Advanced Thermoplastic Resins for Manufacturing Wind Turbine Blades |
Turbine Blades Advanced Thermoplastic Resins for Manufacturing Wind Turbine Blades At its Composites Arkema's Elium liquid thermoplastic resin. Photo of men working on turbine blades in a dome-shaped building composite structures of wind turbine blades. Capabilities Learn more about NREL's IACMI projects and its
Advanced thermoplastic resins, phase 1
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hendricks, C. L.; Hill, S. G.; Falcone, A.; Gerken, N. T.
1991-01-01
Eight thermoplastic polyimide resin systems were evaluated as composite matrix materials. Two resins were selected for more extensive mechanical testing and both were versions of LaRC-TPI (Langley Research Center - Thermoplastic Polyimide). One resin was made with LaRC-TPI and contained 2 weight percent of a di(amic acid) dopant as a melt flow aid. The second system was a 1:1 slurry of semicrystalline LaRC-TPI powder in a polyimidesulfone resin diglyme solution. The LaRC-TPI powder melts during processing and increases the melt flow of the resin. Testing included dynamic mechanical analysis, tension and compression testing, and compression-after-impact testing. The test results demonstrated that the LaRC-TPI resins have very good properties compared to other thermoplastics, and that they are promising matrix materials for advanced composite structures.
Creep and creep-recovery of a thermoplastic resin and composite
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hiel, Clem
1988-01-01
The database on advanced thermoplastic composites, which is currently available to industry, contains little data on the creep and viscoelastic behavior. This behavior is nevertheless considered important, particularly for extended-service reliability in structural applications. The creep deformation of a specific thermoplastic resin and composite is reviewed. The problem to relate the data obtained on the resin to the data obtained on the composite is discussed.
Research Projects | Advanced Manufacturing Research | NREL
advanced manufacturing research through these projects. Photo of men working on turbine blades in a dome -shaped building. Advanced Thermoplastic Resins for Manufacturing Wind Turbine Blades At its Composites
Graphite fiber reinforced thermoplastic resins
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Novak, R. C.
1975-01-01
Mechanical properties of neat resin samples and graphite fiber reinforced samples of thermoplastic resins were characterized with particular emphasis directed to the effects of environmental exposure (humidity, temperature and ultraviolet radiation). Tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear, creep and impact strengths were measured for polysulfone, polyarylsulfone and a state-of-the-art epoxy resin samples. In general, the thermoplastic resins exhibited environmental degradation resistance equal to or superior to the reference epoxy resin. Demonstration of the utility and quality of a graphite/thermoplastic resin system was accomplished by successfully thermoforming a simulated compressor blade and a fan exit guide vane.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kranbuehl, D. E.; Delos, S. E.; Hoff, M. S.; Weller, L. W.; Haverty, P. D.
1987-01-01
An in situ NDE dielectric impedance measurement method has been developed for ascertaining the cure processing properties of high temperature advanced thermoplastic and thermosetting resins, using continuous frequency-dependent measurements and analyses of complex permittivity over 9 orders of magnitude and 6 decades of frequency at temperatures up to 400 C. Both ionic and Debye-like dipolar relaxation processes are monitored. Attention is given to LARC-TPI, PEEK, and poly(arylene ether) resins' viscosity, glass transition temperature, recrystallization, and residual solvent content and evolution properties.
Manufacturing of a REBCO racetrack coil using thermoplastic resin aiming at Maglev application
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mizuno, Katsutoshi; Ogata, Masafumi; Hasegawa, Hitoshi
2015-11-01
The REBCO coated conductor is a promising technology for the Maglev application in terms of its high critical temperature. The operating temperature of the on-board magnets can be around 40-50 K with the coated conductor. The REBCO coils are cooled by cryocoolers directly, and hence the thermal design of the REBCO coils significantly changes from that of LTS coils. We have developed a novel REBCO coil structure using thermoplastic resin. The coil is not impregnated and the thermoplastic resin is used to bond the coil winding and the heat transfer members, e.g. copper and aluminum plates. The viscosity of the thermoplastic resin is high enough for the thermoplastic resin not to permeate between the turns in the coil. Therefore, the thermal stress does not occur and the risk of degradation is removed. This paper contains the following three topics. First, the thermal resistance of the thermoplastic resin was measured at cryogenic temperature. Then, a small round REBCO coil was experimentally produced. It has been confirmed that the thermoplastic resin does not cause the degradation and, the adhesion between the coil winding and copper plates withstands the thermal stress. Finally, we successfully produced a full-scale racetrack REBCO coil applying the coil structure with the thermoplastic resin.
Materials for Heated Head Automated Thermoplastic Tape Placement
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Jensen, Brian J.; Kinney, Megan C.; Cano, Roberto J.; Grimsley, Brian W.
2012-01-01
NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) is currently pursuing multiple paths to develop out of autoclave (OOA) polymeric composite materials and processes. Polymeric composite materials development includes the synthesis of new and/or modified thermosetting and thermoplastic matrix resins designed for specific OOA processes. OOA processes currently under investigation include vacuum bag only (VBO) prepreg/composite fabrication, resin transfer molding (RTM), vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) and heated head automated thermoplastic tape placement (HHATP). This paper will discuss the NASA Langley HHATP facility and capabilities and recent work on characterizing thermoplastic tape quality and requirements for quality part production. Samples of three distinct versions of APC-2 (AS4/PEEK) thermoplastic dry tape were obtained from two materials vendors, TENCATE, Inc. and CYTEC Engineered Materials** (standard grade and an experimental batch). Random specimens were taken from each of these samples and subjected to photo-microscopy and surface profilometry. The CYTEC standard grade of APC-2 tape had the most voids and splits and the highest surface roughness and/or waviness. Since the APC-2 tape is composed of a thermoplastic matrix, it offers the flexibility of reprocessing to improve quality, and thereby improve final quality of HHATP laminates. Discussions will also include potential research areas and future work that is required to advance the state of the art in the HHATP process for composite fabrication.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Janicki, G.; Bailey, V.; Schjelderup, H.
The present conference discusses topics in the fields of ultralightweight structures, producibility of thermoplastic composites, innovation in sandwich structures, composite failure processes, toughened materials, metal-matrix composites, advanced materials for future naval systems, thermoplastic polymers, automated composites manufacturers, advanced adhesives, emerging processes for aerospace component fabrication, and modified resin systems. Also discussed are matrix behavior for damage tolerance, composite materials repair, testing for damage tolerance, composite strength analyses, materials workplace health and safety, cost-conscious composites, bismaleimide systems, and issues facing advanced composite materials suppliers.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Stinson, J.; Adsit, R.; Gordaninejad, F.
This symposium presents papers in the fields of the design and development of space system structures, advanced textile preforming, low-cost processing of materials, and nondestructive testing. Also presented are adhesive and bonding technologies, resin transfer molding, filament winding, high-temperature composites, thermoplastic material properties, composites for marine environments, and thermoplastic processes and applications.
Performance Properties of Graphite Reinforced Composites with Advanced Resin Matrices
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kourtides, Demetrius A.
1980-01-01
This article looks at the effect of different resin matrices on thermal and mechanical properties of graphite composites, and relates the thermal and flammability properties to the anaerobic char yield of the resins. The processing parameters of graphite composites utilizing graphite fabric and epoxy or other advanced resins as matrices are presented. Thermoset resin matrices studied were: aminecured polyfunctional glycidyl aminetype epoxy (baseline), phenolicnovolac resin based on condensation of dihydroxymethyl-xylene and phenol cured with hexamine, two types of polydismaleimide resins, phenolic resin, and benzyl resin. The thermoplastic matrices studied were polyethersulfone and polyphenylenesulfone. Properties evaluated in the study included anaerobic char yield, limiting oxygen index, smoke evolution, moisture absorption, and mechanical properties at elevated temperatures including tensile, compressive, and short-beam shear strengths. Generally, it was determined that graphite composites with the highest char yield exhibited optimum fire-resistant properties.
Bittner, George D; Denison, Michael S; Yang, Chun Z; Stoner, Matthew A; He, Guochun
2014-12-04
Chemicals that have estrogenic activity (EA) can potentially cause adverse health effects in mammals including humans, sometimes at low doses in fetal through juvenile stages with effects detected in adults. Polycarbonate (PC) thermoplastic resins made from bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that has EA, are now often avoided in products used by babies. Other BPA-free thermoplastic resins, some hypothesized or advertised to be EA-free, are replacing PC resins used to make reusable hard and clear thermoplastic products such as baby bottles. We used two very sensitive and accurate in vitro assays (MCF-7 and BG1Luc human cell lines) to quantify the EA of chemicals leached into ethanol or water/saline extracts of fourteen unstressed or stressed (autoclaving, microwaving, UV radiation) thermoplastic resins. Estrogen receptor (ER)-dependent agonist responses were confirmed by their inhibition with the ER antagonist ICI 182,780. Our data showed that some (4/14) unstressed and stressed BPA-free thermoplastic resins leached chemicals having significant levels of EA, including one polystyrene (PS), and three Tritan™ resins, the latter reportedly EA-free. Exposure to UV radiation in natural sunlight resulted in an increased release of EA from Tritan™ resins. Triphenyl-phosphate (TPP), an additive used to manufacture some thermoplastic resins such as Tritan™, exhibited EA in both MCF-7 and BG1Luc assays. Ten unstressed or stressed glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), cyclic olefin polymer (COP) or copolymer (COC) thermoplastic resins did not release chemicals with detectable EA under any test condition. This hazard survey study assessed the release of chemicals exhibiting EA as detected by two sensitive, widely used and accepted, human cell line in vitro assays. Four PC replacement resins (Tritan™ and PS) released chemicals having EA. However, ten other PC-replacement resins did not leach chemicals having EA (EA-free-resins). These results indicate that PC-replacement plastic products could be made from EA-free resins (if appropriate EA-free additives are chosen) that maintain advantages of re-usable plastic items (price, weight, shatter resistance) without releasing chemicals having EA that potentially produce adverse health effects on current or future generations.
New high-temperature flame-resistant resin matrix for RP/C
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kourtides, D. A.
1981-01-01
The processing parameters of graphite composites utilizing graphite fabric and epoxy or other advanced thermoset and thermoplastic resins as matrices are discussed. The evaluated properties include anaerobic char yield, limiting oxygen index, smoke evolution, moisture absorption, and high-temperature mechanical properties. It is shown that graphite composites having the highest char yield exhibit optimum fire-resistant properties.
Tough poly(arylene ether) thermoplastics as modifiers for bismaleimides
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Stenzenberger, H. D.; Roemer, W.; Hergenrother, P. M.; Jensen, B. J.
1989-01-01
Several aspects of research on thermoplastics as toughness modifiers are discussed, including the contribution of the backbone chemistry and the concentration of the poly(arylene ether) thermoplastic to fracture toughness, influence of the molecular weight of the poly(arylene ether) thermoplastic on neat resin fracture toughness, and the morphology of the thermoplastic modified networks. The results show that fracture toughness of brittle bismaleimide resins can be improved significantly with poly(arylene ether) thermoplastic levels of 20 percent by weight, and that high molecular weight poly(arylene ether) based on bisphenol A provides the highest degree of toughening. Preliminary composite evaluation shows that improvements in neat resin toughness translate into carbon fabric composite.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Yao, Yongtao; Wang, Jingjie; Lu, Haibao; Xu, Ben; Fu, Yongqing; Liu, Yanju; Leng, Jinsong
2016-01-01
A novel and facile strategy was proposed to construct a thermosetting/thermoplastic system with both shape memory and self-healing properties based on commercial epoxy resin and poly(ɛ-caprolactone)-PCL. Thermoplastic material is capable of re-structuring and changing the stiffness/modulus when the temperature is above melting temperature. PCL microfiber was used as a plasticizer in epoxy resin-based blends, and served as a ‘hard segment’ to fix a temporary shape of the composites during shape memory cycles. In this study, the electrospun PCL membrane with a porous network structure enabled a homogenous PCL fibrous distribution and optimized interaction between fiber and epoxy resin. The self-healing capability is achieved by phase transition during curing of the composites. The mechanism of the shape memory effect of the thermosetting (rubber)/thermoplastic composite is attributed to the structural design of the thermoplastic network inside the thermosetting resin/rubber matrix.
Process Makes Thermoplastic Prepreg Ribbon
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Wilson, Maywood L.; Johnson, Gary S.
1995-01-01
Manufacturing process produces ribbon of composite material (prepreg) consisting of continuous lengthwise fibers impregnated with thermoplastic resin. Ribbon can later be cut into sheets of required sizes and shapes, stacked, then heated under pressure to form composite-material structural components. Process accommodates variety of thermoplastic resins and variety of fibers.
Analysis of pultrusion processing for long fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite system
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Tso, W.; Hou, T. H.; Tiwari, S. N.
1993-01-01
Pultrusion is one of the composite processing technology, commonly recognized as a simple and cost-effective means for the manufacturing of fiber-reinforced, resin matrix composite parts with different regular geometries. Previously, because the majority of the pultruded composite parts were made of thermosetting resin matrix, emphasis of the analysis on the process has been on the conservation of energy from various sources, such as heat conduction and the curing kinetics of the resin system. Analysis on the flow aspect of the process was almost absent in the literature for thermosetting process. With the increasing uses of thermoplastic materials, it is desirable to obtain the detailed velocity and pressure profiles inside the pultrusion die. Using a modified Darcy's law for flow through porous media, closed form analytical solutions for the velocity and pressure distributions inside the pultrusion die are obtained for the first time. This enables us to estimate the magnitude of viscous dissipation and it's effects on the pultruded parts. Pulling forces refined in the pultrusion processing are also analyzed. The analytical model derived in this study can be used to advance our knowledge and control of the pultrusion process for fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite parts.
The crystallization of tough thermoplastic resins in the presence of carbon fibers
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Theil, M. H.
1986-01-01
The crystallization kinetics of the thermoplastic resins poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) and poly(aryl-ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK) in the presence and in the abscence of carbon fibers was studied. How carbon fiber surfaces in composites affect the crystallization of tough thermoplastic polymers that may serve as matrix resins were determined. The crystallization kinetics of such substances can provide useful information about the crystallization mechanisms and, thus, indicate if the presence of carbon fibers cause any changes in such mechanisms.
Manufacturing a 9-Meter Thermoplastic Composite Wind Turbine Blade: Preprint
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Murray, Robynne; Snowberg, David R; Berry, Derek S
Currently, wind turbine blades are manufactured from a combination of glass and/or carbon fiber composite materials with a thermoset resin such as epoxy, which requires energy-intensive and expensive heating processes to cure. Newly developed in-situ polymerizing thermoplastic resin systems for composite wind turbine blades polymerize at room temperature, eliminating the heating process and significantly reducing the blade manufacturing cycle time and embodied energy, which in turn reduces costs. Thermoplastic materials can also be thermally welded, eliminating the need for adhesive bonds between blade components and increasing the overall strength and reliability of the blades. As well, thermoplastic materials enable end-of-lifemore » blade recycling by reheating and decomposing the materials, which is a limitation of existing blade technology. This paper presents a manufacturing demonstration for a 9-m-long thermoplastic composite wind turbine blade. This blade was constructed in the Composites Manufacturing Education and Technology facility at the National Wind Technology Center at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) using a vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding process. Johns Manville fiberglass and an Arkema thermoplastic resin called Elium were used. Additional materials included Armacell-recycled polyethylene terephthalate foam from Creative Foam and low-cost carbon- fiber pultruded spar caps (manufactured in collaboration with NREL, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Huntsman, Strongwell, and Chomarat). This paper highlights the development of the thermoplastic resin formulations, including an additive designed to control the peak exothermic temperatures. Infusion and cure times of less than 3 hours are also demonstrated, highlighting the efficiency and energy savings associated with manufacturing thermoplastic composite blades.« less
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
1988-01-01
Langley Research Center researchers invented an advanced polymer, a chemical compound formed by uniting many small molecules to create a complex molecule with different chemical properties. The material is a thermoplastic polyimide that resists solvents. Other polymers of this generic type are soluble in solvents, thus cannot be used where solvents are present. High Technology Services (HTS), Inc. licensed technology and is engaged in development and manufacture of high performance plastics, resins and composite materials. Techimer Materials Division is using technology for composite matrix resins that offer heat resistance and protection from radiation, electrical and chemical degradation. Applications of new polymer include molding resins, adhesives and matrix resins for fiber reinforced composites.
Toughened epoxy resin system and a method thereof
Janke, C.J.; Dorsey, G.F.; Havens, S.J.; Lopata, V.J.
1998-03-10
Mixtures of epoxy resins with cationic initiators are curable under high energy ionizing radiation such as electron beam radiation, X-ray radiation, and gamma radiation. The composition of this process consists of an epoxy resin, a cationic initiator such as a diaryliodonium or triarylsulfonium salt of specific anions, and a toughening agent such as a thermoplastic, hydroxy-containing thermoplastic oligomer, epoxy-containing thermoplastic oligomer, reactive flexibilizer, rubber, elastomer, or mixture thereof. Cured compositions have high glass transition temperatures, good mechanical properties, and good toughness. These properties are comparable to those of similar thermally cured epoxies.
Toughened epoxy resin system and a method thereof
Janke, Christopher J.; Dorsey, George F.; Havens, Stephen J.; Lopata, Vincent J.
1998-01-01
Mixtures of epoxy resins with cationic initiators are curable under high energy ionizing radiation such as electron beam radiation, X-ray radiation, and gamma radiation. The composition of this process consists of an epoxy resin, a cationic initiator such as a diaryliodonium or triarylsulfonium salt of specific anions, and a toughening agent such as a thermoplastic, hydroxy-containing thermoplastic oligomer, epoxy-containing thermoplastic oligomer, reactive flexibilizer, rubber, elastomer, or mixture thereof. Cured compositions have high glass transition temperatures, good mechanical properties, and good toughness. These properties are comparable to those of similar thermally cured epoxies.
Mechanical properties of injection-molded thermoplastic denture base resins.
Hamanaka, Ippei; Takahashi, Yutaka; Shimizu, Hiroshi
2011-03-01
To investigate the mechanical properties of injection-molded thermoplastic denture base resins. Four injection-molded thermoplastic resins (two polyamides, one polyethylene terephthalate, one polycarbonate) and, as a control, a conventional heat-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), were used in this study. The flexural strength at the proportional limit (FS-PL), the elastic modulus, and the Charpy impact strength of the denture base resins were measured according to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 1567 and ISO 1567:1999/Amd 1:2003. The descending order of the FS-PL was: conventional PMMA > polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate > two polyamides. The descending order of the elastic moduli was: conventional PMMA > polycarbonate > polyethylene terephthalate > two polyamides. The descending order of the Charpy impact strength was: polyamide (Nylon PACM12) > polycarbonate > polyamide (Nylon 12), polyethylene terephthalate > conventional PMMA. All of the injection-molded thermoplastic resins had significantly lower FS-PL, lower elastic moduli, and higher or similar impact strength compared to the conventional PMMA. The polyamide denture base resins had low FS-PL and low elastic moduli; one of them possessed very high impact strength, and the other had low impact strength. The polyethylene terephthalate denture base resin showed a moderately high FS-PL, moderate elastic modulus, and low impact strength. The polycarbonate denture base resin had a moderately high FS-PL, moderately high elastic modulus, and moderate impact strength.
High performance thermoplastics: A review of neat resin and composite properties
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Johnston, Norman J.; Hergenrother, Paul M.
1987-01-01
A review was made of the principal thermoplastics used to fabricate high performance composites. Neat resin tensile and fracture toughness properties, glass transition temperatures (Tg), crystalline melt temperatures (Tm) and approximate processing conditions are presented. Mechanical properties of carbon fiber composites made from many of these thermoplastics are given, including flexural, longitudinal tensile, transverse tensile and in-plane shear properties as well as short beam shear and compressive strengths and interlaminar fracture toughness. Attractive features and problems involved in the use of thermo-plastics as matrices for high performance composites are discussed.
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
1983-01-01
Epoxy Thermoplastic (ETP) is a recently developed epoxy-resin-based thermoplastic pavement marking material being promoted by the Federal Highway Administration as a possible substitute for conventional traffic paints and thermoplastics. Its reported...
James H. Muehl; Andrzej M. Krzysik; Poo Chow
2004-01-01
The purpose of this study was to evaluate two groups of composite panels made from two types of underutilized natural fiber sources, kenaf bast fiber and office wastepaper, for their suitability in composite panels. All panels were made with 5% thermosetting phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin and 1.5% wax. Also, an additional 10% polypropylene (PP) thermoplastic resin was...
40 CFR 414.40 - Applicability; description of the thermoplastic resins subcategory.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 29 2014-07-01 2012-07-01 true Applicability; description of the thermoplastic resins subcategory. 414.40 Section 414.40 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORGANIC CHEMICALS, PLASTICS, AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS...
40 CFR 414.40 - Applicability; description of the thermoplastic resins subcategory.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 29 2011-07-01 2009-07-01 true Applicability; description of the thermoplastic resins subcategory. 414.40 Section 414.40 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORGANIC CHEMICALS, PLASTICS, AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS...
40 CFR 414.40 - Applicability; description of the thermoplastic resins subcategory.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2013-07-01 2012-07-01 true Applicability; description of the thermoplastic resins subcategory. 414.40 Section 414.40 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORGANIC CHEMICALS, PLASTICS, AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS...
40 CFR 414.40 - Applicability; description of the thermoplastic resins subcategory.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Applicability; description of the thermoplastic resins subcategory. 414.40 Section 414.40 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORGANIC CHEMICALS, PLASTICS, AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS...
Tough composite materials: Recent developments
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Vosteen, L. F. (Editor); Johnston, N. J. (Editor); Teichman, L. A. (Editor); Blankenship, C. P. (Editor)
1985-01-01
The present volume broadly considers topics in composite fracture toughness and impact behavior characterization, composite system constituent properties and their interrelationships, and matrix systems' synthesis and characterization. Attention is given to the characterization of interlaminar crack growth in composites by means of the double cantilever beam specimen, the characterization of delamination resistance in toughened resin composites, the effect of impact damage and open holes on the compressive strength of tough resin/high strain fiber laminates, the effect of matrix and fiber properties on compression failure mechanisms and impact resistance, the relation of toughened neat resin properties to advanced composite mechanical properties, and constituent and composite properties' relationships in thermosetting matrices. Also treated are the effect of cross-link density on the toughening mechanism of elastomer-modified epoxies, the chemistry of fiber/resin interfaces, novel carbon fibers and their properties, the development of a heterogeneous laminating resin, solvent-resistant thermoplastics, NASA Lewis research in advanced composites, and opportunities for the application of composites in commercial aircraft transport structures.
Composite Design and Engineering
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
van der Woude, J. H. A.; Lawton, E. L.
Fiberglass is a versatile and cost-effective reinforcement for composites. Many processes, resins, and forms of fiberglass facilitate this versatility. The design, engineering, manufacture, and properties of fiberglass-reinforced composite products from diverse thermoset and thermoplastic resins are described. The attributes of fiberglass-reinforced composites include its mechanical and chemical properties, lightweight, corrosion resistance, longevity, low total system cost, and Class A surface properties. Specific examples illustrate the importance of the form of the fiberglass reinforcement and of the interfacial bond between the glass fibers and the matrix resin in optimizing composite properties. In addition, recent advances are described with regard to the fabrication of fiberglass-reinforced wind turbine blades.
High performance thermoplastics - A review of neat resin and composite properties
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Johnston, Norman J.; Hergenrother, Paul M.
1987-01-01
A review was made of the principal thermoplastics used to fabricate high performance composites. Neat resin tensile and fracture toughness properties, glass transition temperatures (Tg), crystalline melt temperatures (Tm) and approximate processing conditions are presented. Mechanical properties of carbon fiber composites made from many of these thermoplastics are given, including flexural, longitudinal tensile, transverse tensile and in-plane shear properties as well as short beam shear and compressive strengths and interlaminar fracture toughness.
Takahashi, Yutaka; Hamanaka, Ippei; Shimizu, Hiroshi
2012-07-01
This study investigated the effect of thermal shock on the mechanical properties of injection-molded thermoplastic denture base resins. Four thermoplastic resins (two polyamides, one polyethylene terephthalate, one polycarbonate) and, as a control, a conventional heat-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), were tested. Specimens of each denture base material were fabricated according to ISO 1567 and were either thermocycled or not thermocycled (n = 10). The flexural strength at the proportional limit (FS-PL), the elastic modulus and the Charpy impact strength of the denture base materials were estimated. Thermocycling significantly decreased the FS-PL of one of the polyamides and the PMMA and it significantly increased the FS-PL of one of the polyamides. In addition, thermocycling significantly decreased the elastic modulus of one of the polyamides and significantly increased the elastic moduli of one of the polyamides, the polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate and PMMA. Thermocycling significantly decreased the impact strength of one of the polyamides and the polycarbonate. The mechanical properties of injection-molded thermoplastic denture base resins changed after themocycling.
Selection of UV Resins for Nanostructured Molds for Thermal-NIL.
Jia, Zheng; Choi, Junseo; Park, Sunggook
2018-06-18
Nanoimprint molds made of soft polymeric materials have advantages of low demolding force and low fabrication cost over Si or metal-based hard molds. However, such advantages are often sacrificed by their reduced replication fidelity associated with the low mechanical strength. In this paper, we studied replication fidelity of different UV-resin molds copied from a Si master mold via UV nanoimprint lithography (NIL) and their thermal imprinting performance into a thermoplastic polymer. Four different UV resins were studied: two were high surface energy UV resins based on tripropyleneglycol diacrylate (TPGDA resin) and polypropyleneglycol diacrylate (PPGDA resin), and the other two were commercially available, low surface energy poly-urethane acrylate (PUA resin) and fluorine-containing (MD 700) UV resins. The replication fidelity among the four UV-resins during UV nanoimprint lithograph from a Si master with sharp nanostructures was in the increasing order of (poorest) PUA resin < MD 700 < PPGDA resin < TPGDA resin (best). The results show that the high surface energy and small monomer size are keys to achieving good UV resin filling into sharp nanostructures over the viscosity of the resin solution. When the four UV-resin molds were used for thermal-NIL into a thermoplastic polymer, the replication fidelity was in the increasing order of (poorest) MD 700 < TPGDA resin < PUA resin (best), which follows the same order of their Young's moduli. Our results indicate that the selection of an appropriate UV resin for NIL molds requires consideration of the replication fidelities in the mold fabrication and the subsequent thermal-NIL into thermoplastic polymers. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.
40 CFR 414.40 - Applicability; description of the thermoplastic resins subcategory.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... *Ethylene-Methacrylic Acid Copolymers *Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Copolymers *Fatty Acid Resins *Fluorocarbon..., Acrylates (Latex) *PVC Copolymers, Ethylene-Vinyl Chloride *Rosin Derivative Resins *Rosin Modified Resins...
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Lamontia, Mark A.; Gruber, Mark B.; Jensen, Brian J.
2006-01-01
Thermoplastic laminates in situ consolidated via tape or tow placement require full mechanical properties. Realizing full properties requires resin crystallinity to be controlled - partial crystallinity leads to unacceptably low laminate compression properties. There are two approaches: utilize an amorphous matrix resin; or place material made from a semi-crystalline resin featuring kinetics faster than the process. In this paper, a matrix resin evaluation and trade study was completed with commercial and NASA amorphous polyimides on the one hand, and with PEKK mixed with POSS nanoparticles for accelerated crystallinity growth on the other. A new thermoplastic impregnated material, 6 mm wide (0.25-in) AS-4 carbon/LaRC(TradeMark)8515 dry polyimide tow, was fabricated. Since LaRC(TradeMark)8515 is fully amorphous, it attains full properties following in situ consolidation, with no post processing required to build crystallinity. The tow in situ processing was demonstrated via in situ thermoplastic filament winding it into rings.
Advanced thermoplastic resins, phase 2
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Brown, A. M.; Hill, S. G.; Falcone, A.
1991-01-01
High temperature structural resins are required for use on advanced aerospace vehicles as adhesives and composite matrices. NASA-Langley developed polyimide resins were evaluated as high temperature structural adhesives for metal to metal bonding and as composite matrices. Adhesive tapes were prepared on glass scrim fabric from solutions of polyamide acids of the semicrystalline polyimide LARC-CPI, developed at the NASA-Langley Research Center. Using 6Al-4V titanium adherends, high lap shear bond strengths were obtained at ambient temperature (45.2 MPa, 6550 psi) and acceptable strengths were obtained at elevated temperature (14.0 MPa, 2030 psi) using the Pasa-Jell 107 conversion coating on the titanium and a bonding pressure of 1.38 MPa (200 psi). Average zero degree composite tensile and compressive strengths of 1290 MPa (187 ksi) and 883 MPa (128 ksi) respectively were obtained at ambient temperature with unsized AS-4 carbon fiber reinforcement.
Surface roughness of denture bases after immersion in fishcake vinegar solution
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kodir, K.; Tanti, I.; Odang, R. W.
2017-08-01
Fishcake is a common food in Palembang city and is usually eaten with fishcake vinegar sauce. Fishcake vinegar solution contains acetic acid and chloride and fluoride ions, all of which cause surface roughness on the denture base material. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of fishcake vinegar solution on the surface roughness of heat-cured acrylic resin, thermoplastic nylon, and cobalt-chromium alloy denture bases. This laboratory-based experimental study was performed on heat-cured acrylic resins, thermoplastic nylon specimen plates formed in 15 × 10 × 1 mm shapes, and cobalt-chromium alloy specimens in cylinder forms with a 7.7 mm diameter and 17.5-mm height. Each group consisted of 10 pieces. Each specimen was immersed in a fishcake vinegar solution at 37 °C for 4 days. The surface roughness was measured using a profilometer before and after immersion. Statistical analyses showed significant (p < 0.05) changes in heat-cured acrylic resin, thermoplastic nylon, and the cobalt chromium alloy plates after immersion in a fishcake vinegar solution for 4 days. Fishcake vinegar solution affects the surface roughness of heat-cured acrylic resin, thermoplastic nylon, and cobalt-chromium alloy plates after a 4-day immersion period. The greatest surface roughness change occurred in the thermoplastic nylon plate, while the lowest change occurred in the cobalt-chromium alloy.
Influence of Sea Water Aging on the Mechanical Behaviour of Acrylic Matrix Composites
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Davies, P.; Le Gac, P.-Y.; Le Gall, M.
2017-02-01
A new matrix resin was recently introduced for composite materials, based on acrylic resin chemistry allowing standard room temperature infusion techniques to be used to produce recyclable thermoplastic composites. This is a significant advance, particularly for more environmentally-friendly production of large marine structures such as boats. However, for such applications it is essential to demonstrate that composites produced with these resins resist sea water exposure in service. This paper presents results from a wet aging study of unreinforced acrylic and glass and carbon fibre reinforced acrylic composites. It is shown that the acrylic matrix resin is very stable in seawater, showing lower property losses after seawater aging than those of a commonly-used epoxy matrix resin. Carbon fibre reinforced acrylic also shows good property retention after aging, while reductions in glass fibre reinforced composite strengths suggest that specific glass fibre sizing may be required for optimum durability.
Phenoxy resins containing pendent ethynyl groups
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hergenrother, P. M.; Jensen, B. J.; Havens, S. J.
1984-01-01
As part of an effort on tougher/solvent resistant matrix resins for composites, research was directed towards exploring methods to improve the solvent resistance of linear amorphous thermoplastics. Ethyl reactive groups were placed on the ends of oligomers and pendent along the polymer chain and subsequently thermally reacted to provide crosslinking and thus improvement in solvent resistance. This concept is extended to another thermoplastic, a phenoxy resin. A commercially available phenoxy resin (PKHH) was systematically modified by reaction of the pendent hydroxyl groups on the phenoxy resin with various amounts of 4-ethynylbenzoyl chloride. As the pendent ethynyl group content in the phenoxy resin increased, the cured resin exhibited a higher glass transition temperature, better solvent resistance and less flexibility. The solvent resistance was further improved by correcting a low molecular weight diethynyl compound, 2,2-bis(4-ethynylbenzoyloxy-4'-phenyl)propane, with a phenoxy resin containing pendent ethynyl groups.
Fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin matrix composites
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Jones, Robert J. (Inventor); Chang, Glenn E. C. (Inventor)
1989-01-01
Polyimide polymer composites having a combination of enhanced thermal and mechanical properties even when subjected to service temperatures as high as 700.degree. F. are described. They comprise (a) from 10 to 50 parts by weight of a thermoplastic polyimide resin prepared from 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane and (b) from 90 to 50 parts by weight of continuous reinforcing fibers, the total of (a) and (b) being 100 parts by weight. Composites based on polyimide resin formed from 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane and pyromellitic dianhydride and continuous carbon fibers retained at least about 50% of their room temperature shear strength after exposure to 700.degree. F. for a period of 16 hours in flowing air. Preferably, the thermoplastic polyimide resin is formed in situ in the composite material by thermal imidization of a corresponding amide-acid polymer prepared from 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane. It is also preferred to initially size the continuous reinforcing fibers with up to about one percent by weight of an amide-acid polymer prepared from 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane. In this way imidization at a suitable elevated temperature results in the in-situ formation of a substantially homogeneous thermoplastic matrix of the polyimide resin tightly and intimately bonded to the continuous fibers. The resultant composites tend to have optimum thermo-mechanical properties.
THE DURABILITY OF LARGE-SCALE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING COMPOSITE MOLDS
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Post, Brian K; Love, Lonnie J; Duty, Chad
2016-01-01
Oak Ridge National Laboratory s Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) technology permits the rapid production of thermoplastic composite molds using a carbon fiber filled Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) thermoplastic. Demonstration tools (i.e. 0.965 m X 0.559 m X 0.152 m) for composite part fabrication have been printed, coated, and finished with a traditional tooling gel. We present validation results demonstrating the stability of thermoplastic printed molds for room temperature Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) processes. Arkema s Elium thermoplastic resin was investigated with a variety of reinforcement materials. Experimental results include dimensional characterization of the tool surface using laser scanning techniquemore » following demolding of 10 parts. Thermoplastic composite molds offer rapid production compared to traditionally built thermoset molds in that near-net deposition allows direct digital production of the net geometry at production rate of 45 kg/hr.« less
Advances in Composites Technology
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Tenney, D. R.; Dexter, H. B.
1985-01-01
A significant level of research is currently focused on the development of tough resins and high strain fibers in an effort to gain improved damage tolerance. Moderate success has been achieved with the development of new resins such as PEEK and additional improvements look promising with new thermoplastic resins. Development of innovative material forms such as 2-D and 3-D woven fabrics and braided structural subelements is also expected to improve damage tolerance and durability of composite hardware. The new thrust in composites is to develop low cost manufacturing and design concepts to lower the cost of composite hardware. Processes being examined include automated material placement, filament winding, pultrusion, and thermoforming. The factory of the future will likely incorporate extensive automation in all aspects of manufacturing composite components.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Carello, M.; Amirth, N.; Airale, A. G.; Monti, M.; Romeo, A.
2017-12-01
Advanced thermoplastic prepreg composite materials stand out with regard to their ability to allow complex designs with high specific strength and stiffness. This makes them an excellent choice for lightweight automotive components to reduce mass and increase fuel efficiency, while maintaining the functionality of traditional thermosetting prepreg (and mechanical characteristics) and with a production cycle time and recyclability suited to mass production manufacturing. Currently, the aerospace and automotive sectors struggle to carry out accurate Finite Elements (FE) component analyses and in some cases are unable to validate the obtained results. In this study, structural Finite Elements Analysis (FEA) has been done on a thermoplastic fiber reinforced component designed and manufactured through an integrated injection molding process, which consists in thermoforming the prepreg laminate and overmolding the other parts. This process is usually referred to as hybrid molding, and has the provision to reinforce the zones subjected to additional stresses with thermoformed themoplastic prepreg as required and overmolded with a shortfiber thermoplastic resin in single process. This paper aims to establish an accurate predictive model on a rational basis and an innovative methodology for the structural analysis of thermoplastic composite components by comparison with the experimental tests results.
Interlaminar fracture in carbon fiber/thermoplastic composites
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hinkley, J. A.; Bascom, W. D.; Allred, R. E.
1990-01-01
The surfaces of commercial carbon fibers are generally chemically cleaned or oxidized and then coated with an oligomeric sizing to optimize their adhesion to epoxy matrix resins. Evidence from fractography, from embedded fiber testing and from fracture energies suggests that these standard treatments are relatively ineffective for thermoplastic matrices. This evidence is reviewed and model thermoplastic composites (polyphenylene oxide/high strain carbon fibers) are used to demonstrate how differences in adhesion can lead to a twofold change in interlaminar fracture toughness. The potential for improved adhesion via plasma modification of fiber surfaces is discussed. Finally, a surprising case of fiber-catalyzed resin degradation is described.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Leon, Angel; Perez, Marta; Barasinski, Anais; Abisset-Chavanne, Emmanuelle; Chinesta, Francisco
2017-12-01
Advanced thermoplastic composite materials look to add functional properties to the mechanical ones, the latter usually ensured by the continuous fibers involved in the composite preforms. For that purpose the use of reinforced thermoplastic resins are being considered. These resins usually integrate manometric particles, with a variety of shapes (rods, spheres, discs, ...) with enhanced functional properties, ensuring for example the increase of thermal or electrical conductivities. However, even when considering adequate particles distribution and orientation in the preforms, forming processes induced properties cannot be ignored and they are particuarly critical at the ply interfaces level, where the degree of intimate contact must be maximized while ensuring equivalent functional properties to the ones existing in the bulk. One possibility for maximizing the intimate contact and at the same time controlling the induced functional anisotropy consists of designing engineered surfaces consolidated by the combined action of temperature and pressure. The combined effect results in a microscopic flow that induces at its turn the evolution of the position and orientation of the particles, and consequently the evolution of the associated properties, e.g. thermal and electrical conductivities. In the present work we address a simplified modeling framework of the functional properties evolution during the consolidation of unidirectional tapes. It combines the squeeze flow modeling, the flow induced microstructural anisotropy and its impact on the thermal and electrical conductivities.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Dornheim, M.A.
1991-04-01
A comprehensive evaluation is made of the development trends in high performance advanced aerospace structural materials applications. It is noted that the anticipated predominance of thermoplastic composite-matrix polymers in the F-22/F-23 ATF propotypes has not materialized, due both to their high materials and processing costs and the emergence of a more tractable high operating temperature thermoset, BMI, whose toughness characteristics are of the order of those associated with thermoplastics. No more than 15 percent of F-22 weight is thermoplastics; the F-23 use of such resins is nill. Throughout the advanced nonmetallics industry, reduced DOD procurements have come to represent slowmore » growth and the prospect of consolidation. Also, such lightweight Al-based metallics as the Al-Li alloys have posed a major market-share challenge to polymeric composites, as in the case of the C-17 airlifter's 6,269 lbs of such Al-Li alloys as 2090, largely in cargo floor and ramp bulkhead structures. The EFA fighter makes frequent use of SPF-DB Ti alloys in combat damage-critical components. Metal-matrix composites employing titanium aluminide matrices will be extensively used in the X-30 hypersonic aircraft program.« less
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
NONE
This document contains reports which were presented at the 41st International Society For The Advancement of Material and Process Engineering Symposium and Exhibition. Topics include: structural integrity of aging aircraft; composite materials development; affordable composites and processes; corrosion characterization of aging aircraft; adhesive advances; composite design; dual use materials and processing; repair of aircraft structures; adhesive inspection; materials systems for infrastructure; fire safety; composite impact/energy absorption; advanced materials for space; seismic retrofit; high temperature resins; preform technology; thermoplastics; alternative energy and transportation; manufacturing; and durability. Individual reports have been processed separately for the United States Department of Energy databases.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Howes, Jeremy C.; Loos, Alfred C.
1987-01-01
An experimental program to develop test methods to be used to characterize interfacial (autohesive) strength development in polysulfone thermoplastic resin and graphite-polysulfone prepreg during processing is reported. Two test methods were used to examine interfacial strength development in neat resin samples. These included an interfacial tension test and a compact tension (CT) fracture toughness test. The interfacial tensile test proved to be very difficult to perform with a considerable amount of data scatter. Thus, the interfacial test was discarded in favor of the fracture toughness test. Interfacial strength development was observed by measuring the refracture toughness of precracked compact tension specimens that were rehealed at a given temperature and contact time. The measured refracture toughness was correlated with temperature and contact time. Interfacial strength development in graphite-polysulfone unidirectional composites was measured using a double cantilever beam (DCB) interlaminar fracture toughness test. The critical strain energy release rate of refractured composite specimens was measured as a function of healing temperature and contact time.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Patermann, Simone; Altstädt, Volker
2015-05-01
Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) combine the elastic properties of thermoset cross-linked rubbers with the melt processability of thermoplastics. The most representative examples of this class are the TPVs based on polypropylene (PP) and ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber (EPDM). The PP/EPDM blends were produced by dynamic vulcanization in a continuous extrusion process. The influence of different crosslinking systems was studied with regard to cross-link density, compression set, tensile strength/elongation at break and morphology. With increasing peroxide concentration, the cross-link density increases, leading to a reduction of the compression set by 50 %. The same improvement is only reachable with twice the concentration of phenolic resin. Only the peroxide cross-linked blends show smaller dispersed EPDM particles with increasing peroxide concentration. With a peroxide concentration between 0.2 and 0.5 wt. %, a maximum in tensile strength and elongation at break was found. For the phenolic resin cross-linked blends, the tensile strength stays almost constant with increasing phenolic resin concentration and the elongation at break shows best results at 0.5 wt. % phenolic resin. Compared to batch processes, the results show different values, but comparable trends.
Gopalan, Reji P; Nair, Vivek V; Harshakumar, K; Ravichandran, R; Lylajam, S; Viswambaran, Prasanth
2018-01-01
Different pattern materials do not produce copings with satisfactory, marginal accuracy when used on stone dies at varying time intervals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the vertical marginal accuracy of patterns formed from three materials, namely, thermoplastic resin, light cured wax and inlay casting wax at three-time intervals of 1, 12, and 24 h. A master die (zirconia abutment mimicking a prepared permanent maxillary central incisor) and metal sleeve (direct metal laser sintering crown #11) were fabricated. A total of 30 stone dies were obtained from the master die. Ten patterns were made each from the three materials and stored off the die at room temperature. The vertical marginal gaps were measured using digital microscope at 1, 12, and 24 h after reseating with gentle finger pressure. The results revealed a significant statistical difference in the marginal adaptation of three materials at all the three-time intervals. Light cured wax was found to be most accurate at all time intervals, followed by thermoplastic resin and inlay casting wax. Furthermore, there was a significant difference between all pairs of materials. The change in vertical marginal gap from 1 to 24 h between thermoplastic resin and light cured wax was not statistically significant. The marginal adaptation of all the three materials used, was well within the acceptable range of 25-70 μm. The resin pattern materials studied revealed significantly less dimensional change than inlay casting wax on storage at 1, 12, and 24 h time intervals. They may be employed in situations where high precision and delayed investing is expected.
Lin, YuPo J [Naperville, IL; Henry, Michael P [Batavia, IL; Snyder, Seth W [Lincolnwood, IL
2011-07-12
An electrically and ionically conductive porous material including a thermoplastic binder and one or more of anion exchange moieties or cation exchange moieties or mixtures thereof and/or one or more of a protein capture resin and an electrically conductive material. The thermoplastic binder immobilizes the moieties with respect to each other but does not substantially coat the moieties and forms the electrically conductive porous material. A wafer of the material and a method of making the material and wafer are disclosed.
Villegas, Irene F; Palardy, Genevieve
2016-02-11
This paper presents a novel straightforward method for ultrasonic welding of thermoplastic-composite coupons in optimum processing conditions. The ultrasonic welding process described in this paper is based on three main pillars. Firstly, flat energy directors are used for preferential heat generation at the joining interface during the welding process. A flat energy director is a neat thermoplastic resin film that is placed between the parts to be joined prior to the welding process and heats up preferentially owing to its lower compressive stiffness relative to the composite substrates. Consequently, flat energy directors provide a simple solution that does not require molding of resin protrusions on the surfaces of the composite substrates, as opposed to ultrasonic welding of unreinforced plastics. Secondly, the process data provided by the ultrasonic welder is used to rapidly define the optimum welding parameters for any thermoplastic composite material combination. Thirdly, displacement control is used in the welding process to ensure consistent quality of the welded joints. According to this method, thermoplastic-composite flat coupons are individually welded in a single lap configuration. Mechanical testing of the welded coupons allows determining the apparent lap shear strength of the joints, which is one of the properties most commonly used to quantify the strength of thermoplastic composite welded joints.
Villegas, Irene F.; Palardy, Genevieve
2016-01-01
This paper presents a novel straightforward method for ultrasonic welding of thermoplastic-composite coupons in optimum processing conditions. The ultrasonic welding process described in this paper is based on three main pillars. Firstly, flat energy directors are used for preferential heat generation at the joining interface during the welding process. A flat energy director is a neat thermoplastic resin film that is placed between the parts to be joined prior to the welding process and heats up preferentially owing to its lower compressive stiffness relative to the composite substrates. Consequently, flat energy directors provide a simple solution that does not require molding of resin protrusions on the surfaces of the composite substrates, as opposed to ultrasonic welding of unreinforced plastics. Secondly, the process data provided by the ultrasonic welder is used to rapidly define the optimum welding parameters for any thermoplastic composite material combination. Thirdly, displacement control is used in the welding process to ensure consistent quality of the welded joints. According to this method, thermoplastic-composite flat coupons are individually welded in a single lap configuration. Mechanical testing of the welded coupons allows determining the apparent lap shear strength of the joints, which is one of the properties most commonly used to quantify the strength of thermoplastic composite welded joints. PMID:26890931
Chennell, Philip; Feschet-Chassot, Emmanuelle; Sautou, Valérie; Mailhot-Jensen, Bénédicte
2018-05-01
Thermoplastic polyurethanes are widely used in medical devices. In order to limit some of their shortfalls, like microbial attachment, surfaces modifications can be required. In this work, a two-step replication method was used to create ordered macroporous and mesoporous thermoplastic polyurethane surfaces using anodic aluminum oxide as master template. The intermediate mould materials that were tested were polystyrene and a polyacrylate resin with inorganic filler. All obtained surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The initial anodic aluminum oxide surfaces possessed macro or mesopores, function of anodization conditions. The intermediate mould structure correctly replicated the pattern, but the polystyrene surface structures (pillars) were less resistant than the polyacrylate resin ones. The thermoplastic polyurethane pattern possessed macropores or mesopores of about 130 nm or 46 nm diameter and of about 300 nm or 99 nm interpore distances, respectively, in accordance with the initial pattern. Thermoplastic polyurethanes pore depth was however less than initial anodic aluminum oxide pore depth, linked to an incomplete replication during intermediate mould preparation (60 to 90% depth replication). The correct replication of the original pattern confirms that this novel fabrication method is a promising route for surface patterning of thermoplastic polyurethanes that could be used for medical applications.
Development and evaluation of thermoplastic street maintenance material
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Siemens, W. D.
1973-01-01
An all-weather permanent street patching material was investigated for flexible and rigid pavements. The economic, operational, and material requirements are discussed along with the results of field tests with various mixtures of EVA resins and asphalt. Cost analyses for thermoplastic patching methods are included.
Composite Structures and Materials Research at NASA Langley Research Center
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Starnes, James H., Jr.; Dexter, H. Benson; Johnston, Norman J.; Ambur, Damodar R.; Cano, roberto J.
2003-01-01
A summary of recent composite structures and materials research at NASA Langley Research Center is presented. Fabrication research to develop low-cost automated robotic fabrication procedures for thermosetting and thermoplastic composite materials, and low-cost liquid molding processes for preformed textile materials is described. Robotic fabrication procedures discussed include ply-by-ply, cure-on-the-fly heated placement head and out-of-autoclave electron-beam cure methods for tow and tape thermosetting and thermoplastic materials. Liquid molding fabrication processes described include Resin Film Infusion (RFI), Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) and Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM). Results for a full-scale composite wing box are summarized to identify the performance of materials and structures fabricated with these low-cost fabrication methods.
Composite Structures and Materials Research at NASA Langley Research Center
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Starnes, James H., Jr.; Dexter, H. Benson; Johnston, Norman J.; Ambur, Damodar R.; Cano, Roberto J.
2001-01-01
A summary of recent composite structures and materials research at NASA Langley Research Center is presented. Fabrication research to develop low-cost automated robotic fabrication procedures for thermosetting and thermoplastic composite materials, and low-cost liquid molding processes for preformed textile materials is described. Robotic fabrication procedures discussed include ply-by-ply, cure-on-the-fly heated placement head and out-of-autoclave electron-beam cure methods for tow and tape thermosetting and thermoplastic materials. Liquid molding fabrication processes described include Resin Film Infusion (RFI) Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) and Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM). Results for a full-scale composite wing box are summarized to identify the performance of materials and structures fabricated with these low-cost fabrication methods.
A tough performance simultaneous semi-interpenetrating polymer network
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Pater, Ruth H. (Inventor)
1989-01-01
A semi-interpenetrating polyimide (semi-IPN) network and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. The semi-IPN system comprises a high performance thermosetting polyimide having an acetylene-terminated group acting as a crosslinking site and a high performance linear thermoplastic polyimide. The polymer is made by combining low viscosity precursors and low molecular weight polymers of the thermosetting and thermoplastic polyimides and allowing them to react in the immediate presence of each other to form a simultaneous semi-interpenetrating polyimide network. Provided is a high temperature system having significantly improved processability and damage tolerance while maintaining excellent thermo-oxidative stability, mechanical properties and resistance to humidity, when compared with the commercial high temperature resin, Thermid 600. This material is particularly adapted for use as a molding, adhesive and advanced composite matrix for aerospace structural and electronic applications.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Durai Prabhakaran, R. T.; Pillai, Saju; Charca, Samuel; Oshkovr, Simin Ataollahi; Knudsen, Hans; Andersen, Tom Løgstrup; Bech, Jakob Ilsted; Thomsen, Ole Thybo; Lilholt, Hans
2014-04-01
The aim of this study was to understand the role of the processing in determining the mechanical properties of glass fibre reinforced polybutylene terephthalate composites (Glass/PBT). Unidirectional (UD) composite laminates were manufactured by the vacuum consolidation technique using three different material systems included in this study; Glass/CBT (CBT160 powder based resin), Glass/PBT (prepreg tapes), and Glass/PBT (commingled yarns). The different types of thermoplastic polymer resin systems used for the manufacturing of the composite UD laminate dictate the differences in final mechanical properties which were evaluated by through compression, flexural and short beam transverse bending tests. Microscopy was used to evaluate the quality of the processed laminates, and fractography was used to characterize the observed failure modes. The study provides an improved understanding of the relationships between processing methods, resin characteristics, and mechanical performance of thermoplastic resin composite materials.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Guynn, E. G.; Ochoa, Ozden O.; Bradley, Walter L.
1992-01-01
The effects of the stacking sequence (orientation of plies adjacent to the 0-deg plies), free surfaces, fiber/matrix interfacial bond strength, initial fiber waviness, resin-rich regions, and nonlinear shear constitutive behavior of the resin on the initiation of fiber microbuckling in thermoplastic composites were investigated using nonlinear geometric and nonlinear 2D finite-element analyses. Results show that reductions in the resin shear tangent modulus, large amplitudes of the initial fiber waviness, and debonds each cause increases in the localized matrix shear strains; these increases lead in turn to premature initiation of fiber microbuckling. The numerical results are compared to experimental data obtained using three thermoplastic composite material systems: (1) commercial APC-2, (2) QUADRAX Unidirectional Interlaced Tape, and AU4U/PEEK.
LARC-TPI: A multi-purpose thermoplastic polyimide
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
St.clair, A. K.; St.clair, T. L.
1982-01-01
A linear thermoplastic polyimide, LARC-TPI, was characterized and developed for a variety of high temperature applications. In its fully imidized form, this material can be used as an adhesive for bonding metals such as titanium, aluminum, copper, brass, and stainless steel. LARC-TPI was evaluated as a thermoplastic for bonding large pieces of polyimide film to produce flexible, 100 void-free laminates for flexible circuit applications. The development of LARC-TPI as a potential molding powder, composite matrix resin, high temperature film and fiber is also discussed.
Characterization and manufacture of braided composites for large commercial aircraft structures
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Fedro, Mark J.; Willden, Kurtis
1992-01-01
Braided composite materials has been recognized as a potential cost effective material form for fuselage structural elements. Consequently, there is a strong need for more knowledge in the design, manufacture, test, and analysis of textile structural composites. Advance braided composite technology is advanced towards applications to a large commercial transport fuselage. The mechanics are summarized of materials and manufacturing demonstration results which were obtained in order to acquire an understanding of how braided composites can be applied to a commercial fuselage. Textile composites consisting of 2-D, 2-D triaxial, and 3-D braid patterns with thermoplastic and two resin transfer molding resin systems were studied. The structural performance of braided composites was evaluated through an extensive mechanical test program. Analytical methods were also developed and applied to predict the following: internal fiber architecture; stiffness; fiber stresses; failure mechanisms; notch effects; and the history of failure of the braided composite specimens. The applicability of braided composites to a commercial transport fuselage was further assessed through a manufacturing demonstration.
Consolidation of graphite thermoplastic textile preforms for primary aircraft structure
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Suarez, J.; Mahon, J.
1991-01-01
The use of innovative cost effective material forms and processes is being considered for fabrication of future primary aircraft structures. Processes that have been identified as meeting these goals are textile preforms that use resin transfer molding (RTM) and consolidation forming. The Novel Composites for Wing and Fuselage Applications (NCWFA) program has as its objective the integration of innovative design concepts with cost effective fabrication processes to develop damage-tolerant structures that can perform at a design ultimate strain level of 6000 micro-inch/inch. In this on-going effort, design trade studies were conducted to arrive at advanced wing designs that integrate new material forms with innovative structural concepts and cost effective fabrication methods. The focus has been on minimizing part count (mechanical fasteners, clips, number of stiffeners, etc.), by using cost effective textile reinforcement concepts that provide improved damage tolerance and out-of-plane load capability, low-cost resin transfer molding processing, and thermoplastic forming concepts. The fabrication of representative Y spars by consolidation methods will be described. The Y spars were fabricated using AS4 (6K)/PEEK 150g commingled angle interlock 0/90-degree woven preforms with +45-degree commingled plies stitched using high strength Toray carbon thread and processed by autoclave consolidation.
Wood-plastic composites in the United States : the interfacing of two industries
Craig Clemons
2002-01-01
The term wood-plastic composites refers to any composites that contain wood (of any form) and thermosets or thermoplastics. Thermosets are plastics that, once cured, cannot be melted by reheating. These include resins such as epoxies and phenolics, plastics with which the forest products industry is most familiar. Thermoplastics are plastics that can be repeatedly...
Daniel F. Caulfield; Craig Clemons; Rodney E. Jacobson; Roger M. Rowell
2005-01-01
The term âwood-plastic compositesâ refers to any number of composites that contain wood (of any form) and either thermoset or thermoplastic polymers. Thermosets or thermoset polymers are plastics that, once cured, cannot be remelted by heating. These include cured resins, such as epoxies and phenolics, plastics with which the forest products industry is most familiar (...
Yottha Srithep; Alireza Javadi; Srikanth Pilla; Lih-Sheng Turng; Shaoqin Gong; Craig Clemons; Jun Peng
2011-01-01
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) resin is one of the most widely used thermoplastics, especially in packaging. Because thermal and hydrolytic degradations, recycled PET (RPET) exhibits poor mechanical properties and lacks moldability. The effects of adding elastomeric modifiers, chain extenders (CE), and poly(butylenes adipate-co-terephthalate), PBAT, as a toughener...
Novel Composites for Wing and Fuselage Applications. Task 1; Novel Wing Design Concepts
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Suarez, J. A.; Buttitta, C.; Flanagan, G.; DeSilva, T.; Egensteiner, W.; Bruno, J.; Mahon, J.; Rutkowski, C.; Collins, R.; Fidnarick, R.;
1996-01-01
Design trade studies were conducted to arrive at advanced wing designs that integrated new material forms with innovative structural concepts and cost-effective fabrication methods. A representative spar was selected for design, fabrication, and test to validate the predicted performance. Textile processes, such as knitting, weaving and stitching, were used to produce fiber preforms that were later fabricated into composite span through epoxy Resin Transfer Molding (RTM), Resin Film Infusion (RFI), and consolidation of commingled thermoplastic and graphite tows. The target design ultimate strain level for these innovative structural design concepts was 6000 mu in. per in. The spars were subjected to four-point beam bending to validate their structural performance. The various material form /processing combination Y-spars were rated for their structural efficiency and acquisition cost. The acquisition cost elements were material, tooling, and labor.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kourtides, D. A.; Parker, J. A.
1978-01-01
The thermochemical and flammability properties of some thermally stable polymers considered for use in aircraft interiors are described. The properties studied include: (1) thermomechanical properties such as glass transition and melt temperature; (2) dynamic thermogravimetric analysis in anaerobic environment; (3) flammability properties such as oxygen index, flame spread, and smoke evolution; and (4) selected physical properties. The thermoplastic polymers evaluated included polyphenylene sulfide, polyaryl sulfone, 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-fluorene polycarbonate-poly(dimethylsiloxane) and polyether sulfone. The thermoset polymers evaluated included epoxy, bismaleimide, a modified phenolic and polyaromatic melamine resin. These resins were primarily used in the fabrication of glass reinforced prepregs for the construction of experimental panels. Test results and relative rankings of some of the flammability parameters are presented and the relationship of the molecular structure, char yield, and flammability properties of these polymers are discussed.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Cecere, James A.; Senger, James S.; Mcgrath, James E.; Steiner, Paul A.; Wong, Raymond S.
1987-01-01
Multifunctional epoxy resin networks were chemically modified with thermoplastic amine terminated poly(arylene ether sulfones) of controlled molecular weights. This system was then examined as both neat resin and as a matrix resin for carbon fiber composites. The neat resin displayed a significant increase in both fracture toughness and energy release rate values. This was attributed to the altered morphology, which could be varied from particles of polysulfone in an epoxy matrix to that of a quasi-continuous polysulfone phase.
The effect of processing on autohesive strength development in thermoplastic resins and composites
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Howes, Jeremy C.; Loos, Alfred C.; Hinkley, Jeffrey A.
1989-01-01
In the present investigation of processing effects on the autohesive bond strength of neat polysulfone resin and graphite-reinforced polysulfone-matrix composites measured resin bond strength development in precracked compact tension specimens 'healed' by heating over a contact period at a given temperature. The critical strain energy release rate of refractured composite specimens did not exhibit the strong time or temperature dependence of the neat resin tests; only 80-90 percent of the undamaged fracture energy is recoverable.
Thermoplastic composite matrices with improved solvent resistance
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hergenrother, P. M.; Jensen, B. J.; Havens, S. J.
1984-01-01
In order to improve solvent resistance of aromatic thermoplastic polymers, ethynyl-terminated aromatic sulfone polymers (ETS), sulfone/ester polymers (SEPE) containing pendent ethynyl groups, and phenoxy resin containing pendent ethynyl groups are synthesized. Cured polysulfones and phenoxy resins containing ethynyl groups on the ends or pendent on the molecules exhibited systematic behavior in solvent resistance, film flexibility, and toughness as a function of crosslink density. The film and composite properties of a cured solvent-resistant ETS were better than those of a commercially available solvent sensitive polysulfone. The study was part of a NASA program to better understand the trade-offs between solvent resistance, processability and mechanical properties which may be useful in designing composite structures for aerospace vehicles.
Thermoplastic composites for veneering posterior teeth-a feasibility study.
Gegauff, Anthony G; Garcia, Jose L; Koelling, Kurt W; Seghi, Robert R
2002-09-01
This pilot study was conducted to explore selected commercially-available thermoplastic composites that potentially had physical properties superior to currently available dental systems for restoring esthetic posterior crowns. Polyurethane, polycarbonate, and poly(ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE) composites and unfilled polyurethane specimens were injection molded to produce shapes adaptive to five standardized mechanical tests. The mechanical testing included abrasive wear rate, yield strength, apparent fracture toughness (strength ratio), flexural strength, and compressive strength. Compared to commercially available dental composites, abrasion wear rates were lower for all materials tested, yield strength was greater for the filled polycarbonates and filled polyurethane resins, fracture toughness testing was invalid (strength ratios were calculated for comparison of the pilot test materials), flexural strength was roughly similar except for the filled ETFE which was significantly greater, and compressive strength was lower. Commercially available thermoplastic resin composites, such as polyurethane, demonstrate the potential for development of an artificial crown material which exceeds the mechanical properties of currently available esthetic systems, if compressive strength can be improved.
[Comparative study of three bonding methods in attaching removable thermoplastic appliances].
Chu, Kejia; Wang, Haihui; Zheng, Zhijun; Li, Qi
2015-10-01
To evaluate the operation time and clinical effect of three types of materials (i.e., total-etching adhesive, self-etching adhesive, resin-modified glass ionomer cement) that are used to bond removable thermoplastic appliances. Thirty malocclusion patients (156 attachments) with removable thermoplastic appliances were randomly divided into three groups, with 10 individuals each. Attachments of groups A and B were bonded using 3M Adper Single Bond 2 and 3M Adper Easy One, respectively; both adhesives utilized 3M Z350 nano composite resin. Attachments of group C was directly bonded using GC Fuji Ortho LC. The operation time of each attachment was recorded. Failure rates of adhesion were evaluated during adhesion, 1 month after treatment, and 6 months after treatment. The operation time of group C was shorter than those of groups A and B (P<0.01). Significant difference of adhesion failure rates was not found among the three groups (P>0.05). No significant difference of adhesion failure rates was also observed in different times of the same group (P>0.05). The attachment stability of the three types of materials achieved satisfactory effects. However, the operation method of resin-modified glass ionomer cement is more concise and suitable for clinical promotion.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 11 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Group 1 Storage Vessels at Existing... Pollutant Emissions: Group IV Polymers and Resins Pt. 63, Subpt. JJJ, Table 3 Table 3 to Subpart JJJ of Part 63—Group 1 Storage Vessels at Existing Affected Sources Producing the Listed Thermoplastics...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 12 2012-07-01 2011-07-01 true Group 1 Storage Vessels at Existing... Pollutant Emissions: Group IV Polymers and Resins Pt. 63, Subpt. JJJ, Table 3 Table 3 to Subpart JJJ of Part 63—Group 1 Storage Vessels at Existing Affected Sources Producing the Listed Thermoplastics...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 11 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true Group 1 Storage Vessels at Existing... Pollutant Emissions: Group IV Polymers and Resins Pt. 63, Subpt. JJJ, Table 3 Table 3 to Subpart JJJ of Part 63—Group 1 Storage Vessels at Existing Affected Sources Producing the Listed Thermoplastics...
Life Prediction Methodologies for Composite Materials
1992-01-31
that is at least a factor of two higher than the neat resin itself. * For tougher epoxies (bis- phenol A, Gic = 270 J/m 2), the two-phase toughening...particles and their blendability with the bis- phenol A resins have also been demonstrated by the researchers. There also appears to be the potential to have...and quantitative understanding of the effects of time on the failure processes, which is especially important for understanding thermoplastic resin and
Estimation of crystallinity in a model thermoplastic composite
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Wakelyn, N. T.
1986-01-01
Crystallinities as low as 16 percent have been estimated by determination of the interplanar spacing on PET/carbonaceous filament composites with resin content of aobut 25 percent w/w using wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) in the angular range 2 theta = 16-18 deg. The diffraction pattern of the carbonaceous reinforcements masks the major reflections of the resin, and the resin content and the crystallinity are kept low to make the simulation reasonable.
Low-density resin impregnated ceramic article and method for making the same
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Tran, Huy K. (Inventor); Henline, William D. (Inventor); Hsu, Ming-ta S. (Inventor); Rasky, Daniel J. (Inventor); Riccitiello, Salvatore R. (Inventor)
1997-01-01
A low-density resin impregnated ceramic article advantageously employed as a structural ceramic ablator comprising a matrix of ceramic fibers. The fibers of the ceramic matrix are coated with an organic resin film. The organic resin can be a thermoplastic resin or a cured thermosetting resin. In one embodiment, the resin is uniformly distributed within the ceramic article. In a second embodiment, the resin is distributed so as to provide a density gradient along at least one direction of the ceramic article. The resin impregnated ceramic article is prepared by providing a matrix of ceramic fibers; immersing the matrix of ceramic fibers in a solution of a solvent and an organic resin infiltrant; and removing the solvent to form a resin film on the ceramic fibers.
Potential for on-orbit manufacture of large space structures using the pultrusion process
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Wilson, Maywood L.; Macconochie, Ian O.; Johnson, Gary S.
1987-01-01
On-orbit manufacture of lightweight, high-strength, advanced-composite structures using the pultrusion process is proposed. This process is adaptable to a zero-gravity environment by using preimpregnated graphite-fiber reinforcement systems. The reinforcement material is preimpregnated with a high-performance thermoplastic resin at a ground station, is coiled on spools for compact storage, and is transported into Earth orbit. A pultrusion machine is installed in the Shuttle cargo bay from which very long lengths of the desired structure is fabricated on-orbit. Potential structural profiles include rods, angles, channels, hat sections, tubes, honeycomb-cored panels, and T, H, and I beams. A potential pultrudable thermoplastic/graphite composite material is presented as a model for determining the effect on Earth-to-orbit package density of an on-orbit manufacture, the package density is increased by 132 percent, and payload volume requirement is decreased by 56.3 percent. The fabrication method has the potential for on-orbit manufacture of structural members for space platforms, large space antennas, and long tethers.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Funk, Joan G.; Sykes, George F., Jr.
1989-01-01
The effects of simulated space environmental parameters on microdamage induced by the environment in a series of commercially available graphite-fiber-reinforced composite materials were determined. Composites with both thermoset and thermoplastic resin systems were studied. Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) exposures were simulated by thermal cycling; geosynchronous-orbit (GEO) exposures were simulated by electron irradiation plus thermal cycling. The thermal cycling temperature range was -250 F to either 200 F or 150 F. The upper limits of the thermal cycles were different to ensure that an individual composite material was not cycled above its glass transition temperature. Material response was characterized through assessment of the induced microcracking and its influence on mechanical property changes at both room temperature and -250 F. Microdamage was induced in both thermoset and thermoplastic advanced composite materials exposed to the simulated LEO environment. However, a 350 F cure single-phase toughened epoxy composite was not damaged during exposure to the LEO environment. The simuated GEO environment produced microdamage in all materials tested.
Interlaminar fracture toughness of thermoplastic composites
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hinkley, J. A.; Johnston, N. J.; Obrien, T. K.
1988-01-01
Edge delamination tension and double cantilever beam tests were used to characterize the interlaminar fracture toughness of continuous graphite-fiber composites made from experimental thermoplastic polyimides and a model thermoplastic. Residual thermal stresses, known to be significant in materials processed at high temperatures, were included in the edge delamination calculations. In the model thermoplastic system (polycarbonate matrix), surface properties of the graphite fiber were shown to be significant. Critical strain energy release rates for two different fibers having similar nominal tensile properties differed by 30 to 60 percent. The reason for the difference is not clear. Interlaminar toughness values for the thermoplastic polyimide composites (LARC-TPI and polyimidesulfone) were 3 to 4 in-lb/sq in. Scanning electron micrographs of the EDT fracture surfaces suggest poor fiber/matrix bonding. Residual thermal stresses account for up to 32 percent of the strain energy release in composites made from these high-temperature resins.
Low Density Resin Impregnated Ceramic Article Having an Average Density of 0.15 to 0.40 G/CC
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Tran, Huy K. (Inventor); Henline, William D. (Inventor); Hsu, Ming-ta S. (Inventor); Rasky, Daniel J. (Inventor); Riccitiello, Salvatore R. (Inventor)
1996-01-01
A low-density resin impregnated ceramic article advantageously employed as a structural ceramic ablator comprising a fired preform of ceramic fibers. The fibers of the ceramic preform are coated with an organic resin film. The organic resin can be a thermoplastic resin or a cured thermosetting resin. In one embodiment, the resin is uniformly distributed within the ceramic article. In a second embodiment, the resin is distributed so as to provide a density gradient along at least one direction of the ceramic article. The resin impregnated ceramic article is prepared by providing a fired preform of ceramic fibers; immersing the preform of ceramic fibers in a solution of a solvent and an organic resin infiltrant; and removing the solvent to form a resin film on the ceramic fibers.
The effect of cycling deflection on the injection-molded thermoplastic denture base resins.
Hamanaka, Ippei; Iwamoto, Misa; Lassila, Lippo Vj; Vallittu, Pekka K; Shimizu, Hiroshi; Takahashi, Yutaka
2016-01-01
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cycling deflection on the flexural behavior of injection-molded thermoplastic resins. Six injection-molded thermoplastic resins (two polyamides, two polyesters, one polycarbonate, one polymethyl methacrylate) and, as a control, a conventional heat-polymerized denture based polymer of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) were used in this study. The cyclic constant magnitude (1.0 mm) of 5000 cycles was applied using a universal testing machine to demonstrate plasticization of the polymer. Loading was carried out in water at 23ºC with eight specimens per group (n = 8). Cycling load (N) and deformation (mm) were measured. Force required to deflect the specimens during the first loading cycle and final loading cycle was statistically significantly different (p < 0.05) with one polyamide based polymer (Valplast) and PMMA based polymers (Acrytone and Acron). The other polyamide based polymer (LucitoneFRS), polyester based polymers (EstheShot and EstheShotBright) and polycarbonate based polymer (ReigningN) did not show significant differences (p > 0.05). None of the materials fractured during the loading test. One polyamide based polymer (Valplast) displayed the highest deformation and PMMA based polymers (Acrytone and Acron) exhibited the second highest deformation among the denture base materials. It can be concluded that there were considerable differences in the flexural behavior of denture base polymers. This may contribute to the fatigue resistance of the materials.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Pater, Ruth H.; Morgan, Cassandra D.
1988-01-01
Interpenetrating polymer networks in the form of the LaRC-RP40 resin, prepared by the in situ polymerization of a thermosetting imide prepolymer and thermoplastic monomer reactants, are presently used to obtain toughness and microcracking resistance in a high-temperature polymer. Attention is presently given to the processing, physical, and mechanical properties, as well as the thermooxidative stability, of both the neat resin and the resin as a graphite fiber-reinforced matrix. Microcracking after thermal cycling was also tested. LaRC-RP40 exhibits significant resin fracture toughness improvements over the PMR-15 high-temperature matrix resin.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Pater, R.H.; Morgan, C.D.
1988-10-01
Interpenetrating polymer networks in the form of the LaRC-RP40 resin, prepared by the in situ polymerization of a thermosetting imide prepolymer and thermoplastic monomer reactants, are presently used to obtain toughness and microcracking resistance in a high-temperature polymer. Attention is presently given to the processing, physical, and mechanical properties, as well as the thermooxidative stability, of both the neat resin and the resin as a graphite fiber-reinforced matrix. Microcracking after thermal cycling was also tested. LaRC-RP40 exhibits significant resin fracture toughness improvements over the PMR-15 high-temperature matrix resin. 16 references.
New Synthesis Of High-Performance Bismaleimides
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Pater, Ruth H.; Lowther, Sharon; Cannon, Michelle; Smith, Janice; Whitely, Karen
1991-01-01
New general synthesis of tough and easy-to-process high-performance bismaleimides (BMI's) developed. Involves reaction of acetylene-terminated compounds with BMI's or biscitraconimides. Offers matrix resins and adhesives having combined advantages of toughness characteristic of thermoplastics and easy processability characteristic of thermosetting materials. Scheme has potential for providing high-performance matrix resins surviving well at high temperatures and absorb little moisture.
A semi-empirical approach for the chemoviscosity modeling of reactive resin system
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hou, T. H.; Bai, J. M.
1988-01-01
A new analytical model for simulating chemoviscosity of a thermosetting resin is presented. The model is developed on the basis of the Williams-Landel-Ferry (WLF, 1955) polymer rheology theory for the thermoplastic materials, which was modified to account for the factor of reaction time by introducing a relationship between the glass transition temperature and the degree of cure of the resin system. Theoretical predictions of the chemoviscosity profiles under dynamic curing conditions are shown to compare favorably with the experimental data obtained on the Hercules 3501-6 resin system cured under seven isothermal conditions.
Tough, Microcracking-Resistant, High-Temperature Polymer
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Pater, Ruth H.; Razon, Pert; Smith, Ricky; Working, Dennis; Chang, Alice; Gerber, Margaret
1990-01-01
Simultaneous synthesis from thermosetting and thermoplastic components yields polyimide with outstanding properties. Involves process in which one polymer cross-linked in immediate presence of other, undergoing simultaneous linear chain extension. New material, LaRC-RP40 synthesized from high-temperature thermosetting imide prepolymer and from thermoplastic monomer. Three significantly improved properties: toughness, resistance to microcracking, and glass-transition temperature. Shows promise as high-temperature matrix resin for variety of components of aircraft engines and for use in other aerospace structures.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Grimsley, Brian W.; Gordon, Keith L.; Czabaj, Michael W.; Cano, Roberto J.; Siochi, Emilie J.
2012-01-01
Research at NASA Langley Research Center (NASA LaRC) has identified several commercially available thermoplastic polymers that self-heal after ballistic impact and through-penetration. One of these resins, polybutadiene graft copolymer (PB(sub g)), was processed with unsized IM7 carbon fibers to fabricate reinforced composite material for further evaluation. Temperature dependent characteristics, such as the degradation point, glass transition (T(sub g)), and viscosity of the PBg polymer were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic parallel plate rheology. The PBg resin was processed into approximately equal to 22.0 cm wide unidirectional prepreg tape in the NASA LaRC Advanced Composites Processing Research Laboratory. Data from polymer thermal characterization guided the determination of a processing cycle used to fabricate quasi-isotropic 32-ply laminate panels in various dimensions up to 30.5cm x 30.5cm in a vacuum press. The consolidation quality of these panels was analyzed by optical microscopy and acid digestion. The process cycle was further optimized based on these results and quasi-isotropic, [45/0/-45/90]4S, 15.24cm x 15.24cm laminate panels were fabricated for mechanical property characterization. The compression strength after impact (CAI) of the IM7/pBG composites was measured both before and after an elevated temperature and pressure healing cycle. The results of the processing development effort of this composite material as well as the results of the mechanical property characterization are presented in this paper.
Graphite fiber reinforced thermoplastic resins
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Navak, R. C.
1977-01-01
The results of a program designed to optimize the fabrication procedures for graphite thermoplastic composites are described. The properties of the composites as a function of temperature were measured and graphite thermoplastic fan exit guide vanes were fabricated and tested. Three thermoplastics were included in the investigation: polysulfone, polyethersulfone, and polyarylsulfone. Type HMS graphite was used as the reinforcement. Bending fatigue tests of HMS graphite/polyethersulfone demonstrated a gradual shear failure mode which resulted in a loss of stiffness in the specimens. Preliminary curves were generated to show the loss in stiffness as a function of stress and number of cycles. Fan exit guide vanes of HMS graphite polyethersulfone were satisfactorily fabricated in the final phase of the program. These were found to have stiffness and better fatigue behavior than graphite epoxy vanes which were formerly bill of material.
Tough high performance composite matrix
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Pater, Ruth H. (Inventor); Johnston, Norman J. (Inventor)
1994-01-01
This invention is a semi-interpentrating polymer network which includes a high performance thermosetting polyimide having a nadic end group acting as a crosslinking site and a high performance linear thermoplastic polyimide. Provided is an improved high temperature matrix resin which is capable of performing in the 200 to 300 C range. This resin has significantly improved toughness and microcracking resistance, excellent processability, mechanical performance, and moisture and solvent resistances.
Matrix resin effects in composite delamination - Mode I fracture aspects
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hunston, Donald L.; Moulton, Richard J.; Johnston, Norman J.; Bascom, Willard D.
1987-01-01
A number of thermoset, toughened thermoset, and thermoplastic resin matrix systems were characterized for Mode I critical strain energy release rates, and their composites were tested for interlaminar critical strain energy release rates using the double cantilever beam method. A clear correlation is found between the two sets of data. With brittle resins, the interlaminar critical strain energy release rates are somewhat larger than the neat resin values due to a full transfer of the neat resin toughness to the composite and toughening mechanisms associated with crack growth. With tougher matrices, the higher critical strain energy release rates are only partially transferred to the composites, presumably because the fibers restrict the crack-tip deformation zones.
Carbon fiber content measurement in composite
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wang, Qiushi
Carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) have been widely used in various structural applications in industries such as aerospace and automotive because of their high specific stiffness and specific strength. Their mechanical properties are strongly influenced by the carbon fiber content in the composites. Measurement of the carbon fiber content in CFRPs is essential for product quality control and process optimization. In this work, a novel carbonization-in-nitrogen method (CIN) is developed to characterize the fiber content in carbon fiber reinforced thermoset and thermoplastic composites. In this method, a carbon fiber composite sample is carbonized in a nitrogen environment at elevated temperatures, alongside a neat resin sample. The carbon fibers are protected from oxidization while the resin (the neat resin and the resin matrix in the composite sample) is carbonized under the nitrogen environment. The residue of the carbonized neat resin sample is used to calibrate the resin carbonization rate and calculate the amount of the resin matrix in the composite sample. The new method has been validated on several thermoset and thermoplastic resin systems and found to yield an accurate measurement of fiber content in carbon fiber polymer composites. In order to further understand the thermal degradation behavior of the high temperature thermoplastic polymer during the carbonization process, the mechanism and the kinetic model of thermal degradation behavior of carbon fiber reinforced poly (phenylene sulfide) (CPPS) are studied using thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). The CPPS is subjected to TGA in an air and nitrogen atmosphere at heating rates from 5 to 40°C min--1. The TGA curves obtained in air are different from those in nitrogen. This demonstrates that weight loss occurs in a single stage in nitrogen but in two stages in air. To elucidate this difference, thermal decomposition kinetics is analyzed by applying the Kissinger, Flynn-Wall-Ozawa, Coat-Redfern and Malek methods. The activation energy (Ea) of the solid-state process is determined to be 202 kJ mol--1 in an oxidative atmosphere using Kissinger's method, which is 10-15 kJ mol--1 more than the results calculated in a nitrogen atmosphere. The value of the activation energy obtained using Ozawa-Flynn methods is in agreement with that using the Kissinger method. Different degradation mechanisms are used to compare with this value. Based on the analytical result, the actual thermal degradation mechanism of the CPPS is a Dn deceleration type. The carbonization temperature range of the CPPS is the same as pure PPS resin.
Potential Hazards of Plastics Used in Sculpture
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Siedlecke, Jerome T.
1972-01-01
This paper discusses the thermoplastic and thermosetting resins presently being used by the artist, and the potential for exposure to the toxic chemicals and other hazards during the development of his creative work. (Author)
Thermochemical characterization of some thermally stable thermoplastic and thermoset polymers
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kourtides, D. A.; Gilwee, W. J., Jr.; Parker, J. A.
1979-01-01
The thermochemical and flammability properties of some thermally stable polymers considered for use in aircraft interiors are described. The properties studied include: (1) thermomechanical properties such as glass transition and melt temperature; (2) dynamic thermogravimetric analysis in anaerobic environment; (3) flammability properties such as oxygen index, flame spread, and smoke evolution; and (4) selected physical properties. The thermoplastic polymers evaluated include polyphenylene sulfide, polyaryl sulfone, 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-fluorene polycarbonate-poly(dimethylsiloxane) and polyether sulfone. The thermoset polymers evaluated include epoxy, bismaleimide, a modified phenolic, and polyaromatic melamine resin. These resins were primarily used in the fabrication of glass-reinforced prepregs for the construction of experimental panels. Test results and relative rankings of some of the flammability parameters are presented, and the relationship of the molecular structure, char yield, and flammability properties of these polymers are discussed.
Apparatus for Sizing and Rewinding Graphite Fibers
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Wilson, M. L.; Stanfield, C. E.
1986-01-01
Equipment ideally suited for research and development of new sizing solutions. Designed expecially for applying thermoplastic sizing solutions to graphite tow consisting of 3,000 to 12,000 filaments per tow, but accommodates other solutions, filament counts, and materials other than graphite. Closed system containing highly volatile methylene chloride vapors. Also ventilation system directly over resin reservoir. Concept used to apply sizing compounds on fiber tows or yarn-type reinforcement materials used in composite technology. Sizing solutions consist of compounds compatible with thermosets as well as thermoplastics.
Functionalized poly(arylene ethers) as toughness modifiers for bismaleimides
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Stenzenberger, H. D.; Roemer, W.; Hergenrother, P. M.; Jensen, B.; Breitigam, W.
1990-01-01
A family of novel, low molecular weight functionalized poly(arylene ether) resins has been investigated to ascertain its members' toughness-imparting contribution to neat bismaleimide (BMI) resin and BMI-matrix laminate composite properties. Attention is given to the contribution of the reactive poly(arylene ether)'s backbone chemistry to fracture toughness, as well as to the comparative influence of high and low molecular weight reactive poly(arylene ether) types on the modified BMI resin systems. The modified BMIs possess a polyphase morphology, with good adhesion between the thermoplastic nodules and the host thermoset systems.
High-Performance, Semi-Interpenetrating Polymer Network
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Pater, Ruth H.; Lowther, Sharon E.; Smith, Janice Y.; Cannon, Michelle S.; Whitehead, Fred M.; Ely, Robert M.
1992-01-01
High-performance polymer made by new synthesis in which one or more easy-to-process, but brittle, thermosetting polyimides combined with one or more tough, but difficult-to-process, linear thermoplastics to yield semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) having combination of easy processability and high tolerance to damage. Two commercially available resins combined to form tough, semi-IPN called "LaRC-RP49." Displays improvements in toughness and resistance to microcracking. LaRC-RP49 has potential as high-temperature matrix resin, adhesive, and molding resin. Useful in aerospace, automotive, and electronic industries.
A tough high performance composite matrix
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Pater, Ruth H. (Inventor); Johnston, Norman J. (Inventor)
1992-01-01
This invention is a semi-interpenetrating polymer network which includes a high performance thermosetting polyimide having a nadic end group acting as a crosslinking site and a high performance linear thermoplastic polyimide. An improved high temperature matrix resin is provided which is capable of performing in the 200 to 300 C range. This resin has significantly improved toughness and microcracking resistance, excellent processability, mechanical performance and moisture and solvent resistances.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Jamiyanaa, Khongor
Pultrusion processing is a technique to make highly aligned fiber reinforced polymer composites. Thermoset pultrusion is a mature process and well established, while thermoplastic pultrusion in still in its infancy. Thermoplastic pultrusion has not been well established because thermoplastic resins are difficult to process due to their high viscosity. However, thermoplastic resins offer distinct advantages that make thermoplastic pultrusion worth exploring. The present work centers on developing a method to design and validate a die for a thermoplastic pultrusion system. Analytical models and various software tools were used to design a pultrusion die. Experimental measurements have been made to validate the models. One-dimensional transient heat transfer analysis was used to calculate the time required for pre-impregnated E-Glass/Polypropylene tapes to melt and consolidate into profiled shapes. Creo Element/Pro 1.0 was used to design the die, while ANSYS Work Bench 14.0 was used to conduct heat transfer analysis to understand the temperature profile of the pultrusion apparatus. Additionally Star-CCM+ was used to create a three-dimensional fluid flow model to capture the molten polymer flow inside the pultrusion die. The fluid model was used to understand the temperature of the flow and the force required to pull the material at any given temperature and line speed. A complete pultrusion apparatus including the die, heating unit, cooling unit, and the frame has been designed and manufactured as guided by the models, and pultruded profiles have been successfully produced. The results show that the analytical model and the fluid model show excellent correlation. The predicted and measured pulling forces are in agreement and show that the pull force increases as the pull speed increases. Furthermore, process induced residual stress and its influence on dimensional instability, such as bending or bowing, on pultruded composites was analyzed. The study indicated that unbalanced layup can produce asymmetrical residual stress through the thickness and causes the part to bow. Furthermore, the residual stress through the thickness was mapped with excellent accuracy. A design of experiments around the processing parameters indicated that increase in pull speed or decrease in die temperature increased the residual stress within the part.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chu, Robert L.; Bayha, Tom D.; Davis, HU; Ingram, J. ED; Shukla, Jay G.
1992-01-01
Composite Wing and Fuselage Structural Design/Manufacturing Concepts have been developed and evaluated. Trade studies were performed to determine how well the concepts satisfy the program goals of 25 percent cost savings, 40 percent weight savings with aircraft resizing, and 50 percent part count reduction as compared to the aluminum Lockheed L-1011 baseline. The concepts developed using emerging technologies such as large scale resin transfer molding (RTM), automatic tow placed (ATP), braiding, out-of-autoclave and automated manufacturing processes for both thermoset and thermoplastic materials were evaluated for possible application in the design concepts. Trade studies were used to determine which concepts carry into the detailed design development subtask.
Resolution Limits of Nanoimprinted Patterns by Fluorescence Microscopy
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kubo, Shoichi; Tomioka, Tatsuya; Nakagawa, Masaru
2013-06-01
The authors investigated optical resolution limits to identify minimum distances between convex lines of fluorescent dye-doped nanoimprinted resist patterns by fluorescence microscopy. Fluorescent ultraviolet (UV)-curable resin and thermoplastic resin films were transformed into line-and-space patterns by UV nanoimprinting and thermal nanoimprinting, respectively. Fluorescence immersion observation needed an immersion medium immiscible to the resist films, and an ionic liquid of triisobutyl methylphosphonium tosylate was appropriate for soluble thermoplastic polystyrene patterns. Observation with various numerical aperture (NA) values and two detection wavelength ranges showed that the resolution limits were smaller than the values estimated by the Sparrow criterion. The space width to identify line patterns became narrower as the line width increased. The space width of 100 nm was demonstrated to be sufficient to resolve 300-nm-wide lines in the detection wavelength range of 575-625 nm using an objective lens of NA= 1.40.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Cecere, J. A.; Mcgrath, J. E.; Hedrick, J. L.
1986-01-01
Epoxy resin networks cured with DDS were modified by incorporating tough ductile thermoplastics such as the amine terminated polyether sulfones and amine terminated polyether ketones. Both linear copolymers were able to significantly improve the fracture toughness values at the 15 and 30 weight percent concentrations examined. These improvements in fracture toughness were achieved without any significant change in the flexural modulus.
Autohesive strength development in polysulfone resin and graphite-polysulfone composites
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Howes, Jeremy C.; Loos, Alfred C.
1988-01-01
The effects of bonding temperature and contact time on autohesive strength development in thermoplastic polysulfone resin and graphite-polysulfone composites were investigated. Two test methods were examined to measure autohesion in the neat resin samples. These included an interfacial tension test and a compact tension fracture toughness test. Autohesive strength development in fiber-reinforced composites was measured using a double cantilever beam interlaminar fracture toughness test. The results of the tests were compared with current diffusion theories explaining crack healing and welding of glassy polymers. Discrepancies between the results of the present investigation and the diffusion theories are discussed.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hergenrother, P. M. (Inventor)
1983-01-01
Poly(phenylquinoxaline) prepolymers containing pendant phenylethynyl and ethynyl groups are disclosed along with the process for forming these polymers. Monomers and the process for producing same that are employed to prepare the polymers are also disclosed.
Thermoplastic adhesives based on 4,4'-isophthaloyldiphthalic anhydride (IDPA)
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Progar, Donald J.; Stclair, Terry L.; Pratt, J. Richard
1988-01-01
Thermoplastic polyimides were prepared and evaluated as adhesives. These materials are based on 4,4'-isophthaloyldiphathalic anhydride (IDAP) and either metaphenylene diamine (MPD) or 3,3'-diaminobenzophenone (DBAP). Both polymers exhibit excellent adhesive properties; however, the IDPA-MPD is the more attractive system because of a combination of high mechanical and physical properties as well as being made from commercially attractive monomers. The IDPA-MPD is an isomeric form of the commercially available adhesive and matrix resin, LARC-TPI and both systems have the same glass transition temperature and exhibit similar adhesive properties.
Thermoplastic coating of carbon fibers
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Edie, D. D.; Lickfield, G. C.; Drews, M. J.; Ellison, M. S.; Allen, L. E.; Mccollum, J. R.; Thomas, H. L.
1988-01-01
Now that quantities of prepreg were made on the thermoplastic coating line, they are being formed into both textile preform structures and directly into composite samples. The textile preforms include both woven and knitted structures which will be thermoformed into a finished part. In order to determine if the matrix resin is properly adhering to the fibers or if voids are being formed in the coating process, the tensile strength and modulus of these samples will be tested. The matrix uniformity of matrix distribution in these samples is also being determined using an image analyzer.
Composite impact strength improvement through a fiber/matrix interphase
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Cavano, P. J.; Winters, W. E.
1975-01-01
Research was conducted to improve the impact strength and toughness of fiber/resin composites by means of a fiber coating interphase. Graphite fiber/epoxy resin composites were fabricated with four different fiber coating systems introduced in a matrix-fiber interphase. Two graphite fibers, a high strength and a high modulus type, were studied with the following coating systems: chemical vapor deposited boron, electroless nickel, a polyamide-imide resin and a thermoplastic polysulfone resin. Evaluation methods included the following tests: Izod, flexure, shear fracture toughness, longitudinal and transverse tensile, and transverse and longitudinal compression. No desirable changes could be effected with the high strength fiber, but significant improvements in impact performance were observed with the polyamide-imide resin coated high modulus fiber with no loss in composite modulus.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Pater, Ruth H. (Inventor)
1992-01-01
This invention is a semi-interpenetrating polymer network which includes a high performance thermosetting polyimide having a nadic end group acting as a crosslinking site and a high performance linear thermoplastic polyimide. An improved high temperature matrix resin is provided which is capable of performing at 316 C in air for several hundreds of hours. This resin has significantly improved toughness and microcracking resistance, excellent processability and mechanical performance, and cost effectiveness.
A Durable Airfield Marking System.
1985-06-01
Resin is Mixed with the Black Curing Agent to Form the Epoxy Adhesive ..... ........... 17 14 The Gray Adhesive (White Resin Mixed with Black Curing...rubber 100 0 Polyester (peroxide-catalyzed) 100 0 Urethane 100 0 Epoxy polyamide 100 0 Acrylic latex (TT-P-1952) 100 0 Thermoplastic Tapes Type 1 100 0...suzmarrizes cost data co1parisons for traffic marking tapes, CAS tiles, fluorocarbon composites (Teflon ),and acrylic latex paint TT-P-1952. 8 -p °’. TABLE 2
Low-Cost Production of Composite Bushings for Jet Engine Applications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Gray, Robert A.
1998-01-01
The objectives of this research program were to reduce the manufacturing costs of variable stator vane bushings by 1) eliminating the expensive carbon fiber braiding operation, 2) replacing the batch mode impregnation, B-stage, and cutting operations with a continuous process, and 3) reducing the molding cycle and machining operations with injection molding to achieve near-net shapes. Braided bushings were successfully fabricated with both AMB-17XLD and AMB-TPD resin systems. The composite bushings achieved high glass transition temperature after post-cure (+300 C) and comparable weight loss to the PNM-15 bushings. ANM-17XLD bushings made with "batch-mode" molding compound (at 0.5 in. fiber length) achieved a +300 lb-force flange break strength which was superior to the continuous braided-fiber reinforced bushing. The non-MDA resin technology developed in this contract appears attractive for bushing applications that do not exceed a 300 C use temperature. Two thermoplastic polyimide resins were synthesized in order to generate injection molding compound powders. Excellent processing results were obtained at injection temperatures in excess of 300 C. Micro-tensile specimens were produced from each resin type and the Tg measurements (by TMA) for these samples were equivalent to AURUM(R). Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) conducted at 10 C/min showed that the non-MDA AMB-type polyimide thermoplastics had comparable weight loss to PMR-15 up to 500 C.
Interlaminar Toughening of Fiber Reinforced Polymers
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bian, Dakai
Modification in the resin-rich region between plies, also known as the interlaminar region, was investigated to increase the toughness of laminate composites structures. To achieve suitable modifications, the complexities of the physical and chemical processes during the resin curing procedure must be studied. This includes analyses of the interactions among the co-dependent microstructure, process parameters, and material responses. This dissertation seeks to investigate these interactions via a series of experimental and numerical analyses of the geometric- and temperature-based effects on locally interleaving toughening methods and further interlaminar synergistic toughening without interleaf. Two major weaknesses in composite materials are the brittle resin-rich interlaminar region which forms between the fiber plies after resin infusion, and the ply dropoff region which introduces stress concentration under loads. To address these weaknesses and increase the delamination resistance of the composite specimens, a dual bonding process was explored to alleviate the dropoff effect and toughen the interlaminar region. Hot melt bonding was investigated by applying clamping pressure to ductile thermoplastic interleaf and fiber fabric at an elevated temperature, while diffusion bonding between thermoplastic interleaf and thermoset resin is performed during the resin infusion. This method increased the fracture energy level and thus delamination resistance in the interlaminar region because of deep interleaf penetration into fiber bundles which helped confining crack propagation in the toughened area. The diffusion and precipitation between thermosets and thermoplastics also improved the delamination resistance by forming a semi-interpenetration networks. This phenomenon was investigated in concoctions of low-concentration polystyrene additive modified epoxy system, which facilitates diffusion and precipitation without increasing the viscosity of the system. Additionally, chemical reaction induced phase separation, concentration of polystyrene, and various curing temperatures are used to evaluate their effects on diffusion and precipitation. These effects were directly investigated by performing attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The diffusivity and curing kinetics experiments are performed to quantify the diffusivity coefficient of epoxy, hardener and thermoplastics, as well as the reaction rate constant of curing epoxy at various temperatures. Finally, mechanical testing and fracture surface imaging were used to quantify the improvements and characterize the toughening mechanism. Further improvement on delamination resistance was studied through the synergistic effect of combining different modification methods without the interleaf. Polysulfone molecules are end-capped with epoxide groups. Fiber surface is functionalized with amino groups to generate micro-mechanical interlocks. The interaction between two individual modifications chemically links the modified semi-interpenetration networks to the improved interfacial strength between fiber and epoxy to. The impact of the additive on the crosslinking density was examined through glass transition temperatures, and the chemical modification was characterized by Raman spectroscopy. Mode I and II fracture tests were performed to quantify the improvement of delamination resistance under pure opening and shear loads. The mechanism of synergistic effect was explained based on the fracture surface morphology and the interactions between the modification methods.
Chemoviscosity modeling for thermosetting resins, 2
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hou, T. H.
1985-01-01
A new analytical model for simulating chemoviscosity of thermosetting resin was formulated. The model is developed by modifying the Williams-Landel-Ferry (WLF) theory in polymer rheology for thermoplastic materials. By assuming a linear relationship between the glass transition temperature and the degree of cure of the resin system under cure, the WLF theory can be modified to account for the factor of reaction time. Temperature dependent functions of the modified WLF theory constants were determined from the isothermal cure data of Lee, Loos, and Springer for the Hercules 3501-6 resin system. Theoretical predictions of the model for the resin under dynamic heating cure cycles were shown to compare favorably with the experimental data reported by Carpenter. A chemoviscosity model which is capable of not only describing viscosity profiles accurately under various cure cycles, but also correlating viscosity data to the changes of physical properties associated with the structural transformations of the thermosetting resin systems during cure was established.
Health Assessment of 1,3-Butadiene
This assessment was conducted to review the new information that has become available since EPA's 1985 health assessment of 1,3-butadiene.
1,3-Butadiene is a gas used commercially in the production of styrene-butadiene rubber, plastics, and thermoplastic resins. The major...
Low cost damage tolerant composite fabrication
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Palmer, R. J.; Freeman, W. T.
1988-01-01
The resin transfer molding (RTM) process applied to composite aircraft parts offers the potential for using low cost resin systems with dry graphite fabrics that can be significantly less expensive than prepreg tape fabricated components. Stitched graphite fabric composites have demonstrated compression after impact failure performance that equals or exceeds that of thermoplastic or tough thermoset matrix composites. This paper reviews methods developed to fabricate complex shape composite parts using stitched graphite fabrics to increase damage tolerance with RTM processes to reduce fabrication cost.
Fuel cell collector plate and method of fabrication
Braun, James C.; Zabriskie, Jr., John E.; Neutzler, Jay K.; Fuchs, Michel; Gustafson, Robert C.
2001-01-01
An improved molding composition is provided for compression molding or injection molding a current collector plate for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell. The molding composition is comprised of a polymer resin combined with a low surface area, highly-conductive carbon and/or graphite powder filler. The low viscosity of the thermoplastic resin combined with the reduced filler particle surface area provide a moldable composition which can be fabricated into a current collector plate having improved current collecting capacity vis-a-vis comparable fluoropolymer molding compositions.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
St. Clair, Terry L.; Progar, Donald J.; Smith, Janice Y.; Smith, Ricky E.
1991-01-01
Low-toxicity and low-mutogenicity monomer key to new high-performance polyimide. LaRC-IA is thermoplastic polyimide made from 3-4'-oxydianiline and 4,4'-oxydiphthalic anhydride. Good processing characteristics, low toxicity, and no mutagenicity. Adhesives, composite matrix resins, heat resin moldings, and coating films made of new polymer found to exhibit properties identical or superior to commercially available polyimides. Potential applications wide ranging. With and without end capping, employed to prepare unfilled moldings, coatings and free films, adhesive tape, adhesively bonded substrates, prepregs, and composites.
Self-contained exothermic applicator and process
Koehmstedt, Paul L.
1984-01-01
An adhesive resin application system which requires no external heating apparatus, and which is operative in the absence of a reactive atmosphere, is disclosed. The system provides its own heat by employing an adhesive material containing reactants which react exothermally when electrically ignited. After ignition of the reactants, sufficient heat energy is liberated by the exothermic reaction either to plasticize a thermoplastic resin or to cure a thermosetting resin and therby bond together two closely spaced objects. This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 489,006, filed Apr. 27, 1983, which is a continuation-in-part of application, Ser. No. 929,120, filed July 28, 1978, both now abandoned.
Ognibene, Giulia; Mannino, Salvatore
2018-01-01
Electrospun veils from copolyethersulfones (coPES) were prepared as soluble interlaminar veils for carbon fiber/epoxy composites. Neat, resin samples were impregnated into coPES veils with unmodified resin, while dry carbon fabrics were covered with electrospun veils and then infused with the unmodified epoxy resin to prepare reinforced laminates. The thermoplastic content varied from 10 wt% to 20 wt%. TGAP epoxy monomer showed improved and fast dissolution for all the temperatures tested. The unreinforced samples were cured first at 180 °C for 2 h and then were post-cured at 220 °C for 3 h. These sample showed a high dependence on the curing cycle. Carbon reinforced samples showed significant differences compared to the neat resin samples in terms of both viscoelastic and morphological properties. PMID:29522444
40 CFR 414.46 - Pretreatment standards for new sources (PSNS).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 28 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true Pretreatment standards for new sources (PSNS). 414.46 Section 414.46 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORGANIC CHEMICALS, PLASTICS, AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS Thermoplastic Resins...
40 CFR 414.45 - Pretreatment standards for existing sources (PSES).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Pretreatment standards for existing sources (PSES). 414.45 Section 414.45 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORGANIC CHEMICALS, PLASTICS, AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS Thermoplastic Resins...
40 CFR 414.45 - Pretreatment standards for existing sources (PSES).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 29 2014-07-01 2012-07-01 true Pretreatment standards for existing sources (PSES). 414.45 Section 414.45 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORGANIC CHEMICALS, PLASTICS, AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS Thermoplastic Resins...
40 CFR 414.45 - Pretreatment standards for existing sources (PSES).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 28 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true Pretreatment standards for existing sources (PSES). 414.45 Section 414.45 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORGANIC CHEMICALS, PLASTICS, AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS Thermoplastic Resins...
40 CFR 414.46 - Pretreatment standards for new sources (PSNS).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 29 2014-07-01 2012-07-01 true Pretreatment standards for new sources (PSNS). 414.46 Section 414.46 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORGANIC CHEMICALS, PLASTICS, AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS Thermoplastic Resins...
40 CFR 414.46 - Pretreatment standards for new sources (PSNS).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 29 2011-07-01 2009-07-01 true Pretreatment standards for new sources (PSNS). 414.46 Section 414.46 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORGANIC CHEMICALS, PLASTICS, AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS Thermoplastic Resins...
40 CFR 414.46 - Pretreatment standards for new sources (PSNS).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2013-07-01 2012-07-01 true Pretreatment standards for new sources (PSNS). 414.46 Section 414.46 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORGANIC CHEMICALS, PLASTICS, AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS Thermoplastic Resins...
40 CFR 414.46 - Pretreatment standards for new sources (PSNS).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Pretreatment standards for new sources (PSNS). 414.46 Section 414.46 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORGANIC CHEMICALS, PLASTICS, AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS Thermoplastic Resins...
40 CFR 414.45 - Pretreatment standards for existing sources (PSES).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2013-07-01 2012-07-01 true Pretreatment standards for existing sources (PSES). 414.45 Section 414.45 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORGANIC CHEMICALS, PLASTICS, AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS Thermoplastic Resins...
40 CFR 414.45 - Pretreatment standards for existing sources (PSES).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 29 2011-07-01 2009-07-01 true Pretreatment standards for existing sources (PSES). 414.45 Section 414.45 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORGANIC CHEMICALS, PLASTICS, AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS Thermoplastic Resins...
40 CFR 414.44 - New source performance standards (NSPS).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 29 2011-07-01 2009-07-01 true New source performance standards (NSPS). 414.44 Section 414.44 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORGANIC CHEMICALS, PLASTICS, AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS Thermoplastic Resins § 414.44 New...
40 CFR 414.44 - New source performance standards (NSPS).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2013-07-01 2012-07-01 true New source performance standards (NSPS). 414.44 Section 414.44 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORGANIC CHEMICALS, PLASTICS, AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS Thermoplastic Resins § 414.44 New...
40 CFR 414.44 - New source performance standards (NSPS).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 28 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true New source performance standards (NSPS). 414.44 Section 414.44 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORGANIC CHEMICALS, PLASTICS, AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS Thermoplastic Resins § 414.44 New...
40 CFR 414.44 - New source performance standards (NSPS).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false New source performance standards (NSPS). 414.44 Section 414.44 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORGANIC CHEMICALS, PLASTICS, AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS Thermoplastic Resins § 414.44 New...
40 CFR 414.44 - New source performance standards (NSPS).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 29 2014-07-01 2012-07-01 true New source performance standards (NSPS). 414.44 Section 414.44 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORGANIC CHEMICALS, PLASTICS, AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS Thermoplastic Resins § 414.44 New...
Optimizing Polymer Infusion Process for Thin Ply Textile Composites with Novel Matrix System
Bhudolia, Somen K.; Perrotey, Pavel; Joshi, Sunil C.
2017-01-01
For mass production of structural composites, use of different textile patterns, custom preforming, room temperature cure high performance polymers and simplistic manufacturing approaches are desired. Woven fabrics are widely used for infusion processes owing to their high permeability but their localised mechanical performance is affected due to inherent associated crimps. The current investigation deals with manufacturing low-weight textile carbon non-crimp fabrics (NCFs) composites with a room temperature cure epoxy and a novel liquid Methyl methacrylate (MMA) thermoplastic matrix, Elium®. Vacuum assisted resin infusion (VARI) process is chosen as a cost effective manufacturing technique. Process parameters optimisation is required for thin NCFs due to intrinsic resistance it offers to the polymer flow. Cycles of repetitive manufacturing studies were carried out to optimise the NCF-thermoset (TS) and NCF with novel reactive thermoplastic (TP) resin. It was noticed that the controlled and optimised usage of flow mesh, vacuum level and flow speed during the resin infusion plays a significant part in deciding the final quality of the fabricated composites. The material selections, the challenges met during the manufacturing and the methods to overcome these are deliberated in this paper. An optimal three stage vacuum technique developed to manufacture the TP and TS composites with high fibre volume and lower void content is established and presented. PMID:28772654
Optimizing Polymer Infusion Process for Thin Ply Textile Composites with Novel Matrix System.
Bhudolia, Somen K; Perrotey, Pavel; Joshi, Sunil C
2017-03-15
For mass production of structural composites, use of different textile patterns, custom preforming, room temperature cure high performance polymers and simplistic manufacturing approaches are desired. Woven fabrics are widely used for infusion processes owing to their high permeability but their localised mechanical performance is affected due to inherent associated crimps. The current investigation deals with manufacturing low-weight textile carbon non-crimp fabrics (NCFs) composites with a room temperature cure epoxy and a novel liquid Methyl methacrylate (MMA) thermoplastic matrix, Elium ® . Vacuum assisted resin infusion (VARI) process is chosen as a cost effective manufacturing technique. Process parameters optimisation is required for thin NCFs due to intrinsic resistance it offers to the polymer flow. Cycles of repetitive manufacturing studies were carried out to optimise the NCF-thermoset (TS) and NCF with novel reactive thermoplastic (TP) resin. It was noticed that the controlled and optimised usage of flow mesh, vacuum level and flow speed during the resin infusion plays a significant part in deciding the final quality of the fabricated composites. The material selections, the challenges met during the manufacturing and the methods to overcome these are deliberated in this paper. An optimal three stage vacuum technique developed to manufacture the TP and TS composites with high fibre volume and lower void content is established and presented.
Plastic deformation mechanisms in polyimide resins and their semi-interpenetrating networks
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Jang, Bor Z.
1990-01-01
High-performance thermoset resins and composites are critical to the future growth of space, aircraft, and defense industries in the USA. However, the processing-structure-property relationships in these materials remain poorly understood. In the present ASEE/NASA Summer Research Program, the plastic deformation modes and toughening mechanisms in single-phase and multiphase thermoset resins were investigated. Both thermoplastic and thermoset polyimide resins and their interpenetrating networks (IPNs and semi-IPNs) were included. The fundamental tendency to undergo strain localization (crazing and shear banding) as opposed to a more diffuse (or homogeneous) deformation in these polymers were evaluated. Other possible toughening mechanisms in multiphase thermoset resins were also examined. The topological features of network chain configuration/conformation and the multiplicity of phase morphology in INPs and semi-IPNs provide unprecedented opportunities for studying the toughening mechanisms in multiphase thermoset polymers and their fiber composites.
Novel matrix resins for composites for aircraft primary structures, phase 1
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Woo, Edmund P.; Puckett, P. M.; Maynard, S.; Bishop, M. T.; Bruza, K. J.; Godschalx, J. P.; Mullins, M. J.
1992-01-01
The objective of the contract is the development of matrix resins with improved processability and properties for composites for primarily aircraft structures. To this end, several resins/systems were identified for subsonic and supersonic applications. For subsonic aircraft, a series of epoxy resins suitable for RTM and powder prepreg was shown to give composites with about 40 ksi compressive strength after impact (CAI) and 200 F/wet mechanical performance. For supersonic applications, a thermoplastic toughened cyanate prepreg system has demonstrated excellent resistance to heat aging at 360 F for 4000 hours, 40 ksi CAI and useful mechanical properties at greater than or equal to 310 F. An AB-BCB-maleimide resin was identified as a leading candidate for the HSCT. Composite panels fabricated by RTM show CAI of approximately 50 ksi, 350 F/wet performance and excellent retention of mechanical properties after aging at 400 F for 4000 hours.
Interfacial Structure and Properties of Wood/Polypropylene Composites
Timothy G. Rials; Michael P. Wolcott; Suzhow Yin
2000-01-01
Composite wood products have traditionally relied on thermosetting polymers like phenol-formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde resins as binders. The continuing need to effectively utilize lignocellulosic fiber from low-quality hardwoods and from recycling streams has prompted consideration of new composites based on thermoplastic polymers [1,2]. Much of the development...
Effect of coupling agents on the weathering characteristics of bio-fiber composites
USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database
Bio-fiber polymer composites (BFPC) are composite materials made from a thermoplastic or thermoset resin (substrate) with cellulosic fibers as fillers or reinforcement. BFPC have shown a significant growth in the last decade as a building product, automotive parts, and landscaping products. BFPC com...
Overview of FIREMEN program at Ames Research Center
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kourtides, D. A.
1978-01-01
The Ames Firemen Program is described. The key elements of the program include: (1) the development and evaluation of aircraft interior composite panels; (2) the thermochemical and flammability characterization of thermoset and thermoplastic resins; and (3) the evolution of fire resist aircraft seat components. The first two elements are presented.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Russo, Pietro; Acierno, Domenico; Spena, Paola
2010-06-01
Melt blended compounds based on a film grade thermoplastic polyurethane resin filled with relatively low contents of multiwalled carbon nanotubes have been investigated. Materials, prepared through the production of a masterbatch containing 3 wt% of nanotubes and subsequent dilution of the same by addition of matrix pellets, were analyzed in the form of tapes and films always taking the neat matrix, processed in the same conditions, as the reference. Improvements of the matrix extrudability and mechanical benefits showed for all investigated composite samples have been satisfactorily interpreted by morphological observations carried out in both transmission and scanning electron microscopy.
An Analysis of EM Railgun Cross Section Designs
2009-08-14
tube does not have to be cured in an autoclave afterwards. The fact that the resin in the prepreg is a thermoplastic rather than a thermoset is...decided that a chromium copper alloy would be used to take advantage of the electrical properties of copper while having a high strength material. The
A Damage Resistance Comparison Between Candidate Polymer Matrix Composite Feedline Materials
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Nettles, A. T
2000-01-01
As part of NASAs focused technology programs for future reusable launch vehicles, a task is underway to study the feasibility of using the polymer matrix composite feedlines instead of metal ones on propulsion systems. This is desirable to reduce weight and manufacturing costs. The task consists of comparing several prototype composite feedlines made by various methods. These methods are electron-beam curing, standard hand lay-up and autoclave cure, solvent assisted resin transfer molding, and thermoplastic tape laying. One of the critical technology drivers for composite components is resistance to foreign objects damage. This paper presents results of an experimental study of the damage resistance of the candidate materials that the prototype feedlines are manufactured from. The materials examined all have a 5-harness weave of IM7 as the fiber constituent (except for the thermoplastic, which is unidirectional tape laid up in a bidirectional configuration). The resin tested were 977-6, PR 520, SE-SA-1, RS-E3 (e-beam curable), Cycom 823 and PEEK. The results showed that the 977-6 and PEEK were the most damage resistant in all tested cases.
Dual resin bonded joints in polyetheretherketone (PEEK) matrix composites
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zelenak, Steve; Radford, Donald W.; Dean, Michael W.
1993-04-01
The paper describes applications of the dual resin (miscible polymer) bonding technique (Smiley, 1989) developed as an alternative to traditional bonding approaches to joining thermoplastic matrix composite subassemblies into structures. In the experiments, the performance of joint geometries, such as those that could be used to assemble large truss structures in space, are investigated using truss joint models consisting of woven carbon fiber/PEEK tubes of about 1 mm wall thickness. Specific process conditions and hand-held hardware used to apply heat and pressure were chosen to simulate a field asembly technique. Results are presented on tube/cruciform double lap shear tests, pinned-pinned tube compression tests, and single lap shear bond tests of joints obtained using the dual resin bonding technique.
Staged mold for encapsulating hazardous wastes
Unger, Samuel L.; Telles, Rodney W.; Lubowitz, Hyman R.
1990-01-01
A staged mold for stabilizing hazardous wastes for final disposal by molding an agglomerate of the hazardous wastes and encapsulating the agglomerate. Three stages are employed in the process. In the first stage, a first mold body is positioned on a first mold base, a mixture of the hazardous wastes and a thermosetting plastic is loaded into the mold, the mixture is mechanically compressed, heat is applied to cure the mixture to form a rigid agglomerate, and the first mold body is removed leaving the agglomerate sitting on the first mold base. In the second stage, a clamshell second mold body is positioned around the agglomerate and the first mold base, a powdered thermoplastic resin is poured on top of the agglomerate and in the gap between the sides of the agglomerate and the second mold body, the thermoplastic is compressed, heat is applied to melt the thermoplastic, and the plastic is cooled jacketing the agglomerate on the top and sides. In the third stage, the mold with the jacketed agglomerate is inverted, the first mold base is removed exposing the former bottom of the agglomerate, powdered thermoplastic is poured over the former bottom, the first mold base is replaced to compress the thermoplastic, heat is applied to melt the new thermoplastic and the top part of the jacket on the sides, the plastic is cooled jacketing the bottom and fusing with the jacketing on the sides to complete the seamless encapsulation of the agglomerate.
Staged mold for encapsulating hazardous wastes
Unger, Samuel L.; Telles, Rodney W.; Lubowitz, Hyman R.
1988-01-01
A staged mold for stabilizing hazardous wastes for final disposal by molding an agglomerate of the hazardous wastes and encapsulating the agglomerate. Three stages are employed in the process. In the first stage, a first mold body is positioned on a first mold base, a mixture of the hazardous wastes and a thermosetting plastic is loaded into the mold, the mixture is mechanically compressed, heat is applied to cure the mixture to form a rigid agglomerate, and the first mold body is removed leaving the agglomerate sitting on the first mold base. In the second stage, a clamshell second mold body is positioned around the agglomerate and the first mold base, a powdered thermoplastic resin is poured on top of the agglomerate and in the gap between the sides of the agglomerate and the second mold body, the thermoplastic is compressed, heat is applied to melt the thermoplastic, and the plastic is cooled jacketing the agglomerate on the top and sides. In the third stage, the mold with the jacketed agglomerate is inverted, the first mold base is removed exposing the former bottom of the agglomerate, powdered thermoplastic is poured over the former bottom, the first mold base is replaced to compress the thermoplastic, heat is applied to melt the new thermoplastic and the top part of the jacket on the sides, the plastic is cooled jacketing the bottom and fusing with the jacketing on the sides to complete the seamless encapsulation of the agglomerate.
Method for encapsulating hazardous wastes using a staged mold
Unger, Samuel L.; Telles, Rodney W.; Lubowitz, Hyman R.
1989-01-01
A staged mold and method for stabilizing hazardous wastes for final disposal by molding an agglomerate of the hazardous wastes and encapsulating the agglomerate. Three stages are employed in the process. In the first stage, a first mold body is positioned on a first mold base, a mixture of the hazardous wastes and a thermosetting plastic is loaded into the mold, the mixture is mechanically compressed, heat is applied to cure the mixture to form a rigid agglomerate, and the first mold body is removed leaving the agglomerate sitting on the first mold base. In the second stage, a clamshell second mold body is positioned around the agglomerate and the first mold base, a powdered thermoplastic resin is poured on top of the agglomerate and in the gap between the sides of the agglomerate and the second mold body, the thermoplastic is compressed, heat is applied to melt the thermoplastic, and the plastic is cooled jacketing the agglomerate on the top and sides. In the third stage, the mold with the jacketed agglomerate is inverted, the first mold base is removed exposing the former bottom of the agglomerate, powdered thermoplastic is poured over the former bottom, the first mold base is replaced to compress the thermoplastic, heat is applied to melt the new thermoplastic and the top part of the jacket on the sides, the plastic is cooled jacketing the bottom and fusing with the jacketing on the sides to complete the seamless encapsulation of the agglomerate.
Analysis of the Barrier Properties of Polyimide-Silicate Nanocomposites
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Campbell, Sandi; Johnston, J. Chris; Inghram, Linda; McCorkle, Linda; Silverman, Edward
2003-01-01
Montmorillonite clay was organically modified and dispersed into a thermoplastic (BPADA-BAPP) and a thermosetting (PMR-15) polyimide matrix. The barrier properties of the neat resins and the nanocomposites were evaluated. Reductions in gas permeability and water absorption were observed in thermoplastic polyimide nanocomposites. The thermosetting polyimide showed a reduction in weight loss during isothermal aging at 288 C. Carbon fabric (T650-35, 8 HS, 8 ply) composites were prepared using both the BPADE-BAPP and PMR-15 based nanocomposites. Dispersion of the layered silicate in the BPADA-BAPP matrix reduced helium permeability by up to 70 percent. The PMR-15/ silicate nanocomposite matrix had an increase in thermal oxidative stability of up to 25 percent.
Effect of resin on impact damage tolerance of graphite/epoxy laminates
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Williams, J. G.; Rhodes, M. D.
1982-01-01
Twenty-four different epoxy resin systems were evaluated by a variety of test techniques to identify materials that exhibited improved impact damage tolerance in graphite/epoxy composite laminates. Forty-eight-ply composite panels of five of the material systems were able to sustain 100 m/s impact by a 1.27-cm-diameter aluminum projectile while statically loaded to strains of 0.005. Of the five materials with the highest tolerance to impact, two had elastomeric additives, two had thermoplastic additives, and one had a vinyl modifier; all the five systems used bisphenol A as the base resin. An evaluation of test results shows that the laminate damage tolerance is largely determined by the resin tensile properties, and that improvements in laminate damage tolerance are not necessarily made at the expense of room-temperature mechanical properties. The results also suggest that a resin volume fraction of 40 percent or greater may be required to permit the plastic flow between fibers necessary for improved damage tolerance.
Studies on chemoviscosity modeling for thermosetting resins
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Bai, J. M.; Hou, T. H.; Tiwari, S. N.
1987-01-01
A new analytical model for simulating chemoviscosity of thermosetting resins has been formulated. The model is developed by modifying the well-established Williams-Landel-Ferry (WLF) theory in polymer rheology for thermoplastic materials. By introducing a relationship between the glass transition temperature Tg(t) and the degree of cure alpha(t) of the resin system under cure, the WLF theory can be modified to account for the factor of reaction time. Temperature dependent functions of the modified WLF theory constants C sub 1 (t) and C sub 2 (t) were determined from the isothermal cure data. Theoretical predictions of the model for the resin under dynamic heating cure cycles were shown to compare favorably with the experimental data. This work represents progress toward establishing a chemoviscosity model which is capable of not only describing viscosity profiles accurately under various cure cycles, but also correlating viscosity data to the changes of physical properties associated with the structural transformation of the thermosetting resin systems during cure.
Chemoviscosity modeling for thermosetting resin systems, part 3
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hou, T. H.; Bai, J. M.
1988-01-01
A new analytical model for simulating chemoviscosity resin has been formulated. The model is developed by modifying the well established Williams-Landel-Ferry (WLF) theory in polymer rheology for thermoplastic materials. By introducing a relationship between the glass transition temperature (T sub g (t)) and the degree of cure alpha(t) of the resin system under cure, the WLF theory can be modified to account for the factor of reaction time. Temperature-dependent functions of the modified WLF theory parameters C sub 1 (T) and C sub 2 (T) were determined from the isothermal cure data. Theoretical predictions of the model for the resin under dynamic heating cure cycles were shown to compare favorably with the experimental data. This work represents a progress toward establishing a chemoviscosity model which is capable of not only describing viscosity profiles accurately under various cure cycles, but also correlating viscosity data to the changes of physical properties associated with the structural transformations of the thermosetting resin systems during cure.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nevitt, Mark
2013-03-01
Engineers who are developing microfluidic devices and bioMEMs for life science applications have many aspects to consider when selecting the proper base materials for constructing a device. While glass and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) are the staple materials for proof-of-concept and prototype chip fabrication, they are not a feasible solution for commercial production due to their slow, labor-intensive production rate. Alternatively, a molded or extruded thermoplastic solution can deliver the precision, consistency, and high volume capability required for commercial scale production. Traditional thermoplastics, such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), and polystyrene (PS), are well known by development engineers in the bioscience community; however, cyclo-olefin polymer (COP), a relative newcomer in the world of plastics, is gaining increasing attention for use in microfluidic devices due to its unique balance of key properties compared to conventional thermoplastics. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive look at the properties which make COP an excellent candidate for providing the flow cell support and reagent storage functions in microfluidic assays. We also explore the processing attributes and capabilities of COP resin and film which are crucial for manufacturing high-performance microfluidic devices.
Chapter 13:Wood/Nonwood Thermoplastic Composites
Craig M. Clemons; Roger M. Rowell; David Plackett; B. Kristoffer Segerholm
2013-01-01
Composites made from wood, other biomass resources and polymers have existed for a long time but the nature of many of these composites has changed in recent decades. Wood-thermoset composites date to the early 1900s. "Thermosets" or thermosetting polymers are plastics that, once cured, cannot be remelted by heating. These include cured resins such as epoxies...
Multipurpose Prepregging Machine
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Johnston, N. J.; Wilkinson, Steven; Marchello, J. M.; Dixon, D.
1995-01-01
Machine designed and built for variety of uses involving coating or impregnating ("prepregging") fibers, tows, yarns, or webs or tapes made of such fibrous materials with thermoplastic or thermosetting resins. Prepreg materials produced used to make matrix/fiber composite materials. Comprises modules operated individually, sequentially, or simultaneously, depending on nature of specific prepreg material and prepregging technique used. Machine incorporates number of safety features.
3D modeling of squeeze flow of unidirectionally thermoplastic composite inserts
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ghnatios, Chady; Abisset-Chavanne, Emmanuelle; Binetruy, Christophe; Chinesta, Francisco; Advani, Suresh
2016-10-01
Thermoplastic composites are attractive because they can be recycled and exhibit superior mechanical properties. The ability of thermoplastic resin to melt and solidify allows for fast and cost-effective manufacturing processes, which is a crucial property for high volume production. Thermoplastic composite parts are usually obtained by stacking several prepreg plies to create a laminate with a particular orientation sequence to meet design requirements. During the consolidation and forming process, the thermoplastic laminate is subjected to complex deformation which can include intraply and/or interply shear, ply reorientation and squeeze flow. In the case of unidirectional prepregs, the ply constitutive equation, when elastic effects are neglected, can be modeled as a transversally isotropic fluid, that must satisfy the fiber inextensibility as well as the fluid incompressibility. The high-fidelity solution of the squeeze flow in laminates composed of unidirectional prepregs was addressed in our former works by making use of an in-plane-out-of-plane separated representation allowing a very detailed resolution of the involved fields throughout the laminate thickness. In the present work prepregs plies are supposed of limited dimensions compared to the in-plane dimension of the part and will be named inserts. Again within the Proper Generalized Decomposition framework high-resolution simulation of the squeeze flow occurring during consolidation is addressed within a fully 3D in-plane-out-of-plane separated representation.
Prediction of wrinklings and porosities of thermoplastic composits after thermostamping
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hamila, Nahiene; Guzman-Maldonado, Eduardo; Xiong, Hu; Wang, Peng; Boisse, Philippe; Bikard, Jerome
2018-05-01
During thermoforming process, the consolidation deformation mode of thermoplastic prepregs is one of the key deformation modes especially in the consolidation step, where the two resin flow phenomena: resin percolation and transverse squeeze flow, play an important role. This occurs a viscosity behavior for consolidation mode. Based on a visco-hyper-elastic model for the characterization of thermoplastic prepregs proposed by Guzman, which involves different independent modes of deformation: elongation mode, bending mode with thermo-dependent, and viscoelastic in-plan shearing mode with thermo-dependent, a viscoelastic model completed with consolidation behavior will be presented in this paper. A completed three-dimensional mechanical behavior with compaction effect for thermoplastic pre-impregnated composites is constituted, and the associated parameters are identified by compaction test. Moreover, a seven-node prismatic solid-shell finite element approach is used for the forming simulation. To subdue transverse shear locking, an intermediate material frame related to the element sides is introduced in order to fix nodal transverse shear strain components. Indeed, the enhanced assumed strain method and a reduced integration scheme are combined offering a linear varying strain field along the thickness direction to circumvent thickness locking, and an hourglass stabilization procedure is employed in order to correct the element's rank deficiency for pinching. An additional node is added at the center providing a quadratic interpolation of the displacement in the thickness direction. The predominance of this element is the ability of three dimensional analysis, especially for the transverse stress existence through the thickness of material, which is essential for the consolidation modelling. Finally, an intimate contact model is employed to predict the evolution of the consolidation which permits the microstructure prediction of void presented through the prepreg. Several tests including a thermoforming test are launched to evaluate the consolidation model and the accuracy of the proposed element.
Development of an impact- and solvent-resistant thermoplastic composite matrix, phase 3
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Delano, C. B.; Kiskiras, C. J.
1985-01-01
The polyimide from BTDA 1,6-hexanediamine and m-phenylenediamine was selected from a prior study for the present study. Methods to prepare prepreg which would provide low void composites at low molding pressures from the thermoplastic polyimide were studied. Cresol solutions of the polyimide were applied to a balanced weave carbon fabric and the cresol removed prior to composite molding. Low void composites were prepared from smoothed prepregs at high pressures (34.5 MPa) and temperatures as low as 260 C. Lower molding pressures lead to higher void composites. Need for a lower melt viscosity in the neat resin is suggested as a requirement to achieve low void composites at low pressures. Some mechanical properties are included.
Composite structural materials
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Loewy, Robert G.; Wiberley, Stephen E.
1987-01-01
The development and application of composite materials to aerospace vehicle structures which began in the mid 1960's has now progressed to the point where what can be considered entire airframes are being designed and built using composites. Issues related to the fabrication of non-resin matrix composites and the micro, mezzo and macromechanics of thermoplastic and metal matrix composites are emphasized. Several research efforts are presented. They are entitled: (1) The effects of chemical vapor deposition and thermal treatments on the properties of pitch-based carbon fiber; (2) Inelastic deformation of metal matrix laminates; (3) Analysis of fatigue damage in fibrous MMC laminates; (4) Delamination fracture toughness in thermoplastic matrix composites; (5) Numerical investigation of the microhardness of composite fracture; and (6) General beam theory for composite structures.
Multi-scale modelling of non-uniform consolidation of uncured toughened unidirectional prepregs
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sorba, G.; Binetruy, C.; Syerko, E.; Leygue, A.; Comas-Cardona, S.; Belnoue, J. P.-H.; Nixon-Pearson, O. J.; Ivanov, D. S.; Hallett, S. R.; Advani, S. G.
2018-05-01
Consolidation is a crucial step in manufacturing of composite parts with prepregs because its role is to eliminate inter- and intra-ply gaps and porosity. Some thermoset prepreg systems are toughened with thermoplastic particles. Depending on their size, thermoplastic particles can be either located in between plies or distributed within the inter-fibre regions. When subjected to transverse compaction, resin will bleed out of low-viscosity unidirectional prepregs along the fibre direction, whereas one would expect transverse squeeze flow to dominate for higher viscosity prepregs. Recent experimental work showed that the consolidation of uncured toughened prepregs involves complex flow and deformation mechanisms where both bleeding and squeeze flow patterns are observed [1]. Micrographs of compacted and cured samples confirm these features as shown in Fig.1. A phenomenological model was proposed [2] where bleeding flow and squeeze flow are combined. A criterion for the transition from shear flow to resin bleeding was also proposed. However, the micrographs also reveal a resin rich layer between plies which may be contributing to the complex flow mechanisms during the consolidation process. In an effort to provide additional insight into these complex mechanisms, this work focuses on the 3D numerical modelling of the compaction of uncured toughened prepregs in the cross-ply configuration described in [1]. A transversely isotropic fluid model is used to describe the flow behaviour of the plies coupled with interplay resin flow of an isotropic fluid. The multi-scale flow model used is based on [3, 4]. A numerical parametric study is carried out where the resin viscosity, permeability and inter-ply thickness are varied to identify the role of important variables. The squeezing flow and the bleeding flow are compared for a range of process parameters to investigate the coupling and competition between the two flow mechanisms. Figure 4 shows the predicted displacement of the sample edge with the multi-scale compaction model after one time step [3]. The ply distortion and resin flow observed in Fig.1 is qualitatively retrieved by the computational model.
Wholly aromatic liquid crystalline polyetherimide (LC-PEI) resins
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Weiser, Erik S. (Inventor); Dingemans, Theodorus J. (Inventor); St. Clair, Terry L. (Inventor); Hinkley, Jeffrey A. (Inventor)
2011-01-01
The benefits of liquid crystal polymers and polyetherimides are combined in an all-aromatic thermoplastic liquid crystalline polyetherimide. Because of the unique molecular structure, all-aromatic thermotropic liquid crystal polymers exhibit outstanding processing properties, excellent barrier properties, low solubilities and low coefficients of thermal expansion in the processing direction. These characteristics are combined with the strength, thermal, and radiation stability of polyetherimides.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Cano, Roberto J.; Grimsley, Brian W.; Ratcliffe, James G.; Gordon, Keith L.; Smith, Joseph G.; Siochi, Emilie J.
2015-01-01
Ongoing efforts at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) have resulted in the identification of several commercially available thermoplastic resin systems which self-heal after ballistic impact and through penetration. One of these resins, polybutylene graft copolymer (PBg), was selected as a matrix for processing with unsized carbon fibers to fabricate reinforced composites for further evaluation. During process development, data from thermo-physical analyses was utilized to determine a processing cycle to fabricate laminate panels, which were analyzed by photo microscopy and acid digestion. The process cycle was further optimized based on these results to fabricate panels for mechanical property characterization. The results of the processing development effort of this composite material, as well as the results of the mechanical property characterization, indicated that bonding between the fiber and PBg was not adequate. Therefore, three sizings were investigated in this work to assess their potential to improve fiber/matrix bonding compared to previously tested unsized IM7 fiber. Unidirectional prepreg was made at NASA LaRC from three sized carbon fibers and utilized to fabricate test coupons that were tested in double cantilever beam configurations to determine GIc fracture toughness.
Influence of different components in a TPV PP/EPDM based with low hardness
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Gheller, J.; Jacobi, M. M.
2014-05-01
Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) are a class of polymeric material obtained by dynamic vulcanization of an elastomer in a melted thermoplastic matrix. This work intend to evaluate different variables in the production of low hardness TPVs made of polypropylene (PP) and ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM), as well the optimization of the variables looking for TPVs with improved performance. In the Study I the influence of PP crystallinity were evaluated, in the Study II the effects of different amounts of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) were evaluated and in the Study III the amount of the phenolic resin were evaluated. This extended abstract presents, in a more detailed way, the results considering the curative phenolic resin content (Study III). The others results and discussions are briefly described in the results and discussions section. The compounds were obtained in a closed mixing chamber and their processability properties, swelling, hardness and tensile strength were evaluated. With the results obtained were possible to evaluate the influence of different ingredients in the TPVs properties. The results were discussed and presented looking for a better understanding of the influence of this variable in the final product, as well the correlation between then.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Guynn, E. Gail; Bradley, Walter L.; Ochoa, Ozden O.
1990-01-01
A better understanding of the factors that affect the semi-circular edge-notched compressive strength is developed, and the associated failure mode(s) of thermoplastic composite laminates with multidirectional stacking sequences are identified. The primary variables in this investigation are the resin nonlinear shear constitutive behavior, stacking sequence (orientation of plies adjacent to the 0 degree plies), resin-rich regions between the 0 degree plies and the off-axis supporting plies, fiber/matrix interfacial bond strength, and initial fiber waviness. Two thermoplastic composite material systems are used in this investigation. The materials are the commercial APC-2 (AS4/PEEK) and a poor interface experimental material, AU4U/PEEK, designed for this investigation. Notched compression specimens are studied at 21, 77, and 132 C. Geometric and material nonlinear two-dimensional finite element analysis is used to model the initiation of fiber microbuckling of both the ideal straight fiber and the more realistic initially wavy fiber. The effects of free surface, fiber constitutive properties, matrix constitutive behavior, initial fiber curvature, and fiber/matrix interfacial bond strength on fiber microbuckling initiation strain levels are considered.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Driscoll, S.B.; Walton, T.C.
Polyimides have gained wide acceptance for use in many aerospace composite, electrical, and industrial applications. The intent of this work is to share with the reader practical knowledge of how some of the currently available commercial systems perform. Several prepreg processable polyimide systems were evaluated for adhesive properties and characterized with the use of SEM, TGA, DSC, TMA, Dynamic Spectroscopy, and Force vs. Time Electronic Impact Analyses for comparison. The chemistry and nature of these resin systems is reviewed, including several BMIs (new hot melts examined)., Amide-Imides (Al) and Thermoplastic Polyimide (TPI). PMR-15 and a high temperature epoxy resin aremore » included for comparison of high temperature properties. 17 references.« less
[Fusion implants of carbon fiber reinforced plastic].
Früh, H J; Liebetrau, A; Bertagnoli, R
2002-05-01
Carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) are used in the medical field when high mechanical strength, innovative design, and radiolucency (see spinal fusion implants) are needed. During the manufacturing process of the material CFRP carbon fibers are embedded into a resin matrix. This resin material could be thermoset (e.g., epoxy resin EPN/DDS) or thermoplastic (e.g., PEAK). CFRP is biocompatible, radiolucent, and has higher mechanical capabilities compared to other implant materials. This publication demonstrates the manufacturing process of fusion implants made of a thermoset matrix system using a fiber winding process. The material has been used clinically since 1994 for fusion implants of the cervical and lumbar spine. The results of the fusion systems CORNERSTONE-SR C (cervical) and UNION (lumbar) showed no implant-related complications. New implant systems made of this CFRP material are under investigation and are presented.
Allergic Reaction to Polyether Ether Ketone Following Cross-Reactivity to Epoxy Resin.
Kofler, Lukas; Wambacher, Markus; Schweinzer, Katrin; Scherl, Maritta; Kofler, Heinz
Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a thermoplastic polymer frequently used in engineering but also in medical devices. Only 1 case of allergic reaction to PEEK used as an implanted medical device has been reported so far; however, the route of sensitization remained unclear. Here we report on a 62-year-old male patient with a preknown, severe type IV allergy to epoxy resin. He reported strong pain in his shoulder after implantation of a PEEK-containing device after a rotator cuff injury. For testing, the device was implanted in a small pouch subcutaneously on the abdomen. The patient reported massive pain starting 8 hours after the implantation, strictly limited to the procedural area and showing perifocal erythema. A possible explanation of the sensitization mode is the source material for PEEK and epoxy resin, as both are mainly based on bisphenols. An allergic reaction to PEEK with preknown epoxy resin sensitization has not been reported so far. As epoxy resins are a frequent cause of occupational contact dermatitis and PEEK is widely used for medical and nonmedical devices, we believe that this is of great clinical relevance.
A New Room-Temperature Liquid, High-Performance Tricyanate Ester
2010-01-01
addition of thermoplastic modifiers. Taken together, these results indicate that mono- mer 7 exhibits very favorable processing characteristics for a...significantly exceed those of epoxy resins with corresponding temperature-dependent monomer viscos- ity characteristics .4(a) In addition, cyanate ester...temperature, favorable solubility and viscos- ity characteristics for the addition of comonomers4(b) or toughening agents.4(c) Cyanate ester monomer systems
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 12 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Group 1 Storage Vessels at Existing... Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions: Group IV Polymers and Resins Pt. 63, Subpt. JJJ, Table 3 Table 3 to Subpart JJJ of Part 63—Group 1 Storage Vessels at Existing Affected Sources Producing the Listed...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-07-01
... 40 Protection of Environment 12 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Group 1 Storage Vessels at Existing... Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions: Group IV Polymers and Resins Pt. 63, Subpt. JJJ, Table 3 Table 3 to Subpart JJJ of Part 63—Group 1 Storage Vessels at Existing Affected Sources Producing the Listed...
Thermoplastic film prevents proppant flowback
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Nguyen, P.D.; Weaver, J.D.; Parker, M.A.
1996-02-05
Thermoplastic film added to proppants is effective and economical for preventing proppant flowback after an hydraulic fracturing treatment. Most other methods, such as resin-coated proppant and fiber, for controlling proppant flowback have drawbacks that added to treatment costs by requiring long downtime, costly additives, or frequent equipment replacement. Thermoplastic film does not react chemically with fracturing fluids. After the proppant is placed in the fracture, the film strips intertwine with the proppant grains or at higher temperatures, the strips become adhesive and shrink forming consolidated clusters that hold open the newly created fractures and prevent proppant from flowing back. Themore » low cost of the film means that the strips can be used throughout the fracturing job or in selected stages. The strips are compatible with fracturing fluid chemistry, including breakers and crosslinkers, and can be used in wells with a wide range of bottom hole temperatures. The end result is a well that can be brought back on-line in a short time with little proppant flowback. This paper reviews the cost benefits and performance of these proppants.« less
Designing with figer-reinforced plastics (planar random composites)
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chamis, C. C.
1982-01-01
The use of composite mechanics to predict the hygrothermomechanical behavior of planar random composites (PRC) is reviewed and described. These composites are usually made from chopped fiber reinforced resins (thermoplastics or thermosets). The hygrothermomechanical behavior includes mechanical properties, physical properties, thermal properties, fracture toughness, creep and creep rupture. Properties are presented in graphical form with sample calculations to illustrate their use. Concepts such as directional reinforcement and strip hybrids are described. Typical data that can be used for preliminary design for various PRCs are included. Several resins and molding compounds used to make PRCs are described briefly. Pertinent references are cited that cover analysis and design methods, materials, data, fabrication procedures and applications.
Design for producing fiberglass fabric in a lunar environment
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Benson, Rafer M.; Causby, Dana R.; Johnson, Michael C.; Storey, Mark A.; Tran, Dal T.; Zahr, Thomas A.
1992-01-01
The purpose of this project was to design a method of producing a fabric material on the lunar surface from readily available glass fibers. Various methods for forming fabrics were analyzed to determine which methods were appropriate for the lunar conditions. A nonwoven process was determined to be the most suitable process for making a fabric material out of fiberglass under these conditions. Various resins were considered for adhering the fibers. A single thermoplastic resin (AURUM) was found to be the only applicable resin. The end product of the process was determined to be suitable for use as a roadway surfacing material, canopy material, reflective material, or packaging material. A cost analysis of the lunar process versus shipping the end-product from the Earth suggests that the lunar formation is highly feasible. A design for a lunar, nonwoven process was determined and is included.
Design for producing fiberglass fabric in a lunar environment
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dorrity, J. Lewis; Patel, Suneer; Benson, Rafer M.; Johnson, Michael C.; Storey, Mark A.; Tran, Dai T.; Zahr, Thomas A.; Causby, Dana R.
1992-01-01
The purpose of this project was to design a method of producing a fabric material on the lunar surface from readily available glass fibers. Various methods for forming fabrics were analyzed to determine which methods were appropriate for the lunar conditions. A nonwoven process was determined to be the most suitable process for making a fabric material out of fiberglass under these conditions. Various resins were considered for adhering the fibers. A single thermoplastic resin (AURUM) was found to be the only applicable resin. The end product of the process was determined to be suitable for use as a roadway surfacing material, canopy materials, reflective material, or packaging material. A cost analysis of the lunar process versus shipping the end-product from the earth suggests that the lunar formation is highly feasible. A design for a lunar, nonwoven process was determined and included in the following document.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Lopez Gaxiola, Daniel
2011-01-01
In this project we developed conductive thermoplastic resins by adding varying amounts of three different carbon fillers: carbon black (CB), synthetic graphite (SG) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) to a polypropylene matrix for application as fuel cell bipolar plates. This component of fuel cells provides mechanical support to the stack,…
Demonstration/Validation of Tertiary Butyl Acetate (TBAC) for Hand Wipe Cleaning Applications
2010-10-01
Solvent-based coatings come in two basic forms, thermoplastic (lacquers) and thermosetting ( enamels ). Both forms contain solvents, resins...with a low water content. It can therefore be used to thin two-component urethane and epoxy CARC coatings as well as alkyds enamels . Isotron...identification of known cracks and the intensity of the cracks should be brighter or equal to the control using Secondary Secondary (CCAD
Kalogeras, Ioannis M; Stathopoulos, Andreas; Vassilikou-Dova, Aglaia; Brostow, Witold
2007-03-22
Thermoplastic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) (Mw(PEO) approximately 4000) has been used to prepare thermosetting nanocomposites incorporating diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy oligomer. Blends with various PEO/DGEBA weight ratios were cured using stoichiometric portions of 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane. The resulting semi-interpenetrating polymer networks were studied by several techniques. Nanoscale confinement effects, thermal (glass transition, melting and crystallization temperatures) and structural features of our materials are similar to those for networks with much higher Mw(PEO) and different curing agents; however, the polyether crystallization onset occurs in our case at a lower PEO concentration; shorter PEO chains organize themselves more easily into crystalline domains. Very low estimates of the k parameter of the Gordon-Taylor equation, used to fit the compositional dependences of the dielectric and calorimetric glass transition temperatures, and a strong plasticization of the motion of the glyceryl segments (beta-relaxation) in the epoxy resin were observed. These illustrate an intensified weakening in the strength of the intermolecular interactions in the modified networks, as compared to the high strength of the self-association of hydroxyls in the neat resin. The significance of hydrogen-bonding interactions between the components for obtaining structurally homogeneous thermoset-i-thermoplastic networks is discussed.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
El-Sa'Ad, Leila
1989-12-01
Available from UMI in association with The British Library. Requires signed TDF. Epoxy resins exhibit many desirable properties which make them ideal subjects for use as matrices of composite materials in many commercial, military and space applications. However, due to their high cross-link density they are often brittle. Epoxy resin networks have been modified by incorporating tough, ductile thermoplastics. Such systems are referred to as Semi-Interpenetrating Polymer Networks (Semi-IPN). Systematic modification to the thermoplastics backbone allowed the morphology of the blend to be controlled from a homogeneous one-phase structure to fully separated structures. The moisture absorption by composites in humid environments has been found to lead to a deterioration in the physical and mechanical properties of the matrix. Therefore, in order to utilize composites to their full potential, their response to hot/wet environments must be known. The aims of this investigation were two-fold. Firstly, to study the effect of varying the temperature of exposure at different stages in the absorption process on the water absorption behaviour of a TGDDM/DDS epoxy resin system. Secondly, to study water absorption characteristics, under isothermal conditions, of Semi-Interpenetrating Polymer Networks possessing different morphologies, and develop a theoretical model to evaluate the diffusion coefficients of the two-phase structures. The mathematical treatment used in this analysis was based on Fick's second law of diffusion. Tests were performed on specimens immersed in water at 10 ^circ, 40^circ and 70^circC, their absorption behaviour and swelling behaviour, as a consequence of water absorption, were investigated. The absorption results of the variable temperature absorption tests indicated a saturation dependence on the absorption behaviour. Specimens saturated at a high temperature will undergo further absorption when transferred to a lower temperature. This behaviour was termed the "reverse thermal effect". The swelling results suggested that it is more tightly bound water in the polymer which takes part in the reverse thermal effect. The absorption results for the Semi-Interpenetrating Polymer Networks suggested that the two key parameters which affected the moisture uptake were the morphology of the network and the percentage of epoxy resin in the system.
A Modeling Approach to Fiber Fracture in Melt Impregnation
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ren, Feng; Zhang, Cong; Yu, Yang; Xin, Chunling; Tang, Ke; He, Yadong
2017-02-01
The effect of process variables such as roving pulling speed, melt temperature and number of pins on the fiber fracture during the processing of thermoplastic based composites was investigated in this study. The melt impregnation was used in this process of continuous glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites. Previous investigators have suggested a variety of models for melt impregnation, while comparatively little effort has been spent on modeling the fiber fracture caused by the viscous resin. Herein, a mathematical model was developed for impregnation process to predict the fiber fracture rate and describe the experimental results with the Weibull intensity distribution function. The optimal parameters of this process were obtained by orthogonal experiment. The results suggest that the fiber fracture is caused by viscous shear stress on fiber bundle in melt impregnation mold when pulling the fiber bundle.
The influence of polishing techniques on pre-polymerized CAD\\CAM acrylic resin denture bases
Alammari, Manal Rahma
2017-01-01
Background Lately, computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) has broadly been successfully employed in dentistry. The CAD/CAM systems have recently become commercially available for fabrication of complete dentures, and are considered as an alternative technique to conventionally processed acrylic resin bases. However, they have not yet been fully investigated. Objective The purpose of this study was to inspect the effects of mechanical polishing and chemical polishing on the surface roughness (Ra) and contact angle (wettability) of heat-cured, auto-cured and CAD/CAM denture base acrylic resins. Methods This study was conducted at the Advanced Dental Research Laboratory Center of King Abdulaziz University from March to June 2017. Three denture base materials were selected: heat cure poly-methylmethacrylate resin, thermoplastic (polyamide resin) and (CAD\\CAM) denture base resin. Sixty specimens were prepared and divided into three groups, twenty in each. Each group was divided according to the polishing techniques into (Mech P) and (Chem P), ten specimens in each; surface roughness and wettability were investigated. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22, using one-way ANOVA and Pearson coefficient. Results One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc tests were used for comparing the surface roughness values between three groups which revealed a statistical significant difference between them (p1<0.001). Heat-cured denture base material of (Group I) in both methods, showed the highest mean surface roughness value (2.44±0.07, 2.72±0.09, Mech P and Chem P respectively); while CAD\\CAM denture base material (group III) showed the least mean values (1.08±0.23, 1.39±0.31, Mech P and Chem P respectively). CAD/CAM showed the least contact angle in both polishing methods, which were statistically significant at 5% level (p=0.034 and p<0.001). Conclusion Mechanical polishing produced lower surface roughness of CAD\\CAM denture base resin with superior smooth surface compared to chemical polishing. Mechanical polishing is considered the best effective polishing technique. CAD/CAM denture base material should be considered as the material of choice for complete denture construction in the near future, especially for older dental patients with changed salivary functions, because of its wettability. PMID:29238483
The influence of polishing techniques on pre-polymerized CAD\\CAM acrylic resin denture bases.
Alammari, Manal Rahma
2017-10-01
Lately, computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) has broadly been successfully employed in dentistry. The CAD/CAM systems have recently become commercially available for fabrication of complete dentures, and are considered as an alternative technique to conventionally processed acrylic resin bases. However, they have not yet been fully investigated. The purpose of this study was to inspect the effects of mechanical polishing and chemical polishing on the surface roughness (Ra) and contact angle (wettability) of heat-cured, auto-cured and CAD/CAM denture base acrylic resins. This study was conducted at the Advanced Dental Research Laboratory Center of King Abdulaziz University from March to June 2017. Three denture base materials were selected: heat cure poly-methylmethacrylate resin, thermoplastic (polyamide resin) and (CAD\\CAM) denture base resin. Sixty specimens were prepared and divided into three groups, twenty in each. Each group was divided according to the polishing techniques into (Mech P) and (Chem P), ten specimens in each; surface roughness and wettability were investigated. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22, using one-way ANOVA and Pearson coefficient. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc tests were used for comparing the surface roughness values between three groups which revealed a statistical significant difference between them (p 1 <0.001). Heat-cured denture base material of (Group I) in both methods, showed the highest mean surface roughness value (2.44±0.07, 2.72±0.09, Mech P and Chem P respectively); while CAD\\CAM denture base material (group III) showed the least mean values (1.08±0.23, 1.39±0.31, Mech P and Chem P respectively). CAD/CAM showed the least contact angle in both polishing methods, which were statistically significant at 5% level (p=0.034 and p<0.001). Mechanical polishing produced lower surface roughness of CAD\\CAM denture base resin with superior smooth surface compared to chemical polishing. Mechanical polishing is considered the best effective polishing technique. CAD/CAM denture base material should be considered as the material of choice for complete denture construction in the near future, especially for older dental patients with changed salivary functions, because of its wettability.
Carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites for future automotive applications
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Friedrich, K.
2016-05-01
After a brief introduction to polymer composite properties and markets, the state of the art activities in the field of manufacturing of advanced composites for automotive applications are elucidated. These include (a) long fiber reinforced thermoplastics (LFT) for secondary automotive components, and (b) continuous carbon fiber reinforced thermosetting composites for car body applications. It is followed by future possibilities of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites for e.g. (i) crash elements, (ii) racing car seats, and (iii) production and recycling of automotive fenders.
Thermotropic and Thermochromic Polymer Based Materials for Adaptive Solar Control
Seeboth, Arno; Ruhmann, Ralf; Mühling, Olaf
2010-01-01
The aim of this review is to present the actual status of development in adaptive solar control by use of thermotropic and organic thermochromic materials. Such materials are suitable for application in smart windows. In detail polymer blends, hydrogels, resins, and thermoplastic films with a reversible temperature-dependent switching behavior are described. A comparative evaluation of the concepts for these energy efficient materials is given as well. Furthermore, the change of strategy from ordinary shadow systems to intrinsic solar energy reflection materials based on phase transition components and a first remark about their realization is reported. Own current results concerning extruded films and high thermally stable casting resins with thermotropic properties make a significant contribution to this field. PMID:28883374
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
St. Clair, Terry L.; Chang, Alice C.
1995-01-01
Copolyimides modified versions of LaRC(TM)-IA thermoplastic polyimide formulated by incorporating moieties of 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) and, alternatively, isophthaloyldiphthalic anhydride (IDPA) into LaRC(TM)-IA polymer backbones. Exhibit higher glass-transition temperatures and retain greater fractions of lower-temperature shear moduli at higher temperatures. Copolyimides spun into fibers or used as adhesives, molding powders, or matrix resins in many applications, especially in fabrication of strong, lightweight structural components of aircraft.
Simmons, Blake [San Francisco, CA; Domeier, Linda [Danville, CA; Woo, Noble [San Gabriet, CA; Shepodd, Timothy [Livermore, CA; Renzi, Ronald F [Tracy, CA
2008-04-01
Injection molding is used to form microfluidic devices with integrated functional components. One or more functional components are placed in a mold cavity which is then closed. Molten thermoplastic resin is injected into the mold and then cooled, thereby forming a solid substrate including the functional component(s). The solid substrate including the functional component(s) is then bonded to a second substrate which may include microchannels or other features.
Methods for integrating a functional component into a microfluidic device
Simmons, Blake; Domeier, Linda; Woo, Noble; Shepodd, Timothy; Renzi, Ronald F.
2014-08-19
Injection molding is used to form microfluidic devices with integrated functional components. One or more functional components are placed in a mold cavity, which is then closed. Molten thermoplastic resin is injected into the mold and then cooled, thereby forming a solid substrate including the functional component(s). The solid substrate including the functional component(s) is then bonded to a second substrate, which may include microchannels or other features.
Composite Materials Characterization and Development at AFWAL
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Browning, C. E.
1984-01-01
The development of test methodology for characterizing matrix dominated failure modes is discussed emphasizing issues of matrix cracking, delamination under static loading, and the relationship of composite properties to matrix properties. Both strength characterization and classical techniques of linear elastic fracture mechanics were examined. Materials development studies are also discussed. Major areas of interest include acetylene-terminated and bismaleimide resins for 350 to 450 deg use, thermoplastics development, and failure resistant composite concepts.
Wang, Da-wei; Xu, Ying-juan; Li, Xin; Huang, Chao-ming; Huang, Kuo-shien; Wang, Chuen-kai; Yeh, Jen-taut
2015-01-01
The waterproof and strength retention properties of bacterial cellulose (BC)-reinforced thermoplastic starch (TPS) resins were successfully improved by reacting with sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP). After modification with SHMP, the tensile strength (σf) and impact strength (Is) values of initial and conditioned BC-reinforced TPS, modified with varying amounts of SHMP(TPS100BC0.02SHMPx), and their blends with poly(lactic acid)((TPS100BC0.02SHMPx)75PLA25) specimens improved significantly and reached a maximal value as SHMP content approached 10 parts per hundred parts of TPS resin (phr), while their moisture content and elongation at break (ɛf) was reduced to a minimal value as SHMP contents approached 10 phr. The σf, Is and ɛf retention values of a (TPS100BC0.02SHMP10)75PLA25 specimen conditioned for 56 days are 52%, 50% and 3 times its initial σf, Is and ɛf values, respectively, which are 32.5 times, 8.9 times and 40% of those of a corresponding conditioned TPS100BC0.02 specimen, respectively. As evidenced by FTIR analyses of TPS100BC0.02SHMPx specimens, hydroxyl groups of TPS100BC0.02 resins were successfully reacted with the phosphate groups of SHMP molecules. New melting endotherms and diffraction peaks of VH-type crystals were found on DSC thermograms and WAXD patterns of TPS or TPS100BC0.02 specimens conditioned for 7 days, while no new melting endotherm or diffraction peak was found for TPS100BC0.02SHMPx and/or (TPS100BC0.02SHMPx)75PLA25 specimens conditioned for less than 14 and 28 days, respectively.
Kim, Jong Won; Lee, Joon Seok
2016-01-01
A laminated composite was produced using a thermoplastic prepreg by inserting an interleaved film with the same type of matrix as the prepreg during the lay-up process to improve the low interlaminar properties, which is a known weakness of laminated composites. Carbon fiber fabric (CFF) and polypropylene (PP) were used to manufacture the thermoplastic prepregs. Eight prepregs were used to produce the laminated composites. Interleaved films with different thicknesses were inserted into each prepreg. The physical properties of the composite, such as thickness, density, fiber volume fraction (Vf), and void content (Vc), were examined. The tensile strength, flexural strength, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), impact property, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the mechanical properties. Compared to the composite without any inserted interleaved film, as the thickness of the inserted interleaved resin film was increased, Vc decreased by 51.45%. At the same time, however, the tensile strength decreased by 8.75%. Flexural strength increased by 3.79% and flexural modulus decreased by 15.02%. Interlaminar shear strength increased by 11.05% and impact strength increased by 15.38%. Fracture toughness of the laminated composite was improved due to insertion of interleaved film. PMID:28773467
Kim, Jong Won; Lee, Joon Seok
2016-05-06
A laminated composite was produced using a thermoplastic prepreg by inserting an interleaved film with the same type of matrix as the prepreg during the lay-up process to improve the low interlaminar properties, which is a known weakness of laminated composites. Carbon fiber fabric (CFF) and polypropylene (PP) were used to manufacture the thermoplastic prepregs. Eight prepregs were used to produce the laminated composites. Interleaved films with different thicknesses were inserted into each prepreg. The physical properties of the composite, such as thickness, density, fiber volume fraction ( V f ), and void content ( V c ), were examined. The tensile strength, flexural strength, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), impact property, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the mechanical properties. Compared to the composite without any inserted interleaved film, as the thickness of the inserted interleaved resin film was increased, V c decreased by 51.45%. At the same time, however, the tensile strength decreased by 8.75%. Flexural strength increased by 3.79% and flexural modulus decreased by 15.02%. Interlaminar shear strength increased by 11.05% and impact strength increased by 15.38%. Fracture toughness of the laminated composite was improved due to insertion of interleaved film.
Hu, Zhen; Shao, Qing; Huang, Yudong; Yu, Long; Zhang, Dayu; Xu, Xirong; Lin, Jing; Liu, Hu; Guo, Zhanhu
2018-05-04
The interfacial microcracks in the resin matrix composites are difficult to be detected and repaired. However, the self-healing concept provides opportunities to fabricate composites with unusual properties. In the present study, photothermal conversion Ag-Cu 2 S nanoparticles were immobilized onto poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers via a polydopamine chemistry. Benefitting from the photothermal effects of Ag-Cu 2 S, the obtained PBO fibers (Ag-Cu 2 S-PBO) efficiently converted the light energy into heat under Xenon lamp irradiation. Then, single PBO fiber composites were prepared using thermoplastic polyurethane as the matrix. It was found that the interfacial damage caused by single fiber pull-out was simply self-healed by Xe light irradiation. This wonderful interfacial damage self-healing property was mainly attributed to the in situ heating generation via photothermal effects of Ag-Cu 2 S in the composite interface. This paper reports a novel strategy to construct advanced composites with light-triggered self-healing properties, which will provide inspiration for preparing high performance composite materials.
Advanced inorganic separators for alkaline batteries
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Sheibley, D. W. (Inventor)
1982-01-01
A flexible, porous battery separator comprising a coating applied to a porous, flexible substrate is described. The coating comprises: (1) a thermoplastic rubber-based resin which is insoluble and unreactive in the alkaline electrolyte; (2) a polar organic plasticizer which is reactive with the alkaline electrolyte to produce a reaction product which contains a hydroxyl group and/or a carboxylic acid group; and (3) a mixture of polar particulate filler materials which are unreactive with the electrolyte, the mixture comprising at least one first filler material having a surface area of greater than 25 meters sq/gram, at least one second filler material having a surface area of 10 to 25 sq meters/gram, wherein the volume of the mixture of filler materials is less than 45% of the total volume of the fillers and the binder, the filler surface area per gram of binder is about 20 to 60 sq meters/gram, and the amount of plasticizer is sufficient to coat each filler particle. A method of forming the battery separator is also described.
Advanced inorganic separators for alkaline batteries and method of making the same
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Sheibley, D. W. (Inventor)
1983-01-01
A flexible, porous battery separator includes a coating applied to a porous, flexible substrate. The coating comprises: (1) a thermoplastic rubber-based resin which is insoluble and unreactive in the alkaline electrolyte, (2) a polar organic plasticizer which is reactive with the alkaline electrolyte to produce a reaction product which contains a hydroxyl group and/or a carboxylic acid group, and (3) a mixture of polar particulate filler materials which are unreactive with the electrode. The mixture comprises at least one first filler material having a surface area of greater than 25 sq meters/gram, at last one second filler material having a surface area of 10 to 25 sq meters/gram. The volume of the mixture of filler materials is less than 45% of the total volume of the fillers and the binder. The filler surface area per gram of binder is about 20 to 60 sq meters/gram, and the amount of plasticizer is sufficient to coat each filler particle.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hu, Zhen; Shao, Qing; Huang, Yudong; Yu, Long; Zhang, Dayu; Xu, Xirong; Lin, Jing; Liu, Hu; Guo, Zhanhu
2018-05-01
The interfacial microcracks in the resin matrix composites are difficult to be detected and repaired. However, the self-healing concept provides opportunities to fabricate composites with unusual properties. In the present study, photothermal conversion Ag-Cu2S nanoparticles were immobilized onto poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers via a polydopamine chemistry. Benefitting from the photothermal effects of Ag-Cu2S, the obtained PBO fibers (Ag-Cu2S-PBO) efficiently converted the light energy into heat under Xenon lamp irradiation. Then, single PBO fiber composites were prepared using thermoplastic polyurethane as the matrix. It was found that the interfacial damage caused by single fiber pull-out was simply self-healed by Xe light irradiation. This wonderful interfacial damage self-healing property was mainly attributed to the in situ heating generation via photothermal effects of Ag-Cu2S in the composite interface. This paper reports a novel strategy to construct advanced composites with light-triggered self-healing properties, which will provide inspiration for preparing high performance composite materials.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Pater, Ruth H.
1990-01-01
A simultaneous semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) concept is presented which combines easy-to-process, but brittle, thermosetting polyimides with tough, but difficult to process, linear thermoplastic polyimides. The combination results in a semi-IPN with the easy processability of a thermoset and good toughness of a thermoplastic. Four simultaneous semi-IPN systems were developed from commercially available NR-150B2 combined with each of the four Thermid materials (LR-600, AL-600, MC-600, and FA-700). It is concluded that there is a significant improvement in resin fracture toughness of Thermid-polyimide-based semi-IPN systems and some improvement in composite microcracking resistance compared to Thermid LR-600. Excellent composite mechanical properties have been achieved. These new semi-IPN materials have the potential to be used as composite matrices, adhesives, and molding materials.
Thermoplastic matrix composite processing model
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dara, P. H.; Loos, A. C.
1985-01-01
The effects the processing parameters pressure, temperature, and time have on the quality of continuous graphite fiber reinforced thermoplastic matrix composites were quantitatively accessed by defining the extent to which intimate contact and bond formation has occurred at successive ply interfaces. Two models are presented predicting the extents to which the ply interfaces have achieved intimate contact and cohesive strength. The models are based on experimental observation of compression molded laminates and neat resin conditions, respectively. Identified as the mechanism explaining the phenomenon by which the plies bond to themselves is the theory of autohesion (or self diffusion). Theoretical predictions from the Reptation Theory between autohesive strength and contact time are used to explain the effects of the processing parameters on the observed experimental strengths. The application of a time-temperature relationship for autohesive strength predictions is evaluated. A viscoelastic compression molding model of a tow was developed to explain the phenomenon by which the prepreg ply interfaces develop intimate contact.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Li Hong.
A new technique was developed and demonstrated for combining carbon fibers with aromatic thermoplastic matrices to form a high-quality towpreg. The developed technique utilizes an in-situ electrochemical process (Electrochemical polymerization - ECP) to create the entire polymer matrix surrounding the fiber array by direct polymerization of monomer. Poly-paraxylylene (PPX) and derivatives are successfully polymerized in-situ on carbon fiber surfaces through ECP. A PPX/carbon-fiber towpreg with 40 vol % of matrix is achieved in a fairly short reaction time with a high polymer-coating efficiency. Vapor deposition polymerization (VDP) was also studied. PPX and carbon-fiber towpreg were made successfully by this process.more » A comparison between ECP and VDP was conducted. A study on electrochemical oxidation (ECO) of carbon fibers was also performed. The ECO treatment may be suitable for carbon fibers incorporated in composites with high-temperature curing resins and thermoplastic matrices.« less
Solvent Assisted Delamination Crack Growth Behavior of Amorphous Thermoplastic Materials
1989-02-01
72CRD285. October 1972. 4. Standard Method of Test for Plane- Strain Fracture Toughness of Metallic Materials. 1988 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Technical...intensity factor K I or the associated strain energy release rate, G I . ASTM compact tension test yields stress intensity factor, KI, via Equation 1...are such that a constant deadweight load results in increasing strain energy release rate with increasing crack length. Figure 3 shows the neat resin
Explosibility and Ignitability of Plastic Abrasive Media.
1987-06-01
Polyplus Is an alpha cellulose filled urea formaldehyde with a hardness or 3.5. Type III is a urea melamine formaldehyde with a hardness of 4. A fourth...is a thermoplastic acrylic media and the Kopper’s media are thermoset formaldehydes . o The greatest potential for dust explosions is in the baghouss...type or plastio media trom E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company was also tested. This Type L Solidstrip plastic stripping abrasive is an acrylic resin
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mimira, Tokio; Umeda, Tomohiro; Musha, Yoshiro; Itatani, Kiyoshi
2013-12-01
A novel hemostatic agent was prepared using phosphoryl oligosaccharides of calcium (POs-Ca), hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2; HAp) obtained by the hydrolysis of POs-Ca or sugar-containing HAp (s-HAp; 60.3 mass% calcium-deficient HAp and 39.5 mass% organic materials, Ca/P ratio = 1.56) and thermoplastic resin (the mixture of random copolymer of ethylene oxide/propylene oxide (EPO) and polyethylene oxide (EO); EPO : EO : water = 25 : 15 : 60 (mass ratio); 25EPO-15EO). The gel formed by mixing 25EPO-15EO with water (25EPO-15EO/water mass ratio: 0.20) was flash frozen at -80°C, freeze-dried at -50°C for 15 h and then ground using mixer. The consistency conditions of hemostats mixed with POs-Ca or s-HAp were optimized for the practical uses. The mean stanching times of hemostats were: s-HAp/25EPO-15EO (8.2 h; s-HAp/25EPO-15EO = 0.20) > 25EPO-15EO (5.3 h) > POs-Ca/25EPO-15EO (4.7 h; POs-Ca/25EPO-15EO = 0.20). The gentamicin, a typical antibiotic agent, loaded s-HAp/25EPO-15EO composite hemostat showed the steady state releasing in phosphate buffered saline till 10 h immersion at 37.0°C.
Dry Process for Making Polyimide/ Carbon-and-Boron-Fiber Tape
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Belvin, Harry L.; Cano, Roberto J.; Johnston, Norman J.; Marchello, Joseph M.
2003-01-01
A dry process has been invented as an improved means of manufacturing composite prepreg tapes that consist of high-temperature thermoplastic polyimide resin matrices reinforced with carbon and boron fibers. Such tapes are used (especially in the aircraft industry) to fabricate strong, lightweight composite-material structural components. The inclusion of boron fibers results in compression strengths greater than can be achieved by use of carbon fibers alone. The present dry process is intended to enable the manufacture of prepreg tapes (1) that contain little or no solvent; (2) that have the desired dimensions, fiber areal weight, and resin content; and (3) in which all of the fibers are adequately wetted by resin and the boron fibers are fully encapsulated and evenly dispersed. Prepreg tapes must have these properties to be useable in the manufacture of high-quality composites by automated tape placement. The elimination of solvent and the use of automated tape placement would reduce the overall costs of manufacturing.
Advanced resin systems and 3D textile preforms for low cost composite structures
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Shukla, J. G.; Bayha, T. D.
1993-01-01
Advanced resin systems and 3D textile preforms are being evaluated at Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company (LASC) under NASA's Advanced Composites Technology (ACT) Program. This work is aimed towards the development of low-cost, damage-tolerant composite fuselage structures. Resin systems for resin transfer molding and powder epoxy towpreg materials are being evaluated for processability, performance and cost. Three developmental epoxy resin systems for resin transfer molding (RTM) and three resin systems for powder towpregging are being investigated. Various 3D textile preform architectures using advanced weaving and braiding processes are also being evaluated. Trials are being conducted with powdered towpreg, in 2D weaving and 3D braiding processes for their textile processability and their potential for fabrication in 'net shape' fuselage structures. The progress in advanced resin screening and textile preform development is reviewed here.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Mueller, W. A.; Ingham, J. D.; Reilly, W. W. (Inventor)
1983-01-01
The impact resistance of flame retardant composites, especially thermoplastic molding: compounds containing over 60% hydrated mineral filler such as Al(OH)3 or Mg(OH)2 as improved by coating the filler with 1 to 20% of an elastomer. The composite will fail by crazing or shearing rather than by brittle fracture. A well bonded elastomeric interphase resulted by utilizing acidic substituted resins such as ethyl-hexyl acrylate-acrylic acid copolymers which bond to and are cross-linked by the basic filler particles. Further improvement in impact resistance was provided by incorporating 1 to 10% of a resin fiber reinforcement such as polyvinyl alcohol fibers that decompose to yield at least 30% water when heated to decomposition temperature.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Suarez, J.; Dastin, S.
1992-01-01
Innovative design concepts and cost effective fabrication processes were developed for damage tolerant primary structures that can perform at a design ultimate strain level of 6000 micro inch/inch. Attention focused on the use of textile high performance fiber reinforcement concepts that provide improved damage tolerance and out-of-plane load capability, low cost resin film infusion (RFI) and resin transfer molding (RTM) processes, and thermoplastic forming concepts. The fabrication of wing 'Y' spars by four different materials and/or processes methods is described: fabricated using IM7 angle interlock 0 to 90 deg woven preforms with + or - 45 deg plies stitched with Toray high strength graphite thread and processed using RFI and 3501-6 epoxy; fabricated using G40-800 knitted/stitched preforms and processed using RFI and 3501-6 epoxy; fabricated using G40-800 knitted/stitched preforms using RTM and Tactix 123/H41 epoxy; and fabricated preforms using AS4(6K)/PEEK 150 g commingled angle interlock 0 to 90 deg woven preforms with + or - 45 deg commingled plies stitched using high strength graphite thread and processed by consolidation. Structural efficiency, processability, and acquisition cost are compared.
Free Volume Considerations in Thermoplastic and Thermosetting Resins
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Landel, R. F.; Gupta, A.; Moacanin, J.; Hong, D.; Tsay, F. D.; Chen, S.; Chung, S.; Fedors, R. F.; Cigmecioglu, M.
1984-01-01
The direct measurement of physical aging and of the volume changes which go on during the course of this aging is discussed. Data on PMMA showing its physical aging as measured by its stress relaxation response and the accompanying volume changes are presented. An indication of how one can measure the free volume both directly from the volume change itself and relatively directly via a new technique is given. The application of this new technique (electron spin resonance spectroscopy) to other polymer systems is demonstrated.
Shah, Rupal Jaydip; Lagdive, Sanjay Balaji; Saini, Shraddha Lalit; Verma, Vishal Bipinbihari; Shah, Satyaprakash Ranjit
2017-01-01
Mandibular resections compromise the balance and symmetry of mandibular functions. Since centuries there has been advent of various prosthetic treatment modalities to improve the masticatory efficiency. Swing lock dentures, a treatment facet with high degree of clinical effectiveness, yet gradually fading into oblivion due to its design complexities, has been resurrected by retaining its indigenous concept of reciprocation, and consolidating aesthetics with introduction of newer breed of aesthetic material (Thermoplastic Acetal resin).
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Baucom, R.M.; Marchello, J.M.
Thermoplastic prepregs of LARC-TPI have been produced in a fluidized bed unit on spread continuous fiber tows. The powders are melted on the fibers by radiant heating to adhere the polymer to the fiber. This process produces tow prepreg uniformly without imposing severe stress on the fibers or requiring long high temperature residence times for the polymer. Unit design theory and operating correlations have been developed to provide the basis for scale up to commercial operation. Special features of the operation are the pneumatic tow spreader, fluidized bed and resin feed systems.
Nitrile crosslinked polyphenyl-quinoxaline/graphite fiber composites
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Alston, W. B.
1976-01-01
Studies were performed to reduce the 600 F thermoplasticity of polyphenylquinoxaline (PPQ) matrix resins by introducing crosslinking by the reaction of terminal nitrile groups. Seven solvents and solvent mixtures were studied as the crosslinking catalysts and used to fabricate crosslinked PPQ/HMS graphite fiber composites. The room temperature and 600 F composite mechanical properties after short time and prolonged 600 F air exposure and the 600 F composite weight loss were determined and compared to those properties of high molecular weight, linear PPQ/HMS graphite fiber composites.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Ramsay, B.A.; Langlade, V.; Carreau, P.J.
1993-04-01
PHAs, biodegradable thermoplastics, are a promising option to synthetic resins such as polyethylene, in combination with starch, to produce biodegradable plastics. This paper describes the mechanical properties and biodegradability of blends of wheat starch and P(HB-co-HV). The results indicate that the addition of starch to P(HB-co-HV) not only reduces the cost but also leads to a completely biodegradable material whose degradation can be tailored by adjusting the starch/PHA ratio. 15 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.
Supportability evaluation of thermoplastic and thermoset composites
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chanani, G. R.; Boldi, D.; Cramer, S. G.; Heimerdinger, M. W.
1990-01-01
Nearly 300 advanced composite components manufactured by Northrop Corporation are flying on U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy supersonic aircraft as part of a three-year Air Force/Navy/Northrop supportability evaluation. Both thermoplastic and high-temperature thermoset composites were evaluated for their in-service performance on 48 USAF and Navy F-5E fighter and USAFT-38 trainer aircraft in the first large-scale, long-term maintenance evaluation of these advanced materials. Northrop manufactured four types of doors for the project-avionics bay access, oil fill, inlet duct inspection, and a main landing gear door. The doors are made of PEEK (polyetheretherketone) thermoplastic, which is tougher and potentially less expensive to manufacture than conventional composites; and 5250-3 BMI (bismaleimide) thermoset, which is manufactured like a conventional epoxy composite but can withstand higher service temperatures. Results obtained so far indicate that both the BMI and PEEK are durable with PEEK being somewhat better than BMI.
Koodaryan, Roodabeh; Hafezeqoran, Ali
2016-12-01
Polyamide polymers do not provide sufficient bond strength to auto-polymerized resins for repairing fractured denture or replacing dislodged denture teeth. Limited treatment methods have been developed to improve the bond strength between auto-polymerized reline resins and polyamide denture base materials. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of surface modification by acetic acid on surface characteristics and bond strength of reline resin to polyamide denture base. 84 polyamide specimens were divided into three surface treatment groups (n=28): control (N), silica-coated (S), and acid-treated (A). Two different auto-polymerized reline resins GC and Triplex resins were bonded to the samples (subgroups T and G, respectively, n=14). The specimens were subjected to shear bond strength test after they were stored in distilled water for 1 week and thermo-cycled for 5000 cycles. Data were analyzed with independent t-test, two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey's post hoc multiple comparison test (α=.05). The bond strength values of A and S were significantly higher than those of N ( P <.001 for both). However, statistically significant difference was not observed between group A and group S. According to the independent Student's t-test, the shear bond strength values of AT were significantly higher than those of AG ( P <.001). The surface treatment of polyamide denture base materials with acetic acid may be an efficient and cost-effective method for increasing the shear bond strength to auto-polymerized reline resin.
Thermo-elastic nondestructive evaluation of fatigue damage in PMR-15 resin
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Welter, J. T.; Sathish, S.; Tandon, G. P.; Schehl, N.; Cherry, M.; Nalladega, V.; Lindgren, E. A.; Hall, R.
2012-05-01
Thermoset polyimide resins are used as the polymer matrix in high temperature composites for aerospace applications such as engine shrouds. At these locations the components have to withstand high temperatures and significant vibration. A number of studies have investigated the effects of thermal exposure on mechanical properties of polyimide resins, and the effects of fatigue on thermoplastics have been discussed at length. However, the effects of fatigue on thermosets, in particular polyimides, have largely been overlooked. In this paper we present studies of nondestructive evaluation of fatigue damage in a thermoset polyimide resin, PMR-15, performed by measuring the changes in the evolution of heat in the samples during cyclic loading. The temperature changes are measured using a high sensitivity IR camera as a function of number of fatigue cycles. Interrupted fatigue tests were performed on four samples. The temperature rise during an increment of fatigue cycling shows two linear regions each with a different slope (region 1 and region 2). Region 1 remains constant for every increment of fatigue, while region 2 increases. The onset of region 2 occurs at the same increase in temperature due to hysteretic heating for all samples. Experimental observations are explained using a phenomenological two phase model based on crosslinking density variations in observed in other thermoset resins at microscopic scales. The results of these experiments are discussed in reference to utilizing this technique for detection and evaluation of fatigue in PMR-15 resin and composites.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Wright, C. C.; Baker, D. J.
1980-01-01
This report describes the third phase of work, the objective of which was to overcome the excessive brittleness of the previously developed UH-1 helicopter tail rotor drive shaft design which demonstrated a shaft train weight savings of 53.1% over the current 2024-T3 aluminum shaft train. A materials impact program demonstrated exceptionally noteworthy performance of two woven constructions containing E-glass and PRD 49-III (designation later changed to KEVLAR 49) fibers in an epoxy resin matrix. Thermoplastic matrices and PRD 49-III fiber provided impact resistance at low weight which was superior to composites having the same fiber in a thermoset resin matrix. A design, fabrication, and test program showed that shaft impact resistance could be improved over the previously developed graphite composite design at a cost in shaft train rate savings. The shaft train weight savings of the most impact tolerant construction was 4.0% over the current aluminum shaft train. Alternating plies of graphite and glass appear to provide substantially greater tube impact durability than that provided by hybridization of the two fibers into one tape wound to a ply design equivalent in strength and stiffness to that of the alternating ply design. Recommendations were made to continue research work to exploit the potential for more impact-durable structures through the use of KEVLAR 49 fiber, woven structures, thermoplastic matrices and THORNEL 50-S/KEVLAR 49 blends with thermoset matrices.
Wang, Tang-Chuan; Tsou, Yung-An; Wu, Yi-Fan; Huang, Chia-Chang; Lin, Wesley Wen-Yang; Li, Yu-Fen; Chen, Michael Yuan-Chien; Tai, Chih-Jaan; Tsai, Ming-Hsui
2017-03-01
A titratable thermoplastic mandibular advancement device (MAD) is clearly an effective treatment option in some patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Determining which patients may be more likely to respond to treatment with thermoplastic MADs and to adhere to treatment would be of obvious clinical relevance. This was an experimental descriptive study (N = 60). Patients with OSA were instructed to wear a titratable thermoplastic MAD for 3 months. Treatment success was defined as a ≥50% reduction from baseline in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) or AHI <10 when wearing MAD. Adherence was defined as MAD use ≥5 nights/week. Treatment was successful in 66.7% of patients and 60.0% were adherent. All polysomnographic parameters and visual analogue scale scores (sleep quality, snoring, waking refreshed) were significantly improved after treatment. The patients in whom treatment failed had significantly higher neck circumferences (39.3 cm vs. 37.5 cm, p = 0.014), higher baseline AHI values (26.6 vs. 18.0, p = 0.016), and smaller AHI reduction (-31.8 vs -53.1, p < 0.001) than those in the group in whom treatment succeeded. There were no significant differences in polysomnographic, cephalometric, or visual analogue scale measures between patients for whom treatment was and was not successful, regardless of baseline values or the change rates after the MAD was placed. Titratable thermoplastic MADs can improve indicators of sleep quality, even in patients in whom treatment is considered to have failed.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Madaras, Eric I.
1998-01-01
As part of an effort to obtain the required information about new composites for aviation use, materials and NDE researchers at NASA are jointly performing mechanical and NDE measurements on new composite materials. The materials testing laboratory at NASA is equipped with environmental chambers mounted on load frames that can expose composite materials to thermal and loading cycles representative of flight protocols. Applying both temperature and load simultaneously will help to highlight temperature and load interactions during the aging of these composite materials. This report highlights our initial ultrasonic attenuation results from thermoplastic composite samples that have undergone over 4000 flight cycles to date. Ultrasonic attenuation measurements are a standard method used to assess the effects of material degradation. Recently, researchers have shown that they could obtain adequate contrast in the evaluation of thermal degradation in thermoplastic composites by using frequencies of ultrasound on the order of 24 MHz. In this study, we address the relationship of attenuation measured at lower frequencies in thermoplastic composites undergoing both thermal and mechanical loading. We also compare these thermoplastic results with some data from thermoset composites undergoing similar protocols. The composite s attenuation is reported as the slope of attenuation with respect to frequency, defined as b = Da(f)/Df. The slope of attenuation is an attractive parameter since it is quantitative, yet does not require interface corrections like conventional quantitative attenuation measurements. This latter feature is a consequence of the assumption that interface correction terms are frequency independent. Uncertainty in those correction terms can compromise the value of conventional quantitative attenuation data. Furthermore, the slope of the attenuation more directly utilizes the bandwidth information and in addition, the bandwidth can be adjusted in the post processing stage to compensate for the loss of dynamic range of the signal as the composites age.
Gopal, Venu; Ganesh, Praveen; Nagarjuna, Muralidhara; Kumar, Kiran; Shetty, Samarth; Salins, Paul C.
2015-01-01
Aim To fabricate a cost effective, indigenous and simple orthotics helmet for post-operative cranial molding in patients with craniosynostosis surgery. Methods We present a case of 15 month old infant with secondary cranial vault deformity. Cranial vault remodeling surgery involving the posterior skull was planned and executed to increase the posterior gap, so that brain growth would be facilitated towards this empty space. Materials such as thermoplastic sponge, thermoplastic ionomer resin sheet, soft sponge and Velcro straps are used to fabricate a cranial orthotics helmet. Results We have successfully used the above materials to fabricate the orthotics helmet for post-operative cranial molding. Conclusion The technique described in this article is simple and cost effective. It can be custom made according to the demands of the surgical technique and the type of synostosis. It favors an individualistic prognosis, and proves worthwhile as every synostosis requires a unique treatment plan. It is an excellent adjuvant to craniosynostosis remodeling surgery. PMID:26258018
The development of an alternative thermoplastic powder prepregging technique
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Ogden, A. L.; Hyer, M. W.; Wilkes, G. L.; Loos, A. C.
1992-01-01
An alternative powder prepregging technique is discussed that is based on the deposition of powder onto carbon fibers that have been moistened using an ultrasonic humidifier. The dry fiber tow is initially spread to allow a greater amount of the fiber surface to be exposed to the powder, thus ensuring a significant amount of intimate contact between the fiber and the matrix. Moisture in the form of ultrafine water droplets is then deposited onto the spread fiber tow. The moisture promotes adhesion to the fiber until the powder can be tacked to the fibers by melting. Powdered resin is then sieved onto the fibers and then tacked onto the fibers by quick heating in a convective oven. This study focuses on the production of prepregs and laminates made with LaRC-TPI (thermoplastic polyimide) using this process. Although the process appears to be successful, early evaluation was hampered by poor interfacial adhesion. The adhesion problem, however, seems to be the result of a material system incompatibility, rather than being influenced by the process.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Weiss, K.-P.; Bagrets, N.; Lange, C.; Goldacker, W.; Wohlgemuth, J.
2015-12-01
Insulating materials for use in cryogenic boundary conditions are still limited to a proved selection as Polyamid, Glasfiber reinforced resins, PEEK, Vespel etc. These materials are usually formed to parts by mechanical machining or sometimes by cast methods. Shaping complex geometries in one piece is limited. Innovative 3D printing is now an upcoming revolutionary technology to construct functional parts from a couple of thermoplastic materials as ABS, Nylon and others which possess quite good mechanical stability and allow realizing very complex shapes with very subtle details. Even a wide range of material mixtures is an option and thermal treatments can be used to finish the material structure for higher performance. The use of such materials in cryogenic environment is very attractive but so far poor experience exists. In this paper, first investigations of the thermal conductivity, expansion and mechanical strength are presented for a few selected commercial 3D material samples to evaluate their application prospects in the cryogenic temperature regime.
Synthesis, kinetics and characterizations of polyimide based semi-IPN systems
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Tai, H.J.
1992-01-01
The PMR-15 polyimide is the leading matrix resin for high performance composites for use in high temperature and thermo-oxidative environments. This resin has superior mechanical properties, good processability and a high working temperature at around 300[degrees]C. It has the disadvantages of being brittle and high susceptibility to microcracking from thermal cycling that limit its widespread application. To improve the fracture toughness, a thermoplastic polyimide, LARC-TPI, and a thermoplastic poly (amide imide), Amoco AI-10, were added individually to PMR-15 resin to form sequential semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-2-IPNs). the kinetics of imidization of LARC-TPI were studied using TGA technique. Both the solventmore » and the glass transition temperature were found to greatly affect the imidization kinetics. The kinetics could be well modeled by a two-step reaction: the first step being a second order reaction followed by a first order diffusion controlled reaction as the second step. The curing of PMR-15 and PMR-15/LARC-TPI semi-IPN was investigated by DSC. A first order reaction kinetics could describe the curing process adequately, implying that the reverse Diels-Alder reaction of the Norbornene end group was the rate controlling step. The glass transition temperature played an important role. The higher the fraction LARC-TPI, the higher the glass transition temperature of the semi-IPN prepolymer, and the slower the cure reaction. From a knowledge of kinetics, the molding cycle of PMR-15 and PMR-15/LARC-TPI semi-IPNs were determined. Both PMR-15/LARC-TPI and PMR-15/AI-10 semi-IPN systems exhibited much higher fracture toughness than PMR-15, but at the compromise of a reduction in the glass transition temperature. A single glass transition temperature for each semi-IPN was observed but there was presence of special intermolecular interaction. Tg measurements and IR spectroscopy indicated that both semi-IPN systems were compatible polymer pairs.« less
Curing and toughening of epoxy resins with phosphorus containing monomers and polymers
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Park, Y.R.; Park, I.Y.; Yoon, T.H.
1996-12-31
Epoxy resins have been utilized in many areas, from house holds to airplanes, for the past several decades due to some exceptional properties such as low cost, good mechanical properties and excellent adhesive properties. However, low fracture toughness and flame resistance of epoxy resins have limited their applicability. Therefore, enhancing those properties have been of great interest to many researchers and scientists. As introduced by McGrath and co-workers in 1980s, the reactive thermoplastic polymers have proven to be an excellent toughener for improving not only fracture toughness but also adhesive properties without sacrificing thermo-mechanical properties and chemical resistance. Flame retardencymore » could be improved by adding flame retardent additives which are divided into two groups; additives and reactives. However, among the additives, halogen compounds are known to be toxic gas generator and ozone depleter. Moreover, additives could be potentially leached out of the material, while reactives are inferior to additives. Recently, a reactive type phosphine oxide containing flame retardants have been introduced by McGrath and co-workers and proven to be an excellent flame retardant. In this paper, phospine oxide containing monomers were prepared and utilized as curing agents for expoxy resins, and starting materials for the polymers.« less
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
1986-01-01
Adflex Solutions, Inc.'s flexible circuits may be molded to the shape of a chassis for bulk reduction. Particularly valuable when circuitry must be moved. They are produced by combining a plastic film, a metallic conductor and an adhesive. One adhesive, LARC-TPI, developed by the Langley Research Center, is a thermoplastic polyimide resin used to produce laminates by Rogers Corporation. It can be processed at a lower temperature, has good moisture resistance and excellent adherence. It is used to bond film to copper foil conductor materials in flexible circuits. The circuits have both aerospace and commercial applications.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Baucom, Robert M.; Marchello, Joseph M.
1990-01-01
Thermoplastic prepregs of LARC-TPI have been produced in a fluidized bed unit on spread continuous fiber tows. The powders are melted on the fibers by radiant heating to adhere the polymer to the fiber. This process produces tow prepreg uniformly without imposing severe stress on the fibers or requiring long high temperature residence times for the polymer. Unit design theory and operating correlations have been developed to provide the basis for scale up to commercial operation. Special features of the operation are the pneumatic tow spreader, fluidized bed and resin feed systems.
Challenges in Laser Sintering of Melt-Processable Thermoset Imide Resin
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chuang, Kathy C.; Gornet, Timothy; Koerner, Hilmar
2016-01-01
Polymer Laser Sintering (LS) is an additive manufacturing technique that builds 3D models layer by layer using a laser to selectively melt cross sections in powdered polymeric materials, following sequential slices of the CAD model. LS generally uses thermoplastic polymeric powders, such as polyamides (i.e. Nylon), and the resultant 3D objects are often weaker in their strength compared to traditionally processed materials, due to the lack of polymer inter-chain connection in the z-direction. The objective of this project is to investigate the possibility of printing a melt-processable RTM370 imide resin powder terminated with reactive phenylethynyl groups by LS, followed by a postcure in order to promote additional crosslinking to achieve higher temperature (250-300 C) capability. A preliminary study to build tensile specimens by LS and the corresponding DSC and rheology study of RTM370 during LS process is presented.
Challenges in Laser Sintering of Thermoset Imide Resin
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chuang, Kathy C.; Gornet, Timothy; Koerner, Hilmar
2016-01-01
Polymer Laser Sintering (LS) is an additive manufacturing technique that builds 3D models layer by layer using a laser to selectively melt cross sections in powdered polymeric materials, following sequential slices of the CAD model. LS generally uses thermoplastic polymeric powders, such as polyamides (i.e. Nylon), and the resultant 3D objects are often weaker in their strength compared to traditionally processed materials, due to the lack of polymer inter-chain connection in the z-direction. The objective of this project is to investigate the possibility of printing a melt-processable RTM370 imide resin powder terminated with reactive phenylethynyl groups by LS, followed by a postcure in order to promote additional crosslinking to achieve higher temperature (250-300 C) capability. A preliminary study to build tensile specimens by LS and the corresponding DSC and rheology study of RTM370 during LS process is presented.
Zhong, Tuhua; Oporto, Gloria S.; Jaczynski, Jacek; Jiang, Changle
2015-01-01
Our long-term goal is to develop a hybrid cellulose-copper nanoparticle material as a functional nanofiller to be incorporated in thermoplastic resins for efficiently improving their antimicrobial properties. In this study, copper nanoparticles were first synthesized through chemical reduction of cupric ions on TEMPO nanofibrillated cellulose (TNFC) template using borohydride as a copper reducing agent. The resulting hybrid material was embedded into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix using a solvent casting method. The morphology of TNFC-copper nanoparticles was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM); spherical copper nanoparticles with average size of 9.2 ± 2.0 nm were determined. Thermogravimetric analysis and antimicrobial performance of the films were evaluated. Slight variations in thermal properties between the nanocomposite films and PVA resin were observed. Antimicrobial analysis demonstrated that one-week exposure of nonpathogenic Escherichia coli DH5α to the nanocomposite films results in up to 5-log microbial reduction. PMID:26137482
Evaluation of Environmental Aging of Polypropylene Irradiated Versus Pristine
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Romano, Rebeca S. Grecco; Oliani, Washington Luiz; Parra, Duclerc Fernandes; Lugao, Ademar Benevolo
Polypropylene (PP) is the most common thermoplastic resin of the plastic market due to its very interesting physical, chemical and processing properties at very low market price, however after its use the resin does not degrade in the environment or it degrades at very low rate. This study has the objective of comparing the environmental exposure of PP irradiated with 20 kGy and pristine PP. Dumbbell samples were manufactured by injection molding and exposed to the environment during 90 days; another one set was subjected to gamma irradiation at 20 kGy total dose and exposed at the same conditions too. The samples were characterized by mechanical testing, visual inspection, infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The irradiated samples, after environmental aging, showed oxidation and presence of cracks in samples of the PP 20 kGy.
van Midwoud, Paul M; Janse, Arnout; Merema, Marjolijn T; Groothuis, Geny M M; Verpoorte, Elisabeth
2012-05-01
Microfluidic technology is providing new routes toward advanced cell and tissue culture models to better understand human biology and disease. Many advanced devices have been made from poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) to enable experiments, for example, to study drug metabolism by use of precision-cut liver slices, that are not possible with conventional systems. However, PDMS, a silicone rubber material, is very hydrophobic and tends to exhibit significant adsorption and absorption of hydrophobic drugs and their metabolites. Although glass could be used as an alternative, thermoplastics are better from a cost and fabrication perspective. Thermoplastic polymers (plastics) allow easy surface treatment and are generally transparent and biocompatible. This study focuses on the fabrication of biocompatible microfluidic devices with low adsorption properties from the thermoplastics poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), and cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) as alternatives for PDMS devices. Thermoplastic surfaces were oxidized using UV-generated ozone or oxygen plasma to reduce adsorption of hydrophobic compounds. Surface hydrophilicity was assessed over 4 weeks by measuring the contact angle of water on the surface. The adsorption of 7-ethoxycoumarin, testosterone, and their metabolites was also determined after UV-ozone treatment. Biocompatibility was assessed by culturing human hepatoma (HepG2) cells on treated surfaces. Comparison of the adsorption properties and biocompatibility of devices in different plastics revealed that only UV-ozone-treated PC and COC devices satisfied both criteria. This paper lays an important foundation that will help researchers make informed decisions with respect to the materials they select for microfluidic cell-based culture experiments.
Pfeiffer, Peter; Rosenbauer, Ernst-Ulrich
2004-07-01
Denture base materials have the potential to cause irritation and allergic reaction to the oral mucosa. Water sorption and water solubility of denture base resins affect dimensional behavior and denture stability. A correlation between residual monomer and water sorption exists. This in vitro study compared the amount of residual monomer, quantity of water sorption, and solubility of 4 denture base materials purported to be hypoallergenic with those of a polymethyl methacrylate-based (PMMA) heat-polymerizing acrylic resin. The denture base resins Sinomer (heat-polymerized, modified methacrylate), Polyan (thermoplastic, modified methacrylate), Promysan (thermoplastic, enterephthalate-based), and Microbase (microwave polymerized, polyurethane-based), which are purported to be hypoallergenic, and Paladon 65 (heat-polymerized, methacrylate, control group) were examined. Specimens of each material were tested for residual methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer (% wt, n=3), amount of water sorption (microg/mm3, n=5) and water solubility (microg/mm3, n=5), according to ISO 1567:2000. The residual MMA monomer concentrations were determined by gas chromatography (GC). The data were analyzed with 1-way ANOVA and the Bonferroni-Dunn multiple comparisons post hoc analysis for each test variable (alpha=.05). Significantly lower residual MMA monomer was shown for Sinomer and Polyan compared to the PMMA control group (0.90 +/- 0.20% wt, P<.05). Sinomer contained 0.31% +/- 0.00% wt MMA monomer, and Polyan exhibited residual MMA monomer content of 0.44% +/- 0.01% wt. Promysan and Microbase did not contain detectable residual MMA. Water sorption of Promysan (16.21 +/- 0.96 microg/mm3) was significantly lower than Paladon 65 (23.04 +/- 3.13 microg/mm3, P<.0001), whereas water solubility of the hypoallergenic denture base materials (0.34-0.84 +/- 0.05-0.09 microg/mm3) was not significantly lower than the PMMA material (0.40 +/- 0.06 microg/mm3, P>.05). Except for Sinomer, the tested denture base resins passed the requirements of ISO 1567 regarding residual MMA monomer (<2.2% wt). Sinomer failed to comply with the requirements for residual MMA monomer because the manufacturer claimed that the material did not contain any MMA. The tested denture base materials fulfilled the requirements regarding water sorption (<32 microg/mm3) and solubility (<1.6 microg/mm3). The tested hypoallergenic denture base materials exhibited significantly lower residual monomer content than PMMA. Promysan and Microbase showed no detectable residual MMA.
Thermoplastic microfluidic devices and their applications in protein and DNA analysis
Liu, Ke; Fan, Z. Hugh
2013-01-01
Microfluidics is a platform technology that has been used for genomics, proteomics, chemical synthesis, environment monitoring, cellular studies, and other applications. The fabrication materials of microfluidic devices have traditionally included silicon and glass, but plastics have gained increasing attention in the past few years. We focus this review on thermoplastic microfluidic devices and their applications in protein and DNA analysis. We outline the device design and fabrication methods, followed by discussion on the strategies of surface treatment. We then concentrate on several significant advancements in applying thermoplastic microfluidic devices to protein separation, immunoassays, and DNA analysis. Comparison among numerous efforts, as well as the discussion on the challenges and innovation associated with detection, is presented. PMID:21274478
Freeze drying for morphological control of inter-penetrating polymer networks
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hansen, Marion G.; Pater, Ruth H.
1990-01-01
The intrinsic brittleness of BMI resins can be reduced through the creation of an interpenetrating network (IPN) of BMI with a reactive-encapped thermoplastic, such as the presently considered polyimidesulfone, PISO2. The PISO2 and BMI were dissolved in a common solvent, which was then removed from the constituents by freeze drying; in an alternative method, an IPN was formed through dissolution of the constituent in a common solvent with either high or low melting point, followed by evaporative removal of the solvent. The effectiveness of the freeze-drying approach for morphological control is evaluated.
Toughening of PMR composites by gradient semi-interpenetrating networks
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Johnston, N. J.; Srinivasan, K.; Peter, R. H.
1992-01-01
The toughening of the PMR-15 and LARC RP-46 high temperature thermosetting polyimides is presently attempted through the construction of a semiinterpenetrating network at ply interfaces through the use of the Matrimid 5218 thermoplastic polyimide powder, whose 315-320 glass transition temperature is compatible with the PMR matrices. The 60 vol pct fiber composites thus prepared for the two resins, with and without toughening, were comprehensively characterized in flexure, tension, intralaminar and short beam shear, compression and quasi-isotropic short-block compression, as well as modes I and II interlaminar fracture toughness and compression after impact.
Acoustical holographic recording with coherent optical read-out and image processing
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Liu, H. K.
1980-10-01
New acoustic holographic wave memory devices have been designed for real-time in-situ recording applications. The basic operating principles of these devices and experimental results through the use of some of the prototypes of the devices are presented. Recording media used in the device include thermoplastic resin, Crisco vegetable oil, and Wilson corn oil. In addition, nonlinear coherent optical image processing techniques including equidensitometry, A-D conversion, and pseudo-color, all based on the new contact screen technique, are discussed with regard to the enhancement of the normally poor-resolved acoustical holographic images.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Suarez, J.; Dastin, S.
1992-01-01
Under NASA's Novel Composites for Wing and Fuselage Applications (NCWFA) Program, Grumman is developing innovative design concepts and cost-effective fabrication processes for damage-tolerant primary structures that can perform at a design ultimate strain level of 6000 micro-inch/inch. Attention has focused on the use of textile high-performance fiber-reinforcement concepts that provide improved damage tolerance and out-of-plane load capability, low-cost resin film infusion (RFI) and resin transfer molding (RTM) processes, and thermoplastic forming concepts. The fabrication of wing 'Y' spars by four different materials/processes methods is described: 'Y' spars fabricated using IM7 angle interlock 0/90 deg woven preforms with +/- 45 deg plies stitched with Toray high-strength graphite thread and processed using RFI and 3501-6 epoxy; 'Y' spars fabricated using G40-800 knitted/stitched preforms and processed using RFI and 3501-6 epoxy; 'Y' spars fabricated using G40-800 knitted/stitched preforms and processed using RTM and Tactix 123/H41 epoxy; and 'Y' spars fabricated using AS4(6k)/PEEK 150-g commingled angle interlock 0/90 deg woven preforms with +/- 45 deg commingled plies stitched using high-strength graphite thread and processed by consolidation. A comparison of the structural efficiency, processability, and projected acquisition cost of these representative spars is presented.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Demirbas, A.; Simsek, T.
In this work, the utilization of aniline (C{sub 6}H{sub 7}N) formaldehyde (HCHO) resins as a binding agent of coke briquetting was investigated. Aniline (AN) formaldehyde (F) resins are a family of thermoplastics synthesized by condensing AN and F in an acid solution exhibiting high dielectric strength. The tensile strength sharply increases as the ratio of F to AN from 0.5 to 1.6, and it reaches the highest values between 1.6 and 2.2 F/AN ratio; it then slightly decreases. The highest tensile strength of F-AN resin-coke briquette (23.66 MN/m{sup 2}) was obtained from the run with 1.5 of F/AN ratio bymore » using (NH4){sub 2}S{sub 2}O{sub 8} catalyst at 310 K briquetting temperature. The tensile strength of F-AN resin-coke briquette slightly decreased with increasing the catalyst percent to 0.10%, and then it sharply decreased to zero with increasing the catalyst percent to 0.2%. The effect of pH on the tensile strength is irregular. As the pH of the mixture increases from 9.0 to 9.2, the tensile strength shows a sharp increase, and the curve reaches a plateau value between pH 9.3 and 9.9; then the tensile strength shows a slight increase after pH = 9.9.« less
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Devilbiss, T. A.; Wightman, J. P.
1987-01-01
The effect of anodization in NaOH, H2SO4, and amine salts on the surface chemistry of carbon fibers was examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The surfaces of carbon fibers after anodization in NaOH and H2SO4 were examined by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), angular dependent XPS, UV absorption spectroscopy of the anodization bath, secondary ion mass spectrometry, and polar/dispersive surface energy analysis. Hercules AS-4, Dexter Hysol XAS, and Union Carbide T-300 fibers were examined by STEM, angular dependent XPS, and breaking strength measurement before and after commercial surface treatment. Oxygen and nitrogen were added to the fiber surfaces by anodization in amine salts. Analysis of the plasmon peak in the carbon 1s signal indicated that H2SO4 anodization affected the morphological structure of the carbon fiber surface. The work of adhesion of carbon fibers to thermoplastic resins was calculated using the geometric mean relationship. A correlation was observed between the dispersive component of the work of adhesion and the interfacial adhesion.
Optimization of Buckypaper-enhanced Multifunctional Thermoplastic Composites
Li, Zhongrui; Liang, Zhiyong
2017-01-01
A series of flattened-nanotube reinforced thermoplastic composites are sizably fabricated as a function of buckypaper loading. The effects of the volume fraction, nanotube alignment and length on the tensile performance of the composites are factored into a general expression. The incorporation of self-reinforcing polyphenylene resin (Parmax) into a highly aligned buckypaper frame at an optimal weight ratio boosts the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the buckypaper/Parmax composite to 1145 MPa and 150 GPa, respectively, far exceeding those of Parmax and aligned buckypaper individually. The composite also exhibits improved thermal (>65 W/m-K) and electrical (~700 S/cm) conductivities, as well as high thermoelectric power (22 μV/K) at room temperature. Meanwhile, the composite displays a heterogeneously complex structure. The hexyl groups of Parmax noncovalently interact with the honeycomb structure of the flattened nanotube through π-stacking and CH-π interaction, correspondingly improving the dispersity of polymer on the nanotube surface and the interfacial stress transferring while the high alignment degrees of nanotube facilitate phonon and charge transport in the composites. PMID:28205637
The crystallization of tough thermoplastic resins in the presence of carbon fibers
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Theil, Michael H.
1988-01-01
The presence of carbon fibers increased the crystallization rates of both PEEK and PPS thermoplastic polymers. The effect was most pronounced at higher crystallization temperatures. Isothermal crystallization rates were analyzed by applying classical phenomenological nucleation theory. Unusually high values of the so-called Avrami exponent were found for neat PEEK. Isothermal crystallization of PEEK and PPS polymers produced crystalline samples having a wide variety of melting temperatures. The melting as observed by differential scanning calorimetry occurred as dual endotherms which were called primary (higher temperature) and secondary melting peaks. Each primary peak accounted for most of the crystallinity present. The secondary peaks represented the melting of crystallites formed later than those attributable to the primary endotherms. The presence of carbon fibers increased the thermal stability of both PEEK and PPS crystallites as manifested by higher temperatures for the primary melting peaks. This may be attributable to increased crystallite size, greater crystallite perfection, and/or favorable modification of the crystallite interface. Over the range studied, crystallization temperature strongly influenced the positions of the secondary peaks but not the primary peaks.
Nonlinear mechanical behavior of thermoplastic matrix materials for advanced composites
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Arenz, R. J.; Landel, R. F.
1989-01-01
Two recent theories of nonlinear mechanical response are quantitatively compared and related to experimental data. Computer techniques are formulated to handle the numerical integration and iterative procedures needed to solve the associated sets of coupled nonlinear differential equations. Problems encountered during these formulations are discussed and some open questions described. Bearing in mind these cautions, the consequences of changing parameters that appear in the formulations on the resulting engineering properties are discussed. Hence, engineering approaches to the analysis of thermoplastic matrix material can be suggested.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ferrino, Marinella; Secondo, Ottaviano; Sabbagh, Amir; Della Sala, Emilio
2014-06-01
In the frame of the International Space Station (ISS) Exploitation Program a new toolbox has been realized by TAS-I to accommodate the tools currently in use on the ISS Columbus Module utilizing full-scale prototypes obtained with 3D rapid prototyping. The manufacturing of the flight hardware by means of advanced thermoplastic polymer UL TEM 9085 and additive manufacturing Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) technology represent innovative elements. In this paper, the results achieved and the lessons learned are analyzed to promote future technology know-how. The acquired experience confirmed that the additive manufacturing process allows to save time/cost and to realize new shapes/features to introduce innovation in products and future design processes for space applications.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Dermanaki Farahani, Rouhollah; Janier, Mathieu; Dubé, Martine
2018-03-01
In the present work, a conductive film of silver nanoparticles (nAg) as a novel heating element type, called susceptor, was developed and tested for induction welding of carbon fiber/polyphenylene sulfide (CF/PPS) thermoplastic composites, i.e., unidirectional pre-impregnated 16 plies of CF/PPS compression-molded in a quasi-isotropic stacking sequence. The nAg were synthesized, dispersed in deionized (DI) water and casted onto a pure PPS film, resulting in a conductive film upon the evaporation of DI water and thermal post-annealing. The thermal annealing at 250 °C significantly (by 7 orders) decreased the film’s electrical resistivity from 9.4 × 103 down to 3.1 × 10-4 Ω cm. The new susceptors led to fast heating rates in induction welding when compared to the standard stainless steel mesh susceptors under similar welding conditions. Lap shear mechanical testing revealed that the apparent lap shear strength (LSS) is sensitive to the susceptors’ resistivity and the input current. A relatively high LSS value was achieved for the specimens welded using the new susceptors which exceeded the value of those welded using stainless steel mesh susceptors (28.3 MPa compared to 20 MPa). The weld interface and specimens’ cross-section observation revealed that the nAg were dispersed and embedded into the resin upon welding. This study contains preliminary results that show high potential of nanoparticles as effective susceptors to further improve the mechanical performance of the joints in welding of thermoplastic composites.
Proppant-flowback control in high-temperature wells
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
NONE
1998-06-01
Proppant flowback following fracturing treatments can be controlled by use of resin-coated proppant, inorganic fibers, or polymer strips. Each of these technologies has limitations. Resin-coated proppants cannot be used above 374 F and require an activator below 158 F. Thermoplastic strips cannot be used at temperatures above their melting point. Glass fibers have been used successfully for proppant-flowback control, but they cannot be used at reservoir temperatures below 302 F, they provide only short-term control in carbonate reservoirs, and they cannot be used in an environment where they would be exposed to HF. A new high-performance fiber for proppant-flow-back controlmore » has been developed to overcome these limitations. In laboratory testing, these fibers were resistant to steam, diesel, xylene, HCl, and mud acid at temperatures up to 482 F for periods up to 7 months. Field testing in deep, hot, carbonate reservoirs confirmed the performance of the new fiber. Case histories of gas wells are given.« less
Development of an impact- and solvent-resistant thermoplastic composite matrix, phase 4
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Delano, C. B.
1987-01-01
Polyimides from BTDA with m-phenylenediamine and three aliphatic diamines were prepared in cresol and characterized. Characterization tests included compression strength and modulus, stressed solvent resistance, and melt-flow tests. Efforts to reduce the molecular weights of these polymers by either stoichiometric imbalance or phthalic anhydride end capping produced opacity in the polymer moldings when the stoichiometry was less than 99 percent. Use of 2,4-diaminotoluene in place of the m-phenylenediamine allowed clear polymer moldings to be obtained at all stoichiometries by end capping or stoichiometric imbalance. After melt-flow/molecular-weight studies, carbon fabric composites were prepared from three polyimide compositions containing BTDA, 2,4-diaminotoluene and two aliphatic diamines. Flexural strengths of two of the resins were in excess of 689 MPa (100 ksi) at both room temperature and 93 C. The polyimide from BTDA was selected for scale-up and neat resin characterization tests. The Tg of this polymer was 233 C.
Impact response of composite materials
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Tiwari, S. N.; Srinivasan, K.
1991-01-01
Composite materials composed of carbon fibers and resin matrices offer great promise in reducing the weight of aerospace structures. However they remain extremely vulnerable to out of plane impact loads, which lead to severe losses in strength and stiffness. The results of an experimental program, undertaken to investigate the low velocity impact damage tolerance of composite materials is presented. The objectives were to identify key neat resin/composite properties that lead to enhancement of composite impact damage tolerance and to find a small scale test that predicts compression after impact properties of panels. Five materials were selected for evaluation. These systems represented different classes of material behavior such as brittle epoxy, modified epoxies, and amorphous and semicrystalling thermoplastics. The influence of fiber properties on the impact performance was also studied in one material, i.e., in polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Several 24 and 48 ply quasi-isotropic and 24 ply orthotropic laminates were examined using an instrumented drop weight impactor. Correlations with post impact compression behavior were made.
Investigation of production of continuous off axis fibre reinforced thermoplastic material
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
McDonald, Philip C.
Fibre reinforced composites have been used in the engineering industry for many years since the discovery of glass fibre in 1930 and its first use to reinforce phenolic resin to form Bakelite. Since then thermoplastic and thermosetting composites have spread into almost every industry from marine to aerospace, automotive to motorsport, luggage to the hobby industry and even fashion. This vast range of applications for composite materials is due to their high strength to weight ratio, excellent impact absorption properties, lack of corrosion, and reformability. In recent years a government directive has forced automotive manufacturers to look at lighter and more efficient vehicles to reduce carbon emissions. This can be achieved by using fibre reinforced thermoplastics to replace steel panels throughout the vehicle.Steel panels from a Nissan Qashqai were tested to determine the failure loads of each panel which the replacement thermoplastic material had to match or better. After extensive testing in a laboratory a tailored laminate lay-up with 5 laminate layers has been developed to replace structural steel components in vehicles. This tailored laminate stack up has a higher failure load than the steel components tested from the Nissan Qashqai while reducing the mass by at least 50%. The key drivers within the automotive industry are fuel savings and reduced vehicle mass, the use of this material and the potential it has in the mass production automotive industry can have a high impact on the overall mass of the vehicle which would invariably have a positive effect to the fuel consumption, thereby improving fuel economy in petrol and diesel vehicles, and increasing the range of electric vehicles.Throughout this project a prototype machine was developed and built to achieve mass production of this 5 ply laminate at a rate of more than 345,000 laminates per year with a processing cost of 3 1p making it available to the mass production market. The estimated production cost represents approximately 2.4% of the finished product price.
Chemistry and properties of new poly(arylene ether imidazoles)
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Connell, J. W.; Hergenrother, P. M.
1990-01-01
As part of a program to develop high-temperature high-performance structural resins for aerospace applications, the chemistry and properties of new poly(arylene ether imidazoles) were investigated. The polymers were prepared by the nucleophilic displacement reaction of aromatic bis(imidazolephenols) with activated aromatic difluoro compounds. The amorphous thermoplastic polymers exhibited glass transition temperatures from 230 to 301 C, inherent viscosities from 0.46 to 1.46 dL/g, and number-average molecular weights as high as 59,300 g/mole. The polymers exhibit good toughness, adhesive, composite, and film properties. The chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of these materials are discussed.
A new readily processable polyimide
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Harris, F. W.; Beltz, M. W.; Hergenrother, P. M.
1986-01-01
As part of an effort to develop tough solvent resistance thermoplastics for potential use as structural resins on aerospace vehicles, a new processable polyimide was evaluated. The synthesis involved the reaction of a new diamine, 1,3-bis 2-(3-aminophenoxy)ethyl ether, with 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride to form the polyamic acid and subsequent conversion of it to the polyimide. Various physical properties such as thermal stability, solvent resistance, glass transition temperature, crystalline melt temperature, melt viscosity and mechanical properties such as fracture toughness, adhesive, film and composite properties are reported. Of particular interest is the extremely high titanium to titanium tensile shear strength obtained for this polyimide.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hsu, M. T. S.
1976-01-01
The thermochemistry of bismaleimide resins and phenolphthalein polycarbonate was studied. Both materials are fire-resistant polymers and may be suitable for aircraft interiors. The chemical composition of the polymers has been determined by nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy and by elemental analysis. Thermal properties of these polymers have been characterized by thermogravimetric analyses. Qualitative evaluation of the volatile products formed in pyrolysis under oxidative and non-oxidative conditions has been made using infrared spectrometry. The residues after pyrolysis were analyzed by elemental analysis. The thermal stability of composite panel and thermoplastic materials for aircraft interiors was studied by thermogravimetric analyses.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Novak, R. C.
1976-01-01
Resin matrix composites having improved resistance to foreign object damage in gas turbine engine fan blade applications were developed. Materials evaluated include epoxy matrix graphite/glass and boron/glass hybrids, thermoplastic matrix boron/glass hybrids, and superhybrids consisting of graphite/epoxy, boron/aluminum, and titanium alloy sheets. Static, pendulum impact, and ballistic impact test results are reported for all materials. Superhybrid blade like specimens are shown to be capable of withstanding relatively severe ballistic impacts from gelatin spheres without fracture. The effects of ply configuration and projectile angle of incidence on impact behavior are described. Predictions of surface strains during ballistic impact are presented and shown to be in reasonable agreement with experimental measurements.
Farahani, Rouhollah Dermanaki; Janier, Mathieu; Dubé, Martine
2018-03-23
In the present work, a conductive film of silver nanoparticles (nAg) as a novel heating element type, called susceptor, was developed and tested for induction welding of carbon fiber/polyphenylene sulfide (CF/PPS) thermoplastic composites, i.e., unidirectional pre-impregnated 16 plies of CF/PPS compression-molded in a quasi-isotropic stacking sequence. The nAg were synthesized, dispersed in deionized (DI) water and casted onto a pure PPS film, resulting in a conductive film upon the evaporation of DI water and thermal post-annealing. The thermal annealing at 250 °C significantly (by 7 orders) decreased the film's electrical resistivity from 9.4 × 10 3 down to 3.1 × 10 -4 Ω cm. The new susceptors led to fast heating rates in induction welding when compared to the standard stainless steel mesh susceptors under similar welding conditions. Lap shear mechanical testing revealed that the apparent lap shear strength (LSS) is sensitive to the susceptors' resistivity and the input current. A relatively high LSS value was achieved for the specimens welded using the new susceptors which exceeded the value of those welded using stainless steel mesh susceptors (28.3 MPa compared to 20 MPa). The weld interface and specimens' cross-section observation revealed that the nAg were dispersed and embedded into the resin upon welding. This study contains preliminary results that show high potential of nanoparticles as effective susceptors to further improve the mechanical performance of the joints in welding of thermoplastic composites.
Process Optimization of Bismaleimide (BMI) Resin Infused Carbon Fiber Composite
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Ehrlich, Joshua W.; Tate, LaNetra C.; Cox, Sarah B.; Taylor, Brian J.; Wright, M. Clara; Faughnan, Patrick D.; Batterson, Lawrence M.; Caraccio, Anne J.; Sampson, Jeffery W.
2013-01-01
Engineers today are presented with the opportunity to design and build the next generation of space vehicles out of the lightest, strongest, and most durable materials available. Composites offer excellent structural characteristics and outstanding reliability in many forms that will be utilized in future aerospace applications including the Commercial Crew and Cargo Program and the Orion space capsule. NASA's Composites for Exploration (CoEx) project researches the various methods of manufacturing composite materials of different fiber characteristics while using proven infusion methods of different resin compositions. Development and testing on these different material combinations will provide engineers the opportunity to produce optimal material compounds for multidisciplinary applications. Through the CoEx project, engineers pursue the opportunity to research and develop repair patch procedures for damaged spacecraft. Working in conjunction with Raptor Resins Inc., NASA engineers are utilizing high flow liquid infusion molding practices to manufacture high-temperature composite parts comprised of intermediate modulus 7 (IM7) carbon fiber material. IM7 is a continuous, high-tensile strength composite with outstanding structural qualities such as high shear strength, tensile strength and modulus as well as excellent corrosion, creep, and fatigue resistance. IM7 carbon fiber, combined with existing thermoset and thermoplastic resin systems, can provide improvements in material strength reinforcement and deformation-resistant properties for high-temperature applications. Void analysis of the different layups of the IM7 material discovered the largest total void composition within the [ +45 , 90 , 90 , -45 ] composite panel. Tensile and compressional testing proved the highest mechanical strength was found in the [0 4] layup. This paper further investigates the infusion procedure of a low-cost/high-performance BMI resin into an IM7 carbon fiber material and the optical, chemical, and mechanical analyses performed.
Mohammed, Issam Ahmed; Al-Mulla, Emad Abbas Jaffar; Kadar, Nurul Khizien Abdul; Ibrahim, Mazlan
2013-01-01
Palm and soya oils were converted to monoglycerides via transesterification of triglycerides with glycerol by one step process to produce renewable polyols. Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPPUs) were prepared from the reaction of the monoglycerides which act as polyol with 4,4'-methylenediphenyldiisocyanate (MDI) whereas, thermosetting polyurethanes (TSPUs) were prepared from the reaction of glycerol, MDI and monoglycerides in one pot. Characterization of the polyurethanes was carried out by FT-IR, (1)H NMR, and iodine value and sol-gel fraction. The TSPUs showed good thermal properties compared to TPPUs as well as TSPUs exhibits good properties in pencil hardness and adhesion, however poorer in flexural and impact strength compared to TPPUs. The higher percentage of cross linked fraction, the higher degree of cross linking occurred, which is due to the higher number of double bond presents in the TSPUs. These were reflected in iodine value test as the highest iodine value of the soya-based thermosetting polyurethanes confirmed the highest degree of cross linking. Polyurethanes based on soya oil showed better properties compared to palm oil. This study is a breakthrough development of polyurethane resins using palm and soya oils as one of the raw materials.
Hybrid RTM process: Monitoring and processing of composites based on reactive thermoplastic systems
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Dkier, Mohamed; Lamnawar, Khalid; Maazouz, Abderrahim
2017-10-01
In this work, hybrid process coupling "Reactive Extrusion" and "Resin Transfer Molding" machine (T-ERTM) equipped with an instrumented mold was designed and developed. Polyamides model matrix according to two kinds of polymerizations were studied as well anionic and chain extension reactions. For the former, different ratios of catalyst and activator were investigated. For the latter, various formulations of prepolymer with chain extender (CA) were studied at different stoichiometry ratios and temperatures. Since that both reaction kinetics are very fast to be monitored at short times by usual technics, the chemo-rheological evolutions were firstly studied ex-situ by coupling rheology with FTIR and dielectric spectroscopy (DRS). Secondly, the T-ERTM process with an "instrumented mold" was developed with specific dielectric sensors in order to in-situ track viscosity and reaction evolution. The in-situ results corroborate the ex-situ ones aforementioned. Overall, a processing window was obtained for each reactive system to ensure a good preform impregnation for the manufacturing of complex and continuous glass fiber-reinforced parts. Herein, the Time-Temperature-Transformation-equivalent diagrams were established to obtain Thermoplastic composites with tailored mechanical and physical properties.
Khanoonkon, Nattaporn; Yoksan, Rangrong; Ogale, Amod A
2016-02-10
The present work aims to investigate the effect of stearic acid-grafted starch (ST-SA) on the rheological, thermal, optical, dynamic mechanical thermal, and tensile properties of linear low density polyethylene/thermoplastic starch (LLDPE/TPS) blends, as well as on their water vapor and oxygen barrier properties. Blends consisting of LLDPE and TPS in a weight ratio of 60:40 and ST-SA at different concentrations, i.e. 1, 3 and 5%, were prepared using a twin-screw extruder. The obtained resins were subsequently converted into films via blown film extrusion. Incorporation of ST-SA resulted in a decreased degree of shear thinning, reduced ambient temperature elasticity, and improved tensile strength, secant modulus, extensibility, and UV absorption, as well as diminished water vapor and oxygen permeabilities of the LLDPE/TPS blend. These effects are attributed to the enhanced interfacial adhesion between LLDPE and TPS phases through the compatibilizing effect induced by ST-SA, and the good dispersion of the TPS phase in the LLDPE matrix. The results confirmed that ST-SA could potentially be used as a compatibilizer for the LLDPE/TPS blend system. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Quantitative Analyses of the Modes of Deformation in Engineering Thermoplastics
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Landes, B. G.; Bubeck, R. A.; Scott, R. L.; Heaney, M. D.
1998-03-01
Synchrotron-based real-time small-angle X-ray scattering (RTSAXS) studies have been performed on rubber-toughened engineering thermoplastics with amorphous and semi-crystalline matrices. Scattering patterns are measured at successive time intervals of 3 ms were analyzed to determine the plastic strain due to crazing. Simultaneous measurements of the absorption of the primary beam by the sample permits the total plastic strain to be concurrently computed. The plastic strain due to other deformation mechanisms (e.g., particle cavitation and macroscopic shear yield can be determined from the difference between the total and craze-derived plastic strains. The contribution from macroscopic shear deformation can be determined from video-based optical data measured simultaneously with the X-ray data. These types of time-resolved experiments result in the generation of prodigious quantities of data, the analysis of which can considerably delay the determination of key results. A newly developed software package that runs in WINDOWSa 95 permits the rapid analysis of the relative contributions of the deformation modes from these time-resolved experiments. Examples of using these techniques on ABS-type and QUESTRAa syndiotactic polystyrene type engineering resins will be given.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mirzadeh, Amin
For this work, different grades of polypropylene-g-maleic anhydride polymers were chosen to elucidate the effect of compatibilizer on the nanoclay dispersion level in thermoplastic phase. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns along with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs confirmed that prepared PP nanocomposites ranged from intercalated structure to a coexistence of intercalated tactoids and exfoliated layers namely “partially exfoliated” nanocomposite. Among various factors affecting the compatibilizer performance, it is shown that only the relaxation behaviour of compatibilizer correlates directly with the nanocomposites characterization results; higher relaxation times of the compatibilizer are associated with better dispersion of nanoclay. To study the co-continuity development of the nonreactive blends, EPDM and the mentioned PP nanocomposites at various compositions were melt blended using an internal mixer. Based on continuity measurements of TPEs and TPE nanocomposites for both thermoplastic and rubber phase, it is shown that the presence of nanoclay decreases the co-continuity composition range and alters its symmetrical feature. However, this effect is more pronounced in the intercalated nanocomposites than in partially exfoliated nanocomposites. It seems that better nanoclay dispersion limits the reduction of the thermoplastic phase continuity in a manner that the continuity index of the thermoplastic phase for partially exfoliated TPE nanocomposite prepared at high EPDM content (i.e. at 70 wt%) is greater than that of corresponding TPE without nanoclay. According to these results, it is possible to shift to higher EPDM content using partially exfoliated system before formation of matrix-dispersed particle structure which limits thermoplastic vulcanizate production. This should be mentioned that gamma irradiation was carried out in order to fix the EPDM morphology to estimate the continuity of PP using the solvent extraction and gravimetry technique. Additionally, the effect of continuity on rheological behaviour of TPE nanocomposites was investigated. The ultimate goal in this field is to maximize the rubber like behaviour by controlling the blend morphology and the level of crosslinking. Therefore, this study also covers the effects of nanoclay presence and its dispersion level on the crosslinking reaction of thermoplastic vulcanizate nanocomposites prepared by reactive extrusion. Here, the rubber phase was dynamically vulcanized using dimethylol phenolic resin or octylphenol-formaldehyde resin along with stannous chloride dihydrate as the catalyst. In the present study, the dynamic vulcanization of the prepared TPVs and corresponding nanocomposites are characterized using different criteria, such as gel content, viscosity and normalized storage modulus in the time sweep tests, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal line width, bound curative content and residual diene concentration. The combination of the above parameters appears to be sufficient to provide a clear description of the systems. The last part of the present study is devoted to find how the dispersion level of nanoclay and consequently the extent of crosslinking change the rubber like behaviour and the morphology of the prepared TPVs. Therefore, recently developed method named temperature scanning stress relaxation (TSSR) was used to estimate the rubber indices of TPVs and TPV nanocomposites. The mentioned method also successfully provided information about the extent of crosslinking reaction. It is shown that the rubber like behaviour of the blends containing 50wt% and 60wt% of EPDM in which morphological studies suggest the presence of the rubber droplets in vicinity of irregular shape rubber particles with a low level of interconnectivity, correlates with the rubber droplet size. Therefore, the nanoclay presence affects the rubber index values mainly through its effect on the size of the rubber droplets that controls the number of retraction points in the proposed buckling mechanism during the TSSR test. It should be mentioned that by increasing the EPDM content, the number of the droplet like domains decreases and more irregular shape rubber particles is formed. On the other hand, the direct relation between rubber index values and the crosslink density is observed only for those series of TPVs showing the fully developed extensive network between irregular shape rubber domains (blends containing 70wt% of EPDM). Hence, the nanoclay dispersion level influences the rubber like behaviour through its effect on the crosslink density. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cheng, Xiaole
The primary goal of this dissertation is to develop a novel continuous reactor method to prepare partially cured epoxy prepolymers for aerospace prepreg applications with the aim of replacing traditional batch reactors. Compared to batch reactors, the continuous reactor is capable of solubilizing and dispersing a broad range of additives including thermoplastic tougheners, stabilizers, nanoparticles and curatives and advancing epoxy molecular weights and viscosities while reducing energy consumption. In order to prove this concept, polyethersulfone (PES) modified 4, 4'-diaminodiphenylsulfone (44DDS)/tetraglycidyl-4, 4'-diaminodiphenylmethane (TGDDM) epoxy prepolymers were firstly prepared using both continuous reactor and batch reactor methods. Kinetic studies confirmed the chain extension reaction in the continuous reactor is similar to the batch reactor, and the molecular weights and viscosities of prepolymers were readily controlled through reaction kinetics. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirmed similar cured network morphologies for formulations prepared from batch and continuous reactors. Additionally tensile strength, tensile modulus and fracture toughness analyses concluded mechanical properties of cured epoxy matrices produced from both reactors were equivalent. Effects of multifunctional epoxy compositions on thermoplastics phase-separated morphologies were systematically studied using a combination of AFM with nanomechanical mapping, spectroscopic and calorimetric techniques to provide new insights to tailor cured reaction induced phase separation (CRIPS) in multifunctional epoxy blend networks. Furthermore, how resultant crosslinked glassy polymer network and phase-separated morphologies correlated with mechanical properties are discussed in detail. Multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/TGDDM epoxy prepolymers were further prepared by combining the successful strategies for advancing epoxy chemistries and dispersing nanotubes using the continuous reactor. Optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the MWCNT dispersion states and stabilization in epoxy prepolymer matrix after continuous process and during curing cycles. Additionally, electrical conductivities and mechanical properties of final cured MWCNT/TGDDM composites were measured and discussed in view of their corresponding MWCNT dispersion states. Ternary blends of MWCNT reinforced thermoplastic/epoxy prepolymers were prepared by the continuous reactor. Influence of MWCNT on the CRIPS mechanism and the cured morphologies were systematically investigated using SEM and rheological analysis. Incorporation of MWCNT in thermoplastic/epoxy matrices can lead to a morphological transformation from phase inverted, to co-continuous, and to droplet dispersed morphology. In additional, dynamic mechanical analysis revealed the heterogeneity of MWCNT dispersion in thermoplastic/thermosets systems.
Bismaleimide resins for flame resistant honeycomb sandwich panels
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Stenzenberger, H. D.
1978-01-01
Bismaleimide resins are prime candidates for nonflammable aircraft interior panels. Three resin types with different structures and processing characteristics were formulated. Resin M 751 was used to fabricate 100 kg of glass fabric prepregs which were used for the preparation of face sheets for honeycomb sandwich panels. Prepreg characteristics and curing cycles for laminate fabrication are provided. In order to advance beyond the current solvent resin technology for fibre and fabric impregnation, a hot melt solvent-less resin system was prepared and characterized. Preliminary tests were performed to develop a wet bonding process for the fabrication of advanced sandwich honeycomb panels by use of polybismaleimide glass fabric face sheets and polybismaleimide Nomex honeycomb core. B-stage material was used for both the core and the face sheet, providing flatwise tensile properties equivalent to those obtained by the state-of-the-art 3-step process which includes an epoxy adhesive resin.
Solvent-based self-healing approaches for fiber-reinforced composites
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Jones, Amanda R.
Damage in composite materials spans many length scales and is often difficult to detect or costly to repair. The incorporation of self-healing functionality in composite materials has the potential to greatly extend material lifetime and reliability. Although there has been remarkable progress in self-healing polymers over the past decade, self-repair in fiber-reinforced composite materials presents significant technical challenges due to stringent manufacturing and performance requirements. For high performance, fiber-reinforced composites, the self-healing components need to survive high temperature processing, reside in matrix interstitial regions to retain a high fiber volume fraction, and have minimal impact on the mechanical properties of the host material. This dissertation explores several microencapsulated solvent-based self-healing approaches for fiber-reinforced composites at the fiber/ matrix interface size scale as well as matrix cracking. Systems are initially developed for room temperature cured epoxies/ glass fiber interfaces and successfully transitioned to carbon fibers and high temperature-cured, thermoplastic-toughened matrices. Full recovery of interfacial bond strength after complete fiber/matrix debonding is achieved with a microencapsulated solvent-based healing chemistry. The surface of a glass fiber is functionalized with microcapsules containing varying concentrations of reactive epoxy resin and ethyl phenyl acetate (EPA) solvent. Microbond specimens consisting of a single fiber and a microdroplet of epoxy are cured at 35°C, tested, and the interfacial shear strengths (IFSS) during the initial (virgin) debonding and subsequent healing events are measured. Debonding of the fiber/matrix interface ruptures the capsules, releasing resin and solvent into the crack plane. The solvent swells the matrix, initiating transport of residual amine functionality for further curing with the epoxy resin delivered to the crack plane. Using a resin-solvent ratio of 3:97, a maximum of 100% IFSS recovery is achieved-- a significant enhancement over prior work that reported 44% average recovery of IFSS with microencapsulated dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) monomer and Grubbs' 1st Generation catalyst healing agents. The effects of capsule coverage, resin-solvent ratio, and capsule size on recovery of IFSS are also determined, providing guidelines for integration of this healing system into high fiber volume fraction structural composites. High healing efficiencies are achieved with capsules as small as 0.6 mum average diameter. The resin-solvent healing system is then extended to repair of a carbon fiber/epoxy interfacial bond. A binder is necessary to improve the retention of capsules on the carbon fiber surface. Two different methods for applying a binder to a carbon fiber surface are investigated. Healing efficiency is assessed by recovery of IFSS of a single functionalized fiber embedded in an epoxy microbond specimen. The two binder protocols produce comparable results, both yielding higher recovery of IFSS than samples prepared without a binder. A maximum of 91% recovery of IFSS is achieved. In the next study, the resin-solvent healing system is applied to both interfacial damage and matrix cracking in a model composite specimen, consisting of discrete fiber tows embedded in a room temperature cured epoxy. Glass fiber tows are precisely placed in a compact tension specimen for controlled crack growth. The progression of matrix cracking and fiber debonding is observed optically during testing. Healing potential is assessed by injection of the healing agents into reference specimens (no capsules). The area under the load-displacement curve recovered during the healing event serves as a metric for evaluation of healing performance. Though full recovery is achieved in neat epoxy specimens, healing efficiency in multi-tow specimens is limited to 50%, due to the larger crack separations and energy lost during fiber fracture. In the case of only a singular embedded fiber tow, healing efficiency increases to an average of 83% recovery with full recovery in several samples. Additionally, microcapsules are incorporated into the compact tension specimen and along the fiber tow interface to evaluate in situ healing. Several strategies to improve microcapsule thermal stability are investigated in order to transition solvent-based healing to high temperature cured material systems. A double shell wall technique is adopted for several different size scales of microcapsules. First, the effect of the inner polyurethane (PU) shell wall thickness on thermal stability is evaluated. Though high thermal stability at 180°C is achieved for large (ca. 150 mum in diameter) capsules, smaller capsules (> 2 mum in diameter) suffer from increased core loss. The addition of certain core thickeners improves thermal stability for small capsules (ca. 20% increase in core retention) when compared to capsules with solvent alone. However, an additional poly(dopamine) coating leads to the greatest improvement in thermal stability, with nearly full retention of the core solvent for all capsule size scales. Finally, a thermoplastic resin poly(bisphenol A-co-epichlorohydrin), PBAE, is blended with a high glass transition temperature (Tg) epoxy matrix to simultaneously toughen and act as a healing agent in combination with encapsulated solvents. Microcapsules are coated with poly(dopamine) to improve the thermal stability and retain the core solvent during a cure cycle at 180°C. The fracture toughness of the high Tg epoxy (EPON 828: diamino diphenyl sulfone) is doubled by the addition of 20 wt % PBAE alone and tripled by the addition of both microcapsules and the thermoplastic phase. Self-healing is achieved with up to 57% recovery of fracture toughness of the toughened epoxy. Healing performance and fracture toughness of the microcapsule containing material remain stable after aging 30 days. The relative amounts of thermoplastic phase and the presence of solvent-filled microcapsules influence the storage modulus, Tg, and healing performance of the polymer.
Puncture-Healing Thermoplastic Resin Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Composites
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Grimsley, Brian W. (Inventor); Gordon, Keith L. (Inventor); Cano, Roberto J. (Inventor); Czabaj, Michael W. (Inventor); Siochi, Emilie J. (Inventor)
2015-01-01
A composite comprising a combination of a self-healing polymer matrix and a carbon fiber reinforcement is described. In one embodiment, the matrix is a polybutadiene graft copolymer matrix, such as polybutadiene graft copolymer comprising poly(butadiene)-graft-poly(methyl acrylate-co-acrylonitrile). A method of fabricating the composite is also described, comprising the steps of manufacturing a pre-impregnated unidirectional carbon fiber preform by wetting a plurality of carbon fibers with a solution, the solution comprising a self-healing polymer and a solvent, and curing the preform. A method of repairing a structure made from the composite of the invention is described. A novel prepreg material used to manufacture the composite of the invention is described.
Puncture-Healing Thermoplastic Resin Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Composites
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Gordon, Keith L. (Inventor); Siochi, Emilie J. (Inventor); Grimsley, Brian W. (Inventor); Cano, Roberto J. (Inventor); Czabaj, Michael W. (Inventor)
2017-01-01
A composite comprising a combination of a self-healing polymer matrix and a carbon fiber reinforcement is described. In one embodiment, the matrix is a polybutadiene graft copolymer matrix, such as polybutadiene graft copolymer comprising poly(butadiene)-graft-poly(methyl acrylate-co-acrylonitrile). A method of fabricating the composite is also described, comprising the steps of manufacturing a pre-impregnated unidirectional carbon fiber preform by wetting a plurality of carbon fibers with a solution, the solution comprising a self-healing polymer and a solvent, and curing the preform. A method of repairing a structure made from the composite of the invention is described. A novel prepreg material used to manufacture the composite of the invention is described.
The manufacture of moulded supportive seating for the handicapped.
Nelham, R L
1975-10-01
The wheelchair-bound population often have difficulty in obtaining a correct or comfortable posture in their chairs and sometimes develop pressure sores from long-duration sitting. This problem is being solved by manufacturing personalised, contoured seats which support the patient over the maximum area possible thereby reducing the pressure on the body and the incidence of pressure sores. A cast is obtained of the patient in a comfortable, medically correct posture and from this cast the seat is vacuum formed in thermoplastic materials or hand layed up in glass fibre reinforced resin. Some correction of deformity may be achieved. It is also possible to use the moulded seat in a vehicle.
Application of SMP composite in designing a morphing wing
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Yu, Kai; Yin, Weilong; Liu, Yanju; Leng, Jinsong
2008-11-01
A new concept of a morphing wing based on shape memory polymer (SMP) and its reinforced composite is proposed in this paper. SMP used in this study is a thermoset styrene-based resin in contrast to normal thermoplastic SMP. In our design, the wing winded on the airframe can be deployed during heating, which provides main lift for a morphing aircraft to realize stable flight. Aerodynamic characteristics of the deployed morphing wing are calculated by using CFD software. The static deformation of the wing under the air loads is also analyzed by using the finite element method. The results show that the used SMP material can provide enough strength and stiffness for the application.
Compression failure mechanisms of composite structures
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hahn, H. T.; Sohi, M.; Moon, S.
1986-01-01
An experimental and analytical study was conducted to delineate the compression failure mechanisms of composite structures. The present report summarizes further results on kink band formation in unidirectional composites. In order to assess the compressive strengths and failure modes of fibers them selves, a fiber bundle was embedded in epoxy casting and tested in compression. A total of six different fibers were used together with two resins of different stiffnesses. The failure of highly anisotropic fibers such as Kevlar 49 and P-75 graphite was due to kinking of fibrils. However, the remaining fibers--T300 and T700 graphite, E-glass, and alumina--failed by localized microbuckling. Compressive strengths of the latter group of fibers were not fully utilized in their respective composite. In addition, acoustic emission monitoring revealed that fiber-matrix debonding did not occur gradually but suddenly at final failure. The kink band formation in unidirectional composites under compression was studied analytically and through microscopy. The material combinations selected include seven graphite/epoxy composites, two graphite/thermoplastic resin composites, one Kevlar 49/epoxy composite and one S-glass/epoxy composite.
Experimental Investigation About Stamping Behaviour of 3D Warp Interlock Composite Preforms
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Dufour, Clément; Wang, Peng; Boussu, François; Soulat, Damien
2014-10-01
Forming of continuous fibre reinforcements and thermoplastic resin commingled prepregs can be performed at room temperature due to its similar textile structure. The "cool" forming stage is better controlled and more economical. The increase of temperature and the resin consolidation phases after the forming can be carried out under the isothermal condition thanks to a closed system. It can avoid the manufacturing defects easily experienced in the non-isothermal thermoforming, in particular the wrinkling [1]. Glass/Polypropylene commingled yarns have been woven inside different three-dimensional (3D) warp interlock fabrics and then formed using a double-curved shape stamping tool. The present study investigates the in-plane and through-thickness behaviour of the 3D warp interlock fibrous reinforcements during forming with a hemispherical punch. Experimental data allow analysing the forming behaviour in the warp and weft directions and on the influence of warp interlock architectures. The results point out that the layer to layer warp interlock preform has a better stamping behaviour, in particular no forming defects and good homogeneity in thickness.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Stuckey, James M.
1996-01-01
The selection and quantification of four foams using a more environmentally friendly HCFC-141b blowing agent replacing foams that used the CFC-11 blowing agent for the external tank (ET) LWT has been addressed along with problems and solutions that were encountered during verification. The effort on two lower density spray foams for the ET SLWT are presented, but predicted weight savings were not encouraging. Suggestions for possible problem solving are included along with a new approach for selecting foams for qualification as back-up foams for the foams used on the ET LWT. We investigated three resins for use as thermally sprayed coatings for corrosion prevention on metal. The best coating was obtained with a thermoplastic polyimide resin. This coating has a good chance of meeting ET requirements. Possible third generation blowing agents have been shown usable in polyurethane spray and pour foams, and solubility in isocyannate foam components are acceptable. We considered aerogels as insulation materials on space vehicles, and suggested a liner for a liquid oxygen (LOX) composite tank.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Nguyen, Ba Nghiep; Fifield, Leonard S.; Gandhi, Umesh N.
This project proposed to integrate, optimize and validate the fiber orientation and length distribution models previously developed and implemented in the Autodesk Simulation Moldflow Insight (ASMI) package for injection-molded long-carbon-fiber thermoplastic composites into a cohesive prediction capability. The current effort focused on rendering the developed models more robust and efficient for automotive industry part design to enable weight savings and cost reduction. The project goal has been achieved by optimizing the developed models, improving and integrating their implementations in ASMI, and validating them for a complex 3D LCF thermoplastic automotive part (Figure 1). Both PP and PA66 were used asmore » resin matrices. After validating ASMI predictions for fiber orientation and fiber length for this complex part against the corresponding measured data, in collaborations with Toyota and Magna PNNL developed a method using the predictive engineering tool to assess LCF/PA66 complex part design in terms of stiffness performance. Structural three-point bending analyses of the complex part and similar parts in steel were then performed for this purpose, and the team has then demonstrated the use of stiffness-based complex part design assessment to evaluate weight savings relative to the body system target (≥ 35%) set in Table 2 of DE-FOA-0000648 (AOI #1). In addition, starting from the part-to-part analysis, the PE tools enabled an estimated weight reduction for the vehicle body system using 50 wt% LCF/PA66 parts relative to the current steel system. Also, from this analysis an estimate of the manufacturing cost including the material cost for making the equivalent part in steel has been determined and compared to the costs for making the LCF/PA66 part to determine the cost per “saved” pound.« less
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Chen, Yufei; Wang, Botao; Li, Fangliang; Teng, Chengjun
2017-07-01
Bisphenol A allyl compound-bismaleimide (MBAE) composite modified by SCE-SiO2 and polyethersulfone (PES) resin has been prepared and researched. SCE-SiO2 was modified by super-critical ethanol and PES thermoplastic resin used as modifiers. The composite was prepared via the hot melting method. The FT-IR measurements indicated that ethanol molecular had adsorbed on the nano-SiO2 surface. SEM images showed that the composite had a multiphase structure, PES and SCE-SiO2 existed as a dispersed phase, and the interaction of the three phases affected each other, such that the bending fracture behavior transformed from brittle fracture to ductile fracture, and the modifiers of SCE-SiO2 and PES resin could improve the mechanical properties. The impact and the bending strength of the composite was 16.5 kJ/mm2 and 150.4 MPa, improved by 68.3% and 56.7% compared with those of the MBAE matrix, respectively, when the content of SCE-SiO2 was 2 wt.% and PES 5 wt.%. The dielectric constant ( ɛ) of the composites was less than 3.9 and decreased with increasing frequency, and the dielectric loss was less than 9 × 10-3 for frequencies between 102 Hz and 105 Hz. These properties could meet the requirement of insulating material.
Assessment of relative flammability and thermochemical properties of some thermoplastic materials
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kourtides, D. A.; Parker, J. A.
1977-01-01
Thermomechanical properties, flammability, oxygen index, relative toxicity of pyrolysis effluents, and char yields were studied for 12 advanced polymers which are candidates for use in aircraft interiors as decorative films, compression- and injection-molded parts and thermoplastic parts. Polymers sampled included polyphenylene sulfide, 9,9 bis (4-hydroxyphenol) fluorene polycarbonate-poly (dimethylsiloxane), polyether sulfone, polyvinyl fluoride and polyvinylidene fluoride. Availability of these samples, whether in commercial form or in test quantities, is specified. An estimate of relative fire resistance for the materials was obtained; the five polymers listed above were found to be the most fire resistant of the 12 sampled.
2014-12-07
parameters of resin viscosity and preform permeability prior to resin gelation. However, there could be significant variations in these two parameters...during actual manufacturing due to differences in the resin batches, mixes, temperature, ambient conditions for viscosity ; in the preform rolls...optimal injection time and locations for given process parameters of resin viscosity and preform permeability prior to resin gelation. However, there
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wang, Chuan; Zhou, Zhi; Zhang, Zhichun; Ou, Jinping
2007-04-01
As common materials or engineering materials, thermoplastic resin based materials can be used not only directly fabricating products but also FRTP(fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymer) materials for other uses. As one kind of FRTP material, GFRPP(glass fiber reinforced polypropylene) has lots of merits, such as: light weight, high strength, high tenacity, high elongation percentage, good durability, reshaping character and no environmental pollution characters. And they also can be conveniently formed hoop rebar in civil engineering. While a new kind of GFRPP-OFBG smart rod which combined GFRPP and OFBG together can be used as not only structure materials but also sensing materials. Meanwhile, PP packaged OFBG strain sensor can be expected for its low modulus, good sensitivity and good durability. Furthermore, it can be used for large strain measuring. In this paper, we have successfully fabricated a new kind of GFRPP-OFBG(Glass Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene-Optic Fiber Bragg Grating) rod by our own thermoplastic pultrusion production line and a new kind of PP packaged OFBG strain sensor by extruding techniques. And we monitored the inner strain and temperature changes with tow OFBG simultaneously of the fabricating process. The results show that: OFBG can truly reflect the strain and temperature changes in both the GFRPP rod and the PP packaged OFBG, these are very useful to modify our processing parameters. And we also find that because of the shrinkage of PP, this new kind of PP packaged OFBG have -13000μɛ storage, and the strain sensing performance is still very well, so which can be used for large strain measuring. Besides these, GFRPP-OFBG smart rod has good sensing performance in strain sensing just like that of FRSP-OFBG rod, the strain sensitivity coefficient is about1.19pm/μɛ. Besides these, the surface of GFRPP-OFBG rods can be handled just as steel bars and also can be bended and reshaped. These are all very useful and very important for the use of FRP materials in civil engineering structures.
Resin transfer molding for advanced composite primary wing and fuselage structures
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Markus, Alan
1992-01-01
The stitching and resin transfer molding (RTM) processes developed at Douglas Aircraft Co. are successfully demonstrating significant cost reductions with good damage tolerance properties. These attributes were identified as critical to application of advanced composite materials to commercial aircraft primary structures. The RTM/stitching developments, cost analyses, and test results are discussed of the NASA Advanced Composites Technology program.
A comprehensive study of woven carbon fiber-reinforced nylon 6 composites
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Pillay, Selvum
Liquid molding of thermoset composites has become very popular in all industry sectors, including aerospace, automotive, mass transit, and sporting goods, but the cost of materials and processing has limited the use to high-end applications. Thermoplastic composites are relatively cheap; however, the use has been limited to components with short fiber reinforcing. The high melt viscosity and short processing window precludes their use in the liquid molding of large structures and applications with continuous fiber reinforcement. The current research addresses the processing parameters, methodology, and limitations of vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) of carbon fabric-reinforced, thermoplastic polyamide 6 (PA6). The material used is casting grade PA6. The process developed for using VARTM to produce carbon fabric-reinforced PA6 composites is explained in detail. The effects of infusion temperature and flow distance on the fiber weight fraction and crystallinity of the PA6 resin are presented. The degree of conversion from monomer to polymer was determined. Microscopic studies to show the wet-out of the fibers at the filament level are also presented. Tensile, flexural, short beam shear strength (SBSS), and low-velocity impact test results are presented and compared to a equivalent thermoset matrix composite. The rubber toughened epoxy system (SC-15) was chosen for the comparative study because the system has been especially developed to overcome the brittle nature of epoxy composites. The environmental effects of moisture and ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the carbon/nylon 6 composite were investigated. The samples were immersed in boiling water for 100 hr, and mechanical tests were conducted. Results showed that moisture causes plasticization of the matrix and attacks the fiber matrix interface. This leads to deterioration of the mechanical properties. The samples were also exposed to UV for up to 600 hr, and post exposure tests were conducted. The exposure to UV caused an increase in the degree of crystallinity of the PA6. The mechanical properties were not affected by the exposure to UV for 600 hr.
Characterization and manufacture of braided composites for large commercial aircraft structures
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Fedro, Mark J.; Willden, Kurtis
1992-01-01
Braided composite materials, one of the advanced material forms which is under investigation in Boeing's ATCAS program, have been recognized as a potential cost-effective material form for fuselage structural elements. Consequently, there is a strong need for more knowledge in the design, manufacture, test, and analysis of textile structural composites. The overall objective of this work is to advance braided composite technology towards applications to a large commercial transport fuselage. This paper summarizes the mechanics of materials and manufacturing demonstration results which have been obtained in order to acquire an understanding of how braided composites can be applied to a commercial fuselage. Textile composites consisting of 1D, 2D triaxial, and 3D braid patterns with thermoplastic and two RTM resin systems were investigated. The structural performance of braided composites was evaluated through an extensive mechanical test program. Analytical methods were also developed and applied to predict the following: internal fiber architectures, stiffnesses, fiber stresses, failure mechanisms, notch effects, and the entire history of failure of the braided composites specimens. The applicability of braided composites to a commercial transport fuselage was further assessed through a manufacturing demonstration. Three foot fuselage circumferential hoop frames were manufactured to demonstrate the feasibility of consistently producing high quality braided/RTM composite primary structures. The manufacturing issues (tooling requirements, processing requirements, and process/quality control) addressed during the demonstration are summarized. The manufacturing demonstration in conjunction with the mechanical test results and developed analytical methods increased the confidence in the ATCAS approach to the design, manufacture, test, and analysis of braided composites.
Polymer Coats Leads on Implantable Medical Device
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2008-01-01
Langley Research Center s Soluble Imide (LaRC-SI) was discovered by accident. While researching resins and adhesives for advanced composites for high-speed aircraft, Robert Bryant, a Langley engineer, noticed that one of the polymers he was working with did not behave as predicted. After putting the compound through a two-stage controlled chemical reaction, expecting it to precipitate as a powder after the second stage, he was surprised to see that the compound remained soluble. This novel characteristic ended up making this polymer a very significant finding, eventually leading Bryant and his team to win several NASA technology awards, and an "R&D 100" award. The unique feature of this compound is the way that it lends itself to easy processing. Most polyimides (members of a group of remarkably strong and incredibly heat- and chemical-resistant polymers) require complex curing cycles before they are usable. LaRC-SI remains soluble in its final form, so no further chemical processing is required to produce final materials, like thin films and varnishes. Since producing LaRC-SI does not require complex manufacturing techniques, it has been processed into useful forms for a variety of applications, including mechanical parts, magnetic components, ceramics, adhesives, composites, flexible circuits, multilayer printed circuits, and coatings on fiber optics, wires, and metals. Bryant s team was, at the time, heavily involved with the aircraft polymer project and could not afford to further develop the polymer resin. Believing it was worth further exploration, though, he developed a plan for funding development and submitted it to Langley s chief scientist, who endorsed the experimentation. Bryant then left the high-speed civil transport project to develop LaRC-SI. The result is an extremely tough, lightweight thermoplastic that is not only solvent-resistant, but also has the ability to withstand temperature ranges from cryogenic levels to above 200 C. The thermoplastic s unique characteristics lend it to many commercial applications; uses that Bryant believed would ultimately benefit industry and the Nation. "LaRC-SI," he explains, "is a product created in a government laboratory, funded with money from the tax-paying public. What we discovered helps further the economic competitiveness of the United States, and it was our goal to initiate the technology transfer process to ensure that our work benefited the widest range of people." Several NASA centers, including Langley, have explored methods for using LaRC-SI in a number of applications from radiation shielding and as an adhesive to uses involving replacement of conventional rigid circuit boards. In the commercial realm, LaRC-SI can now be found in several commercial products, including the thin-layer composite unimorph ferroelectric driver and sensor (THUNDER) piezoelectric actuator, another "R&D 100" award winner (Spinoff 2005).
Manufacture of micro fluidic devices by laser welding using thermal transfer printing techniques
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Klein, R.; Klein, K. F.; Tobisch, T.; Thoelken, D.; Belz, M.
2016-03-01
Micro-fluidic devices are widely used today in the areas of medical diagnostics and drug research, as well as for applications within the process, electronics and chemical industry. Microliters of fluids or single cell to cell interactions can be conveniently analyzed with such devices using fluorescence imaging, phase contrast microscopy or spectroscopic techniques. Typical micro-fluidic devices consist of a thermoplastic base component with chambers and channels covered by a hermetic fluid and gas tight sealed lid component. Both components are usually from the same or similar thermoplastic material. Different mechanical, adhesive or thermal joining processes can be used to assemble base component and lid. Today, laser beam welding shows the potential to become a novel manufacturing opportunity for midsize and large scale production of micro-fluidic devices resulting in excellent processing quality by localized heat input and low thermal stress to the device during processing. For laser welding, optical absorption of the resin and laser wavelength has to be matched for proper joining. This paper will focus on a new approach to prepare micro-fluidic channels in such devices using a thermal transfer printing process, where an optical absorbing layer absorbs the laser energy. Advantages of this process will be discussed in combination with laser welding of optical transparent micro-fluidic devices.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Lee, S. C. S.
1979-01-01
Three weaves were evaluated; a balanced plain weave, a balanced 8-harness satin weave, and a semiunidirectional crowfoot satin weave. The current state-of-the-art resin system selected was Fiberite's 934 Epoxy; the advanced resin systems evaluated were Phenolic, Phenolic/Novolac, Benzyl and Bismaleimide. The panels were fabricated for testing on NASA/Ames Research Center's Composites Modification Program. Room temperature mechanical tests only were performed by Hitco; the results are presented.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Rowlette, John J. (Inventor)
1987-01-01
A liquid-impermeable plate (10) having through-plate conductivity with essentially zero resistance comprises an insulator sheet (12) having a series of spaced perforations (14) each of which contains a metal element (16) sealingly received into the perforation (14). A low-cost plate can readily be manufactured by punching a thermoplastic sheet (40) such as polypropylene with a punching tool (52), filling the apertures with led spheres (63) having a diameter smaller than the holes (50) but larger than the thickness of the sheet, sweeping excess spheres (62) off the sheet with a doctor blade (60) and then pressing a heated platen (74) onto the sheet to swage the spheres into a cylindrical shape and melt the surrounding resin to form a liquid-impermeable collar (4) sealing the metal into the sheet.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Rowlette, John J. (Inventor)
1985-01-01
A liquid-impermeable plate (10) having throughplate conductivity with essentially zero resistance comprises an insulator sheet (12) having a series of spaced perforations (14) each of which contains a metal element (16) sealingly received into the perforation (14). A low-cost plate can readily be manufactured by punching a thermoplastic sheet (40) such as polypropylene with a punching tool (52), filling the apertures with lead spheres (63) having a diameter smaller than the holes (50) but larger than the thickness of the sheet, sweeping excess spheres (62) off the sheet with a doctor blade (60) and then pressing a heated platen (74) onto the sheet to swage the spheres into a cylindrical shape and melt the surrounding resin to form a liquid-impermeable collar (4) sealing the metal into the sheet.
Design, Development, and Testing of Advanced Bridge Structures
1993-12-23
experiment used a reduced EEW resin (215) with Hycar CTBN 1872 being added with the curing agent, rather than the resin . The result was a very... resins are mainly phenolics , carbon monoxide and water. Thermal decomposition products should therefore be treated as potentially hazardous substances...26 2.3.5 Chemical Surface Modification ............................................. 26 2.3.5.1 Resin Impregnation of a Swelled
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kourtides, D. A.; Parker, J. A.; Hilado, C. J.
1977-01-01
The thermochemical and flammability characteristics of some typical thermoplastic materials currently in use or being considered for use in aircraft interiors are described. The properties studied included thermomechanical properties such as glass-transition and melt temperature, changes in polymer enthalpy, thermogravimetric analysis in anerobic and oxidative environments, oxygen index, smoke evolution, relative toxicity of the volatile products of pyrolysis, and selected physical properties. The generic polymers evaluated included acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, bisphenol A polycarbonate, 9,9 bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) fluorene polycarbonate-poly (dimethylsiloxane) block polymer, phenolphthalein-bisphenol A polycarbonate, phenolphthalein polycarbonate, polyether sulfone, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyaryl sulfone, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride homopolymer, polyvinyl fluoride, and polyvinylidene fluoride. Processing parameters, including molding characteristics of some of the advanced polymers, are described. Test results and relative rankings of some of the flammability, smoke, and toxicity properties are presented. Under these test conditions, some of the advanced polymers evaluated were significantly less flammable and toxic than or equivalent to polymers in current use.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Loos, Alfred C.; Weideman, Mark H.; Long, Edward R., Jr.; Kranbuehl, David E.; Kinsley, Philip J.; Hart, Sean M.
1991-01-01
A model was developed which can be used to simulate infiltration and cure of textile composites by resin transfer molding. Fabric preforms were resin infiltrated and cured using model generated optimized one-step infiltration/cure protocols. Frequency dependent electromagnetic sensing (FDEMS) was used to monitor in situ resin infiltration and cure during processing. FDEMS measurements of infiltration time, resin viscosity, and resin degree of cure agreed well with values predicted by the simulation model. Textile composites fabricated using a one-step infiltration/cure procedure were uniformly resin impregnated and void free. Fiber volume fraction measurements by the resin digestion method compared well with values predicted using the model.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hou, Tan-Hung; Kidder, Paul W.; Reddy, Rakasi M.
1991-01-01
Poor processability of fiber reinforced high performance polyimide thermoplastic resin composites is a well recognized issue which, in many cases, prohibits the fabrication of composite parts with satisfactorily consolidated quality. Without modifying the resin matrix chemistry, improved compression modeling procedures were proposed and investigated with the AS-4/LaRC-TPI 1500 High Flow Grade (HFG) prepreg system. Composite panels with excellent C-scans can be consistently molded by this method under 700 F and a consolidation pressure as low as 100 psi. A mechanism for the consolidation of the composite under this improved molding technique is discussed. This mechanism reveals that a certain degree of matrix shear and tow filament slippage and nesting between plies occur during consolidation, which leads to a reduction of the consolidating pressure necessary to offset the otherwise intimate inter fiber-fiber contact and consequently achieves a better consolidation quality. Outstanding short beam shear strength and flexural strength were obtained from the molded panels. A prolonged consolidation step under low pressure, i.e., 100 psi at 700 F for 75 minutes, was found to significantly enhance the composite mechanical properties.
Nontoxic Resins Advance Aerospace Manufacturing
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2009-01-01
The 2008 NASA Commercial Invention of the Year, PETI-330, is a polyimide matrix resin that performs well at high temperatures and is easily processed into composites in a simple, short curing cycle. Invented by scientists at Langley Research Center, PETI-330 is now licensed to Ube Industries, based in Japan with its American headquarters in New York. In addition to being durable and lightweight, the resin is also nontoxic, which makes it safe for workers to handle. PETI-330 was created specifically for heat-resistant composites formed with resin transfer molding and resin infusion, which formerly could only be used with low temperature resin systems.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Yuan, Yanchao; Sun, Yanxiao; Yan, Shijing; Zhao, Jianqing; Liu, Shumei; Zhang, Mingqiu; Zheng, Xiaoxing; Jia, Lei
2017-03-01
Nondestructive retrieval of expensive carbon fibres (CFs) from CF-reinforced thermosetting advanced composites widely applied in high-tech fields has remained inaccessible as the harsh conditions required to recycle high-performance resin matrices unavoidably damage the structure and properties of CFs. Degradable thermosetting resins with stable covalent structures offer a potential solution to this conflict. Here we design a new synthesis scheme and prepare a recyclable CF-reinforced poly(hexahydrotriazine) resin matrix advanced composite. The multiple recycling experiments and characterization data establish that this composite demonstrates performance comparable to those of its commercial counterparts, and more importantly, it realizes multiple intact recoveries of CFs and near-total recycling of the principal raw materials through gentle depolymerization in certain dilute acid solution. To our best knowledge, this study demonstrates for the first time a feasible and environment-friendly preparation-recycle-regeneration strategy for multiple CF-recycling from CF-reinforced advanced composites.
Yuan, Yanchao; Sun, Yanxiao; Yan, Shijing; Zhao, Jianqing; Liu, Shumei; Zhang, Mingqiu; Zheng, Xiaoxing; Jia, Lei
2017-03-02
Nondestructive retrieval of expensive carbon fibres (CFs) from CF-reinforced thermosetting advanced composites widely applied in high-tech fields has remained inaccessible as the harsh conditions required to recycle high-performance resin matrices unavoidably damage the structure and properties of CFs. Degradable thermosetting resins with stable covalent structures offer a potential solution to this conflict. Here we design a new synthesis scheme and prepare a recyclable CF-reinforced poly(hexahydrotriazine) resin matrix advanced composite. The multiple recycling experiments and characterization data establish that this composite demonstrates performance comparable to those of its commercial counterparts, and more importantly, it realizes multiple intact recoveries of CFs and near-total recycling of the principal raw materials through gentle depolymerization in certain dilute acid solution. To our best knowledge, this study demonstrates for the first time a feasible and environment-friendly preparation-recycle-regeneration strategy for multiple CF-recycling from CF-reinforced advanced composites.
Yuan, Yanchao; Sun, Yanxiao; Yan, Shijing; Zhao, Jianqing; Liu, Shumei; Zhang, Mingqiu; Zheng, Xiaoxing; Jia, Lei
2017-01-01
Nondestructive retrieval of expensive carbon fibres (CFs) from CF-reinforced thermosetting advanced composites widely applied in high-tech fields has remained inaccessible as the harsh conditions required to recycle high-performance resin matrices unavoidably damage the structure and properties of CFs. Degradable thermosetting resins with stable covalent structures offer a potential solution to this conflict. Here we design a new synthesis scheme and prepare a recyclable CF-reinforced poly(hexahydrotriazine) resin matrix advanced composite. The multiple recycling experiments and characterization data establish that this composite demonstrates performance comparable to those of its commercial counterparts, and more importantly, it realizes multiple intact recoveries of CFs and near-total recycling of the principal raw materials through gentle depolymerization in certain dilute acid solution. To our best knowledge, this study demonstrates for the first time a feasible and environment-friendly preparation-recycle-regeneration strategy for multiple CF-recycling from CF-reinforced advanced composites. PMID:28251985
Recent Advances in Thermoplastic Puncture-Healing Polymers
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Bogert, Philip B.; Working, Dennis C.; Wise, Kristopher E.; Smith, Janice Y.; Topping, Crystal C.; Britton, Sean M.; Bagby, Paul R.; Siochi, Emilie J.
2010-01-01
The motivation for this work is to develop self-healing polymeric materials to enable damage tolerant systems, and to tailor puncture healing for use temperatures and applications. This will be a benefit in environments and conditions where access for manual repair is limited or impossible, or where damage may not be detected.
Reinforcement of dynamically vulcanized EPDM/PP elastomers using organoclay fillers
Tsai, Yuhsin; Wu, Jyh-Horng; Wu, Yao-Tsu; Li, Chia-Hao; Leu, Ming-Tsong
2008-01-01
Dynamically vulcanized EPDM/PP (ethylene-propylene-diene/polypropylene) elastomers reinforced with various amounts of organoclay were prepared using octylphenol-formaldehyde resin and stannous chloride dehydrate as vulcanizing agents. The effects of organoclay on vulcanization characteristics, rheological behavior, morphology, thermal stability and thermomechanical properties were studied. Experimental results showed that organoclay affected neither the vulcanization process nor the degree of vulcanization chemically. X-ray analysis revealed that these organoclay-filled thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) were intercalated. With respect to the mechanical properties, organoclay increased both the strength and degree of elongation of TPVs. The morphological observation of fractured surfaces suggested that organoclay acted as a nucleating agent in TPVs, improving their mechanical properties. However, adding organoclay reduced the thermal stability of TPVs by decomposing the swelling agents in the organoclay. PMID:27878033
Large-Strain Transparent Magnetoactive Polymer Nanocomposites
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Meador, Michael A.
2012-01-01
A document discusses polymer nano - composite superparamagnetic actuators that were prepared by the addition of organically modified superparamagnetic nanoparticles to the polymer matrix. The nanocomposite films exhibited large deformations under a magnetostatic field with a low loading level of 0.1 wt% in a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU) matrix. The maximum actuation deformation of the nanocomposite films increased exponentially with increasing nanoparticle concentration. The cyclic deformation actuation of a high-loading magnetic nanocomposite film was examined in a low magnetic field, and it exhibited excellent reproducibility and controllability. Low-loading TPU nanocomposite films (0.1-2 wt%) were transparent to semitransparent in the visible wavelength range, owing to good dispersion of the magnetic nanoparticles. Magnetoactuation phenomena were also demonstrated in a high-modulus, high-temperature polyimide resin with less mechanical deformation.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Slobodzinsky, A.
Features, materials, and techniques of vacuum, pressure, and autoclave FRP bag molding processes are described. The bags are used in sealed environments, inflated to flexibly force a curing FRP laminate to conform to a stiff mold form which defines the shape of the finished product. Densification is achieved as the bag presses out the voids and excess resin from the laminate, and consolidation occurs as the plies and adherends are bonded by the bag pressure. Curing techniques nominally involved room temperature or high temperature, and investigations of alternative techniques, such as induction, dielectric, microwave, xenon flash, UV, electron beam, and gamma radiation heating are proceeding. Polysulfone is the most common thermoplastic. Details are given of mold preparations, peel plies or release films and fabrics, bagging techniques, and reusable venting blankets and silicone rubber bags.
Further development and application of polycrystalline metal whiskers
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Schladitz, H. J.
1979-01-01
High strength metal whiskers have a larger versatile field of application than monocrystalline whiskers. Although polycrystalline metal whiskers can be used for composites, preferably by extrusion in thermoplastics or by infiltration of resins or metals into whisker networks, the chief application at present may be the production and various use of whisker networks. Such networks can be produced up to high degrees of porosity and besides high mechanical strength, they have high inside surfaces and high electric conductivity. There are for instance, applications concerning construction of electrodes for batteries and fuel cells, catalysts and also new heat-exchanger material, capable of preparing fuel oil and gasoline in order to assist a high-efficiency combustion. The technical application of polycrystalline metal whiskers require their modification as well as the construction of a pilot production unit.
Light trapping architecture for photovoltaic and photodector applications
Forrest, Stephen R.; Lunt, Richard R.; Slootsky, Michael
2016-08-09
There is disclosed photovoltaic device structures which trap admitted light and recycle it through the contained photosensitive materials to maximize photoabsorption. For example, there is disclosed a photosensitive optoelectronic device comprising: a first reflective layer comprising a thermoplastic resin; a second reflective layer substantially parallel to the first reflective layer; a first transparent electrode layer on at least one of the first and second reflective layer; and a photosensitive region adjacent to the first electrode, wherein the first transparent electrode layer is substantially parallel to the first reflective layer and adjacent to the photosensitive region, and wherein the device has an exterior face transverse to the planes of the reflective layers where the exterior face has an aperture for admission of incident radiation to the interior of the device.
Reinforcement of dynamically vulcanized EPDM/PP elastomers using organoclay fillers.
Tsai, Yuhsin; Wu, Jyh-Horng; Wu, Yao-Tsu; Li, Chia-Hao; Leu, Ming-Tsong
2008-12-01
Dynamically vulcanized EPDM/PP (ethylene-propylene-diene/polypropylene) elastomers reinforced with various amounts of organoclay were prepared using octylphenol-formaldehyde resin and stannous chloride dehydrate as vulcanizing agents. The effects of organoclay on vulcanization characteristics, rheological behavior, morphology, thermal stability and thermomechanical properties were studied. Experimental results showed that organoclay affected neither the vulcanization process nor the degree of vulcanization chemically. X-ray analysis revealed that these organoclay-filled thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) were intercalated. With respect to the mechanical properties, organoclay increased both the strength and degree of elongation of TPVs. The morphological observation of fractured surfaces suggested that organoclay acted as a nucleating agent in TPVs, improving their mechanical properties. However, adding organoclay reduced the thermal stability of TPVs by decomposing the swelling agents in the organoclay.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Barasinski, Anaïs; Tertrais, Hermine; Bechtel, Stéphane; Chinesta, Francisco
2018-05-01
Welding primary structure thermoplastic composites parts is still an issue today, many technologies have been extensively studied: induction, ultrasonic, resistive welding, none is today entirely viable for this application due to various implementation reasons. On the other hand, microwave solutions are not very common in composites forming process, although being widespread in homes. Microwave (MW) technology relies on volumetric heating. Thermal energy is transferred from an electromagnetic field to materials that can absorb it at specific frequencies. Volumetric heating enables better process temperature control and less overall energy losses, which can results in shorter processing cycles and higher process efficiency. Nowadays, the main drawback of this technology is that the complex physics involved in the conversion of electromagnetic energy in thermal energy (heating) is not entirely understood and controlled for complex materials. In that work, the authors propose to look deeper in that way, first proposing a simulation tool, based on a coupling between a commercial code and a home made one, allowing the following of the electromagnetic field very precisely in the thickness of a laminate composite part, the last consisting of a stack of layers with different orientations, each layer made of a resin matrix and carbon fibers. Thermal fields are then computed and validated by experimental measurements. In a second part, the authors propose to look at a common welding case of a stringer, on a skin.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Brown, Nicholas W. A.
Composite parts can be manufactured to near-net shape with minimum wastage of material; however, there is almost always a need for further machining. The most common post-manufacture machining operations for composite materials are to create holes for assembly. This thesis presents and discusses a thermally-assisted piercing process that can be used as a technique for introducing holes into thermoplastic composites. The thermally-assisted piercing process heats up, and locally melts, thermoplastic composites to allow material to be displaced around a hole, rather than cutting them out from the structure. This investigation was concerned with how the variation of piercing process parameters (such as the size of the heated area, the temperature of the laminate prior to piercing and the geometry of the piercing spike) changed the material microstructure within carbon fibre/Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) laminates. The variation of process parameters was found to significantly affect the formation of resin rich regions, voids and the fibre volume fraction in the material surrounding the hole. Mechanical testing (using open-hole tension, open-hole compression, plain-pin bearing and bolted bearing tests) showed that the microstructural features created during piercing were having significant influence over the resulting mechanical performance of specimens. By optimising the process parameters strength improvements of up to 11% and 21% were found for pierced specimens when compared with drilled specimens for open-hole tension and compression loading, respectively. For plain-pin and bolted bearing tests, maximum strengths of 77% and 85%, respectively, were achieved when compared with drilled holes. Improvements in first failure force (by 10%) and the stress at 4% hole elongation (by 18%), however, were measured for the bolted bearing tests when compared to drilled specimens. The overall performance of pierced specimens in an industrially relevant application ultimately depends on the properties required for that specific scenario. The results within this thesis show that the piercing technique could be used as a direct replacement to drilling depending on this application.
Simon, Mareike; Keilig, Ludger; Schwarze, Jörg; Jung, Britta A; Bourauel, Christoph
2014-06-01
The exact force systems as well as their progressions generated by removable thermoplastic appliances have not been investigated. Thus, the purposes of this experimental study were to quantify the forces and moments delivered by a single aligner and a series of aligners (Invisalign; Align Technology, Santa Clara, Calif) and to investigate the influence of attachments and power ridges on the force transfer. We studied 970 aligners of the Invisalign system (60 series of aligners). The aligners came from 30 consecutive patients, of which 3 tooth movements (incisor torque, premolar derotation, molar distalization) with 20 movements each were analyzed. The 3 movement groups were subdivided so that 10 movements were supported with an attachment and 10 were not. The patients' ClinCheck (Align Technology, Santa Clara, Calif) was planned so that the movements to be investigated were performed in isolation in the respective quadrant. Resin replicas of the patients' intraoral situation before the start of the investigated movement were taken and mounted in a biomechanical measurement system. An aligner was put on the model, the force systems were measured, and the calculated movements were experimentally performed until no further forces or moments were generated. Subsequently, the next aligners were installed, and the measurements were repeated. The initial mean moments were about 7.3 N·mm for maxillary incisor torque and about 1.0 N for distalization. Significant differences in the generated moments were measured in the premolar derotation group, whether they were supported with an attachment (8.8 N·mm) or not (1.2 N·mm). All measurements showed an exponential force change. Apart from a few maximal initial force systems, the forces and moments generated by aligners of the Invisalign system are within the range of orthodontic forces. The force change is exponential while a patient is wearing removable thermoplastic appliances. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Miller, Sandi G.; Roberts, Gary D.; Copa, Christine C.; Bail, Justin L.; Kohlman, Lee W.; Binienda, Wieslaw K.
2011-01-01
The hygrothermal aging characteristics of an epoxy resin were characterized over 1 year, which included 908 temperature and humidity cycles. The epoxy resin quickly showed evidence of aging through color change and increased brittleness. The influence of aging on the material s glass transition temperature (Tg) was evaluated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). The Tg remained relatively constant throughout the year long cyclic aging profile. The chemical composition was monitored by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) where evidence of chemical aging and advancement of cure was noted. The tensile strength of the resin was tested as it aged. This property was severely affected by the aging process in the form of reduced ductility and embrittlement. Detailed chemical evaluation suggests many aging mechanisms are taking place during exposure to hygrothermal conditions. This paper details the influence of processes such as: advancement of cure, chemical degradation, and physical aging on the chemical and physical properties of the epoxy resin.
Additive Manufacturing of Thermoplastic Matrix Composites Using Ultrasonics
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Olson, Meghan
Advanced composite materials have great potential for facilitating energy efficient product design and their manufacture if improvements are made to current composite manufacturing processes. This thesis focuses on the development of a novel manufacturing process for thermoplastic composite structures entitled Laser-Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing ('LUAM'), which is intended to combine the benefits of laser processing technology, developed by Automated Dynamics Inc., with ultrasonic bonding technology that is used commercially for unreinforced polymers. These technologies used together have the potential to significantly reduce the energy consumption and void content of thermoplastic composites made using Automated Fiber Placement (AFP). To develop LUAM in a methodical manner with minimal risk, a staged approach was devised whereby coupon-level mechanical testing and prototyping utilizing existing equipment was accomplished. Four key tasks have been identified for this effort: Benchmarking, Ultrasonic Compaction, Laser Assisted Ultrasonic Compaction, and Demonstration and Characterization of LUAM. This thesis specifically addresses Tasks 1 and 2, i.e. Benchmarking and Ultrasonic Compaction, respectively. Task 1, fabricating test specimens using two traditional processes (autoclave and thermal press) and testing structural performance and dimensional accuracy, provide results of a benchmarking study by which the performance of all future phases will be gauged. Task 2, fabricating test specimens using a non-traditional process (ultrasonic conpaction) and evaluating in a similar fashion, explores the the role of ultrasonic processing parameters using three different thermoplastic composite materials. Further development of LUAM, although beyond the scope of this thesis, will combine laser and ultrasonic technology and eventually demonstrate a working system.
Rieu, Clément; Bertinetti, Luca; Schuetz, Roman; Salinas-Zavala, Cesar Ca; Weaver, James C; Fratzl, Peter; Miserez, Ali; Masic, Admir
2016-09-02
Hard biological polymers exhibiting a truly thermoplastic behavior that can maintain their structural properties after processing are extremely rare and highly desirable for use in advanced technological applications such as 3D-printing, biodegradable plastics and robust composites. One exception are the thermoplastic proteins that comprise the sucker ring teeth (SRT) of the Humboldt jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas). In this work, we explore the mechanical properties of reconstituted SRT proteins and demonstrate that the material can be re-shaped by simple processing in water and at relatively low temperature (below 100 °C). The post-processed material maintains a high modulus in the GPa range, both in the dry and the wet states. When transitioning from low to high humidity, the material properties change from brittle to ductile with an increase in plastic deformation, where water acts as a plasticizer. Using synchrotron x-ray scattering tools, we found that water mostly influences nano scale structure, whereas at the molecular level, the protein structure remains largely unaffected. Furthermore, through simultaneous in situ x-ray scattering and mechanical tests, we show that the supramolecular network of the reconstituted SRT material exhibits a progressive alignment along the strain direction, which is attributed to chain alignment of the amorphous domains of SRT proteins. The high modulus in both dry and wet states, combined with their efficient thermal processing characteristics, make the SRT proteins promising substitutes for applications traditionally reserved for petroleum-based thermoplastics.
Effect of Imaging Powders on the Bond Strength of Resin Cement
2016-09-19
Jordan Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency Uniformed Services University Date: 6 June 2013 INITIATOR Uniformed Services...Title: Resident , Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency (AEGD-2) 3. School/DepartmenUCenter: Air Force Postgraduate Dental School (AFPDS) 4...Strength of Resin Cement 7. Intended publication/meeting: General Dentistry (the journal of the Academy of General Dentistry ) 8. "Required by" date
Processing, properties and applications of composites using powder-coated epoxy towpreg technology
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Bayha, T. D.; Osborne, P. P.; Thrasher, T. P.; Hartness, J. T.; Johnston, N. J.; Marchello, J. M.; Hugh, M. K.
1993-01-01
Composite manufacturing using the current prepregging technology of impregnating liquid resin into three-dimensionally reinforced textile preforms can be a costly and difficult operation. Alternatively, using polymer in the solid form, grinding it into a powder, and then depositing it onto a carbon fiber tow prior to making a textile preform is a viable method for the production of complex textile shapes. The powder-coated towpreg yarn is stable, needs no refrigeration, contains no solvents and is easy to process into various woven and braided preforms for later consolidation into composite structures. NASA's Advanced Composites Technology (ACT) program has provided an avenue for developing the technology by which advanced resins and their powder-coated preforms may be used in aircraft structures. Two-dimensional braiding and weaving studies using powder-coated towpreg have been conducted to determine the effect of resin content, towpreg size and twist on textile composite properties. Studies have been made to customize the towpreg to reduce friction and bulk factor. Processing parameters have been determined for three epoxy resin systems on eight-harness satin fabric, and on more advanced 3-D preform architectures for the downselected resin system. Processing effects and the resultant mechanical properties of these textile composites will be presented and compared.
Differential Curing In Fiber/Resin Laminates
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Webster, Charles N.
1989-01-01
Modified layup schedule counteracts tendency toward delamination. Improved manufacturing process resembles conventional process, except prepregs partially cured laid on mold in sequence in degree of partial cure decreases from mold side to bag side. Degree of partial cure of each layer at time of layup selected by controlling storage and partial-curing temperatures of prepreg according to Arrhenius equation for rate of gel of resin as function of temperature and time from moment of mixing. Differential advancement of cure in layers made large enough to offset effect of advance bag-side heating in oven or autoclave. Technique helps prevent entrapment of volatile materials during manufacturing of fiber/resin laminates.
Schönhofer, B; Hochban, W; Vieregge, H J; Brünig, H; Köhler, D
2000-01-01
In the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), mandibular advancing devices (MAD) are usually individually fabricated on plaster casts of both jaws from polymethyl-methacrylate. The potential disadvantages of these devices are (1) the costs and (2) the time required to construct the device. In this study, the efficacy and feasibility of a cheap MAD consisting of thermoplastic material (SnorBan((R))), which can be directly moulded intraorally, were evaluated. In a prospective study, the effect of an MAD consisting of thermoplastic material was investigated in 22 consecutive patients with OSA [respiratory disturbance index (RDI) 32.6 +/- 18.4/h]. Polysomnographic sleep was recorded prior to treatment and after 3 months of treatment with the MAD. Three of the 22 patients who did not tolerate the MAD were excluded from the analysis, whereas 11 patients were classified as responders. In the responder group, the mean RDI decreased from 27.6 +/-7.3 to 7.3 +/- 2.9 (p < 0. 01), correspondingly the sleep quality and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale improved (p < 0.05). Eight patients proved to be non-responders without relevant changes for the measured parameters. In 50% (11 of 22) of the patients, the MAD improved the OSA to a clinically relevant degree. In contrast to the majority of established MAD, the MAD investigated is cheap and immediately adaptable and thus a feasible strategy to 'screen' the efficacy of this therapeutic principle. Thus the construction of unnecessary MAD is avoided. Copyright 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Venderbosch, R.W.; Nelissen, J.G.L.; Peijs, A.A.J.M.
1993-12-31
The application of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), PPE, as a matrix material for continuous carbon fiber reinforced composites was studied. PPE is an amorphous thermoplastic exhibiting a high glass transition temperature (220 C) and outstanding mechanical properties with respect to e.g. toughness. However, due to the limited thermal stability at temperatures above T{sub g}, PPE can be regarded as an intractable polymer. Consequently, the introduction of PPE in a composite structure via a melt impregnation route is not feasible. In this investigation a solution impregnation route, using epoxy resin as a reactive solvent, was developed. During impregnation epoxy resin acts as amore » solvent which results in enhanced flow and a reduced processing temperature enabling the preparation of high quality composites, avoiding any degradation. Upon curing of the neat system, phase separation and phase inversion occurs resulting in a continuous PPE matrix filled with glassy epoxy spheres. As a result of this morphology the mechanical and thermal properties of the final material are mainly dominated by the PPE component. In composite applications, a strong influence of the polarity of the carbon fiber surface on the resulting matrix morphology was found. Upon curing, phase separation is initiated at the fiber surface resulting in an epoxy `interlayer` at the fiber surface. This phenomenon can provide a high level of interfacial adhesion. A preliminary investigation of the resulting composite materials revealed outstanding mechanical properties with respect to e.g. interlaminar toughness and strength.« less
Chromium Ions Improve Moisure Resistance of Epoxy Resins
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
St. Clair, A. K.; St. Clair, T. L.; Stoakley, D. M.; Singh, J. J.; Sprinkle, D. R.
1986-01-01
Broad spectrum of thermosetting epoxy resins used on commercial and military aircraft, primarily as composite matrices and adhesives. In new technique, chromium-ion containing epoxy with improved resistance to moisture produced where chromium ions believed to prevent absorption of water molecules by coordinating themselves to hydroxyl groups on epoxy chain. Anticipated that improved epoxy formulation useful as composite matrix resin, adhesive, or casting resin for applications on commercial and advanced aircraft. Improvement made without sacrifice in mechanical properties of polymer.
An infiltration/cure model for manufacture of fabric composites by the resin infusion process
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Weideman, Mark H.; Loos, Alfred C.; Dexter, H. Benson; Hasko, Gregory H.
1992-01-01
A 1-D infiltration/cure model was developed to simulate fabrication of advanced textile composites by the resin film infusion process. The simulation model relates the applied temperature and pressure processing cycles, along with the experimentally measured compaction and permeability characteristics of the fabric preforms, to the temperature distribution, the resin degree of cure and viscosity, and the infiltration flow front position as a function of time. The model also predicts the final panel thickness, fiber volume fraction, and resin mass for full saturation as a function of compaction pressure. Composite panels were fabricated using the RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) film infusion technique from knitted, knitted/stitched, and 2-D woven carbon preforms and Hercules 3501-6 resin. Fabric composites were fabricated at different compaction pressures and temperature cycles to determine the effects of the processing on the properties. The composites were C-scanned and micrographed to determine the quality of each panel. Advanced cure cycles, developed from the RTM simulation model, were used to reduce the total cure cycle times by a factor of 3 and the total infiltration times by a factor of 2.
Wang, Zongyu; Lu, Zhao; Mahoney, Clare; Yan, Jiajun; Ferebee, Rachel; Luo, Danli; Matyjaszewski, Krzysztof; Bockstaller, Michael R
2017-03-01
Development of high refractive index glasses on the basis of commodity polymer thermoplastics presents an important requisite to further advancement of technologies ranging from energy efficient lighting to cost efficient photonics. This contribution presents a novel particle dispersion strategy that enables uniform dispersion of zinc oxide (ZnO) particles in a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix to facilitate hybrid glasses with inorganic content exceeding 25% by weight, optical transparency in excess of 0.8/mm, and a refractive index greater than 1.64 in the visible wavelength range. The method is based on the application of evaporative ligand exchange to synthesize poly(styrene-r-acrylonitrile) (PSAN)-tethered zinc oxide (ZnO) particle fillers. Favorable filler-matrix interactions are shown to enable the synthesis of isomorphous blends with high molecular PMMA that exhibit improved thermomechanical stability compared to that of the pristine PMMA matrix. The concurrent realization of high refractive index and optical transparency in polymer glasses by modification of a thermoplastic commodity polymer could present a viable alternative to expensive specialty polymers in applications where high costs or demands for thermomechanical stability and/or UV resistance prohibit the application of specialty polymer solutions.
Thermoplastic nanofluidic devices for biomedical applications.
Weerakoon-Ratnayake, Kumuditha M; O'Neil, Colleen E; Uba, Franklin I; Soper, Steven A
2017-01-31
Microfluidics is now moving into a developmental stage where basic discoveries are being transitioned into the commercial sector so that these discoveries can affect, for example, healthcare. Thus, high production rate microfabrication technologies, such as thermal embossing and/or injection molding, are being used to produce low-cost consumables appropriate for commercial applications. Based on recent reports, it is clear that nanofluidics offers some attractive process capabilities that may provide unique venues for biomolecular analyses that cannot be realized at the microscale. Thus, it would be attractive to consider early in the developmental cycle of nanofluidics production pipelines that can generate devices possessing sub-150 nm dimensions in a high production mode and at low-cost to accommodate the commercialization of this exciting technology. Recently, functional sub-150 nm thermoplastic nanofluidic devices have been reported that can provide high process yield rates, which can enable commercial translation of nanofluidics. This review presents an overview of recent advancements in the fabrication, assembly, surface modification and the characterization of thermoplastic nanofluidic devices. Also, several examples in which nanoscale phenomena have been exploited for the analysis of biomolecules are highlighted. Lastly, some general conclusions and future outlooks are presented.
Society of the plastic industry process emission initiatives
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Mcdermott, Joseph
1994-01-01
At first view, plastics process emissions research may not seem to have much bearing on outgassing considerations relative to advanced composite materials; however, several parallel issues and cross currents are of mutual interest. The following topics are discussed: relevance of plastics industry research to aerospace composites; impact of clean air act amendment requirements; scope of the Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. activities in thermoplastic process emissions and reinforced plastics/composites process emissions; and utility of SPI research for advanced polymer composites audiences.
Thermoplastic welding apparatus and method
Matsen, Marc R.; Negley, Mark A.; Geren, William Preston; Miller, Robert James
2017-03-07
A thermoplastic welding apparatus includes a thermoplastic welding tool, at least one tooling surface in the thermoplastic welding tool, a magnetic induction coil in the thermoplastic welding tool and generally encircling the at least one tooling surface and at least one smart susceptor in the thermoplastic welding tool at the at least one tooling surface. The magnetic induction coil is adapted to generate a magnetic flux field oriented generally parallel to a plane of the at least one smart susceptor.
Simulating the Impact Response of Full-Scale Composite Airframe Structures
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Fasanella, Edwin L.; Jackson, Karen E.; Littell, Justin D.; Seal, Michael D.
2012-01-01
NASA Langley Research Center obtained a composite helicopter cabin structure in 2010 from the US Army's Survivable Affordable Repairable Airframe Program (SARAP) that was fabricated by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. The cabin had been subjected to a vertical drop test in 2008 to evaluate a tilting roof concept to limit the intrusion of overhead masses into the fuselage cabin. Damage to the cabin test article was limited primarily to the roof. Consequently, the roof area was removed and the remaining structure was cut into test specimens including a large subfloor section and a forward framed fuselage section. In 2011, NASA and Sikorsky entered into a cooperative research agreement to study the impact responses of composite airframe structures and to evaluate the capabilities of the explicit transient dynamic finite element code, LS-DYNA®, to simulate these responses including damage initiation and progressive failure. Most of the test articles were manufactured of graphite unidirectional tape composite with a thermoplastic resin system. However, the framed fuselage section was constructed primarily of a plain weave graphite fabric material with a thermoset resin system. Test data were collected from accelerometers and full-field photogrammetry. The focus of this paper will be to document impact testing and simulation results for the longitudinal impact of the subfloor section and the vertical drop test of the forward framed fuselage section.
Impact Testing and Simulation of Composite Airframe Structures
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Jackson, Karen E.; Littell, Justin D.; Horta, Lucas G.; Annett, Martin S.; Fasanella, Edwin L.; Seal, Michael D., II
2014-01-01
Dynamic tests were performed at NASA Langley Research Center on composite airframe structural components of increasing complexity to evaluate their energy absorption behavior when subjected to impact loading. A second objective was to assess the capabilities of predicting the dynamic response of composite airframe structures, including damage initiation and progression, using a state-of-the-art nonlinear, explicit transient dynamic finite element code, LS-DYNA. The test specimens were extracted from a previously tested composite prototype fuselage section developed and manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation under the US Army's Survivable Affordable Repairable Airframe Program (SARAP). Laminate characterization testing was conducted in tension and compression. In addition, dynamic impact tests were performed on several components, including I-beams, T-sections, and cruciform sections. Finally, tests were conducted on two full-scale components including a subfloor section and a framed fuselage section. These tests included a modal vibration and longitudinal impact test of the subfloor section and a quasi-static, modal vibration, and vertical drop test of the framed fuselage section. Most of the test articles were manufactured of graphite unidirectional tape composite with a thermoplastic resin system. However, the framed fuselage section was constructed primarily of a plain weave graphite fabric material with a thermoset resin system. Test data were collected from instrumentation such as accelerometers and strain gages and from full-field photogrammetry.
Multiple welding of long fiber epoxy vitrimer composites.
Chabert, Erwan; Vial, Jérôme; Cauchois, Jean-Pierre; Mihaluta, Marius; Tournilhac, François
2016-05-25
Vitrimers appear as a new class of polymers that exhibit mechanical strength and are insoluble even at high temperatures, like thermosets, and yet, like thermoplastics, they are heat processable, recyclable and weldable. The question arises whether this welding property is maintained in composite materials made of more than 50 vol% of reinforcing fibers. In this paper, we quantitatively analyze the bond strength of epoxy vitrimer-based composite plates made by resin transfer molding and compare them to their non-vitrimer counterparts made of a standard thermoset epoxy. It is demonstrated that only epoxy vitrimer samples show substantial bond strength and the ability to be repeatedly welded thanks to the exchange reactions, which promote improved surface conformity and chemical bonding between the adherands at the joint interface. This opens the way towards joining composite parts without adhesives nor mechanical fasteners.
Fiberglass hand laminating process
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
1990-01-01
In the study of polymers, it is important to know about thermoset and thermoplastic polymers. For the students to better understand this experiment, they will need to know that epoxy resins, when reacted with a catalyst, form a thermoset polymer. The chemical reaction that takes place as the students mix these compounds together causes a special polymer bond known as crosslinking. It is because of this crosslinking that the tough, rigid properties of the thermoset polymer occur and are useful in this experiment. The student will be able to make a fiberglass composite and to apply and test the concept of combining two different materials to obtain a new material. The new material will exhibit new and better properties than the original materials. The student will understand the reason for combining materials to make a composite. Details of the experimental equipment and procedure are explained.
Unsustainable Wind Turbine Blade Disposal Practices in the United States.
Ramirez-Tejeda, Katerin; Turcotte, David A; Pike, Sarah
2017-02-01
Finding ways to manage the waste from the expected high number of wind turbine blades in need of disposal is crucial to harvest wind energy in a truly sustainable manner. Landfilling is the most cost-effective disposal method in the United States, but it imposes significant environmental impacts. Thermal, mechanical, and chemical processes allow for some energy and/or material recovery, but they also carry potential negative externalities. This article explores the main economic and environmental issues with various wind turbine blade disposal methods. We argue for the necessity of policy intervention that encourages industry to develop better technologies to make wind turbine blade disposal sustainable, both environmentally and economically. We present some of the technological initiatives being researched, such as the use of bio-derived resins and thermoplastic composites in the manufacturing process of the blades.
Fiber Reinforced Composite Cores and Panels
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Day, Stephen W. (Inventor); Campbell, G. Scott (Inventor); Tilton, Danny E. (Inventor); Stoll, Frederick (Inventor); Sheppard, Michael (Inventor); Banerjee, Robin (Inventor)
2013-01-01
A fiber reinforced core panel is formed from strips of plastics foam helically wound with layers of rovings to form webs which may extend in a wave pattern or may intersect transverse webs. Hollow tubes may replace foam strips. Axial rovings cooperate with overlying helically wound rovings to form a beam or a column. Wound roving patterns may vary along strips for structural efficiency. Wound strips may alternate with spaced strips, and spacers between the strips enhance web buckling strength. Continuously wound rovings between spaced strips permit folding to form panels with reinforced edges. Continuously wound strips are helically wrapped to form annular structures, and composite panels may combine both thermoset and thermoplastic resins. Continuously wound strips or strip sections may be continuously fed either longitudinally or laterally into molding apparatus which may receive skin materials to form reinforced composite panels.
Development of new and improved polymer matrix resin systems, phase 1
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hsu, M. S.
1983-01-01
Vinystilbazole (vinylstryrylpyridine) and vinylpolystyrulpyridine were prepared for the purpose of modifying bismaleimide composite resins. Cure studies of resins systems were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. The vinylstyrylpyridine-modified bismaleimide composite resins were found to have lower cure and gel temperatures, and shorter cure times than the corresponding unmodified composite resins. The resin systems were reinforced with commercially avialable satin-weave carbon cloth. Prepregs were fabricated by solvent or hot melt techniques. Thermal stability, flammability, moisture absorption, and mechanical properties of the composites (such as flexural strength, modulus, tensile and short beam shear strength) were determined. Composite laminates showed substantial improvements in both processability and mechanical properties compared to he bismaleimide control systems. The vinylstyrylpyridine modified bismaleimide resins can be used as advanced matrix resins for graphite secondary structures where ease of processing, fireworthiness, and high temperature stability are required for aerospace applications.
Development of Textile Reinforced Composites for Aircraft Structures
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dexter, H. Benson
1998-01-01
NASA has been a leader in development of composite materials for aircraft applications during the past 25 years. In the early 1980's NASA and others conducted research to improve damage tolerance of composite structures through the use of toughened resins but these resins were not cost-effective. The aircraft industry wanted affordable, robust structures that could withstand the rigors of flight service with minimal damage. The cost and damage tolerance barriers of conventional laminated composites led NASA to focus on new concepts in composites which would incorporate the automated manufacturing methods of the textiles industry and which would incorporate through-the-thickness reinforcements. The NASA Advanced Composites Technology (ACT) Program provided the resources to extensively investigate the application of textile processes to next generation aircraft wing and fuselage structures. This paper discusses advanced textile material forms that have been developed, innovative machine concepts and key technology advancements required for future application of textile reinforced composites in commercial transport aircraft. Multiaxial warp knitting, triaxial braiding and through-the-thickness stitching are the three textile processes that have surfaced as the most promising for further development. Textile reinforced composite structural elements that have been developed in the NASA ACT Program are discussed. Included are braided fuselage frames and window-belt reinforcements, woven/stitched lower fuselage side panels, stitched multiaxial warp knit wing skins, and braided wing stiffeners. In addition, low-cost processing concepts such as resin transfer molding (RTM), resin film infusion (RFI), and vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) are discussed. Process modeling concepts to predict resin flow and cure in textile preforms are also discussed.
Advances and challenges of wood polymer composites
Roger M. Rowell
2006-01-01
Wood flour and fiber have been blended with thermoplastic such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polylactic acid and polyvinyl chloride to form wood plastic composites (WPC). WPCs have seen a large growth in the United States in recent years mainly in the residential decking market with the removal of CCA treated wood decking from residential markets. While there are...
New materials drive high-performance aircraft
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Ruhmann, Douglas C.; Bates, William F., Jr.; Dexter, H. B.; June, Reid B.
1992-01-01
This report shows how advanced composite materials and new processing methods are enabling lighter, lower cost aircraft structures. High-temperature polymers research will focus on systems capable of 50,000 to 100,000 hours of operation in the 212-400 F temperature range. Prospective materials being evaluated include high-temperature epoxies, toughened bismaleimides, cyanates, thermoplastics, polyimides and other polymers.
The Historical Evolution of Dental Impression Materials.
Papadiochos, Ioannis; Papadiochou, Sofia; Emmanouil, Ioannis
The concept of impression making process in dentistry began in the mid 1800s. Dentists realized that the construction of a prosthetic restoration required both a detailed capture of the oral tissues along with stone cast fabrications. To accomplish these goals, impression materials were essential. Beeswax represents the first impression material, while important bechmarks during the historical evolution of dental impression materials are considered to be the introduction of dental trays in the early 1800s and the invention of the gutta-percha, thermoplastic resins and plaster of Paris. The double (corrective) impression technique, along with the functional impression concept that was established after mid 1800s, are also identified as pivotal innovations. During the 20th century, the advances in material development slowed significantly since the majority of the current impression materials had already been invented. However, the introduction of elastomeric impression materials in the field of prosthodontics that offered the advantages of accuracy and dimensional stability substantially upgraded both the impression accuracy and the quality of the final restoration. Presently, the dental practitioner has access to a variety of impression materials and should be aware of their properties, indications and limitations as well. Futhermore, while continuous attempts are being made to enhance these materials, the ideal impression material has yet to be developed. The purpose of this article was to provide a comprehensive review about the historical development of impression dental materials. Copyright American Academy of the History of Dentistry.
Composite resins in 2013: an update on their progress.
Radz, Gary M
2013-01-01
Having steadily evolved and improved over the past several decades, composite resins are providing clinicians with an increased array of options for successfully restoring teeth in a minimally invasive manner. Numerous advances compared to early composite resin systems, such as increased shade availability, reduced polymerization shrinkage, and the development of nanoparticles, have enabled composite resins to offer long-term esthetic solutions for patients. This article summarizes the changes that have occurred, discusses popular applications for the use of composite materials, and presents brief case studies demonstrating their capabilities.
Resin/graphite fiber composites
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Cavano, P. J.; Jones, R. J.; Vaughan, R. W.
1972-01-01
High temperature resin matrices suitable for use in advanced graphite fiber composites for jet engine applications were evaluated. A series of planned, sequential screening experiments with resin systems in composite form were performed to reduce the number of candidates to a single A-type polyimide resin that repetitively produced void-free, high strength and modulus composites acceptable for use in the 550 F range for 1000 hours. An optimized processing procedure was established for this system. Extensive mechanical property studies characterized this single system, at room temperature, 500 F, 550 F and 600 F, for various exposure times.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hodges, W. T.; Tyeryar, J. R.; Berry, M.
1985-01-01
Bonded single overlap shear specimens were fabricated from Graphite/PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) composite adherends and titanium adherends. Six advanced thermoplastic adhesives were used for the bonding. The specimens were bonded by an electromagnetic induction technique producing high heating rates and high-strength bonds in a few minutes. This contrasts with conventionally heated presses or autoclaves that take hours to process comparable quality bonds. The Graphite/PEEK composites were highly resistant to delamination during the testing. This allowed the specimen to fail exclusively through the bondline, even at very high shear loads. Nondestructive evaluation of bonded specimens was performed ultrasonically by energizing the entire thickness of the material through the bondline and measuring acoustic impedance parameters. Destructive testing confirmed the unique ultrasonic profiles of strong and weak bonds, establishing a standard for predicting relative bond strength in subsequent specimens.
Taylor, Jay M; Perez-Toralla, Karla; Aispuro, Ruby; Morin, Stephen A
2018-02-01
The lamination of mechanically stiff structures to elastic materials is prevalent in biological systems and popular in many emerging synthetic systems, such as soft robotics, microfluidics, stretchable electronics, and pop-up assemblies. The disparate mechanical and chemical properties of these materials have made it challenging to develop universal synthetic procedures capable of reliably adhering to these classes of materials together. Herein, a simple and scalable procedure is described that is capable of covalently laminating a variety of commodity ("off-the-shelf") thermoplastic sheets to silicone rubber films. When combined with laser printing, the nonbonding sites can be "printed" onto the thermoplastic sheets, enabling the direct fabrication of microfluidic systems for actuation and liquid handling applications. The versatility of this approach in generating thin, multifunctional laminates is demonstrated through the fabrication of milliscale soft actuators and grippers with hinged articulation and microfluidic channels with built-in optical filtering and pressure-dependent geometries. This method of fabrication offers several advantages, including technical simplicity, process scalability, design versatility, and material diversity. The concepts and strategies presented herein are broadly applicable to the soft robotics, microfluidics, and advanced and additive manufacturing communities where hybrid rubber/plastic structures are prevalent. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Annealing Reduces Free Volumes In Thermoplastics
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Singh, Jag J.; St. Clair, Terry L.
1988-01-01
Investigation conducted to determine free volumes and water-absorption characteristics of two types of thermoplastic polymide as functions of annealing histories. Reductions reach asymptotic values after several annealing cycles. High-temperature thermoplastics excellent candidates for use in aerospace applications. Graphite-fiber composites containing thermoplastic matrices have wide applicability.
Nano-Particle Enhanced Polymer Materials for Space Flight Applications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Criss, Jim M., Jr.; Powell, William D.; Connell, John W.; Stallworth-Bordain, Yemaya; Brown, Tracy R.; Mintz, Eric A.; Schlea, Michelle R.; Shofne, Meisha L.
2009-01-01
Recent advances in materials technology both in polymer chemistry and nano-materials warrant development of enhanced structures for space flight applications. This work aims to develop spacecraft structures based on polymer matrix composites (PMCs) that utilize these advancements.. Multi-wall carbon nano-tubes (MWCNTs) are expected ·to increase mechanical performance, lower coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), increase electrical conductivity (mitigate electrostatic charge), increase thermal conductivity, and reduce moisture absorption of the resultant space structures. In this work, blends of MWCNTs with PETI-330 were prepared and characterized. The nano-reinforced resins were then resin transfer molded (RTM) into composite panels using M55J carbon fabric and compared to baseline panels fabricated from a cyanate ester (RS-3) or a polyimide (PETI-330) resin containing no MWCNTs. In addition, methods of pre-loading the fabric with the MWCNTs were also investigated. The effects of the MWCNTs on the resin processing properties and on the composite end-use properties were also determined.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chase, V. A.; Harrison, E. S.
1985-01-01
A study was conducted to assess the merits of using graphite/polyimide, NR-150B2 resin, for structural applications on advanced space launch vehicles. The program was divided into two phases: (1) Fabrication Process Development; and (2) Demonstration Components. The first phase of the program involved the selection of a graphite fiber, quality assurance of the NR-150B2 polyimide resin, and the quality assurance of the graphite/polyimide prepreg. In the second phase of the program, a limited number of components were fabricated before the NR-150B2 resin system was removed from the market by the supplier, Du Pont. The advancement of the NR-150B2 polyimide resin binder was found to vary significantly based on previous time and temperature history during the prepregging operation. Strength retention at 316C (600F) was found to be 50% that of room temperature strength. However, the composite would retain its initial strength after 200 hours exposure at 316C (600F). Basic chemistry studies are required for determining NR-150B2 resin binder quality assurance parameters. Graphite fibers are available that can withstand high temperature cure and postcure cycles.
Moisture effect on mechanical properties of polymeric composite materials
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Airale, A. G.; Carello, M.; Ferraris, A.; Sisca, L.
2016-05-01
The influence of moisture on the mechanical properties of fibre-reinforced polymer matrix composites (PMCs) was investigated. Four materials had been take into account considering: both 2×2-Twill woven carbon fibre or glass fibre, thermosetting matrix (Epoxy Resin) or thermoplastic matrix (Polyphenylene Sulfide). The specimens were submitted for 1800 hours to a hygrothermic test to evaluate moisture absorption on the basis of the Fick's law and finally tested to verify the mechanical properties (ultimate tensile strength). The results showed that the absorbed moisture decreases those properties of composites which were dominated by the matrix or the interface, while was not detectable the influence of water on the considered fibre. An important result is that the diffusion coefficient is highest for glass/PPS and lowest for carbon/epoxy composite material. The results give useful suggestions for the design of vehicle components that are exposed to environmental conditions (rain, snow and humidity).
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Stubblefield, M.A.; Yang, C.; Lea, R.H.
The use of heat-activated thermal couplings is a quick and cost-effective joining method for composite-to-composite materials. In this study, a prepreg laminate which contains thermoset resins and fiberglass reinforcements is wrapped around the ends of components which are to be joined. A shrink tape, made of thermoplastic material, is placed over the prepreg laminate. When curing the shrink tape and the prepreg laminate, the shrink tape shrinks and compresses the prepreg to obtain good adhesion and the required mechanical properties. The mechanical strength of the heat coupling joint in bending increased by 29% over the currently used butt-weld method. Tomore » optimize the curing process, a finite element model was also developed to show the temperature distribution of the heat coupling joint during the curing process. Based on the tested prepreg material properties and model, the finite analysis temperature distribution differed less than 10% from that of the experimental data.« less
Design and analysis of morphing wing based on SMP composite
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Yu, Kai; Yin, Weilong; Sun, Shouhua; Liu, Yanju; Leng, Jinsong
2009-03-01
A new concept of a morphing wing based on shape memory polymer (SMP) and its reinforced composites is proposed in this paper. SMP used in this study is a thermoset styrene-based resin in contrast to normal thermoplastic SMP. During heating, the wing curled on the aircraft can be deployed, providing main lift for a morphing aircraft to realize the stable flight. Aerodynamic characteristics of the deployed morphing wing are calculated by using CFD software. The static deformation of the wing under the air loads is also analyzed by using the finite element method. The results show that the used SMP material can provide enough strength and stiffness for the application. Finally, preliminary testing is conducted to investigate the recovery performances of SMP and its reinforced composites. During the test, the deployment and the wind-resistant ability of the morphing wing are dramatically improved by adding reinforced phase to the SMP.
Design and Synthesis of Multigraft Copolymer Thermoplastic Elastomers: Superelastomers
Wang, Huiqun; Lu, Wei; Wang, Weiyu; ...
2017-09-28
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) have been widely studied because of their recyclability, good processibility, low production cost, and unique performance. The building of graft-type architectures can greatly improve mechanical properties of TPEs. This review focuses on the advances in different approaches to synthesize multigraft copolymer TPEs. Anionic polymerization techniques allow for the synthesis of well-defined macromolecular structures and compositions, with great control over the molecular weight, polydispersity, branch spacing, number of branch points, and branch point functionality. Progress in emulsion polymerization offers potential approaches to commercialize these types of materials with low production cost via simple operations. Moreover, the use ofmore » multigraft architecturesprovides a solution to the limited elongational properties of all-acrylic TPEs, which can greatly expand their potential application range. The combination of different polymerization techniques, the introduction of new chemical compositions, and the incorporation of sustainable sources are expected to be further investigated in this area in coming years.« less
Advances in microfluidic devices made from thermoplastics used in cell biology and analyses.
Gencturk, Elif; Mutlu, Senol; Ulgen, Kutlu O
2017-09-01
Silicon and glass were the main fabrication materials of microfluidic devices, however, plastics are on the rise in the past few years. Thermoplastic materials have recently been used to fabricate microfluidic platforms to perform experiments on cellular studies or environmental monitoring, with low cost disposable devices. This review describes the present state of the development and applications of microfluidic systems used in cell biology and analyses since the year 2000. Cultivation, separation/isolation, detection and analysis, and reaction studies are extensively discussed, considering only microorganisms (bacteria, yeast, fungi, zebra fish, etc.) and mammalian cell related studies in the microfluidic platforms. The advantages/disadvantages, fabrication methods, dimensions, and the purpose of creating the desired system are explained in detail. An important conclusion of this review is that these microfluidic platforms are still open for research and development, and solutions need to be found for each case separately.
Influence of Molecular Weight on the Mechanical Performance of a Thermoplastic Glassy Polyimide
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Nicholson, Lee M.; Whitley, Karen S.; Gates, Thomas S.; Hinkley, Jeffrey A.
1999-01-01
Mechanical Testing of an advanced thermoplastic polyimide (LaRC-TM-SI) with known variations in molecular weight was performed over a range of temperatures below the glass transition temperature. The physical characterization, elastic properties and notched tensile strength were all determined as a function of molecular weight and test temperature. It was shown that notched tensile strength is a strong function of both temperature and molecular weight, whereas stiffness is only a strong function of temperature. A critical molecular weight (Mc) was observed to occur at a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of approx. 22000 g/mol below which, the notched tensile strength decreases rapidly. This critical molecular weight transition is temperature-independent. Furthermore, inelastic analysis showed that low molecular weight materials tended to fail in a brittle manner, whereas high molecular weight materials exhibited ductile failure. The microstructural images supported these findings.
Shaping metallic glasses by electromagnetic pulsing
Kaltenboeck, Georg; Demetriou, Marios D.; Roberts, Scott; Johnson, William L.
2016-01-01
With damage tolerance rivalling advanced engineering alloys and thermoplastic forming capabilities analogous to conventional plastics, metallic glasses are emerging as a modern engineering material. Here, we take advantage of their unique electrical and rheological properties along with the classic Lorentz force concept to demonstrate that electromagnetic coupling of electric current and a magnetic field can thermoplastically shape a metallic glass without conventional heating sources or applied mechanical forces. Specifically, we identify a process window where application of an electric current pulse in the presence of a normally directed magnetic field can ohmically heat a metallic glass to a softened state, while simultaneously inducing a large enough magnetic body force to plastically shape it. The heating and shaping is performed on millisecond timescales, effectively bypassing crystallization producing fully amorphous-shaped parts. This electromagnetic forming approach lays the groundwork for a versatile, time- and energy-efficient manufacturing platform for ultrastrong metals. PMID:26853460
Assessment of relative flammability and thermochemical properties of some thermoplastic materials
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kourtides, D. A.; Parker, J. A.
1978-01-01
The thermochemical and flammability characteristics of some typical thermoplastic materials currently in use and others being considered for use in aircraft interiors are described. The properties studied included (1) thermal mechanical properties such as glass transition and melt temperature, (2) changes in polymer enthalpy by differential scanning calorimetry, (3) thermogravimetric analysis in an anaerobic and oxidative environment, (4) oxygen index, (5) smoke evolution, (6) relative toxicity of the volatile products of pyrolysis, and (7) selected physical properties. The generic polymers which were evaluated included: acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, bisphenol A polycarbonate, bisphenol fluorenone carbonatedimethylsiloxane block polymer, phenolphthalein-bisphenol A polycarbonate, phenolphthalein polycarbonate, polyether sulfone, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyaryl sulfone, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride homopolymer, polyvinyl fluoride, and polyvinylidene fluoride. Processing parameters including molding characteristics of some of the advanced polymers are described. Test results and relative rankings of some of the flammability, smoke and toxicity properties are presented.
Thermoplastic polymers for improved fire safety
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kourtides, D. A.; Parker, J. A.; Hilado, C. J.
1976-01-01
The thermochemical and flammability characteristics of some typical thermoplastic materials currently in use and others being considered for use in aircraft interiors are described. The properties studied included (1) thermomechanical properties such as glass transition and melt temperature, (2) changes in polymer enthalpy by differential scanning calorimetry, (3) thermogravimetric analysis in anaerobic and oxidative environments, (4) oxygen index, (5) smoke evolution, (6) relative toxicity of the volatile products of pyrolysis, and (7) selected physical properties. The generic polymers that were evaluated included: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, bisphenol A polycarbonate, 9,9 bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) fluorene polycarbonatepoly (dimethyl siloxane) block polymer, phenolphthalein bisphenol A polycarbonate, phenolphthalein polycarbonate, polyether sulfone, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyaryl sulfone, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride homopolymer, polyvinyl fluoride, and polyvinylidene fluoride. Processing parameters, including molding characteristics of some of the advanced polymers, are described. Test results and relative ranking of some of the flammability, smoke, and toxicity properties are presented.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kranbuehl, D.; Kingsley, P.; Hart, S.; Loos, A.; Hasko, G.; Dexter, B.
1992-01-01
In-situ frequency dependent electromagnetic sensors (FDEMS) and the Loos resin transfer model have been used to select and control the processing properties of an epoxy resin during liquid pressure RTM impregnation and cure. Once correlated with viscosity and degree of cure the FDEMS sensor monitors and the RTM processing model predicts the reaction advancement of the resin, viscosity and the impregnation of the fabric. This provides a direct means for predicting, monitoring, and controlling the liquid RTM process in-situ in the mold throughout the fabrication process and the effects of time, temperature, vacuum and pressure. Most importantly, the FDEMS-sensor model system has been developed to make intelligent decisions, thereby automating the liquid RTM process and removing the need for operator direction.
Verification of a three-dimensional resin transfer molding process simulation model
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Fingerson, John C.; Loos, Alfred C.; Dexter, H. Benson
1995-01-01
Experimental evidence was obtained to complete the verification of the parameters needed for input to a three-dimensional finite element model simulating the resin flow and cure through an orthotropic fabric preform. The material characterizations completed include resin kinetics and viscosity models, as well as preform permeability and compaction models. The steady-state and advancing front permeability measurement methods are compared. The results indicate that both methods yield similar permeabilities for a plain weave, bi-axial fiberglass fabric. Also, a method to determine principal directions and permeabilities is discussed and results are shown for a multi-axial warp knit preform. The flow of resin through a blade-stiffened preform was modeled and experiments were completed to verify the results. The predicted inlet pressure was approximately 65% of the measured value. A parametric study was performed to explain differences in measured and predicted flow front advancement and inlet pressures. Furthermore, PR-500 epoxy resin/IM7 8HS carbon fabric flat panels were fabricated by the Resin Transfer Molding process. Tests were completed utilizing both perimeter injection and center-port injection as resin inlet boundary conditions. The mold was instrumented with FDEMS sensors, pressure transducers, and thermocouples to monitor the process conditions. Results include a comparison of predicted and measured inlet pressures and flow front position. For the perimeter injection case, the measured inlet pressure and flow front results compared well to the predicted results. The results of the center-port injection case showed that the predicted inlet pressure was approximately 50% of the measured inlet pressure. Also, measured flow front position data did not agree well with the predicted results. Possible reasons for error include fiber deformation at the resin inlet and a lag in FDEMS sensor wet-out due to low mold pressures.
Microscale patterning of thermoplastic polymer surfaces by selective solvent swelling.
Rahmanian, Omid; Chen, Chien-Fu; DeVoe, Don L
2012-09-04
A new method for the fabrication of microscale features in thermoplastic substrates is presented. Unlike traditional thermoplastic microfabrication techniques, in which bulk polymer is displaced from the substrate by machining or embossing, a unique process termed orogenic microfabrication has been developed in which selected regions of a thermoplastic surface are raised from the substrate by an irreversible solvent swelling mechanism. The orogenic technique allows thermoplastic surfaces to be patterned using a variety of masking methods, resulting in three-dimensional features that would be difficult to achieve through traditional microfabrication methods. Using cyclic olefin copolymer as a model thermoplastic material, several variations of this process are described to realize growth heights ranging from several nanometers to tens of micrometers, with patterning techniques include direct photoresist masking, patterned UV/ozone surface passivation, elastomeric stamping, and noncontact spotting. Orogenic microfabrication is also demonstrated by direct inkjet printing as a facile photolithography-free masking method for rapid desktop thermoplastic microfabrication.
Joining of thermoplastic substrates by microwaves
Paulauskas, Felix L.; Meek, Thomas T.
1997-01-01
A method for joining two or more items having surfaces of thermoplastic material includes the steps of depositing an electrically-conductive material upon the thermoplastic surface of at least one of the items, and then placing the other of the two items adjacent the one item so that the deposited material is in intimate contact with the surfaces of both the one and the other items. The deposited material and the thermoplastic surfaces contacted thereby are then exposed to microwave radiation so that the thermoplastic surfaces in contact with the deposited material melt, and then pressure is applied to the two items so that the melted thermoplastic surfaces fuse to one another. Upon discontinuance of the exposure to the microwave energy, and after permitting the thermoplastic surfaces to cool from the melted condition, the two items are joined together by the fused thermoplastic surfaces. The deposited material has a thickness which is preferably no greater than a skin depth, .delta..sub.s, which is related to the frequency of the microwave radiation and characteristics of the deposited material in accordance with an equation.
Aguilar, Suzette M.; Shea, Jacob D.; Al-Joumayly, Mudar A.; Van Veen, Barry D.; Behdad, Nader; Hagness, Susan C.
2011-01-01
We propose the use of a polycaprolactone (PCL)-based thermoplastic mesh as a tissue-immobilization interface for microwave imaging and microwave hyperthermia treatment. An investigation of the dielectric properties of two PCL-based thermoplastic materials in the frequency range of 0.5 – 3.5 GHz is presented. The frequency-dependent dielectric constant and effective conductivity of the PCL-based thermoplastics are characterized using measurements of microstrip transmission lines fabricated on substrates comprised of the thermoplastic meshes. We also examine the impact of the presence of a PCL-based thermoplastic mesh on microwave breast imaging. We use a numerical test bed comprised of a previously reported three-dimensional anatomically realistic breast phantom and a multi-frequency microwave inverse scattering algorithm. We demonstrate that the PCL-based thermoplastic material and the assumed biocompatible medium of vegetable oil are sufficiently well matched such that the PCL layer may be neglected by the imaging solution without sacrificing imaging quality. Our results suggest that PCL-based thermoplastics are promising materials as tissue immobilization structures for microwave diagnostic and therapeutic applications. PMID:21622068
Mengeloglu, Fatih; Karakus, Kadir
2008-01-01
Thermal behaviors of wheat straw flour (WF) filled thermoplastic composites were measured applying the thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Morphology and mechanical properties were also studied using scanning electron microscope and universal testing machine, respectively. Presence of WF in thermoplastic matrix reduced the degradation temperature of the composites. One for WF and one for thermoplastics, two main decomposition peaks were observed. Morphological study showed that addition of coupling agent improved the compatibility between WFs and thermoplastic. WFs were embedded into the thermoplastic matrix indicating improved adhesion. However, the bonding was not perfect because some debonding can also be seen on the interface of WFs and thermoplastic matrix. In the case of mechanical properties of WF filled recycled thermoplastic, HDPE and PP based composites provided similar tensile and flexural properties. The addition of coupling agents improved the properties of thermoplastic composites. MAPE coupling agents performed better in HDPE while MAPP coupling agents were superior in PP based composites. The composites produced with the combination of 50-percent mixture of recycled HDPE and PP performed similar with the use of both coupling agents. All produced composites provided flexural properties required by the ASTM standard for polyolefin-based plastic lumber decking boards. PMID:27879719
Thermal properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/vegetable fiber composites
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Vitorino, Maria B. C.; Reul, Lízzia T. A.; Carvalho, Laura H.; Canedo, Eduardo L.
2015-05-01
The present work studies the thermal properties of composites of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) - a fully biodegradable semi-crystalline thermo-plastic obtained from renewable resources through low-impact biotechno-logical process, biocompatible and non-toxic - and vegetable fiber from the fruit (coconut) of babassu palm tree. PHB is a highly crystalline resin and this characteristic leads to suboptimal properties in some cases. Consequently, thermal properties, in particular those associated with the crystallization of the matrix, are important to judge the suitability of the compounds for specific applications. PHB/babassu composites with 0-50% load were prepared in an internal mixer. Two different types of babassu fibers with two different particle size ranges were compounded with PHB and test specimens molded by compression. Melting and crystallization behavior were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at heating/cooling rates between 2 and 30°C/min. Several parameters, including melting point, crystallization temperature, crystallinity, and rate of crystallization, were estimated as functions of load and heating/cooling rates. Results indicate that fibers do not affect the melting process, but facilitate crystallization from the melt. Crystallization temperatures are 30 to 40°C higher for the compounds compared with the neat resin. However, the amount of fiber added has little effect on crystallinity and the degree of crystallinity is hardly affected by the load. Fiber type and initial particle size do not have a significant effect on thermal properties.
Composite structural materials
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Loewy, Robert G.; Wiberley, Stephen E.
1988-01-01
A decade long program to develop critical advanced composite technology in the areas of physical properties, structural concept and analysis, manufacturing, reliability, and life predictions is reviewed. Specific goals are discussed. The status of the chemical vapor deposition effects on carbon fiber properties; inelastic deformation of metal matrix laminates; fatigue damage in fibrous MMC laminates; delamination fracture toughness in thermoplastic matrix composites; and numerical analysis of composite micromechanical behavior are presented.
Welds in thermoplastic composite materials
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Taylor, N. S.
Welding methods are reviewed that can be effectively used for joining of thermoplastic composites and continuous-fiber thermoplastics. Attention is given to the use of ultrasonic, vibration, hot-plate, resistance, and induction welding techniques. The welding techniques are shown to provide complementary weld qualities for the range of thermoplastic materials that are of interest to industrial and technological applications.
Induction Consolidation of Thermoplastic Composites Using Smart Susceptors
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Matsen, Marc R
2012-06-14
This project has focused on the area of energy efficient consolidation and molding of fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite components as an energy efficient alternative to the conventional processing methods such as autoclave processing. The expanding application of composite materials in wind energy, automotive, and aerospace provides an attractive energy efficiency target for process development. The intent is to have this efficient processing along with the recyclable thermoplastic materials ready for large scale application before these high production volume levels are reached. Therefore, the process can be implemented in a timely manner to realize the maximum economic, energy, and environmental efficiencies.more » Under this project an increased understanding of the use of induction heating with smart susceptors applied to consolidation of thermoplastic has been achieved. This was done by the establishment of processing equipment and tooling and the subsequent demonstration of this fabrication technology by consolidating/molding of entry level components for each of the participating industrial segments, wind energy, aerospace, and automotive. This understanding adds to the nation's capability to affordably manufacture high quality lightweight high performance components from advanced recyclable composite materials in a lean and energy efficient manner. The use of induction heating with smart susceptors is a precisely controlled low energy method for the consolidation and molding of thermoplastic composites. The smart susceptor provides intrinsic thermal control based on the interaction with the magnetic field from the induction coil thereby producing highly repeatable processing. The low energy usage is enabled by the fact that only the smart susceptor surface of the tool is heated, not the entire tool. Therefore much less mass is heated resulting in significantly less required energy to consolidate/mold the desired composite components. This energy efficiency results in potential energy savings of {approx}75% as compared to autoclave processing in aerospace, {approx}63% as compared to compression molding in automotive, and {approx}42% energy savings as compared to convectively heated tools in wind energy. The ability to make parts in a rapid and controlled manner provides significant economic advantages for each of the industrial segments. These attributes were demonstrated during the processing of the demonstration components on this project.« less
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Loos, Alfred C.; Macrae, John D.; Hammond, Vincent H.; Kranbuehl, David E.; Hart, Sean M.; Hasko, Gregory H.; Markus, Alan M.
1993-01-01
A two-dimensional model of the resin transfer molding (RTM) process was developed which can be used to simulate the infiltration of resin into an anisotropic fibrous preform. Frequency dependent electromagnetic sensing (FDEMS) has been developed for in situ monitoring of the RTM process. Flow visualization tests were performed to obtain data which can be used to verify the sensor measurements and the model predictions. Results of the tests showed that FDEMS can accurately detect the position of the resin flow-front during mold filling, and that the model predicted flow-front patterns agreed well with the measured flow-front patterns.
Bismaleimides and related maleimido polymers as matrix resins
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Parker, J. A.; Kourtides, D. A.; Fohlen, G. M.
1985-01-01
Significant processing and property improvements can be achieved by copolymerization of state-of-the-art bisimides with various vinyl stilbazole derivatives to give both fire resistance and high-temperature properties from hot-melt compositions. Significant improvement in mechanical properties is achieved through these modifications, which may make these new matrix resins ideal candidates for fireworthy secondary graphite composite structures. Phosphorous modifications of maleimido polymers through phosphonate structure and tricyclophosphazene derivatives provide families of new matrix resins for short-time applications in severe thermo-oxidative environments. With further research these may provide matrix resins for long-term thermo-oxidative stability of advanced composites at temperatures up to 400 to 500 C.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kranbuehl, D. E.
1982-01-01
The polyimide resin, LARC-160, was prepared from diethyl-3, 3', 4,4'-benzophenone tetracarboxylate, ethyl-5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboxylate and Jeffamine AP-22. The imidization reactions of NE and BTDE were studied by HPLC, C-13-NMR and IR. NE imidizes slowly at 12 C; BTDE imidizes when the resin is heated above 100 C. Both imidization reactions proceed directly to the imide. Neither amic acid is present in significant quantities at any stage of the imidization reactions. The monomer mixture was stored at 12 C for periods up to 14 months. The effects of resin aging at this temperature on the chemical composition of the resin monomer mixture and the imidized polymer formed on curing were investigated. Aging the resin monomer mixture has the effect of partially advancing the imidization reaction. The average size of the cured polymer increases slightly with resin age.
Textile technology development
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Shah, Bharat M.
1995-01-01
The objectives of this report were to evaluate and select resin systems for Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) and Powder Towpreg Material, to develop and evaluate advanced textile processes by comparing 2-D and 3-D braiding for fuselage frame applications and develop window belt and side panel structural design concepts, to evaluate textile material properties, and to develop low cost manufacturing and tooling processes for the automated manufacturing of fuselage primary structures. This research was in support of the NASA and Langley Research Center (LaRc) Advanced Composite Structural Concepts and Materials Technologies for Primary Aircraft Structures program.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Marchello, Joseph M.
1992-01-01
Progress was made in several areas on the preparation of carbon fiber composites using advanced polymer resins. Polymer infiltration studies dealt with ways of preparing composite materials from advanced polymer resins and carbon fibers. This effort is comprised of an integrated approach to the process of composite part fabrication. The goal is to produce advanced composite materials for automated part fabrication using textile and robotics technology in the manufacture of subsonic and supersonic aircraft. The object is achieved through investigations at the NASA Langley Research Center and by stimulating technology transfer between contract researchers and the aircraft industry. Covered here are literature reviews, a status report on individual projects, current and planned research, publications, and scheduled technical presentations.
Coupled acoustic-gravity field for dynamic evaluation of ion exchange with a single resin bead.
Kanazaki, Takahiro; Hirawa, Shungo; Harada, Makoto; Okada, Tetsuo
2010-06-01
A coupled acoustic-gravity field is efficient for entrapping a particle at the position determined by its acoustic properties rather than its size. This field has been applied to the dynamic observation of ion-exchange reactions occurring in a single resin bead. The replacement of counterions in an ion-exchange resin induces changes in its acoustic properties, such as density and compressibility. Therefore, we can visually trace the advancement of an ion-exchange reaction as a time change in the levitation position of a resin bead entrapped in the field. Cation-exchange reactions occurring in resin beads with diameters of 40-120 microm are typically completed within 100-200 s. Ion-exchange equilibrium or kinetics is often evaluated with off-line chemical analyses, which require a batch amount of ion exchangers. Measurements with a single resin particle allow us to evaluate ion-exchange dynamics and kinetics of ions including those that are difficult to measure by usual off-line analyses. The diffusion properties of ions in resins have been successfully evaluated from the time change in the levitation positions of resin beads.
Microscale Patterning of Thermoplastic Polymer Surfaces by Selective Solvent Swelling
Rahmanian, Omid; Chen, Chien-Fu; DeVoe, Don L.
2012-01-01
A new method for the fabrication of microscale features in thermoplastic substrates is presented. Unlike traditional thermoplastic microfabrication techniques, in which bulk polymer is displaced from the substrate by machining or embossing, a unique process termed orogenic microfabrication has been developed in which selected regions of a thermoplastic surface are raised from the substrate by an irreversible solvent swelling mechanism. The orogenic technique allows thermoplastic surfaces to be patterned using a variety of masking methods, resulting in three-dimensional features that would be difficult to achieve through traditional microfabrication methods. Using cyclic olefin copolymer as a model thermoplastic material, several variations of this process are described to realize growth heights ranging from several nanometers to tens of microns, with patterning techniques include direct photoresist masking, patterned UV/ozone surface passivation, elastomeric stamping, and noncontact spotting. Orogenic microfabrication is also demonstrated by direct inkjet printing as a facile photolithography-free masking method for rapid desktop thermoplastic microfabrication. PMID:22900539
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Gates, Thomas S.
1992-01-01
In order to support materials selection for the next-generation supersonic civilian-passenger transport aircraft, a study has been undertaken to evaluate the material stress/strain relationships needed to describe advanced polymer matrix composites under conditions of high load and elevated temperature. As part of this effort, this paper describes the materials testing which was performed to investigate the viscoplastic behavior of graphite/thermoplastic and graphite/bismaleimide composites. Test procedures, results and data-reduction schemes which were developed for generating material constants for tension and compression loading, over a range of useful temperatures, are explained.
Cryomilling of Thermoplastic Powder for Prepreg Applications
2013-09-01
Cryomilling of Thermoplastic Powder for Prepreg Applications by Brian Parquette, Anit Giri, Daniel J. O’Brien, Sarah Brennan, Kyu Cho, and...MD 21005-5066 ARL-TR-6591 September 2013 Cryomilling of Thermoplastic Powder for Prepreg Applications Brian Parquette and Sarah Brennan...COVERED (From - To) 1 March 2012–30 May 2013 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Cryomilling of Thermoplastic Powder for Prepreg Applications 5a. CONTRACT
Environmentally Compliant Thermoplastic Powder Coating, Phase 1
1992-10-07
TPC flame sprayed application equipment and ethylene acrylic acid (EAA) and ethylene methacrylic acid (EMAA) copolymers thermoplastic powder...have worked closely with Dow Chemical to develop and optimize their systems using Dow "Envelon" ethylene acrylic acid (EAA) thermoplastic copolymers...provide on/off control. CFS recommends the use of Dow "Envelon" ethylene acrylic acid (EAA) copolymer thermoplastic powder with this unit. The CFS system
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Naus, Dan J; Corum, James; Klett, Lynn B
2006-04-01
This report provides recommended durability-based design properties and criteria for a quais-isotropic carbon-fiber thermoplastic composite for possible automotive structural applications. The composite consisted of a PolyPhenylene Sulfide (PPS) thermoplastic matrix (Fortron's PPS - Ticona 0214B1 powder) reinforced with 16 plies of carbon-fiber unidirectional tape, [0?/90?/+45?/-45?]2S. The carbon fiber was Hexcel AS-4C and was present in a fiber volume of 53% (60%, by weight). The overall goal of the project, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Freedom Car and Vehicle Technologies and is closely coordinated with the Advanced Composites Consortium, is to develop durability-driven design datamore » and criteria to assure the long-term integrity of carbon-fiber-based composite systems for automotive structural applications. This document is in two parts. Part 1 provides design data and correlations, while Part 2 provides the underlying experimental data and models. The durability issues addressed include the effects of short-time, cyclic, and sustained loadings; temperature; fluid environments; and low-energy impacts (e.g., tool drops and kickups of roadway debris) on deformation, strength, and stiffness. Guidance for design analysis, time-independent and time-dependent allowable stresses, rules for cyclic loadings, and damage-tolerance design guidance are provided.« less
Application of the strain invariant failure theory (SIFT) to metals and fiber-polymer composites
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hart-Smith, L. J.
2010-11-01
The strain invariant failure theory (SIFT) model, developed to predict the onset of irreversible damage of fiber-polymer composite laminates, may be also applied to metals. Indeed, it can be applied to all solid materials. Two initial failure mechanisms are considered - distortion and dilatation. The author's experiences are confined to the structures of transport aircraft; phase changes in metals and self-destruction of laminates during curing are not covered. Doing so would need additional material properties, and probably a different failure theory. SIFT does not cover environmental attack on the interface between fibers and resin; it covers only cohesive failures within the fibers or resin, or within a homogeneous piece of metal. In the SIFT model, each damage mechanism is characterized by its own critical value of a strain invariant. Each mechanism dominates its own portion of the strain domain; there is no interaction between them. Application of SIFT to metals is explained first. Fiber-polymer composites contain two discrete constituents; each material must be characterized independently by its own two invariants. This is why fiber-polymer composites need four invariants whereas metals require only two. There is no such thing as a composite material, only composites of materials. The "composite materials" must not be modeled as homogeneous anisotropic solids because it is then not even possible to differentiate between fiber and matrix failures. The SIFT model uses measured material properties; it does not require that half of them be arbitrarily replaced by unmeasurable properties to fit laminate test data, as so many earlier composite failure criteria have. The biggest difference in using SIFT for metals and fiber-reinforced materials is internal residual thermal and moisture absorption stresses created by the gross dissimilarity in properties between embedded fibers and thermoset resin matrices. These residual stresses consume so much of the strength of unreinforced polymers for typical thermoset resins cured at high temperature, like epoxies, that little strength is available to resist mechanical loads. (Thermoplastic polymers suffer far less in this regard.) The paper explains how SIFT is used via worked examples, which demonstrate the kind of detailed information that SIFT analyses can generate.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Poillucci, Richard
Advanced composites manufacturing broadly encapsulates topics ranging from matrix chemistries to automated machines that lay-up fiber-reinforced materials. Environmental regulations are stimulating research to reduce matrix resin formulation toxicity. At present, composites fabricated with polyester resins expose workers to the risk of contact with and inhalation of styrene monomer, which is a potential carcinogen, neurotoxin, and respiratory irritant. The first primary goal of this thesis is to reduce the toxicity associated with polyester resins by: (1) identification of potential monomers to replace styrene, (2) determination of monomer solubility within the polyester, and (3) investigation of approaches to rapidly screen a large resin composition parameter space. Monomers are identified based on their ability to react with polyester and their toxicity as determined by the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and a green screen method. Solubilities were determined by the Hoftyzer -- Van Krevelen method, Hansen solubility parameter database, and experimental mixing of monomers. A combinatorial microfluidic mixing device is designed and tested to obtain distinct resin compositions from two input chemistries. The push for safer materials is complemented by a thrust for multifunctional composites. The second primary goal of this thesis is to design and implement the manufacture of sacrificial fiber materials suitable for use in automated fiber placement of microvascaular multifunctional composites. Two key advancements are required to achieve this goal: (1) development of a roll-to-roll method to place sacrificial fibers onto carbon fiber pre-preg tape; and (2) demonstration of feasible manufacture of microvascular carbon fiber plates with automated fiber placement. An automated method for placing sacrificial fibers onto carbon fiber tapes is designed and a prototype implemented. Carbon fiber tows with manual placement of sacrificial fibers is implemented within an automated fiber placement machine and the successful fabrication of a carbon fiber plate with an integrated microvascular channel is demonstrated.
Mohsin, Abdul Habeeb Bin; Reddy, Varalakshmi; Kumar, Praveen; Raj, Jeevan; Babu, Siva Santosh
2017-01-01
Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate & compare the wetting ability of five saliva substitutes & distilled water on heat-polymerized acrylic resin. Contact angle of the saliva substitute on denture base can be taken as an indicator of wettability. Good wetting of heat-polymerized acrylic resin is critical for optimum retention of complete dentures. Methods Two hundred & forty samples of heat-polymerized acrylic resin were fabricated using conventional method. 240 samples divided into 6 groups with 40 samples in each group. Advancing & Receding contact angles were measured using Contact Angle Goniometer & DSA4 software analysis. Results Anova test was carried out to test the significance in difference of contact angle values in the six groups. The mean of advancing angle values & mean of receding angle values of all the six groups has shown statistically significant difference between the groups. The mean of angle of hysteresis values of all the six groups are statistically not significant between the groups. A multiple comparison using Bonferroni’s test was carried out to verify the significance of difference between the contact angles in a pair of groups. Statistically significant difference was seen when Aqwet (Group II) was compared to Distilled water (Group I), Wet Mouth (Group III), E-Saliva (Group IV), Biotene (Group V), and Moi-Stir (Group VI). Conclusion The contact angles of five saliva substitutes and distilled water were measured and compared. Group II (AQWET) has the lowest advancing and receding contact angle values and the highest angle of hysteresis on heat-polymerized acrylic resin. Based on contact angle values, Group II (AQWET) has the best wetting ability on heat-cured acrylic resins. The ability of saliva to wet the denture surface is one of the most important properties for complete denture retention in dry mouth cases. PMID:29187918
Advances in the history of composite resins.
Minguez, Nieves; Ellacuria, Joseba; Soler, José Ignacio; Triana, Rodrigo; Ibaseta, Guillermo
2003-11-01
The use of composite resins as direct restoration material in posterior teeth has demonstrated a great increase, due to esthetic requirements and the controversy regarding the mercury content in silver amalgams. In this article, we have reviewed the composition modifications which have occurred in materials based on resins since their introduction over a half a century ago which have enabled great improvements in their physical and mechanical properties. Likewise, we have highlighted current lines of research, centered on finding the ideal material for replacing silver amalgam as a direct filling material.
Full-Scale Testing of Thermoplastic Composite I-Beams for Bridges
2017-06-01
ER D C/ CE RL T R- 17 -1 8 ACSIM Technology Standards Group Full-Scale Testing of Thermoplastic Composite I-Beams for Bridges Co ns tr...default. ACSIM Technology Standards Group ERDC/CERL TR-17-18 June 2017 Full-Scale Testing of Thermoplastic Composite I-Beams for Bridges Ghassan... tests were con- ducted on commercially available, thermoplastic polymer composite I- beams at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and
2014-08-14
to 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER In-House Thermosetting and Thermoplastic Polymers based on Bisphenol A 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6...Francisco, CA, 14 August 2014. PA#14389 14. ABSTRACT Polycyanurate thermosetting networks, polycarbonate thermoplastics, and homogenous polycarbonate...ON EUGENOL: ALTERNATIVES TO THERMOSETTING AND THERMOPLASTIC POLYMES BASED ON BISPHENOL A 14 August 2014 Andrew J. Guenthner1, Benjamin G. Harvey2
Self-Healing Composite of Thermoset Polymer and Programmed Super Contraction Fibers
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Li, Guoqiang (Inventor); Meng, Harper (Inventor)
2016-01-01
A composition comprising thermoset polymer, shape memory polymer to facilitate macro scale damage closure, and a thermoplastic polymer for molecular scale healing is disclosed; the composition has the ability to resolve structural defects by a bio-mimetic close-then heal process. In use, the shape memory polymer serves to bring surfaces of a structural defect into approximation, whereafter use of the thermoplastic polymer for molecular scale healing allowed for movement of the thermoplastic polymer into the defect and thus obtain molecular scale healing. The thermoplastic can be fibers, particles or spheres which are used by heating to a level at or above the thermoplastic's melting point, then cooling of the composition below the melting temperature of the thermoplastic. Compositions of the invention have the ability to not only close macroscopic defects, but also to do so repeatedly even if another wound/damage occurs in a previously healed/repaired area.
Boron/aluminum graphite/resin advanced fiber composite hybrids
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chamis, C. C.; Lark, R. F.; Sullivan, T. L.
1975-01-01
Fabrication feasibility and potential of an adhesively bonded metal and resin matrix fiber-composite hybrid are determined as an advanced material for aerospace and other structural applications. The results show that using this hybrid concept makes possible a composite design which, when compared with nonhybrid composites, has greater transverse strength, transverse stiffness, and impact resistance with only a small penalty on density and longitudinal properties. The results also show that laminate theory is suitable for predicting the structural response of such hybrids. The sequence of fracture modes indicates that these types of hybrids can be readily designed to meet fail-safe requirements.
Removal of gadolinium, a neutron poison from the moderator system of nuclear reactors.
Rufus, A L; Kumar, Padma S; Jeena, K; Velmurugan, S
2018-01-15
Gadolinium as gadolinium nitrate is used as neutron poison in the moderator system for regulating and controlling the power generation of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) and proposed to be used in Advanced Heavy Water Reactors (AHWR) owing to its high neutron absorption cross section. Removal of the added gadolinium nitrate (Gd 3+ and NO 3 - ) from the system after its intended use is done using ion exchange resins. In the present investigation, attempts have been made to optimize the ion exchange process for generation of low radioactive waste and maximize utilization of the ion exchange resins by employing different types of resins and different modes of operation. The investigations revealed that use of mixed bed (MB) resin column consisting of Strong Acid Cation (SAC) resin and Strong Base Anion (SBA) resin followed by SAC resin column is efficient in removing the Gd 3+ and NO 3 - from the system besides maintaining the pH of the moderator system in the desirable regime, where gadolinium does not get precipitated as its hydroxide. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Derradji, Mehdi; Zegaoui, Abdeldjalil; Xu, Yi-Le; Wang, An-ran; Dayo, Abdul Qadeer; Wang, Jun; Liu, Wen-bin; Liu, Yu-Guang; Khiari, Karim
2018-04-01
The phthalonitrile resins have claimed the leading place in the field of high performance polymers thanks to their combination of outstanding properties. The present work explores for the first time the gamma rays radiation resistance and shielding efficiency of the phthalonitrile resins and its related tungsten-reinforced nanocomposites. The primary goal of this research is to define the basic behavior of the phthalonitrile resins under highly ionizing gamma rays. The obtained results confirmed that the neat phthalonitrile resins can resist absorbed doses as high as 200 kGy. Meanwhile, the remarkable shielding efficiency of the phthalonitrile polymers was confirmed to be easily improved by preparing lead-free nanocomposites. In fact, the gamma rays screening ratio reached the exceptional value of 42% for the nanocomposites of 50 wt% of nano-tungsten loading. Thus, this study confirms that the remarkable performances of the phthalonitrile resins are not limited to the thermal and mechanical properties and can be extended to the gamma rays radiation and shielding resistances.
The relative fire resistance of select thermoplastic materials. [for aircraft interiors
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kourtides, D. A.; Parker, J. A.
1978-01-01
The relative thermal stability, flammability, and related thermochemical properties of some thermoplastic materials currently used in aircraft interiors as well as of some candidate thermoplastics were investigated. Currently used materials that were evaluated include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, bisphenol A polycarbonate, polyphenylene oxide, and polyvinyl fluoride. Candidate thermoplastic materials evaluated include: 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)fluorene polycarbonate-poly(dimethylsiloxane) block polymer, chlorinated polyvinylchloride homopolymer, phenolphthalein polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylsulfone, and polyvinylidene fluoride.
Development of thermoplastic composite aircraft structures
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Renieri, Michael P.; Burpo, Steven J.; Roundy, Lance M.; Todd, Stephanie A.; Kim, H. J.
1992-01-01
Efforts focused on the use of thermoplastic composite materials in the development of structural details associated with an advanced fighter fuselage section with applicability to transport design. In support of these designs, mechanics developments were conducted in two areas. First, a dissipative strain energy approach to material characterization and failure prediction, developed at the Naval Research Laboratory, was evaluated as a design/analysis tool. Second, a finite element formulation for thick composites was developed and incorporated into a lug analysis method which incorporates pin bending effects. Manufacturing concepts were developed for an upper fuel cell cover. A detailed trade study produced two promising concepts: fiber placement and single-step diaphragm forming. Based on the innovative design/manufacturing concepts for the fuselage section primary structure, elements were designed, fabricated, and structurally tested. These elements focused on key issues such as thick composite lugs and low cost forming of fastenerless, stiffener/moldine concepts. Manufacturing techniques included autoclave consolidation, single diaphragm consolidation (SDCC) and roll-forming.
A Study of Failure Characteristics in Thermoplastic Composite Material.
1988-03-01
plastic, such as epoxy, or a metal, such as aluminium . These advanced composites have two major advantages among many others: (i) improved strength-to...8010 85 2.095 21.823 85.0 C2-SH-H-11 0.09632 8011 85 2.102 21.823 85.0 C3-SH-H-13 0.09744 8013 95% 2.377 24.394 94.3 C3-SH-H-14 0.09728 8014 95 2.373
Shrinkage Stresses Generated during Resin-Composite Applications: A Review
Schneider, Luis Felipe J.; Cavalcante, Larissa Maria; Silikas, Nick
2010-01-01
Many developments have been made in the field of resin composites for dental applications. However, the manifestation of shrinkage due to the polymerization process continues to be a major problem. The material's shrinkage, associated with dynamic development of elastic modulus, creates stresses within the material and its interface with the tooth structure. As a consequence, marginal failure and subsequent secondary caries, marginal staining, restoration displacement, tooth fracture, and/or post-operative sensitivity are clinical drawbacks of resin-composite applications. The aim of the current paper is to present an overview about the shrinkage stresses created during resin-composite applications, consequences, and advances. The paper is based on results of many researches that are available in the literature. PMID:20948573
Advanced Materials by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization.
Matyjaszewski, Krzysztof
2018-06-01
Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) has been successfully employed for the preparation of various advanced materials with controlled architecture. New catalysts with strongly enhanced activity permit more environmentally benign ATRP procedures using ppm levels of catalyst. Precise control over polymer composition, topology, and incorporation of site specific functionality enables synthesis of well-defined gradient, block, comb copolymers, polymers with (hyper)branched structures including stars, densely grafted molecular brushes or networks, as well as inorganic-organic hybrid materials and bioconjugates. Examples of specific applications of functional materials include thermoplastic elastomers, nanostructured carbons, surfactants, dispersants, functionalized surfaces, and biorelated materials. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Rapid adhesive bonding of advanced composites and titanium
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Stein, B. A.; Tyeryart, J. R.; Hodgest, W. T.
1985-01-01
Rapid adhesive bonding (RAB) concepts utilize a toroid induction technique to heat the adhesive bond line directly. This technique was used to bond titanium overlap shear specimens with 3 advanced thermoplastic adhesives and APC-2 (graphite/PEEK) composites with PEEK film. Bond strengths equivalent to standard heated-platen press bonds were produced with large reductions in process time. RAB produced very strong bonds in APC-2 adherend specimens; the APC-2 adherends were highly resistant to delamination. Thermal cycling did not significantly affect the shear strengths of RAB titanium bonds with polyimide adhesives. A simple ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation process was found promising for evaluating bond quality.
Wetting characteristic of ceramic to water and adhesive resin.
Oh, Won-Suck; Shen, Chiayi; Alegre, Brandon; Anusavice, Kenneth J
2002-12-01
Maximum wetting of ceramic by adhesive resin is required to achieve optimal adhesion of the resin to ceramic. It is unknown whether the adhesion of the resin to the ceramic is affected by the surface topography and wetting by water or the adhesive resin. This study was designed to characterize the effect of surface topography on the wetting of ceramics by water and adhesive resin. Three materials, a veneering ceramic, Eris (ERV), and 2 core ceramics, Empress 1 core ceramic (E1C) and an experimental core ceramic (EXC), were used. Four surface-roughening procedures were used. They included polishing through 1200-grit SiC paper (P), air abrasion with 50 microm Al(2)O(3) (A), etching with 5% hydrofluoric acid gel (E), and a combination of airborne particle abrasion and etching (A/E). Forty bar specimens (15 x 10 x 1.5 mm) were prepared from each material (N=120). Twelve groups of 10 specimens each were prepared for the 4 surface-roughening procedures. Advancing (theta(A)) and receding (theta(R)) contact angles were measured with a CAHN Dynamic Contact Analyzer, on the basis of the Wilhelmy plate technique, with water and adhesive resin. The work of adhesion (W(A)) by the probing media was calculated by use of advancing contact angle data. The data were analyzed by t testing, analysis of variance, and Duncan's tests (alpha=0.05) to determine the statistical significance of differences in the contact angles between ceramic and water or resin as a function of surface roughening. In general, the mean theta(A) values were higher than the mean theta(R) values except for groups of E or A/E specimens with water used as a probing medium. E and A/E treatments yielded the lowest contact angle values, followed by A and P treatments (P<.001). The E1C exhibited the highest mean contact angles, whereas EXC exhibited the lowest mean contact angle except for the theta(R) with resin. The corresponding values for ERV were between those of E1C and EXC except for theta(R) values with resin. The resin medium yielded higher mean contact angles than the water medium for the same surfaces. W(A) ranged from 62.9 to 145.2 mJ/m(2). Within the limitations of this study, etching or a combination of air abrasion and etching were comparably effective in increasing the surface area for bonding. The most wettable surface as measured by the resin medium was EXC, followed by ERV and E1C.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Zimmerman, R. S.; Adams, D. F.; Walrath, D. E.
1984-01-01
One untoughened epoxy baseline resin and three toughened epoxy resin systems were evaluated. The Hercules 3502, 2220-1, and 2220-3, and Ciba-Geigy Fibredux 914 resin systems were supplied in the uncured state by NASA-Langley and cast into thin flat specimens and round dogbone specimens. Tensile and torsional shear measurements were performed at three temperatures and two moisture conditions. Coefficients of thermal expansion and moisture expansion were also measured. Extensive scanning electron microscopic examination of fracture surfaces was performed to permit the correlation of observed failure modes with the environmental conditions under which the various specimens were tested. A micromechanics analysis was used to predict the unidirectional composite response under the various test conditions, incorporating the neat resin experimental results as the required input data. The mechanical and physical test results, the scanning electron microscope observations, and the analytical predictions were then correlated.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Zimmerman, R. S.; Adams, D. F.; Walrath, D. E.
1984-01-01
A detailed evaluation of one untoughened epoxy baseline resin and three toughened epoxy resin systems was performed. The Hercules 3502, 2220-1, and 2220-3, and Ciba-Geigy Fibredux 914 resin systems were supplied in the uncured state by NASA-Langley and cast into thin flat specimens and round dogbone specimens. Tensile and torsional shear measurements were performed at three temperatures and two moisture conditions. Coefficients of thermal expansion and moisture expansion were also measured. Extensive scanning electron microscopic examination of fracture surfaces was performed, to permit the correlation of observed failure modes with the environmental conditions under which the various specimens were tested. A micromechanics analysis was used to predict the unidirectional composite response under the various test conditions, using the neat resin experimental results as the required input data. Mechanical and physical test results, the scanning electron microscope observations, and the analytical predictions were then correlated.
Imprinting of confining sites for cell cultures on thermoplastic substrates
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Cone, C. D.; Fleenor, E. N.
1969-01-01
Prevention of test cell migration beyond the field of observation involves confining cells or cultures in microlagoons made in either a layer of grease or a thermoplastic substrate. Thermoplastic films or dishes are easily imprinted with specifically designed patterns of microlagoons.
Resin transfer molding for advanced composite primary aircraft structures
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Markus, Alan; Palmer, Ray
1991-01-01
Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) has been identified by Douglas Aircraft Company (DAC) and industry to be one of the promising processes being developed today which can break the cost barrier of implementing composite primary structures into a commercial aircraft production environment. The RTM process developments and scale-up plans Douglas Aircrart will be conducting under the NASA ACT contract are discussed.
Chapter 8: Soy Properties and Soy Wood Adhesives
Charles R. Frihart; Michael J. Birkeland
2014-01-01
Soy flour has been used for many years as a wood adhesive. Rapid development of petroleum-based infrastructure coupled with advancement of synthetic resin technology resulted in waning usage since the early 1960s. Discovery of using polyamidoamineâepichlorohydrin (PAE) resin as a co-reactant has been effective in increasing the wet bond strength of soy adhesives and...
Assessment of damage in 'green' composites
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Malinowski, Paweł H.; Ostachowicz, Wiesław M.; Touchard, Fabienne; Boustie, Michel; Chocinski-Arnault, Laurence; Pascual Gonzalez, Pedro; Berthe, Laurent; de Vasconcellos, Davi; Sorrentino, Luigi
2017-04-01
The behaviour of eco-composites, when subjected to laser or mechanical impact loadings, is not well known yet. A research was proposed looking at the behaviour of `green' and synthetic composites under impact loading. The study was focused on composites reinforced with short, medium and long fibres. Short fibre composites were made of spruce fibres and ABS. The fibres were used both as received and after a thermal treatment. Another set of samples was made of 60 mm-long flax fibres. Two types of thermoplastic polymers were used as matrices: polypropylene and polylactide. Also a woven eco-composite was investigated. It was made of plain woven hemp fabric impregnated with epoxy resin. A fully synthetic woven composite, used as reference laminate for comparison with `green' composites, was prepared by using a plain weave woven glass fabric impregnated with epoxy resin. Mechanical impacts were performed by means of a falling dart impact testing machine. The specimens were tested at different impact energy levels (from 1J to 5J) by keeping constant the mass of the impactor and varying the drop height. Laser impact tests were performed by means of a high power laser shock facility. All the samples were tested at six different laser shock intensities, keeping constant the shock diameter and the pulse duration. Six assessment techniques were employed in order to analyse and compare impact damages: eye observation, back face relief, terahertz spectroscopy, laser vibrometry, X-ray micro-tomography and microscopic observations. Different damage detection thresholds for each material and technique were obtained.
Mussel-mimetic, bioadhesive polymers from plant-derived materials.
Hiraishi, Noriko; Kaneko, Daisaku; Taira, Shu; Wang, Siqian; Otsuki, Masayuki; Tagami, Junji
2015-02-01
Mussel-mimetic, bioadhesive polymers are synthesized from plant-derived sources. The strong adhesive action is caused by interactions between the catechol groups at the end of the polymer terminal chains and the substrate surface. Here, we present a preliminary study of the adhesion properties and a discussion of the adhesion mechanism. Two bioadhesive polymers were synthesized from natural plant-derived monomers by the transesterification of: (a) caffeic acid (3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid; DHCA) and p-coumaric acid (4-hydroxycinnamic acid; 4HCA) to produce poly(DHCA-co-4HCA); and (b) 4-dihydroxyhydrocinnamic acid (DHHCA) and 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid (3HPPA) to produce poly(DHHCA-co-3HPPA). Thermoplastic poly(DHCA-co-4HCA) or poly(DHHCA-co-3HPPA) was placed between glass, carbon, steel, or bovine dentin substrates, and a lap shear adhesion test was conducted to compare them using conventional cyanoacrylate glue and epoxy resin. The greatest adhesion for all tested substrates was exhibited by poly(DHHCA-co-3HPPA), followed by epoxy resin adhesive, poly(DHCA-co-4HCA), and cyanoacrylate adhesive. The adhesive strength of poly(DHHCA-co-3HPPA) was greater than 25.6 MPa for glass, 29.6 MPa for carbon, 15.7 MPa for steel, and 16.3 MPA for bovine dentin. The adhesion of poly(DHHCA-co-3HPPA) might be the strongest reported for a mussel-mimic adhesive system, and could be a feasible alternative to petroleum adhesives. © 2013 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Guynn, E. Gail; Bradley, Walter L.
1989-01-01
An understanding was developed of the factors that determine the semi-circular edge-notched compressive strength and the associated failure mode(s) were identified of thermoplastic composite laminates with multidirectional stacking sequences. The experimental observations and the detailed literature review suggest at least four factors that affected the determination of the strain levels at which fiber microbuckling initiates and thus, partially control the composite's compression strength. The dependent variables studied are the compressive strength of a reduced gage section compression specimen and the compression strength of a compression specimen with two semi-circular edge notches (no opposite free edges) centered along the gage section. In this research, specimens containing two semi-circular edge notches (no opposite free edges) were loaded in compression at a relatively slow rate to provide more stable development of fiber microbuckling damage. The results indicate that the local constraints (free surfaces, supporting ply orientation, and resin-rich regions) significantly affect the strain level for the initiation of in-plane fiber microbuckling. Preliminary results at an elevated temperature, 77 C, showed the shear stress yield strength of the resin was reduced and consequently, the resistance to fiber microbuckling was also reduced. The finite element analysis of the perfectly straight fiber problem indicates that the free surface effect causes a 10 percent reduction in the critical buckling strain. However, the experimentally measured reduction for fibers with an initial fiber curvature, was 35 percent.
Thermoplastic-carbon fiber hybrid yarn
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Ketterer, M. E.
1984-01-01
Efforts were directed to develop processing methods to make carbon fiber/thermoplastic fiber preforms that are easy to handle and drapeable, and to consolidate them into low void content laminates. The objectives were attained with the development of the hybrid yarn concept; whereby, thermoplastic fiber can be intimately intermixed with carbon fiber into a hybrid yarn. This was demonstrated with the intermixing of Celion 3000 with a Celanese liquid crystal polymer fiber, polybutylene terepthalate fiber, or polyetheretherketone fiber. The intermixing of the thermoplastic matrix fiber and the reinforcing carbon fiber gives a preform that can be easily fabricated into laminates with low void content. Mechanical properties of the laminates were not optimized; however, initial results indicated properties typical of a thermoplastic/carbon fiber composites prepared by more conventional methods.
Multi-scale thermal stability of a hard thermoplastic protein-based material
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Latza, Victoria; Guerette, Paul A.; Ding, Dawei; Amini, Shahrouz; Kumar, Akshita; Schmidt, Ingo; Keating, Steven; Oxman, Neri; Weaver, James C.; Fratzl, Peter; Miserez, Ali; Masic, Admir
2015-09-01
Although thermoplastic materials are mostly derived from petro-chemicals, it would be highly desirable, from a sustainability perspective, to produce them instead from renewable biopolymers. Unfortunately, biopolymers exhibiting thermoplastic behaviour and which preserve their mechanical properties post processing are essentially non-existent. The robust sucker ring teeth (SRT) from squid and cuttlefish are one notable exception of thermoplastic biopolymers. Here we describe thermoplastic processing of squid SRT via hot extrusion of fibres, demonstrating the potential suitability of these materials for large-scale thermal forming. Using high-resolution in situ X-ray diffraction and vibrational spectroscopy, we elucidate the molecular and nanoscale features responsible for this behaviour and show that SRT consist of semi-crystalline polymers, whereby heat-resistant, nanocrystalline β-sheets embedded within an amorphous matrix are organized into a hexagonally packed nanofibrillar lattice. This study provides key insights for the molecular design of biomimetic protein- and peptide-based thermoplastic structural biopolymers with potential biomedical and 3D printing applications.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Moseley, J.; Miller, D.; Shah, Q.-U.-A. S. J.
2011-10-01
Use of thermoplastic materials as encapsulants in photovoltaic (PV) modules presents a potential concern in terms of high temperature creep, which should be evaluated before thermoplastics are qualified for use in the field. Historically, the issue of creep has been avoided by using thermosetting polymers as encapsulants, such as crosslinked ethylene-co-vinyl acetate (EVA). Because they lack crosslinked networks, however, thermoplastics may be subject to phase transitions and visco-elastic flow at the temperatures and mechanical stresses encountered by modules in the field, creating the potential for a number of reliability and safety issues. Thermoplastic materials investigated in this study include PV-grademore » uncured-EVA (without curing agents and therefore not crosslinked); polyvinyl butyral (PVB); thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU); and three polyolefins (PO), which have been proposed for use as PV encapsulation. Two approaches were used to evaluate the performance of these materials as encapsulants: module-level testing and a material-level testing.« less
Tanimoto, Yasuhiro; Nagakura, Manamu; Nishiyama, Norihiro
2018-02-21
The purpose of this study was to investigate the combined effects of fiber loading and pigmentation on the color differences and flexural properties of glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (GFRTPs), for use in non-metal clasp dentures (NMCDs). The GFRTPs consisted mainly of E-glass fibers, a polypropylene matrix, and a coloring pigment: the GFRTPs with various fiber loadings (0, 10, and 20mass%) and pigmentations (0, 1, 2, and 4mass%) were fabricated by using an injection molding. The color differences of GFRTPs were measured based on the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) Lab color system, by comparing with a commercially available NMCD. The flexural properties of GFRTPs were evaluated by using a three-point bending test, according to International Standards Organization (ISO) specification number 20795-1. The visible colors of GFRTPs with pigment contents of 2mass% were acceptable for gingival color, and the glass fibers harmonized well with the resins. The ΔE* values of the GFRTPs with pigment contents of 2mass% obtained by using the CIE Lab system were lowest at all fiber loadings. For GFRTPs with fiber contents of 10 and 20mass% at 2mass% pigment content, these GFRTPs surpassed the ISO 20795-1 specification regarding flexural strength (> 60MPa) and modulus (> 1.5GPa). A combination of the results of color difference evaluation and mechanical examination indicates that the GFRTPs with fiber contents of 10 or 20mass%, and with pigment contents of 2mass% have acceptable esthetic appearance and sufficient rigidity for NMCDs. Copyright © 2018 Japan Prosthodontic Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Continuous fiber thermoplastic prepreg
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Wilson, Maywood L. (Inventor); Johnson, Gary S. (Inventor)
1993-01-01
A pultrusion machine employing a corrugated impregnator vessel to immerse multiple, continuous strand, fiber tow in an impregnating material, and an adjustable metered exit orifice for the impregnator vessel to control the quantity of impregnating material retained by the impregnated fibers, is provided. An adjustable height insert retains transverse rod elements within each depression of the corrugated vessel to maintain the individual fiber tows spread and in contact with the vessel bottom. A series of elongated heating dies, transversely disposed on the pultrusion machine and having flat heating surfaces with radiused edges, ensure adequate temperature exposed dwell time and exert adequate pressure on the impregnated fiber tows, to provide the desired thickness and fiber/resin ratio in the prepreg formed. The prepreg passing through the pulling mechanism is wound on a suitable take-up spool for subsequent use. A formula is derived for determining the cross sectional area opening of the metering device. A modification in the heating die system employs a heated nip roller in lieu of one of the pressure applying flat dies.
Pitel, Mark L
2013-09-01
Despite numerous advances in composite resin technology over the course of many decades, shrinkage behavior and the resultant stresses inherent to direct placed composite restorations continue to challenge clinicians. This overview of composite resins includes a review of their history and development along with a discussion of strategies for reducing polymerization shrinkage. An assessment of the clinical significance of these materials is also provided, including a discussion of the differences between polymerization shrinkage and stress, incremental layering versus bulk placement, and the emergence of lower shrinkage stress monomer chemistry.
Textile composite fuselage structures development
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Jackson, Anthony C.; Barrie, Ronald E.; Chu, Robert L.
1993-01-01
Phase 2 of the NASA ACT Contract (NAS1-18888), Advanced Composite Structural Concepts and Materials Technology for Transport Aircraft Structures, focuses on textile technology, with resin transfer molding or powder coated tows. The use of textiles has the potential for improving damage tolerance, reducing cost and saving weight. This program investigates resin transfer molding (RTM), as a maturing technology for high fiber volume primary structures and powder coated tows as an emerging technology with a high potential for significant cost savings and superior structural properties. Powder coated tow technology has promise for significantly improving the processibility of high temperature resins such as polyimides.
Liquid-Crystal Thermosets, a New Generation of High-Performance Liquid-Crystal Polymers
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dingemans, Theo; Weiser, Erik; Hou, Tan; Jensen, Brian; St. Clair, Terry
2004-01-01
One of the major challenges for NASA's next-generation reusable-launch-vehicle (RLV) program is the design of a cryogenic lightweight composite fuel tank. Potential matrix resin systems need to exhibit a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), good mechanical strength, and excellent barrier properties at cryogenic temperatures under load. In addition, the resin system needs to be processable by a variety of non-autoclavable techniques, such as vacuum-bag curing, resin-transfer molding (RTM), vacuum-assisted resin-transfer molding (VaRTM), resin-film infusion (RFI), pultrusion, and advanced tow placement (ATP). To meet these requirements, the Advanced Materials and Processing Branch (AMPB) at NASA Langley Research Center developed a new family of wholly aromatic liquid-crystal oligomers that can be processed and thermally cross-linked while maintaining their liquid-crystal order. All the monomers were polymerized in the presence of a cross-linkable unit by use of an environmentally benign melt-condensation technique. This method does not require hazardous solvents, and the only side product is acetic acid. The final product can be obtained as a powder or granulate and has an infinite shelf life. The obtained oligomers melt into a nematic phase and do not exhibit isotropization temperatures greater than the temperatures of decomposition (Ti > T(sub dec)). Three aromatic formulations were designed and tested and included esters, ester-amides, and ester-imides. One of the major advantages of this invention, named LaRC-LCR or Langley Research Center-Liquid Crystal Resin, is the ability to control a variety of resin characteristics, such as melting temperature, viscosity, and the cross-link density of the final part. Depending on the formulation, oligomers can be prepared with melt viscosities in the range of 10-10,000 poise (100 rad/s), which can easily be melt-processed using a variety of composite-processing techniques. This capability provides NASA with custom-made matrix resins that meet the required processing conditions for the fabrication of textile composites. Once the resin is in place, the temperature is raised to 375 C and the oligomers are cross-linked into a high-glass-transition-temperature (Tg) nematic network without releasing volatiles. The mechanical properties of the fully crosslinked, composite articles are comparable to typical composites based on commercially available epoxy resins.
Derchi, Giacomo; Vano, Michele; Barone, Antonio; Covani, Ugo; Diaspro, Alberto; Salerno, Marco
2017-05-01
Both direct and indirect techniques are used for dental restorations. Which technique should be preferred or whether they are equivalent with respect to bacterial adhesion is unclear. The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the affinity of bacterial biofilm to dental restorative composite resins placed directly and indirectly. Five direct composite resins for restorations (Venus Diamond, Adonis, Optifil, Enamel Plus HRi, Clearfil Majesty Esthetic) and 3 indirect composite resins (Gradia, Estenia, Signum) were selected. The materials were incubated in unstimulated whole saliva for 1 day. The biofilms grown were collected and their bacterial cells counted. In parallel, the composite resin surface morphology was analyzed with atomic force microscopy. Both bacterial cell count and surface topography parameters were subjected to statistical analysis (α=.05). Indirect composite resins showed significantly lower levels than direct composite resins for bacterial cell adhesion, (P<.001). No significant differences were observed within the direct composite resins (P>.05). However, within the indirect composite resins a significantly lower level was found for Gradia than Estenia or Signum (P<.01). A partial correlation was observed between composite resin roughness and bacterial adhesion when the second and particularly the third-order statistical moments of the composite resin height distributions were considered. Indirect dental restorative composite resins were found to be less prone to biofilm adhesion than direct composite resins. A correlation of bacterial adhesion to surface morphology exists that is described by kurtosis; thus, advanced data analysis is required to discover possible insights into the biologic effects of morphology. Copyright © 2016 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Fiber reinforced engineering plastics
Daniel F. Caulfield; Rodney E. Jacobson; Karl D. Sears; John H. Underwood
2001-01-01
Although natural fiber reinforced commodity thermoplastics have a wide range of nonstructural applications in the automotive and decking industries, there have been few reports of cellulosic fiber-reinforced engineering thermoplastics. The commonly held belief has been that the only thermoplastics amenable to natural-fibre reinforcement are limited to low-melting (...
Double Cantilever Beam and End Notched Flexure Fracture Toughness Testing of Two Composite Materials
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kessler, Jeff A.; Adams, Donald F.
1993-01-01
Two different unidirectional composite materials were provided by NASA Langley Research Center and tested by the Composite Materials Research Group within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wyoming. Double cantilever beam and end notched flexure tests were performed to measure the mode I (crack opening) and mode II (sliding or shear) interlaminar fracture toughness of the two materials. The two composites consisted of IM7 carbon fiber combined with either RP46 resin toughened with special formulation of LaRC IA resin, known as JJS1356; or PES chain extended thermoplastic resin known as JJS1361. Double Cantilever Beam Specimen Configuration and Test Methods As received from NASA, the test specimens were nominally 0.5 inch wide, 6 inches long, and 0.2 inch thick. A 1 inch long Kapton insert at the midplane of one end of the specimen (placed during laminate fabrication) facilitated crack initiation and extension. It was noted that the specimens provided were smaller than the nominal 1.5 inch wide, 9.0 inch long configuration specified. Similarly, the Kapton inserts were of greater length than those in the present specimens. Hence, the data below should not be compared directly to those generated with the referenced methods. No preconditioning was performed on the specimens prior to testing. In general, the methodology was used for the present work. Crack opening loads were introduced to the specimens via piano hinges attached to the main specimen faces at a single end of each specimen. Hinges were bolted to the specimens using the technique presented. The cracks were extended a small distance from the end of the Kapton insert prior to testing. Just before precracking, the sides of the specimens were coated with water-soluble typewriter correction fluid to aid in crack visualization. Scribe marks were then made in the coating at half-inch intervals.
Lithner, Delilah; Larsson, Ake; Dave, Göran
2011-08-15
Plastics constitute a large material group with a global annual production that has doubled in 15 years (245 million tonnes in 2008). Plastics are present everywhere in society and the environment, especially the marine environment, where large amounts of plastic waste accumulate. The knowledge of human and environmental hazards and risks from chemicals associated with the diversity of plastic products is very limited. Most chemicals used for producing plastic polymers are derived from non-renewable crude oil, and several are hazardous. These may be released during the production, use and disposal of the plastic product. In this study the environmental and health hazards of chemicals used in 55 thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers were identified and compiled. A hazard ranking model was developed for the hazard classes and categories in the EU classification and labelling (CLP) regulation which is based on the UN Globally Harmonized System. The polymers were ranked based on monomer hazard classifications, and initial assessments were made. The polymers that ranked as most hazardous are made of monomers classified as mutagenic and/or carcinogenic (category 1A or 1B). These belong to the polymer families of polyurethanes, polyacrylonitriles, polyvinyl chloride, epoxy resins, and styrenic copolymers. All have a large global annual production (1-37 million tonnes). A considerable number of polymers (31 out of 55) are made of monomers that belong to the two worst of the ranking model's five hazard levels, i.e. levels IV-V. The polymers that are made of level IV monomers and have a large global annual production (1-5 million tonnes) are phenol formaldehyde resins, unsaturated polyesters, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, and urea-formaldehyde resins. This study has identified hazardous substances used in polymer production for which the risks should be evaluated for decisions on the need for risk reduction measures, substitution, or even phase out. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Aerogel/polymer composite materials
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Williams, Martha K. (Inventor); Smith, Trent M. (Inventor); Fesmire, James E. (Inventor); Roberson, Luke B. (Inventor); Clayton, LaNetra M. (Inventor)
2010-01-01
The invention provides new composite materials containing aerogels blended with thermoplastic polymer materials at a weight ratio of aerogel to thermoplastic polymer of less than 20:100. The composite materials have improved thermal insulation ability. The composite materials also have better flexibility and less brittleness at low temperatures than the parent thermoplastic polymer materials.
Aerogel / Polymer Composite Materials
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Smith, Trent M. (Inventor); Clayton, LaNetra M. (Inventor); Fesmire, James E. (Inventor); Williams, Martha K. (Inventor); Roberson, Luke B. (Inventor)
2017-01-01
The invention provides new composite materials containing aerogels blended with thermoplastic polymer materials at a weight ratio of aerogel to thermoplastic polymer of less than 20:100. The composite materials have improved thermal insulation ability. The composite materials also have better flexibility and less brittleness at low temperatures than the parent thermoplastic polymer materials.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Rogers, J. W.
1975-01-01
The results of an experimental investigation on recording information on thermoplastic are given. A description was given of a typical fabrication configuration, the recording sequence, and the samples which were examined. There are basically three configurations which can be used for the recording of information on thermoplastic. The most popular technique uses corona which furnishes free charge. The necessary energy for deformation is derived from a charge layer atop the thermoplastic. The other two techniques simply use a dc potential in place of the corona for deformation energy.
Advanced Airframe Structural Materials: A Primer and Cost Estimating Methodology
1991-01-01
laying machines for larger, mildly con- toured parts such as wing and stabilizer skins. For such parts, automated tape laying machines can operate many...heat guns (90-130°F). However, thermoplastics require as much as 650°F for forming. Automated tape laying machines for these materials use warm...cycles to properly seat the plies onto the tool. This time-consuming process can sometimes be eliminated or reduced by the use of automated tape laying procedures
Nguyen, Huy Bang; Thai, Truc Quynh; Saitoh, Sei; Wu, Bao; Saitoh, Yurika; Shimo, Satoshi; Fujitani, Hiroshi; Otobe, Hirohide; Ohno, Nobuhiko
2016-01-01
Recent advances in serial block-face imaging using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have enabled the rapid and efficient acquisition of 3-dimensional (3D) ultrastructural information from a large volume of biological specimens including brain tissues. However, volume imaging under SEM is often hampered by sample charging, and typically requires specific sample preparation to reduce charging and increase image contrast. In the present study, we introduced carbon-based conductive resins for 3D analyses of subcellular ultrastructures, using serial block-face SEM (SBF-SEM) to image samples. Conductive resins were produced by adding the carbon black filler, Ketjen black, to resins commonly used for electron microscopic observations of biological specimens. Carbon black mostly localized around tissues and did not penetrate cells, whereas the conductive resins significantly reduced the charging of samples during SBF-SEM imaging. When serial images were acquired, embedding into the conductive resins improved the resolution of images by facilitating the successful cutting of samples in SBF-SEM. These results suggest that improving the conductivities of resins with a carbon black filler is a simple and useful option for reducing charging and enhancing the resolution of images obtained for volume imaging with SEM. PMID:27020327
Resin-composite blocks for dental CAD/CAM applications.
Ruse, N D; Sadoun, M J
2014-12-01
Advances in digital impression technology and manufacturing processes have led to a dramatic paradigm shift in dentistry and to the widespread use of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) in the fabrication of indirect dental restorations. Research and development in materials suitable for CAD/CAM applications are currently the most active field in dental materials. Two classes of materials are used in the production of CAD/CAM restorations: glass-ceramics/ceramics and resin composites. While glass-ceramics/ceramics have overall superior mechanical and esthetic properties, resin-composite materials may offer significant advantages related to their machinability and intra-oral reparability. This review summarizes recent developments in resin-composite materials for CAD/CAM applications, focusing on both commercial and experimental materials. © International & American Associations for Dental Research.
Chemoviscosity modeling for thermosetting resin systems, 4
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hou, T. H.; Huang, Joan Y. Z.
1989-01-01
An experimental study on the changes of chemorheological properties has been conducted and analyzed on commercial Hercules 3501-6 resin system cured under several isothermal conditions between 375 and 435 K. For the cure temperatures equal to or greater than 385 K, the storage modulus curing curves, G prime (t), exhibited abrupt changes in slope which occurred at various times depending on the curing temperatures and were attributed to the onset of gelation reactions. The crossover points between G prime (t) and G double prime (t) curves were observed for curing temperatures equal to or greater than 400 K. The gelation and the crossover points obtained from the chemorheological measurements, therefore, defined two characteristic resin states during cure. Approximately the same value for the degree of cure was reached by the advancement of the reaction at each of these states. The temperature dependency of the viscosities for the characteristic resin states and the rate constants of increase in moduli at different stages of curing were analyzed. Various G prime (t) and G double prime (t) isothermal curing curves were also shown to be capable of being superimposed on one another by the principle of time-temperature superposition. The resultant shift factors a sub t(t) and a Eta(T) were shown to follow the Arrhenius type relationship. Values of the activation energy suggested that the reaction kinetics, instead of the diffusion mechanism, was the limiting step in the overall resin advancement for the cure at temperatures equal to or greater than 385 K.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ahn, S. Y.; Lee, N. Y.
2015-07-01
Here, we introduce a solvent-free strategy for bonding various thermoplastic substrates with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) using ultraviolet (UV) irradiation followed by the gas-phase chemical deposition of aminosilane on the UV-irradiated thermoplastic substrates. The thermoplastic substrates were first irradiated with UV for surface hydrophilic treatment and were then grafted with vacuum-evaporated aminosilane, where the alkoxysilane side reacted with the oxidized surface of the thermoplastic substrate. Next, the amine-terminated thermoplastic substrates were treated with corona discharge to oxidize the surface and were bonded with PDMS, which was also oxidized via corona discharge. The two substrates were then hermetically sealed and pressed under atmospheric pressure for 30 min at 60 °C. This process enabled the formation of a robust siloxane bond (Si-O-Si) between the thermoplastic substrate and PDMS under relatively mild conditions using an inexpensive and commercially available UV lamp and Tesla coil. Various thermoplastic substrates were examined for bonding with PDMS, including poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), poly(ethyleneterephthalate) (PET) and polystyrene (PS). Surface characterizations were performed by measuring the contact angle and performing x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, and the bond strength was analyzed by conducting various mechanical force measurements such as pull, delamination, leak and burst tests. The average bond strengths for the PMMA-PDMS, PC-PDMS, PET-PDMS and PS-PDMS assemblies were measured at 823.6, 379.3, 291.2 and 229.0 kPa, respectively, confirming the highly reliable performance of the introduced bonding strategy.
Xie, Qiyuan; Zhang, Heping; Ye, Ruibo
2009-07-30
The objective of this work is to quantitatively study the burning characteristics of thermoplastics. A new experimental setup with a T-shape trough is designed. Based on this setup, the loop mechanism between the wall fire and pool fires induced by the melting and dripping of thermoplastic can be well simulated and studied. Additionally, the flowing characteristics of pool fires can also be quantitatively analyzed. Experiments are conducted for PP and PE sheets with different thicknesses. The maximum distances of the induced flowing pool flame in the T-shape trough are recorded and analyzed. The typical fire parameters, such as heat release rates (HRRs), CO concentrations are also monitored. The results show that the softening and clinging of the thermoplastic sheets plays a considerable role for their vertical wall burning. It is illustrated that the clinging of burning thermoplastic sheet may be mainly related with the softening temperatures and the ignition temperatures of the thermoplastics, as well as their viscosity coefficients. Through comparing the maximum distances of flowing flame of induced pool fires in the T-shape trough for thermoplastic sheets with different thicknesses, it is indicated that the pool fires induced by PE materials are easier to flow away than that of PP materials. Therefore, PE materials may be more dangerous for their faster pool fire spread on the floor. These experimental results preliminarily illustrate that this new experimental setup is helpful for quantitatively studying the special burning feature of thermoplastics although further modifications is needed for this setup in the future.
USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database
In the US, wood plastic composites (WPC) represent one of the successful markets for natural fiber-filled thermoplastic composites. The WPC typically use virgin or recycled thermoplastic as the substrate and wood fiber as the filler. A major application of the WPC is in non-structural building appli...
Effects of weathering on color loss of natural fiber thermoplastic composites
R.H. Falk; C. Felton; T. Lundin
2001-01-01
The technology currently exists to manufacture natural fiber thermoplastic composites from recycled materials. Development of commodity-building products from these composites would open up huge markets for waste-based materials in the US. To date, the construction industry has only accepted wood thermoplastic composite lumber (and only for limited applications). In...
Effects of weathering on color loss of natural fiber : thermoplastic composites
Robert H. Falk; Colin Felton; Thomas Lundin
2000-01-01
The technology currently exists to manufacture natural fiber-thermoplastic composites from recycled materials. Development of commodity building products from these composites would open huge markets for waste-based materials in the United States. To date, the construction industry has only accepted wood-thermoplastic composite lumber and only for limited applications...
Non-invasive primate head restraint using thermoplastic masks.
Drucker, Caroline B; Carlson, Monica L; Toda, Koji; DeWind, Nicholas K; Platt, Michael L
2015-09-30
The success of many neuroscientific studies depends upon adequate head fixation of awake, behaving animals. Typically, this is achieved by surgically affixing a head-restraint prosthesis to the skull. Here we report the use of thermoplastic masks to non-invasively restrain monkeys' heads. Mesh thermoplastic sheets become pliable when heated and can then be molded to an individual monkey's head. After cooling, the custom mask retains this shape indefinitely for day-to-day use. We successfully trained rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) to perform cognitive tasks while wearing thermoplastic masks. Using these masks, we achieved a level of head stability sufficient for high-resolution eye-tracking and intracranial electrophysiology. Compared with traditional head-posts, we find that thermoplastic masks perform at least as well during infrared eye-tracking and single-neuron recordings, allow for clearer magnetic resonance image acquisition, enable freer placement of a transcranial magnetic stimulation coil, and impose lower financial and time costs on the lab. We conclude that thermoplastic masks are a viable non-invasive form of primate head restraint that enable a wide range of neuroscientific experiments. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Jumaidin, R; Sapuan, S M; Jawaid, M; Ishak, M R; Sahari, J
2016-08-01
The aim of this work is to study the behavior of biodegradable sugar palm starch (SPS) based thermoplastic containing agar in the range of 10-40wt%. The thermoplastics were melt-mixed and then hot pressed at 140°C for 10min. SEM investigation showed good miscibility between SPS and agar. FT-IR analysis confirmed that SPS and agar were compatible and inter-molecular hydrogen bonds existed between them. Incorporation of agar increased the thermoplastic starch tensile properties (Young's modulus and tensile strength). The thermal stability and moisture uptake increased with increasing agar content. The present work shows that starch-based thermoplastics with 30wt% agar content have the highest tensile strength. Higher content of agar (40wt%) resulted to more rough cleavage fracture and slight decrease in the tensile strength. In conclusion, the addition of agar improved the thermal and tensile properties of thermoplastic SPS which widened the potential application of this eco-friendly material. The most promising applications for this eco-friendly material are short-life products such as packaging, container, tray, etc. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
A review of recent developments in joining high-performance thermoplastic composites
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cole, K. C.
1991-06-01
There is currently a great deal of interest in the use of thermoplastic polymers as matrices in fiber reinforced composites for high performance applications, such as those encountered in the aerospace industry. These materials include polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyphenylene sulphide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), polyamideimide (PAI), polyamides, polyimides, and polysulphones. A literature review is provided on the different ways of joining high performance thermoplastic composites by adhesive and fusion bonding. The discussion on adhesive bonding includes examination of the performance of specific adhesive/thermoplastic combinations and of techniques for the preparation of composite surfaces: abrasion, etching, flame, and plasma treatments. Thermoplastic composite welding techniques discussed in depth include the following: heated press welding, resistance welding, induction welding, and ultrasonic welding. Works which examine or compare applications for these bonding techniques are also reviewed.
Thermoplastic coating of carbon fibers
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Edie, D. D.; Lickfield, G. C.; Drews, M. J.; Ellison, M. S.; Gantt, B. W.
1989-01-01
A process is being developed which evenly coats individual carbon fibers with thermoplastic polymers. In this novel, continuous coating process, the fiber tow bundle is first spread cover a series of convex rollers and then evenly coated with a fine powder of thermoplastic matrix polymer. Next, the fiber is heated internally by passing direct current through the powder coated fiber. The direct current is controlled to allow the carbon fiber temperature to slightly exceed the flow temperature of the matrix polymer. Analysis of the thermoplastic coated carbon fiber tows produced using this continuous process indicates that 30 to 70 vol pct fiber prepregs can be obtained.
Consolidation modelling for thermoplastic composites forming simulation
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Xiong, H.; Rusanov, A.; Hamila, N.; Boisse, P.
2016-10-01
Pre-impregnated thermoplastic composites are widely used in the aerospace industry for their excellent mechanical properties, Thermoforming thermoplastic prepregs is a fast manufacturing process, the automotive industry has shown increasing interest in this manufacturing processes, in which the reconsolidation is an essential stage. The model of intimate contact is investigated as the consolidation model, compression experiments have been launched to identify the material parameters, several numerical tests show the influents of the temperature and pressure applied during processing. Finally, a new solid-shell prismatic element has been presented for the simulation of consolidation step in the thermoplastic composites forming process.
FTIR Monitoring Of Curing Of Composites
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Druy, Mark A.; Stevenson, William A.; Young, Philip R.
1990-01-01
Infrared-sensing optical fiber system developed to monitor principal infrared absorption bands resulting from vibrations of atoms and molecules as chemical bonds form when resin cured. System monitors resin chemistry more directly. Used to obtain Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum from graphite fiber/polyimide matrix resin prepreg. Embedded fiber optic FTIR sensor used to indicate state of cure of thermosetting composite material. Developed primarily to improve quality of advanced composites, many additional potential applications exist because principal of operation applicable to all organic materials and most inorganic gases. Includes monitoring integrities of composite materials in service, remote sensing of hazardous materials, and examination of processes in industrial reactors and furnaces.
Kohda, Naohisa; Iijima, Masahiro; Muguruma, Takeshi; Brantley, William A; Ahluwalia, Karamdeep S; Mizoguchi, Itaru
2013-05-01
To measure the forces delivered by thermoplastic appliances made from three materials and investigate effects of mechanical properties, material thickness, and amount of activation on orthodontic forces. Three thermoplastic materials, Duran (Scheu Dental), Erkodur (Erkodent Erich Kopp GmbH), and Hardcast (Scheu Dental), with two different thicknesses were selected. Values of elastic modulus and hardness were obtained from nanoindentation measurements at 28°C. A custom-fabricated system with a force sensor was employed to obtain measurements of in vitro force delivered by the thermoplastic appliances for 0.5-mm and 1.0-mm activation for bodily tooth movement. Experimental results were subjected to several statistical analyses. Hardcast had significantly lower elastic modulus and hardness than Duran and Erkodur, whose properties were not significantly different. Appliances fabricated from thicker material (0.75 mm or 0.8 mm) always produced significantly greater force than those fabricated from thinner material (0.4 mm or 0.5 mm). Appliances with 1.0-mm activation produced significantly lower force than those with 0.5-mm activation, except for 0.4-mm thick Hardcast appliances. A strong correlation was found between mechanical properties of the thermoplastic materials and force produced by the appliances. Orthodontic forces delivered by thermoplastic appliances depend on the material, thickness, and amount of activation. Mechanical properties of the polymers obtained by nanoindentation testing are predictive of force delivery by these appliances.
Processing Science of Epoxy Resin Composites
1984-01-15
3 2.2 LAMINATE FABRICATION 30 2.2.1 Baseline Laminate Fabrication 30 2.2.2 Large Laminate Fabrication 36 2.3 DIFFUSIVITY AND SOLUBILITY...Thick Laminate 42 28 Baseline Cure Cycle With Specimen Advancement Levels 45 29 Composite Panel Fabrication 47 30 Composite Panel Fabrication 48 31...first change was the elimination of the different 1 resin formulations and concentration on the normal or baseline 5208/T300 prepreg as produced by
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Marchello, Joseph M.
1992-01-01
The preparation is reported of carbon fiber composites using advanced polymer resins. Current and ongoing research activities include: powder towpreg process; weaving, braiding and stitching dry powder prepreg; advanced tow placement; and customized ATP towpreg. The goal of these studies is to produce advanced composite materials for automated part fabrication using textile and robotics technology in the manufacture of subsonic and supersonic aircraft.
1993-02-11
aged for 14 days at 120OF and 95% relative humidity (hot and humid ). After... aging tests indicate, Uralane 5774-A/B is not adversely affected by hot and humid environments . In fact, in many cases, mechanical strengths improved...Presently included in these industrially important thermoplastics are the poly (arylene ether ketone )s (PEKs) and poly (arylene ether sulfone)s (PESs). Poly
Manufacturing Aspects of Advanced Polymer Composites for Automotive Applications
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Friedrich, Klaus; Almajid, Abdulhakim A.
2013-04-01
Composite materials, in most cases fiber reinforced polymers, are nowadays used in many applications in which light weight and high specific modulus and strength are critical issues. The constituents of these materials and their special advantages relative to traditional materials are described in this paper. Further details are outlined regarding the present markets of polymer composites in Europe, and their special application in the automotive industry. In particular, the manufacturing of parts from thermoplastic as well as thermosetting, short and continuous fiber reinforced composites is emphasized.
Hearon, Keith; Besset, Celine J.; Lonnecker, Alexander T.; Ware, Taylor; Voit, Walter E.; Wilson, Thomas S.; Wooley, Karen L.; Maitland, Duncan J.
2014-01-01
The synthetic design and thermomechanical characterization of shape memory polymers (SMPs) built from a new polyurethane chemistry that enables facile, bulk and tunable cross-linking of low-molecular weight thermoplastics by electron beam irradiation is reported in this study. SMPs exhibit stimuli-induced geometry changes and are being proposed for applications in numerous fields. We have previously reported a polyurethane SMP system that exhibits the complex processing capabilities of thermoplastic polymers and the mechanical robustness and tunability of thermomechanical properties that are often characteristic of thermoset materials. These previously reported polyurethanes suffer practically because the thermoplastic molecular weights needed to achieve target cross-link densities severely limit high-throughput thermoplastic processing and because thermally unstable radiation-sensitizing additives must be used to achieve high enough cross-link densities to enable desired tunable shape memory behavior. In this study, we demonstrate the ability to manipulate cross-link density in low-molecular weight aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane SMPs (Mw as low as ~1.5 kDa) without radiation-sensitizing additives by incorporating specific structural motifs into the thermoplastic polymer side chains that we hypothesized would significantly enhance susceptibility to e-beam cross-linking. A custom diol monomer was first synthesized and then implemented in the synthesis of neat thermoplastic polyurethane SMPs that were irradiated at doses ranging from 1 to 500 kGy. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) demonstrated rubbery moduli to be tailorable between 0.1 and 55 MPa, and both DMA and sol/gel analysis results provided fundamental insight into our hypothesized mechanism of electron beam cross-linking, which enables controllable bulk cross-linking to be achieved in highly processable, low-molecular weight thermoplastic shape memory polymers without sensitizing additives. PMID:25411511
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nji, Jones; Li, Guoqiang
2012-02-01
The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential of a shape-memory-polymer (SMP)-based particulate composite to heal structural-length scale damage with small thermoplastic additive contents through a close-then-heal (CTH) self-healing scheme that was introduced in a previous study (Li and Uppu 2010 Comput. Sci. Technol. 70 1419-27). The idea is to achieve reasonable healing efficiencies with minimal sacrifice in structural load capacity. By first closing cracks, the gap between two crack surfaces is narrowed and a lesser amount of thermoplastic particles is required to achieve healing. The particulate composite was fabricated by dispersing copolyester thermoplastic particles in a shape memory polymer matrix. It is found that, for small thermoplastic contents of less than 10%, the CTH scheme followed in this study heals structural-length scale damage in the SMP particulate composite to a meaningful extent and with less sacrifice of structural capacity.
Rueggeberg, Frederick A.; Niu, Li-na; Mettenberg, Donald; Yiu, Cynthia K. Y.; Blizzard, John D.; Wu, Christine D.; Mao, Jing; Drisko, Connie L.; Pashley, David H.; Tay, Franklin R.
2012-01-01
Global increase in patients seeking orthodontic treatment creates a demand for the use of acrylic resins in removable appliances and retainers. Orthodontic removable appliance wearers have a higher risk of oral infections that are caused by the formation of bacterial and fungal biofilms on the appliance surface. Here, we present the synthetic route for an antibacterial and antifungal organically-modified silicate (ORMOSIL) that has multiple methacryloloxy functionalities attached to a siloxane backbone (quaternary ammonium methacryloxy silicate, or QAMS). By dissolving the water-insoluble, rubbery ORMOSIL in methyl methacrylate, QAMS may be copolymerized with polymethyl methacrylate, and covalently incorporated in the pressure-processed acrylic resin. The latter demonstrated a predominantly contact-killing effect on Streptococcus mutans ATCC 36558 and Actinomyces naselundii ATCC 12104 biofilms, while inhibiting adhesion of Candida albicans ATCC 90028 on the acrylic surface. Apart from its favorable antimicrobial activities, QAMS-containing acrylic resins exhibited decreased water wettability and improved toughness, without adversely affecting the flexural strength and modulus, water sorption and solubility, when compared with QAMS-free acrylic resin. The covalently bound, antimicrobial orthodontic acrylic resin with improved toughness represents advancement over other experimental antimicrobial acrylic resin formulations, in its potential to simultaneously prevent oral infections during appliance wear, and improve the fracture resistance of those appliances. PMID:22870322
Development of LaRC (TM): IA thermoplastic polyimide coated aerospace wiring
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Keating, Jack
1995-01-01
NASA Langley has invented LaRC(exp TM) IA and IAX which are thermoplastic polyimides with good melting, thermal and chemical resistance properties. It was the objective of this contract to prepare and extrude LaRC (exp TM) polyimide onto aircraft wire and evaluate the polymers performance in this critical application. Based on rheology and chemical resistance studies at Imitec, LaRC (exp TM) IAX melts readily in an extruder, facilitating the manufacture of thin wall coatings. The polyimide does not corode the extruder, develop gel particles nor advance in viscosity. The insulated wire was tested according to MiL-W-22759E test specifications. The resulting wire coated with LaRC (exp TM) IAX displayed exceptional properties: surface resistance, non blocking, non burning, hot fluid resistance, impulse dielectric, insulation resistance, low temperature flexibility, thermal aging, wire weight, dimensions, negligible high temperature shrinkage and stripability. The light weight and other properties merit its application in satellites, missiles and aircraft applications. The extruded IAX results in a polyimide aircraft insulation without seams, outstanding moisture resistance, continuous lengths and abrasion resistance.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Santare, Michael H.; Pipes, R. Byron; Beaussart, A. J.; Coffin, D. W.; Otoole, B. J.; Shuler, S. F.
1993-01-01
Flexible manufacturing methods are needed to reduce the cost of using advanced composites in structural applications. One method that allows for this is the stretch forming of long discontinuous fiber materials with thermoplastic matrices. In order to exploit this flexibility in an economical way, a thorough understanding of the relationship between manufacturing and component performance must be developed. This paper reviews some of the recent work geared toward establishing this understanding. Micromechanics models have been developed to predict the formability of the material during processing. The latest improvement of these models includes the viscoelastic nature of the matrix and comparison with experimental data. A finite element scheme is described which can be used to model the forming process. This model uses equivalent anisotropic viscosities from the micromechanics models and predicts the microstructure in the formed part. In addition, structural models have been built to account for the material property gradients that can result from the manufacturing procedures. Recent developments in this area include the analysis of stress concentrations and a failure model each accounting for the heterogeneous material fields.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Nicholson, Lee M.; Whitley, Karen S.; Gates, Thomas S.
2001-01-01
Mechanical testing of the elastic and viscoelastic response of an advanced thermoplastic polyimide (LaRC-SI) with known variations in molecular weight was performed over a range of temperatures below the glass transition temperature. The notched tensile strength was shown to be a strong function of both molecular weight and temperature, whereas stiffness was only a strong function of temperature. A critical molecular weight was observed to occur at a weight average molecular weight of M, approx. 22,000 g/mol below which, the notched tensile strength decreases rapidly. This critical molecular weight transition is temperature-independent. Low, molecular weight materials tended to fail in a brittle manner, whereas high molecular weight materials exhibited ductile failure. Furthermore, low molecular weight materials have increased creep compliance and creep compliance rate, and are more sensitive to temperature than the high molecular weight materials. At long timescales (less than 1100 hours) physical aging serves to significantly decrease the creep compliance and creep rate of all the materials tested. Low molecular weight materials are less influenced by the effects of physical aging.
2011-08-01
Kevlar KM2® Style 705 PVB phenolic woven aramid composite was included. A developmental unidirectional thermoplastic aramid fiber, Honeywell...Examining the Relationship Between Ballistic and Structural Properties of Lightweight Thermoplastic Unidirectional Composite Laminates by...Unidirectional Composite Laminates Lionel R. Vargas-Gonzalez, Shawn M. Walsh, and James C. Gurganus Weapons and Materials Research Directorate, ARL
Processable Aromatic Polyimide Thermoplastic Blends
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Baucom, Robert M; Johnston, Norman J.; St. Clair, Terry L.; Nelson, James B.; Gleason, John R.; Proctor, K. Mason
1988-01-01
Method developed for preparing readily-processable thermoplastic polyimides by blending linear, high-molecular-weight, polyimic acid solutions in ether solvents with ultrafine, semicrystalline, thermoplastic polyimide powders. Slurries formed used to make prepregs. Consolidation of prepregs into finsihed composites characterized by excellent melt flow during processing. Applied to film, fiber, fabric, metal, polymer, or composite surfaces. Used to make various stable slurries from which prepregs prepared.
Sub-second thermoplastic forming of bulk metallic glasses by ultrasonic beating
Ma, Jiang; Liang, Xiong; Wu, Xiaoyu; Liu, Zhiyuan; Gong, Feng
2015-01-01
The work proposed a novel thermoplastic forming approach–the ultrasonic beating forming (UBF) method for bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) in present work. The rapid forming approach can finish the thermoplastic forming of BMGs in less than one second, avoiding the time-dependent crystallization and oxidation to the most extent. Besides, the UBF is also proved to be competent in the fabrication of structures with the length scale ranging from macro scale to nano scale. Our results propose a novel route for the thermoplastic forming of BMGs and have promising applications in the rapid fabrication of macro to nano scale products and devices. PMID:26644149
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Fitzer, E.; Jaeger, H.
1988-01-01
The production and characteristics of the carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics polycarbonate and polysulfone are described. The production of prepregs from defined polymer solutions is emphasized along with methods of optimizing the production of compounds. The characteristics of unidirectionally reinforced thermoplastics, such as shear strength, bending strength, and impact resistance are compared with regard to fracture behavior, the influence of intermediate layers, and the behavior under cryogenic conditions and under slightly elevated temperatures. The problem of adhesion between high strength carbon fibers and thermoplastics is examined, taking into account the effect of moisture on the shear strength and the impact resistance.
A Study on New Composite Thermoplastic Propellant
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kahara, Takehiro; Nakayama, Masanobu; Hasegawa, Hiroshi; Katoh, Kazushige; Miyazaki, Shigehumi; Maruizumi, Haruki; Hori, Keiichi; Morita, Yasuhiro; Akiba, Ryojiro
Efforts have been paid to realize a new composite propellant using thermoplastics as a fuel binder and lithium as a metallic fuel. Thermoplastics binder makes it possible the storage of solid propellant in small blocks and to provide propellants blocks into rocket motor case at a quantity needed just before use, which enables the production facility of solid propellant at a minimum level, thus, production cost significantly lower. Lithium has been a candidate for a metallic fuel for the ammonium perchlorate based composite propellants owing to its capability to reduce the hydrogen chloride in the exhaust gas, however, never been used because lithium is not stable at room conditions and complex reaction products between oxygen, nitrogen, and water are formed at the surface of particles and even in the core. However, lithium particles whose surface shell structure is well controlled are rather stable and can be stored in thermoplastics for a long period. Evaluation of several organic thermoplastics whose melting temperatures are easily tractable was made from the standpoint of combustion characteristics, and it is shown that thermoplastics propellants can cover wide range of burning rate spectrum. Formation of well-defined surface shell of lithium particles and its kinetics are also discussed.
Non-invasive primate head restraint using thermoplastic masks
Drucker, Caroline B.; Carlson, Monica L.; Toda, Koji; DeWind, Nicholas K.; Platt, Michael L.
2015-01-01
Background The success of many neuroscientific studies depends upon adequate head fixation of awake, behaving animals. Typically, this is achieved by surgically affixing a head-restraint prosthesis to the skull. New Method Here we report the use of thermoplastic masks to non-invasively restrain monkeys’ heads. Mesh thermoplastic sheets become pliable when heated and can then be molded to an individual monkey’s head. After cooling, the custom mask retains this shape indefinitely for day-to-day use. Results We successfully trained rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) to perform cognitive tasks while wearing thermoplastic masks. Using these masks, we achieved a level of head stability sufficient for high-resolution eye-tracking and intracranial electrophysiology. Comparison with Existing Method Compared with traditional head-posts, we find that thermoplastic masks perform at least as well during infrared eye-tracking and single-neuron recordings, allow for clearer magnetic resonance image acquisition, enable freer placement of a transcranial magnetic stimulation coil, and impose lower financial and time costs on the lab. Conclusions We conclude that thermoplastic masks are a viable non-invasive form of primate head restraint that enable a wide range of neuroscientific experiments. PMID:26112334
Bowman, Sean; Jiang, Qiuran; Memon, Hafeezullah; Qiu, Yiping; Liu, Wanshuang; Wei, Yi
2018-03-01
Thermoplastic towpregs are convenient and scalable raw materials for the fabrication of continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic matrix composites. In this paper, the potential to employ epoxy and styrene-acrylic sizing agents was evaluated for the making of carbon fiber thermoplastic towpregs via a powder-coating method. The protective effects and thermal stability of these sizing agents were investigated by single fiber tensile test and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement. The results indicate that the epoxy sizing agent provides better protection to carbon fibers, but it cannot be used for thermoplastic towpreg processing due to its poor chemical stability at high temperature. The bending rigidity of the tows and towpregs with two styrene-acrylic sizing agents was measured by cantilever and Kawabata methods. The styrene-acrylic sized towpregs show low torque values, and are suitable for further processing, such as weaving, preforming, and winding. Finally, composite panels were fabricated directly from the towpregs by hot compression molding. Both of the composite panels show superior flexural strength (>400 MPa), flexural modulus (>63 GPa), and interlaminar shear strength (>27 MPa), indicating the applicability of these two styrene-acrylic sizing agents for carbon fiber thermoplastic towpregs.
Embedded Heaters for Joining or Separating Plastic Parts
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Bryant, Melvin A., III
2004-01-01
A proposed thermal-bonding technique would make it possible to join or separate thermoplastic parts quickly and efficiently. The technique would eliminate the need for conventional welding or for such conventional fastening components as bolted flanges or interlocking hooks. The technique could be particularly useful in the sign industry (in which large quantities of thermoplastics are used) or could be used to join plastic pipes. A thin sheet of a suitable electrically conductive material would be formed to fit between two thermoplastic parts to be joined (see figure). The electrically conductive sheet and the two parts would be put together tightly, then an electrical current would be sent through the conductor to heat the thermoplastic locally. The magnitude of the current and the heating time would be chosen to generate just enough heat to cause the thermoplastic to adhere to both sides of the electrically conductive sheet. Optionally, the electrically conductive sheet could contain many small holes to provide purchase or to increase electrical resistance to facilitate the generation of heat. After thermal bonding, the electrically conductive sheet remains as an integral part of the structure. If necessary, the electrically conductive sheet can be reheated later to separate the joined thermoplastic parts.
Durability of polymer matrix composites for infrastructure: The role of the interphase
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Verghese, Kandathil Nikhil Eapen
1999-12-01
As fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites find greater use in markets such as civil infrastructure and ground transportation, the expectations placed on these materials are ever increasing. The overall cost and reliability have become the drivers of these high performance materials and have led to the disappearance of resins such as bismaleimides (BMI). cyanate esters and other high performance polyimides and epoxys. In their place polymers, such polyester and vinylester have arisen. The reinforcing fiber scenario has also undergone changes from the high quality and performance assured IM7 and AS4 to cheaper and hybrid systems consisting of both glass and low cost carbon. Manufacturing processes have had their share of changes too with processes such as pultrusion and other mass production techniques replacing hand lay-up and resin transfer molding. All of this has however come with little or no concession on material performance. The motivation of the present research has therefore been to try to improve the properties of these low cost composites by better understanding the constituent materials (fiber and matrix) and the region that lies in-between them namely the interphase. In order to achieve this. working with controls is necessary and the present discourse therefore deals with the AS4 fiber system from Hexcel Corporation and the vinyl ester resin, Derakane 441-400 from The Dow Chemical Company. The following eight chapters sum up the work done thus far on composites made with sized fibers and the above mentioned resin and fiber systems. They are in the form of publications that have either been accepted. submitted or going to be submitted to various peer reviewed journals. The sizings used have been poly(vinylpyrrolidone) PVP and Polyhydroxyether (Phenoxy) thermoplastic polymers and G' an industrial sizing material supplied by Hexcel. A number of issues have been addressed ranging from viscoelastic relaxation to enviro-mechanical durability. Chapter 1 deals with the influence of the sizing material on the fatigue response of cross ply composites made with the help of resin infusion molding. Chapter 2 describes the effects of a controlled set of interphase polymers that have the saine chemical structure but differ from each other in polarity. The importance of the atomic force microscope (AFM) to view and perform nano-indentations on the interphase regions has been demonstrated. Finally, it attempts to tie everything together with the help of the fatigue response of the different composites. Chapter 3 deals only with the vinyl ester resin and examines the influence of network structure on the molecular relaxation behavior (cooperativity) of the glassy polymer. It also tries to make connections between structural features of the glass and fracture toughness as measured in it's glassy state. Chapter 4 extends the results obtained in chapter 3 to examine the cooperativity of pultruded composites made with the different sizings. A correlation between strength and cooperativity is found to exist, with systems having greater cooperativity being stronger. Chapter 5 moves into the area of hygrothermal aging of Derakane 441-400 resin. It looks specifically at identifying a mechanism for the unusual moisture uptake behavior of the polymer subjected to a thermal-spiking environment. This it does by identifying the presence of hydrogen bonding in the resin. Finally, chapters 6 to 8 present experimental and analytical results obtained on PVP K90, Phenoxy and G' sized, AS4/Derakane 411-350 LI vinyl ester composites that were pultruded at Strongwell Inc., on their lab-scale pultruder in Bristol, Virginia.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Keulen, Casey James
Advanced composite materials are becoming increasingly more valuable in a plethora of engineering applications due to properties such as tailorability, low specific strength and stiffness and resistance to fatigue and corrosion. Compared to more traditional metallic and ceramic materials, advanced composites such as carbon, aramid or glass reinforced plastic are relatively new and still require research to optimize their capabilities. Three areas that composites stand to benefit from improvement are processing, damage detection and life prediction. Fiber optic sensors and piezoelectric transducers show great potential for advances in these areas. This dissertation presents the research performed on improving the efficiency of advanced composite materials through the use of embedded fiber optic sensors and surface mounted piezoelectric transducers. Embedded fiber optic sensors are used to detect the presence of resin during the injection stage of resin transfer molding, monitor the degree of cure and predict the remaining useful life while in service. A sophisticated resin transfer molding apparatus was developed with the ability of embedding fiber optics into the composite and a glass viewing window so that resin flow sensors could be verified visually. A novel technique for embedding optical fiber into both 2- and 3-D structures was developed. A theoretical model to predict the remaining useful life was developed and a systematic test program was conducted to verify this model. A network of piezoelectric transducers was bonded to a composite panel in order to develop a structural health monitoring algorithm capable of detecting and locating damage in a composite structure. A network configuration was introduced that allows for a modular expansion of the system to accommodate larger structures and an algorithm based on damage progression history was developed to implement the network. The details and results of this research are contained in four manuscripts that are included in Appendices A-D while the body of the dissertation provides background information and a summary of the results.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kühr, C.; Spörrer, A.; Altstädt, V.
2014-05-01
The production of hard-soft-combinations via multi injection molding gained more and more importance in the last years. This is attributed to different factors. One principle reason is that the use of two-component injection molding technique has many advantages such as cancelling subsequent and complex steps and shortening the process chain. Furthermore this technique allows the combination of the properties of the single components like the high stiffness of the hard component and the elastic properties of the soft component. Because of the incompatibility of some polymers the adhesion on the interface has to be determined. Thereby adhesion is not only influenced by the applied polymers, but also by the injection molding parameters and the characteristics of the mold. Besides already known combinations of thermoplastics with thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), there consists the possibility to apply liquid silicone rubber (LSR) as soft component. A thermoplastic/LSR combination gains in importance due to the specific advantages of LSR to TPE. The faintly adhesion between LSR and thermoplastics is currently one of the key challenges when dealing with those combinations. So it is coercively necessary to improve adhesion between the two components by adding an adhesion promoter. To determine the promoters influence, it is necessary to develop a suitable testing method to investigate e.g. the peel resistance. The current German standard "VDI Richtlinie 2019', which is actually only employed for thermoplastic/TPE combinations, can serve as a model to determine the adhesion of thermoplastic/LSR combinations.
Novel Diels-Alder based self-healing epoxies for aerospace composites
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Coope, T. S.; Turkenburg, D. H.; Fischer, H. R.; Luterbacher, R.; van Bracht, H.; Bond, I. P.
2016-08-01
Epoxy resins containing Diels-Alder (DA) furan and maleimide moieties are presented with the capability to self-heal after exposure to an external heat source. A conventional epoxy amine system has been combined with furfuryl and maleimide functional groups in a two-step process, to avoid major side-reactions, and the concentration of a thermo-reversibly binding cross-linker was considered to balance thermoset and thermoplastic behaviours, and the subsequent self-healing performance. In the context of self-repair technologies an inbuilt ‘intrinsic’ self-healing system is deemed favourable as the healing agent can be placed in known ‘hot spot’ regions (i.e. skin-stringer run outs, ply drops and around drilled holes) where operational damage predominately occurs in load bearing aerospace structures. In this study, the mechanical and self-healing performance of furan functionalised epoxy resins containing varying amounts (10, 20, 30 or 40 pph) of bismaleimide were investigated using a bulk epoxy polymer tapered double cantilever beam test specimen geometry. Two forms, a thin film and a bulk material, were evaluated to account for future integration methods into fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. The highest healing efficiency, with respect to the obtained initial load value, was observed from the 20 pph bulk material derivative. The polymers were successful in achieving consistent multiple (three) healing cycles when heated at 150 °C for 5 min. This novel investigated DA material exhibits favourable processing characteristics for FRP composites as preliminary studies have shown successful coextrution with reinforcing fibres to form free standing films and dry fibre impregnation.
Methods for Preparing Nanoparticle-Containing Thermoplastic Composite Laminates
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Jensen, Brian J. (Inventor); Cano, Roberto J. (Inventor); Gruber, Mark B. (Inventor)
2016-01-01
High quality thermoplastic composites and composite laminates containing nanoparticles and/or nanofibers, and methods of producing such composites and laminates are disclosed. The composites comprise a thermoplastic polymer and a plurality of nanoparticles, and may include a fibrous structural reinforcement. The composite laminates are formed from a plurality of nanoparticle-containing composite layers and may be fused to one another via an automated process.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Welhart, E. K.
1976-01-01
This design note presents typical mechanical properties tabulated from industrial and governmental agencies' test programs. All data are correlated to specific products and all of the best known products are presented. The data include six epoxies, eight polyimides and one polyquinoxaline matrix material. Bron and graphite are the fiber reinforcements. Included are forty-two summaries of advanced (resin matrix) composite programs in existence in the United States. It is concluded that the selection of appropriate matrices, the geometric manner in which the fibers are incorporated in the matrix and the durability of the bond between fiber and matrix establish the end properties of the composite material and the performance of the fabricated structure.
High Temperature Transfer Molding Resins: Status of PETI-298 and PETI-330
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Connell, John W.; Smith, Joseph G., Jr.; Hergenrother, Paul M.; Criss, Jim M.
2003-01-01
Two phenylethynyl terminated oligomers designated PETI-298 and PETI-330 were developed at the NASA Langley Research Center and have emerged as leading candidates for composite applications requiring high temperature performance (i.e. greater than or equal to 288 C for 1000 hours) combined with the ability to be readily processed into composites without the use of an autoclave or complex/lengthy cure or post-cure cycle. These high performance/high temperature composites are potentially useful on advanced aerospace vehicles in structural applications and as aircraft engine components such as inlet frames and compressor vanes. The number designation (i.e. 298, 330) refers to the glass transition temperature in degrees Celsius as determined on neat resin cured for 1 hour at 371 C. The resins are processable by non-autoclave techniques such as resin transfer molding (RTM), vacuum assisted RTM (VARTM) and resin infusion (RI). Both resins exhibit low complex melt viscosities (0.1-10 poise) at 280 C and are stable for greater than or equal to 2 hours at this temperature. Typically, the resins are melted, de-gassed and infused or injected at 280 C and subsequently cured at 371 C for 1-2 hours. Virtually no volatiles are evolved during the cure process. The resin synthesis is straightforward and has been scaled-up to 25 kg batches. The chemistry of PETI-298 and PETI-330 and the RTM AS-4 and T-650 carbon fabric laminate properties, and those of BMI-5270 for comparison, are presented.
Rail Shear and Short Beam Shear Properties of Various 3-Dimensional (3-D) Woven Composites
2016-01-01
the preforms. It is a low- viscosity 2-phased toughened epoxy resin system consisting of part A (resin mixture of diglycidylether epoxy toughener...Delamination resistant laminates by Z-fiber pinning. Composites: Part A. 2005;36:55–64. 6. Clay S, Pommer A. Z-pin stubble technology advanced research...characterization of montmorillonite clay -filled SC-15 epoxy. Materials Letters. 2006;60:869–873. Approved for public release; distribution is
A Study of Agent-Reactive Fabrics for Use in Protective Clothing.
1979-12-01
insoluble state with amino ( urea or melamine - formaldehyde ), phenolic, epoxy, hydroxyl-containing or isocyanate resins , or with inorganic salts. Poly...late 1920’s and early 1930’s of a clothing- impregnating process based on the inpregnant sym-bis-(chloro-2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) urea (CC-2), which...followed by introduction of a plasticizer and final fabric treatment by either impregnation or "wet"-coating processes. More recent advances in resin
Structure Property Relationships of Biobased Epoxy Resins
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Maiorana, Anthony Surraht
The thesis is about the synthesis, characterization, development, and application of epoxy resins derived from sustainable feedstocks such as lingo-cellulose, plant oils, and other non-food feedstocks. The thesis can be divided into two main topics 1) the synthesis and structure property relationship investigation of new biobased epoxy resin families and 2) mixing epoxy resins with reactive diluents, nanoparticles, toughening agents, and understanding co-curing reactions, filler/matrix interactions, and cured epoxy resin thermomechanical, viscoelastic, and dielectric properties. The thesis seeks to bridge the gap between new epoxy resin development, application for composites and advanced materials, processing and manufacturing, and end of life of thermoset polymers. The structures of uncured epoxy resins are characterized through traditional small molecule techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance, high resolution mass spectrometry, and infrared spectroscopy. The structure of epoxy resin monomers are further understood through the process of curing the resins and cured resins' properties through rheology, chemorheology, dynamic mechanical analysis, tensile testing, fracture toughness, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and notched izod impact testing. It was found that diphenolate esters are viable alternatives to bisphenol A and that the structure of the ester side chain can have signifi-cant effects on monomer viscosity. The structure of the cured diphenolate based epoxy resins also influence glass transition temperature and dielectric properties. Incorporation of reactive diluents and flexible resins can lower viscosity, extend gel time, and enable processing of high filler content composites and increase fracture toughness. Incorpora-tion of high elastic modulus nanoparticles such as graphene can provide increases in physical properties such as elastic modulus and fracture toughness. The synthesis of epoxy resins with aliphatic esters in the main chain of the polymer allow for chemical recycling under alkaline conditions and changing the hydrophobicity and access of main chain esters influences the rate of polymer degradation. The thesis further provides strategies and concepts that will allow for future researchers to rapidly understand how to manipulate epoxy resins for specific end uses and supplements current understanding of epoxy curing agents, accelerators, and interactions with fillers.
Frechet, Jean M. J. [Oakland, CA; Svec, Frantisek [Alameda, CA; Rohr, Thomas [Leiden, NL
2008-10-07
A microfluidic device preferably made of a thermoplastic polymer that includes a channel or a multiplicity of channels whose surfaces are modified by photografting. The device further includes a porous polymer monolith prepared via UV initiated polymerization within the channel, and functionalization of the pore surface of the monolith using photografting. Processes for making such surface modifications of thermoplastic polymers and porous polymer monoliths are set forth.
Nicole M. Stark; Laurent M. Matuana
2004-01-01
The use of wood-derived fillers by the thermoplastic industry has been growing, fueled in part by the use of wood-fiberâthermoplastic composites by the construction industry. As a result, the durability of wood-fiberâ thermoplastic composites after ultraviolet exposure has become a concern. Samples of 100% high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and HDPE filled with 50% wood-...
Tough, High-Performance, Thermoplastic Addition Polymers
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Pater, Ruth H.; Proctor, K. Mason; Gleason, John; Morgan, Cassandra; Partos, Richard
1991-01-01
Series of addition-type thermoplastics (ATT's) exhibit useful properties. Because of their addition curing and linear structure, ATT polymers have toughness, like thermoplastics, and easily processed, like thermosets. Work undertaken to develop chemical reaction forming stable aromatic rings in backbone of ATT polymer, combining high-temperature performance and thermo-oxidative stability with toughness and easy processibility, and minimizing or eliminating necessity for tradeoffs among properties often observed in conventional polymer syntheses.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Okuyama, Katsushi; Komatsu, Hisanori; Yamamoto, Hiroko; Pereira, Patricia N. R.; Bedran-Russo, Ana K.; Nomachi, Masaharu; Sato, Takahiro; Sano, Hidehiko
2011-10-01
The use of fluoride for the prevention of caries is based on the transformation of hydroxylapatite to fluoroapatite in the presence of fluoride ions, thereby strengthening tooth structure. Adhesion of dentin and resin composite (tooth-colored restoration material) requires a dentin bonding system, since resin composite is not able to adhere to dentin directly. Demineralization of dentin by acid etching is an important step in the dentin bonding system, however, demineralization also introduces weaknesses in tooth structure. If the demineralized dentin could be strengthened by the application of fluoride, then the dentin-resin composite bond strength might also improve. To test this hypothesis, the present study evaluated the influence of fluoride applications on the strength of the dentin-resin composite bond by (1) tensile strength testing analyses, (2) SEM analyses of tooth structure, and (3) detection of calcium (Ca) and fluorine (F) distribution patterns by micro proton-induced X-ray emission (μ-PIXE) and micro proton-induced gamma-ray emission (μ-PIGE) analyses conducted at the Takasaki Ion Accelerators for Advanced Radiation Application (TIARA) at the Takasaki Advanced Radiation Research Institute (TARRI). In this study, the dentin in extracted human molars was exposed by grinding and the dentin was etched with 35% phosphoric acid. Fluoride was applied at two concentrations, 0.022% (100 ppm F) and 2.21% (10,000 ppm F) NaF solution, for two time periods, 30 and 60 s, prior to bonding the resin composite with the treated dentin. Controls were prepared in the same manner, but without the fluoride application. Bond strength was measured with a micro-tensile testing unit, and the fluorine and calcium distributions at the interface between dentin and resin composite were detected by μ-PIGE and μ-PIXE analysis, respectively. Results indicate that the 10,000 ppm F applications resulted in higher bond strengths than observed in either the 100 ppm F applications or the control group. In addition, PIGE analyses showed high concentrations of fluorine in the hybrid bonding layer of the 10,000 ppm F samples, suggesting that the fluorine contributes to the strength of the dentin-resin composite bond. Detection of fluoroapatite within the hybrid bonding layer suggests that bond strength involves remineralization processes.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Cano, Roberto J.; Loos, Alfred C.; Jensen, Brian J.; Britton, Sean M.; Tuncol, Goker; Long, Kai
2010-01-01
Recent work at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) has concentrated on developing new polyimide resin systems for advanced aerospace applications that can be processed without the use of an autoclave. Polyimide composites are very attractive for applications that require a high strength to weight ratio and thermal stability. Vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) has shown the potential to reduce the manufacturing cost of composite structures. Fiber metal laminates (FML) made via this process with aluminum, glass fabric, and epoxy resins have been previously fabricated at LaRC. In this work, the VARTM process has been refined for epoxy/glass FMLs and extended to the fabrication of FM Ls with titanium/carbon fabric layers and a polyimide system developed at NASA, LARC(TradeMark) PETI-8. Resin flow pathways were introduced into the titanium foils to aid the infiltration of the polyimide resin. Injection temperatures in the range of 250-280 C were required to achieve the necessary VARTM viscosities (<10 Poise). Laminate quality and initial mechanical properties will be presented.
INTEGRATION OF COST MODELS AND PROCESS SIMULATION TOOLS FOR OPTIMUM COMPOSITE MANUFACTURING PROCESS
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Pack, Seongchan; Wilson, Daniel; Aitharaju, Venkat
Manufacturing cost of resin transfer molded composite parts is significantly influenced by the cycle time, which is strongly related to the time for both filling and curing of the resin in the mold. The time for filling can be optimized by various injection strategies, and by suitably reducing the length of the resin flow distance during the injection. The curing time can be reduced by the usage of faster curing resins, but it requires a high pressure injection equipment, which is capital intensive. Predictive manufacturing simulation tools that are being developed recently for composite materials are able to provide variousmore » scenarios of processing conditions virtually well in advance of manufacturing the parts. In the present study, we integrate the cost models with process simulation tools to study the influence of various parameters such as injection strategies, injection pressure, compression control to minimize high pressure injection, resin curing rate, and demold time on the manufacturing cost as affected by the annual part volume. A representative automotive component was selected for the study and the results are presented in this paper« less
Imaging resin infiltration into non-cavitated carious lesions by optical coherence tomography.
Schneider, Hartmut; Park, Kyung-Jin; Rueger, Claudia; Ziebolz, Dirk; Krause, Felix; Haak, Rainer
2017-05-01
Visualisation of the etching process and resin penetration at white spot carious lesions by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The non-cavitated carious lesions (ICDAS code 2) of four visually preselected extracted human molars and premolars were verified as enamel lesions by micro computed tomography (μCT). One region of interest (ROI) per tooth was marked by two drill-holes in occlusal-cervical direction. The lesions were imaged by SD-OCT. Lesions were infiltrated (Icon, DMG) according to the manufacturer's instructions. During each treatment step and after light curing of the infiltrant, the ROIs were imaged again by SD-OCT. Teeth were sectioned through the ROIs and section layers were imaged by scanning electron microscopy in order to compare with the OCT images. The image sequences for etching and infiltration were viewed in time lapse. During the etching process, numerous bubbles formed on the lesion surface. Using OCT, the process of resin penetration into the carious lesion body became visible. The early enamel carious lesion was completely infiltrated by the resin whereas infiltration of the advanced enamel carious lesion was incomplete and inhomogeneous. Resin infiltration can be increased by optimizing the etching process. Optical coherence tomography provides information about the process and degree of resin infiltration. Active acid application before resin infiltration is recommendable. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Mcgrath, J. E.; Lyle, G. D.; Jurek, M. J.; Mohanty, D.; Hedrick, J. C.
1986-01-01
Amine functional poly(arylene ether) sulfones were previously reported. Herein, the chemistry was extended to amorphous poly(arylene ether) ketones because of their higher fracture toughness values, relative to the polysulfones. It was demonstrated that the amino functional oligomers undergo a self-crosslinking reaction at temperatures above about 220 C. This produces an insoluble, but ductile network that has excellent resistance. A ketamine structure hypothesis was proposed and verified using solid state magic angle NMR. In most cases, the water generated upon ketamine formation is too low to produce porosity and solid networks are obtained. The stability of the ketamine networks towards hydrolysis is excellent. The chemistry was further demonstrated to be able to crosslink preformed nonfunctional poly(arylene ether) ketones if a difunctional amine was utilized. This concept has the possibility of greatly improving the creep resistance of thermoplastics. Also, a new technique was developed for converting the amine functional oligomers cleanly into maleimide structures. This method involves reacting maleic anhydride with monomeric aminophenols in the presence of solvent mixtures.
Banatao, Diosdado R.; Pastine, Stefan J.
2018-01-01
An innovative recycling process for thermoset polymer composites developed by Connora Technologies (Hayward, CA, USA) was studied. The process efficacy has already been tested, and it is currently working at the plant level. The main aspect investigated in the present paper was the environmental impact by means of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method. Because of the need to recycle and recover materials at their end of life, the Connora process creates a great innovation in the market of epoxy composites, as they are notoriously not recyclable. Connora Technologies developed a relatively gentle chemical recycling process that induces the conversion of thermosets into thermoplastics. The LCA demonstrated that low environmental burdens are associated with the process itself and, furthermore, impacts are avoided due to the recovery of the epoxy-composite constituents (fibres and matrix). A carbon fibre (CF) epoxy-composite panel was produced through Vacuum Resin Transfer Moulding (VRTM) and afterwards treated using the Connora recycling process. The LCA results of both the production and the recycling phases are reported. PMID:29495571
Numerical simulation of multi-layered textile composite reinforcement forming
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Wang, P.; Hamila, N.; Boisse, P.
2011-05-04
One important perspective in aeronautics is to produce large, thick or/and complex structural composite parts. The forming stage presents an important role during the whole manufacturing process, especially for LCM processes (Liquid Composites Moulding) or CFRTP (Continuous Fibre Reinforcements and Thermoplastic resin). Numerical simulations corresponding to multi-layered composite forming allow the prediction for a successful process to produce the thick parts, and importantly, the positions of the fibres after forming to be known. This paper details a set of simulation examples carried out by using a semi-discrete shell finite element made up of unit woven cells. The internal virtual workmore » is applied on all woven cells of the element taking into account tensions, in-plane shear and bending effects. As one key problem, the contact behaviours of tool/ply and ply/ply are described in the numerical model. The simulation results not only improve our understanding of the multi-layered composite forming process but also point out the importance of the fibre orientation and inter-ply friction during formability.« less
Poling of PVDF matrix composites for integrated structural load sensing
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Haghiashtiani, Ghazaleh; Greminger, Michael A.; Zhao, Ping
2014-03-01
The purpose of this study is to create and evaluate a smart composite structure that can be used for integrated load sensing and structural health monitoring. In this structure, PVDF films are used as the matrix material instead of epoxy resin or other thermoplastics. The reinforcements are two layers of carbon fiber with one layer of Kevlar separating them. Due to the electrical conductivity properties of carbon fiber and the dielectric effect of Kevlar, the structure acts as a capacitor. Furthermore, the piezoelectric properties of the PVDF matrix can be used to monitor the response of the structure under applied loads. In order to exploit the piezoelectric properties of PVDF, the PVDF material must be polarized to align the dipole moments of its crystalline structure. The optimal condition for poling the structure was found by performing a 23 factorial design of experiment (DoE). The factors that were studied in DoE were temperature, voltage, and duration of poling. Finally, the response of the poled structure was monitored by exposing the samples to an applied load.
Solvent resistant thermoplastic aromatic poly(imidesulfone) and process for preparing same
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
St.clair, T. L.; Yamaki, D. A. (Inventor)
1983-01-01
A process for preparing a thermoplastic poly(imidesulfone) is disclosed. This resulting material has thermoplastic properties which are generally associated with polysulfones but not polyimides, and solvent resistance which is generally associated with polyimides but not polysulfones. This system is processable in the 250 to 350 C range for molding, adhesive and laminating applications. This unique thermoplastic poly(imidesulfone) is obtained by incorporating an aromatic sulfone moiety into the backbone of an aromatic linear polyimide by dissolving a quantity of a 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) in a solution of 3,3'-diaminodiphenylsulfone and bis(2-methoxyethyl)ether, precipitating the reactant product in water, filtering and drying the recovered poly(amide-acid sulfone) and converting it to the poly(imidesulfone) by heating.
Process for preparing solvent resistant, thermoplastic aromatic poly(imidesulfone)
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
St.clair, T. L.; Yamaki, D. A. (Inventor)
1984-01-01
A process for preparing a thermoplastic poly(midesulfone) is disclosed. This resulting material has thermoplastic properties which are generally associated with polysulfones but not polyimides, and solvent resistant which is generally associated with polyimides but not polysulfones. This system is processable in the 250 to 350 C range for molding, adhesive and laminating applications. This unique thermoplastic poly(imidesulfone) is obtained by incorporating an aromatic sulfone moiety into the backbone of an aromatic linear polyimide by dissolving a quantity of a 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) in a solution of 3,3'-diaminodiphenylsulfone and bis(2-methoxyethyl)ether, precipitating the reactant product in water, filtering and drying the recovered poly(amide-acid sulfone) and converting it to the poly(imidesulfone) by heating.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Gasch, Matthew J.
2011-01-01
NASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate s (ESMD) Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) Technology Development Project (TDP) and the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate s (ARMD) Hypersonics Project are developing new advanced rigid ablators in an effort to substantially increase reliability, decrease mass, and reduce life cycle cost of rigid aeroshell-based entry systems for multiple missions. Advanced Rigid Ablators combine ablation resistant top layers capable of high heat flux entry and enable high-speed EDL with insulating mass-efficient bottom that, insulate the structure and lower the areal weight. These materials may benefit Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) vendors and may potentially enable new NASA missions for higher velocity returns (e.g. asteroid, Mars). The materials have been thermally tested to 400-450 W/sq cm at the Laser Hardened Materials Evaluation Lab (LHMEL), Hypersonics Materials Evaluation Test System (HyMETS) and in arcjet facilities. Tested materials exhibit much lower backface temperatures and reduced recession over the baseline materials (PICA). Although the EDL project is ending in FY11, NASA in-house development of advanced ablators will continue with a focus on varying resin systems and fiber/resin interactions.
Electrical resistance of CNT-PEEK composites under compression at different temperatures
2011-01-01
Electrically conductive polymers reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have generated a great deal of scientific and industrial interest in the last few years. Advanced thermoplastic composites made of three different weight percentages (8%, 9%, and 10%) of multiwalled CNTs and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) were prepared by shear mixing process. The temperature- and pressure-dependent electrical resistance of these CNT-PEEK composites have been studied and presented in this paper. It has been found that electrical resistance decreases significantly with the application of heat and pressure. PMID:21711952
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Marchello, Joseph M.
1991-01-01
Progress was made on the preparation of carbon fiber composites using advanced polymer resins. Processes reported include powder towpreg process, weaving towpreg made from dry powder prepreg, composite from powder coated towpreg, and toughening of polyimide resin (PMR) composites by semi-interpenetrating networks. Several important areas of polymer infiltration into fiber bundles will be researched. Preparation to towpreg for textile preform weaving and braiding and for automated tow placement is a major goal, as are the continued development of prepregging technology and the various aspects of composite part fabrication.
Adhesion and Interphase Properties of Reinforced Polymeric Composites
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Caldwell, Kyle Bernd
Reinforced polymeric composites are an increasingly utilized material with a wide range of applications. Fiber reinforced polymeric composites, in particular, possess impressive mechanical properties at a fraction of the weight of many other building materials. There will always, however, be a demand for producing lighter, stiffer, and stronger materials. Understanding the mechanism of adhesion and ways to engineer the reinforcement-matrix interphase can lead to the development of new materials with improved mechanical properties, and even impart additional functionality such as electrical conductivity. The performance of reinforced polymeric composites is critically dependent upon the adhesion between the reinforcement and the surrounding polymer. The relative adhesion between a filler and a thermoplastic matrix can be predicted using calculable thermodynamic quantities such as the Gibbs free energy of mixing. A recent model, COSMO-SAC, is capable of predicting the adhesion between organo-silane treated glass surfaces and several thermoplastic materials. COSMO-SAC uses information based on the charge distribution of a molecule's surface to calculate many thermodynamic properties. Density functional theory calculations, which are relative inexpensive computations, generate the information necessary to perform the COSMO-SAC analysis and can be performed on any given molecule. The flexibility of the COSMO-SAC model is one of the main advantages it possesses over other methods for calculating thermodynamic quantities. In many cases the adhesion between a reinforcing fiber and the surrounding matrix may be improved by incorporating interphase modifiers in the vicinity of the fiber surface. The modifiers can improve the fracture toughness and modulus of the interphase, which may improve the stress transfer from the matrix to the fiber. In addition, the interphase modifiers may improve the mechanical interlock between the fiber surface and the bulk polymer, leading to improved adhesion. In recent years, the use of so called "migrating agents" have been used to self-assemble nanoparticle reinforced fiber-matrix interphases in thermosetting resin systems. The inclusion of a modest amount of thermoplastic migrating agent can lead to the formation of a self-assembled interphase, without causing aggregation of nanoparticles in the bulk phase. Formulations containing excess migrating agent, however, can induce aggregation in the bulk of increasing severity with increasing migrating agent concentration. Several techniques were used to study the mechanism by which the migrating agents operate including, scanning electron microscopy, and in situ fluorescence microscopy. The self-assembly mechanism by which migrating agents operate is described well by depletion forces, which are depend on the geometry of the approaching objects, as well as the migrating agent molecular weight and concentration.
Uba, Franklin I; Hu, Bo; Weerakoon-Ratnayake, Kumuditha; Oliver-Calixte, Nyote; Soper, Steven A
2015-02-21
Over the past decade, thermoplastics have been used as alternative substrates to glass and Si for microfluidic devices because of the diverse and robust fabrication protocols available for thermoplastics that can generate high production rates of the desired structures at low cost and with high replication fidelity, the extensive array of physiochemical properties they possess, and the simple surface activation strategies that can be employed to tune their surface chemistry appropriate for the intended application. While the advantages of polymer microfluidics are currently being realized, the evolution of thermoplastic-based nanofluidic devices is fraught with challenges. One challenge is assembly of the device, which consists of sealing a cover plate to the patterned fluidic substrate. Typically, channel collapse or substrate dissolution occurs during assembly making the device inoperable resulting in low process yield rates. In this work, we report a low temperature hybrid assembly approach for the generation of functional thermoplastic nanofluidic devices with high process yield rates (>90%) and with a short total assembly time (16 min). The approach involves thermally sealing a high T(g) (glass transition temperature) substrate containing the nanofluidic structures to a cover plate possessing a lower T(g). Nanofluidic devices with critical feature sizes ranging between 25-250 nm were fabricated in a thermoplastic substrate (T(g) = 104 °C) and sealed with a cover plate (T(g) = 75 °C) at a temperature significantly below the T(g) of the substrate. Results obtained from sealing tests revealed that the integrity of the nanochannels remained intact after assembly and devices were useful for fluorescence imaging at high signal-to-noise ratios. The functionality of the assembled devices was demonstrated by studying the stretching and translocation dynamics of dsDNA in the enclosed thermoplastic nanofluidic channels.
Thermoplastic/Nanotube Composite Fibers
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Haggenmueller, Reto; Fischer, John; Winey, Karen
2000-03-01
A combination of solvent casting and melt mixing methods are used to compound selected thermoplastics with single-wall carbon nanotubes. Subsequently, melt extrusion is used to form thermoplastic-nanotube composite fibers. The structural characteristics are investigated by electron microscopy and x-ray scattering methods. In addition the electrical, thermal and mechanical properties were measured. Correlations are sought between the viscoelastic properties of the compounded materials, the nanotube loading and elongation ratio after spinning, and the properties of the resultant fibers.
Singh, Dilpreet; Schifman, Laura Arabella; Watson-Wright, Christa; Sotiriou, Georgios A; Oyanedel-Craver, Vinka; Wohlleben, Wendel; Demokritou, Philip
2017-05-02
Nano-enabled products are ultimately destined to reach end-of-life with an important fraction undergoing thermal degradation through waste incineration or accidental fires. Although previous studies have investigated the physicochemical properties of released lifecycle particulate matter (called LCPM) from thermal decomposition of nano-enabled thermoplastics, critical questions about the effect of nanofiller on the chemical composition of LCPM still persist. Here, we investigate the potential nanofiller effects on the profiles of 16 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) adsorbed on LCPM from thermal decomposition of nano-enabled thermoplastics. We found that nanofiller presence in thermoplastics significantly enhances not only the total PAH concentration in LCPM but most importantly also the high molecular weight (HMW, 4-6 ring) PAHs that are considerably more toxic than the low molecular weight (LMW, 2-3 ring) PAHs. This nano-specific effect was also confirmed during in vitro cellular toxicological evaluation of LCPM for the case of polyurethane thermoplastic enabled with carbon nanotubes (PU-CNT). LCPM from PU-CNT shows significantly higher cytotoxicity compared to PU which could be attributed to its higher HMW PAH concentration. These findings are crucial and make the case that nanofiller presence in thermoplastics can significantly affect the physicochemical and toxicological properties of LCPM released during thermal decomposition.
Electrode structure for uniform corona discharge
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Gange, R. A.; Steinmetz, C. C.
1976-01-01
Single corona-discharge needle is used to apply uniform charge to thermoplastic medium in holograph-storage system. Needle is connected to flat transparent electrode that is parallel to thermoplastic.
ONeil, Colleen E; Jackson, Joshua M; Shim, Sang-Hee; Soper, Steven A
2016-04-05
We present a novel approach for characterizing surfaces utilizing super-resolution fluorescence microscopy with subdiffraction limit spatial resolution. Thermoplastic surfaces were activated by UV/O3 or O2 plasma treatment under various conditions to generate pendant surface-confined carboxylic acids (-COOH). These surface functional groups were then labeled with a photoswitchable dye and interrogated using single-molecule, localization-based, super-resolution fluorescence microscopy to elucidate the surface heterogeneity of these functional groups across the activated surface. Data indicated nonuniform distributions of these functional groups for both COC and PMMA thermoplastics with the degree of heterogeneity being dose dependent. In addition, COC demonstrated relative higher surface density of functional groups compared to PMMA for both UV/O3 and O2 plasma treatment. The spatial distribution of -COOH groups secured from super-resolution imaging were used to simulate nonuniform patterns of electroosmotic flow in thermoplastic nanochannels. Simulations were compared to single-particle tracking of fluorescent nanoparticles within thermoplastic nanoslits to demonstrate the effects of surface functional group heterogeneity on the electrokinetic transport process.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Devrient, M.; Da, X.; Frick, T.; Schmidt, M.
Laser transmission welding is a well known joining technology for thermoplastics. Because of the needs of lightweight, cost effective and green production thermoplastics are usually filled with glass fibers. These lead to higher absorption and more scattering within the upper joining partner with a negative influence on the welding process. Here an experimental method for the characterization of the scattering behavior of semi crystalline thermoplastics filled with short glass fibers and a finite element model of the welding process capable to consider scattering as well as an analytical model are introduced. The experimental data is used for the numerical and analytical investigation of laser transmission welding under consideration of scattering. The scattering effects of several thermoplastics onto the calculated temperature fields as well as weld seam geometries are quantified.
Nanocellular thermoplastic foam and process for making the same
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Zhu, Lingbo; Costeux, Stephane; Patankar, Kshitish A.
Prepare a thermoplastic polymer foam having a porosity of 70% or more and at least one of: (i) an average cell size of 200 nanometers or less; and (ii) a nucleation density of at least 1.times.1015 effective nucleation sites per cubic centimeter of foamable polymer composition not including blowing agent using a foamable polymer composition containing a thermoplastic polymer selected from styrenic polymer and (meth)acrylic polymers, a blowing agent comprising at least 20 mole-percent carbon dioxide based on moles of blowing agent and an additive having a Total Hansen Solubility Parameter that differs from that of carbon dioxide by lessmore » than 2 and that is present at a concentration of 0.01 to 1.5 weight parts per hundred weight parts thermoplastic polymer.« less
Constitutive modeling of the rheological behavior of platelet suspensions
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sommer, Drew E.
Compression molding of chopped fiber composites is used to manufacture complex 3D geometries with high fiber volume fractions of 50-60% and long, discontinuous fibers and thermoplastic matrices. When prepreg, chopped into platelets, is used as a charge material, the individual platelets remain intact during the molding process and flow relative to one another, as experimental observations show. Heterogeneity of the platelet/resin suspension cannot be considered at the structural scale of molding simulation. Instead, the suspension should be idealized into the homogenized anisotropic and viscous system which obeys the prescribed anisotropic stress-strain rate constitutive relation. The viscosity tensor of the aforementioned constitutive law was analytically evaluated in this work through the representative volume element (RVE) based analysis. An idealized microstructure of platelets was developed to perform such an analysis. The platelets were aligned and arranged in a planar configuration with periodic boundary conditions. Analytic expressions for the effective, anisotropic viscosities were derived by micromechanical analysis for the idealized microstructure of rigid platelets. In this analysis, the load transfer mechanisms and their contribution to the viscosity of the platelet assembly were investigated. The kinematic assumption of linear velocity distributions consistent with the mechanism of shearing rate was adopted. While the platelets were assumed to be rigid, the resin was taken as an incompressible, isotropic fluid which provided for the platelet-to-platelet load transfer. Strain rate and temperature dependence were included by modeling the polymer matrix as a Carreau fluid. Shear strain in the resin was developed due to the relative motion of adjacent platelets. The resin shear strain rate was expressed in terms of the corresponding platelet velocities. Equilibrium of the platelet was used to relate the applied far-field stress to the average strain rate through the viscosity of neat resin and geometric parameters of the RVE constituents. When combined, these parameters defined the effective homogenized viscosities of an anisotropic system equivalent to the platelet/resin suspension. The expressions for the effective viscosities were found to be dependent on the platelet geometry, stack geometry, the platelet volume fraction and the viscosity of neat resin. In this study, the platelet volume fraction was defined as the volume of platelets within the RVE divided by the RVE volume and discriminated from the fiber volume fraction within a platelet. An approach using the "viscous solid analogy'' was developed to leverage structural finite element methods to predict homogenized viscosities of the platelet assembly. A finite element model was constructed to develop a comparison to the analytic expressions for rigid platelets and include the effect of deformation within the platelets. To compare with the analytic expressions, large viscosities were prescribed for the platelet to approximate rigidity. The properties of the deformable platelets were determined by an approach proposed by Pipes and co-workers. The assumption of rigidity was found to be approximate except in the case of elongation along the fiber direction. A laminate analogy was implemented as a homogenization tool to include the effect of orientation on the apparent viscosities of a multi-axial platelet assembly. The aligned platelet suspension was used to predict the `pseudo-ply' properties. Pseudo-laminates, which were assumed to approximate the microstructure, were developed. The effective `pseudo-laminate' viscosities were predicted with classical lamination theory.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Rodrigues, D. A.; Oliveira, A. S. M.; Specht, R. F.; Santana, R. M. C.
2014-05-01
The search for alternative materials that provide reduced costs in manufacturing processes, and the need of to recycle materials normally disposable, it has aroused great interest and much research, with regard to reduction of material consumption due to its high cost and scarcity. Within this focus, this work aims to characterize a thermoplastic composite, whose polymer matrix is polypropylene (PP), and as disperse phase "grinding sludge, GS" from the various machining processes for grinding. After drying and sieving the GS and its subsequent mixing with the thermoplastic resin to prepare the PP/GS composites formulated were 80/20, 70/30, 60/40 w/w. The composite was injected into an injection mold in the form specimen test. The specimens followed the ASTM D638 and ASTM D256 for tensile and impact respectively. Three processing parameters were varied: the content of GS, temperature and injection rate. Each of these variables has three levels: L (low), M (medium) and H (high), making all possible combinations, totaling 27 processing conditions. The experimental conditions followed a statistical design obtained with the software Statgraphics Centurion, where the effects of variables are studied according to their statistical significance. An analysis of MEV and EDS was performed to obtain the characteristics of the "grinding sludge" (geometry and composition). Despite having been sifted, the geometry of the GS was still very rough, with varied shapes and sizes, and even made up a small percentage of abrasive grains. The variable that most influenced the mechanical properties was the content of particulate GS. The values obtained for the maximum tensile strength not behaved in descending order as expected, this may be the effect of small amount of samples tested. The results of the mechanical properties showed that for the elasticity modulus increased with increasing of GS; the values of elongation and impact strength decreased with increasing of GS.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Díez-Pascual, A.; Shuttleworth, P.; Gónzalez-Castillo, E.; Marco, C.; Gómez-Fatou, M.; Ellis, G.
2014-08-01
Novel ternary nanocomposites based on a thermoset (TS) system composed of triglycidyl p-aminophenol (TGAP) epoxy resin and 4,4'-diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS) curing agent incorporating 5 wt% of a semicrystalline thermoplastic (TP), an ethylene/1-octene copolymer, and 0.5 or 1.0 wt% multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been prepared via physical blending and curing. The influence of the TP and the MWCNTs on the curing process, morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of the hybrid nanocomposites has been analyzed. Different morphologies evolved depending on the CNT content: the material with 0.5 wt% MWCNTs showed a matrix-dispersed droplet-like morphology with well-dispersed nanofiller that selectively located at the TS/TP interphase, while that with 1.0 wt% MWCNTs exhibited coarse dendritic TP areas containing agglomerated MWCNTs. Although the cure reaction was accelerated in its early stage by the nanofillers, curing occurred at a lower rate since these obstructed chain crosslinking. The nanocomposite with lower nanotube content displayed two crystallization peaks at lower temperature than that of pure TP, while a single peak appearing at similar temperature to that of TP was observed for the blend with higher nanotube loading. The highest thermal stability was found for TS/TP (5.0 wt%)/MWCNTs (0.5 wt%), due to a synergistic barrier effect of both TP and the nanofiller. Moreover, this nanocomposite displayed the best mechanical properties, with an optimal combination of stiffness, strength and toughness. However, poorer performance was found for TS/TP (5.0 wt%)/MWCNTs (1.0 wt%) due to the less effective reinforcement of the agglomerated nanotubes and the coalescence of the TP particles into large areas. Therefore, finely tuned morphologies and properties can be obtained by adjusting the nanotube content in the TS/TP blends, leading to high-performance hybrid nanocomposites suitable for structural and high-temperature applications.
1989-12-01
Bose, Ohio Appni’-sd for puauc t&cw 189 12 29 023 I [ AFIT /GAE /ENY/ 89D-06 A STUDY OF FAILURE CHARACTERISTICS IN THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE LAMINATES DUE...distribution unlimited I ,I AFIT / GAE / ENY /89D-06 A STUDY OF FAILURE CHARACTERISTICS IN THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE LAMINATES DUE TO AN ECCENTRIC CIRCULAR...the Flight Dynamics Laboratory. Dr. Sandhu provided me with an insight into composite materials, and testing techniques, that will benefit me for a
Semi-interpenetrating polymer network's of polyimides: Fracture toughness
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hansen, Marion Glenn
1988-01-01
The objective was to improve the fracture toughness of the PMR-15 thermosetting polyimide by co-disolving LaRC-TPI, a thermoplastic polyimide. The co-solvation of a thermoplastic into a thermoset produces an interpenetration of the thermoplastic polymer into the thermoset polyimide network. A second research program was planned around the concept that to improve the fracture toughness of a thermoset polyimide polymer, the molecular weight between crosslink points would be an important macromolecular topological parameter in producing a fracture toughened semi-IPN polyimide.
Development and characterization of hybrid thermoplastic composites
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Karkhanis, Priyanka Chandrashekhar
This work is aimed at studying the possibility of using interply hybrid woven thermoplastic semi-pregs in secondary structures in aircrafts at TenCate Advanced Composites, Netherlands and Purdue University. Three different interply hybrids were designed from combination of Cetex(c) carbon-PPS semi-preg, Owen corning's woven glass with PPS sheets and discontinuous chopped Cetex(c) carbon-PPS semi-preg to get desired flexural, out of plane and bearing properties. The design calculations are done based on classical laminate theory and the selection of materials to be used with carbon-PPS was done based on cost and availability. The Hybrid laminate performances are analyzed and compared to the conventional Cetex (c) Carbon-PPS semi-preg laminates. Observations are reported on three point bend test (European standard 2562), four point bend test(ASTM D6415-99) and bearing test (Airbus standards AITM 1-0009) for the laminates and it was found that hybrid laminates show a reduction of 5-10% in bending stiffness, 20-40% reduction in out-of-plane strength and 2-5%reduction in bearing with a cost reduction of 20-30%. The research identifies and documents the different factors responsible for failures and reduction in strength in the Hybrids.
Fiber optic sensor design for chemical process and environmental monitoring
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mahendran, R. S.; Harris, D.; Wang, L.; Machavaram, V. R.; Chen, R.; Kukureka, St. N.; Fernando, G. F.
2007-07-01
Cure monitoring is a term that is used to describe the cross-linking reactions in a thermosetting resin system. Advanced fiber reinforced composites are being used increasingly in a number of industrial sectors including aerospace, marine, sport, automotive and civil engineering. There is a general realization that the processing conditions that are used to manufacture the composites can have a major influence on its hot-wet mechanical properties. This paper is concerned with the design and demonstration of a number of sensor designs for in-situ cure monitoring of a model thermosetting resin system. Simple fixtures were constructed to enable a pair of cleaved optical fibers with a defined gap between the end-faces to be held in position. The resin system was introduced into this gap and the cure kinetics were followed by transmission infrared spectroscopy. A semi-empirical model was used to describe the cure process using the data obtained at different cure temperatures. The same sensor system was used to detect the ingress of moisture in the cured resin system.
In-situ measurement of thermoset resin degree of cure using embedded fiber optic
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Breglio, Giovanni; Cusano, Andrea; Cutolo, Antonello; Calabro, Antonio M.; Cantoni, Stefania; Di Vita, Gandolfo; Buonocore, Vincenzo; Giordano, Michele; Nicolais, Luigi, II
1999-12-01
In this work, a fiber optic sensor based on Fresnel principle is presented. It is used to monitor the variations of the refractive index due to the cure process of an epoxy based resin. These materials are widely used in polymer- matrix composites. The process of thermoset matrix based composite involves mass and heat transfer coupled with irreversible chemical reactions inducing physical changes: the transformation of a fluid resin into a rubber and then into a solid glass. To improve the quality and the reliability of these materials key points are the cure monitoring and the optimization of the manufacturing process. To this aim, the fiber optic embedded sensor has been designed, developed and tested. Preliminary results on sensor capability to monitor the cure kinetics are shown. Correlation between the sensor output and conversion advancement has been proposed following the Lorentz-Lorenz law. Isothermal data form the sensor have been compared with calorimetric analysis of an epoxy based resin.
Triclosan antimicrobial polymers
Petersen, Richard C.
2016-01-01
Triclosan antimicrobial molecular fluctuating energies of nonbonding electron pairs for the oxygen atom by ether bond rotations are reviewed with conformational computational chemistry analyses. Subsequent understanding of triclosan alternating ether bond rotations is able to help explain several material properties in Polymer Science. Unique bond rotation entanglements between triclosan and the polymer chains increase both the mechanical properties of polymer toughness and strength that are enhanced even better through secondary bonding relationships. Further, polymer blend compatibilization is considered due to similar molecular relationships and polarities. With compatibilization of triclosan in polymers a more uniform stability for nonpolar triclosan in the polymer solid state is retained by the antimicrobial for extremely low release with minimum solubility into aqueous solution. As a result, triclosan is projected for long extended lifetimes as an antimicrobial polymer additive. Further, triclosan rapid alternating ether bond rotations disrupt secondary bonding between chain monomers in the resin state to reduce viscosity and enhance polymer blending. Thus, triclosan is considered for a polymer additive with multiple properties to be an antimicrobial with additional benefits as a nonpolar toughening agent and a hydrophobic wetting agent. The triclosan material relationships with alternating ether bond rotations are described through a complete different form of medium by comparisons with known antimicrobial properties that upset bacterial cell membranes through rapid fluctuating mechanomolecular energies. Also, triclosan bond entanglements with secondary bonding can produce structural defects in weak bacterial lipid membranes requiring pliability that can then interfere with cell division. Regarding applications with polymers, triclosan can be incorporated by mixing into a resin system before cure, melt mixed with thermoplastic polymers that set on cooling into a solid or alternatively applied as a coating through several different methods with dissolving into an organic solvent and dried on by evaporation as a common means. PMID:27280150
Wimmer, Timea; Huffmann, Anne Mildred Sophie; Eichberger, Marlis; Schmidlin, Patrick R; Stawarczyk, Bogna
2016-06-01
To test and compare the two-body wear rate of three CAD/CAM polymer materials and the influence of specimen geometry, antagonist material and test set-up configuration. Three CAD/CAM polymeric materials were assessed: a thermoplastic polyetheretherketone (PEEK), an experimental nanohybrid composite (COMP) and a PMMA-based material (PMMA). Crown-shaped and flat specimens were prepared from each material. The specimens underwent thermo-mechanical loading (50N, 5/55°C; 600,000 chewing cycles) opposed to human enamel and stainless steel antagonists. Half of the specimens of each group were loaded with a sliding movement of 0.7mm, the remaining half without. Thereby, 24 different test set-ups were investigated (n=12). Wear of the materials and antagonists was evaluated with a match-3D procedure. The topography of all surfaces was examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were statistically evaluated with four-/one-way ANOVA followed by Scheffé post hoc test and unpaired t-test (p<0.05). All PEEK specimens showed significantly less material loss than COMP and PMMA specimens when loaded laterally. Within the axial loaded groups this was only true for the flat specimens tested with enamel antagonists. Crown specimens of these groups exhibited lower loss values than flat ones. Lateral force application led mostly to significantly higher material loss than the axial load application. On the antagonist side, no impact of CAD/CAM polymer material, antagonist material, force application and specimen geometry was found. Wear of PEEK was lower than that of the resin-based materials when lateral forces were applied, but showed comparable antagonist wear rates at the same time. Copyright © 2016 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Acoustical characterization and parameter optimization of polymeric noise control materials
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Homsi, Emile N.
2003-10-01
The sound transmission loss (STL) characteristics of polymer-based materials are considered. Analytical models that predict, characterize and optimize the STL of polymeric materials, with respect to physical parameters that affect performance, are developed for single layer panel configuration and adapted for layered panel construction with homogenous core. An optimum set of material parameters is selected and translated into practical applications for validation. Sound attenuating thermoplastic materials designed to be used as barrier systems in the automotive and consumer industries have certain acoustical characteristics that vary in function of the stiffness and density of the selected material. The validity and applicability of existing theory is explored, and since STL is influenced by factors such as the surface mass density of the panel's material, a method is modified to improve STL performance and optimize load-bearing attributes. An experimentally derived function is applied to the model for better correlation. In-phase and out-of-phase motion of top and bottom layers are considered. It was found that the layered construction of the co-injection type would exhibit fused planes at the interface and move in-phase. The model for the single layer case is adapted to the layered case where it would behave as a single panel. Primary physical parameters that affect STL are identified and manipulated. Theoretical analysis is linked to the resin's matrix attribute. High STL material with representative characteristics is evaluated versus standard resins. It was found that high STL could be achieved by altering materials' matrix and by integrating design solution in the low frequency range. A suggested numerical approach is described for STL evaluation of simple and complex geometries. In practice, validation on actual vehicle systems proved the adequacy of the acoustical characterization process.
Finite element simulation of thickness changes in laminate during thermoforming
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
White, K. D.; Sherwood, J. A.
2017-10-01
This paper discusses a numerical investigation of thickness changes of Dyneema HB80, a cross-ply thermoplastic lamina, during a helmet thermoforming process. The main mode of deformation during the preform phase of manufacture is in-plane shearing of the fabric. A laminate undergoes varying degrees of shear to conform to the geometric variations over the surface of the preform shape. Decreases in areal coverage that occur with increases in the local shear angle will lead to a resulting increase in local thickness. During the consolidation phase, multiple preform layers are compressed in a set of matched tools, and the compounding of the thickness variations can adversely affect the uniformity of pressure distribution between matched die tooling. Pressure variations over the surface of the part can lead to incomplete consolidation of the ply stack, as well as weakened, resin-rich areas. Because wrinkling of the composite reinforcement, incomplete consolidation and resin-rich areas can result in a compromised structural performance, it is important that the manufacturing process be well understood so it can be designed to mitigate formation of such defects. In the current work, the material properties derived from shear, bending and tensile tests are implemented in a finite element model of the cross-ply lamina. The finite element model uses a hybrid discrete mesoscopic approach, and deep-draw forming of the material is simulated to investigate its formability to a hemispherical geometry. Thickening of the lamina resulting from shear deformation is investigated and incorporated into models single-layer preform simulations. The simulation results are used to inform the design of multiple-layer preforms to mitigate the development of thin regions and out-of-plane waves to ensure complete, uniform consolidation.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
The present conference on advances in joining novel structural materials encompasses such material types as ceramics, plastics and composites, and new metallic materials. Specific issues addressed include the use of conductor electric explosion to join ceramics, the effects of brazing temperature on joint properties of SiC-fiber-reinforced Al-alloy-matrix composites, the in situ structure control of composite materials, and the weldability of polymeric materials that are heterogeneous as to chemical nature from the standpoint of morphology. Also addressed are the joining of the Al-Li alloy 8090, diffusion bonding of a creep-resistant Fe-ODS alloy, the adhesive bonding of zinc-coated steel sheets, welds in thermoplastic composite materials, and hot-melt joints for carbon-fiber-reinforced composites.
Li, Wen-Tao; Xu, Zi-Xiao; Shuang, Chen-Dong; Zhou, Qing; Li, Hai-Bo; Li, Ai-Min
2016-03-01
The efficiency and mechanism of anion exchange resin Nanda Magnetic Polymer (NDMP) for removal of fluorescent dissolved organic matter in biologically treated textile effluents were studied. The bench-scale experiments showed that as well as activated carbon, anion exchange resin could efficiently remove both aniline-like and humic-like fluorescent components, which can be up to 40 % of dissolved organic matter. The humic-like fluorescent component HS-Em460-Ex3 was more hydrophilic than HS-Em430-Ex2 and contained fewer alkyl chains but more acid groups. As a result, HS-Em460-Ex3 was eliminated more preferentially by NDMP anion exchange. However, compared with adsorption resins, the polarity of fluorescent components had a relatively small effect on the performance of anion exchange resin. The long-term pilot-scale experiments showed that the NDMP anion exchange process could remove approximately 30 % of the chemical oxygen demand and about 90 % of color from the biologically treated textile effluents. Once the issue of waste brine from resin desorption is solved, the NDMP anion exchange process could be a promising alternative for the advanced treatment of textile effluents.
Recyclable epoxy resins: An example of green approach for advanced composite applications
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cicala, Gianluca; Rosa, Daniela La; Musarra, Marco; Saccullo, Giuseppe; Banatao, Rey; Pastine, Stefan
2016-05-01
Automotive composite applications are increasingly growing due to demand for lightweight structures to comply to the requirements for fuel reduction. HP-RTM is gaining relevance as one of the preferred production technologies for high volume applications. The BMW i3 life module being a notable example of HP-RTM application. The key aspects of HP-RTM are the short injection times (i.e. less than 1min) and the fast curing of the thermoset resins (i.e. less than 10min). The choice of using thermosets poses relevant issues for their limited recycling options. The standard recycling solution is the incineration but, this solution poses some concerns in terms of global environmental impact. Novel solutions are presented in this work based on the use of recyclable epoxy systems. In our work the results of experimentation carried out by our group with cleavable ammines by Connora Technologies and bioepoxy resins by Entropy Resins will be discussed. The multiple uses of recycled matrices obtained treating the recyclable epoxy resins are discussed in the framework of a "cradle" to "crave" approach. Finally, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is used to evaluate the environmental benefits of the proposed approach.
Surface and interfacial properties of carbon fibers
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Bascom, Willard D.
1991-01-01
The adhesion strength of AS4 fibers to thermoplastic polymers was determined. The specific polymers were polycarbonate, polyphenylene oxide, polyetherimide, polyphenylene oxide blends with polystyrene, and polycarbonate blends with a polycarbonate-polysiloxan copolymer. Data are also included for polysulfone. It was recognized at the outset that an absolute measure of the fiber matrix adhesion would be difficult. However, it is feasible to determine the fiber bond strengths to the thermoplastics relative to the bond strengths of the same fibers to epoxy polymers. It was anticipated, and in fact realized, that the adhesion of AS4 to the thermoplastic polymers was relatively low. Therefore, further objectives of the study were to identify means of increasing fiber/matrix adhesion and to try to determine why the adhesion of AS4 to thermoplastics is significantly less than to epoxy polymers.
The Effect of Adhesion Interaction on the Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Basalt Plastics
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bashtannik, P. I.; Kabak, A. I.; Yakovchuk, Yu. Yu.
2003-01-01
The effect of temperature, adhesion time, and surface treatment of a reinforcing filler on the mechanical properties of thermoplastic basalt plastics based on a high-density polyethylene and a copolymer of 1,3,5-trioxane with 1,3-dioxolan is investigated. An extreme dependence for the adhesive strength in a thermoplastic-basalt fiber system is established and its effect on the mechanical properties of basalt plastics and the influence of the adhesion contact time on the adhesive strength in the system are clarified. The surface modification of basalt fibers in acidic and alkaline media intensifies the adhesion of thermoplastics to them owing to a more developed surface of the reinforcing fibers after etching. It is found that the treatment in the acidic medium is more efficient and considerably improves the mechanical properties of basalt plastics.
Development of glass fibre reinforced composites using microwave heating technology
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Köhler, T.; Vonberg, K.; Gries, T.; Seide, G.
2017-10-01
Fibre reinforced composites are differentiated by the used matrix material (thermoplastic versus duroplastic matrix) and the level of impregnation. Thermoplastic matrix systems get more important due to their suitability for mass production, their good shapeability and their high impact resistance. A challenge in the processing of these materials is the reduction of the melt flow paths of the thermoplastic matrix. The viscosity of molten thermoplastic material is distinctly higher than the viscosity of duroplastic material. An approach to reduce the flow paths of the thermoplastic melt is given by a commingling process. Composites made from commingling hybrid yarns consist of thermoplastic and reinforcing fibres. Fabrics made from these hybrid yarns are heated and consolidated by the use of heat pressing to form so called organic sheets. An innovative heating system is given by microwaves. The advantage of microwave heating is the volumetric heating of the material, where the energy of the electromagnetic radiation is converted into thermal energy inside the material. In this research project microwave active hybrid yarns are produced and examined at the Institute for Textile Technology of RWTH Aachen University (ITA). The industrial research partner Fricke und Mallah Microwave Technology GmbH, Peine, Germany develops an innovative pressing systems based on a microwave heating system. By implementing the designed microwave heating technology into an existing heat pressing process, FRTCs are being manufactured from glass and nanomodified polypropylene fibre woven fabrics. In this paper the composites are investigated for their mechanical and optical properties.
Evaluation of bisphenol E cyanate ester for the resin-injection repair of advanced composites
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Lio, Wilber Yaote
2009-12-01
This thesis is a compilation of a general introduction and literature review that ties together the subsequent chapters which consist of two journal articles that have yet to be submitted for publication. The overall topic relates to the evaluation and application of a new class of cyanate ester resin with unique properties that lend it applicable to use as a resin for injection repair of high glass transition temperature polymer matrix composites. The first article (Chapter 2) details the evaluation and optimization of adhesive properties of this cyanate ester and alumina nanocomposites under different conditions. The second article (Chapter 3)more » describes the development and evaluation of an injection repair system for repairing delaminations in polymer matrix composites.« less
A predictive model for failure properties of thermoset resins
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Caruthers, James M.; Bowles, Kenneth J.
1989-01-01
A predictive model for the three-dimensional failure behavior of engineering polymers has been developed in a recent NASA-sponsored research program. This model acknowledges the underlying molecular deformation mechanisms and thus accounts for the effects of different chemical compositions, crosslink density, functionality of the curing agent, etc., on the complete nonlinear stress-strain response including yield. The material parameters required by the model can be determined from test-tube quantities of a new resin in only a few days. Thus, we can obtain a first-order prediction of the applicability of a new resin for an advanced aerospace application without synthesizing the large quantities of material needed for failure testing. This technology will effect order-of-magnitude reductions in the time and expense required to develop new engineering polymers.
Carbon fiber composites for cryogenic filament-wound vessels
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Larsen, J. V.; Simon, R. A.
1972-01-01
Advanced unidirectional and bidirectional carbon fiber/epoxy resin composites were evaluated for physical and mechanical properties over a cryogenic to room temperature range for potential application to cryogenic vessels. The results showed that Courtaulds HTS carbon fiber was the superior fiber in terms of cryogenic strength properties in epoxy composites. Of the resin systems tested in ring composites, CTBN/ERLB 4617 exhibited the highest composite strengths at cryogenic temperatures, but very low interlaminar shear strengths at room temperature. Tests of unidirectional and bidirectional composite bars showed that the Epon 828/Empol 1040 resin was better at all test temperatures. Neither fatigue cycling nor thermal shock had a significant effect on composite strengths or moduli. Thermal expansion measurements gave negative values in the fiber direction and positive values in the transverse direction of the composites.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Humphrey, W. Donald
1997-01-01
This report summarizes efforts expended in the development of an all-composite compressor case. Two pre-production units have been built, one utilizing V-CAP and one utilizing AFR-700B resin systems. Both units have been rig tested at elevated temperatures well above design limit loads. This report discusses the manufacturing processes, test results, and Finite Element Analysis performed. The V-CAP unit was funded by NASA-Lewis Research Center in 1994 under contract number NAS3- 27442 for Development of an All-Composite OMC Compressor Case. This contract was followed by an Air Force study in 1996 to build and identical unit using the AFR-700B resin system in place of the V-CAP system. The second compressor case was funded under U.S. Air Force contract F33615-93-D-5326, Advanced Materials for Aerospace Structures Special Studies (AMAS3), Delivery Order 0021 entitled "Advanced Polymeric Composite Materials and Structures Technology for Advanced High Temperature Gas Turbine Engines.' Initial studies using the V-CAP resin system were undertaken in 1993 under a NASA Lewis contract (NAS3-26829). A first prototype unit was developed in a joint program between Textron-Lycoming (now Allied Signal) and Brunswick (now Lincoln Composites). This unit included composite end closures using low density, high temperature molded end closures. The units was similar in size and shape to a titanium case currently used on the PT-21 0 engine and was funded as part of the integrated High Performance Turbine Engine Technology (EHPTET) initiative of DOD and NASA.
Long term striping alternatives for bridge decks : final report, January 2009.
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2009-01-01
This study evaluated the performance of the following pavement marking materials on Portland cement concrete bridge decks: Waterborne traffic paint: Ennis fast dry waterborne traffic paint; Thermoplastic: Swarcotherm alkyd; Preformed thermoplastic: P...
Evaluation of thermoplastic materials : final report.
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
1975-04-01
In order to find a striping material which would last longer and have greater reflectance than the presently used traffic paint, research was performed on three relatively new thermoplastic marking compounds. The manufacturers of these products claim...
Long term striping alternatives for bridge decks : executive summary report.
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2009-01-01
ODOT uses a number of pavement marking : materials including waterborne and alkyd traffic paint, : polyester, thermoplastic, preformed tapes, epoxy, and : heat-fused preformed thermoplastic; which are : addressed in ODOT Construction and Material : S...
Aesthetic guidelines for second-generation indirect inlay and onlay composite restorations.
Miara, P
1998-05-01
Recent innovations in indirect composite technology and adhesive bonding procedures have resulted in the development of advanced materials particularly suited for inlay and onlay restorations. Microhybrid composite resins are characterized by a filler/matrix ratio that is significantly greater than that of earlier materials. This article reviews the physical properties and clinical application of these "second-generation" composite resins, with emphasis on a system that utilizes a heat-curing process in conjunction with nitrogen pressure to fabricate a material with improved mechanical and aesthetic properties.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kuhtz, M.; Maron, B.; Hornig, A.; Müller, M.; Langkamp, A.; Gude, M.
2018-05-01
Textile reinforced thermoplastic composites are predestined for highly automated medium- and high-volume production processes. The presented work focusses on experimental studies of different types of glass fibre reinforced polypropylene (GF-PP) semi-finished thermoplastic textiles to characterise the forming behaviour. The main deformation modes fabric shear, tension, thought-thickness compression and bending are investigated with special emphasis on the impact of the textile structure, the deformation temperature and rate dependency. The understanding of the fundamental forming behaviour is required to allow FEM based assessment and improvement of thermoforming process chains.
Process for preparing composite articles from composite fiber blends
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
McMahon, Paul E. (Inventor); Chung, Tai-Shung (Inventor); Ying, Lincoln (Inventor)
1989-01-01
A composite article is prepared by forming a continuous tow of continuous carbon fibers, forming a continuous tow of thermoplastic polymer fibers, uniformly and continuously spreading the thermoplastic polymer fibers to a selected width, uniformly and continuously spreading the carbon fiber tow to a width that is essentially the same as the selected width for the thermoplastic polymer fiber tow, intermixing the tows intimately, uniformly and continuously, in a relatively tension-free state, continuously withdrawing the intermixed tow and applying the tow to a mold and heating the tow.
Characterization of elastic-viscoplastic properties of an AS4/PEEK thermoplastic composite
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Yoon, K. J.; Sun, C. T.
1991-01-01
The elastic-viscoplastic properties of an AS4/PEEK (APC-2) thermoplastic composite were characterized at 24 C (75 F) and 121 C (250 F) by using a one-parameter viscoplasticity model. To determine the strain-rate effects, uniaxial tension tests were performed on unidirectional off-axis coupon specimens with different monotonic strain rates. A modified Bodner and Partom's model was also used to describe the viscoplasticity of the thermoplastic composite. The experimental results showed that viscoplastic behavior can be characterized quite well using the one-parameter overstress viscoplasticity model.
Thermoplastic rubberlike material produced at low cost
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hendel, F. J.
1966-01-01
Thermoplastic rubberlike material is prepared by blending a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate with asphalt and a petroleum distillate. This low cost material is easily molded or extruded and is compatible with a variety of fillers.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Boccardi, S.; Carlomagno, G. M.; Simeoli, G.; Russo, P.; Meola, C.
2016-07-01
The usefulness of an infrared imaging device, in terms of both acting as a mechanism for surface thermal monitoring when a specimen is being impacted and as a non-destructive evaluation technique, has already been proved. Nevertheless, past investigation has focused on mainly thermoset-matrix composites with little attention towards thermoplastic ones. Conversely, these thermoplastic composites are becoming ever more attractive to the aeronautical sector. Their main advantage lies in the possibility of modifying their interface strength by adjusting the composition of the matrix. However, for a proper exploitation of new materials it is necessary to detail their characterization. The purpose of the present paper is to focus on the use of infrared thermography (IRT) to gain information on the behaviour of thermoplastic composites under impact. In addition, attention is given to image processing algorithms with the aim of more effectively measuring the extension of the impact-affected area.4