diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) type epoxy resin compatibilised with HDPE-g-MAH in an attempt to improve its compatibility with ABS, PBT and PA6. The maleic anhydride moieties in HDPE-g-MAH served as reactive sites for anchoring the epoxy moieties while the HDPE backbone was miscible with the HDPE resin. An excessive amount of reactive groups resulted in the formation of crosslinked gels while the addition of EVA co-compatibiliser helped in the reduction of gel content and further improved the dispersion of the epoxy. The effectiveness of epoxy grafted HDPE (with and without EVA co-compatibiliser) in compatibilising ABS/HDPE, PBT/HDPE, and PA6/HDPE was investigated by injection moulding of 5 wt% functionalised HDPE with these matrix polymers into test bars for mechanical testing, and characterisation by differential scanning calorimtery (DSC) and optical microscopy. The reactively functionalised HDPE blends, improved the mechanical properties of ABS and PA6 blends especially with EVA as co-compatibiliser. However, the mechanical properties of PBT blends were unmodified by the functionalised HDPE which was believed to be due to end-capping of the PBT chain-ends by ungrafted epoxy resins.