Prediction of Material Properties of Nanostructured Polymer Composites Using Atomistic Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hinkley, J.A.; Clancy, T.C.; Frankland, S.J.V.

2009-01-01

Atomistic models of epoxy polymers were built in order to assess the effect of structure at the nanometer scale on the resulting bulk properties such as elastic modulus and thermal conductivity. Atomistic models of both bulk polymer and carbon nanotube polymer composites were built. For the bulk models, the effect of moisture content and temperature on the resulting elastic constants was calculated. A relatively consistent decrease in modulus was seen with increasing temperature. The dependence of modulus on moisture content was less consistent. This behavior was seen for two different epoxy systems, one containing a difunctional epoxy molecule and the other a tetrafunctional epoxy molecule. Both epoxy structures were crosslinked with diamine curing agents. Multifunctional properties were calculated with the nanocomposite models. Molecular dynamics simulation was used to estimate the interfacial thermal (Kapitza) resistance between the carbon nanotube and the surrounding epoxy matrix. These estimated values were used in a multiscale model in order to predict the thermal conductivity of a nanocomposite as a function of the nanometer scaled molecular structure.

Modulus and yield stress of drawn LDPE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thavarungkul, Nandh

Modulus and yield stress were investigated in drawn low density polyethylene (LDPE) film. Uniaxially drawn polymeric films usually show high values of modulus and yield stress, however, studies have normally only been conducted to identify the structural features that determine modulus. In this study small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), thermal shrinkage, birefringence, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) were used to examine, directly and indirectly, the structural features that determine both modulus and yield stress, which are often closely related in undrawn materials. Shish-kebab structures are proposed to account for the mechanical properties in drawn LDPE. The validity of this molecular/morphological model was tested using relationships between static mechanical data and structural and physical parameters. In addition, dynamic mechanical results are also in line with static data in supporting the model. In the machine direction (MD), "shish" and taut tie molecules (TTM) anchored in the crystalline phase account for E; whereas crystal lamellae with contributions from "shish" and TTM determine yield stress. In the transverse direction (TD), the crystalline phase plays an important roll in both modulus and yield stress. Modulus is determined by crystal lamellae functioning as platelet reinforcing elements in the amorphous matrix with an additional contributions from TTM and yield stress is determined by the crystal lamellae's resistance to deformation.

Thermal and mechanical properties of TPU/PBT reinforced by carbon fiber

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, Jintao; Liu, Huanyu; Lu, Xiang

2016-03-09

In this study, thermal, mechanical properties and processability were performed on a series of carbon fiber (CF) filled thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/poly (butylene terephthalate) (PBT) composites to identify the effect of CF weight fraction on the properties of TPU/PBT. Scanning Electronic Microscope (SEM) show that CFs are uniformly dispersed in TPU/PBT matrix and there are no agglomerations. Melt flow index (MFI) show that the melt viscosity increased with the CF loading. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the introduction of CF into organic materials tend to improve their thermal stability. The mechanical properties indicated that tensile strength and modulus, flexural strength andmore » modulus, improved with an increase in CF loading, but the impact strength decreased by the loading of CF.« less

Thermal shock resistance of ceramic matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carper, D. M.; Nied, H. F.

1993-01-01

The experimental and analytical investigation of the thermal shock phenomena in ceramic matrix composites is detailed. The composite systems examined were oxide-based, consisting of an aluminosilicate matrix with either polycrystalline aluminosilicate or single crystal alumina fiber reinforcement. The program was divided into three technical tasks; baseline mechanical properties, thermal shock modeling, and thermal shock testing. The analytical investigation focused on the development of simple expressions for transient thermal stresses induced during thermal shock. The effect of various material parameters, including thermal conductivity, elastic modulus, and thermal expansion, were examined analytically for their effect on thermal shock performance. Using a simple maximum stress criteria for each constituent, it was observed that fiber fracture would occur only at the most extreme thermal shock conditions and that matrix fracture, splitting parallel to the reinforcing fiber, was to be expected for most practical cases. Thermal shock resistance for the two material systems was determined experimentally by subjecting plates to sudden changes in temperature on one surface while maintaining the opposite surface at a constant temperature. This temperature change was varied in severity (magnitude) and in number of shocks applied to a given sample. The results showed that for the most severe conditions examined that only surface matrix fracture was present with no observable fiber fracture. The impact of this damage on material performance was limited to the matrix dominated properties only. Specifically, compression strength was observed to decrease by as much as 50 percent from the measured baseline.

Effects of thermal cycling on graphie-fiber-reinforced 6061 aluminum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dries, G. A.; Tompkins, S. S.

1986-01-01

Graphite-reinforced aluminum alloy metal-matrix composites are among materials being considered for structural components in dimensionally stable space structures. This application requires materials with low values of thermal expansions and high specific stiffnesses. They must remain stable during exposures to the space environment for periods extending to 20 years. The effects of thermal cycling on the thermal expansion behavior and mechanical properties of Thornel P100 graphite 6061 aluminum composites, as fabricated and after thermal processing to eliminate thermal strain hysteresis, have been investigated. Two groups of composites were studied: one was fabricated by hot roll bonding and the other by diffusion bonding. Processing significantly reduced strain hysteresis during thermal cycling in both groups and improved the ultimate tensile strength and modulus in the diffusion-bonded composites. Thermal cycling stabilized the as-fabricated composites by reducing the residual fabrication stress and increased the matrix strength by metallurgical aging. Thermal expansion behavior of both groups after processing was insensitive to thermal cycling. Data scatter was too large to determine effects of thermal cycling on the mechanical properties. The primary effects of processing and thermal cycling can be attributed to changes in the metallurgical condition and stress state of the matrix.

Effect of carbon nanotube functionalization on mechanical and thermal properties of cross-linked epoxy-carbon nanotube nanocomposites: role of strengthening the interfacial interactions.

PubMed

Khare, Ketan S; Khabaz, Fardin; Khare, Rajesh

2014-05-14

We have used amido-amine functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that form covalent bonds with cross-linked epoxy matrices to elucidate the role of the matrix-filler interphase in the enhancement of mechanical and thermal properties in these nanocomposites. For the base case of nanocomposites of cross-linked epoxy and pristine single-walled CNTs, our previous work (Khare, K. S.; Khare, R. J. Phys. Chem. B 2013, 117, 7444-7454) has shown that weak matrix-filler interactions cause the interphase region in the nanocomposite to be more compressible. Furthermore, because of the weak matrix-filler interactions, the nanocomposite containing dispersed pristine CNTs has a glass transition temperature (Tg) that is ∼66 K lower than the neat polymer. In this work, we demonstrate that in spite of the presence of stiff CNTs in the nanocomposite, the Young's modulus of the nanocomposite containing dispersed pristine CNTs is virtually unchanged compared to the neat cross-linked epoxy. This observation suggests that the compressibility of the matrix-filler interphase interferes with the ability of the CNTs to reinforce the matrix. Furthermore, when the compressibility of the interphase is reduced by the use of amido-amine functionalized CNTs, the mechanical reinforcement due to the filler is more effective, resulting in a ∼50% increase in the Young's modulus compared to the neat cross-linked epoxy. Correspondingly, the functionalization of the CNTs also led to a recovery in the Tg making it effectively the same as the neat polymer and also resulted in a ∼12% increase in the thermal conductivity of the nanocomposite containing functionalized CNTs compared to that containing pristine CNTs. These results demonstrate that the functionalization of the CNTs facilitates the transfer of both mechanical load and thermal energy across the matrix-filler interface.

Dynamic mechanical analysis of fiber reinforced composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reed, K. E.

1979-01-01

Dynamic mechanical and thermal properties were determined for unidirectional epoxy/glass composites at various fiber orientation angles. Resonant frequency and relative logarithmic decrement were measured as functions of temperature. In low angle and longitudinal specimens a transition was observed above the resin glass transition temperature which was manifested mechanically as an additional damping peak and thermally as a change in the coefficient of thermal expansion. The new transition was attributed to a heterogeneous resin matrix induced by the fiber. The temperature span of the glass-rubber relaxation was found to broaden with decreasing orientation angle, reflecting the growth of fiber contribution and exhibiting behavior similar to that of Young's modulus. The change in resonant frequency through the glass transition was greatest for samples of intermediate fiber angle, demonstrating behavior similar to that of the longitudinal shear modulus.

Investigation of the Failure Modes in a Metal Matrix Composite under Thermal Cycling

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-12-01

Material Characteristics. . .......... ... 76 Sectioning and SEN Photograp’... . ........ . 86 Residual Stress Analysis using .TCAN ... ....... 99 i VI...Specimen Fitted with Strain Gages ..... ........... 77 39. Modulus and Poisson’s Ratio versus Thermal Cycles . . 79 1 40 Stress /Strain Curve for Uncycled...Specimen .... ......... 82 1 41. Stress /Strain Curve for Specimen 8 (5250 Cycles) ..... .83 42. Comparison of Uncycled to Cycled Stress /Strain Curves

Effects of LDEF flight exposure on selected polymer matrix resin composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slemp, Wayne S.; Young, Philip R.; Witte, William G., Jr.; Shen, James Y.

1991-01-01

The characterization of selected graphite fiber reinforced epoxy and polysulfone matrix resin composites which received exposure to the LEO environment on the LDEF is reported. The changes in mechanical properties of ultimate tensile strength and tensile modulus for exposed flight specimens are compared to the three sets of control specimens. Marked changes in surface appearance are discussed, and resin loss is reported. The chemical characterization including IR, thermal, and selected solution property measurements showed that the molecular structure of the polymeric matrix had not changed significantly in response to this exposure.

A test for interfacial effects and stress transfer in ceramic matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1988-01-01

A test specimen was devised for measuring stress transfer between a high modulus fiber and a ceramic matrix. Single filaments of SiC were embedded in chemically vapor deposited SiC on a thin plate of molybdenum. The CVD overcoating which encapsulated the fiber was continuous with a coating of SiC on the molybdenum. When placed in a microtensile test device and loaded in the fiber direction, the fiber fracture characteristics provide information on the fiber/matrix adhesion and stress transfer. Problems were encountered due to the formation of a weak boundary between the SiC and the molybdenum which obviated any meaningful tensile tests. Also, the high CVD temperature used in fabricating these specimens restrict the fiber, matrix (and substrate) to materials having similar thermal coefficients of expansion in order to minimize thermal stresses.

Characteristics of Matrix Metals in Which Fast Diffusion of Foreign Metallic Elements Occurs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mae, Yoshiharu

2018-04-01

A few foreign elements are known to diffuse faster than the self-diffusion of the matrix metal. However, the characteristics of the matrix metal, which contribute to such fast diffusion remain unknown. In this study, the diffusion coefficients of various elements were plotted on a TC-YM diagram. The matrix metals that show fast diffusion are located in the low thermal conductivity range of the TC-YM diagram, while diffuser elements that undergo fast diffusion are mainly gulf elements such as Fe, Ni, Co, Cr, and Cu. The gulf elements are those that show the largest combination of thermal conductivity and Young's modulus. The great difference in the electron mobility between the matrix metal and diffuser elements generates a repulsive force between them, and the repulsive force—acting between the soft and large atoms of the matrix metal and the hard and small atoms of the diffuser elements—deforms the atoms of the matrix metal to open passageways for fast diffusion of diffuser elements.

The Influence of Thermoplastic Starch and Banana Fibre Contents on Physical and Thermal Properties of LLDPE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kahar, A. W. M.; Abduati Salem, A. E.

2017-06-01

Blending of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), thermoplastic starch (TPS) and banana fiber (BF) have been studied. Two types of systems were prepared; the matrix having different ratio of LLDPE/TPS and, the LLDPE/TPS composites having 5 - 30 wt% BF. Morphological changes using scanning electron microscope (SEM) were observed and its showed that TPS particle are homogenously dispersed in LLDPE matrix. On the other hand BF was found to be well embedded in TPS phase, showing the good interaction between BF and TPS phases. This observation show an agreement with the Young’s modulus value which is increased with the BF contents. The increment in Young’s modulus value was also attributed to the difficulties in LLDPE/TPS chains movement with the presence of BF.

Nanoindentation and thermal characterization of poly (vinylidenefluoride)/MWCNT nanocomposites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Eggedi, Obulapathi; Valiyaneerilakkal, Uvais; Varghese, Soney, E-mail: soneyva@nitc.ac.in

2014-04-15

We report the preparation, thermal and micro/nanomechanical behavior of poly (vinylidine diflouride) (PVDF)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites. It has been found that the addition of MWCNT considerably enhances the β-phase formation, thermal and mechanical properties of PVDF. Atomic force microscope (AFM) studies have been performed on the composites under stress conditions to measure the mechanical properties. The nanoscale mechanical properties of the composites like Young's modulus and hardness of the nanocomposites were investigated by nanoindentation technique. Morphological studies of the nanocomposites were also studied, observations show a uniform distribution of MWCNT in the matrix and interfacial adhesion between PVDF andmore » MWCNT was achieved, which was responsible for enhancement in the hardness and Young's modulus. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies indicate that the melting temperature of the composites have been slightly increased while the heat of fusion markedly decreased with increasing MWCNT content.« less

Graphite fiber/copper matrix composites for space power heat pipe fin applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDanels, David L.; Baker, Karl W.; Ellis, David L.

1991-01-01

High specific thermal conductivity (thermal conductivity divided by density) is a major design criterion for minimizing system mass for space power systems. For nuclear source power systems, graphite fiber reinforced copper matrix (Gr/Cu) composites offer good potential as a radiator fin material operating at service temperatures above 500 K. Specific thermal conductivity in the longitudinal direction is better than beryllium and almost twice that of copper. The high specific thermal conductivity of Gr/Cu offers the potential of reducing radiator mass by as much as 30 percent. Gr/Cu composites also offer the designer a range of available properties for various missions and applications. The properties of Gr/Cu are highly anisotropic. Longitudinal elastic modulus is comparable to beryllium and about three times that of copper. Thermal expansion in the longitudinal direction is near zero, while it exceeds that of copper in the transverse direction.

Micromechanics thermal stress analysis of composites for space structure applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowles, David E.

1991-01-01

This paper presents results from a finite element micromechanics analysis of thermally induced stresses in composites at cryogenic temperatures typical of spacecraft operating environments. The influence of microstructural geometry, constituent and interphase properties, and laminate orientation were investigated. Stress field results indicated that significant matrix stresses occur in composites exposed to typical spacecraft thermal excursions; these stresses varied with laminate orientation and circumferential position around the fiber. The major difference in the predicted response of unidirectional and multidirectional laminates was the presence of tensile radial stresses, at the fiber/matrix interface, in multidirectional laminates with off-axis ply angles greater than 15 deg. The predicted damage initiation temperatures and modes were in good agreement with experimental data for both low (207 GPa) and high (517 GPa) modulus carbon fiber/epoxy composites.

Investigation of damage mechanisms in a cross-ply metal-matrix composite under thermomechanical loading. Master's thesis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schubbe, J.J.

1990-12-01

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are rapidly becoming strong candidates for high temperature and high stiffness structural applications such as the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF). This study systematically investigated the failure modes and associated damage in a cross-ply, (0/90)2s SCS6/Ti-15-3 metal matrix composite under in-phase and out-of-phase thermomechanic fatigue. Initiation and progression of fatigue damage were recorded and correlated to changes in Young's Modulus of the composite material. Experimental results show an internal stabilization of reaction zone size but degradation and separation from constituent materials under extended cyclic thermal loading. Critical to damage were transverse cracks initiating in the 90 degreesmore » plies, growing and coalescing from fiber/matrix interfaces internal to the specimen, progressing outward through the 0 degree plies before failure. Maximum mechanical strain at failure was determined to be approximately 0.0075 mm/mm. A correlation was made relating maximum matrix stress to failure life, resulting in a fatigue threshold limit of 280 MPa. An attempt was made to correlate the degradation in Young's Modulus (Damage=1-E/Eo) with the applied life cycles from different TMF tests.« less

Thermal Shock Properties of a 2D-C/SiC Composite Prepared by Chemical Vapor Infiltration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chengyu; Wang, Xuanwei; Wang, Bo; Liu, Yongsheng; Han, Dong; Qiao, Shengru; Guo, Yong

2013-06-01

The thermal shock properties of a two-dimensional carbon fiber-reinforced silicon carbide composite with a multilayered self-healing coating (2D-C/SiC) were investigated in air. The composite was prepared by low-pressure chemical vapor infiltration. 2D-C/SiC specimens were thermally shocked for different cycles between 900 and 300 °C. The thermal shock resistance was characterized by residual tensile properties and mass variation. The change of the surface morphology and microstructural evolution of the composite were examined by a scanning electron microscope. In addition, the phase evolution on the surfaces was identified using an X-ray diffractometer. It is found that the composite retains its tensile strength within 20 thermal shock cycles. However, the modulus of 2D-C/SiC decreases gradually with increasing thermal shock cycles. Extensive pullout of fibers on the fractured surface and peeling off of the coating suggest that the damage caused by the thermal shock involves weakening of the bonding strength of coating/composite and fiber/matrix. In addition, the carbon fibers in the near-surface zone were oxidized through the matrix cracks, and the fiber/matrix interfaces delaminated when the composite was subjected to a larger number of thermal shock cycles.

Processing and Properties of SiC/MoSi2-SiC Composites Fabricated by Melt Infiltration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhatt, Ramakrishna T.; Hebsur, Mohan G.

2000-01-01

Hi-Nicalon SiC fiber reinforced MoSi2-SiC matrix composites (SiC/MoSi2-SiC) have been fabricated by the melt infiltration approach. The composite consists of approximately 60 vol%, 2-D woven BN/SiC coated Hi-Nicalon SiC fibers and approximately 40 vol% MoSi2-SiC matrix. The room temperature tensile properties and thermal conductivity of the SiC/MoSi2-SiC composites were measured and compared with those of the melt infiltrated SiC/SiC composites. The influence oi fiber architecture on tensile properties was also evaluated. Results indicate that the primary modulus, stress corresponding to deviation from linearity, and transverse thermal conductivity values for the SiC/MoSi2-SiC composites are significantly lower than those for the SiC/SiC composites. Microcracking of the matrix due to the large difference in thermal expansion between MoSi2 and SiC appears to be the reason for the lower matrix dominated properties of SiC/MoSi2-SiC composites.

Fiber Contraction Approaches for Improving CMC Proportional Limit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DiCarlo, James A.; Yun, Hee Mann

1997-01-01

The fact that the service life of ceramic matrix composites (CMC) decreases dramatically for stresses above the CMC proportional limit has triggered a variety of research activities to develop microstructural approaches that can significantly improve this limit. As discussed in a previous report, both local and global approaches exist for hindering the propagation of cracks through the CMC matrix, the physical source for the proportional limit. Local approaches include: (1) minimizing fiber diameter and matrix modulus; (2) maximizing fiber volume fraction, fiber modulus, and matrix toughness; and (3) optimizing fiber-matrix interfacial shear strength; all of which should reduce the stress concentration at the tip of cracks pre existing or created in the matrix during CMC service. Global approaches, as with pre-stressed concrete, center on seeking mechanisms for utilizing the reinforcing fiber to subject the matrix to in-situ compressive stresses which will remain stable during CMC service. Demonstrated CMC examples for the viability of this residual stress approach are based on strain mismatches between the fiber and matrix in their free states, such as, thermal expansion mismatch and creep mismatch. However, these particular mismatch approaches are application limited in that the residual stresses from expansion mismatch are optimum only at low CMC service temperatures and the residual stresses from creep mismatch are typically unidirectional and difficult to implement in complex-shaped CMC.

Tube-like natural halloysite/poly(tetrafluoroethylene) nanocomposites: simultaneous enhancement in thermal and mechanical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gamini, Suresh; Vasu, V.; Bose, Suryasarathi

2017-04-01

In the current study, PTFE (polytetrafluroethylene) matrix is reinforced with different wt% (2%-10%) of Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). PTFE samples are fabricated with 2 wt% increment and are designated from ‘B’to ‘F’ and designation ‘A’ refers to neat PTFE. Thermal and mechanical characterization of the fabricated composites is studied. The calorimetric measurements showed enhanced degree of crystallinity of the nanocomposites, which is from 57.83% to 74.7%. The dynamic mechanical analysis results have shown enhanced storage modulus and loss modulus and reduced damping behaviour, without affecting glass transition temperature. Moreover, significant improvements in mechanical properties are observed from the experimental results. The results are discussed and validated with the existing literature. The phase and the fracture morphology of the nanocomposites is studied using scanning electron microscope and discussed herein.

Graphite Fiber Textile Preform/Copper Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Filatovs, G. J.; Lee, Bruce; Bass, Lowell

1996-01-01

Graphite fiber reinforced/copper matrix composites are candidate materials for critical heat transmitting and rejection components because of their high thermal conduction. The use of textile (braid) preforms allows near-net shapes which confers additional advantages, both for enhanced thermal conduction and increased robustness of the preform against infiltration and handling damage. Issues addressed in the past year center on the determination of the braid structure following infiltration, and the braidability vs. the conductivity of the fibers. Highly conductive fibers eventuate from increased graphitization, which increases the elastic modulus, but lowers the braidability; a balance between these factors must be achieved. Good quality braided preform bars have been fabricated and infiltrated, and their thermal expansion characterized; their analytic modeling is underway. The braided preform of an integral finned tube has been fabricated and is being prepared for infiltration.

Facile fabrication of HDPE-g-MA/nanodiamond nanocomposites via one-step reactive blending.

PubMed

Song, Ping'an; Yu, Youming; Wu, Qiang; Fu, Shenyuan

2012-06-29

In this letter, nanocomposites based on maleic anhydride grafted high density polyethylene (HDPE-g-MA) and amine-functionalized nanodiamond (ND) were fabricated via one-step reactive melt-blending, generating a homogeneous dispersion of ND, as evidenced by transmission electron microscope observations. Thermal analysis results suggest that addition of ND does not affect significantly thermal stability of polymer matrix in nitrogen. However, it was interestingly found that incorporating pure ND decreases the thermal oxidation degradation stability temperature, but blending amino-functionalized ND via reactive processing significantly enhances it of HDPE in air condition. Most importantly, cone tests revealed that both ND additives and reactive blending greatly reduce the heat release rate of HDPE. The results suggest that ND has a potential application as flame retardant alternative for polymers. Tensile results show that adding ND considerably enhances Young's modulus, and reactive blending leads to further improvement in Young's modulus while hardly reducing the elongation at break of HDPE.

Facile fabrication of HDPE-g-MA/nanodiamond nanocomposites via one-step reactive blending

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

In this letter, nanocomposites based on maleic anhydride grafted high density polyethylene (HDPE-g-MA) and amine-functionalized nanodiamond (ND) were fabricated via one-step reactive melt-blending, generating a homogeneous dispersion of ND, as evidenced by transmission electron microscope observations. Thermal analysis results suggest that addition of ND does not affect significantly thermal stability of polymer matrix in nitrogen. However, it was interestingly found that incorporating pure ND decreases the thermal oxidation degradation stability temperature, but blending amino-functionalized ND via reactive processing significantly enhances it of HDPE in air condition. Most importantly, cone tests revealed that both ND additives and reactive blending greatly reduce the heat release rate of HDPE. The results suggest that ND has a potential application as flame retardant alternative for polymers. Tensile results show that adding ND considerably enhances Young’s modulus, and reactive blending leads to further improvement in Young’s modulus while hardly reducing the elongation at break of HDPE. PMID:22747773

Effect of thermal cycling on flexural properties of carbon-graphite fiber-reinforced polymers.

PubMed

Segerström, Susanna; Ruyter, I Eystein

2009-07-01

To determine flexural strength and modulus after water storage and thermal cycling of carbon-graphite fiber-reinforced (CGFR) polymers based on poly(methyl methacrylate) and a copolymer matrix, and to examine adhesion between fiber and matrix by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Solvent cleaned carbon-graphite (CG) braided tubes of fibers were treated with a sizing resin. The resin mixture of the matrix was reinforced with 24, 36, 47 and 58wt% (20, 29, 38 and 47vol.%) CG-fibers. After heat polymerization the specimens were kept for 90 days in water and thereafter hydrothermally cycled (12,000 cycles, 5/55 degrees C). Mechanical properties were evaluated by three-point bend testing. After thermal cycling, the adhesion between fibers and matrix was evaluated by SEM. Hydrothermal cycling did not decrease flexural strength of the CGFR polymers with 24 and 36wt% fiber loadings; flexural strength values after thermocycling were 244.8 (+/-32.33)MPa for 24wt% and 441.3 (+/-68.96)MPa for 36wt%. Flexural strength values after thermal cycling were not further increased after increasing the fiber load to 47 (459.2 (+/-45.32)MPa) and 58wt% (310.4 (+/-52.79)MPa). SEM revealed good adhesion between fibers and matrix for all fiber loadings examined. The combination of the fiber treatment and resin matrix described resulted in good adhesion between CG-fibers and matrix. The flexural values for fiber loadings up to 36wt% appear promising for prosthodontic applications such as implant-retained prostheses.

Reinforcement of nylon 6,6/nylon 6,6 grafted nanodiamond composites by in situ reactive extrusion.

PubMed

Choi, Eun-Yeob; Kim, Kiho; Kim, Chang-Keun; Kang, Eunah

2016-11-14

Nanodiamond (ND), an emerging new carbon material, was exploited to reinforce nylon 6,6 (PA66) polymer composites. Surface modified nanodiamonds with acyl chloride end groups were employed to chemically graft into PA66, enhancing the interfacial adhesion and thus the mechanical properties. The ND grafted PA66 (PA66-g-ND) reinforced PA66 composite prepared by in situ reactive extrusion exhibited increased tensile strength and modulus. The tensile strength and modulus of PA66/3 wt.% PA66-g-ND composites were enhanced by 11.6 and 20.8%, respectively when compared to those of the bare PA66 matrix. Even the PA66/pristine ND composites exhibited enhanced mechanical properties. The PA66-g-ND and the homogeneously dispersed PA66-g-ND in PA66 matrix were examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The mechanical properties and thermal conductivities of the nanodiamond incorporated PA66 composites were also explored. The enhanced mechanical properties and thermal conductivities of the PA66-g-ND/PA66 composites make them potential materials for new applications as functional engineered thermoplastics.

Reinforcement of nylon 6,6/nylon 6,6 grafted nanodiamond composites by in situ reactive extrusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Eun-Yeob; Kim, Kiho; Kim, Chang-Keun; Kang, Eunah

2016-11-01

Nanodiamond (ND), an emerging new carbon material, was exploited to reinforce nylon 6,6 (PA66) polymer composites. Surface modified nanodiamonds with acyl chloride end groups were employed to chemically graft into PA66, enhancing the interfacial adhesion and thus the mechanical properties. The ND grafted PA66 (PA66-g-ND) reinforced PA66 composite prepared by in situ reactive extrusion exhibited increased tensile strength and modulus. The tensile strength and modulus of PA66/3 wt.% PA66-g-ND composites were enhanced by 11.6 and 20.8%, respectively when compared to those of the bare PA66 matrix. Even the PA66/pristine ND composites exhibited enhanced mechanical properties. The PA66-g-ND and the homogeneously dispersed PA66-g-ND in PA66 matrix were examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The mechanical properties and thermal conductivities of the nanodiamond incorporated PA66 composites were also explored. The enhanced mechanical properties and thermal conductivities of the PA66-g-ND/PA66 composites make them potential materials for new applications as functional engineered thermoplastics.

Reinforcement of nylon 6,6/nylon 6,6 grafted nanodiamond composites by in situ reactive extrusion

PubMed Central

Choi, Eun-Yeob; Kim, Kiho; Kim, Chang-Keun; Kang, Eunah

2016-01-01

Nanodiamond (ND), an emerging new carbon material, was exploited to reinforce nylon 6,6 (PA66) polymer composites. Surface modified nanodiamonds with acyl chloride end groups were employed to chemically graft into PA66, enhancing the interfacial adhesion and thus the mechanical properties. The ND grafted PA66 (PA66-g-ND) reinforced PA66 composite prepared by in situ reactive extrusion exhibited increased tensile strength and modulus. The tensile strength and modulus of PA66/3 wt.% PA66-g-ND composites were enhanced by 11.6 and 20.8%, respectively when compared to those of the bare PA66 matrix. Even the PA66/pristine ND composites exhibited enhanced mechanical properties. The PA66-g-ND and the homogeneously dispersed PA66-g-ND in PA66 matrix were examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The mechanical properties and thermal conductivities of the nanodiamond incorporated PA66 composites were also explored. The enhanced mechanical properties and thermal conductivities of the PA66-g-ND/PA66 composites make them potential materials for new applications as functional engineered thermoplastics. PMID:27841314

Date palm biochar-polymer composites: An investigation of electrical, mechanical, thermal and rheological characteristics.

PubMed

Poulose, Anesh Manjaly; Elnour, Ahmed Yagoub; Anis, Arfat; Shaikh, Hamid; Al-Zahrani, S M; George, Justin; Al-Wabel, Mohammad I; Usman, Adel R; Ok, Yong Sik; Tsang, Daniel C W; Sarmah, Ajit K

2018-04-01

The application of biochar (BC) as a filler in polymers can be viewed as a sustainable approach that incorporates pyrolysed waste based value-added material and simultaneously mitigate bio-waste in a smart way. The overarching aim of this work was to investigate the electrical, mechanical, thermal and rheological properties of biocomposite developed by utilizing date palm waste-derived BC for the reinforcing of polypropylene (PP) matrix. Date palm waste derived BC prepared at (700 and 900°C) were blended at different proportions with polypropylene and the resultant composites (BC/PP) were characterized using an array of techniques (scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy). Additionally the thermal, mechanical, electrical and rheological properties of the BC/PP composites were evaluated at different loading of BC content (from 0 to15% w/w). The mechanical properties of BC/PP composites showed an improvement in the tensile modulus while that of electrical characterization revealed an enhanced electrical conductivity with increased BC loading. Although the BC incorporation into the PP matrix has significantly reduced the total crystallinity of the resulted composites, however; a positive effect on the crystallization temperature (T c ) was observed. The rheological characterization of BC/PP composites revealed that the addition of BC had minimal effect on the storage modulus (G') compared to the neat (PP). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mechanical, electrical, and thermal expansion properties of carbon nanotube-based silver and silver-palladium alloy composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pal, Hemant; Sharma, Vimal

2014-11-01

The mechanical, electrical, and thermal expansion properties of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based silver and silver-palladium (10:1, w/w) alloy nanocomposites are reported. To tailor the properties of silver, CNTs were incorporated into a silver matrix by a modified molecular level-mixing process. CNTs interact weakly with silver because of their non-reactive nature and lack of mutual solubility. Therefore, palladium was utilized as an alloying element to improve interfacial adhesion. Comparative microstructural characterizations and property evaluations of the nanocomposites were performed. The structural characterizations revealed that decorated type-CNTs were dispersed, embedded, and anchored into the silver matrix. The experimental results indicated that the modification of the silver and silver-palladium nanocomposite with CNT resulted in increases in the hardness and Young's modulus along with concomitant decreases in the electrical conductivity and the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The hardness and Young's modulus of the nanocomposites were increased by 30%-40% whereas the CTE was decreased to 50%-60% of the CTE of silver. The significantly improved CTE and the mechanical properties of the CNT-reinforced silver and silver-palladium nanocomposites are correlated with the intriguing properties of CNTs and with good interfacial adhesion between the CNTs and silver as a result of the fabrication process and the contact action of palladium as an alloying element.

Thermal, creep-recovery and viscoelastic behavior of high density polyethylene/hydroxyapatite nano particles for bone substitutes: effects of gamma radiation.

PubMed

Alothman, Othman Y; Fouad, H; Al-Zahrani, S M; Eshra, Ayman; Al Rez, Mohammed Fayez; Ansari, S G

2014-08-28

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is one of the most often used polymers in biomedical applications. The limitations of HDPE are its visco-elastic behavior, low modulus and poor bioactivity. To improve HDPE properties, HA nanoparticles can be added to form polymer composite that can be used as alternatives to metals for bone substitutes and orthopaedic implant applications. In our previous work (BioMedical Engineering OnLine 2013), different ratios of HDPE/HA nanocomposites were prepared using melt blending in a co-rotating intermeshing twin screw extruder. The accelerated aging effects on the tensile properties and torsional viscoelastic behavior (storage modulus (G') and Loss modulus (G")) at 80°C of irradiated and non-irradiated HDPE/HA was investigated. Also the thermal behavior of HDPE/HA were studied. In this study, the effects of gamma irradiation on the tensile viscoelastic behavior (storage modulus (E') and Loss modulus (E")) at 25°C examined for HDPE/HA nanocomposites at different frequencies using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). The DMA was also used to analyze creep-recovery and relaxation properties of the nanocomposites. To analyze the thermal behavior of the HDPE/HA nanocomposite, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used. The microscopic examination of the cryogenically fractured surface revealed a reasonable distribution of HA nanoparticles in the HDPE matrix. The DMA showed that the tensile storage and loss modulus increases with increasing the HA nanoparticles ratio and the test frequency. The creep-recovery behavior improves with increasing the HA nanoparticle content. Finally, the results indicated that the crystallinity, viscoelastic, creep recovery and relaxation behavior of HDPE nanocomposite improved due to gamma irradiation. Based on the experimental results, it is found that prepared HDPE nanocomposite properties improved due to the addition of HA nanoparticles and irradiation. So, the prepared HDPE/HA nanocomposite appears to have fairly good comprehensive properties that make it a good candidate as bone substitute.

Polyimide Composites from 'Salt-Like' Solution Precursors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cano, Roberto J.; Hou, Tan H.; Weiser, Erik S.; SaintClair, Terry L.

2001-01-01

Four NASA Langley-developed polyimide matrix resins, LaRC(TM)-IA, LaRC(TM)-IAX, LaRC(TM)-8515 and LaRC(TM)-PETI-5, were produced via a 'saltlike' process developed by Unitika Ltd. The salt-like solutions (65% solids in NMP) were prepregged onto Hexcel IM7 carbon fiber using the NASA LaRC multipurpose tape machine. Process parameters were determined and composite panels fabricated. The temperature dependent volatile depletion rates, the thermal crystallization behavior and the resin rheology were characterized. Composite molding cycles were developed which consistently yielded well consolidated, void-free laminated parts. Composite mechanical properties such as the short beam shear strength; the longitudinal and transverse flexural strength and flexural modulus; the longitudinal compression strength and modulus; and the open hole compression strength and compression after impact strength were measured at room temperature and elevated temperatures. The processing characteristics and the composite mechanical properties of the four intermediate modulus carbon fiber/polyimide matrix composites were compared to existing data on the same polyimide resin systems and IM7 carbon fiber manufactured via poly(amide acid) solutions (30-35% solids in NMP). This work studies the effects of varying the synthetic route on the processing and mechanical properties of the polyimide composites.

Thermal shock and erosion resistant tantalum carbide ceramic material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Honeycutt, L., III; Manning, C. R. (Inventor)

1978-01-01

Ceramic tantalum carbide artifacts with high thermal shock and mechanical erosion resistance are provided by incorporating tungsten-rhenium and carbon particles in a tantalum carbide matrix. The mix is sintered by hot pressing to form the ceramic article which has a high fracture strength relative to its elastic modulus and thus has an improved thermal shock and mechanical erosion resistance. The tantalum carbide is preferable less than minus 100 mesh, the carbon particles are preferable less than minus 100 mesh, and the tungsten-rhenium particles are preferable elongate, having a length to thickness ratio of at least 2/1. Tungsten-rhenium wire pieces are suitable as well as graphite particles.

Micromechanical analysis on anisotropy of structured magneto-rheological elastomer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, R.; Zhang, Z.; Chen, S. W.; Wang, X. J.

2015-07-01

This paper investigates the equivalent elastic modulus of structured magneto-rheological elastomer (MRE) in the absence of magnetic field. We assume that both matrix and ferromagnetic particles are linear elastic materials, and ferromagnetic particles are embedded in matrix with layer-like structure. The structured composite could be divided into matrix layer and reinforced layer, in which the reinforced layer is composed of matrix and the homogenously distributed ferromagnetic particles in matrix. The equivalent elastic modulus of reinforced layer is analysed by the Mori-Tanaka method. Finite Element Method (FEM) is also carried out to illustrate the relationship between the elastic modulus and the volume fraction of ferromagnetic particles. The results show that the anisotropy of elastic modulus becomes noticeable, as the volume fraction of particles increases.

Effects of LDEF flight exposure on selected polymer matrix resin composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slemp, Wayne S.; Young, Philip R.; Witte, William G., Jr.; Shen, James Y.

1992-01-01

The characterization of selected graphite fiber reinforced epoxy (934 and 5208) and polysulfone (P1700) matrix resin composites materials which received over five years and nine months of exposure to the low earth orbit (LEO) environment in experiment AO134 on the Long Duration Exposure Facility is reported. The changes in mechanical properties of ultimate tensile strength and tensile modulus for exposed flight specimens are compared to the three sets of control specimens. Marked changes in surface appearance are discussed, and resin loss is reported. The chemical characterization including infrared, thermal, and selected solution property measurements showed that the molecular structure of the polymetric matrix had not changed significantly in response to this exposure.

High Density Polyethylene Composites Reinforced with Hybrid Inorganic Fillers: Morphology, Mechanical and Thermal Expansion Performance

PubMed Central

Huang, Runzhou; Xu, Xinwu; Lee, Sunyoung; Zhang, Yang; Kim, Birm-June; Wu, Qinglin

2013-01-01

The effect of individual and combined talc and glass fibers (GFs) on mechanical and thermal expansion performance of the filled high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites was studied. Several published models were adapted to fit the measured tensile modulus and strength of various composite systems. It was shown that the use of silane-modified GFs had a much larger effect in improving mechanical properties and in reducing linear coefficient of thermal expansion (LCTE) values of filled composites, compared with the use of un-modified talc particles due to enhanced bonding to the matrix, larger aspect ratio, and fiber alignment for GFs. Mechanical properties and LCTE values of composites with combined talc and GF fillers varied with talc and GF ratio at a given total filler loading level. The use of a larger portion of GFs in the mix can lead to better composite performance, while the use of talc can help lower the composite costs and increase its recyclability. The use of 30 wt % combined filler seems necessary to control LCTE values of filled HDPE in the data value range generally reported for commercial wood plastic composites. Tensile modulus for talc-filled composite can be predicted with rule of mixture, while a PPA-based model can be used to predict the modulus and strength of GF-filled composites. PMID:28788322

Physical property measurements of doped cesium iodide crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Synder, R. S.; Clotfelter, W. N.

1974-01-01

Mechanical and thermal property values are reported for crystalline cesium iodide doped with sodium and thallium. Young's modulus, bulk modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson's ratio were obtained from ultrasonic measurements. Young's modulus and the samples' elastic and plastic behavior were also measured under tension and compression. Thermal expansion and thermal conductivity were the temperature dependent measurements that were made.

Fabrication and characterization of epoxy/silica functionally graded composite material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Misra, N.; Kapusetti, G.; Pattanayak, D. K.; Kumar, A.

2011-09-01

Increased use of composites in aerospace and defense application induces the search for heat resistant material. In present study silica reinforced epoxy functionally graded material using quartz fabric is prepared with different thickness. The gradation in silica : epoxy matrix is maintained with one side pure epoxy to opposite side pure silica. Thermal and mechanical behaviour of the composites were studied. It was found that the temperature gradient of 350°C to 950°C could be maintained for 2 to 5 min if the thickness of insulating silica layer is increased from 0.5 mm to 16 mm. Mechanical properties such as flexural modulus and strength of FGM composites were also evaluated. Strength and modulus decreased with increase of insulating layer.

Bio-composites of cassava starch-green coconut fiber: part II-Structure and properties.

PubMed

Lomelí-Ramírez, María Guadalupe; Kestur, Satyanarayana G; Manríquez-González, Ricardo; Iwakiri, Setsuo; de Muniz, Graciela Bolzon; Flores-Sahagun, Thais Sydenstricker

2014-02-15

Development of any new material requires its complete characterization to find potential applications. In that direction, preparation of bio-composites of cassava starch containing up to 30 wt.% green coconut fibers from Brazil by thermal molding process was reported earlier. Their characterization regarding physical and tensile properties of both untreated and treated matrices and their composites were also reported. Structural studies through FTIR and XRD and thermal stability of the above mentioned composites are presented in this paper. FT-IR studies revealed decomposition of components in the matrix; the starch was neither chemically affected nor modified by either glycerol or the amount of fiber. XRD studies indicated increasing crystallinity of the composites with increasing amount of fiber content. Thermal studies through TGA/DTA showed improvement of thermal stability with increasing amount of fiber incorporation, while DMTA showed increasing storage modulus, higher glass transition temperature and lower damping with increasing fiber content. Improved interfacial bonding between the matrix and fibers could be the cause for the above results. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimizing Thermal-Elastic Properties of C/C–SiC Composites Using a Hybrid Approach and PSO Algorithm

PubMed Central

Xu, Yingjie; Gao, Tian

2016-01-01

Carbon fiber-reinforced multi-layered pyrocarbon–silicon carbide matrix (C/C–SiC) composites are widely used in aerospace structures. The complicated spatial architecture and material heterogeneity of C/C–SiC composites constitute the challenge for tailoring their properties. Thus, discovering the intrinsic relations between the properties and the microstructures and sequentially optimizing the microstructures to obtain composites with the best performances becomes the key for practical applications. The objective of this work is to optimize the thermal-elastic properties of unidirectional C/C–SiC composites by controlling the multi-layered matrix thicknesses. A hybrid approach based on micromechanical modeling and back propagation (BP) neural network is proposed to predict the thermal-elastic properties of composites. Then, a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is interfaced with this hybrid model to achieve the optimal design for minimizing the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of composites with the constraint of elastic modulus. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid model and optimization method. PMID:28773343

Convergence analysis of modulus-based matrix splitting iterative methods for implicit complementarity problems.

PubMed

Wang, An; Cao, Yang; Shi, Quan

2018-01-01

In this paper, we demonstrate a complete version of the convergence theory of the modulus-based matrix splitting iteration methods for solving a class of implicit complementarity problems proposed by Hong and Li (Numer. Linear Algebra Appl. 23:629-641, 2016). New convergence conditions are presented when the system matrix is a positive-definite matrix and an [Formula: see text]-matrix, respectively.

Modeling stiffness loss in boron/aluminum below the fatigue limit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, W. S.

1982-01-01

Boron/aluminum can develop significant internal matrix cracking when fatigued. These matrix cracks can result in a 40 percent secant modulus loss in some laminates, even when fatigued below the fatigue limit. It is shown that the same amount of fatigue damage will develop during stress or strain-controlled tests. Stacking sequence has little influence on secant modulus loss. The secant modulus loss in unidirectional composites is small, whereas the losses are substantial in laminates containing off-axis plies. A simple analysis is presented that predicts unnotched laminate secant modulus loss due to fatigue. The analysis is based upon the elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio of the fiber and matrix, fiber volume fraction, fiber orientations, and the cyclic-hardened yield stress of the matrix material. Excellent agreement was achieved between model predictions and experimental results. With this model, designers can project the material stiffness loss for design load or strain levels and assess the feasibility of its use in stiffness-critical parts.

Dispersion and Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotube/Polymer Composites via Melt Compounding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorga, Russell; Cohen, Robert

2003-03-01

This work is focused on the fabrication of carbon nanotube/ polymer composites via melt compounding. The main objective of this work is to realize the outstanding properties of carbon nanotubes (high modulus, high thermal and electrical conductivity, elastic buckling) at the macroscopic level by blending carbon nanotubes into a polymer matrix. The challenge lies in dispersing these one dimensional nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. Dispersion of the nanotubes in the composites is analyzed via transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical properties as well as electrical and thermal conductivity are measured as a function of nanotube loading, orientation, and extrusion conditions. Multi-wall nanotube loadings in the range of 1 and 10 wtconcave-downward departures from the linear stress-strain behavior of the unmodified polymer below 5observations are discussed in the context of possible deformation mechanisms for the nanotube composites.

Fiber-Reinforced Reactive Nano-Epoxy Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhong, Wei-Hong

2011-01-01

An ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene/ matrix interface based on the fabrication of a reactive nano-epoxy matrix with lower surface energy has been improved. Enhanced mechanical properties versus pure epoxy on a three-point bend test include: strength (25 percent), modulus (20 percent), and toughness (30 percent). Increased thermal properties include higher Tg (glass transition temperature) and stable CTE (coefficient of thermal expansion). Improved processability for manufacturing composites includes faster wetting rates on macro-fiber surfaces, lower viscosity, better resin infusion rates, and improved rheological properties. Improved interfacial adhesion properties with Spectra fibers by pullout tests include initial debonding force of 35 percent, a maximum pullout force of 25 percent, and energy to debond at 65 percent. Improved mechanical properties of Spectra fiber composites (tensile) aging resistance properties include hygrothermal effects. With this innovation, high-performance composites have been created, including carbon fibers/nano-epoxy, glass fibers/nano-epoxy, aramid fibers/ nano-epoxy, and ultra-high-molecularweight polyethylene fiber (UHMWPE).

ABA and ABC type thermoplastic elastomer toughening of epoxy matrices and its effect on carbon fiber reinforced composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pitchiaya, Gomatheeshwar

Epoxy-matrices have high modulus, strength, excellent creep resistance, but lacks ductility. One approach to improve the mechanical toughness is the addition of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). The TPEs investigated here are triblock copolymers of styrene-butadiene-methyl methacrylate (SBM) and methylmethacrylate-butylacrylate-methylmethacrylate (MAM) of the ABC and ABA type, respectively. The effect of concentration (1-12.5 wt %) of these TPEs on a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) epoxy cured with metaphenylenediamine (mPDA), has been investigated. The TPE-DGEBA epoxies were characterized by TGA, DMA, SEM and impact. The flexural modulus, flexural strength and thermal resistance remained unaffected up to 5 wt% loading of TPEs, and exhibited less than 10% decrease at higher weight percent. T g was unaffected for all concentrations. Fracture toughness was improved 250% and up to 375% (when non- stoichiometric amount of curing agent was used) with TPE addition to epoxy/mPDA matrix. A SBM(1phr)EPON system was chosen to be the matrix of choice for a fiber reinforced composite system with a 4wt% aromatic epoxy sizing on a AS4 (UV-treated) carbon fiber. The 0° and 90° flexural modulus and strength of a SBM modified system was compared with the neat and their fracture surfaces were analyzed. A 89% increase in flexural strength was observed in a 90° flexural test for the modified system when compared with the neat. Novel sizing agents were also developed to enhance interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and the fiber-matrix adhesion and their birefringence pattern were analyzed.

Multifunctional zirconium oxide doped chitosan based hybrid nanocomposites as bone tissue engineering materials.

PubMed

Bhowmick, Arundhati; Jana, Piyali; Pramanik, Nilkamal; Mitra, Tapas; Banerjee, Sovan Lal; Gnanamani, Arumugam; Das, Manas; Kundu, Patit Paban

2016-10-20

This paper reports the development of multifunctional zirconium oxide (ZrO2) doped nancomposites having chitosan (CTS), organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) and nano-hydroxyapatite (HAP). Formation of these nanocomposites was confirmed by various characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed uniform distribution of OMMT and nano-HAP-ZrO2 into CTS matrix. Powder XRD study and TEM study revealed that OMMT has partially exfoliated into the polymer matrix. Enhanced mechanical properties in comparison to the reported literature were obtained after the addition of ZrO2 nanoparticle into the nanocomposites. In rheological measurements, CMZH I-III exhibited greater storage modulus (G') than loss modulus (G″). TGA results showed that these nanocomposites are thermally more stable compare to pure CTS film. Strong antibacterial zone of inhibition and the lowest minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) value of these nanocomposites against bacterial strains proved that these materials have the ability to prevent bacterial infection in orthopedic implants. Compatibility of these nanocomposites with pH and blood of human body was established. It was observed from the swelling study that the swelling percentage was increased with decreasing the hydrophobic OMMT content. Human osteoblastic MG-63 cell proliferations were observed on the nanocomposites and cytocompatibility of these nanocomposites was also established. Moreover, addition of 5wt% OMMT and 5wt% nano-HAP-ZrO2 into 90wt% CTS matrix provides maximum tensile strength, storage modulus, aqueous swelling and cytocompatibility along with strong antibacterial effect, pH and erythrocyte compatibility. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A new class of magnetorheological elastomers based on waste tire rubber and the characterization of their properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ubaidillah; Imaduddin, Fitrian; Li, Yancheng; Amri Mazlan, Saiful; Sutrisno, Joko; Koga, Tsuyoshi; Yahya, Iwan; Choi, Seung-Bok

2016-11-01

This paper proposes a new type of magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) using rubber from waste tires and describes its performance characteristics. In this work, scrap tires were utilized as a primary matrix for the MRE without incorporation of virgin elastomers. The synthesis of the scrap tire based MRE adopted a high-temperature high-pressure sintering technique to achieve the reclaiming of vulcanized rubber. The material properties of the MRE samples were investigated through physical and viscoelastic examinations. The physical tests confirmed several material characteristics—microstructure, magnetic, and thermal properties-while the viscoelastic examination was conducted with a laboratory-made dynamic compression apparatus. It was observed from the viscoelastic examination that the proposed MRE has magnetic-field-dependent properties of the storage modulus, loss modulus, and loss tangent at different excitation frequencies and strain amplitudes. Specifically, the synthesized MRE showed a high zero field modulus, a reasonable MR effect under maximum applied current, and remarkable damping properties.

Large-diameter carbon-composite monofilaments. [production method and characteristics of carbon composite monofilaments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bradshaw, W. G.; Pinoli, P. C.; Karlak, R. F.

1974-01-01

Large-diameter carbon composite monofilaments with high strength and high modulus were produced by pregging multifiber carbon bundles with suitable organic resins and pyrolysing them together. Two approaches were developed to increase the utilization of fiber tensile strength by minimizing stress concentration defects induced by dissimilar shrinkage during pyrolysis. These were matrix modification to improve char yield and strain-to-failure and fiber-matrix copyrolysis to alleviate matrix cracking. Highest tensile strength and modulus were obtained by heat treatments to 2873 K to match fiber and matrix strain-to-failure and develop maximum monofilament tensile-strength and elastic modulus.

Mechanical properties of three layer glass fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester filled with P84 Polyimide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibrahim, Nik Noor Idayu Nik; Mamauod, Siti Nur Liyana; Romli, Ahmad Zafir

2017-12-01

The glass fibre reinforced orthophthalic unsaturated polyester composite was widely used in the pipeline industry as a replacement to the corroded steel pipes. A filler which possesses high mechanical performance at high temperature; P84 Polyimide used as the particulate reinforcement in the unsaturated polyester matrix system to increase the mechanical performance of the glass fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester. The glass fibre composite laminates were prepared through a hand lay-up technique and fabricated into three layer laminate. Prior to be used as the matrix system in the lamination process, the unsaturated polyester resin was mixed with masterbatch P84 Polyimide at three loadings amount of 1, 3, and 5 wt%. The addition of P84 Polyimide at 1, 3, and 5 wt% increased the tensile properties and flexural properties especially at 1 wt% filler loading. As the filler loading increased, the tensile properties and flexural properties showed decreasing pattern. In the dynamic mechanical analysis, the values of storage modulus were taken at two points; 50 °C and 150 °C which were the storage modulus before and after the glass transition temperature. All storage modulus showed fluctuation trend for both before and after Tg. However, the storage modulus of the filled composite laminates after Tg showed higher values than unfilled composite laminates at all filler loading. Since the P84 Polyimide possesses high thermal stability, the presence of P84 Polyimide inside the composite system had assisted in delaying the Tg. In terms of the filler dispersion, the Cole-Cole plot showed an imperfect semi-circular shape which indicated good filler dispersion.

Dynamic mechanical thermal properties of the dental light-cured nanohybrid composite Kalore, GC: effect of various food/oral simulating liquids.

PubMed

Sideridou, Irini D; Vouvoudi, Evangelia C; Adamidou, Evanthia A

2015-02-01

The aim of this work is the study of the dynamic mechanical thermal properties (viscoelastic properties) of a current dental commercial light-cured nanohybrid resin composite, Kalore, GC (GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) along with the study of the effect of some food/oral simulating liquids (FSLs) on these properties. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) tests were performed on a Diamond Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analyzer in bending mode. A frequency of 1Hz and a temperature range of 25-185°C were applied, while the heating rate of 2°C/min was selected to cover mouth temperature and the material's likely Tg. The properties were determined after storage in air, distilled water, heptane, ethanol/water solution (75% v/v) or absolute ethanol at 37°C for up to 1h, 1, 7 or 30 days. Storage modulus, loss modulus and tangent delta (tanδ) were plotted against temperature. The glass transition temperatures are taken from the peak of the tangent tanδ versus temperature curves. Moreover, some factors indicating the heterogeneity of the polymer matrix, such as the width (ΔT) at the half of tanδ peak and the "ζ" parameter were determined. All samples analyzed after storage for 1h or 1 day in the aging media showed two Tg values. All samples analyzed after storage for 7 or 30 days in the ageing media showed a unique Tg value. Storage of Kalore GC in dry air, water or heptane at 37°C for 7 days caused post-curing reactions. Storage in air or water for 30 days did not seem to cause further effects. Storage in heptane for 30 days may cause plasticization and probably some degradation of the filler-silane bond and polymer matrix. Storage in ethanol/water solution (75% v/v) or ethanol for 7 days seems to cause post-curing reactions and degradation reactions of the matrix-filler bonds. Storage in ethanol for 30 days caused a strong change of the sample morphology and the DMTA results were not reliable. Copyright © 2014 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interfacial Effects on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Graphite/Copper Composites. Final Contractor Report Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Devincent, Sandra Marie

1995-01-01

Graphite surfaces are not wet by pure copper. This lack of wetting has been responsible for a debonding phenomenon that has been found in continuous graphite fiber reinforced copper matrix composites subjected to elevated temperatures. By suitably alloying copper, its ability to wet graphite surfaces can be enhanced. Information obtained during sessile drop testing has led to the development of a copper-chromium alloy that suitably wets graphite. Unidirectionally reinforced graphite/copper composites have been fabricated using a pressure infiltration casting procedure. P100 pitch-based fibers have been used to reinforce copper and copper-chromium alloys. X-ray radiography and optical microscopy have been used to assess the fiber distribution in the cast composites. Scanning electron microscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy analyses were conducted to study the distribution and continuity of the chromium carbide reaction phase that forms at the fiber/matrix interface in the alloyed matrix composites. The effects of the chromium in the copper matrix on the mechanical and thermal properties of P100Gr/Cu composites have been evaluated through tensile testing, three-point bend testing, thermal cycling and thermal conductivity calculations. The addition of chromium has resulted in an increased shear modulus and essentially zero thermal expansion in the P100Gr/Cu-xCr composites through enhanced fiber/matrix bonding. The composites have longitudinal tensile strengths in excess of 700 MPa with elastic moduli of 393 GPa. After 100 hr at 760 deg C 84 percent of the as-cast strength is retained in the alloyed matrix composites. The elastic moduli are unchanged by the thermal exposure. It has been found that problems with spreading of the fiber tows strongly affect the long transverse tensile properties and the short transverse thermal conductivity of the P100Gr/Cu-xCr composites. The long transverse tensile strength is limited by rows of touching fibers which are paths of easy crack propagation under low tensile loads. The short transverse thermal conductivity is dictated by the fiber/matrix interface. Conduction across this interface has been estimated to be two orders of magnitude lower than that across the composite. This is due to the mechanical, and not chemical, nature of Gr/Cu bond.

Preparation and physical properties of tara gum film reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals.

PubMed

Ma, Qianyun; Hu, Dongying; Wang, Lijuan

2016-05-01

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) prepared from microcrystalline cellulose were blended in tara gum solution to prepare nanocomposite films. The morphology, crystallinity, and thermal properties of the CNC and films were evaluated by using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The resultant CNC was rod-shaped with diameters of around 8.6 nm. The effect of CNC content on physical and thermal properties of films was studied. The composite film tensile strength increased from 27.86 to 65.73 MPa, elastic modulus increased from 160.98 MPa to 882.49 MPa and the contact angle increased from 55.8° to 98.7° with increasing CNC content from 0 to 6 wt%. However, CNC addition increased the thermal stability slightly and CNC content above 6 wt% decreased the tensile strength by CNC aggregation in the matrix. The nanocomposite film containing 6 wt% CNC possessed the highest light transmittance, mechanical properties, and lowest oxygen permeability. CNC addition is a suitable method to modify tara gum matrix polymer properties. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optical and mechanical behaviors of glassy silicone networks derived from linear siloxane precursors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Heejun; Seo, Wooram; Kim, Hyungsun; Lee, Yoonjoo; Kim, Younghee

2016-01-01

Silicon-based inorganic polymers are promising materials as matrix materials for glass fiber composites because of their good process ability, transparency, and thermal property. In this study, for utilization as a matrix precursor for a glass-fiber-reinforced composite, glassy silicone networks were prepared via hydrosilylation of linear/pendant Si-H polysiloxanes and the C=C bonds of viny-lterminated linear/cyclic polysiloxanes. 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to determine the structure of the cross-linked states, and a thermal analysis was performed. To assess the mechanical properties of the glassy silicone networks, we performed nanoindentation and 4-point bending tests. Cross-linked networks derived from siloxane polymers are thermally and optically more stable at high temperatures. Different cross-linking agents led to final networks with different properties due to differences in the molecular weights and structures. After stepped postcuring, the Young's modulus and the hardness of the glassy silicone networks increased; however, the brittleness also increased. The characteristics of the cross-linking agent played an important role in the functional glassy silicone networks.

Dynamic mechanical analysis of carbon nanotube-reinforced nanocomposites.

PubMed

Her, Shiuh-Chuan; Lin, Kuan-Yu

2017-06-16

To predict the mechanical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-reinforced polymers, it is necessary to understand the role of the nanotube-polymer interface with regard to load transfer and the formation of the interphase region. The main objective of this study was to explore and attempt to clarify the reinforcement mechanisms of MWCNTs in epoxy matrix. Nanocomposites were fabricated by adding different amounts of MWCNTs to epoxy resin. Tensile test and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were conducted to investigate the effect of MWCNT contents on the mechanical properties and thermal stability of nanocomposites. Compared with the neat epoxy, nanocomposite reinforced with 1 wt% of MWCNTs exhibited an increase of 152% and 54% in Young's modulus and tensile strength, respectively. Dynamic mechanical analysis demonstrates that both the storage modulus and glass transition temperature tend to increase with the addition of MWCNTs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations reveal that uniform dispersion and strong interfacial adhesion between the MWCNTs and epoxy are achieved, resulting in the improvement of mechanical properties and thermal stability as compared with neat epoxy.

Mechanical and thermal properties of eco-friendly poly(propylene carbonate)/cellulose acetate butyrate blends.

PubMed

Xing, Chenyang; Wang, Hengti; Hu, Qiaoqiao; Xu, Fenfen; Cao, Xiaojun; You, Jichun; Li, Yongjin

2013-02-15

The eco-friendly poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC)/cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) blends were prepared by melt-blending in a batch mixer for the first time. PPC and CAB were partially miscible because of the drastically shifted glass transition temperatures of both PPC and CAB, which originated from the specific interactions between carbonyl groups and hydroxyl groups. The incorporation of CAB into PPC matrix enhanced not only tensile strength and modulus of PPC dramatically, but also improved heat resistance and thermal stability of PPC significantly. The tensile strength and the modulus of PPC/CAB=50/50 blend are 27.7 MPa and 1.24 GPa, which are 21 times and 28 times higher than those of the unmodified PPC, respectively. Moreover, the elongation at break of PPC/CAB=50/50 blend is as high as 117%. In addition, the obtained blends exhibited good transparency, which is very important for the package materials. The results in this work pave new possibility for the massive application of eco-friendly polymer materials. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Viscoelastic Behavior of PDMS Filled with Boron Nitrides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bian, J. F.; Weinkauf, D. H.; Jeon, H. S.

2004-03-01

The addition of high thermal conductive filler particles such as boron nitride, aluminum nitride, or carbon fiber is an effective way to increase the thermal conductivity of polymeric materials for the industrial applications such as electronic packaging materials, encapsulants, and thermal fluids among others. The effects of particle dispersions, concentrations, and the interactions between BN and polymer matrix on the viscoelastic properties of the boron nitride (BN)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites prepared by mechanical mixing are investigated using oscillatory shear rheology. Both untreated and plasma treated boron nitride (BNP) particles with hexafluoropropylene oxide monomers have been used in this study. The addition of the plasma treated BN particles to the PDMS matrix decrease significantly the complex viscosity as well as storage and loss modulus of the composites due to the reduced interfacial energy between the surface of BNP and PDMS chains. For the PDMS/BN and PDMS/BNP composites, the maximum volume packing fraction ( ˜0.4) of the particles has been determined from the complex viscosity as a function of the frequency. Additionally, the shear-induced alignment of the BN particles dispersed in the PDMS matrix decreases the viscoelastic properties of the composites with the irregular oscillations which is related to the network formation of dispersed BN particles at the higher volume fractions (> ˜0.2).

Polymer matrix composites on LDEF experiments M0003-9 and M0003-10

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steckel, Gary L.; Cookson, Thomas; Blair, Christopher

1992-01-01

Over 250 polymer matrix composites were exposed to the natural space environment on Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) experiments M0003-9 and 10. The experiments included a wide variety of epoxy, thermoplastic, polyimide, and bismalimide matrix composites reinforced with graphite, glass, or organic fibers. A review of the significant observations and test results obtained to date is presented. Estimated recession depths from atomic oxygen exposure are reported and the resulting surface morphologies are discussed. The effects of the LDEF exposure on the flexural strength and modulus, short beam shear strength, and coefficient of thermal expansion of several classes of bare and coated composites are reviewed. Lap shear data are presented for composite-to-composite and composite-to-aluminum alloy samples that were prepared using different bonding techniques and subsequently flown on LDEF.

Enhancements in crystallinity, thermal stability, tensile modulus and strength of sisal fibres and their PP composites induced by the synergistic effects of alkali and high intensity ultrasound (HIU) treatments.

PubMed

Krishnaiah, Prakash; Ratnam, Chantara Thevy; Manickam, Sivakumar

2017-01-01

In this investigation, sisal fibres were treated with the combination of alkali and high intensity ultrasound (HIU) and their effects on the morphology, thermal properties of fibres and mechanical properties of their reinforced PP composites were studied. FTIR and FE-SEM results confirmed the removal of amorphous materials such as hemicellulose, lignin and other waxy materials after the combined treatments of alkali and ultrasound. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed an increase in the crystallinity of sisal fibres with an increase in the concentration of alkali. Thermogravimetric results revealed that the thermal stability of sisal fibres obtained with the combination of both alkali and ultrasound treatment was increased by 38.5°C as compared to the untreated fibres. Morphology of sisal fibre reinforced composites showed good interfacial interaction between fibres and matrix after the combined treatment. Tensile properties were increased for the combined treated sisal fibres reinforced PP composites as compared to the untreated and pure PP. Tensile modulus and strength increased by more than 50% and 10% respectively as compared to the untreated sisal fibre reinforced composite. It has been found that the combined treatment of alkali and ultrasound is effective and useful to remove the amorphous materials and hence to improve the mechanical and thermal properties. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dynamic rheology of food protein networks

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Small amplitude oscillatory shear analyses of samples containing protein are useful for determining the nature of the protein matrix without damaging it. Elastic modulus, viscous modulus, and loss tangent (the ratio of viscous modulus to elastic modulus) give information on the strength of the netw...

Assessment of damage in ceramics and ceramic matrix composites using ultrasonic techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chu, Y. C.; Baaklini, G. Y.; Rokhlin, S.I.

1993-01-01

This paper addresses the application of ultrasonic sensing to damage assessment in ceramics and ceramic matrix composites. It focuses on damage caused by thermal shock or oxidation at elevated temperatures, which often results in elastic anisotropy. This damaged-induced anisotropy is determined by measuring the velocities of ultrasonic waves in different propagation directions. Thermal shock damage is assessed in ceramic samples of reaction bonded silicon nitride (RBSN). Thermal shock treatment from different temperatures up to 1000 C is applied to produce the microcracks. Results indicate that most microcracks produced by thermal shock are located near sample surfaces. Ultrasonic measurements using the surface wave method are found to correlate well with measurements of degradation of mechanical properties obtained independently by other authors using destructive methods. Oxidation damage is assessed in silicon carbide fiber/reaction bonded silicon nitride matrix (SCS-6/RBSN) composites. The oxidation is done by exposing the samples in a flowing oxygen environment at elevated temperatures, up to 1400 C, for 100 hr. The Youngs' modulus in the fiber direction as obtained from ultrasonic measurements decreases significantly at 600 C but retains its original value at temperatures above 1200 C. This agrees well with the results of destructive tests by other authors. On the other hand, the transverse moduli obtained from ultrasonic measurements decrease continually until 1200 C. Measurements on the shear stiffnesses show behavior similar to the transverse moduli. The results of this work show that the damage-induced anisotropy in both ceramics and ceramic matrix composites can be determined successfully by ultrasonic methods. This suggests the possibility of assessing damage severity using ultrasonic techniques.

Dynamic transverse shear modulus for a heterogeneous fluid-filled porous solid containing cylindrical inclusions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Yongjia; Hu, Hengshan; Rudnicki, John W.; Duan, Yunda

2016-09-01

An exact analytical solution is presented for the effective dynamic transverse shear modulus in a heterogeneous fluid-filled porous solid containing cylindrical inclusions. The complex and frequency-dependent properties of the dynamic shear modulus are caused by the physical mechanism of mesoscopic-scale wave-induced fluid flow whose scale is smaller than wavelength but larger than the size of pores. Our model consists of three phases: a long cylindrical inclusion, a cylindrical shell of poroelastic matrix material with different mechanical and/or hydraulic properties than the inclusion and an outer region of effective homogeneous medium of laterally infinite extent. The behavior of both the inclusion and the matrix is described by Biot's consolidation equations, whereas the surrounding effective medium which is used to describe the effective transverse shear properties of the inner poroelastic composite is assumed to be a viscoelastic solid whose complex transverse shear modulus needs to be determined. The determined effective transverse shear modulus is used to quantify the S-wave attenuation and velocity dispersion in heterogeneous fluid-filled poroelastic rocks. The calculation shows the relaxation frequency and relative position of various fluid saturation dispersion curves predicted by this study exhibit very good agreement with those of a previous 2-D finite-element simulation. For the double-porosity model (inclusions having a different solid frame than the matrix but the same pore fluid as the matrix) the effective shear modulus also exhibits a size-dependent characteristic that the relaxation frequency moves to lower frequencies by two orders of magnitude if the radius of the cylindrical poroelastic composite increases by one order of magnitude. For the patchy-saturation model (inclusions having the same solid frame as the matrix but with a different pore fluid from the matrix), the heterogeneity in pore fluid cannot cause any attenuation in the transverse shear modulus at all. A comparison with the case of spherical inclusions illustrates that the transverse shear modulus for the cylindrical inclusion exhibits more S-wave attenuation than spherical inclusions.

Sodium alginate/graphene oxide composite films with enhanced thermal and mechanical properties.

PubMed

Ionita, Mariana; Pandele, Madalina Andreea; Iovu, Horia

2013-04-15

Sodium alginate/graphene oxide (Al/GO) nanocomposite films with different loading levels of graphene oxide were prepared by casting from a suspension of the two components. The structure, morphologies and properties of Al/GO films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermal gravimetric (TG) analysis, and tensile tests. The results revealed that hydrogen bonding and high interfacial adhesion between GO filler and Al matrix significantly changed thermal stability and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films. The tensile strength (σ) and Young's modulus (E) of Al films containing 6 wt% GO increased from 71 MPa and 0.85 GPa to 113 MPa and 4.18 GPa, respectively. In addition, TG analysis showed that the thermal stability of Al/GO composite films was better than that of neat Al film. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, J.R.; Kim, J.H.

The weight loss and flexural property changes of the autoclave cured carbon/epoxy (0{degree}){sub 8} laminates toughened by CTBN at the temperatures of 200, 250 and 300{degree}C for the endurance times of 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 hours were measured. The matrix resins is composed of 100 phr of tetrafunctional epoxy resin (MY-720), 28 phr of Diamine-diphenyl sulfone (DDS) and 1 phr of Borontrifluoride monoethylene amine (BF{sub 3}{center_dot}MEA). The added contents of CTBN were 5, 10 and 15% by weight to the matrix resins. The addition of CTBN improves the thermal stability of the carbon/epoxy specimens in terms of weightmore » loss and flexural modulus. But the flexural strength was decreased by addition of CTBN.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, Ki-Seok; Park, Soo-Jin, E-mail: sjpark@inha.ac.kr

In this work, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was grafted onto amine treated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (NH-MWNTs) and the physical and rheological properties of the NH-MWNTs-g-PMMA nanocomposites were investigated. The graft reaction of NH-MWNTs and the PMMA matrix was confirmed from the change of the N{sub 1S} peaks, including those of amine oxygen and amide oxygen, by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The thermal and mechanical properties of the NH-MWNT-g-PMMA nanocomposites were enhanced by the graft reaction between NH-MWNTs and PMMA matrix. In addition, the viscosity of the nanocomposites was increased with the addition of NH-MWNTs. Storage (G') and loss modulus (G'') weremore » significantly increased by increase in the NH-MWNT content compared to acid-treated MWNTs/PMMA nanocomposites. This increase was attributed to the strong interaction by the grafting reaction between NH-MWNTs and the PMMA matrix. - Graphical abstract: This describes the increase of mechanical properties in NH-MWNTs-g-PMMA hybrid composites with different NH-MWNT contents. Highlights: > Aminized carbon nanotubes are used as reinforcement for poly(methylmethacrylate). > Poly(methylmethacrylate) is grafted on aminized carbon nanotubes by thermal reaction. > Grafting of carbon nanotubes and polymer provide enhanced physical properties. > It was due to the strong interaction between carbon nanotubes and polymer matrix.« less

Modulus, strength and thermal exposure studies of FP-Al2O3/aluminum and FP-Al2O3/magnesium composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhatt, R. T.

1981-01-01

The mechanical properties of FP-Al2O3 fiber reinforced composites prepared by liquid infiltration techniques are improved. A strengthening addition, magnesium, was incorporated with the aluminum-lithium matrix alloy usually selected for these composites because of its good wetting characteristics. This ternary composite, FP-Al2O3/Al-(2-3)Li-(3-5)Mg, showed improved transverse strength compared with FP-Al2O3/Al-(2-3)Li composites. The lower axial strengths found for the FP-Al2O3/Al-(2-3)Li-(3-5)Mg composites were attributed to fabrication related defects. Another technique was the use of Ti/B coated FP-Al2O3 fibers in the composites. This coating is readily wet by molten aluminum and permitted the use of more conventional aluminum alloys in the composites. However, the anticipated improvements in the axial and transverse strengths were not obtained due to poor bonding between the fiber coating and the matrix. A third approach studied to improve the strengths of FP-Al2O3 reinforced composites was the use of magnesium alloys as matrix materials. While these alloys wet fibers satisfactorily, the result indicated that the magnesium alloy composites used offered no axial strength or modulus advantage over FP-Al2O3/Al-(2-3)Li composites.

Stress-strain analysis of a (0/90)sub 2 symmetric titanium matrix laminate subjected to a generic hypersonic flight profile

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mirdamadi, Massoud; Johnson, W. Steven

1992-01-01

Cross ply laminate behavior of Ti-15V-3Cr-3Al-3Sn (Ti-15-3) matrix reinforced with continuous silicon carbide fibers (SCS-6) subjected to a generic hypersonic flight profile was evaluated experimentally and analytically. Thermomechanical fatigue test techniques were developed to conduct a simulation of a generic hypersonic flight profile. A micromechanical analysis was used. The analysis predicts the stress-strain response of the laminate and of the constituents in each ply during thermal and mechanical cycling by using only constituent properties as input. The fiber was modeled using a thermo-viscoplastic constitutive relation. The fiber transverse modulus was reduced in the analysis to simulate the fiber matrix interface failure. Excellent correlation was found between measured and predicted laminate stress-strain response due to generic hypersonic flight profile when fiber debonding was modeled.

Ionic cross-linked polyether and silica gel mixed matrix membranes for CO 2 separation from flue gas

DOE PAGES

Sekizkardes, Ali K.; Zhou, Xu; Nulwala, Hunaid B.; ...

2017-09-22

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were prepared by incorporating 10 wt%, 20 wt% and 30 wt% silica gel filler particles into novel ionic cross-linked polyether (IXPE) polymers. Porous silica gel has the advantage of high surface area that can increase the free volume and permeability in a polymer film while also being commercially available and low cost. The MMMs featured high chemical and thermal stability as well as a modest improvement in storage modulus. These features are due to the excellent interfacial interaction between silica gel filler particles and the polymer matrix. Increasing the loading of silica gel particles in MMMsmore » resulted in higher permeability up to 120 Barrer for CO 2, which is about 40% higher than the neat polymer matrix. Finally, most importantly, the MMMs maintained a very high CO 2/N 2 selectivity performance of around 41 for all particle loadings that were tested.« less

Thermal and mechanical properties of palm oil-based polyurethane acrylate/clay nanocomposites prepared by in-situ intercalative method and electron beam radiation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Salih, A. M.; Ahmad, Mansor Bin; Ibrahim, Nor Azowa

2014-02-12

Palm oil based-polyurethane acrylate (POBUA)/clay nanocomposites were prepared via in-situ intercalative polymerization using epoxidized palm oil acrylate (EPOLA) and 4,4' methylene diphenyl diisocyante (MDI). Organically modified Montmorillonite (ODA-MMT) was incorporated in EPOLA (1, 3 and 5%wt), and then subjected to polycondensation reaction with MDI. Nanocomposites solid films were obtained successfully by electron beam radiation induced free radical polymerization (curing). FTIR results reveal that the prepolymer was obtained successfully, with nanoclay dispersed in the matrix. The intercalation of the clay in the polymer matrix was investigated by XRD and the interlayer spacing of clay was found to be increased up tomore » 37 Å, while the structure morphology of the nanocomposites was investigated by TEM and SEM. The nanocomposites were found to be a mixture of exfoliated and intercalated morphologies. The thermal stability of the nanocomposites was significantly increased by incorporation of nanoclay into the polymer matrix. DSC results reveal that the Tg was shifted to higher values, gradually with increasing the amount of filler in the nanocomposites. Tensile strength and Young's modulus of the nanocomposites showed remarkable improvement compared to the neat POBUA.« less

Application of diffusion barriers to high modulus fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Veltri, R. D.; Douglas, F. C.; Paradis, E. L.; Galasso, F. S.

1977-01-01

Barrier layers were coated onto high-modulus fibers, and nickel and titanium layers were overcoated as simulated matrix materials. The objective was to coat the high-strength fibers with unreactive selected materials without degrading the fibers. The fibers were tungsten, niobium, and single-crystal sapphire, while the materials used as barrier coating layers were Al2O3, Y2O3, TiC, ZrC, WC with 14% Co, and HfO2. An ion-plating technique was used to coat the fibers. The fibers were subjected to high-temperature heat treatments to evaluate the effectiveness of the barrier layer in preventing fiber-metal interactions. Results indicate that Al2O3, Y2O3, and HfO2 can be used as barrier layers to minimize the nickel-tungsten interaction. Further investigation, including thermal cycling tests at 1090 C, revealed that HfO2 is probably the best of the three.

Method of making carbon-carbon composites

DOEpatents

Engle, Glen B.

1993-01-01

A process for making 2D and 3D carbon-carbon composites having a combined high crystallinity, high strength, high modulus and high thermal and electrical conductivity. High-modulus/high-strength mesophase derived carbon fibers are woven into a suitable cloth. Layers of this easily graphitizible woven cloth are infiltrated with carbon material to form green composites. The carbonized composite is then impregnated several times with pitch by covering the composite with hot pitch under pressure. The composites are given a heat treatment between each impregnant step to crack up the infiltrated carbon and allow additional pitch to enter the microstructure during the next impregnation cycle. The impregnated composites are then given a final heat treatment in the range 2500.degree. to 3100.degree. C. to fully graphitize the fibers and the matrix carbon. The composites are then infiltrated with pyrolytic carbon by chemical vapor deposition in the range 1000.degree. C. to 1300.degree. C. at a reduced. pressure.

A molecular dynamics study on Young's modulus and tribology of carbon nanotube reinforced styrene-butadiene rubber.

PubMed

Chawla, Raj; Sharma, Sumit

2018-03-18

Styrene-butadiene rubber is a copolymer widely used in making car tires and has excellent abrasion resistance. The Young's modulus and tribology of pure styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) polymer and carbon nanotube reinforced polymer composites have been investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. The mechanism of enhanced tribology properties using carbon nanotube has been studied and discussed. The obtained Young's modulus shows the enhancement in mechanical properties of SBR polymer when carbon nanotubes are used as reinforcement. The concentration, temperature and velocity profiles, radial distribution function, frictional stresses, and cohesive energy density are calculated and analyzed in detail. The Young's modulus of SBR matrix increases about 29.16% in the presence of the 5% CNT. The atom movement velocity and average cohesive energy density in the friction area of pure SBR matrix was found to be more than that of the CNT/SBR composite. Graphical abstract Initial and final conditions of (a) pure SBR matrix and (b) CNT/SBR matrix subjected toshear loading and frictional stresses of top Fe layers of both pure SBR and CNT/SBR composite.

Simplified equation for Young's modulus of CNT reinforced concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandran, RameshBabu; Gifty Honeyta A, Maria

2017-12-01

This research investigation focuses on finite element modeling of carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced concrete matrix for three grades of concrete namely M40, M60 and M120. Representative volume element (RVE) was adopted and one-eighth model depicting the CNT reinforced concrete matrix was simulated using FEA software ANSYS17.2. Adopting random orientation of CNTs, with nine fibre volume fractions from 0.1% to 0.9%, finite element modeling simulations replicated exactly the CNT reinforced concrete matrix. Upon evaluations of the model, the longitudinal and transverse Young's modulus of elasticity of the CNT reinforced concrete was arrived. The graphical plots between various fibre volume fractions and the concrete grade revealed simplified equation for estimating the young's modulus. It also exploited the fact that the concrete grade does not have significant impact in CNT reinforced concrete matrix.

Application of C/C composites to the combustion chamber of rocket engines. Part 1: Heating tests of C/C composites with high temperature combustion gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tadano, Makoto; Sato, Masahiro; Kuroda, Yukio; Kusaka, Kazuo; Ueda, Shuichi; Suemitsu, Takeshi; Hasegawa, Satoshi; Kude, Yukinori

1995-04-01

Carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite (C/C composite) has various superior properties, such as high specific strength, specific modulus, and fracture strength at high temperatures of more than 1800 K. Therefore, C/C composite is expected to be useful for many structural applications, such as combustion chambers of rocket engines and nose-cones of space-planes, but C/C composite lacks oxidation resistivity in high temperature environments. To meet the lifespan requirement for thermal barrier coatings, a ceramic coating has been employed in the hot-gas side wall. However, the main drawback to the use of C/C composite is the tendency for delamination to occur between the coating layer on the hot-gas side and the base materials on the cooling side during repeated thermal heating loads. To improve the thermal properties of the thermal barrier coating, five different types of 30-mm diameter C/C composite specimens constructed with functionally gradient materials (FGM's) and a modified matrix coating layer were fabricated. In this test, these specimens were exposed to the combustion gases of the rocket engine using nitrogen tetroxide (NTO) / monomethyl hydrazine (MMH) to evaluate the properties of thermal and erosive resistance on the thermal barrier coating after the heating test. It was observed that modified matrix and coating with FGM's are effective in improving the thermal properties of C/C composite.

A noncovalent compatibilization approach to improve the filler dispersion and properties of polyethylene/graphene composites.

PubMed

Vasileiou, Alexandros A; Kontopoulou, Marianna; Docoslis, Aristides

2014-02-12

Graphene was prepared by low temperature vacuum-assisted thermal exfoliation of graphite oxide. The resulting thermally reduced graphene oxide (TRGO) had a specific surface area of 586 m(2)/g and consisted of a mixture of single-layered and multilayered graphene. The TRGO was added to maleated linear low-density polyethylene LLDPE and to its derivatives with pyridine aromatic groups by melt compounding. The LLDPE/TRGO composites exhibited very low electrical percolation thresholds, between 0.5 and 0.9 vol %, depending on the matrix viscosity and the type of functional groups. The dispersion of the TRGO in the compatibilized composites was improved significantly, due to enhanced noncovalent interactions between the aromatic moieties grafted onto the polymer matrix and the filler. Better dispersion resulted in a slight increase in the rheological and electrical percolation thresholds, and to significant improvements in mechanical properties and thermal conductivity, compared to the noncompatibilized composites. The presence of high surface area nanoplatelets within the polymer also resulted in a substantially improved thermal stability. Compared to their counterparts containing multiwalled carbon nanotubes, LLDPE/TRGO composites had lower percolation thresholds. Therefore, lower amounts of TRGO were sufficient to impart electrical conductivity and modulus improvements, without compromising the ductility of the composites.

Study of thermal stability of (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxy silane-grafted titanate nanotubes for application as nanofillers in polymers.

PubMed

Plodinec, Milivoj; Gajović, Andreja; Iveković, Damir; Tomašić, Nenad; Zimmermann, Boris; Macan, Jelena; Haramina, Tatjana; Su, D S; Willinger, Marc

2014-10-31

Protonated titanate nanotubes (TiNT-H) were surface-modified with (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxy silane (APTMS) by a novel method suitable for the syntheses of large amounts of materials at a low cost. The usage of prepared nanotubes for polymer reinforcement was studied. Since the thermal stability of the nanofiller was important to preserve its functional properties, its stability was studied by in situ high-temperature measurements. The most thermally stable nanotubes were silanized for 20 min and used for the preparation of epoxy-based nanocomposites. The nanofiller formed smaller (a few hundred nm) and larger (a few μm) aggregates in the polymer matrix, and the amount of aggregates increased as the nanofiller content increased. The APTMS-modified titanate nanotubes bonded well with the epoxy matrix since amine groups on the TiNT's surface can react with an epoxy group to form covalent bonds between the matrix and the nanofiller. A very small addition (0.19-1.52 wt%) of the nanotubes significantly increased the glass transition temperature and the modulus in the rubbery state of the epoxy-based polymer. Smaller nanofiller content leads to a larger increase in these parameters and therefore better dynamic mechanical properties due to the smaller amount of large aggregates. APTMS-modified titanate nanotubes have proven to be a promising nanofiller in epoxy-based nanocomposites.

Ab-initio study of thermal expansion in pure graphene

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mann, Sarita; Kumar, Ranjan; Jindal, V. K., E-mail: jindal@pu.ac.in

Graphene is a zero band gap semiconductor with exceptionally high thermal conductivity. The electronic properties having been studied, therole of phonon in contributing to thermal expansion, thermal conductivity and other thermodynamic properties, is required to be investigated. This paper focuses more on thermal expansion. Some others results like phonon dispersion, Grüneisenparameters and bulk modulus,which are essential to estimation of thermal expansion, are also presented. The dynamical matrix was calculated using VASP code using both DFT and DFPT and the phonon frequencies were calculated using phonopy code under harmonic approximation. The linear thermal expansion coefficient of graphene is found to bemore » strongly dependent on temperature but remains negative upto 470 K and positive thereafter, with a room temperature value of −1.44×10{sup −6}. The negative expansion coefficient is very interesting and is found to be in conformity with experimental as well as with recent theoretical estimates. There is only qualitative agreement of our results with experimental data and motivates further investigation, primarily on the high negative values of Grüneisen parameters.« less

Finite element investigation of temperature dependence of elastic properties of carbon nanotube reinforced polypropylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmadi, Masoud; Ansari, Reza; Rouhi, Saeed

2017-11-01

This paper aims to investigate the elastic modulus of the polypropylene matrix reinforced by carbon nanotubes at different temperatures. To this end, the finite element approach is employed. The nanotubes with different volume fractions and aspect ratios (the ratio of length to diameter) are embedded in the polymer matrix. Besides, random and regular algorithms are utilized to disperse carbon nanotubes in the matrix. It is seen that as the pure polypropylene, the elastic modulus of carbon nanotube reinforced polypropylene decreases by increasing the temperature. It is also observed that when the carbon nanotubes are dispersed parallelly and the load is applied along the nanotube directions, the largest improvement in the elastic modulus of the nanotube/polypropylene nanocomposites is obtained.

Enhancement of thermal and mechanical properties of poly(MMA-co-BA)/Cloisite 30B nanocomposites by ultrasound-assisted in-situ emulsion polymerization.

PubMed

Sharma, Sachin; Kumar Poddar, Maneesh; Moholkar, Vijayanand S

2017-05-01

This study reports synthesis and characterization of poly(MMA-co-BA)/Cloisite 30B (organo-modified montmorillonite clay) nanocomposites by ultrasound-assisted in-situ emulsion polymerization. Copolymers have been synthesized with MMA:BA monomer ratio of 4:1, and varying clay loading (1-5wt% monomer). The poly(MMA-co-BA)/Cloisite 30B nanocomposites have been characterized for their thermal and mechanical properties. Ultrasonically synthesized nanocomposites have been revealed to possess higher thermal degradation resistance and mechanical strength than the nanocomposites synthesized using conventional techniques. These properties, however, show an optimum (or maxima) with clay loading. The maximum values of thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites with optimum clay loading are as follows. Thermal degradation temperatures: T 10% =320°C (4wt%), T 50 =373°C (4wt%), maximum degradation temperature=384°C (4wt%); glass transition temperature=64.8°C (4wt%); tensile strength=20MPa (2wt%), Young's modulus=1.31GPa (2wt%), Percentage elongation=17.5% (1wt%). Enhanced properties of poly(MMA-co-BA)/Cloisite 30B nanocomposites are attributed to effective exfoliation and dispersion of clay nanoparticles in copolymer matrix due to intense micro-convection induced by ultrasound and cavitation. Clay platelets help in effective heat absorption with maximum surface interaction/adhesion that results in increased thermal resistivity of nanocomposites. Hindered motion of the copolymer chains due to clay platelets results in enhancement of tensile strength and Young's modulus of nanocomposite. Rheological (liquid) study of the nanocomposites reveals that nanocomposites have higher yield stress and infinite shear viscosity than neat copolymer. Nonetheless, nanocomposites still display shear thinning behavior - which is typical of the neat copolymer. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preparation and characteristics of epoxy/clay/B4C nanocomposite at high concentration of boron carbide for neutron shielding application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiani, Mohammad Amin; Ahmadi, Seyed Javad; Outokesh, Mohammad; Adeli, Ruhollah; Mohammadi, Aghil

2017-12-01

In this research, the characteristics of the prepared samples in epoxy matrix by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), as well as scanning electron microscope (SEM) are evaluated. Meanwhile, the obtained mechanical properties of the specimen are investigated. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is also employed to evaluate the thermal degradation of manufactured nanocomposites. The thermal neutron absorption properties of nanocomposites containing 3 wt% of montmorillonite nanoclay (closite30B) have been studied experimentally, using an Am-Be point source. Mechanical tests reveal that the higher B4C concentrations, the more tensile strengths, but lower Young's modulus in all samples under consideration. TGA analysis also shows that thermal stability of the nanocomposite, increases in presence of B4C. Finally, neutron absorption analysis shows that increasing the B4C concentration leads to a nonlinearly build-up of neutron absorption cross section.

The Impact of Halloysite on the Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Polymer Composites.

PubMed

Gaaz, Tayser Sumer; Sulong, Abu Bakar; Kadhum, Abdul Amir H; Al-Amiery, Ahmed A; Nassir, Mohamed H; Jaaz, Ahed Hameed

2017-05-20

Nanotubular clay minerals, composed of aluminosilicate naturally structured in layers known as halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), have a significant reinforcing impact on polymer matrixes. HNTs have broad applications in biomedical applications, the medicine sector, implant alloys with corrosion protection and manipulated transportation of medicines. In polymer engineering, different research studies utilize HNTs that exhibit a beneficial enhancement in the properties of polymer-based nanocomposites. The dispersion of HNTs is improved as a result of pre-treating HNTs with acids. The HNTs' percentage additive up to 7% shows the highest improvement of tensile strength. The degradation of the polymer can be also significantly improved by doping a low percentage of HNTs. Both the mechanical and thermal properties of polymers were remarkably improved when mixed with HNTs. The effects of HNTs on the mechanical and thermal properties of polymers, such as ultimate strength, elastic modulus, impact strength and thermal stability, are emphasized in this study.

Effect of temperature on storage modulus and glass transition temperature of ZnS/PS nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agarwal, Sonalika; Awasthi, Kamlendra; Saxena, N. S.

2018-05-01

In the present study, a simplified solution casting method has been used for preparation of ZnS/PS nanocomposites, based on mixing the ZnS nano filler in nanometer range with the polymer matrix. The prepared nanocomposites with different concentration (0, 2, 4, 6 & 8 wt %) are structurally characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The main objective of this study is to investigate the variation of storage modulus and glass transition temperature (Tg) within temperature range 30oC to 150oC for PS and ZnS/PS nanocomposites and have been performed through dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). The result shows that storage modulus and Tg of nanocomposites increase with the increase of ZnS nanoparticles up to 4 wt. % in PS and beyond this wt. %, both storage modulus and Tg decrease. The increasing behavior is due to the good adhesion between the ZnS nanoparticles and PS matrix which indicates that ZnS nanoparticles are capable of reinforcing the PS matrix. Beside this the decreasing behaviour at higher filler concentration (6 and 8 wt. %) is due to the agglomeratation of nanoparticles in polymer matrix.

Melt compounding with graphene to develop functional, high-performance elastomers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Araby, Sherif; Zaman, Izzuddin; Meng, Qingshi; Kawashima, Nobuyuki; Michelmore, Andrew; Kuan, Hsu-Chiang; Majewski, Peter; Ma, Jun; Zhang, Liqun

2013-04-01

Rather than using graphene oxide, which is limited by a high defect concentration and cost due to oxidation and reduction, we adopted cost-effective, 3.56 nm thick graphene platelets (GnPs) of high structural integrity to melt compound with an elastomer—ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber (EPDM)—using an industrial facility. An elastomer is an amorphous, chemically crosslinked polymer generally having rather low modulus and fracture strength but high fracture strain in comparison with other materials; and upon removal of loading, it is able to return to its original geometry, immediately and completely. It was found that most GnPs dispersed uniformly in the elastomer matrix, although some did form clusters. A percolation threshold of electrical conductivity at 18 vol% GnPs was observed and the elastomer thermal conductivity increased by 417% at 45 vol% GnPs. The modulus and tensile strength increased by 710% and 404% at 26.7 vol% GnPs, respectively. The modulus improvement agrees well with the Guth and Halpin-Tsai models. The reinforcing effect of GnPs was compared with silicate layers and carbon nanotube. Our simple fabrication would prolong the service life of elastomeric products used in dynamic loading, thus reducing thermosetting waste in the environment.

The mechanical spectra of β-relaxation and spontaneous densification effects in an amorphous polymer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muzeau, Elisabeth; Johari, G. P.

1990-12-01

The dynamic mechanical spectra of shear modulus of poly(methyl methacrylate) have been measured at several temperatures over the frequency range 10 -4-1 Hz in order to study localized diffusion of chain segments which appears as β-relaxation. The shape of the spectra of both the real and imaginary components has been analyzed. It is described by a stretched exponential decay function with exponent of 0.18 and it shows nearly 50% change in the modulus over this frequency range. This exponent and the rate of relaxation are remarkably similar to those observed by dielectric methods. A procedure for obtaining the exponent of the decay function and the relaxation strength of the β-process has been outlined. The strength of the β-relaxation, or equivalently the number of molecular segments undergoing a thermally activated localized diffusion, decreases on structural relaxation during the isothermal ageing, and the magnitude of the modulus increases. Qualitatively speaking, these effects seem comparable to the effects of an increase in density that normally occurs with decrease in temperature or increase in pressure, and demonstrate that isothermal ageing causes collapse of "soft sites" in a rigid amorphous matrix.

Hybrid Composite Using Natural Filler and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nabinejad, Omid; Sujan, D.; Rahman, Muhammad Ekhlasur; Liew, Willey Yun Hsien; Davies, Ian J.

2017-12-01

This paper presents an experimental study on the development of hybrid composites comprising of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and natural filler (oil palm shell (OPS) powder) within unsaturated polyester (UP) matrix. The results revealed that the dispersion of pristine MWCNTs in the polymer matrix was strongly enhanced through use of the solvent mixing method assisted by ultrasonication. Four different solvents were investigated, namely, ethanol, methanol, styrene and acetone. The best compatibility with minimum side effects on the curing of the polyester resin was exhibited by the styrene solvent and this produced the maximum tensile and flexural properties of the resulting nanocomposites. A relatively small amount of pristine MWCNTs well dispersed within the natural filler polyester composite was found to be capable of improving mechanical properties of hybrid composite. However, increasing the MWCNT amount resulted in increased void content within the matrix due to an associated rapid increase in viscosity of the mixture during processing. Due to this phenomenon, the maximum tensile and flexural strengths of the hybrid composites were achieved at MWCNT contents of 0.2 to 0.4 phr and then declined for higher MWCNT amounts. The flexural modulus also experienced its peak at 0.4 phr MWCNT content whereas the tensile modulus exhibited a general decrease with increasing MWCNT content. Thermal stability analysis using TGA under an oxidative atmosphere showed that adding MWCNTs shifted the endset degradation temperature of the hybrid composite to a higher temperature.

Polytetramethylene glycol-modified polycyanurate matrices reinforced with nanoclays: synthesis and thermomechanical performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anthoulis, G. I.; Kontou, E.; Fainleib, A.; Bei, I.

2009-03-01

The outstanding improvement in the physical properties of cyanate esters (CEs) compared with those of competitor resins, such as epoxies, has attracted appreciable attention recently. Cyanate esters undergo thermal polycyclotrimerization to give polycyanurates (PCNs). However, like most thermo setting resins, the main draw back of CEs is brittleness. To over come this disadvan tage, CEs can be toughened by the introduction of polytetramethylene glycol (PTMG), a hydroxyl-terminated polyether. How ever, PTMG has a detrimental impact on Young's modulus. To simultaneously enhance both the ductility and the stiffness of CE, we added PTMG and an organoclay (mont morillonite, MMT) to it. A series of PCN/PTMG/MMT nanocomposites with a constant PTMG weight ratio was pre pared, and the resulting nanophase morphology, i.e., the degree of filler dispersion and distribution in the composite and the thermomechanical properties, in terms of glass-transition behaviour, Young's modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break, were examined using the scanning elec tron micros copy (SEM), a dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and stress-strain measurements, re spectively. It was found that, at a content of MMT below 2 wt.%, MMT nanoparticles were distributed uniformly in the matrix, suggesting a lower degree of agglomeration for these materials. In the glassy state, the significant increase in the storage modulus revealed a great stiffening effect of MMT due to its high Young's modulus. The modification with PTMG led to a 233% greater elongation at break compared with that of neat PCN. The nanocomposites exhibited an invariably higher Young's modulus than PCN/PTMG for all the volume factors of organoclay examined, with the 2 wt.% material displaying the most pronounced in crease in the modulus, in agreement with micros copy results.

Morphological, rheological and mechanical characterization of polypropylene nanocomposite blends.

PubMed

Rosales, C; Contreras, V; Matos, M; Perera, R; Villarreal, N; García-López, D; Pastor, J M

2008-04-01

In the present work, the effectiveness of styrene/ethylene-butylene/styrene rubbers grafted with maleic anhydride (MA) and a metallocene polyethylene (mPE) as toughening materials in binary and ternary blends with polypropylene and its nanocomposite as continuous phases was evaluated in terms of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), oscillatory shear flow and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMA). The flexural modulus and heat distortion temperature values were determined as well. A metallocene polyethylene and a polyamide-6 were used as dispersed phases in these binary and ternary blends produced via melt blending in a corotating twin-screw extruder. Results showed that the compatibilized blends prepared without clay are tougher than those prepared with the nanocomposite of PP as the matrix phase and no significant changes in shear viscosity, melt elasticity, flexural or storage moduli and heat distortion temperature values were observed between them. However, the binary blend with a nanocomposite of PP as matrix and metallocene polyethylene phase exhibited better toughness, lower shear viscosity, flexural modulus, and heat distortion temperature values than that prepared with polyamide-6 as dispersed phase. These results are related to the degree of clay dispersion in the PP and to the type of morphology developed in the different blends.

PLLA-grafted cellulose nanocrystals: Role of the CNC content and grafting on the PLA bionanocomposite film properties.

PubMed

Lizundia, Erlantz; Fortunati, Elena; Dominici, Franco; Vilas, José Luis; León, Luis Manuel; Armentano, Ilaria; Torre, Luigi; Kenny, Josè M

2016-05-20

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), extracted from microcrystalline cellulose by acid hydrolysis, were grafted by ring opening polymerization of L-Lactide initiated from the hydroxyl groups available at their surface and two different CNC:L-lactide ratios (20:80 and 5:95) were obtained. The resulting CNC-g-PLLA nanohybrids were incorporated in poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix by an optimized extrusion process at two different content (1 wt.% and 3 wt.%) and obtained bionanocomposite films were characterized by thermal, mechanical, optical and morphological properties. Thermal analysis showed CNC grafted with the higher ratio of lactide play a significant role as a nucleating agent. Moreover, they contribute to a significant increase in the crystallization rate of PLA, and the best efficiency was revealed with 3 wt.% of CNC-g-PLLA. This effect was confirmed by the increased in Young's modulus, suggesting the CNC graft ratio and content contribute significantly to the good dispersion in the matrix, positively affecting the final bionanocomposite properties. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Linear analysis using secants for materials with temperature dependent nonlinear elastic modulus and thermal expansion properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pepi, John W.

2017-08-01

Thermally induced stress is readily calculated for linear elastic material properties using Hooke's law in which, for situations where expansion is constrained, stress is proportional to the product of the material elastic modulus and its thermal strain. When material behavior is nonlinear, one needs to make use of nonlinear theory. However, we can avoid that complexity in some situations. For situations in which both elastic modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion vary with temperature, solutions can be formulated using secant properties. A theoretical approach is thus presented to calculate stresses for nonlinear, neo-Hookean, materials. This is important for high acuity optical systems undergoing large temperature extremes.

Characterization of Metal Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daniel, I. M.; Chun, H. J.; Karalekas, D.

1994-01-01

Experimental methods were developed, adapted, and applied to the characterization of a metal matrix composite system, namely, silicon carbide/aluminim (SCS-2/6061 Al), and its constituents. The silicon carbide fiber was characterized by determining its modulus, strength, and coefficient of thermal expansion. The aluminum matrix was characterized thermomechanically up to 399 C (750 F) at two strain rates. The unidirectional SiC/Al composite was characterized mechanically under longitudinal, transverse, and in-plane shear loading up to 399 C (750 F). Isothermal and non-isothermal creep behavior was also measured. The applicability of a proposed set of multifactor thermoviscoplastic nonlinear constitutive relations and a computer code was investigated. Agreement between predictions and experimental results was shown in a few cases. The elastoplastic thermomechanical behavior of the composite was also described by a number of new analytical models developed or adapted for the material system studied. These models include the rule of mixtures, composite cylinder model with various thermoelastoplastic analyses and a model based on average field theory. In most cases satisfactory agreement was demonstrated between analytical predictions and experimental results for the cases of stress-strain behavior and thermal deformation behavior at different temperatures. In addition, some models yielded detailed three-dimensional stress distributions in the constituents within the composite.

Internal state variable approach for predicting stiffness reductions in fibrous laminated composites with matrix cracks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Jong-Won; Allen, D. H.; Harris, C. E.

1989-01-01

A mathematical model utilizing the internal state variable concept is proposed for predicting the upper bound of the reduced axial stiffnesses in cross-ply laminates with matrix cracks. The axial crack opening displacement is explicitly expressed in terms of the observable axial strain and the undamaged material properties. A crack parameter representing the effect of matrix cracks on the observable axial Young's modulus is calculated for glass/epoxy and graphite/epoxy material systems. The results show that the matrix crack opening displacement and the effective Young's modulus depend not on the crack length, but on its ratio to the crack spacing.

Composite material

DOEpatents

Hutchens, Stacy A [Knoxville, TN; Woodward, Jonathan [Solihull, GB; Evans, Barbara R [Oak Ridge, TN; O'Neill, Hugh M [Knoxville, TN

2012-02-07

A composite biocompatible hydrogel material includes a porous polymer matrix, the polymer matrix including a plurality of pores and providing a Young's modulus of at least 10 GPa. A calcium comprising salt is disposed in at least some of the pores. The porous polymer matrix can comprise cellulose, including bacterial cellulose. The composite can be used as a bone graft material. A method of tissue repair within the body of animals includes the steps of providing a composite biocompatible hydrogel material including a porous polymer matrix, the polymer matrix including a plurality of pores and providing a Young's modulus of at least 10 GPa, and inserting the hydrogel material into cartilage or bone tissue of an animal, wherein the hydrogel material supports cell colonization in vitro for autologous cell seeding.

Micromechanical Modeling of the Thermal Expansion of Graphite/copper Composites with Nonuniform Microstructure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bednarcyk, Brett A.; Pindera, Marek-Jerzy

1994-01-01

Two micromechanical models were developed to investigate the thermal expansion of graphite/copper (Gr/Cu) composites. The models incorporate the effects of temperature-dependent material properties, matrix inelasticity, initial residual stresses due to processing history, and nonuniform fiber distribution. The first model is based on the multiple concentric cylinder geometry, with each cylinder treated as a two-phase composite with a characteristic fiber volume fractions. By altering the fiber volume fraction of the individual cylinders, unidirectional composites with radially nonuniform fiber distributions can be investigated using this model. The second model is based on the inelastic lamination theory. By varying the fiber content in the individual laminae, composites with nonuniform fiber distribution in the thickness direction can be investigated. In both models, the properties of the individual regions (cylinders or laminae) are calculated using the method of cells micromechanical model. Classical incremental plasticity theory is used to model the inelastic response of the copper matrix at the microlevel. The models were used to characterize the effects of nonuniform fiber distribution on the thermal expansion of Gr/Cu. These effects were compared to the effects of matrix plasticity, choice of stress-free temperature, and slight fiber misalignment. It was found that the radially nonuniform fiber distribution has little effect on the thermal expansion of Gr/Cu but could become significant for composites with large fiber-matrix transverse CTE and Young's modulus mismatch. The effect of nonuniform fiber distribution in the through-thickness direction of a laminate was more significant, but only approached that of the stress-free temperature for the most extreme cases that include large amounts of bending. Subsequent comparison with experimental thermal expansion data indicated the need for more accurate characterization of the graphite fiber thermomechanical properties. Correlation with cyclic data revealed the presence of a mechanism not considered in the developed models. The predicted response did, however, exhibit ratcheting behavior that has been observed experimentally in Gr/Cu. Finally, simulation of the actual fiber distribution of particular specimens had little effect on the predicted thermal expansion.

Mechanical Behaviour of Woven Graphite/Polyimide Composites with Medium and High Modulus Graphite Fibers Subjected to Biaxial Shear Dominated Loads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kumose, M.; Gentz, M.; Rupnowski, P.; Armentrout, D.; Kumosa, L.; Shin, E.; Sutter, J. K.

2003-01-01

A major limitation of woven fiber/polymer matrix composite systems is the inability of these materials to resist intralaminar and interlaminar damage initiation and propagation under shear-dominated biaxial loading conditions. There are numerous shear test methods for woven fabric composites, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Two techniques, which show much potential, are the Iosipescu shear and +/- 45 deg tensile tests. In this paper, the application of these two tests for the room and high temperature failure analyses of woven graphite/polyimide composites is briefly evaluated. In particular, visco-elastic micro, meso, and macro-stress distributions in a woven eight harness satin (8HS) T650/PMR-15 composite subjected to these two tests are presented and their effect on the failure process of the composite is evaluated. Subsequently, the application of the Iosipescu tests to the failure analysis of woven composites with medium (T650) and high (M40J and M60J) modulus graphite fibers and PMR-15 and PMR-II-50 polyimide resins is discussed. The composites were tested as-supplied and after thermal conditioning. The effect of temperature and thermal conditioning on the initiation of intralaminar damage and the shear strength of the composites was established.

Microstructure and Properties of Polypropylene/Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites

PubMed Central

Bikiaris, Dimitrios

2010-01-01

In the last few years, great attention has been paid to the preparation of polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) due to the tremendous enhancement of the mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical and structural properties of the pristine material. This is due to the unique combination of structural, mechanical, electrical, and thermal transport properties of CNTs. However, it is well-known that the properties of polymer-based nanocomposites strongly depend on the dispersion of nanofillers and almost all the discussed properties of PP/CNTs nanocomposites are strongly related to their microstructure. PP/CNTs nanocomposites were, mainly, prepared by melt mixing and in situ polymerization. Young’s modulus, tensile strength and storage modulus of the PP/CNTs nanocomposites can be increased with increasing CNTs content due to the reinforcement effect of CNTs inside the polymer matrix. However, above a certain CNTs content the mechanical properties are reduced due to the CNTs agglomeration. The microstructure of nanocomposites has been studied mainly by SEM and TEM techniques. Furthermore, it was found that CNTs can act as nucleating agents promoting the crystallization rates of PP and the addition of CNTs enhances all other physical properties of PP. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature related to PP/CNTs nanocomposite preparation methods and properties studies.

High temperature dynamic modulus and damping of aluminum and titanium matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dicarlo, J. A.; Maisel, J. E.

1979-01-01

Dynamic modulus and damping capacity property data were measured from 20 to over 500 C for unidirectional B/Al (1100), B/Al (6061), B/SiC/Al (6061), Al2O3/Al, SiC/Ti-6Al-4V, and SiC/Ti composites. The measurements were made under vacuum by the forced vibration of composite bars at free-free flexural resonance near 2000 Hz and at amplitudes below 0.000001. Whereas little variation was observed in the dynamic moduli of specimens with approximately the same fiber content (50 percent), the damping of B/Al composites was found at all temperatures to be significantly greater than the damping of the Al2O3/Al and SiC/Ti composites. For those few situations where slight deviations from theory were observed, the dynamic data were examined for information concerning microstructural changes induced by composite fabrication and thermal treatment. The 270 C damping peak observed in B/Al (6061) composites after heat treatment above 460 C appears to be the result of a change in the 6061 aluminum alloy microstructure induced by interaction with the boron fibers. The growth characteristics of the damping peak suggest its possible value for monitoring fiber strength degration caused by excess thermal treatment during B/Al (6061) fabrication and use.

Mechanical and physical properties of carbon-graphite fiber-reinforced polymers intended for implant suprastructures.

PubMed

Segerström, Susanna; Ruyter, I Eystein

2007-09-01

Mechanical properties and quality of fiber/matrix adhesion of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based materials, reinforced with carbon-graphite (CG) fibers that are able to remain in a plastic state until polymerization, were examined. Tubes of cleaned braided CG fibers were treated with a sizing resin. Two resin mixtures, resin A and resin B, stable in the fluid state and containing different cross-linking agents, were reinforced with CG fiber loadings of 24, 36, and 47 wt% (20, 29, and 38 vol.%). In addition, resin B was reinforced with 58 wt% (47 vol.%). After heat-polymerization, flexural strength and modulus were evaluated, both dry and after water storage. Coefficient of thermal expansion, longitudinally and in the transverse direction of the specimens, was determined. Adhesion between fibers and matrix was evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Flexural properties and linear coefficient of thermal expansion were similar for both fiber composites. With increased fiber loading, flexural properties increased. For 47 wt% fibers in polymer A the flexural strength was 547.7 (28.12) MPa and for polymer B 563.3 (89.24) MPa when water saturated. Linear coefficient of thermal expansion was for 47 wt% CG fiber-reinforced polymers; -2.5 x 10(-6) degrees C-1 longitudinally and 62.4 x 10(-6) degrees C-1 in the transverse direction of the specimens. SEM revealed good adhesion between fibers and matrix. More porosity was observed with fiber loading of 58 wt%. The fiber treatment and the developed resin matrices resulted in good adhesion between CG fibers and matrix. The properties observed indicate a potential for implant-retained prostheses.

Comparison of Graphite Fabric Reinforced PMR-15 and Avimid N Composites After Long Term Isothermal Aging at Various Temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowles, Kenneth J.; McCorkle, Linda; Ingrahm, Linda

1998-01-01

Extensive effort is currently being expended to demonstrate the feasibility of using high-performance, polymer-matrix composites as engine structural materials over the expected operating lifetime of the aircraft, which can extend from 18,000 to 30,000 hr. The goal is to develop light-weight, high-strength, and high-modulus materials for use in higher temperature sections of advanced 21 st century aircraft propulsion systems. To accomplish this goal, it is necessary to pursue the development of thermal and mechanical durability models for graphite-fiber-reinforced, polymer-matrix composites. Numerous investigations have been reported regarding the thermo-oxidative stability (TOS) of the polyimide PMR-15 (1-5). A significant amount of this work has been directed at edge and geometry effects, reinforcement fiber influences, and empirical modeling of high-temperature weight loss behavior. It is yet to be determined if the information obtained from the PMR-15 composite tests is applicable to other polyimide-matrix composites. The condensation-curing polymer Avimid N is another advanced composite material often considered for structural applications at high temperatures. Avimid N has better thermo-oxidative stability than PMR-15 (6), but the latter is more easily processed. The most comprehensive study of the thermo-oxidative stability of Avimid N neat resin and composites at 371 (infinity)C is found in Salin and Seferis (7). The purposes of the work described herein were to compare the thermal aging behavior of these two matrix polymers and to determine the reasons for and the consequences of the difference in thermal durability. These results might be of some use in improving future polymer development through the incorporation of the desirable characteristics of both polyimides.

Thermal and rheological properties of L-polylactide/polyethylene glycol/silicate nanocomposites films.

PubMed

Ahmed, Jasim; Varshney, Sunil K; Auras, Rafael; Hwang, Sung W

2010-10-01

The melt rheology and thermal properties of polylactide (PLA)-based nanocomposite films that were prepared by solvent casting method with L-PLA, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and montmorillonite clay were studied. The neat PLA showed predominantly solid-like behavior (G' > G″) and the complex viscosity (η*) decreased systematically as the temperature increased from 184 to 196 °C. The elastic modulus (G') of PLA/clay blend showed a significant improvement in the magnitude in the melt, while clay concentration was at 6% wt or higher. At similar condition, PEG dramatically reduced dynamic modulii and complex viscosity of PLA/PEG blend as function of concentration. A nanocomposite blend of PLA/PEG/clay (74/20/6) when compared to the neat polymer and PLA/PEG blend exhibited intermediate values of elastic modulus (G') and complex viscosity (η*) with excellent flexibility. Thermal analysis of different clay loading blends indicated that the melting temperature (T(m)) and glass transition temperature (T(g)) remained unaffected irrespective of clay concentration due to immobilization of polymer chain in the clay nanocomposite. PEG incorporation reduced the T(g) and the T(m) of the blends (PLA/PEG and PLA/PEG/clay) significantly, however, crystallinity increased in the similar condition. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image of nanocomposite films indicated good compatibility between PLA and PEG, whereas clay was not thoroughly distributed in the PLA matrix and remained as clusters. The percent crystallinity obtained by X-ray was significantly higher than that of differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) data for PLA.

Metal-Organic-Inorganic Nanocomposite Thermal Interface Materials with Ultralow Thermal Resistances.

PubMed

Yegin, Cengiz; Nagabandi, Nirup; Feng, Xuhui; King, Charles; Catalano, Massimo; Oh, Jun Kyun; Talib, Ansam J; Scholar, Ethan A; Verkhoturov, Stanislav V; Cagin, Tahir; Sokolov, Alexei V; Kim, Moon J; Matin, Kaiser; Narumanchi, Sreekant; Akbulut, Mustafa

2017-03-22

As electronic devices get smaller and more powerful, energy density of energy storage devices increases continuously, and moving components of machinery operate at higher speeds, the need for better thermal management strategies is becoming increasingly important. The removal of heat dissipated during the operation of electronic, electrochemical, and mechanical devices is facilitated by high-performance thermal interface materials (TIMs) which are utilized to couple devices to heat sinks. Herein, we report a new class of TIMs involving the chemical integration of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS), soft organic linkers, and a copper matrix-which are prepared by the chemisorption-coupled electrodeposition approach. These hybrid nanocomposites demonstrate bulk thermal conductivities ranging from 211 to 277 W/(m K), which are very high considering their relatively low elastic modulus values on the order of 21.2-28.5 GPa. The synergistic combination of these properties led to the ultralow total thermal resistivity values in the range of 0.38-0.56 mm 2 K/W for a typical bond-line thickness of 30-50 μm, advancing the current state-of-art transformatively. Moreover, its coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is 11 ppm/K, forming a mediation zone with a low thermally induced axial stress due to its close proximity to the CTE of most coupling surfaces needing thermal management.

Method of tissue repair using a composite material

DOEpatents

Hutchens, Stacy A.; Woodward, Jonathan; Evans, Barbara R.; O'Neill, Hugh M.

2016-03-01

A composite biocompatible hydrogel material includes a porous polymer matrix, the polymer matrix including a plurality of pores and providing a Young's modulus of at least 10 GPa. A calcium comprising salt is disposed in at least some of the pores. The porous polymer matrix can comprise cellulose, including bacterial cellulose. The composite can be used as a bone graft material. A method of tissue repair within the body of animals includes the steps of providing a composite biocompatible hydrogel material including a porous polymer matrix, the polymer matrix including a plurality of pores and providing a Young's modulus of at least 10 GPa, and inserting the hydrogel material into cartilage or bone tissue of an animal, wherein the hydrogel material supports cell colonization in vitro for autologous cell seeding.

Method of tissue repair using a composite material

DOEpatents

Hutchens, Stacy A; Woodward, Jonathan; Evans, Barbara R; O'Neill, Hugh M

2014-03-18

A composite biocompatible hydrogel material includes a porous polymer matrix, the polymer matrix including a plurality of pores and providing a Young's modulus of at least 10 GPa. A calcium comprising salt is disposed in at least some of the pores. The porous polymer matrix can comprise cellulose, including bacterial cellulose. The composite can be used as a bone graft material. A method of tissue repair within the body of animals includes the steps of providing a composite biocompatible hydrogel material including a porous polymer matrix, the polymer matrix including a plurality of pores and providing a Young's modulus of at least 10 GPa, and inserting the hydrogel material into cartilage or bone tissue of an animal, wherein the hydrogel material supports cell colonization in vitro for autologous cell seeding.

Thermal oxidation induced degradation of carbon fiber reinforced composites and carbon nanotube sheet enhanced fiber/matrix interface for high temperature aerospace structural applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haque, Mohammad Hamidul

Recent increase in the use of carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite, especially for high temperature applications in aerospace primary and secondary structures along with wind energy and automotive industries, have generated new challenges to predict its failure mechanisms and service life. This dissertation reports the experimental study of a unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced bismaleimide (BMI) composites (CFRC), an excellent candidate for high temperature aerospace components, undergoing thermal oxidation at 260 °C in air for over 3000 hours. The key focus of the work is to investigate the mechanical properties of the carbon fiber BMI composite subjected to thermal aging in three key aspects - first, studying its bulk flexural properties (in macro scale), second, characterizing the crack propagation along the fiber direction, representing the interfacial bonding strength between fiber and matrix (in micro scale), and third, introducing nano-structured materials to modify the interface (in nano scale) between the carbon fiber and BMI resin and mechanical characterization to study its influence on mitigating the aging effect. Under the first category, weight loss and flexural properties have been monitored as the oxidation propagates through the fiber/matrix interface. Dynamic mechanical analysis and micro-computed tomography analysis have been performed to analyze the aging effects. In the second category, the long-term effects of thermal oxidation on the delamination (between the composite plies) and debonding (between fiber and matrix) type fracture toughness have been characterized by preparing two distinct types of double cantilever beam specimens. Digital image correlation has been used to determine the deformation field and strain distribution around the crack propagation path. Finally the resin system and the fiber/matrix interface have been modified using nanomaterials to mitigate the degradations caused by oxidation. Nanoclay modified epoxy resin has been characterized for hardness and modulus using nanoindentation technique. A significant reduction of oxidation, which is anticipated to eventually translate into improvement in mechanical properties, has been observed as the nanoclay particles have worked as a retarding agent for the oxidation propagation. Carbon nanotube sheet scrolled carbon fiber tows embedded in epoxy matrix have been investigated for interfacial properties using nanoindentation (push-out test), in micro scale, and using tensile testing (pull-out test), in macro scale. A significant increase in interfacial shear strength has been achieved by this unique materials combination.

Modified Silicone-Rubber Tooling For Molding Composite Parts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baucom, Robert M.; Snoha, John J.; Weiser, Erik S.

1995-01-01

Reduced-thermal-expansion, reduced-bulk-modulus silicone rubber for use in mold tooling made by incorporating silica powder into silicone rubber. Pressure exerted by thermal expansion reduced even further by allowing air bubbles to remain in silicone rubber instead of deaerating it. Bubbles reduce bulk modulus of material.

Melt compounding with graphene to develop functional, high-performance elastomers.

PubMed

Araby, Sherif; Zaman, Izzuddin; Meng, Qingshi; Kawashima, Nobuyuki; Michelmore, Andrew; Kuan, Hsu-Chiang; Majewski, Peter; Ma, Jun; Zhang, Liqun

2013-04-26

Rather than using graphene oxide, which is limited by a high defect concentration and cost due to oxidation and reduction, we adopted cost-effective, 3.56 nm thick graphene platelets (GnPs) of high structural integrity to melt compound with an elastomer-ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber (EPDM)-using an industrial facility. An elastomer is an amorphous, chemically crosslinked polymer generally having rather low modulus and fracture strength but high fracture strain in comparison with other materials; and upon removal of loading, it is able to return to its original geometry, immediately and completely. It was found that most GnPs dispersed uniformly in the elastomer matrix, although some did form clusters. A percolation threshold of electrical conductivity at 18 vol% GnPs was observed and the elastomer thermal conductivity increased by 417% at 45 vol% GnPs. The modulus and tensile strength increased by 710% and 404% at 26.7 vol% GnPs, respectively. The modulus improvement agrees well with the Guth and Halpin-Tsai models. The reinforcing effect of GnPs was compared with silicate layers and carbon nanotube. Our simple fabrication would prolong the service life of elastomeric products used in dynamic loading, thus reducing thermosetting waste in the environment.

Controlling the length scale and distribution of the ductile phase in metallic glass composites through friction stir processing

PubMed Central

Arora, Harpreet Singh; Mridha, Sanghita; Grewal, Harpreet Singh; Singh, Harpreet; Hofmann, Douglas C; Mukherjee, Sundeep

2014-01-01

We demonstrate the refinement and uniform distribution of the crystalline dendritic phase by friction stir processing (FSP) of titanium based in situ ductile-phase reinforced metallic glass composite. The average size of the dendrites was reduced by almost a factor of five (from 24 μm to 5 μm) for the highest tool rotational speed of 900 rpm. The large inter-connected dendrites become more fragmented with increased circularity after processing. The changes in thermal characteristics were measured by differential scanning calorimetry. The reduction in crystallization enthalpy after processing suggests partial devitrification due to the high strain plastic deformation. FSP resulted in increased hardness and modulus for both the amorphous matrix and the crystalline phase. This is explained by interaction of shear bands in amorphous matrix with the strain-hardened dendritic phase. Our approach offers a new strategy for microstructural design in metallic glass composites. PMID:27877687

Controlling the length scale and distribution of the ductile phase in metallic glass composites through friction stir processing.

PubMed

Arora, Harpreet Singh; Mridha, Sanghita; Grewal, Harpreet Singh; Singh, Harpreet; Hofmann, Douglas C; Mukherjee, Sundeep

2014-06-01

We demonstrate the refinement and uniform distribution of the crystalline dendritic phase by friction stir processing (FSP) of titanium based in situ ductile-phase reinforced metallic glass composite. The average size of the dendrites was reduced by almost a factor of five (from 24 μ m to 5 μ m) for the highest tool rotational speed of 900 rpm. The large inter-connected dendrites become more fragmented with increased circularity after processing. The changes in thermal characteristics were measured by differential scanning calorimetry. The reduction in crystallization enthalpy after processing suggests partial devitrification due to the high strain plastic deformation. FSP resulted in increased hardness and modulus for both the amorphous matrix and the crystalline phase. This is explained by interaction of shear bands in amorphous matrix with the strain-hardened dendritic phase. Our approach offers a new strategy for microstructural design in metallic glass composites.

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.

Physical aging and its influence on the reliability of network epoxies and epoxy-matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heinemann, K.

1983-01-01

The matrix-dominated physical and mechanical properties of a carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite and a neat epoxy resin were found to be affected by sub-Tg annealing in nitrogen and dark atmosphere. Postcured specimens of Thornel 300 carbon-fiber/Fiberite 934 epoxy as well as Fiberite 934 epoxy resin were quenched from above Tg and given annealing at 140 C, 110 C, or 80 C, for time up to one-hundred thousand minutes. No weight loss was observed during annealing at these temperatures. Significant variations were found in density, modulus, hardness, damping, moisture absorption ability, thermal expansivity. Moisture-epoxy interactious were also studied. The kinetics of aging as well as the molecular aggregation during this densification process were monitored by differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, density gradient column, microhardness tester, Instron, and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Mechanical properties characterization of polymethyl methacrylate polymer optical fibers after thermal and chemical treatments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leal-Junior, Arnaldo; Frizera, Anselmo; Marques, Carlos; Pontes, Maria José

2018-07-01

This paper presents the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) in polymer optical fibers (POFs) made of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) that were submitted to different thermal and chemical treatments, namely annealing and etching processes. The prepared samples were submitted to stress-strain cycles to evaluate the Young's modulus of each fiber. Also, test with constant stress and temperature variation were performed to estimate the thermal expansion coefficient of the fibers submitted to each thermal and chemical treatment. The samples were also tested under different temperature, humidity and strain cycle frequency conditions to analyze the variation of their mechanical properties with these parameters. Results show that the thermal and chemical treatments lead to a reduction of Young's modulus and an increase of the thermal expansion coefficient, which can produce sensors based on intensity variation or fiber Bragg grating with higher dynamic range, stress and temperature sensitivity. Furthermore, the etching and annealing resulted in fiber that presents lower Young's modulus variation with temperature, humidity and strain cycling frequency in most cases. However, the annealing made under water and the combinations of etching and annealing resulted in POFs with higher modulus variation with humidity, which enable their application as intensity variation or FBG-based sensors in humidity/moisture assessment.

Thermo-Oxidative Stability of Graphite/PMR-15 Composites: Effect of Fiber Surface Modification on Composite Shear Properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Madhukar, Madhu S.; Bowles, Kenneth J.; Papadopolous, Demetrios S.

1994-01-01

Experiments were conducted to establish a correlation between the weight loss of a polyimide (PMR- 15) matrix and graphite fibers and the in-plane shear properties of their unidirectional composites subjected to different isothermal aging times up to 1000 hr at 316 C. The role of fiber surface treatment on the composite degradation during the thermo-oxidative aging was investigated by using A4 graphite fibers with three surface modifications: untreated (AU-4), surface treated (AS-4), and surface treated and sized with an epoxy-compatible sizing (AS-4G). The weight loss of the matrix fibers, and composites was determined during the aging. The effect of thermal aging was seen in all the fiber samples in terms of weight loss and reduction in fiber diameter. Calculated values of weight loss fluxes for different surfaces of rectangular unidirectional composite plates showed that the largest weight loss occurred at those cut surfaces where fibers were perpendicular to the surface. Consequently, the largest amount of damage was also noted on these cut surfaces. Optical observation of the neat matrix and composite plates subjected to different aging times revealed that the degradation (such as matrix microcracking and void growth) occurred in a thin surface layer near the specimen edges. The in-plane shear modulus of the composites was unaffected by the fiber surface treatment and the thermal aging. The shear strength of the composites with the untreated fibers was the lowest and it decreased with aging. A fracture surface examination of the composites with untreated fibers suggested that the weak interface allowed the oxidation reaction to proceed along the interface and thus expose the inner material to further oxidation. The results indicated that the fiber-matrix interface affected the composite degradation process during its thermal aging and that the the weak interface accelerated the composite degradation.

Fabrication of polyimide-based nanocomposites containing functionalized graphene oxide nanosheets by in-situ polymerization and their properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Yong; Lan, Yanfei; Xu, Jianping; Ye, Fucheng; Dai, Shizhen

2014-09-01

In this study, a facile and effective strategy is proposed to fabricate polyimide (PI)-based nanocomposites containing functionalized graphene oxide (FGO) nanosheets by in-situ polymerization and thermal imidization. Highly dispersed CIGO which was firstly obtained by graphene oxide (GO) functionalized with cyclohexyl isocyanate (CI) exhibited excellent dispersibility and compatibility in polyamic acid (PAA, precursor of PI) matrix via in-situ polymerization. Then the CIGO sheets were partially thermally reduced efficiently to FGO during the thermal imidization process of PAA. The incorporation of FGO sheets significantly affected the macroscopic properties of the PI-based composites. A 56.5% increase in the tensile strength and a 43.8% improvement in the Young's modulus were achieved for 2.0 wt% FGO loading. Furthermore, the thermal stability and glass transition temperature (Tg) were improved by adding FGO. In addition, the hydrophobic behavior of the PI-FGO composite clearly improved because of the excellent hydrophobic properties of FGO. The success of this approach provides a good rational for developing high-performance polymer-based composite materials.

Multiple cracking of unidirectional and cross-ply ceramic matrix composites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kuo, W.S.; Chou, T.W.

1995-03-01

This paper examines the multiple cracking behavior of unidirectional and cross-ply ceramic matrix composites. For unidirectional composites, a model of concentric cylinders with finite crack spacing and debonding length is introduced. Stresses in the fiber and matrix are found and then applied to predict the composite moduli. Using an energy balance method, critical stresses for matrix cracking initiation are predicted. Effects of interfacial shear stress, debonding length and bonding energy on the critical stress are studied. All the three composite systems examined show that the critical stress for the completely debonded case is lower than that for the perfectly bondedmore » case. For crossply composites, an extensive study has been made for the transverse cracking in 90{degree} plies and the matrix cracking in 0{degree} plies. One transverse cracking and four matrix cracking modes are studied, and closed-form solutions of the critical stresses are obtained. The results indicate that the case of combined matrix and transverse crackings with associated fiber/matrix interfacial sliding in the 0{degree} plies gives the lowest critical stress for matrix cracking. The theoretical predictions are compared with experimental data of SiC/CAS cross-ply composites; both results demonstrated that an increase in the transverse ply thickness reduces the critical stress for matrix cracking in the longitudinal plies. The effects of fiber volume fraction and fiber modulus on the critical stress have been quantified. Thermal residual stresses are included in the analysis.« less

Development of Space Station strut design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, R. R.; Bluck, R. M.; Holmes, A. M. C.; Kural, M. H.

1986-01-01

Candidate Space Station struts exhibiting high stiffness (38-40 msi modulus of elasticity) were manufactured and experimentally evaluated. One and two inch diameter aluminum-clad evaluation specimens were manufactured using a unique dry fiber resin injection process. Preliminary tests were performed on strut elements having 80 percent high-modulus graphite epoxy and 20 percent aluminum. Performed tests included modulus of elasticity, thermal cycling, and coefficient of thermal expansion. The paper describes the design approach, including an analytical assessment of strut thermal deformation behavior. The major thrust of this paper is the manufacturing process which produces aluminum-clad struts with precisely controlled properties which can be fine-tuned after fabrication. An impact test and evaluation procedure for evaluating toughness is described.

Effects of KMnO4 Treatment on the Flexural, Impact, and Thermal Properties of Sugar Palm Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyurethane Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammed, A. A.; Bachtiar, D.; Rejab, M. R. M.; Jiang, X. X.; Abas, Falak O.; Abass, Raghad U.; Hasany, S. F.; Siregar, Januar P.

2018-05-01

Global warming has had a great impact on environmental changes since the last decade. Eco-friendly industrial products are of great importance to sustain life on earth, including using natural composites. Natural fibers used as fillers are also environmentally valuable because of their biodegradable nature. However, compatibility issues between the fiber and its respective matrix is a major concern. The present work focused on the study of the flexural, impact, and thermal behaviors of environmentally friendly sugar palm fibers (SPF) incorporated into a composite with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Two techniques (extrusion and compression molding) were used to prepare these composites. The fiber size and dosage were kept constant at 250 µm and 30 wt.% SPF, respectively. The effects of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) treatment on the flexural, impact, and thermal behaviors of the treated SPF with 6% NaOH-reinforced TPU composites were investigated. Three different concentrations of KMnO4 (0.033%, 0.066%, and 0.125%) were studied for this purpose. The characterization of the flexural and impact properties of the new TPU/SPF composites was studied as per American Society for Testing Materials ASTM standards. Thermogravimetric analysis was employed for thermal behavior analysis of the TPU/SPF composites. The best flexural strength, impact strength, and modulus properties (8.118 MPa, 55.185 kJ/m2, and 262.102 MPa, respectively) were obtained with a 0.033% KMnO4-treated sample. However, all flexural strength, impact strength, and modulus properties for the KMnO4-treated samples were lower than the sample treated only with 6% NaOH. The highest thermal stability was also shown by the sample treated with 0.033% KMnO4. Therefore, this method enhanced the thermal properties of the TPU/SPF composites with clear deterioration of the flexural and impact properties.

Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles Reinforced Electrospun Alginate-Based Nanofibrous Scaffolds with Improved Physical Properties

PubMed Central

Mantilaka, M. M. M. G. P. G.; Goh, K. L.; Ratnayake, S. P.; Amaratunga, G. A. J.; de Silva, K. M. Nalin

2017-01-01

Mechanically robust alginate-based nanofibrous scaffolds were successfully fabricated by electrospinning method to mimic the natural extracellular matrix structure which benefits development and regeneration of tissues. Alginate-based nanofibres were electrospun from an alginate/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polyelectrolyte complex. SEM images revealed the spinnability of the complex composite nanofibrous scaffolds, showing randomly oriented, ultrafine, and virtually defects-free alginate-based/MgO nanofibrous scaffolds. Here, it is shown that an alginate/PVA complex scaffold, blended with near-spherical MgO nanoparticles (⌀ 45 nm) at a predetermined concentration (10% (w/w)), is electrospinnable to produce a complex composite nanofibrous scaffold with enhanced mechanical stability. For the comparison purpose, chemically cross-linked electrospun alginate-based scaffolds were also fabricated. Tensile test to rupture revealed the significant differences in the tensile strength and elastic modulus among the alginate scaffolds, alginate/MgO scaffolds, and cross-linked alginate scaffolds (P < 0.05). In contrast to cross-linked alginate scaffolds, alginate/MgO scaffolds yielded the highest tensile strength and elastic modulus while preserving the interfibre porosity of the scaffolds. According to the thermogravimetric analysis, MgO reinforced alginate nanofibrous scaffolds exhibited improved thermal stability. These novel alginate-based/MgO scaffolds are economical and versatile and may be further optimised for use as extracellular matrix substitutes for repair and regeneration of tissues. PMID:28694826

System of multifunctional Jones matrix tomography of phase anisotropy in diagnostics of endometriosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ushenko, V. O.; Koval, G. D.; Ushenko, Yu. O.; Pidkamin, L. Y.; Sidor, M. I.; Vanchuliak, O.; Motrich, A. V.; Gorsky, M. P.; Meglinskiy, I.

2017-09-01

The paper presents the results of Jones-matrix mapping of uterine wall histological sections with second-degree and third-degree endometriosis. The technique of experimental measurement of coordinate distributions of the modulus and phase values of Jones matrix elements is suggested. Within the statistical and cross-correlation approaches the modulus and phase maps of Jones matrix images of optically thin biological layers of polycrystalline films of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid are analyzed. A set of objective parameters (statistical and generalized correlation moments), which are the most sensitive to changes in the phase of anisotropy, associated with the features of polycrystalline structure of uterine wall histological sections with second-degree and third-degree endometriosis are determined.

Modulus of Elasticity and Thermal Expansion Coefficient of ITO Film

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carter, Austin D.; Elhadj, S.

2016-06-24

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the modulus of elasticity (E) and thermal expansion coefficient (α) of RF sputtered Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) as a function of temperature (T), and to collect ITO film stress data. In order to accomplish that goal, the Toho FLX-2320-S thin film stress measurement machine was used to collect both single stress and stress-temperature data for ITO coated fused silica and sapphire substrates. The stress measurement function of the FLX-2320-S cannot be used to calculate the elastic modulus of the film because the Stoney formula incorporates the elastic modulus of the substrate, rathermore » than of the film itself.« less

Non-Muscle Myosin II Isoforms Have Different Functions in Matrix Rearrangement by MDA-MB-231 Cells

PubMed Central

Hindman, Bridget; Goeckeler, Zoe; Sierros, Kostas; Wysolmerski, Robert

2015-01-01

The role of a stiffening extra-cellular matrix (ECM) in cancer progression is documented but poorly understood. Here we use a conditioning protocol to test the role of nonmuscle myosin II isoforms in cell mediated ECM arrangement using collagen constructs seeded with breast cancer cells expressing shRNA targeted to either the IIA or IIB heavy chain isoform. While there are several methods available to measure changes in the biophysical characteristics of the ECM, we wanted to use a method which allows for the measurement of global stiffness changes as well as a dynamic response from the sample over time. The conditioning protocol used allows the direct measurement of ECM stiffness. Using various treatments, it is possible to determine the contribution of various construct and cellular components to the overall construct stiffness. Using this assay, we show that both the IIA and IIB isoforms are necessary for efficient matrix remodeling by MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, as loss of either isoform changes the stiffness of the collagen constructs as measured using our conditioning protocol. Constructs containing only collagen had an elastic modulus of 0.40 Pascals (Pa), parental MDA-MB-231 constructs had an elastic modulus of 9.22 Pa, while IIA and IIB KD constructs had moduli of 3.42 and 7.20 Pa, respectively. We also calculated the cell and matrix contributions to the overall sample elastic modulus. Loss of either myosin isoform resulted in decreased cell stiffness, as well as a decrease in the stiffness of the cell-altered collagen matrices. While the total construct modulus for the IIB KD cells was lower than that of the parental cells, the IIB KD cell-altered matrices actually had a higher elastic modulus than the parental cell-altered matrices (4.73 versus 4.38 Pa). These results indicate that the IIA and IIB heavy chains play distinct and non-redundant roles in matrix remodeling. PMID:26136073

In-Plane Shear Testing of Medium and High Modulus Woven Graphite Fiber Reinforced/Polyimide Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gentz, M.; Armentrout, D.; Rupnowski, P.; Kumosa, L.; Shin, E.; Sutter, J. K.; Kumosa, M.

2004-01-01

Iosipescu shear tests were performed at room temperature and at 316 C (600 F) o woven composites with either M40J or M60J graphite fibers and PMR-II-50 polyimide resin matrix. The composites were tested as supplied and after thermo-cycling, with the thermo-cycled composites being tested under dry and wet conditions. Acoustic emission (AE) was monitored during the room and high temperature Iosipescu experiments. The shear stresses at the maximum loads and the shear stresses at the significant onset of AE were determined for the composites as function of temperature and conditioning. The combined effects of thermo-cycling and moisture on the strength and stiffness properties of the composites were evaluated. It was determined that the room and high temperature shear stresses at the maximum loads were unaffected by conditioning. However, at room temperature the significant onset of AE was affected by conditioning; the thermal conditioned wet specimens showed the highest shear stress at the onset of AE followed by thermal-conditioned and then as received specimens. Also, at igh temperature the significant onset of AE occurred in some specimens after the maximum load due to the viscoelastoplastic nature of the matrix material.

Factors affecting the thermal shock behavior of yttria stabilized hafnia based graphite and tungsten composites.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lineback, L. D.; Manning, C. R.

1971-01-01

Hafnia-based composites containing either graphite or tungsten were investigated as rocket nozzle throat inserts in solid propellant rocket engines. The thermal shock resistance of these materials is considered in terms of macroscopic thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, modulus of elasticity, and compressive fracture stress. The effect of degree of hafnia stabilization, density, and graphite or tungsten content upon these parameters is discussed. The variation of the ratio of elastic modulus to compressive fracture stress with density and its effect upon thermal shock resistance of these materials are discussed in detail.

Modified natural fibrils for structural hybrid composites: Towards an investigation of textile reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ufodike, Chukwuzubelu Okenwa

Recently, the interest for renewable resources for fibers particularly of plant origin has been increasing. Reduction of use of traditional textile materials is now considered more critical due to the increasing environmental concern. Natural fibers are renewable, biodegradable, recyclable, and lightweight materials with high specific modulus, in competition with man-made fossil materials and fiberglass. Natural fibers are used for preparation of functionalized textiles to achieve smart and intelligent properties. However, the incorporation of these fibers in composite systems has been challenging due to their hydrophilic nature. Nevertheless, the fact that these biodegradable materials can be manipulated at a nano-scale to complement desired objective and application has made them a favorable option. The idea behind this project is to explore ways to convert green waste to high value materials and to utilize natural building blocks to design textile reinforcement materials. In this work, cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) supplied from the University of Maine were hydrophobized by silylation and characterized using Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Results from FTIR spectroscopy showed a formation of Si-O-C bonds, indicating better fiber-matrix adhesion. Raman spectroscopy showed disruption of hydrogen bonding which indicates interference of parallel nanocellulose fiber adhesion to neighboring fibrils. The TGA suggests that the thermal stability of the functionalized CNF is higher than that of the corresponding neat sample, which could be a result of stable Si bond formation. The raw materials (neat and functionalized) were encapsulated in a polystyrene matrix through a solvent and non-solvent precipitation process, and then extruded using single and dual heat processing. The extruded thin filaments were tested according to the ASTM D638 (tensile test of plastics). Results showed an increasing Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) and Elastic Modulus, with peak values attributed to the dual-heat processing up to 79% and 69% increase respectively at 5wt% loading. Further increase was seen at 10wt% loading up to 112MPa UTS, and modulus up to 10.7GPa for the dual-heat processing. The UTS increase is assumed to be a result of linear arrangement of CNF in the matrix during the extrusion process. The results revealed the strong reinforcing ability of CNF and their compatibility with thermoplastic matrix if functionalized.

Mechanical and thermal properties of short-coirfiber-reinforced natural rubber/polyethylene composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Zh. H.; Kong, Zh. N.

2014-07-01

Natural rubber (NR) and polyethylene (PE) composites were compounded with chemically treated coir fibers by using a heated two-roll mill. Two chemical treatments of the fibers — by silane and sodium hydroxide — were carried out to improve the interfacial adhesion between them and the polyethylene matrix. The mechanical properties of the composites obtained were evaluated and compared with those made from a neat polymer and untreated fibers. The mechanical properties of the composites, such as the tensile strength, Young's modulus, and the elongation at break, were examined, and their shrinkage and flame retardant characteristics were measured. From these experiments, the effect of plasma treatment on the mechanical-physical behavior of coconut-fiberreinforced NR/PE composites was identified. In addition, their thermal characteristics were evaluated, and the results showed a slight decrease in them with increasing content of coir fibers.

On the Injection Molding Processing Parameters of HDPE-TiO2 Nanocomposites

PubMed Central

Mourad, Abdel-Hamid I.; Mozumder, Mohammad Sayem; Mairpady, Anusha; Pervez, Hifsa; Kannuri, Uma Maheshwara

2017-01-01

In recent years, the development and use of polymeric nanocomposites in creating advanced materials has expanded exponentially. A substantial amount of research has been done in order to design polymeric nanocomposites in a safe and efficient manner. In the present study, the impact of processing parameters, such as, barrel temperature, and residence time on the mechanical and thermal properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE)-TiO2 nanocomposites were investigated. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy were used to analyze the dispersion, location, and phase morphology of TiO2 on the HDPE matrix. Mechanical tests revealed that tensile strength of the fabricated HDPE-TiO2 nanocomposites ranged between 22.53 and 26.30 MPa, while the Young’s modulus showed a consistent increase as the barrel temperature increased from 150 °C to 300 °C. Moreover, the thermal stability decreased as the barrel temperature increased. PMID:28772444

On the Injection Molding Processing Parameters of HDPE-TiO₂ Nanocomposites.

PubMed

Mourad, Abdel-Hamid I; Mozumder, Mohammad Sayem; Mairpady, Anusha; Pervez, Hifsa; Kannuri, Uma Maheshwara

2017-01-20

In recent years, the development and use of polymeric nanocomposites in creating advanced materials has expanded exponentially. A substantial amount of research has been done in order to design polymeric nanocomposites in a safe and efficient manner. In the present study, the impact of processing parameters, such as, barrel temperature, and residence time on the mechanical and thermal properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE)-TiO₂ nanocomposites were investigated. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy were used to analyze the dispersion, location, and phase morphology of TiO₂ on the HDPE matrix. Mechanical tests revealed that tensile strength of the fabricated HDPE-TiO₂ nanocomposites ranged between 22.53 and 26.30 MPa, while the Young's modulus showed a consistent increase as the barrel temperature increased from 150 °C to 300 °C. Moreover, the thermal stability decreased as the barrel temperature increased.

Rheological properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) derived composite membranes for fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Remiš, T.

2017-01-01

Rheological properties of new anhydrous proton conducting membrane based on PVA, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS),sulfosuccinic acid (SSA), titanium dioxide (TiO2)was examined at various stoichiometric ratios. SSA was used as sulfonating agents to form a crosslinked structure and as proton source, whereas TEO Sand TiO2were utilized to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of the membrane. In order to verify that all the substances were immobilized into the matrix, the membranes were analysed by means of FT-IR. The rheological, mechanical and thermal properties of the membranes were investigated using rheometer ARES G2 and thermogravimetic analyser (TGA).The analysis of mixed PVA solutions exhibited a unique behaviour of viscosity with increased crosslink density. The dynamic storage modulus G´ of dried composite membranes shows better mechanical resistance and increased tolerance to pressure applied during membrane electrode assembly (MEA).

Preparation, Characterization, and Enhanced Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy-Titania Composites

PubMed Central

Rubab, Zakya; Siddiqi, Humaira M.; Saeed, Shaukat

2014-01-01

This paper presents the synthesis and thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy-titania composites. First, submicron titania particles are prepared via surfactant-free sol-gel method using TiCl4 as precursor. These particles are subsequently used as inorganic fillers (or reinforcement) for thermally cured epoxy polymers. Epoxy-titania composites are prepared via mechanical mixing of titania particles with liquid epoxy resin and subsequently curing the mixture with an aliphatic diamine. The amount of titania particles integrated into epoxy matrix is varied between 2.5 and 10.0 wt.% to investigate the effect of sub-micron titania particles on thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy-titania composites. These composites are characterized by X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric (TG), and mechanical analyses. It is found that sub-micron titania particles significantly enhance the glass transition temperature (>6.7%), thermal oxidative stability (>12.0%), tensile strength (>21.8%), and Young's modulus (>16.8%) of epoxy polymers. Epoxy-titania composites with 5.0 wt.% sub-micron titania particles perform best at elevated temperatures as well as under high stress. PMID:24578638

Non-destructive evaluation of polyolefin thermal aging using infrared spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fifield, Leonard S.; Shin, Yongsoon; Simmons, Kevin L.

2017-04-01

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is an information-rich method that reveals chemical bonding near the surface of polymer composites. FTIR can be used to verify composite composition, identify chemical contaminants and expose composite moisture content. Polymer matrix changes due to thermal exposure including loss of additives, chain scission, oxidation and changes in crystallinity may also be determined using FTIR spectra. Portable handheld instruments using non-contact reflectance or surface contact attenuated total reflectance (ATR) may be used for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of thermal aging in polymer and composite materials of in-service components. We report the use of ATR FTIR to track oxidative thermal aging in ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR) and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) materials used in medium voltage nuclear power plant electrical cable insulation and jacketing. Mechanical property changes of the EPR and CPE materials with thermal degradation for correlation with FTIR data are tracked using indenter modulus (IM) testing. IM is often used as a local NDE metric of cable jacket health. The FTIR-determined carbonyl index was found to increase with IM and may be a valuable NDE metric with advantages over IM for assessing cable remaining useful life.

Non-Destructive Evaluation of Polyolefin Thermal Aging Using Infrared Spectroscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fifield, Leonard S.; Shin, Yongsoon; Simmons, Kevin L.

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is an information-rich method that reveals chemical bonding near the surface of polymer composites. FTIR can be used to verify composite composition, identify chemical contaminants and expose composite moisture content. Polymer matrix changes due to thermal exposure including loss of additives, chain scission, oxidation and changes in crystallinity may also be determined using FTIR spectra. Portable handheld instruments using non-contact reflectance or surface contact attenuated total reflectance (ATR) may be used for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of thermal aging in polymer and composite materials of in-service components. We report the use of ATR FTIR to trackmore » oxidative thermal aging in ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR) and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) materials used in medium voltage nuclear power plant electrical cable insulation and jacketing. Mechanical property changes of the EPR and CPE materials with thermal degradation for correlation with FTIR data are tracked using indenter modulus (IM) testing. IM is often used as a local NDE metric of cable jacket health. The FTIR-determined carbonyl index was found to increase with IM and may be a valuable NDE metric with advantages over IM for assessing cable remaining useful life.« less

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes/polymer composites in absence and presence of acrylic elastomer (ACM).

PubMed

Kumar, S; Rath, T; Mahaling, R N; Mukherjee, M; Khatua, B B; Das, C K

2009-05-01

Polyetherimide/Multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNTs) nanocomposites containing as-received and modified (COOH-MWNT) carbon nanotubes were prepared through melt process in extruder and then compression molded. Thermal properties of the composites were characterized by thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images showed that the MWNTs were well dispersed and formed an intimate contact with the polymer matrix without any agglomeration. However the incorporation of modified carbon nanotubes formed fascinating, highly crosslinked, and compact network structure throughout the polymer matrix. This showed the increased adhesion of PEI with modified MWNTs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) also showed high degree of dispersion of modified MWNTs along with broken ends. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results showed a marginal increase in storage modulus (E') and glass transition temperature (T(g)) with the addition of MWNTs. Increase in tensile strength and impact strength of composites confirmed the use the MWNTs as possible reinforcement agent. Both thermal and electrical conductivity of composites increased, but effect is more pronounced on modification due to formation of network of carbon nanotubes. Addition of acrylic elastomer to developed PEI/MWNTs (modified) nanocomposites resulted in the further increase in thermal and electrical properties due to the formation of additional bond between MWNTs and acrylic elastomers at the interface. All the results presented are well corroborated by SEM and FESEM studies.

Pressure and temperature induced elastic properties of rare earth chalcogenides

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shriya, S.; Sapkale, R., E-mail: sapkale.raju@rediffmail.com; Varshney, Dinesh, E-mail: vdinesh33@rediffmail.com

2016-05-06

The pressure and temperature dependent mechanical properties as Young modulus, Thermal expansion coefficient of rare earth REX (RE = La, Pr, Eu; X = O, S, Se, and Te) chalcogenides are studied. The rare earth chalcogenides showed a structural phase transition (B1–B2). Pressure dependence of Young modulus discerns an increase in pressure inferring the hardening or stiffening of the lattice as a consequence of bond compression and bond strengthening. Suppressed Young modulus as functions of temperature infers the weakening of the lattice results in bond weakening in REX. Thermal expansion coefficient demonstrates that REX (RE = La, Pr, Eu; Xmore » = O, S, Se, and Te) chalcogenides is mechanically stiffened, and thermally softened on applied pressure and temperature.« less

Thermal Conductivity and Elastic Modulus Evolution of Thermal Barrier Coatings under High Heat Flux Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhu, Dongming; Miller, Robert A.

1999-01-01

Laser high heat flux test approaches have been established to obtain critical properties of ceramic thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) under near-realistic temperature and thermal gradients that may he encountered in advanced engine systems. Thermal conductivity change kinetics of a thin ceramic coating were continuously monitored in real time at various test temperatures. A significant thermal conductivity increase was observed during the laser simulated engine heat flux tests. For a 0.25 mm thick ZrO2-8%Y2O3 coating system, the overall thermal conductivity increased from the initial value of 1.0 W/m-K to 1. 15 W/m-K, 1. 19 W/m-K and 1.5 W/m-K after 30 hour testing at surface temperatures of 990C, 1100C, and 1320C. respectively. Hardness and modulus gradients across a 1.5 mm thick TBC system were also determined as a function of laser testing time using the laser sintering/creep and micro-indentation techniques. The coating Knoop hardness values increased from the initial hardness value of 4 GPa to 5 GPa near the ceramic/bond coat interface, and to 7.5 GPa at the ceramic coating surface after 120 hour testing. The ceramic surface modulus increased from an initial value of about 70 GPa to a final value of 125 GPa. The increase in thermal conductivity and the evolution of significant hardness and modulus gradients in the TBC systems are attributed to sintering-induced micro-porosity gradients under the laser-imposed high thermal gradient conditions. The test techniques provide a viable means for obtaining coating data for use in design, development, stress modeling, and life prediction for various thermal barrier coating applications.

Diatomite reinforced chitosan composite membrane as potential scaffold for guided bone regeneration.

PubMed

Tamburaci, Sedef; Tihminlioglu, Funda

2017-11-01

In this study, natural silica source, diatomite, incorporated novel chitosan based composite membranes were fabricated and characterized for bone tissue engineering applications as possible bone regeneration membrane. The effect of diatomite loading on the mechanical, morphological, chemical, thermal and surface properties, wettability and in vitro cytotoxicity and cell proliferation on of composite membranes were investigated and observed by tensile test, atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), protein adsorption assay, air/water contact angle analysis and WST-1 respectively. Swelling studies were also performed by water absorption capacity determination. Results showed that incorporation of diatomite to the chitosan matrix increased the surface roughness, swelling capacity and tensile modulus of membranes. An increase of about 52% in Young's modulus was achieved for 10wt% diatomite composite membranes compared with chitosan membranes. High cell viability results were obtained with indirect extraction method. Besides, in vitro cell proliferation and ALP activity results showed that diatom incorporation significantly increased the ALP activity of Saos-2 cells cultured on chitosan membranes. The novel composite membranes prepared in the present study with tunable properties can be considered as a potential candidate as a scaffold in view of its enhanced physical & chemical properties as well as biological activities for bone tissue engineering applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multi-modality gellan gum-based tissue-mimicking phantom with targeted mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties.

PubMed

Chen, Roland K; Shih, A J

2013-08-21

This study develops a new class of gellan gum-based tissue-mimicking phantom material and a model to predict and control the elastic modulus, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity by adjusting the mass fractions of gellan gum, propylene glycol, and sodium chloride, respectively. One of the advantages of gellan gum is its gelling efficiency allowing highly regulable mechanical properties (elastic modulus, toughness, etc). An experiment was performed on 16 gellan gum-based tissue-mimicking phantoms and a regression model was fit to quantitatively predict three material properties (elastic modulus, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity) based on the phantom material's composition. Based on these material properties and the regression model developed, tissue-mimicking phantoms of porcine spinal cord and liver were formulated. These gellan gum tissue-mimicking phantoms have the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties approximately equivalent to those of the spinal cord and the liver.

Metal–Organic–Inorganic Nanocomposite Thermal Interface Materials with Ultralow Thermal Resistances

DOE PAGES

Yegin, Cengiz; Nagabandi, Nirup; Feng, Xuhui; ...

2017-02-27

As electronic devices get smaller and more powerful, energy density of energy storage devices increases continuously, and moving components of machinery operate at higher speeds, the need for better thermal management strategies is becoming increasingly important. The removal of heat dissipated during the operation of electronic, electrochemical, and mechanical devices is facilitated by high-performance thermal interface materials (TIMs) which are utilized to couple devices to heat sinks. Here in this paper, we report a new class of TIMs involving the chemical integration of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS), soft organic linkers, and a copper matrix -- which are prepared by chemisorption-coupledmore » electrodeposition approach. These hybrid nanocomposites demonstrate bulk thermal conductivities ranging from 211 to 277 W/(m.K), which are very high considering their relatively low elastic modulus values on the order of 21.2 to 28.5 GPa. The synergistic combination of these properties lead to the ultra-low total thermal resistivity values in the range of 0.38 to 0.56 mm 2.K/W for a typical bondline thickness of 30-50 um, advancing the current state-of-art transformatively. Moreover, its coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is 11 ppm/K, forming a mediation zone with a low thermally-induced axial stress due to its close proximity to the CTE of most coupling surfaces needing thermal management.« less

Metal–Organic–Inorganic Nanocomposite Thermal Interface Materials with Ultralow Thermal Resistances

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yegin, Cengiz; Nagabandi, Nirup; Feng, Xuhui

As electronic devices get smaller and more powerful, energy density of energy storage devices increases continuously, and moving components of machinery operate at higher speeds, the need for better thermal management strategies is becoming increasingly important. The removal of heat dissipated during the operation of electronic, electrochemical, and mechanical devices is facilitated by high-performance thermal interface materials (TIMs) which are utilized to couple devices to heat sinks. Here in this paper, we report a new class of TIMs involving the chemical integration of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS), soft organic linkers, and a copper matrix -- which are prepared by chemisorption-coupledmore » electrodeposition approach. These hybrid nanocomposites demonstrate bulk thermal conductivities ranging from 211 to 277 W/(m.K), which are very high considering their relatively low elastic modulus values on the order of 21.2 to 28.5 GPa. The synergistic combination of these properties lead to the ultra-low total thermal resistivity values in the range of 0.38 to 0.56 mm 2.K/W for a typical bondline thickness of 30-50 um, advancing the current state-of-art transformatively. Moreover, its coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is 11 ppm/K, forming a mediation zone with a low thermally-induced axial stress due to its close proximity to the CTE of most coupling surfaces needing thermal management.« less

Hydrogen Permeability of Polymer Matrix Composites at Cryogenic Temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grenoble, Ray W.; Gates, Thomas S

2005-01-01

This paper presents experimental methods and results of an ongoing study of the correlation between damage state and hydrogen gas permeability of laminated composite materials under mechanical strains and thermal loads. A specimen made from IM-7/977-2 composite material has been mechanically cycled at room temperature to induce microcrack damage. Crack density and tensile modulus were observed as functions of number of cycles. Damage development was found to occur most quickly in the off-axis plies near the outside of the laminate. Permeability measurements were made after 170,000 cycles and 430,000 cycles. Leak rate was found to depend on applied mechanical strain, crack density, and test temperature.

Electrical modulus analysis on the Ni/CCTO/PVDF system near the percolation threshold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Wenhu; Yu, Shuhui; Sun, Rong; Ke, Shanming; Huang, Haitao; Du, Ruxu

2011-11-01

A type of Ni/CCTO/PVDF three-phase percolative composite was prepared, in which the filler content (volume fraction) of Ni and CCTO was set at 60 vol%. The dependence of permittivity, electrical modulus and ac conductivity on the concentration of Ni and CCTO fillers near the percolation threshold was investigated in detail. The permittivity of the composites dramatically increased as the Ni content approached 24 vol%. This unique physical mechanism was realized as the formation of conductive channels near the percolation threshold. Analysis on the electrical modulus showed that the conductive channels are governed by three relaxation processes induced by the fillers (Ni, CCTO) and PVDF matrix, which are the interfacial polarization derived from the interfaces between fillers (Ni, CCTO) and PVDF matrix, and the polarization of CCTO ceramic filler and PVDF matrix. The conductivity behaviour with various Ni loadings and temperature suggested that the transition from an insulating to a conducting state should be induced by charge tunnelling between Ni-Ni particles, Ni-CCTO fillers and Ni-PVDF matrix. These findings demonstrated that the tunnelling conduction in the composite can be attributed to the unique physical mechanism near the percolation threshold.

Effects of Cu and Ag as ternary and quaternary additions on some physical properties of SnSb7 bearing alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Bediwi, A. B.

2004-02-01

The structure, electrical resistivity, and elastic modulus of SnSb7 and SnSb7X (X = Cu , Ag, or Cu and Ag) rapidly solidified alloys have been investigated using X-ray diffractometer, double bridge, and dynamic resonance techniques. Copper and silver additions to SnSb result in the formation of a eutectic matrix containing embedded crystals (intermetallic phases) of SnCu, SnAg, and SnSb. The hard crystals SnCu, SnAg, and SnSb increase the overall hardness and wear resistance of SnSb bearing alloys. Addition of copper and silver improves internal friction, electrical conductivity, and elastic modulus values of SnSb rapidly solidified bearing alloys. The internal friction, elastic modulus, and electrical resistivity values are relatively sensitive to the composition of the intermediate phases in the matrix. The SbSb(7)Cu(2)g(2) has better properties (lowest internal friction, cost, adequate elastic modulus, and electrical resistivity) for bearing alloys as compared to cast iron and bronzes.

The thermo-mechanical behaviour of W-Cu metal matrix composites for fusion heat sink applications: The influence of the Cu content

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tejado, E.; Müller, A. v.; You, J.-H.; Pastor, J. Y.

2018-01-01

Copper and its alloys are used as heat sink materials for next generation fusion devices and will be joined to tungsten as an armour material. However, the joint of W and Cu experiences high thermal stresses when exposed to high heat loads so an interlayer material could effectively ensure the lifetime of the component by reducing the thermal mismatch. Many researchers have published results on the production of W-Cu composites aiming attention at its thermal conductivity; nevertheless, the mechanical performance of these composites remains poor. This paper reports the characterization of the thermo-mechanical behaviour of W-Cu composites produced via a liquid Cu melt infiltration of porous W preform. This technique was applied to produce composites with 15, 30 and 40 wt% Cu. The microstructure, thermal properties, and mechanical performance were investigated and measured from RT to 800 °C. The results demonstrated that high densification and superior mechanical properties can indeed be achieved via this manufacturing route. The mechanical properties (elastic modulus, fracture toughness, and strength) of the composites show a certain dependency on the Cu content; fracture mode shifts from the dominantly brittle fracture of W particles with constrained deformation of the Cu phase at low Cu content to the predominance of the ductile fracture of Cu when its ratio is higher. Though strong degradation is observed at 800 °C, the mechanical properties at operational temperatures, i.e. below 350 °C, remain rather high-even better than W/Cu materials reported previously. In addition, we demonstrated that the elastic modulus, and therefore the coefficient of thermal expansion, can be tailored via control of the W skeleton's porosity. As a result, the W-Cu composites presented here would successfully drive away heat produced in the fusion chamber avoiding the mismatch between materials while contributing to the structural support of the system.

Measurements of the Young's modulus of hydroxide catalysis bonds, and the effect on thermal noise in ground-based gravitational wave detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phelps, Margot; van Veggel, Anna-Maria; Hough, James; Messenger, Chris; Hughes, David; Cunningham, William; Haughian, Karen; Rowan, Sheila

2018-05-01

With the outstanding results from the detection and observation of gravitational waves from coalescing black holes and neutron star inspirals, it is essential that pathways to further improve the sensitivities of the LIGO and VIRGO detectors are explored. There are a number of factors that potentially limit the sensitivities of the detectors. One such factor is thermal noise, a component of which results from the mechanical loss in the bond material between the silica fibre suspensions and the test mass mirrors. To calculate its magnitude, the Young's modulus of the bond material has to be known with reasonable accuracy. In this paper we present a new combination of ultrasonic technology and Bayesian analysis to measure the Young's modulus of hydroxide catalysis bonds between fused silica substrates. Using this novel technique, we measure the bond Young's modulus to be 18.5 ±2.32.0 GPa . We show that by applying this value to thermal noise models of bonded test masses with suitable attachment geometries, a reduction in suspension thermal noise consistent with an overall design sensitivity improvement allows a factor of 5 increase in event rate to be achieved.

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.

Properties of M40J Carbon/PMR-II-50 Composites Fabricated with Desized and Surface Treated Fibers. Characterization of M40J Desized and Finished Fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allred, Ronald E.; Gosau, Jan M.; Shin, E. Eugene; McCorkle, Linda S.; Sutter, James K.; OMalley, Michelle; Gray, Hugh R. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

To increase performance and durability of high temperature composites for potential rocket engine components, it is necessary to optimize wetting and interfacial bonding between high modulus carbon fibers and high temperature polyimide resins. It has been previously demonstrated that the electro-oxidative shear treatments used by fiber manufacturers are not effective on higher modulus fibers that have fewer edge and defect sites in the surface crystallites. In addition, sizings commercially supplied on most carbon fibers are not compatible with polyimides. This study was an extension of prior work characterizing the surface chemistry and energy of high modulus carbon fibers (M40J and M60J, Torray) with typical fluorinated polyimide resins, such as PMR-II-50. A continuous desizing system which utilizes environmentally friendly chemical- mechanical processes was developed for tow level fiber and the processes were optimized based on weight loss behavior, surface elemental composition (XPS) and morphology (FE-SEM) analyses, and residual tow strength of the fiber, and the similar approaches have been applied on carbon fabrics. Both desized and further treated with a reactive finish were investigated for the composite reinforcement. The effects of desizing and/or subsequent surface retreatment on carbon fiber on composite properties and performance including fiber-matrix interfacial mechanical properties, thermal properties and blistering onset behavior will be discussed in this presentation.

Enhancement of wear and corrosion resistance of low modulus β-type Zr-20Nb-xTi (x=0, 3) dental alloys through thermal oxidation treatment.

PubMed

Zhang, Jianfeng; Gan, Xiaxia; Tang, Hongqun; Zhan, Yongzhong

2017-07-01

In order to obtain material with low elastic modulus, good abrasion resistance and high corrosion stability as screw for dental implant, the biomedical Zr-20Nb and Zr-20Nb-3Ti alloy with low elastic modulus were thermal oxidized respectively at 700°C for 1h and 600°C for 1.25h to obtain the compact oxidized layer to improve its wear resistance and corrosion resistance. The results show that smooth compact oxidized layer (composed of monoclinic ZrO 2 , tetragonal ZrO 2 and 6ZrO 2 -Nb 2 O 5 ) with 22.6μm-43.5μm thickness and 1252-1306HV hardness can be in-situ formed on the surface of the Zr-20Nb-xTi (x=0, 3). The adhesion of oxidized layers to the substrates is determined to be 58.35-66.25N. The oxidized Zr-20Nb-xTi alloys reveal great improvement of the pitting corrosion resistance in comparison with the un-oxidized alloys. In addition, the oxidized Zr-20Nb-3Ti exhibits sharply reduction of the corrosion rates and the oxidized Zr-20Nb shows higher corrosion rates than un-oxidized alloys, which is relevant with the content of the t-ZrO 2 . Wear test in artificial saliva demonstrates that the wear losses of the oxidized Zr-20Nb-xTi (x=0, 3) are superior to pure Ti. All of the un-oxidized Zr-20Nb-xTi (x=0, 3) alloys suffer from serious adhesive wear due to its high plasticity. Because of the protection from compact oxide layer with high adhesion and high hardness, the coefficients of friction and wear losses of the oxidized Zr-20Nb-xTi (x=0, 3) alloys decrease 50% and 95%, respectively. The defects on the oxidized Zr-20Nb have a negative effect on the friction and wear properties. In addition, after the thermal oxidation, compression test show that elastic modulus and strength of Zr-20Nb-xTi (x=0, 3) increase slightly with plastic deformation after 40% of transformation. Furthermore, stripping of the oxidized layer from the alloy matrix did not occur during the whole experiments. As the surface oxidized Zr-20Nb-3Ti alloy has a combination of excellent performance such as high chemical stability, good wear resistance performance and low elastic modulus, moderate strength, it is considered an alternative material as dental implant. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Computer simulation of the matrix-inclusion interphase in bulk metallic glass based nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kokotin, V.; Hermann, H.; Eckert, J.

2011-10-01

Atomistic models for matrix-inclusion systems are generated. Analyses of the systems show that interphase layers of finite thickness appear interlinking the surface of the nanocrystalline inclusion and the embedding amorphous matrix. In a first approximation, the interphase is characterized as an amorphous structure with a density slightly reduced compared to that of the matrix. This result holds for both monatomic hard sphere systems and a Cu47.5Zr47.5Al5 alloy simulated by molecular dynamics (MD). The elastic shear and bulk modulus of the interphase are calculated by simulated deformation of the MD systems. Both moduli diminish with decreasing density but the shear modulus is more sensitive against density reduction by one order of magnitude. This result explains recent observations of shear band initiation at the amorphous-crystalline interface during plastic deformation.

Modeling and life prediction methodology for Titanium Matrix Composites subjected to mission profiles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mirdamadi, M.; Johnson, W. S.

1994-01-01

Titanium matrix composites (TMC) are being evaluated as structural materials for elevated temperature applications in future generation hypersonic vehicles. In such applications, TMC components are subjected to complex thermomechanical loading profiles at various elevated temperatures. Therefore, thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) testing, using a simulated mission profile, is essential for evaluation and development of life prediction methodologies. The objective of the research presented in this paper was to evaluate the TMF response of the (0/90)2s SCS-6/Timetal-21S subjected to a generic hypersonic flight profile and its portions with a temperature ranging from -130 C to 816 C. It was found that the composite modulus, prior to rapid degradation, had consistent values for all the profiles tested. A micromechanics based analysis was used to predict the stress-strain response of the laminate and of the constituents in each ply during thermomechanical loading conditions by using only constituent properties as input. The fiber was modeled as elastic with transverse orthotropic and temperature dependent properties. The matrix was modeled using a thermoviscoplastic constitutive relation. In the analysis, the composite modulus degradation was assumed to result from matrix cracking and was modeled by reducing the matrix modulus. Fatigue lives of the composite subjected to the complex generic hypersonic flight profile were well correlated using the predicted stress in 0 degree fibers.

High-Temperature Inorganic Self-Healing Inorganic Cement Composites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pyatina, Tatiana; Sugama, Toshifumi

The data files below summarize the results from various experiments testing properties of high-temperature self-healing inorganic cement composites. These properties include cement-carbon steel bond strength, Young's modulus recovery, matrix recovery strength, and compressive strength and Yonug's modulus for cement composites modified with Pozzolanic Clay additives.

Influence of gamma irradiation on carbon nanotube-reinforced polypropylene.

PubMed

Castell, P; Medel, F J; Martinez, M T; Puértolas, J A

2009-10-01

Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) have been incorporated into a polypropylene (PP) matrix in different concentrations (range: 0.25-2.5 wt%). The nanotubes were blended with PP particles (approximately 500 microm in size) before mixing in an extruder. Finally, rectangular plates were obtained by compression moulding. PP-SWNT composites were gamma irradiated at different doses, 10 and 20 kGy, to promote crosslinking in the matrix and potentially enhance the interaction between nanotubes and PP. Extensive thermal, structural and mechanical characterization was conducted by means of DSC, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, uniaxial tensile tests and dynamic mechanical thermal (DMTA) techniques. DSC thermograms reflected higher crystallinity with increasing nanotube concentration. XRD analysis confirmed the only presence of a monoclinic crystals and proved unambiguously that CNTs generated a preferred orientation. Raman spectroscopy confirmed that the intercalation of the polymer between bundles is favored at low CNTs contents. Elastic modulus results confirmed the reinforcement of the polypropylene matrix with increasing SWNT concentration, although stiffness saturation was observed at the highest concentration. Loss tangent DMTA curves showed three transitions for raw polypropylene. While gamma relaxation remained practically unchanged in all the samples, beta relaxation temperatures showed an increase with increasing CNT content due to the reduced mobility of the system. Gamma-irradiated PP exhibited an increase in the beta relaxation temperature, associated with changes in glass transition due to radiation-induced crosslinking. On the contrary, gamma-irradiated nanocomposites did not show this effect probably due to the reaction of radiative free radicals with CNTs.

Elastic moduli and thermal expansion coefficients of medium-entropy subsystems of the CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy

DOE PAGES

Laplanche, Guillaume; Gadaud, P.; Barsch, C.; ...

2018-02-23

Elastic moduli of a set of equiatomic alloys (CrFeCoNi, CrCoNi, CrFeNi, FeCoNi, MnCoNi, MnFeNi, and CoNi), which are medium-entropy subsystems of the CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy were determined as a function of temperature over the range 293 K–1000 K. Thermal expansion coefficients were determined for these alloys over the temperature range 100 K–673 K. All alloys were single-phase and had the face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure, except CrFeNi which is a two-phase alloy containing a small amount of body-centered cubic (BCC) precipitates in a FCC matrix. The temperature dependences of thermal expansion coefficients and elastic moduli obtained here are useful formore » quantifying fundamental aspects such as solid solution strengthening, and for structural analysis/design. Furthermore, using the above results, the yield strengths reported in literature for these alloys were normalized by their shear moduli to reveal the influence of shear modulus on solid solution strengthening.« less

Lignin-coated cellulose nanocrystal filled methacrylate composites prepared via 3D stereolithography printing: Mechanical reinforcement and thermal stabilization.

PubMed

Feng, Xinhao; Yang, Zhaozhe; Chmely, Stephen; Wang, Qingwen; Wang, Siqun; Xie, Yanjun

2017-08-01

Various contents of lignin-coated cellulose nanocrystals (L-CNC) were incorporated into methacrylate (MA) resin and their mixture was used to prepare nanocomposites via 3D stereolithography (3D-SL) printing. Gaps were found between the L-CNC and MA matrix in 3D-SL printed nanocomposites before postcure. However, gaps decreased after postcure due to interactions between the L-CNC and MA molecules. Mechanical properties increased with the addition of 0.1% and 0.5% L-CNC after postcure, and the thermal stability was improved at 0.5% L-CNC. Dynamic mechanical analysis demonstrated that incorporation of L-CNC increased the storage modulus in the rubbery plateau. The loss factor had two transition regions, which gradually changed by merging together with increasing L-CNC content, and a broadening of the transition region was observed after postcure. In particular, the mechanical and thermal properties of 3D-SL printed nanocomposites, after postcure, exhibited higher improvement than those before postcure. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhancement of Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polycaprolactone/Chitosan Blend by Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Abdolmohammadi, Sanaz; Siyamak, Samira; Ibrahim, Nor Azowa; Yunus, Wan Md Zin Wan; Rahman, Mohamad Zaki Ab; Azizi, Susan; Fatehi, Asma

2012-01-01

This study investigates the effects of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles on the mechanical and thermal properties and surface morphology of polycaprolactone (PCL)/chitosan nanocomposites. The nanocomposites of PCL/chitosan/CaCO3 were prepared using a melt blending technique. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results indicate the average size of nanoparticles to be approximately 62 nm. Tensile measurement results show an increase in the tensile modulus with CaCO3 nanoparticle loading. Tensile strength and elongation at break show gradual improvement with the addition of up to 1 wt% of nano-sized CaCO3. Decreasing performance of these properties is observed for loading of more than 1 wt% of nano-sized CaCO3. The thermal stability was best enhanced at 1 wt% of CaCO3 nanoparticle loading. The fractured surface morphology of the PCL/chitosan blend becomes more stretched and homogeneous in PCL/chitosan/CaCO3 nanocomposite. TEM micrograph displays good dispersion of CaCO3 at lower nanoparticle loading within the matrix. PMID:22605993

Development of regenerated cellulose/halloysite nanotube bionanocomposite films with ionic liquid.

PubMed

Soheilmoghaddam, Mohammad; Wahit, Mat Uzir

2013-07-01

In this study, novel nanocomposite films based on regenerated cellulose/halloysite nanotube (RC/HNT) have been prepared using an environmentally friendly ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl) through a simple green method. The structural, morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of the RC/HNT nanocomposites were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), thermal analysis and tensile strength measurements. The results obtained revealed interactions between the halloysite nanotubes and regenerated cellulose matrix. The thermal stability and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films, compared with pure regenerated cellulose film, were significantly improved When the halloysite nanotube (HNT) loading was only 2 wt.%, the 20% weight loss temperature (T20) increased 20°C. The Young's modulus increased from 1.8 to 4.1 GPa, while tensile strength increased from 35.30 to 60.50 MPa when 8 wt.% halloysite nanotube (HNT) was incorporated, interestingly without loss of ductility. The nanocomposite films exhibited improved oxygen barrier properties and water absorption resistance compared to regenerated cellulose. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High Temperature Tensile Properties of Unidirectional Hi-Nicalon/Celsian Composites In Air

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gyekenyesi, John Z.; Bansal, Narottam P.

2000-01-01

High temperature tensile properties of unidirectional BN/SiC-coated Hi-Nicalon SiC fiber reinforced celsian matrix composites have been measured from room temperature to 1200 C (2190 F) in air. Young's modulus, the first matrix cracking stress, and the ultimate strength decreased from room temperature to 1200 C (2190 F). The applicability of various micromechanical models, in predicting room temperature values of various mechanical properties for this CMC, has also been investigated. The simple rule of mixtures produced an accurate estimate of the primary composite modulus. The first matrix cracking stress estimated from ACK theory was in good agreement with the experimental value. The modified fiber bundle failure theory of Evans gave a good estimate of the ultimate strength.

Mechanical properties of composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thornton, H. Richard; Cornwell, L. R.

1993-01-01

A composite material incorporates high strength, high modulus fibers in a matrix (polymer, metal, or ceramic). The fibers may be oriented in a manner to give varying in-plane properties (longitudinal, transverse-stress, strain, and modulus of elasticity). The lay-up of the composite laminates is such that a center line of symmetry and no bending moment exist through the thickness. The laminates are tabbed, with either aluminum or fiberglass, and are ready for tensile testing. The determination of the tensile properties of resin matrix composites, reinforced by continuous fibers, is outlined in ASTM standard D 3039, Tensile Properties of Oriented Fiber Composites. The tabbed flat tensile coupons are placed into the grips of a tensile machine and load-deformation curves plotted. The load-deformation data are translated into stress-strain curves for determination of mechanical properties (ultimate tensile strength and modulus of elasticity).

Elasticity, slowness, thermal conductivity and the anisotropies in the Mn3Cu1-xGexN compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Guan-Nan; Chen, Zhi-Qian; Lu, Yu-Ming; Hu, Meng; Jiao, Li-Na; Zhao, Hao-Ting

2018-03-01

We perform the first-principles to systematically investigate the elastic properties, minimum thermal conductivity and anisotropy of the negative thermal expansion compounds Mn3Cu1-xGexN. The elastic constant, bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young’s modulus and Poisson ratio are calculated for all the compounds. The results of the elastic constant indicate that all the compounds are mechanically stable and the doped Ge can adjust the ductile character of the compounds. According to the values of the percent ratio of the elastic anisotropy AB, AE and AG, shear anisotropic factors A1, A2 and A3, all the Mn3Cu1-xGexN compounds are elastic anisotropy. The three-dimensional diagrams of elastic moduli in space also show that all the compounds are elastic anisotropy. In addition, the acoustic wave speed, slowness, minimum thermal conductivity and Debye temperature are also calculated. When the ratio of content for Cu and Ge arrived to 1:1, the compound has the lowest thermal conductivity and the highest Debye temperature.

Crystallization kinetics and thermal resistance of bamboo fiber reinforced biodegradable polymer composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thumsorn, S.; Srisawat, N.; On, J. Wong; Pivsa-Art, S.; Hamada, H.

2014-05-01

Bamboo fiber reinforced biodegradable polymer composites were prepared in this study. Biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) was blended with bamboo fiber in a twin screw extruder with varied bamboo content from 20-0wt%. PBS/bamboo fiber composites were fabricated by compression molding process. The effect of bamboo fiber contents on properties of the composites was investigated. Non-isothermal crystallization kinetic study of the composites was investigated based on Avrami equation. The kinetic parameters indicated that bamboo fiber acted as heterogeneous nucleation and enhanced crystallinity of the composites. Bamboo fiber was well dispersed on PBS matrix and good adhered with the matrix. Tensile strength of the composites slightly deceased with adding bamboo fiber. However, tensile modulus and impact strength of the composites increased when increasing bamboo fiber contents. It can be noted that bamboo fiber promoted crystallization and crystallinity of PBS in the composites. Therefore, the composites were better in impact load transferring than neat PBS, which exhibited improving on impact performance of the composites.

Increase of tensile strength and toughness of bio-based diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A with chitin nanowhiskers

PubMed Central

Wang, Mian; Xue, Han; Feng, Zhiwei; Cheng, Binfeng; Yang, Haijie

2017-01-01

It is challenging to reinforce and toughen thermoset epoxy resins. We describe a slurry-compounding technique to transfer a uniform dispersion of chitin nanowhiskers (CW) in ethanol into an epoxy matrix. The incorporation of the hydrophilic CW reinforces the oil-soluble diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA). The resultant CW/epoxy bionanocomposites were transparent and showed considerably enhanced thermal and mechanical properties with tensile strength, modulus, toughness, and elongation at break being increased by 49%, 16%, 457%, and 250%, with only 2.5 wt.% CW. This improvement in strength and toughness is rare for thermoset epoxy/rigid nanofiller systems. We hypothesize that CW with many free amine groups could function not only as a nanofiller but also as a macromolecular polyamine hardener that participates in epoxy curing. The strong covalent interaction between the filler and the matrix allowed for efficient load transfer across the interfaces, which accounted for the greater strength and toughness. PMID:28604774

Laser additive manufacturing bulk graphene-copper nanocomposites.

PubMed

Hu, Zengrong; Chen, Feng; Lin, Dong; Nian, Qiong; Parandoush, Pedram; Zhu, Xing; Shao, Zhuqiang; Cheng, Gary J

2017-11-03

The exceptional mechanical properties of graphene make it an ideal nanofiller for reinforcing metal matrix composites (MMCs). In this work, graphene-copper (Gr-Cu) nanocomposites have been fabricated by a laser additive manufacturing process. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy were utilized to characterize the fabricated nanocomposites. The XRD, Raman spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and TEM results demonstrated the feasibility of laser additive manufacturing of Gr-Cu nanocomposites. The microstructures were characterized by high resolution TEM and the results further revealed the interface between the copper matrix and graphene. With the addition of graphene, the mechanical properties of the composites were enhanced significantly. Nanoindentation tests showed that the average modulus value and hardness of the composites were 118.9 GPa and 3 GPa respectively; 17.6% and 50% increases were achieved compared with pure copper, respectively. This work demonstrates a new way to manufacture graphene copper nanocomposites with ultra-strong mechanical properties and provides alternatives for applications in electrical and thermal conductors.

Thermoset nanocomposites from two-component waterborne polyurethanes and cellulose whiskers.

PubMed

Wu, Guo-min; Chen, Jian; Huo, Shu-ping; Liu, Gui-feng; Kong, Zhen-wu

2014-05-25

We prepared thermoset nancomposites from biomass-based two-component waterborne polyurethane (2K-WPU) and cellulose namowhiskers (CNWs). Due to the formation of hydrogen bonds, the viscosity of 2K-WPU dispersion was found to be increased with the addition of CNWs. SEM images showed "sea-island structure" corresponding to the microphase separation between CNWs nano-filler and the 2K-WPU matrix. The α-relaxation temperature (Tα) and glass transition temperature (Tg) increased with the increase of CNWs content, which was due to the formation of a rigid CNWs nano-phase acting as crosslinking points in the 2K-WPU matrix. Mechanical properties from tensile test showed Young's modulus and tensile strength of 2K-WPU/CNWs nanocomposites were reinforced by the addition of CNWs. Thermo-stability of 2K-WPU/CNWs nanocomposites decreased slightly with the increase of CNWs content, which could be attributed to the increased thermal conductivity of the material after adding CNWs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Increase of tensile strength and toughness of bio-based diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A with chitin nanowhiskers.

PubMed

Wang, Mian; Xue, Han; Feng, Zhiwei; Cheng, Binfeng; Yang, Haijie

2017-01-01

It is challenging to reinforce and toughen thermoset epoxy resins. We describe a slurry-compounding technique to transfer a uniform dispersion of chitin nanowhiskers (CW) in ethanol into an epoxy matrix. The incorporation of the hydrophilic CW reinforces the oil-soluble diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA). The resultant CW/epoxy bionanocomposites were transparent and showed considerably enhanced thermal and mechanical properties with tensile strength, modulus, toughness, and elongation at break being increased by 49%, 16%, 457%, and 250%, with only 2.5 wt.% CW. This improvement in strength and toughness is rare for thermoset epoxy/rigid nanofiller systems. We hypothesize that CW with many free amine groups could function not only as a nanofiller but also as a macromolecular polyamine hardener that participates in epoxy curing. The strong covalent interaction between the filler and the matrix allowed for efficient load transfer across the interfaces, which accounted for the greater strength and toughness.

Laser additive manufacturing bulk graphene-copper nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Zengrong; Chen, Feng; Lin, Dong; Nian, Qiong; Parandoush, Pedram; Zhu, Xing; Shao, Zhuqiang; Cheng, Gary J.

2017-11-01

The exceptional mechanical properties of graphene make it an ideal nanofiller for reinforcing metal matrix composites (MMCs). In this work, graphene-copper (Gr-Cu) nanocomposites have been fabricated by a laser additive manufacturing process. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy were utilized to characterize the fabricated nanocomposites. The XRD, Raman spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and TEM results demonstrated the feasibility of laser additive manufacturing of Gr-Cu nanocomposites. The microstructures were characterized by high resolution TEM and the results further revealed the interface between the copper matrix and graphene. With the addition of graphene, the mechanical properties of the composites were enhanced significantly. Nanoindentation tests showed that the average modulus value and hardness of the composites were 118.9 GPa and 3 GPa respectively; 17.6% and 50% increases were achieved compared with pure copper, respectively. This work demonstrates a new way to manufacture graphene copper nanocomposites with ultra-strong mechanical properties and provides alternatives for applications in electrical and thermal conductors.

3D Printed Polycaprolactone Carbon Nanotube Composite Scaffolds for Cardiac Tissue Engineering.

PubMed

Ho, Chee Meng Benjamin; Mishra, Abhinay; Lin, Pearlyn Teo Pei; Ng, Sum Huan; Yeong, Wai Yee; Kim, Young-Jin; Yoon, Yong-Jin

2017-04-01

Fabrication of tissue engineering scaffolds with the use of novel 3D printing has gained lot of attention, however systematic investigation of biomaterials for 3D printing have not been widely explored. In this report, well-defined structures of polycaprolactone (PCL) and PCL- carbon nanotube (PCL-CNT) composite scaffolds have been designed and fabricated using a 3D printer. Conditions for 3D printing has been optimized while the effects of varying CNT percentages with PCL matrix on the thermal, mechanical and biological properties of the printed scaffolds are studied. Raman spectroscopy is used to characterise the functionalized CNTs and its interactions with PCL matrix. Mechanical properties of the composites are characterised using nanoindentation. Maximum peak load, elastic modulus and hardness increases with increasing CNT content. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies reveal the thermal and crystalline behaviour of PCL and its CNT composites. Biodegradation studies are performed in Pseudomonas Lipase enzymatic media, showing its specificity and effect on degradation rate. Cell imaging and viability studies of H9c2 cells from rat origin on the scaffolds are performed using fluorescence imaging and MTT assay, respectively. PCL and its CNT composites are able to show cell proliferation and have the potential to be used in cardiac tissue engineering. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Thermal/Mechanical Durability of Polymer-Matrix Composites in Cryogenic Environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gates, Thomas S.; Whitley, Karen S.; Grenoble, Ray W.; Bandorawalla, Tozer

2003-01-01

In order to increase the reliability of the next generation of space transportation systems, the mechanical behavior of polymeric-matrix composite (PMC) materials at cryogenic temperatures must be investigated. This paper presents experimental data on the residual mechanical properties of a carbon fiber polymeric composite, IM7/PETI-5 as a function of temperature and aging. Tension modulus and strength were measured at room temperature, -196 C, and -269 C on five different specimens ply lay-ups. Specimens were preconditioned with one set of coupons being isothermally aged for 576 hours at -184 C, in an unloaded state. Another set of corresponding coupons were mounted in constant strain fixtures such that a constant uniaxial strain was applied to the specimens for 576 hours at -184 C. A third set was mechanically cycled in tension at -184 C. The measured properties indicated that temperature, aging, and loading mode can all have significant influence on performance. Moreover, this influence is a strong function of laminate stacking sequence. Thermal-stress calculations based on lamination theory predicted that the transverse tensile ply stresses could be quite high for cryogenic test temperatures. Microscopic examination of the surface morphology showed evidence of degradation along the exposed edges of the material because of aging at cryogenic temperatures. ________________

Elastic Modulus and Thermal Conductivity of Thiolene/TiO2 Nanocomposites

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Metal oxide based polymer nanocomposites find diverse applications as functional materials, and in particular thiol-ene/TiO2 nanocomposites are promising candidates for dental restorative materials. The important mechanical and thermal properties of the nanocomposites, however, are still not well understood. In this study, the elastic modulus and thermal conductivity of thiol-ene/TiO2 nanocomposite thin films with varying weight fractions of TiO2 nanoparticles are investigated by using Brillouin light scattering spectroscopy and 3ω measurements, respectively. As the TiO2 weight fraction increases from 0 to 90%, the effective elastic longitudinal modulus of the films increases from 6.2 to 37.5 GPa, and the effective thermal conductivity from 0.04 to 0.76 W/m K. The former increase could be attributed to the covalent cross-linking of the nanocomposite constituents. The latter one could be ascribed to the addition of high thermal conductivity TiO2 nanoparticles and the formation of possible conductive channels at high TiO2 weight fractions. The linear dependence of the thermal conductivity on the sound velocity, reported for amorphous polymers, is not observed in the present nanocomposite system. PMID:29755637

Probabilistic homogenization of random composite with ellipsoidal particle reinforcement by the iterative stochastic finite element method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sokołowski, Damian; Kamiński, Marcin

2018-01-01

This study proposes a framework for determination of basic probabilistic characteristics of the orthotropic homogenized elastic properties of the periodic composite reinforced with ellipsoidal particles and a high stiffness contrast between the reinforcement and the matrix. Homogenization problem, solved by the Iterative Stochastic Finite Element Method (ISFEM) is implemented according to the stochastic perturbation, Monte Carlo simulation and semi-analytical techniques with the use of cubic Representative Volume Element (RVE) of this composite containing single particle. The given input Gaussian random variable is Young modulus of the matrix, while 3D homogenization scheme is based on numerical determination of the strain energy of the RVE under uniform unit stretches carried out in the FEM system ABAQUS. The entire series of several deterministic solutions with varying Young modulus of the matrix serves for the Weighted Least Squares Method (WLSM) recovery of polynomial response functions finally used in stochastic Taylor expansions inherent for the ISFEM. A numerical example consists of the High Density Polyurethane (HDPU) reinforced with the Carbon Black particle. It is numerically investigated (1) if the resulting homogenized characteristics are also Gaussian and (2) how the uncertainty in matrix Young modulus affects the effective stiffness tensor components and their PDF (Probability Density Function).

Tungsten fiber reinforced copper matrix composites: A review

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcdanels, David L.

1989-01-01

Tungsten fiber reinforced copper matrix (W/Cu) composites have served as an ideal model system with which to analyze the properties of metal matrix composites. A series of research programs were conducted to investigate the stress-strain behavior of W/Cu composites; the effect of fiber content on the strength, modulus, and conductivity of W/Cu composites; and the effect of alloying elements on the behavior of tungsten wire and of W/Cu composites. Later programs investigated the stress-rupture, creep, and impact behavior of these composites at elevated temperatures. Analysis of the results of these programs as allows prediction of the effects of fiber properties, matrix properties, and fiber content on the properties of W/Cu composites. These analyses form the basis for the rule-of-mixtures prediction of composite properties which was universally adopted as the criteria for measuring composite efficiency. In addition, the analyses allows extrapolation of potential properties of other metal matrix composites and are used to select candidate fibers and matrices for development of tungsten fiber reinforced superalloy composite materials for high temperature aircraft and rocket engine turbine applications. The W/Cu composite efforts are summarized, some of the results obtained are described, and an update is provided on more recent work using W/Cu composites as high strength, high thermal conductivity composite materials for high heat flux, elevated temperature applications.

Quantitative Evaluation of the Effect of Porosity on the Local Young's Modulus of Isotropic Composites by Using the Laser Optoacoustic Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podymova, N. B.; Karabutov, A. A.; Kobeleva, L. I.; Chernyshova, T. A.

2013-09-01

An impulse acoustic method with a laser source of ultrasound is proposed and realized experimentally for a quantitative evaluation of the joint effect of porosity (the volume fraction of pores) and the concentration of dispersed filler on the local Young's modulus of isotropic metal-matrix composite materials. The determination of Young's modulus is based on the laser thermooptical excitation of ultrasound and measurements of the phase speed of longitudinal and shears acoustic waves in composite specimens. Silumin-matrix composite specimens reinforced with various volume fractions of silicon carbide (SiC) microparticles of the mean size of 14 μm were investigated. It was found that, to provide an effective growth in Young's modulus by increasing the concentration of SiC, the porosity of a ready specimen should not exceed 2%. The technique developed allows one to carry out a nondestructive local testing of the acoustical and mechanical properties of composites in the actual state, which is necessary for a technological development and improvement of the fabrication process of the materials.

ROMP-based thermosetting polymers from modified castor oil with various cross-linking agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Rui

Polymers derived from bio-renewable resources are finding an increase in global demand. In addition, polymers with distinctive functionalities are required in certain advanced fields, such as aerospace and civil engineering. In an attempt to meet both these needs, the goal of this work aims to develop a range of bio-based thermosetting matrix polymers for potential applications in multifunctional composites. Ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), which recently has been explored as a powerful method in polymer chemistry, was employed as a unique pathway to polymerize agricultural oil-based reactants. Specifically, a novel norbornyl-functionalized castor oil alcohol (NCA) was investigated to polymerize different cross-linking agents using ROMP. The effects of incorporating dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) and a norbornene-based crosslinker (CL) were systematically evaluated with respect to curing behavior and thermal mechanical properties of the polymers. Isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to investigate the conversion during cure. Dynamic DSC scans at multiple heating rates revealed conversion-dependent activation energy by Ozawa-Flynn-Wall analysis. The glass transition temperature, storage modulus, and loss modulus for NCA/DCPD and NCA/CL copolymers with different cross-linking agent loading were compared using dynamic mechanical analysis. Cross-link density was examined to explain the very different dynamic mechanical behavior. Mechanical stress-strain curves were developed through tensile test, and thermal stability of the cross-linked polymers was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis to further investigate the structure-property relationships in these systems.

Some rheological properties of sodium caseinate-starch gels.

PubMed

Bertolini, Andrea C; Creamer, Lawrence K; Eppink, Mieke; Boland, Mike

2005-03-23

The influence of sodium caseinate on the thermal and rheological properties of starch gels at different concentrations and from different botanical sources was evaluated. In sodium caseinate-starch gels, for all starches with the exception of potato starch, the sodium caseinate promoted an increase in the storage modulus and in the viscosity of the composite gel when compared with starch gels. The addition of sodium caseinate resulted in an increase in the onset temperature, the gelatinization temperature, and the end temperature, and there was a significant interaction between starch and sodium caseinate for the onset temperature, the peak temperature, and the end temperature. Microscopy results suggested that sodium caseinate promoted an increase in the homogeneity in the matrix of cereal starch gels.

Patterning methods for polymers in cell and tissue engineering.

PubMed

Kim, Hong Nam; Kang, Do-Hyun; Kim, Min Sung; Jiao, Alex; Kim, Deok-Ho; Suh, Kahp-Yang

2012-06-01

Polymers provide a versatile platform for mimicking various aspects of physiological extracellular matrix properties such as chemical composition, rigidity, and topography for use in cell and tissue engineering applications. In this review, we provide a brief overview of patterning methods of various polymers with a particular focus on biocompatibility and processability. The materials highlighted here are widely used polymers including thermally curable polydimethyl siloxane, ultraviolet-curable polyurethane acrylate and polyethylene glycol, thermo-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and thermoplastic and conductive polymers. We also discuss how micro- and nanofabricated polymeric substrates of tunable elastic modulus can be used to engineer cell and tissue structure and function. Such synergistic effect of topography and rigidity of polymers may be able to contribute to constructing more physiologically relevant microenvironment.

Fracture surface analysis in composite and titanium bonding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Devilbiss, T. A.; Wightman, J. P.

1985-01-01

To understand the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composite materials, it is necessary to understand the mechanical properties of the matrix materials and of the reinforcing fibers. Another factor that can affect the mechanical properties of a composite material is the interaction between the fiber and the matrix. In general, composites with strong fiber matrix bonding will give higher modulus, lower toughness composites. Composites with weak bonding will have a lower modulus and more ductility. The situation becomes a bit more complex when all possibilities are examined. To be considered are the following: the properties of the surface layer on the fiber, the interactive forces between polymer and matrix, the surface roughness and porosity of the fiber, and the morphology of the matrix polymer at the fiber surface. In practice, the surface of the fibers is treated to enhance the mechanical properties of a composite. These treatments include anodization, acid etching, high temperature oxidation, and plasma oxidation, to name a few. The goal is to be able to predict the surface properties of carbon fibers treated in various ways, and then to relate surface properties to fiber matrix bonding.

Characterization of adhesion at carbon fiber-fluorinated epoxy interface and effect of environmental degradation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dasgupta, Suman

2011-12-01

Carbon fiber reinforced polymers are excellent candidates for aerospace, automobile and other mobile applications due to their high specific strength and modulus. The most prominent aerospace application of carbon fiber composites in recent times is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which is the world's first major commercial airliner to extensively use composite materials. The critical issue, which needs to be addressed hereby, is long-term safety. Hence, long-term durability of composite materials in such applications becomes a point of concern. Conventional polymer matrices, such as thermosetting resins, which are used as matrix material in carbon fiber composites, are susceptible to degradation in the form of chemical corrosion, UV degradation and moisture, in severe environmental conditions. Fluorinated polymers offer a viable alternative as matrix material, due to their reduced susceptibility to environmental degradation. The epoxy system used in this study is fluorinated Tetra-glycidyl methylene di-aniline (6F-TGMDA), which was developed by polymer scientists at NASA Langley Research Center. The hydrophobic nature of this epoxy makes it a potential matrix material in aerospace applications. However, its compatibility in carbon fiber-reinforced composites remains to be investigated. This study aims to characterize the interfacial properties in carbon fiber reinforced fluorinated epoxy composites. Typical interfacial characterization parameters, like interfacial shear strength, estimated from the microbond test, proved to be inadequate in accurately estimating adhesion since it assumes a uniform distribution of stresses along the embedded fiber length. Also, it does not account for any residual stresses present at the interface, which might arise due to thermal expansion differences and Poisson's ratio differences of the fiber and matrix. Hence, an analytical approach, which calculates adhesion pressure at the interface, was adopted. This required determination of the unknown mechanical and physical properties of the resin, the relaxation modulus (determined using nano-indentation) and coefficient of thermal expansion (determined using coherent gradient sensing). The adhesional pressure for 6F TGMDA-carbon fiber interface was found to be 135.48 MPa compared to 138.47 MPa for the Diamino diphenyl sulphone (DDS) cured TGMDA-carbon fiber interface. The fact that the adhesional pressure does not show significant decrease upon fluorination of the epoxy system is an advantage. The hydrophobicity of fluorine can be utilized to manufacture environmentally resistant composites while keeping the level of interfacial adhesion the same as in the case of conventional epoxy system, DDS cured TGMDA.

Processing and properties of fiber reinforced polymeric matrix composites: I. IM7/LARC(TM)-PETI-7 polyimide composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hou, Tan-Hung

1995-01-01

A phenylethynyl terminated imide oligomer formed from the reaction of benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride, an 75:25 molar ratio of 4,4'-oxydianiline and meta-phenylenediamine and 4-phenylethynylphthalic anhydride as the endcapper at a theoretical number average molecular weight (Mn) of approximately 3,700 g/mol was evaluated as a composite resin matrix. A glass transition temperature (Tg) of 315 deg C was reached after 250 deg C/1 hr annealing of the matrix resin. Unidirectional prepreg was made by coating an N-methylpyrrolidinone solution of the amide acid oligomer onto unsized IM7 graphite fibers. The thermal and rheological properties and the solvent/volatile depletion rates of the amide acid/NMP system were determined. This information was used to successfully design a molding cycle for composite fabrication. Composites molded under 800 Psi at 371 C consistently yielded good consolidation as measured by C-scan and optical photomicrography. The composite's short beam shear strength (SBS), longitudinal and transverse flexural strengths and moduli were measured at various temperatures. These composites exhibited excellent room temperature (RT) longitudinal flexural strength and modulus and RT SBS strength retention at 177 C.

Polymer-ceramic nanocomposites for applications in the bone surgery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stodolak, E.; Gadomska, K.; Lacz, A.; Bogun, M.

2009-01-01

The subject of this work was preparation and investigation of properties of a nanocomposite material based on polymer matrix modified with nanometric silica particles (SiO2). The composite matrix consisted of resorbable P(L/DL)LA polymer with certified biocompatibility. Nanometric silica was introduced into the matrix by means of ultrasonic homogenisation and/or mechanical stirring. The silica was introduced directly e.g. as nanoparticles or inside calcium alginate fibres which contained 3 wt.% of amorphous SiO2. Proper dispersion of nano-filliers was confirmed by means of thermal analysis (TG/DTA, DSC). It was observed, that the presence of inorganic nanoparticles influenced several surface parameters of the nanocomposites i.e. hydrophility (a decrease of surface energy) and topography (both in micro- and nano-scale). Additionally, the nanocomposites exhibited enhanced mechanical properties (Young's modulus, tensile strength) compared to the pure polymer. The nanocomposites were bioactive materials (SBF/3 days/37oC). Biological tests (MTT test) showed a good viability of human osteoblasts (hFOB 1.19) in contact with the nanocomposites surface. Results of preliminary biological tests carried out with the use of mother cells extracted from human bone marrow showed that the nanocomposites may provide differenation of bone cells.

Zipping, entanglement, and the elastic modulus of aligned single-walled carbon nanotube films

PubMed Central

Won, Yoonjin; Gao, Yuan; Panzer, Matthew A.; Xiang, Rong; Maruyama, Shigeo; Kenny, Thomas W.; Cai, Wei; Goodson, Kenneth E.

2013-01-01

Reliably routing heat to and from conversion materials is a daunting challenge for a variety of innovative energy technologies––from thermal solar to automotive waste heat recovery systems––whose efficiencies degrade due to massive thermomechanical stresses at interfaces. This problem may soon be addressed by adhesives based on vertically aligned carbon nanotubes, which promise the revolutionary combination of high through-plane thermal conductivity and vanishing in-plane mechanical stiffness. Here, we report the data for the in-plane modulus of aligned single-walled carbon nanotube films using a microfabricated resonator method. Molecular simulations and electron microscopy identify the nanoscale mechanisms responsible for this property. The zipping and unzipping of adjacent nanotubes and the degree of alignment and entanglement are shown to govern the spatially varying local modulus, thereby providing the route to engineered materials with outstanding combinations of mechanical and thermal properties. PMID:24309375

Effect of CNTs dispersion on the thermal and mechanical properties of Cu/CNTs nanocomposites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Muhsan, Ali Samer, E-mail: alisameer2007@gmail.com, E-mail: faizahmad@petronas.com.my; Ahmad, Faiz, E-mail: alisameer2007@gmail.com, E-mail: faizahmad@petronas.com.my; Yusoff, Puteri Sri Melor Megat Bt, E-mail: puteris@petronas.com.my

2014-10-24

Modified technique of metal injection molding (MIM) was used to fabricate multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced Cu nanocomposites. The effect of adding different amount of CNTs (0-10 vol.%) on the thermal and mechanical behaviour of the fabricated nanocomposites is presented. Scanning electron microscope analysis revealed homogenous dispersion of CNTs in Cu matrices at different CNTs contents. The experimentally measured thermal conductivities of Cu/CNTs nanocomposites showed extraordinary increase (76% higher than pure sintered Cu) with addition of 10 vol.% CNTs. As compared to the pure sintered Cu, increase in modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus) of Cu/CNTs nanocomposites sintered at 1050°C formore » 2.5 h was measured to be 48%. However, in case of 7.5 vol.% CNTs, Young's modulus was increased significantly about 51% compared to that of pure sintered Cu.« less

Anisotropy of demineralized bone matrix under compressive load.

PubMed

Trębacz, Hanna; Zdunek, Artur

2011-01-01

Two groups of cubic specimens from diaphysis of bovine femur, intact and completely demineralized, were axially compressed. One half of the samples from each group were loaded along the axis of the femur (L) and the other - perpendicularly (T). Intact samples were characterized in terms of elastic modulus; for demineralized samples secant modulus of elasticity was calculated. During compression an acoustic emission (AE) signal was recorded and AE events and energy were analyzed. Samples of intact bone did not reveal any anisotropy under compression at the stress of 80 MPa. However, AE signal indicated an initiation of failure in samples loaded in T direction. Demineralized samples were anisotropic under compression. Both secant modulus of elasticity and AE parameters were significantly higher in T direction than in L direction, which is attributed to shifting and separation of lamellae of collagen fibrils and lamellae in bone matrix.

Cardiac differentiation of cardiosphere-derived cells in scaffolds mimicking morphology of the cardiac extracellular matrix.

PubMed

Xu, Yanyi; Patnaik, Sourav; Guo, Xiaolei; Li, Zhenqing; Lo, Wilson; Butler, Ryan; Claude, Andrew; Liu, Zhenguo; Zhang, Ge; Liao, Jun; Anderson, Peter M; Guan, Jianjun

2014-08-01

Stem cell therapy has the potential to regenerate heart tissue after myocardial infarction (MI). The regeneration is dependent upon cardiac differentiation of the delivered stem cells. We hypothesized that timing of the stem cell delivery determines the extent of cardiac differentiation as cell differentiation is dependent on matrix properties such as biomechanics, structure and morphology, and these properties in cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) continuously vary with time after MI. In order to elucidate the relationship between ECM properties and cardiac differentiation, we created an in vitro model based on ECM-mimicking fibers and a type of cardiac progenitor cell, cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs). A simultaneous fiber electrospinning and cell electrospraying technique was utilized to fabricate constructs. By blending a highly soft hydrogel with a relatively stiff polyurethane and modulating fabrication parameters, tissue constructs with similar cell adhesion property but different global modulus, single fiber modulus, fiber density and fiber alignment were achieved. The CDCs remained alive within the constructs during a 1week culture period. CDC cardiac differentiation was dependent on the scaffold modulus, fiber volume fraction and fiber alignment. Two constructs with relatively low scaffold modulus, ∼50-60kPa, most significantly directed the CDC differentiation into mature cardiomyocytes as evidenced by gene expressions of cardiac troponin T (cTnT), calcium channel (CACNA1c) and cardiac myosin heavy chain (MYH6), and protein expressions of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and connexin 43 (CX43). Of these two low-modulus constructs, the extent of differentiation was greater for lower fiber alignment and higher fiber volume fraction. These results suggest that cardiac ECM properties may have an effect on cardiac differentiation of delivered stem cells. Copyright © 2014 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Biomechanics of isolated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit cuticles: the role of the cutin matrix and polysaccharides.

PubMed

López-Casado, Gloria; Matas, Antonio J; Domínguez, Eva; Cuartero, Jesús; Heredia, Antonio

2007-01-01

The mechanical characteristics of the cuticular membrane (CM), a complex composite biopolymer basically composed of a cutin matrix, waxes, and hydrolysable polysaccharides, have been described previously. The biomechanical behaviour and quantitative contribution of cutin and polysaccharides have been investigated here using as experimental material mature green and red ripe tomato fruits. Treatment of isolated CM with anhydrous hydrogen fluoride in pyridine allowed the selective elimination of polysaccharides attached to or incrusted into the cutin matrix. Cutin samples showed a drastic decrease in elastic modulus and stiffness (up to 92%) compared with CM, which clearly indicates that polysaccharides incorporated into the cutin matrix are responsible for the elastic modulus, stiffness, and the linear elastic behaviour of the whole cuticle. Reciprocally, the viscoelastic behaviour of CM (low elastic modulus and high strain values) can be assigned to the cutin. These results applied both to mature green and red ripe CM. Cutin elastic modulus, independently of the degree of temperature and hydration, was always significantly higher for the ripe than for the green samples while strain was lower; the amount of phenolics in the cutin network are the main candidates to explain the increased rigidity from mature green to red ripe cutin. The polysaccharide families isolated from CM were pectin, hemicellulose, and cellulose, the main polymers associated with the plant cell wall. The three types of polysaccharides were present in similar amounts in CM from mature green and red ripe tomatoes. Physical techniques such as X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy indicated that the polysaccharide fibres were mainly randomly oriented. A tomato fruit CM scenario at the supramolecular level that could explain the observed CM biomechanical properties is presented and discussed.

Polyurethane Foams for Thermal Insulation Uses Produced from Castor Oil and Crude Glycerol Biopolyols.

PubMed

Carriço, Camila S; Fraga, Thaís; Carvalho, Vagner E; Pasa, Vânya M D

2017-07-02

Rigid polyurethane foams were synthesized using a renewable polyol from the simple physical mixture of castor oil and crude glycerol. The effect of the catalyst (DBTDL) content and blowing agents in the foams' properties were evaluated. The use of physical blowing agents (cyclopentane and n-pentane) allowed foams with smaller cells to be obtained in comparison with the foams produced with a chemical blowing agent (water). The increase of the water content caused a decrease in density, thermal conductivity, compressive strength, and Young's modulus, which indicates that the increment of CO₂ production contributes to the formation of larger cells. Higher amounts of catalyst in the foam formulations caused a slight density decrease and a small increase of thermal conductivity, compressive strength, and Young's modulus values. These green foams presented properties that indicate a great potential to be used as thermal insulation: density (23-41 kg·m -3 ), thermal conductivity (0.0128-0.0207 W·m -1 ·K -1 ), compressive strength (45-188 kPa), and Young's modulus (3-28 kPa). These biofoams are also environmentally friendly polymers and can aggregate revenue to the biodiesel industry, contributing to a reduction in fuel prices.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Meng, Xiangtao; Bocharova, Vera; Tekinalp, Halil L.

While PLA possesses modest to good strength and stiffness, broader application is hindered by its brittle nature. The aim of this study was to develop strong and tough polymeric materials from renewable biomaterials and understand the underlying interactions and mechanisms. Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) were compounded with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) to create a PLA-CNF-ESO tertiary nanocomposite system. Tensile and dynamic mechanical analyses were performed to see how variations in ESO and CNF content affect mechanical properties such as strength, modulus, ductility, and toughness. It was found that at low CNF levels (10 wt %) the additionmore » of ESO can improve the ductility of the nanocomposites 5- to 10-fold with only slight losses in strength and modulus, while at higher CNF levels (20 and 30 wt %), ESO exhibited little effect on mechanical properties, possibly due to percolation of CNFs in the matrix, dominating stress transfer. Therefore, it is important to optimize CNF and ESO amounts in composites to achieve materials with both high strength and high toughness. As a result, efforts have been made to understand the underlying mechanisms of the mechanical behavior of one class of these composites via thermal, dynamic mechanical, morphological, and Raman analyses.« less

Method of making carbon-carbon composites

DOEpatents

Engle, Glen B.

1991-01-01

A process for making a carbon-carbon composite having a combination of high crystallinity, high strength, high modulus and high thermal and electrical conductivity. High-modulus/high-strength mesophase derived carbon fibers are woven into a suitable cloth. Layers of this easily graphitizable woven cloth are covered with petroleum or coal tar pitch and pressed at a temperature a few degrees above the softening point of the pitch to form a green laminated composite. The green composite is restrained in a suitable fixture and heated slowly to carbonize the pitch binder. The carbonized composite is then impregnated several times with pitch by covering the composite with hot pitch under pressure. The composites are given a heat treatment between each impregnation step to crack up the infiltrated carbon and allow additional pitch to enter the microstructure during the next impregnation cycle. The impregnated composites are then given a final heat treatment in the range 2500.degree. to 3000.degree. C. to fully graphitize the fibers and the matrix carbon. The composites are then infiltrated with pyrolytic carbon by chemical vapor deposition in the range 1000.degree. to 1300.degree. C. at a reduced pressure for approximately one hundred and fifty (150) hours.

Characterization of nano-clay reinforced phytagel-modified soy protein concentrate resin.

PubMed

Huang, Xiaosong; Netravali, Anil N

2006-10-01

Phytagel and nano-clay particles were used to improve the mechanical and thermal properties and moisture resistance of soy protein concentrate (SPC) resin successfully. SPC and Phytagel were mixed together to form a cross-linked structure. The Phytagel-modified SPC resin (PH-SPC) showed improved tensile strength, modulus, moisture resistance, and thermal stability as compared to the unmodified SPC resin. The incorporation of 40% Phytagel and 20% glycerol led to an overall 340% increase in the tensile strength (over 50 MPa) and approximately 360% increase in the Young's modulus (over 710 MPa) of the SPC resin. Nano-clay was uniformly dispersed into PH-SPC resin to further improve the properties. The PH-SPC (40% Phytagel) resin modified with 7% clay nanoparticles (CPH-SPC) had a modulus of 2.1 GPa and a strength of 72.5 MPa. The dynamic mechanical properties such as storage modulus together with the glass transition temperature of the modified resins were also increased by the addition of clay nanoparticles. The moisture resistance of the CPH-SPC resin was higher as compared to both SPC and PH-SPC resins. The thermal stability of the CPH-SPC resin was seen to be higher as compared to the unmodified SPC.

Improving impact resistance of ceramic materials by energy absorbing surface layers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kirchner, H. P.; Seretsky, J.

1974-01-01

Energy absorbing surface layers were used to improve the impact resistance of silicon nitride and silicon carbide ceramics. Low elastic modulus materials were used. In some cases, the low elastic modulus was achieved using materials that form localized microcracks as a result of thermal expansion anisotropy, thermal expansion differences between phases, or phase transformations. In other cases, semi-vitreous or vitreous materials were used. Substantial improvements in impact resistance were observed at room and elevated temperatures.

Thermal equation of state of TiC: A synchrotron x-ray diffraction study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yu Xiaohui; National Lab for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, CAS, Beijing 100080; Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026

2010-06-15

The pressure-volume-temperature measurements were carried out for titanium carbide (TiC) at pressures and temperatures up to 8.1 GPa and 1273 K using energy-dispersive synchrotron x-ray diffraction. Thermoelastic parameters were derived for TiC based on a modified high-temperature Birch-Murnaghan equation of state and a thermal pressure approach. With the pressure derivative of the bulk modulus, K{sub 0}{sup '}, fixed at 4.0, we obtain: the ambient bulk modulus K{sub 0}=268(6) GPa, which is comparable to previously reported value; temperature derivative of bulk modulus at constant pressure ({partial_derivative}K{sub T}/{partial_derivative}T){sub P}=-0.026(9) GPa K{sup -1}, volumetric thermal expansivity {alpha}{sub T}(K{sup -1})=a+bT with a=1.62(12)x10{sup -5} K{supmore » -1} and b=1.07(17)x10{sup -8} K{sup -2}, pressure derivative of thermal expansion ({partial_derivative}{alpha}/{partial_derivative}P){sub T}=(-3.62{+-}1.14)x10{sup -7} GPa{sup -1} K{sup -1}, and temperature derivative of bulk modulus at constant volume ({partial_derivative}K{sub T}/{partial_derivative}T){sub V}=-0.015(8) GPa K{sup -1}. These results provide fundamental thermophysical properties for TiC for the first time and are important to theoretical and computational modeling of transition metal carbides.« less

Thermal equation-of-state of TiC: a synchrotron x-ray diffraction study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yu, Xiaohui; Lin, Zhijun; Zhang, Jianzhong

2009-01-01

The pressure (P)-volume (V)-temperature (T) measurements were carried out for titanium carbide at pressures and temperatures up to 8.1 GPa and 1273 K using energy-dispersive synchrotron x-ray diffraction. Thermoelastic parameters were derived for TiC based on a modified high-temperature Birch-Murnaghan equation of state and a thermal-pressure approach. With the pressure derivative of the bulk modulus, K'{sub 0}, fixed at 4.0, we obtain: the ambient bulk modulus K{sub 0} = 268(6) GPa, temperature derivative of bulk modulus at constant pressure ({partial_derivative}K{sub T}/{partial_derivative}T){sub p} = -0.026(9) GPa K{sup -1}, volumetric thermal expansivity a{sub T}(K{sup -1}) = a + bT with a =more » 1.62(12) x 10{sup -5} K{sup -1} and b = 1.07(17) x 10{sup -8} K{sup -2}, pressure derivative of thermal expansion ({partial_derivative}a/{partial_derivative}P){sub T} = (-3.62 {+-} 1.14) x 10{sup -7} GPa{sup -1} K{sup -1}, and temperature derivative of bulk modulus at constant volume ({partial_derivative}K{sub T}/{partial_derivative}T){sub v} = -0.015 (8) GPa K{sup -1}. These results provide fundamental thermo physical properties for TiC and are important to theoretical and computational modeling of transition metal carbides.« less

Correlation between the dielectric and the mechanical behavior of cellulose nanocomposites extracted from the rachis of the date palm tree

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ladhar, A.; Arous, M.; Kaddami, H.; Ayadi, Z.; Kallel, A.

2017-10-01

In the present study, the dielectric and mechanical properties of natural rubber (NR) based nanocomposites are investigated. Cellulose nanofillers are used in two forms as reinforcing phase: nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). In the dielectric study, different relaxation phenomena are detected: the α dipolar relaxation, the lignin and hemicelluloses relaxation, the water dipoles relaxation, the interfacial polarization and the ionic conduction. For the interfacial polarization, the dielectric strength Δε showed lower values for NFC-filled nanocomposites than CNC-filled samples. It was explained with higher interactions between induced dipoles and lower mobility, assuring a better adhesion between the NR and the NFC. Moreover, in tensile tests, the elastic modulus increases with filling indicating the reinforcement effect of nanofillers. In addition, the NR-NFC nanocomposites display the highest tensile modulus. This result shows the higher compatibility of NFC with the NR matrix, and the ensuing higher filler/matrix adhesion. In dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), a significant reinforcing effect of NFC was shown. This effect is manifested with the high storage modulus E‧, suggesting that the interactions between the NR matrix and the NFC fibers were stronger.

Enhanced dewaterability of sludge during anaerobic digestion with thermal hydrolysis pretreatment: New insights through structure evolution.

PubMed

Zhang, Jingsi; Li, Ning; Dai, Xiaohu; Tao, Wenquan; Jenkinson, Ian R; Li, Zhuo

2017-12-19

Comprehensive insights into the sludge digestate dewaterability were gained through porous network structure of sludge. We measured the evolution of digestate dewaterability, represented by the solid content of centrifugally dewatered cake, in high-solids sequencing batch digesters with and without thermal hydrolysis pretreatment (THP). The results show that the dewaterability of the sludge after digestion was improved by 3.5% (±0.5%) for unpretreated sludge and 5.1% (±0.4%) for thermally hydrolyzed sludge. Compared to the unpretreated sludge digestate, thermal hydrolysis pretreatment eventually resulted in an improvement of dewaterability by 4.6% (±0.5%). Smaller particle size and larger surface area of sludge were induced by thermal hydrolysis and anaerobic digestion treatments. The structure strength and compactness of sludge, represented by elastic modulus and fractal dimension respectively, decreased with increase of digestion time. The porous network structure was broken up by thermal hydrolysis pretreatment and was further weakened during anaerobic digestion, which correspondingly improved the dewaterability of digestates. The logarithm of elastic modulus increased linearly with fractal dimension regardless of the pretreatment. Both fractal dimension and elastic modulus showed linear relationship with dewaterability. The rheological characterization combined with the analysis of fractal dimension of sewage sludge porous network structure was found applicable in quantitative evaluation of sludge dewaterability, which depended positively on both thermal hydrolysis and anaerobic digestion. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polymer/Silicate Nanocomposites Used to Manufacture Gas Storage Tanks With Reduced Permeability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, Sandi G.; Johnston, Chris

2004-01-01

Over the past decade, there has been considerable research in the area of polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites. This research has shown that the dispersion of small amounts of an organically modified layered silicate improves the polymer strength, modulus, thermal stability, and barrier properties. There have been several reports on the dispersion of layered silicates in an epoxy matrix. Potential enhancements to the barrier properties of epoxy/silicate nanocomposites make this material attractive for low permeability tankage. Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) have several advantages for cryogenic storage tanks. They are lightweight, strong, and stiff; therefore, a smaller fraction of a vehicle's potential payload capacity is used for propellant storage. Unfortunately, the resins typically used to make PMC tanks have higher gas permeability than metals. This can lead to hydrogen loss through the body of the tank instead of just at welds and fittings. One approach to eliminate this problem is to build composite tanks with thin metal liners. However, although these tanks provide good permeability performance, they suffer from a substantial mismatch in the coefficient of thermal expansion, which can lead to failure of the bond between the liner and the body of the tank. Both problems could be addressed with polymersilicate nanocomposites, which exhibit reduced hydrogen permeability, making them potential candidates for linerless PMC tanks. Through collaboration with Northrop Grumman and Michigan State University, nanocomposite test tanks were manufactured for the NASA Glenn Research Center, and the helium permeability was measured. An organically modified silicate was prepared at Michigan State University and dispersed in an epoxy matrix (EPON 826/JeffamineD230). The epoxy/silicate nanocomposites contained either 0 or 5 wt% of the organically modified silicate. The tanks were made by filament winding carbon fibers with the nanocomposite resin. Helium permeability was measured by Northrop Grumman, showing that the leak rate/day of the nanocomposite matrix tank was approximately 80-percent less than that of the neat epoxy matrix tank.

Advanced composite materials for optomechanical systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zweben, Carl

2013-09-01

Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) have been well established in optomechanical systems for several decades. The other three classes of composites; metal matrix composites (MMCs), ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), and carbon matrix composites (CAMCs) are making significant inroads. The latter include carbon/carbon (C/C) composites (CCCs). The success of composites has resulted in increasing use in consumer, industrial, scientific, and aerospace/defense optomechanical applications. Composites offer significant advantages over traditional materials, including high stiffnesses and strengths, near-zero and tailorable coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs), tailorable thermal conductivities (from very low to over twice that of copper), and low densities. In addition, they lack beryllium's toxicity problems. Some manufacturing processes allow parts consolidation, reducing machining and joining operations. At present, PMCs are the most widely used composites. Optomechanical applications date from the 1970s. The second High Energy Astrophysical Observatory spacecraft, placed in orbit in 1978, had an ultrahigh-modulus carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy (carbon/epoxy) optical bench metering structure. Since then, fibers and matrix materials have advanced significantly, and use of carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) has increased steadily. Space system examples include the Hubble Space Telescope metering truss and instrument benches, Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS), James Webb Space Telescope and many others. Use has spread to airborne applications, such as SOFIA. Perhaps the most impressive CFRP applications are the fifty-four 12m and twelve 7m moveable ground-based ALMA antennas. The other three classes of composites have a number of significant advantages over PMCs, including no moisture absorption or outgassing of organic compounds. CCC and CMC components have flown on a variety of spacecraft. MMCs have been used in space, aircraft, military and industrial applications. In this paper, we review key PMC, MMC, CCC, and CMC optomechanical system materials, including properties, advantages, disadvantages, applications and future developments. These topics are covered in more detail in SPIE short courses SC218 and SC1078.

High Temperature Mechanical Properties of Free-Standing HVOF CoNiCrAlY Coatings by Lateral Compression of Circular Tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waki, Hiroyuki; Nakamura, Kyousuke; Yamaguchi, Itsuki; Kobayashi, Akira

MCrAlY, M means Co and/or Ni, sprayed coating is used to protect a super alloy substrate from corrosion or oxidation in a gas turbine blade. However, the mechanical properties are not well-known, because there are few proper measurement methods for a thin coating at high temperature. Authors have developed the new easy method to measure the mechanical properties using the lateral compression of a circular tube. The method is useful to apply to a thin coating because it does not need chucking and manufacturing a test piece is very easy. The method is also easily applicable to high temperature measurement. In this study, high temperature mechanical properties, Young's modulus, bending strength and fracture strain, of CoNiCrAlY coatings by HVOF were systematically measured. The results obtained were as follows: Young's modulus and bending strength suddenly decreased beyond 400˜450°C. The Young's modulus and bending strength thermally treated at higher than 1050°C was significantly higher than that of virgin CoNiCrAlY coating. It was found that higher thermal treatment in atmosphere was the most effective in increasing the Young's modulus and bending strength. It was also found that the improvement of Young's modulus was primarily caused by not the effect of TGO but the sintering and diffusion of unfused particles. On the contrary, the fracture strain increased beyond 400°C differently from the bending strength. The fracture strains of CoNiCrAlY thermally treated in vacuum were higher than those of CoNiCrAlY treated in atmosphere. It was found that higher thermal treatment in vacuum was the most effective in increasing the fracture strain.

Matrix density effects on the mechanical properties of SiC fiber-reinforced silicon nitride matrix properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhatt, Ramakrishna T.; Kiser, Lames D.

1990-01-01

The room temperature mechanical properties were measured for SiC fiber reinforced reaction-bonded silicon nitride composites (SiC/RBSN) of different densities. The composites consisted of approx. 30 vol percent uniaxially aligned 142 micron diameter SiC fibers (Textron SCS-6) in a reaction-bonded Si3N4 matrix. The composite density was varied by changing the consolidation pressure during RBSN processing and by hot isostatically pressing the SiC/RBSN composites. Results indicate that as the consolidation pressure was increased from 27 to 138 MPa, the average pore size of the nitrided composites decreased from 0.04 to 0.02 microns and the composite density increased from 2.07 to 2.45 gm/cc. Nonetheless, these improvements resulted in only small increases in the first matrix cracking stress, primary elastic modulus, and ultimate tensile strength values of the composites. In contrast, HIP consolidation of SiC/RBSN resulted in a fully dense material whose first matrix cracking stress and elastic modulus were approx. 15 and 50 percent higher, respectively, and ultimate tensile strength values were approx. 40 percent lower than those for unHIPed SiC/RBSN composites. The modulus behavior for all specimens can be explained by simple rule-of-mixture theory. Also, the loss in ultimate strength for the HIPed composites appears to be related to a degradation in fiber strength at the HIP temperature. However, the density effect on matrix fracture strength was much less than would be expected based on typical monolithic Si3N4 behavior, suggesting that composite theory is indeed operating. Possible practical implications of these observations are discussed.

Hydrophobic matrix-free graphene-oxide composites with isotropic and nematic states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wåhlander, Martin; Nilsson, Fritjof; Carlmark, Anna; Gedde, Ulf W.; Edmondson, Steve; Malmström, Eva

2016-08-01

We demonstrate a novel route to synthesise hydrophobic matrix-free composites of polymer-grafted graphene oxide (GO) showing isotropic or nematic alignment and shape-memory effects. For the first time, a cationic macroinitiator (MI) has been immobilised on anionic GO and subsequently grafted with hydrophobic polymer grafts. Dense grafts of PBA, PBMA and PMMA with a wide range of average graft lengths (MW: 1-440 kDa) were polymerised by surface-initiated controlled radical precipitation polymerisation from the statistical MI. The surface modification is designed similarly to bimodal graft systems, where the cationic MI generates nanoparticle repulsion, similar to dense short grafts, while the long grafts offer miscibility in non-polar environments and cohesion. The state-of-the-art dispersions of grafted GO were in the isotropic state. Transparent and translucent matrix-free GO-composites could be melt-processed directly using only grafted GO. After processing, birefringence due to nematic alignment of grafted GO was observed as a single giant Maltese cross, 3.4 cm across. Permeability models for composites containing aligned 2D-fillers were developed, which were compared with the experimental oxygen permeability data and found to be consistent with isotropic or nematic states. The storage modulus of the matrix-free GO-composites increased with GO content (50% increase at 0.67 wt%), while the significant increases in the thermal stability (up to 130 °C) and the glass transition temperature (up to 17 °C) were dependent on graft length. The tuneable matrix-free GO-composites with rapid thermo-responsive shape-memory effects are promising candidates for a vast range of applications, especially selective membranes and sensors.We demonstrate a novel route to synthesise hydrophobic matrix-free composites of polymer-grafted graphene oxide (GO) showing isotropic or nematic alignment and shape-memory effects. For the first time, a cationic macroinitiator (MI) has been immobilised on anionic GO and subsequently grafted with hydrophobic polymer grafts. Dense grafts of PBA, PBMA and PMMA with a wide range of average graft lengths (MW: 1-440 kDa) were polymerised by surface-initiated controlled radical precipitation polymerisation from the statistical MI. The surface modification is designed similarly to bimodal graft systems, where the cationic MI generates nanoparticle repulsion, similar to dense short grafts, while the long grafts offer miscibility in non-polar environments and cohesion. The state-of-the-art dispersions of grafted GO were in the isotropic state. Transparent and translucent matrix-free GO-composites could be melt-processed directly using only grafted GO. After processing, birefringence due to nematic alignment of grafted GO was observed as a single giant Maltese cross, 3.4 cm across. Permeability models for composites containing aligned 2D-fillers were developed, which were compared with the experimental oxygen permeability data and found to be consistent with isotropic or nematic states. The storage modulus of the matrix-free GO-composites increased with GO content (50% increase at 0.67 wt%), while the significant increases in the thermal stability (up to 130 °C) and the glass transition temperature (up to 17 °C) were dependent on graft length. The tuneable matrix-free GO-composites with rapid thermo-responsive shape-memory effects are promising candidates for a vast range of applications, especially selective membranes and sensors. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Figures of LCST, polymerization kinetics, melt-processed films, DLS, TGA, precipitated fiber and powder, TEM (of isotropic GO), birefringence, OP-data, DMTA-data and DSC. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr01502f

Investigation of mechanical, thermal and recycled characteristics of reinforced ternary blends of LDPE/LLDPE/HDPE by ANOVA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maleki, Mahnam; Farzin, Mahmud; Mosaddegh, Peiman

2018-06-01

In this study, the effect of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) addition into constant amount of low density polyethylene/linear low density polyethylene (LDPE/LLDPE) matrix was investigated by using different mechanical and thermal parameters. Then, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to investigate the normal distribution of obtained data. Finally, sample containing 50 Phr of HDPE and 7 Phr of CaCO3 microparticles, was determined as optimized sample. The effect of different process parameters such as injecting back pressure, cooling and retention time, on mechanical and thermal properties of optimized sample was investigated as well. Also to investigate the effect of the number of recycling processes on the mechanical and thermal properties, two dominant degradation mechanisms were suggested. The first was the decreasing of chains molecular weight and formation of short length chains and the later was the formation of crosslinks and three dimensional networks. Results indicated that by increasing the number of recycling processes, crystallinity, melting point, modulus, strength at yielding point and toughness in comparison to pristine sample decreased at first and then showed an ascending trend. Elongation at break by increasing of the number of recycling processes, generally increased in comparison with initial sample.

Synergistic Effects of Temperature, Oxidation and Stress Level on Fatigue Damage Evolution and Lifetime Prediction of Cross-Ply SiC/CAS Ceramic-Matrix Composites Through Hysteresis-Based Parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Longbiao

2017-12-01

The damage development and cyclic fatigue lifetime of cross-ply SiC/CAS ceramic-matrix composites have been investigated at different testing temperatures in air atmosphere. The relationships between the fatigue hysteresis-based damage parameters, i.e., fatigue hysteresis dissipated energy, fatigue hysteresis modulus and fatigue peak strain and the damage mechanisms of matrix multicracking, fiber/matrix interface debonding, interface sliding and fibers failure, have been established. With the increase in the cycle number, the evolution of the fatigue hysteresis modulus, fatigue peak strain and fatigue hysteresis dissipated energy depends upon the fatigue peak stress levels, interface and fibers oxidation and testing temperature. The fatigue life S-N curves of cross-ply SiC/CAS composite at room and elevated temperatures have been predicted, and the fatigue limit stresses at room temperature, 750 and 850 °C, are 50, 36 and 30% of the tensile strength, respectively.

Damage Evolution and Life Prediction of Cross-Ply C/SiC Ceramic-Matrix Composite under Cyclic Fatigue Loading at Room Temperature and 800 °C in Air

PubMed Central

Li, Longbiao

2015-01-01

The damage evolution and life prediction of cross-ply C/SiC ceramic-matrix composite (CMC) under cyclic-fatigue loading at room temperature and 800 °C in air have been investigated using damage parameters derived from fatigue hysteresis loops, i.e., fatigue hysteresis modulus and fatigue hysteresis loss energy. The experimental fatigue hysteresis modulus and fatigue hysteresis loss energy degrade with increasing applied cycles attributed to transverse cracks in the 90° plies, matrix cracks and fiber/matrix interface debonding in the 0° plies, interface wear at room temperature, and interface and carbon fibers oxidation at 800 °C in air. The relationships between fatigue hysteresis loops, fatigue hysteresis modulus and fatigue hysteresis loss energy have been established. Comparing experimental fatigue hysteresis loss energy with theoretical computational values, the fiber/matrix interface shear stress corresponding to different cycle numbers has been estimated. It was found that the degradation rate at 800 °C in air is much faster than that at room temperature due to serious oxidation in the pyrolytic carbon (PyC) interphase and carbon fibers. Combining the fiber fracture model with the interface shear stress degradation model and the fibers strength degradation model, the fraction of broken fibers versus the cycle number can be determined for different fatigue peak stresses. The fatigue life S-N curves of cross-ply C/SiC composite at room temperature and 800 °C in air have been predicted. PMID:28793728

Damage Evolution and Life Prediction of Cross-Ply C/SiC Ceramic-Matrix Composite under Cyclic Fatigue Loading at Room Temperature and 800 °C in Air.

PubMed

Li, Longbiao

2015-12-09

The damage evolution and life prediction of cross-ply C/SiC ceramic-matrix composite (CMC) under cyclic-fatigue loading at room temperature and 800 °C in air have been investigated using damage parameters derived from fatigue hysteresis loops, i.e. , fatigue hysteresis modulus and fatigue hysteresis loss energy. The experimental fatigue hysteresis modulus and fatigue hysteresis loss energy degrade with increasing applied cycles attributed to transverse cracks in the 90° plies, matrix cracks and fiber/matrix interface debonding in the 0° plies, interface wear at room temperature, and interface and carbon fibers oxidation at 800 °C in air. The relationships between fatigue hysteresis loops, fatigue hysteresis modulus and fatigue hysteresis loss energy have been established. Comparing experimental fatigue hysteresis loss energy with theoretical computational values, the fiber/matrix interface shear stress corresponding to different cycle numbers has been estimated. It was found that the degradation rate at 800 °C in air is much faster than that at room temperature due to serious oxidation in the pyrolytic carbon (PyC) interphase and carbon fibers. Combining the fiber fracture model with the interface shear stress degradation model and the fibers strength degradation model, the fraction of broken fibers versus the cycle number can be determined for different fatigue peak stresses. The fatigue life S-N curves of cross-ply C/SiC composite at room temperature and 800 °C in air have been predicted.

Elastic moduli and thermal expansion coefficients of medium-entropy subsystems of the CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Laplanche, Guillaume; Gadaud, P.; Barsch, C.

Elastic moduli of a set of equiatomic alloys (CrFeCoNi, CrCoNi, CrFeNi, FeCoNi, MnCoNi, MnFeNi, and CoNi), which are medium-entropy subsystems of the CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy were determined as a function of temperature over the range 293 K–1000 K. Thermal expansion coefficients were determined for these alloys over the temperature range 100 K–673 K. All alloys were single-phase and had the face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure, except CrFeNi which is a two-phase alloy containing a small amount of body-centered cubic (BCC) precipitates in a FCC matrix. The temperature dependences of thermal expansion coefficients and elastic moduli obtained here are useful for quantifying fundamental aspects suchmore » as solid solution strengthening, and for structural analysis/design. Furthermore, using the above results, the yield strengths reported in literature for these alloys were normalized by their shear moduli to reveal the influence of shear modulus on solid solution strengthening.« less

Guided waves and defect scattering in metal matrix composite plates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Datta, Subhendu K.; Bratton, Robert L.; Shah, Arvind H.

1989-01-01

Guided Rayleigh-Lamb waves in a continuous graphite fiber reinforced magnesium plate has been studied. The interest in this material arises from its high thermal stability and because it provides high strength-to-weight ratio. Previous studies have shown that for wavelengths much larger than the fiber diameters and spacing, the material can be characterized as transversely isotropic with the symmetry axis aligned with the fiber direction. Because of the high longitudinal stiffness of the graphite fibers, the material shows strong anisotropy, with very high modulus in the fiber direction. For this reason, dispersion of guided waves is strongly influenced by the deviation of the direction of propagation from the symmetry axis. Results are given for propagation in different directions and for scattering of antiplane shear waves by surface-breaking cracks and delaminations.

Patterning Methods for Polymers in Cell and Tissue Engineering

PubMed Central

Kim, Hong Nam; Kang, Do-Hyun; Kim, Min Sung; Jiao, Alex; Kim, Deok-Ho; Suh, Kahp-Yang

2017-01-01

Polymers provide a versatile platform for mimicking various aspects of physiological extracellular matrix properties such as chemical composition, rigidity, and topography for use in cell and tissue engineering applications. In this review, we provide a brief overview of patterning methods of various polymers with a particular focus on biocompatibility and processability. The materials highlighted here are widely used polymers including thermally curable polydimethyl siloxane, ultraviolet-curable polyurethane acrylate and polyethylene glycol, thermo-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and thermoplastic and conductive polymers. We also discuss how micro- and nanofabricated polymeric substrates of tunable elastic modulus can be used to engineer cell and tissue structure and function. Such synergistic effect of topography and rigidity of polymers may be able to contribute to constructing more physiologically relevant microenvironment. PMID:22258887

Phenylethynyl Containing Reactive Additives

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Connell, John W. (Inventor); Smith, Joseph G., Jr. (Inventor); Hergenrother, Paul M. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

Phenylethynyl containing reactive additives were prepared from aromatic diamines containing phenylethynyl groups and various ratios of phthalic anhydride and 4-phenylethynylphthalic anhydride in glacial acetic acid to form the imide in one step or in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidi none to form the amide acid intermediate. The reactive additives were mixed in various amounts (10% to 90%) with oligomers containing either terminal or pendent phenylethynyl groups (or both) to reduce the melt viscosity and thereby enhance processability. Upon thermal cure, the additives react and become chemically incorporated into the matrix and effect an increase in crosslink density relative to that of the host resin. This resultant increase in crosslink density has advantageous consequences on the cured resin properties such as higher glass transition temperature and higher modulus as compared to that of the host resin.

The viscoelastic behavior of a composite in a thermal environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, D. H.; Brinson, H. F.; Griffith, W. I.; Yeow, Y. T.

1979-01-01

A proposed method for the accelerated predictions of modulus and life times for time dependent polymer matrix composite laminates is presented. The method, based on the time temperature superposition principle and lamination theory, is described in detail. Unidirectional reciprocal of compliance master curves and the shift functions needed are presented and discussed. Master curves for arbitrarily oriented unidirectional laminates are predicted and compared with experimantal results obtained from master curves generated from 15 minute tests and with 25 hour tests. Good agreement is shown. Predicted 30 deg and 60 deg unidirectional strength master curves are presented and compared to results of creep rupture tests. Reasonable agreement is demonstrated. In addition, creep rupture results for a (90 deg + or - 60 deg/90 deg) sub 2s laminate are presented.

Development of regenerated cellulose/halloysites nanocomposites via ionic liquids.

PubMed

Hanid, Nurbaiti Abdul; Wahit, Mat Uzir; Guo, Qipeng; Mahmoodian, Shaya; Soheilmoghaddam, Mohammad

2014-01-01

In this study, regenerated cellulose/halloysites (RC/HNT) nanocomposites with different nanofillers loading were fabricated by dissolving the cellulose in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMIMCl) ionic liquid. The films were prepared via solution casting method and were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanical properties were investigated by tensile testing. It clearly displayed a good enhancement of both tensile strength and Young's modulus with HNT loading up to 5 wt%. As the HNT loadings increased to 5 wt%, the thermal behaviour and water resistance rate was also increased. The TEM and SEM images also depicted even dispersion of the HNT and a good intertubular interaction between the HNT and the cellulose matrix. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phenylethynyl Containing Reactive Additives

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Connell, John W. (Inventor); Smith, Joseph G., Jr. (Inventor); Hergenrother, Paul M. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

Phenylethynyl containing reactive additives were prepared from aromatic diamine, containing phenylethvnvl groups and various ratios of phthalic anhydride and 4-phenylethynviphthalic anhydride in glacial acetic acid to form the imide in one step or in N-methyl-2-pvrrolidinone to form the amide acid intermediate. The reactive additives were mixed in various amounts (10% to 90%) with oligomers containing either terminal or pendent phenylethynyl groups (or both) to reduce the melt viscosity and thereby enhance processability. Upon thermal cure, the additives react and become chemically incorporated into the matrix and effect an increase in crosslink density relative to that of the host resin. This resultant increase in crosslink density has advantageous consequences on the cured resin properties such as higher glass transition temperature and higher modulus as compared to that of the host resin.

Pristine and γ-irradiated halloysite reinforced epoxy nanocomposites - Insight study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saif, Muhammad Jawwad; Naveed, Muhammad; Zia, Khalid Mahmood; Asif, Muhammad

2016-10-01

The present study focuses on development of epoxy system reinforced with naturally occurring halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). A comparative study is presented describing the performance of pristine and γ-irradiated HNTs in an epoxy matrix. The γ-irradiation treatment was used for structural modification of natural pristine HNTs under air sealed environment at different absorbed doses and subsequently these irradiated HNTs were incorporated in epoxy resin with various wt% loadings. The consequences of γ-irradiation on HNTs were studied by FTIR and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) in terms of changes in functional groups and crystalline characteristics. An improvement is observed in mechanical properties and crack resistance of composites reinforced with γ-irradiated HNTs. The irradiated HNTs imparted an improved flexural and tensile strength/modulus along with better thermal performance.

Influences of modified bacterial cellulose nanofibers (BCNs) on structural, thermophysical, optical, and barrier properties of poly ethylene-co-vinyl acetate (EVA) nanocomposite.

PubMed

Ghadikolaei, Shila Shirdel; Omrani, Abdollah; Ehsani, Morteza

2018-04-14

The BCNs were chemically modified using acetic anhydride with the aim of improving its dispersion and interfacial adhesion. Acetylation of BCNs was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy. Morphology studies using TEM and SEM revealed that a reasonable dispersion of the modified BCNs in the EVA matrix was accomplished. The DSC data displayed a little shift in the T g to higher temperatures with the incorporation of both modified and unmodified BCNs. Increased thermal stability of the nanocomposites consisting acetylated BCNs was confirmed by TGA technique. DMA measurements highlighted that the storage modulus increased and the damping properties decreased for the nanocomposites with regard to the neat EVA. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A micromechanical study of the damage mechanics of acrylic particulate composites under thermomechanical loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nie, Shihua

The main aim of this dissertation was to characterize the damage mechanism and fatigue behavior of the acrylic particulate composite. This dissertation also investigated how the failure mechanism is influenced by changes in certain parameters including the volume fraction of particle, the interfacial bonding strength, the stiffness and thickness of the interphase, and the CTE mismatch between the particle and the matrix. Monotonic uniaxial tensile and compressive testing under various temperatures and strain rates, isothermal low-cycle mechanical testing and thermal cycling of a plate with a cutout were performed. The influence of the interfacial bonding strength between the particle and the matrix on the failure mechanism of the ATH filled PMMA was investigated using in situ observations under uniaxial loading conditions. For composites with weak interfacial bonding, the debonding is the major damage mode. For composites with strong interfacial bonding, the breakage of the agglomerate of particles is the major damage mode. Experimental studies also demonstrated the significant influence of interfacial bonding strength on the fatigue life of the ATH filled PMMA. The damage was characterized in terms of the elastic modulus degradation, the load-drop parameter, the plastic strain range and the hysteresis dissipation. Identifying the internal state variables that quantify material degradation under thermomechanical loading is an active research field. In this dissertation, the entropy production, which is a measure of the irreversibility of the thermodynamic system, is used as the metric for damage. The close correlation between the damage measured in terms of elastic modulus degradation and that obtained from the finite element simulation results validates the entropy based damage evolution function. A micromechanical model for acrylic particulate composites with imperfect interfacial bonds was proposed. Acrylic particulate composites are treated as three-phase composites consisting of agglomerated particles, bulk matrix and an interfacial transition zone around the agglomerate. The influence of the interfacial bonding and the CTE mismatch between the matrix and the filler on the overall thermomechanical behavior of composites is studied analytically and experimentally. The comparison of analytical simulation with experimental data demonstrated the validity of the proposed micromechanical model for acrylic particulate composites with an imperfect interface. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/ZnO Bionanocomposites with Improved Mechanical, Barrier and Antibacterial Properties

PubMed Central

Díez-Pascual, Ana M.; Díez-Vicente, Angel L.

2014-01-01

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)-based bionanocomposites incorporating different contents of ZnO nanoparticles were prepared via solution casting technique. The nanoparticles were dispersed within the biopolymer without the need for surfactants or coupling agents. The morphology, thermal, mechanical, barrier, migration and antibacterial properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. The nanoparticles acted as nucleating agents, increasing the crystallization temperature and the degree of crystallinity of the matrix, and as mass transport barriers, hindering the diffusion of volatiles generated during the decomposition process, leading to higher thermal stability. The Young’s modulus, tensile and impact strength of the biopolymer were enhanced by up to 43%, 32% and 26%, respectively, due to the strong matrix-nanofiller interfacial adhesion attained via hydrogen bonding interactions, as revealed by the FT-IR spectra. Moreover, the nanocomposites exhibited reduced water uptake and superior gas and vapour barrier properties compared to neat PHB. They also showed antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which was progressively improved upon increasing ZnO concentration. The migration levels of PHB/ZnO composites in both non-polar and polar simulants decreased with increasing nanoparticle content, and were well below the current legislative limits for food packaging materials. These biodegradable nanocomposites show great potential as an alternative to synthetic plastic packaging materials especially for use in food and beverage containers and disposable applications. PMID:24941255

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/ZnO bionanocomposites with improved mechanical, barrier and antibacterial properties.

PubMed

Díez-Pascual, Ana M; Díez-Vicente, Angel L

2014-06-17

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)-based bionanocomposites incorporating different contents of ZnO nanoparticles were prepared via solution casting technique. The nanoparticles were dispersed within the biopolymer without the need for surfactants or coupling agents. The morphology, thermal, mechanical, barrier, migration and antibacterial properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. The nanoparticles acted as nucleating agents, increasing the crystallization temperature and the degree of crystallinity of the matrix, and as mass transport barriers, hindering the diffusion of volatiles generated during the decomposition process, leading to higher thermal stability. The Young's modulus, tensile and impact strength of the biopolymer were enhanced by up to 43%, 32% and 26%, respectively, due to the strong matrix-nanofiller interfacial adhesion attained via hydrogen bonding interactions, as revealed by the FT-IR spectra. Moreover, the nanocomposites exhibited reduced water uptake and superior gas and vapour barrier properties compared to neat PHB. They also showed antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which was progressively improved upon increasing ZnO concentration. The migration levels of PHB/ZnO composites in both non-polar and polar simulants decreased with increasing nanoparticle content, and were well below the current legislative limits for food packaging materials. These biodegradable nanocomposites show great potential as an alternative to synthetic plastic packaging materials especially for use in food and beverage containers and disposable applications.

Mechanical Properties of Nylon Harp Strings

PubMed Central

Lynch-Aird, Nicolas; Woodhouse, Jim

2017-01-01

Monofilament nylon strings with a range of diameters, commercially marketed as harp strings, have been tested to establish their long-term mechanical properties. Once a string had settled into a desired stress state, the Young’s modulus was measured by a variety of methods that probe different time-scales. The modulus was found to be a strong function of testing frequency and also a strong function of stress. Strings were also subjected to cyclical variations of temperature, allowing various thermal properties to be measured: the coefficient of linear thermal expansion and the thermal sensitivities of tuning, Young’s modulus and density. The results revealed that the particular strings tested are divided into two groups with very different properties: stress-strain behaviour differing by a factor of two and some parametric sensitivities even having the opposite sign. Within each group, correlation studies allowed simple functional fits to be found to the key properties, which have the potential to be used in automated tuning systems for harp strings. PMID:28772858

Mechanical Properties of Nylon Harp Strings.

PubMed

Lynch-Aird, Nicolas; Woodhouse, Jim

2017-05-04

Monofilament nylon strings with a range of diameters, commercially marketed as harp strings, have been tested to establish their long-term mechanical properties. Once a string had settled into a desired stress state, the Young's modulus was measured by a variety of methods that probe different time-scales. The modulus was found to be a strong function of testing frequency and also a strong function of stress. Strings were also subjected to cyclical variations of temperature, allowing various thermal properties to be measured: the coefficient of linear thermal expansion and the thermal sensitivities of tuning, Young's modulus and density. The results revealed that the particular strings tested are divided into two groups with very different properties: stress-strain behaviour differing by a factor of two and some parametric sensitivities even having the opposite sign. Within each group, correlation studies allowed simple functional fits to be found to the key properties, which have the potential to be used in automated tuning systems for harp strings.

Ultrafine Ceramic Grains Embedded in Metallic Glass Matrix: Achieving Superior Wear Resistance via Increase in Both Hardness and Toughness.

PubMed

Yang, Lina; Wen, Mao; Dai, Xuan; Cheng, Gang; Zhang, Kan

2018-05-09

As structural materials, crystalline or metallic glass materials have attracted scientific and practical interests. However, some mechanisms involving critical size and shear bands have adverse effects on their mechanical properties. Here, we counter these two effects by introducing a special structure with ultrafine ceramic grains (with a diameter of ∼2.0 nm) embedded into a metallic glass matrix, wherein the grains are mainly composed of a Ta-W-N solid solution structure in nature, surrounded by a W-based amorphous matrix that contains Ta and N atoms. Such a structure is in situ formed during preparation, which combines the merits of both phases to achieve simultaneous increase in hardness and toughness relative to references (pure TaN and W) and thus superior wear resistance. Even more remarkable, a favorable variation of increased hardness but reduced elasticity modulus can be induced by this structure. Intrinsically, ultrafine ceramic grains (free of dislocations), embedded in the metallic glass matrix, could prevent shear band propagation within the glass matrix and further improve the hardness of the matrix material. In return, such glass matrix allows for stiffness neutralization and structural relaxation to reduce the elasticity modulus of ceramic grains. This study will offer a new guidance to fabricate ultrahigh-performance metal-based composites.

Probabilistic Modeling of Ceramic Matrix Composite Strength

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shan, Ashwin R.; Murthy, Pappu L. N.; Mital, Subodh K.; Bhatt, Ramakrishna T.

1998-01-01

Uncertainties associated with the primitive random variables such as manufacturing process (processing temperature, fiber volume ratio, void volume ratio), constituent properties (fiber, matrix and interface), and geometric parameters (ply thickness, interphase thickness) have been simulated to quantify the scatter in the first matrix cracking strength (FMCS) and the ultimate tensile strength of SCS-6/RBSN (SiC fiber (SCS-6) reinforced reaction-bonded silicon nitride composite) ceramic matrix composite laminate at room temperature. Cumulative probability distribution function for the FMCS and ultimate tensile strength at room temperature (RT) of (0)(sub 8), (0(sub 2)/90(sub 2), and (+/-45(sub 2))(sub S) laminates have been simulated and the sensitivity of primitive variables to the respective strengths have been quantified. Computationally predicted scatter of the strengths for a uniaxial laminate have been compared with those from limited experimental data. Also the experimental procedure used in the tests has been described briefly. Results show a very good agreement between the computational simulation and the experimental data. Dominating failure modes in (0)(sub 8), (0/90)(sub s) and (+/-45)(sub S) laminates have been identified. Results indicate that the first matrix cracking strength for the (0)(sub S), and (0/90)(sub S) laminates is sensitive to the thermal properties, modulus and strengths of both the fiber and matrix whereas the ultimate tensile strength is sensitive to the fiber strength and the fiber volume ratio. In the case of a (+/-45)(sub S), laminate, both the FMCS and the ultimate tensile strengths have a small scatter range and are sensitive to the fiber tensile strength as well as the fiber volume ratio.

Thermal Equation of State of TiC: A Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yu, X.; Lin, Z; Zhang, J

2010-01-01

The pressure-volume-temperature measurements were carried out for titanium carbide (TiC) at pressures and temperatures up to 8.1 GPa and 1273 K using energy-dispersive synchrotron x-ray diffraction. Thermoelastic parameters were derived for TiC based on a modified high-temperature Birch-Murnaghan equation of state and a thermal pressure approach. With the pressure derivative of the bulk modulus, K{prime}{sub 0}, fixed at 4.0, we obtain: the ambient bulk modulus K{sub 0} = 268(6) GPa, which is comparable to previously reported value; temperature derivative of bulk modulus at constant pressure ({partial_derivative}K{sub T}/{partial_derivative}T){sub P} = -0.026(9) GPa K{sup -1}, volumetric thermal expansivity {alpha}{sub T}(K{sup -1}) =more » a+b T with a = 1.62(12) x 10{sup -5} K{sup -1} and b = 1.07(17) x 10{sup -8}K{sup -2}, pressure derivative of thermal expansion ({partial_derivative}{sub {alpha}}/{partial_derivative}{sub P}){sub T} = (-3.62 {+-} 1.14) x 10{sup -7} GPa{sup -1} K{sup -1}, and temperature derivative of bulk modulus at constant volume ({partial_derivative}K{sub T}/{partial_derivative}T){sub V} = -0.015(8) GPa K{sup -1}. These results provide fundamental thermophysical properties for TiC for the first time and are important to theoretical and computational modeling of transition metal carbides.« less

Biodegradable compounds: Rheological, mechanical and thermal properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nobile, Maria Rossella; Lucia, G.; Santella, M.; Malinconico, M.; Cerruti, P.; Pantani, R.

2015-12-01

Recently great attention from industry has been focused on biodegradable polyesters derived from renewable resources. In particular, PLA has attracted great interest due to its high strength and high modulus and a good biocompatibility, however its brittleness and low heat distortion temperature (HDT) restrict its wide application. On the other hand, Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) is a biodegradable polymer with a low tensile modulus but characterized by a high flexibility, excellent impact strength, good thermal and chemical resistance. In this work the two aliphatic biodegradable polyesters PBS and PLA were selected with the aim to obtain a biodegradable material for the industry of plastic cups and plates. PBS was also blended with a thermoplastic starch. Talc was also added to the compounds because of its low cost and its effectiveness in increasing the modulus and the HDT of polymers. The compounds were obtained by melt compounding in a single screw extruder and the rheological, mechanical and thermal properties were investigated. The properties of the two compounds were compared and it was found that the values of the tensile modulus and elongation at break measured for the PBS/PLA/Talc compound make it interesting for the production of disposable plates and cups. In terms of thermal resistance the compounds have HDTs high enough to contain hot food or beverages. The PLA/PBS/Talc compound can be, then, considered as biodegradable substitute for polystyrene for the production of disposable plates and cups for hot food and beverages.

Effect of ripples on the finite temperature elastic properties of hexagonal boron nitride using strain-fluctuation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Siby; Ajith, K. M.; Valsakumar, M. C.

2017-11-01

This work intents to put forth the results of a classical molecular dynamics study to investigate the temperature dependent elastic constants of monolayer hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) between 100 and 1000 K for the first time using strain fluctuation method. The temperature dependence of out-of-plane fluctuations (ripples) is quantified and is explained using continuum theory of membranes. At low temperatures, negative in-plane thermal expansion is observed and at high temperatures, a transition to positive thermal expansion has been observed due to the presence of thermally excited ripples. The decrease of Young's modulus, bulk modulus, shear modulus and Poisson's ratio with increase in temperature has been analyzed. The thermal rippling in h-BN leads to strong anharmonic behaviour that causes large deviation from the isotropic elasticity. A detailed study shows that the strong thermal rippling in large systems is also responsible for the softening of elastic constants in h-BN. From the determined values of elastic constants and elastic moduli, it has been elucidated that 2D h-BN sheets meet the Born's mechanical stability criterion in the investigated temperature range. The variation of longitudinal and shear velocities with temperature is also calculated from the computed values of elastic constants and elastic moduli.

Method for nanoencapsulation of aerogels and nanoencapsulated aerogels produced by such method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sullivan, Thomas A. (Inventor)

2007-01-01

A method for increasing the compressive modulus of aerogels comprising: providing aerogel substrate comprising a bubble matrix in a chamber; providing monomer to the chamber, the monomer comprising vapor phase monomer which polymerizes substantially free of polymerization byproducts; depositing monomer from the vapor phase onto the surface of the aerogel substrate under deposition conditions effective to produce a vapor pressure sufficient to cause the vapor phase monomer to penetrate into the bubble matrix and deposit onto the surface of the aerogel substrate, producing a substantially uniform monomer film; and, polymerizing the substantially uniform monomer film under polymerization conditions effective to produce polymer coated aerogel comprising a substantially uniform polymer coating substantially free of polymerization byproducts.Polymer coated aerogel comprising aerogel substrate comprising a substantially uniform polymer coating, said polymer coated aerogel comprising porosity and having a compressive modulus greater than the compressive modulus of the aerogel substrate, as measured by a 100 lb. load cell at 1 mm/minute in the linear range of 20% to 40% compression.

Long-Term Durability of a Matrix for High-Temperature Composites Predicted

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowles, Kenneth J.

2001-01-01

Polymer matrix composites (PMC's) are being increasingly used in applications where they are exposed for long durations to harsh environments such as elevated temperatures, moisture, oils and solvents, and thermal cycling. The exposure to these environments leads to the degradation of structures made from these materials. This also affects the useful lifetimes of these structures. Some of the more prominent aerospace applications of polymer matrix composites include engine supports and cowlings, reusable launch vehicle parts, radomes, thrust-vectoring flaps, and the thermal insulation of rocket motors. This demand has led to efforts to develop lightweight, high-strength, high-modulus materials that have upper-use temperatures over 316 C. A cooperative program involving two grants to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and in-house work at the NASA Glenn Research Center was conducted to identify the mechanisms and the measurement of mechanical and physical properties that are necessary to formulate a mechanism-based model for predicting the lifetime of high-temperature polymer matrix composites. The polymer that was studied was PMR-15 polyimide, a leading matrix resin for use in high-temperature-resistant aerospace composite structures such as propulsion systems. The temperature range that was studied was from 125 to 316 C. The diffusion behavior of PMR-15 neat resin was characterized and modeled. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was also conducted in nitrogen, oxygen, and air to provide quantitative information on thermal and oxidative degradation reactions. A new low-cost technique was developed to collect chemical degradation data for isothermal tests lasting up to 4000 hr in duration. In the temperature range studied, results indicate complex behavior that was not observed by previous TGA tests, including the presence of weight-gain reactions. These were found to be significant in the initial periods of aging from 125 to 225 C. Two types of weight loss reactions dominated at aging temperatures above 225 C. One was concentrated at the surface of the polymer and was very active at temperatures above 225 C. The second was observed to dominate in the latter stages of aging at temperatures below 260 C. This three-reaction model satisfactorily explains past findings that the degradation mechanism of PMR-15 appears to change around 316 C. It also indicates that the second weight gain mechanism is a significant factor at temperatures below 204 C. On the basis of these results, a predictive model was developed for the thermal degradation of PMR-15 at 316 C. A comparison of data generated by this model with actual experimental data is shown in the following figure.

Baseline tensile tests of composite materials for LDEF (Long Duration Exposure Facility) exposure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Witte, William G.

1987-01-01

Tensile specimens of five graphite fiber reinforced composite materials were tested at room temperature to provide baseline data for similar specimens exposed to the space environment in low-Earth orbit on the NASA Long Duration Exposure Facility. All specimens were 4-ply (+ or - 45 deg)s layups; at least five replicate specimens were tested for each parameter evaluated. Three epoxy-matrix materials and two polysulfone-matrix materials, several fiber volume fractions, and two sizes of specimen were evaluated. Stress-strain and Poisson's ratio-stress curves, ultimate stress, strain at failure, secant modulus at 0.004 strain, inplane shear stress-strain curves, and unidirectional shear modulus at .004 shear strain are presented.

Fabrication and Characterization of SMA Hybrid Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Turner, Travis L.; Lach, Cynthia L.; Cano, Robert J.

2001-01-01

Results from an effort to fabrication shape memory alloy hybrid composite (SMAHC) test specimens and characterize the material system are presented in this study. The SMAHC specimens are conventional composite structures with an embedded SMA constituent. The fabrication and characterization work was undertaken to better understand the mechanics of the material system, address fabrication issues cited in the literature, and provide specimens for experimental validation of a recently developed thermomechanical model for SMAHC structures. Processes and hardware developed for fabrication of the SMAHC specimens are described. Fabrication of a SMA14C laminate with quasi-isotropic lamination and ribbon-type Nitinol actuators embedded in the 0' layers is presented. Beam specimens are machined from the laminate and are the focus of recent work, but the processes and hardware are readily extensible to more practical structures. Results of thermomechanical property testing on the composite matrix and Nitinol ribbon are presented. Test results from the Nitinol include stress-strain behavior, modulus versus temperature. and constrained recovery stress versus temperature and thermal cycle. Complex thermomechanical behaviors of the Nitinol and composite matrix are demonstrated, which have significant implications for modeling of SMAHC structures.

Pectins filled with LDH-antimicrobial molecules: preparation, characterization and physical properties.

PubMed

Gorrasi, Giuliana; Bugatti, Valeria; Vittoria, Vittoria

2012-06-05

Nanohybrids of layered double hydroxide (LDH) with intercalated active molecules: benzoate, 2,4-dichlorobenzoate, para-hydroxybenzoate and ortho-hydroxybenzoate, were incorporated into pectins from apples through high energy ball milling in the presence of water. Cast films were obtained and analysed. X-ray diffraction analysis showed a complete destructuration of all nanohybrids in the pectin matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis showed a better thermal resistance of pectin in the presence of fillers, especially para-hydroxybenzoate and ortho-hydroxybenzoate. Mechanical properties showed an improvement of elastic modulus in particular for LDH-para-hydroxybenzoate nanohybrid, due probably to a better interaction between pectin matrix and nanohybrid layers. Barrier properties (sorption and diffusion) to water vapour showed improvement in the dependence on the intercalated active molecule, the best improvement was achieved for composites containing para-hydroxybenzoate molecules, suggesting that the interaction between the filler phase and the polymer plays an important role in sorption and diffusion phenomena. Incorporation of these active molecules gave antimicrobial properties to the composite films giving opportunities in the field of active packaging. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The initiation and growth of delaminations induced by matrix microcracks in laminated composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nairn, J. A.; Hu, S.

1992-01-01

A recent variational mechanics analysis of microcracking damage in cross-ply laminates of the form /(S)/90n/s, where (S) is any orthotropic sublaminate much stiffer than /90n/, has been extended to account for the presence of delaminations emanating from the tips of microcracks in the /90 2n/T sublaminate. The new two-dimensional stress analysis is used to calculate the total strain energy, effective modulus, and longitudinal thermal expansion coefficient for a laminate having microcracks and delaminations. These results are used to calculate the energy release rate for the initiation and growth of a delamination induced by a matrix microcrack. At low crack densities, /(S)/90n/s laminates are expected to fail by microcracking and to show little or no delamination. At some critical crack density, which is a function of laminate structure and material properties, the energy release rate for delamination exceeds that for microcracking and delamination is predicted to dominate over microcracking. A quasi-three-dimensional model is used to predict the propagation of arbitrarily shaped delamination fronts. All predictions agree with experimental observations.

Thermal/Mechanical Response of a Polymer Matrix Composite at Cryogenic Temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whitley, Karen S.; Gates, Thomas S.

2003-01-01

In order for polymeric-matrix composites to be considered for use as structural materials in the next generation of space transportation systems, the mechanical behavior of these materials at cryogenic temperatures must be investigated. This paper presents experimental data on the residual mechanical properties of a carbon-fiber polymeric composite, IM7/PETI-5, both before and after aging. Both tension and compression modulus and strength were measured at room temperature, -196C, and -269 C on five different laminate configurations. One set of specimens was aged isothermally for 576 hours at -184 C in an unconstrained state. Another set of corresponding specimens was aged under constant uniaxial strain for 576 hours at -184 C. Based on the experimental data presented, it is shown that trends in stiffness and strength that result from changes in temperature are not always smooth and consistent. Moreover, it is shown that loading mode and direction are significant for both stiffness and strength, and aging at cryogenic temperature while under load can alter the mechanical properties of pristine, un-aged laminates made of IM7/PETI-5 material.

Evaluation of silicon carbide fiber/titanium composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jech, R. W.; Signorelli, R. A.

1979-01-01

Izod impact, tensile, and modulus of elasticity were determined for silicon carbide fiber/titanium composites to evaluate their potential usefulness as substitutes for titanium alloys or stainless steel in stiffness critical applications for aircraft turbine engines. Variations in processing conditions and matrix ductility were examined to produce composites having good impact strength in both the as-fabricated condition and after air exposure at elevated temperature. The impact strengths of composites containing 36 volume percent silicon carbide (SiC) fiber in an unalloyed (A-40) titanium matrix were found to be equal to unreinforced titanium-6 aluminum-4 vanadium alloy; the tensile strengths of the composites were marginally better than the unreinforced unalloyed (A-70) matrix at elevated temperature, though not at room temperature. At room temperature the modulus of elasticity of the composites was 48 percent higher than titanium or its alloys and 40 percent higher than that of stainless steel.

Creep-rupture of polymer-matrix composites. [graphite-epoxy laminates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brinson, H. F.; Griffith, W. I.; Morris, D. H.

1980-01-01

An accelerated characterization method for resin matrix composites is reviewed. Methods for determining modulus and strength master curves are given. Creep rupture analytical models are discussed as applied to polymers and polymer matrix composites. Comparisons between creep rupture experiments and analytical models are presented. The time dependent creep rupture process in graphite epoxy laminates is examined as a function of temperature and stress level.

Visualising elastic anisotropy: theoretical background and computational implementation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nordmann, J.; Aßmus, M.; Altenbach, H.

2018-02-01

In this article, we present the technical realisation for visualisations of characteristic parameters of the fourth-order elasticity tensor, which is classified by three-dimensional symmetry groups. Hereby, expressions for spatial representations of uc(Young)'s modulus and bulk modulus as well as plane representations of shear modulus and uc(Poisson)'s ratio are derived and transferred into a comprehensible form to computer algebra systems. Additionally, we present approaches for spatial representations of both latter parameters. These three- and two-dimensional representations are implemented into the software MATrix LABoratory. Exemplary representations of characteristic materials complete the present treatise.

The effect of TiB2 reinforcement on the mechanical properties of an Al-Cu-Li alloy-based metal-matrix composite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Langan, T. J.; Pickens, J. R.

1991-01-01

Weldalite 049, an Al-base Cu-Li-Mg-Ag-Zr alloy, achieves 700 MPa tensile strengths in the near-peak-aged temper in virtue of the nucleation of a T(1)-type platelike strengthening precipitate. Attention is presently given to the possibility that the alloy's modulus could be further increased through the addition of high-modulus TiB2 particles, using the 'XD' process, due to TiB2's good wettability with liquid Al. An 8-percent modulus increase is obtained with 4 vol pct TiB2.

Composites with improved fiber-resin interfacial adhesion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cizmecioglu, Muzaffer (Inventor)

1989-01-01

The adhesion of fiber reinforcement such as high modulus graphite to a matrix resin such as polycarbonate is greatly enhanced by applying a very thin layer, suitably from 50 Angstroms to below 1000 Angstroms, to the surface of the fiber such as by immersing the fiber in a dilute solution of the matrix resin in a volatile solvent followed by draining to remove excess solution and air drying to remove the solvent. The thin layer wets the fiber surface. The very dilute solution of matrix resin is able to impregnate multifilament fibers and the solution evenly flows onto the surface of the fibers. A thin uniform layer is formed on the surface of the fiber after removal of the solvent. The matrix resin coated fiber is completely wetted by the matrix resin during formation of the composite. Increased adhesion of the resin to the fibers is observed at fracture. At least 65 percent of the surface of the graphite fiber is covered with polycarbonate resin at fracture whereas uncoated fibers have very little matrix resin adhering to their surfaces at fracture and epoxy sized graphite fibers exhibit only slightly higher coverage with matrix resin at fracture. Flexural modulus of the composite containing matrix resin coated fibers is increased by 50 percent and flexural strength by 37 percent as compared to composites made with unsized fibers.

The effects of stacking sequence and thermal cycling on the flexural properties of laminate composites of aluminium-epoxy/basalt-glass fibres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdollahi Azghan, Mehdi; Eslami-Farsani, Reza

2018-02-01

The current study aimed at investigating the effects of different stacking sequences and thermal cycling on the flexural properties of fibre metal laminates (FMLs). FMLs were composed of two aluminium alloy 2024-T3 sheets and epoxy polymer-matrix composites that have four layers of basalt and/or glass fibres with five different stacking sequences. For FML samples the thermal cycle time was about 6 min for temperature cycles from 25 °C to 115 °C. Flexural properties of samples evaluated after 55 thermal cycles and compared to non-exposed samples. Surface modification of aluminium performed by electrochemical treatment (anodizing) method and aluminium surfaces have been examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Also, the flexural failure mechanisms investigated by the optical microscope study of fractured surfaces. SEM images indicated that the porosity of the aluminium surface increased after anodizing process. The findings of the present study showed that flexural modulus were maximum for basalt fibres based FML, minimum for glass fibres based FML while basalt/glass fibres based FML lies between them. Due to change in the failure mechanism of basalt/glass fibres based FMLs that have glass fibres at outer layer of the polymer composite, the flexural strength of this FML is lower than glass and basalt fibres based FML. After thermal cycling, due to the good thermal properties of basalt fibres, flexural properties of basalt fibres based FML structures decreased less than other composites.

Orientations of dendritic growth during solidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Dong Nyung

2017-03-01

Dendrites are crystalline forms which grow far from the limit of stability of the plane front and adopt an orientation which is as close as possible to the heat flux direction. Dendritic growth orientations for cubic metals, bct Sn, and hcp Zn, can be controlled by thermal conductivity, Young's modulus, and surface energy. The control factors have been elaborated. Since the dendrite is a single crystal, its properties such as thermal conductivity that influences the heat flux direction, the minimum Young's modulus direction that influences the strain energy minimization, and the minimum surface energy plane that influences the crystal/liquid interface energy minimization have been proved to control the dendritic growth direction. The dendritic growth directions of cubic metals are determined by the minimum Young's modulus direction and/or axis direction of symmetry of the minimum crystal surface energy plane. The dendritic growth direction of bct Sn is determined by its maximum thermal conductivity direction and the minimum surface energy plane normal direction. The primary dendritic growth direction of hcp Zn is determined by its maximum thermal conductivity direction and the minimum surface energy plane normal direction and the secondary dendrite arm direction of hcp Zn is normal to the primary dendritic growth direction.

Elasticity and inelasticity of silicon nitride/boron nitride fibrous monoliths.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smirnov, B. I.; Burenkov, Yu. A.; Kardashev, B. K.

A study is reported on the effect of temperature and elastic vibration amplitude on Young's modulus E and internal friction in Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} and BN ceramic samples and Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}/BN monoliths obtained by hot pressing of BN-coated Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} fibers. The fibers were arranged along, across, or both along and across the specimen axis. The E measurements were carried out under thermal cycling within the 20-600 C range. It was found that high-modulus silicon-nitride specimens possess a high thermal stability; the E(T) dependences obtained under heating and cooling coincide well with one another. The low-modulus BN ceramicmore » exhibits a considerable hysteresis, thus indicating evolution of the defect structure under the action of thermoelastic (internal) stresses. Monoliths demonstrate a qualitatively similar behavior (with hysteresis). This behavior of the elastic modulus is possible under microplastic deformation initiated by internal stresses. The presence of microplastic shear in all the materials studied is supported by the character of the amplitude dependences of internal friction and the Young's modulus. The experimental data obtained are discussed in terms of a model in which the temperature dependences of the elastic modulus and their features are accounted for by both microplastic deformation and nonlinear lattice-atom vibrations, which depend on internal stresses.« less

Titanate nanotubes for reinforcement of a poly(ethylene oxide)/chitosan polymer matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porras, R.; Bavykin, D. V.; Zekonyte, J.; Walsh, F. C.; Wood, R. J.

2016-05-01

Soft polyethylene oxide (PEO)/chitosan mixtures, reinforced with hard titanate nanotubes (TiNTs) by co-precipitation from aqueous solution, have been used to produce compact coatings by the ‘drop-cast’ method, using water soluble PEO polymer and stable, aqueous colloidal solutions of TiNTs. The effects of the nanotube concentration and their length on the hardness and modulus of the prepared composite have been studied using nanoindentation and nanoscratch techniques. The uniformity of TiNT dispersion within the polymer matrix has been studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A remarkable increase in hardness and reduced Young’s modulus of the composites, compared to pure polymer blends, has been observed at a TiNT concentration of 25 wt %. The short (up to 30 min) ultrasound treatment of aqueous solutions containing polymers and a colloidal TiNT mixture prior to drop casting has resulted in some improvements in both hardness and reduced Young’s modulus of dry composite films, probably due to a better dispersion of ceramic nanotubes within the matrix. However, further (more than 1 h) treatment of the mixture with ultrasound resulted in a deterioration of the mechanical properties of the composite accompanied by a shortening of the nanotubes, as observed by the TEM.

Lactation-Induced Changes in the Volume of Osteocyte Lacunar-Canalicular Space Alter Mechanical Properties in Cortical Bone Tissue.

PubMed

Kaya, Serra; Basta-Pljakic, Jelena; Seref-Ferlengez, Zeynep; Majeska, Robert J; Cardoso, Luis; Bromage, Timothy G; Zhang, Qihong; Flach, Carol R; Mendelsohn, Richard; Yakar, Shoshana; Fritton, Susannah P; Schaffler, Mitchell B

2017-04-01

Osteocytes can remove and remodel small amounts of their surrounding bone matrix through osteocytic osteolysis, which results in increased volume occupied by lacunar and canalicular space (LCS). It is well established that cortical bone stiffness and strength are strongly and inversely correlated with vascular porosity, but whether changes in LCS volume caused by osteocytic osteolysis are large enough to affect bone mechanical properties is not known. In the current studies we tested the hypotheses that (1) lactation and postlactation recovery in mice alter the elastic modulus of bone tissue, and (2) such local changes in mechanical properties are related predominantly to alterations in lacunar and canalicular volume rather than bone matrix composition. Mechanical testing was performed using microindentation to measure modulus in regions containing solely osteocytes and no vascular porosity. Lactation caused a significant (∼13%) reduction in bone tissue-level elastic modulus (p < 0.001). After 1 week postweaning (recovery), bone modulus levels returned to control levels and did not change further after 4 weeks of recovery. LCS porosity tracked inversely with changes in cortical bone modulus. Lacunar and canalicular void space increased 7% and 15% with lactation, respectively (p < 0.05), then returned to control levels at 1 week after weaning. Neither bone mineralization (assessed by high-resolution backscattered scanning electron microscopy) nor mineral/matrix ratio or crystallinity (assessed by Raman microspectroscopy) changed with lactation. Thus, changes in bone mechanical properties induced by lactation and recovery appear to depend predominantly on changes in osteocyte LCS dimensions. Moreover, this study demonstrates that tissue-level cortical bone mechanical properties are rapidly and reversibly modulated by osteocytes in response to physiological challenge. These data point to a hitherto unappreciated role for osteocytes in modulating and maintaining local bone mechanical properties. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Effects of temperature distribution and elastic properties of materials on gas-turbine-disk stresses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holms, Arthur G; Faldetta, Richard D

1947-01-01

Calculations were made to determine the influence of changes in temperature distribution and in elastic material properties on calculated elastic stresses for a typical gas-turbine disk. Severe temperature gradients caused thermal stresses of sufficient magnitude to reduce the operating safety of the disk. Small temperature gradients were found to be desirable because they produced thermal stresses that subtracted from the centrifugal stresses in the region of the rim. The thermal gradients produced a tendency for a severe stress condition to exist near the rim but this stress condition could be shifted away from the region of blade attachment by altering the temperature distribution. The investigation of elastic material properties showed that centrifugal stresses are slightly affected by changes in modulus of elasticity, but that thermal stresses are approximately proportional to modulus of elasticity and to coefficient of thermal expansion.

Measurement of elastic and thermal properties of composite materials using digital speckle pattern interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Manoj; Khan, Gufran S.; Shakher, Chandra

2015-08-01

In the present work, application of digital speckle pattern interferometry (DSPI) was applied for the measurement of mechanical/elastic and thermal properties of fibre reinforced plastics (FRP). Digital speckle pattern interferometric technique was used to characterize the material constants (Poisson's ratio and Young's modulus) of the composite material. Poisson ratio based on plate bending and Young's modulus based on plate vibration of material are measured by using DSPI. In addition to this, the coefficient of thermal expansion of composite material is also measured. To study the thermal strain analysis, a single DSPI fringe pattern is used to extract the phase information by using Riesz transform and the monogenic signal. The phase extraction from a single DSPI fringe pattern by using Riesz transform does not require a phase-shifting system or spatial carrier. The elastic and thermal parameters obtained from DSPI are in close agreement with the theoretical predictions available in literature.

Rheological principles of development hetero-modulus and hetero-viscous complex materials with extreme dynamic strength

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gömze, L. A.; Gömze, L. N.

2017-02-01

Materials with different crystalline and morphological compositions have different chemical, physical, mechanical and rheological properties, including wear protection, melting temperature, module of elasticity and viscosity. Examining the material structures and behaviors of differentceramic bodies and CMCs under high speed collisions in several years the authors have understood the advantages of hetero-modulus and hetero-viscous complex material systems to absorb and dissipate the kinetic energy of objects during high speed collisions. Applying the rheo-mechanical principles the authors successfully developed a new family of hetero-modulus and hetero-viscous alumina matrix composite materials with extreme mechanical properties including dynamic strength. These new corundum-matrix composite materials reinforced with Si2ON 2, Si3N4 , SiAlON and AlN submicron and nanoparticles have excellent dynamic strength during collisions with high density metallic bodies with speeds about 1000 m/sec or more. At the same time in the alumina matrix composites can be observed a phase transformation of submicron and nanoparticles of alpha and beta silicone-nitride crystals into cubicc-Si3N4 diamond-like particles can be observed, when the high speed collision processes are taken place in vacuum or oxygen-free atmosphere. Using the rheological principles and the energy engorgement by fractures, heating and melting of components the authors successfully developed several new hetero-modulus, hetero-viscous and hetero-plastic complex materials. These materials generally are based on ceramic matrixes and components having different melting temperatures and modules of elasticity from low values like carbon and light metals (Mg, Al, Ti, Si) up to very high values like boride, nitride and carbide ceramics. Analytical methods applied in this research were scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractions and energy dispersive spectrometry. Digital image analysis was applied to microscopy results to enhance the results of transformations.

Effects of Reorientation of Graphene Platelets (GPLs) on Young's Modulus of Polymer Composites under Bi-Axial Stretching.

PubMed

Feng, Chuang; Wang, Yu; Yang, Jie

2018-01-07

Effects of bi-axial stretching induced reorientation of graphene platelets (GPLs) on the Young's modulus of GPL/polymer composites is studied by Mori-Tanaka micromechanics model. The dispersion state of the GPLs in polymer matrix is captured by an orientation distribution function (ODF), in which two Euler angles are used to identify the orientation of the GPLs. Compared to uni-axial stretching, the increase of the stretching strain in the second direction enhances the re-alignment of GPL fillers in this direction while it deteriorates the re-alignment of the fillers in the other two directions. Comprehensive parametric study on the effects of the out-of-plane Young's modulus, stretching strain, strain ratio, Poisson's ratio and weight fraction and GPL dimension on the effective Young's moduli of the composites in the three directions are conducted. It is found that the out-of-plane Young's modulus has limited effects on the overall Young's modulus of the composites. The second stretching enhances the Young's modulus in this direction while it decreases the Young's modulus in the other two directions. The results demonstrate the increase of Poisson's ratio is favorable in increasing the Young's modulus of the composites. GPLs with larger diameter-to-thickness ratio have better reinforcing effect on the Young's modulus of GPL/polymer nanocomposites.

Matrix density effects on the mechanical properties of SiC/RBSN composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhatt, Ramakrishna T.; Kiser, James D.

1990-01-01

The room temperature mechanical properties were measured for SiC fiber reinforced reaction-bonded silicon nitride composites (SiC/RBSN) of different densities. The composites consisted of approx. 30 vol percent uniaxially aligned 142 micron diameter SiC fibers (Textron SCS-6) in a reaction-bonded Si3N4 matrix. The composite density was varied by changing the consolidation pressure during RBSN processing and by hot isostatically pressing the SiC/RBSN composites. Results indicate that as the consolidation pressure was increased from 27 to 138 MPa, the average pore size of the nitrided composites decreased from 0.04 to 0.02 microns and the composite density increased from 2.07 to 2.45 gm/cc. Nonetheless, these improvements resulted in only small increases in the first matrix cracking stress, primary elastic modulus, and ultimate tensile strength values of the composites. In contrast, HIP consolidation of SiC/RBSN resulted in a fully dense material whose first matrix cracking stress and elastic modulus were approx. 15 and 50 percent higher, respectively, and ultimate tensile strength values were approx. 40 percent lower than those for unHIPed SiC/RBSN composites. The modulus behavior for all specimens can be explained by simple rule-of-mixture theory. Also, the loss in ultimate strength for the HIPed composites appears to be related to a degradation in fiber strength at the HIP temperature. However, the density effect on matrix fracture strength was much less than would be expected based on typical monolithic Si3N4 behavior, suggesting that composite theory is indeed operating. Possible practical implications of these observations are discussed.

High Temperature Mechanical Characterization of Ceramic Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gyekenyesi, John Z.

1998-01-01

A high temperature mechanical characterization laboratory has been assembled at NASA Lewis Research Center. One contribution of this work is to test ceramic matrix composite specimens in tension in environmental extremes. Two high temperature tensile testing systems were assembled. The systems were assembled based on the performance and experience of other laboratories and meeting projected service conditions for the materials in question. The systems use frames with an electric actuator and a center screw. A PC based data acquisition and analysis system is used to collect and analyze the data. Mechanical extensometers are used to measure specimen strain. Thermocouples, placed near the specimen, are used to measure the specimen gage section temperature. The system for testing in air has a resistance element furnace with molybdenum disilicide elements and pneumatic grips with water cooling attached to hydraulic alignment devices. The system for testing in an inert gas has a graphite resistance element furnace in a chamber with rigidly mounted, water cooled, hydraulically actuated grips. Unidirectional SiC fiber reinforced reaction bonded Si3N4 and triaxially woven, two dimensional, SiC fiber reinforced enhanced SiC composites were tested in unidirectional tension. Theories for predicting the Young's modulus, modulus near the ultimate strength, first matrix cracking stress, and ultimate strength were applied and evaluated for suitability in predicting the mechanical behavior of SiC/RBSN and enhanced SiC/SiC composites. The SiC/RBSN composite exhibited pseudo tough behavior (increased area under the stress/strain curve) from 22 C to 1500 C. The rule of mixtures provides a good estimate of the Young's modulus of the SiC/RBSN composite using the constituent properties from room temperature to 1440 C for short term static tensile tests in air or nitrogen. The rule of mixtures significantly overestimates the secondary modulus near the ultimate strength. The ACK theory provides the best approximation of the first matrix cracking stress when residual stresses are ignored. The theory of Cao and Thouless, based on Weibull statistics, gave the best prediction for the composite ultimate strength. The enhanced SiC/SiC composite exhibited nonlinear stress/strain behavior from 24 C to 1370 C in air with increased ultimate strain when compared to monolithic SiC. The theory of Yang and Chou with the assumption of a frictional fiber/matrix interface provided the best estimate of the Young's modulus. The theory of Cao and Thouless gave the best estimate for the ultimate strength.

Evaluation of fracture toughness and mechanical properties of ternary thiol-ene-methacrylate systems as resin matrix for dental restorative composites.

PubMed

Beigi, Saeed; Yeganeh, Hamid; Atai, Mohammad

2013-07-01

Study and evaluation of fracture toughness, flexural and dynamic mechanical properties, and crosslink density of ternary thiol-ene-methacrylate systems and comparison with corresponding conventional methacrylate system were considered in the present study. Urethane tetra allyl ether monomer (UTAE) was synthesized as ene monomer. Different formulations were prepared based on combination of UTAE, BisGMA/TEGDMA and a tetrathiol monomer (PETMP). The photocuring reaction was conducted under visible light using BD/CQ combination as photoinitiator system. Mechanical properties were evaluated via measuring flexural strength, flexural modulus and fracture toughness. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to study the morphology of the fractured specimen's cross section. Viscoelastic properties of the samples were also determined by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The same study was performed on a conventional methacrylate system. The data were analyzed and compared by ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests (significance level=0.05). The results showed improvement in fracture toughness of the specimens containing thiol-ene moieties. DMTA revealed a lower glass transition temperature and more homogenous structure for thiol-ene containing specimens in comparison to the system containing merely methacrylate monomer. The flexural modulus and flexural strength of the specimens with higher thiol-ene content were lower than the neat methacrylate system. The SEM micrographs of the fractured surface of specimens with higher methacrylate content were smooth and mirror-like (shiny) which represent brittle fracture. The thiol-ene-methacrylate system can be used as resin matrix of dental composites with enhanced fracture toughness in comparison to the methacrylate analogous. Copyright © 2013 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Measurement of the elastic modulus of a multi-wall boron nitride nanotube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chopra, Nasreen G.; Zettl, A.

1998-02-01

We have experimentally determined the elastic properties of an individual multi-wall boron nitride (BN) nanotube. From the thermal vibration amplitude of a cantilevered BN nanotube observed in a transmission electron microscope, we find the axial Young's modulus to be 1.22 ± 0.24 TPa, a value consistent with theoretical estimates. The observed Young's modulus exceeds that of all other known insulating fibers. Our elasticity results confirm that BN nanotubes are highly crystalline with very few defects.

Study to determine and analyze the strength of high modulus glass in epoxy-matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bacon, J. F.

1974-01-01

Glass composition research was conducted to produce a high modulus, high strength beryllium-free glass fiber. This program was built on the previous research for developing high modulus, high strength glass fibers which had a 5 weight percent beryllia content. The fibers resulting from the composition program were then used to produce fiber reinforced-epoxy resin composites which were compared with composites reinforced by commercial high modulus glass fibers, Thornel S graphite fiber, and hybrids where the external quarters were reinforced with Thornel S graphite fiber and the interior half with glass fiber as well as the reverse hybrid. The composites were given tensile strength, compressive strength, short-beam shear strength, creep and fatigue tests. Comments are included on the significance of the test data.

Effects of electron beam radiation dose on the compatibilization behaviour in recycled polypropylene/microcrystalline cellulose composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samat, N.; Motsidi, S. N. R.; Lazim, N. H. M.

2018-01-01

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the influence of dose level of electron beam on the compatibilization behavior of recycled polypropylene (rPP) in rPP/microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) composites. Initially, the rPP was irradiated with various dose of electron beam (5 kGy up to 250 kGy) which then mixed with unirradiated rPP (u-rPP) at a ratio of 30:70 respectively. The composites were prepared by incorporating a series wt% of MCC fibers into rPP (u-rPP : i-rPP) using extruder and finally moulded with an injection moulding machine. The compatibility behavior of irradiated rPP (i-rPP) were analysed with mechanical tensile and thermal methods. The results of mechanical analysis showed great improvement in tensile modulus but an increase in radiation dosage gradually decreased this property. Nevertheless, the tensile strength exhibited a minor effect. The thermal stability of composites is lowered with increase in the absorbed dose, more significantly at higher content of MCC. Fracture surface observations reveal adhesion between the cellulose and rPP matrix.

Reflexive aerostructures: increased vehicle survivability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Margraf, Thomas W.; Hemmelgarn, Christopher D.; Barnell, Thomas J.; Franklin, Mark A.

2007-04-01

Aerospace systems stand to benefit significantly from the advancement of reflexive aerostructure technologies for increased vehicle survivability. Cornerstone Research Group Inc. (CRG) is developing lightweight, healable composite systems for use as primary load-bearing aircraft components. The reflexive system is comprised of piezoelectric structural health monitoring systems, localized thermal activation systems, and lightweight, healable composite structures. The reflexive system is designed to mimic the involuntary human response to damage. Upon impact, the structural health monitoring system will identify the location and magnitude of the damage, sending a signal to a discrete thermal activation control system to resistively heat the shape memory polymer (SMP) matrix composite above activation temperature, resulting in localized shape recovery and healing of the damaged areas. CRG has demonstrated SMP composites that can recover 90 percent of flexural yield stress and modulus after postfailure healing. During the development, CRG has overcome issues of discrete activation, structural health monitoring integration, and healable resin systems. This paper will address the challenges associated with development of a reflexive aerostructure, including integration of structural health monitoring, discrete healing, and healable shape memory resin systems.

Thermoset nanocomposites from waterborne bio-based epoxy resin and cellulose nanowhiskers.

PubMed

Wu, Guo-min; Liu, Di; Liu, Gui-feng; Chen, Jian; Huo, Shu-ping; Kong, Zhen-wu

2015-01-01

Thermoset nanocomposites were prepared from a waterborne terpene-maleic ester type epoxy resin (WTME) and cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs). The curing behaviors of WTME/CNWs nanocomposites were measured with rotational rheometer. The results show that the storage modulus (G') of WTME/CNWs nanocomposites increased with the increase of CNWs content. Observations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrate that the incorporation of CNWs in WTME matrix caused microphase separation and destroyed the compactness of the matrix. This effect leads to the glass transition temperatures (Tg) of WTME/CNWs nanocomposites slightly decrease with the increase of CNWs content, which were confirmed by both DSC and DMA tests. The mechanical properties of WTME/CNWs nanocomposites were investigated by tensile testing. The Yong's modulus (E) and tensile strength (σb) of the nanocomposites were significantly reinforced by the addition of CNWs. These results indicate that CNWs exhibit excellent reinforcement effect on WTME matrix, due to the formation and increase of interfacial interaction by hydrogen bonds between CNWs nano-filler and the WTME matrix. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Influence of Sizings on the Durability of High-Temperature Polymer Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allred, Ronald E.; Wesson, Sheldon P.; Shin, E. Eugene; Inghram, Linda; McCorkle, Linda; Papadopoulos, Demetrios; Wheeler, Donald; Sutter, James K.

2004-01-01

To increase performance and durability of high-temperature composites for potential rocket engine components, it is necessary to optimize wetting and interfacial bonding between high modulus carbon fibers and high-temperature polyimide resins. Sizings commercially supplied on most carbon fibers are not compatible with polyimides. In this study, the chemistry of sizings on two high-modulus carbon fibers (M40J and M60J, Toray) was characterized as was the chemistry of PMR-II-50 fluorinated polyimide resin. The carbon fibers were characterized using single filament wetting, scanning electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic measurements. The polyimide matrix resins were coated onto glass filaments for characterization by wetting measurements. Surface energy components were obtained by wetting with nondispersive (methylene iodide), acidic (ethylene glycol), and basic (formamide) probes. A continuous desizing system that uses an environmentally friendly chemical-mechanical process was developed for tow level fiber. Composites were fabricated with fibers containing the manufacturer's sizing, desized, and further treated with a reactive finish. Results of room-temperature tests after thermal aging show that the reactive finish produces a higher strength and more durable interface compared to the manufacturer's sizing. When exposed to moisture blistering tests, however, the better bonded composite displayed a tendency to delaminate, presumably due to trapping of volatiles.

Elastic and thermal expansion asymmetry in dense molecular materials.

PubMed

Burg, Joseph A; Dauskardt, Reinhold H

2016-09-01

The elastic modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion are fundamental properties of elastically stiff molecular materials and are assumed to be the same (symmetric) under both tension and compression loading. We show that molecular materials can have a marked asymmetric elastic modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion that are inherently related to terminal chemical groups that limit molecular network connectivity. In compression, terminal groups sterically interact to stiffen the network, whereas in tension they interact less and disconnect the network. The existence of asymmetric elastic and thermal expansion behaviour has fundamental implications for computational approaches to molecular materials modelling and practical implications on the thermomechanical strains and associated elastic stresses. We develop a design space to control the degree of elastic asymmetry in molecular materials, a vital step towards understanding their integration into device technologies.

Atomic force microscopy based nanoindentation study of onion abaxial epidermis walls in aqueous environment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xi, Xiaoning; Tittmann, Bernhard; Kim, Seong H.

An atomic force microscopy based nanoindentation method was employed to study how the structure of cellulose microfibril packing and matrix polymers affect elastic modulus of fully hydrated primary plant cell walls. The isolated, single-layered abaxial epidermis cell wall of an onion bulb was used as a test system since the cellulose microfibril packing in this cell wall is known to vary systematically from inside to outside scales and the most abundant matrix polymer, pectin, can easily be altered through simple chemical treatments such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and calcium ions. Experimental results showed that the pectin network variation has significant impactsmore » on the cell wall modulus, and not the cellulose microfibril packing.« less

Research on graphite reinforced glass matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bacon, J. F.; Prewo, K. M.; Thompson, E. R.

1978-01-01

A composite that can be used at temperatures up to 875 K with mechanical properties equal or superior to graphite fiber reinforced epoxy composites is presented. The composite system consist of graphite fiber, uniaxially or biaxially, reinforced borosilicate glass. The mechanical and thermal properties of such a graphite fiber reinforced glass composite are described, and the system is shown to offer promise as a high performance structural material. Specific properties that were measured were: a modified borosilicate glass uniaxially reinforced by Hercules HMS graphite fiber has a three-point flexural strength of 1030 MPa, a four-point flexural strength of 964 MPa, an elastic modulus of 199 GPa and a failure strain of 0.0052. The preparation and properties of similar composites with Hercules HTS, Celanese DG-102, Thornel 300 and Thornel Pitch graphite fibers are also described.

Copoly(Imide Siloxane) Abhesive Materials with Varied Siloxane Oligomer Length

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wohl, Christopher J.; Atkins, Brad M.; Belcher, Marcus A.; Connell, John W.

2010-01-01

Incorporation of PDMS moieties into a polyimide matrix lowered the surface energy resulting in enhanced adhesive interactions. Polyimide siloxane materials were generated using amine-terminated PDMS oligomers of different lengths to study changes in surface migration behavior, phase segregation, mechanical, thermal, and optical properties. These materials were characterized using contact angle goniometry, tensile testing, and differential scanning calorimetry. The surface migration behavior of the PDMS component depended upon the siloxane molecular weight as indicated by distinct relationships between PDMS chain length and advancing water contact angles. Similar correlations were observed for percent elongation values obtained from tensile testing, while the addition of PDMS reduced the modulus. High fidelity topographical modification via laser ablation patterning further reduced the polyimide siloxane surface energy. Initial particulate adhesion testing experiments demonstrated that polyimide siloxane materials exhibited greater abhesive interactions relative to their respective homopolyimides.

Interface effects on mechanical properties of particle-reinforced composites.

PubMed

Debnath, S; Ranade, R; Wunder, S L; McCool, J; Boberick, K; Baran, G

2004-09-01

Effective bonding between the filler and matrix components typically improves the mechanical properties of polymer composites containing inorganic fillers. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that composite flexural modulus, flexure strength, and toughness are directly proportional to filler-matrix interfacial shear strength. The resin matrix component of the experimental composite consisted of a 60:40 blend of BisGMA:TEGDMA. Two levels of photoinitiator components were used: 0.15, and 0.5%. Raman spectroscopy was used to determine degree of cure, and thermogravimetry (TGA) was used to quantify the degree of silane, rubber, or polymer attachment to silica and glass particles. Filler-matrix interfacial shear strengths were measured using a microbond test. Composites containing glass particles with various surface treatments were prepared and the modulus, flexure strength, and fracture toughness of these materials obtained using standard methods. Mechanical properties were measured on dry and soaked specimens. The interfacial strength was greatest for the 5% MPS treated silica, and it increased for polymers prepared with 0.5% initiator compared with 0.15% initiator concentrations. For the mechanical properties measured, the authors found that: (1) the flexural modulus was independent of the type of filler surface treatment, though flexural strength and toughness were highest for the silanated glass; (2) rubber at the interface, whether bonded to the filler and matrix or not, did not improve toughness; (3) less grafting of resin to silanated filler particles was observed when the initiator concentration decreased. These findings suggest that increasing the strength of the bond between filler and matrix will not result in improvements in the mechanical properties of particulate-reinforced composites in contrast to fiber-reinforced composites. Also, contraction stresses in the 0.5 vs 0.15% initiator concentration composites may be responsible for increases in interfacial shear strengths, moduli, and flexural strengths.

Microbridge testing of plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor deposited silicon oxide films on silicon wafers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Zhiqiang; Zhang, Tong-Yi; Zhang, Xin

2005-05-01

Plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor deposited (PECVD) silane-based oxides (SiOx) have been widely used in both microelectronics and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) to form electrical and/or mechanical components. In this paper, a nanoindentation-based microbridge testing method is developed to measure both the residual stresses and Young's modulus of PECVD SiOx films on silicon wafers. Theoretically, we considered both the substrate deformation and residual stress in the thin film and derived a closed formula of deflection versus load. The formula fitted the experimental curves almost perfectly, from which the residual stresses and Young's modulus of the film were determined. Experimentally, freestanding microbridges made of PECVD SiOx films were fabricated using the silicon undercut bulk micromachining technique. Some microbridges were subjected to rapid thermal annealing (RTA) at a temperature of 400 °C, 600 °C, or 800 °C to simulate the thermal process in the device fabrication. The results showed that the as-deposited PECVD SiOx films had a residual stress of -155±17MPa and a Young's modulus of 74.8±3.3GPa. After the RTA, Young's modulus remained relatively unchanged at around 75 GPa, however, significant residual stress hysteresis was found in all the films. A microstructure-based mechanism was then applied to explain the experimental results of the residual stress changes in the PECVD SiOx films after the thermal annealing.

Fracture behavior of silica nanoparticle filled epoxy resin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dittanet, Peerapan

This dissertation involves the addition of silica nanoparticles to a lightly crosslinked, model epoxy resin and investigates the effect of nanosilica content and particle size on glass transition temperature (Tg), coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), Young's modulus (E), yield stress, and fracture toughness. This study aims to understand the influence of silica nanoparticle size, bimodal particle size distribution and silica content on the toughening behavior. The toughening mechanisms were determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and transmission optical microscopy (TOM). The approach identifies toughening mechanisms and develops a toughening model from unimodal-particle size systems first, then extends these concepts to various mixtures micron- and nanometer-size particles in a similar model epoxy. The experimental results revealed that the addition of nanosilica did not have a significant effect on Tg or the yield stress of epoxy resin, i.e. the yield stress and Tg remained constant regardless of nanosilica particle size. As expected, the addition of nanosilica had a significant impact on CTE, modulus and fracture toughness. The CTE values of nanosilica-filled epoxies were found to decrease with increasing nanosilica content, which can be attributed to the much lower CTE of the nanosilica fillers. Interestingly, the decreases in CTE showed strong particle size dependence. The Young's modulus was also found to significantly improve with addition of nanosilica and increase with increasing filler content. However, the particle size did not exhibit any effect on the Young's modulus. Finally, the fracture toughness and fracture energy showed significant improvements with the addition of nanosilica, and increased with increasing filler content. The effect of particle size on fracture toughness was negligible. Observation of the fracture surfaces using SEM and TOM showed evidence of debonding of nanosilica particles, matrix void growth, and matrix shear banding, which are credited for the increases in toughness for nanosilica-filled epoxy systems. Epoxy containing mixtures of two different size distributions of silica particles (42 micrometer and 23 nm-170nm particles) was explored for possible multiplicative toughening effect and to further understand the particle-epoxy interactions and toughening mechanisms of bimodal particle size distribution systems. The fracture toughness was improved by approximately 30% compared to that of the epoxy containing only one particle size of silica particles. The toughness improvement from the interaction of particle debonding from large particles and plastic void growth from small particles was clearly observed. The improvement in toughness occurred when the volume fraction ratio of the large and small particles was more than 50:50 ratios. The increased toughness was found to be additive not multiplicative effect.

Modeling the Elastic Modulus of 2D Woven CVI SiC Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morscher, Gregory N.

2006-01-01

The use of fiber, interphase, CVI SiC minicomposites as structural elements for 2D-woven SiC fiber reinforced chemically vapor infiltrated (CVI) SiC matrix composites is demonstrated to be a viable approach to model the elastic modulus of these composite systems when tensile loaded in an orthogonal direction. The 0deg (loading direction) and 90deg (perpendicular to loading direction) oriented minicomposites as well as the open porosity and excess SiC associated with CVI SiC composites were all modeled as parallel elements using simple Rule of Mixtures techniques. Excellent agreement for a variety of 2D woven Hi-Nicalon(TradeMark) fiber-reinforced and Sylramic-iBN reinforced CVI SiC matrix composites that differed in numbers of plies, constituent content, thickness, density, and number of woven tows in either direction (i.e, balanced weaves versus unbalanced weaves) was achieved. It was found that elastic modulus was not only dependent on constituent content, but also the degree to which 90deg minicomposites carried load. This depended on the degree of interaction between 90deg and 0deg minicomposites which was quantified to some extent by composite density. The relationships developed here for elastic modulus only necessitated the knowledge of the fractional contents of fiber, interphase and CVI SiC as well as the tow size and shape. It was concluded that such relationships are fairly robust for orthogonally loaded 2D woven CVI SiC composite system and can be implemented by ceramic matrix composite component modelers and designers for modeling the local stiffness in simple or complex parts fabricated with variable constituent contents.

Carbon nanofiber reinforced epoxy matrix composites and syntactic foams - mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poveda, Ronald Leonel

The tailorability of composite materials is crucial for use in a wide array of real-world applications, which range from heat-sensitive computer components to fuselage reinforcement on commercial aircraft. The mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of composites are highly dependent on their material composition, method of fabrication, inclusion orientation, and constituent percentages. The focus of this work is to explore carbon nanofibers (CNFs) as potential nanoscale reinforcement for hollow particle filled polymer composites referred to as syntactic foams. In the present study, polymer composites with high weight fractions of CNFs, ranging from 1-10 wt.%, are used for quasi-static and high strain rate compression analysis, as well as for evaluation and characterization of thermal and electrical properties. It is shown that during compressive characterization of vapor grown carbon nanofiber (CNF)/epoxy composites in the strain rate range of 10-4-2800 s-1, a difference in the fiber failure mechanism is identified based on the strain rate. Results from compression analyses show that the addition of fractions of CNFs and glass microballoons varies the compressive strength and elastic modulus of epoxy composites by as much as 53.6% and 39.9%. The compressive strength and modulus of the syntactic foams is also shown to generally increase by a factor of 3.41 and 2.96, respectively, with increasing strain rate when quasi-static and high strain rate testing data are compared, proving strain rate sensitivity of these reinforced composites. Exposure to moisture over a 6 month period of time is found to reduce the quasi-static and high strain rate strength and modulus, with a maximum of 7% weight gain with select grades of CNF/syntactic foam. The degradation of glass microballoons due to dealkalization is found to be the primary mechanism for reduced mechanical properties, as well as moisture diffusion and weight gain. In terms of thermal analysis results, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of CNF/epoxy and CNF/syntactic foam composites reinforced with glass microballoons decrease by as much as 11.6% and 38.4%. The experimental CTE values for all of the composites also fit within the bounds of established analytical models predicting the CTE of fiber and particle-reinforced composites. Further thermal studies through dynamic mechanical analysis demonstrated increased thermal stability and damping capability, where the maximum use and glass transition temperatures increase as much as 27.1% and 25.0%, respectively. The electrical properties of CNF reinforced composites are evaluated as well, where the electrical impedance decreases and the dielectric constant increases with addition of CNFs. Such behavior occurs despite the presence of epoxy and glass microballoons, which serve as insulative phases. Such results are useful in design considerations of lightweight composite materials used in weight saving, compressive strength, and damage tolerance applications, such as lightweight aircraft structure reinforcement, automobile components, and buoyancy control with marine submersibles. The results of the analyses have also evaluated certain factors for environmental exposure and temperature extremes, as well as considerations for electronics packaging, all of which have also played a role in shaping avant-garde composite structure designs for efficient, versatile, and long-life service use.

Novel melt-processable poly(ether ether ketone)(PEEK)/inorganic fullerene-like WS(2) nanoparticles for critical applications.

PubMed

Naffakh, Mohammed; Díez-Pascual, Ana M; Marco, Carlos; Gómez, Marián A; Jiménez, Ignacio

2010-09-09

The combination of high-performance thermoplastic poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) with inorganic fullerene-like tungsten disulfide (IF-WS(2)) nanoparticles offers an attractive way to combine the merits of organic and inorganic materials into novel polymer nanocomposite materials. Here, we report the processing of novel PEEK/IF-WS(2) nanocomposites, which overcome the nanoparticle agglomerate formation and provide PEEK-particle interactions. The IF-WS(2) nanoparticles do not require exfoliation or modification, making it possible to obtain stronger, lighter materials without the complexity and processing cost associated with these treatments. The nanocomposites were fabricated by melt blending, after a predispersion step based on ball milling and mechanical treatments in organic solvent, which leads to the dispersion of individually IF-WS(2) nanoparticles in the PEEK matrix as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. In order to determine the performance of the PEEK/IF-WS(2) nanocomposites for potential critical applications, particularly for the aircraft industry, we have extensively investigated these materials with a wide range of structural, thermal, and mechanical techniques using time-resolved synchrotron X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic-mechanical analysis, and tensile and impact tests as well as thermal measurements. Modulus, tensile strengh, thermal stability, and thermal conductivity of PEEK exhibited remarkable improvement with the addition of IF-WS(2).

High elastic modulus nanopowder reinforced resin composites for dental applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yijun

2007-12-01

Dental restorations account for more than $3 billion dollars a year on the market. Among them, all-ceramic dental crowns draw more and more attention and their popularity has risen because of their superior aesthetics and biocompatibility. However, their relatively high failure rate and labor-intensive fabrication procedure still limit their application. In this thesis, a new family of high elastic modulus nanopowder reinforced resin composites and their mechanical properties are studied. Materials with higher elastic modulus, such as alumina and diamond, are used to replace the routine filler material, silica, in dental resin composites to achieve the desired properties. This class of composites is developed to serve (1) as a high stiffness support to all-ceramic crowns and (2) as a means of joining independently fabricated crown core and veneer layers. Most of the work focuses on nano-sized Al2O3 (average particle size 47 nm) reinforcement in a polymeric matrix with 50:50 Bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA): triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) monomers. Surfactants, silanizing agents and primers are examined to obtain higher filler levels and enhance the bonding between filler and matrix. Silane agents work best. The elastic modulus of a 57.5 vol% alumina/resin composite is 31.5 GPa compared to current commercial resin composites with elastic modulus <15 GPa. Chemical additives can also effectively raise the hardness to as much as 1.34 GPa. Besides>alumina, diamond/resin composites are studied. An elastic modulus of about 45 GPa is obtained for a 57 vol% diamond/resin composite. Our results indicate that with a generally monodispersed nano-sized high modulus filler, relatively high elastic modulus resin-based composite cements are possible. Time-dependent behavior of our resin composites is also investigated. This is valuable for understanding the behavior of our material and possible fatigue testing in the future. Our results indicate that with effective coupling agents and higher filler loading, viscous flow can be greatly decreased due to the attenuation of mobility of polymer chains. Complementary studies indicate that our resin composites are promising for the proposed applications as a stiff support to all-ceramic crowns.

Thermal equation of state of silicon carbide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yuejian; Liu, Zhi T. Y.; Khare, Sanjay V.; Collins, Sean Andrew; Zhang, Jianzhong; Wang, Liping; Zhao, Yusheng

2016-02-01

A large volume press coupled with in-situ energy-dispersive synchrotron X-ray was used to probe the change of silicon carbide (SiC) under high pressure and temperature (P-T) up to 8.1 GPa and 1100 K. The obtained pressure-volume-temperature data were fitted to a modified high-T Birch-Murnaghan equation of state, yielding values of a series of thermo-elastic parameters, such as the ambient bulk modulus KTo = 237(2) GPa, temperature derivative of the bulk modulus at a constant pressure (∂K/∂T)P = -0.037(4) GPa K-1, volumetric thermal expansivity α(0, T) = a + bT with a = 5.77(1) × 10-6 K-1 and b = 1.36(2) × 10-8 K-2, and pressure derivative of the thermal expansion at a constant temperature (∂α/∂P)T = 6.53 ± 0.64 × 10-7 K-1 GPa-1. Furthermore, we found the temperature derivative of the bulk modulus at a constant volume, (∂KT/∂T)V, equal to -0.028(4) GPa K-1 by using a thermal pressure approach. In addition, the elastic properties of SiC were determined by density functional theory through the calculation of Helmholtz free energy. The computed results generally agree well with the experimentally determined values.

Thermal equation of state of silicon carbide

DOE PAGES

Wang, Yuejian; Liu, Zhi T. Y.; Khare, Sanjay V.; ...

2016-02-11

A large volume press coupled with in-situ energy-dispersive synchrotron X-ray was used to probe the change of silicon carbide (SiC) under high pressure and temperature (P-T) up to 8.1 GPa and 1100 K. The obtained pressure–volume–temperature (P-V-T) data were fitted to a modified high-T Birch-Murnaghan equation of state, yielding values of a series of thermo-elastic parameters, such as, the ambient bulk modulus K To = 237(2) GPa, temperature derivative of bulk modulus at constant pressure (∂K/∂T)P = -0.037(4) GPa K -1, volumetric thermal expansivity α(0, T)=a+bT with a = 5.77(1)×10 -6 K -1 and b = 1.36(2)×10 -8 K -2,more » and pressure derivative of thermal expansion at constant temperature (∂α/∂P) T =6.53±0.64×10 -7 K -1GPa -1. Furthermore, we found the temperature derivative of bulk modulus at constant volume, (∂K T/∂T) V, equal to -0.028(4) GPa K -1 by using a thermal pressure approach. In addition, the elastic properties of SiC were determined by density functional theory through the calculation of Helmholtz free energy. Lastly, the computed results generally agree well with the experimental values.« less

Effects of Reorientation of Graphene Platelets (GPLs) on Young’s Modulus of Polymer Composites under Bi-Axial Stretching

PubMed Central

Yang, Jie

2018-01-01

Effects of bi-axial stretching induced reorientation of graphene platelets (GPLs) on the Young’s modulus of GPL/polymer composites is studied by Mori-Tanaka micromechanics model. The dispersion state of the GPLs in polymer matrix is captured by an orientation distribution function (ODF), in which two Euler angles are used to identify the orientation of the GPLs. Compared to uni-axial stretching, the increase of the stretching strain in the second direction enhances the re-alignment of GPL fillers in this direction while it deteriorates the re-alignment of the fillers in the other two directions. Comprehensive parametric study on the effects of the out-of-plane Young’s modulus, stretching strain, strain ratio, Poisson’s ratio and weight fraction and GPL dimension on the effective Young’s moduli of the composites in the three directions are conducted. It is found that the out-of-plane Young’s modulus has limited effects on the overall Young’s modulus of the composites. The second stretching enhances the Young’s modulus in this direction while it decreases the Young’s modulus in the other two directions. The results demonstrate the increase of Poisson’s ratio is favorable in increasing the Young’s modulus of the composites. GPLs with larger diameter-to-thickness ratio have better reinforcing effect on the Young’s modulus of GPL/polymer nanocomposites. PMID:29316669

FP-LAPW study of structural, electronic, elastic, mechanical and thermal properties of AlFe intermetallic

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jain, Ekta, E-mail: jainekta05@gmail.com; Pagare, Gitanjali, E-mail: gita-pagare@yahoo.co.in; Sanyal, S. P., E-mail: sps.physicsbu@gmail.com

2016-05-06

The structural, electronic, elastic, mechanical and thermal properties of AlFe intermetallic compound in B{sub 2}-type (CsCl) structure have been investigated using first-principles calculations. The exchange-correlation term was treated within generalized gradient approximation. Ground state properties i.e. lattice constants (a{sub 0}), bulk modulus (B) and first-order pressure derivative of bulk modulus (B’) are presented. The density of states are derived which show the metallic character of present compound. Our results for C{sub 11}, C{sub 12} and C{sub 44} agree well with previous theoretical data. Using Pugh’s criteria (B/G{sub H} < 1.75), brittle character of AlFe is satisfied. In addition shear modulusmore » (G{sub H}), Young’s modulus (E), sound wave velocities and Debye temperature (θ{sub D}) have also been estimated.« less

Nonlinear effects in thermal stress analysis of a solid propellant rocket motor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Francis, E. C.; Peeters, R. L.; Murch, S. A.

1976-01-01

Direct characterization procedures were used to determine the relaxation modulus as a function of time, temperature, and state of strain. Using the quasi-elastic method of linearviscoelasticity, these properties were employed in a finite element computer code to analyze a thick-walled, nonlinear viscoelastic cylinder in the state of plane strain bonded to a thin (but stiff) elastic casing and subjected to slow thermal cooling. The viscoelastic solution is then expressed as a sequence of elastic finite element solutions. The strain-dependent character of the relaxation modulus is included by replacing the single relaxation curve used in the linear viscoelastic theory by a family of relaxation functions obtained at various strain levels. These functions may be regarded as a collection of stress histories or responses to specific loads (in this case, step strains) with which the cooldown solution is made to agree by iterations on the modulus and strain level.

Determining Tension-Compression Nonlinear Mechanical Properties of Articular Cartilage from Indentation Testing.

PubMed

Chen, Xingyu; Zhou, Yilu; Wang, Liyun; Santare, Michael H; Wan, Leo Q; Lu, X Lucas

2016-04-01

The indentation test is widely used to determine the in situ biomechanical properties of articular cartilage. The mechanical parameters estimated from the test depend on the constitutive model adopted to analyze the data. Similar to most connective tissues, the solid matrix of cartilage displays different mechanical properties under tension and compression, termed tension-compression nonlinearity (TCN). In this study, cartilage was modeled as a porous elastic material with either a conewise linear elastic matrix with cubic symmetry or a solid matrix reinforced by a continuous fiber distribution. Both models are commonly used to describe the TCN of cartilage. The roles of each mechanical property in determining the indentation response of cartilage were identified by finite element simulation. Under constant loading, the equilibrium deformation of cartilage is mainly dependent on the compressive modulus, while the initial transient creep behavior is largely regulated by the tensile stiffness. More importantly, altering the permeability does not change the shape of the indentation creep curves, but introduces a parallel shift along the horizontal direction on a logarithmic time scale. Based on these findings, a highly efficient curve-fitting algorithm was designed, which can uniquely determine the three major mechanical properties of cartilage (compressive modulus, tensile modulus, and permeability) from a single indentation test. The new technique was tested on adult bovine knee cartilage and compared with results from the classic biphasic linear elastic curve-fitting program.

Mechanical and thermal properties of biocomposites from nonwoven industrial Fique fiber mats with Epoxy Resin and Linear Low Density Polyethylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hidalgo-Salazar, Miguel A.; Correa, Juan P.

2018-03-01

In this work Linear Low Density Polyethylene-nonwoven industrial Fique fiber mat (LLDPE-Fique) and Epoxy Resin-nonwoven industrial Fique fiber mat (EP-Fique) biocomposites were prepared using thermocompression and resin film infusion processes. Neat polymeric matrices and its biocomposites were tested following ASTM standards in order to evaluate tensile and flexural mechanical properties. Also, thermal behavior of these materials has been studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Tensile and flexural test revealed that nonwoven Fique reinforced composites exhibited higher modulus and strength but lower deformation capability as compared with LLDPE and EP neat matrices. TG thermograms showed that nonwoven Fique fibers incorporation has an effect on the thermal stability of the composites. On the other hand, Fique fibers did not change the crystallization and melting processes of the LLDPE matrix but restricts the motion of EP macromolecules chains thus increases the Tg of the EP-Fique composite. Finally, this work opens the possibility of considering non-woven Fique fibers as a reinforcement material with a high potential for the manufacture of biocomposites for automotive applications. In addition to the processing test specimens, it was also possible to manufacture a part of LLDPE-Fique, and one part of EP-Fique.

Anorthite: Thermal equation of state to high pressures. [for comparison with Earth interior and cratering properties of lunar surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jeanloz, R.; Ahrens, T. J.

1979-01-01

The shock wave (Hugoniot) data on single crystal and porous anorthite (CaAl2Si208) to pressures of 120 GPa are presented. These data are inverted to yield high pressure values of the Grueneisen parameter, adiabatic bulk modulus, and coefficient of thermal expansion over a broad range of pressures and temperatures which in turn are used to reduce the raw Hugoniot data and construct an experimentally based, high pressure thermal equation of state for anorthite. The hypothesis that higher order anharmonic contributions to the thermal properties decrease more rapidly upon compression than the lowest order anharmonicities is supported. The properties of anorthite corrected to lower mantle conditions show that although the density of anorthite is comparable to that of the lower most mantle, its bulk modulus is considerably less, hence making enrichment in the mantle implausible except perhaps near its base.

Nanographene reinforced carbon/carbon composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bansal, Dhruv

Carbon/Carbon Composites (CCC) are made of carbon reinforcement in carbon matrix and have high thermal stability and fatigue resistance. CCC are used in nose cones, heat shields and disc brakes of aircrafts due to their exceptional mechanical properties at high temperature. The manufacturing process of CCC involves a carbonization stage in which unwanted elements, except carbon, are eliminated from the polymer precursor. Carbonization results in the formation of voids and cracks due to the thermal mismatch between the reinforcement and the matrix and expulsion of volatiles from the polymer matrix. Thermal cracks and voids decrease the density and mechanical properties of the manufactured CCC. In this work, Nanographene Platelets (NGP) were explored as nanofillers to fill the voids/cracks and reduce thermal shrinkage in CCC. They were first compared with Vapor Grown Carbon Nanofibers (VGCNF) by dispersion of different concentrations (0.5wt%, 1.5wt%, 3wt%) in resole-type phenolic resin and were characterized to explore their effect on rheology, heat of reaction and wetting behavior. The dispersions were then cured to form nanocomposites and were characterized for morphology, flexure and thermal properties. Finally, NGP were introduced into the carbon/carboncomposites in two stages, first by spraying in different concentrations (0.5wt%, 1.5wt%, 3wt%, 5wt %) during the prepreg formation and later during densification by directly mixing in the corresponding densification mix. The manufactured NGP reinforced CCC were characterized for microstructure, porosity, bulk density and mechanical properties (Flexure and ILSS) which were further cross-checked by non-destructive techniques (vibration and ultrasonic). In this study, it was further found that at low concentration (≤ 1.5 wt%) NGP were more effective in increasing the heat of reaction and in decreasing the viscosity of the phenolic resin. The decrease in viscosity led to better wetting properties of NGP / phenolic dispersions compared to VGCNF/phenolic dispersions. In nanocomposites, at low concentration (≤ 1.5 wt%), NGP were effective in increasing the flexure strength, char content and lowering the porosity and coefficient of thermal expansion of neat phenolic resin. At higher concentration (>1.5wt%), NGP had a tendency to agglomerate and lost their effectiveness. The behavior observed in nanocomposites continued in manufactured CCC. The highest Inter Laminar Shear Strength (ILSS), flexure strength/modulus, stiffness and density was observed at 1.5 wt% NGP. In CCC at concentrations > 1.5 wt%, the properties (ILSS, flexure, stiffness, density) decreased due to agglomeration but they were still higher compared to that of neat CCC (without NGP).

Cell wall elasticity: I. A critique of the bulk elastic modulus approach and an analysis using polymer elastic principles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, H. I.; Spence, R. D.; Sharpe, P. J.; Goeschl, J. D.

1985-01-01

The traditional bulk elastic modulus approach to plant cell pressure-volume relations is inconsistent with its definition. The relationship between the bulk modulus and Young's modulus that forms the basis of their usual application to cell pressure-volume properties is demonstrated to be physically meaningless. The bulk modulus describes stress/strain relations of solid, homogeneous bodies undergoing small deformations, whereas the plant cell is best described as a thin-shelled, fluid-filled structure with a polymer base. Because cell walls possess a polymer structure, an alternative method of mechanical analysis is presented using polymer elasticity principles. This initial study presents the groundwork of polymer mechanics as would be applied to cell walls and discusses how the matrix and microfibrillar network induce nonlinear stress/strain relationships in the cell wall in response to turgor pressure. In subsequent studies, these concepts will be expanded to include anisotropic expansion as regulated by the microfibrillar network.

Bio-composites based on cellulose acetate and kenaf fibers: Processing and properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pang, C.; Shanks, R. A.; Daver, F.

2014-05-01

Research on bio-composites is important because of its positive environmental impact. In this study, bio-composites based on plasticised cellulose acetate and kenaf fibers were prepared by solution casting and compression moulding methods. The fibers were chemically treated to remove lignin, hemicellulose and impurities. Mechanical, morphological and thermal properties of the bio-composites were studied. Introduction of chopped kenaf fibers increased the storage modulus. The flexural storage modulus of the composite was affected with the introduction of moisture. Moisture behaved similar to the effect of plasticiser, it reduced the modulus.

Electrical and Electrorheological Properties of Alumina/Natural Rubber (STR XL) Composites

PubMed Central

Tangboriboon, Nuchnapa; Uttanawanit, Nuttapot; Longtong, Mean; Wongpinthong, Piraya; Sirivat, Anuvat; Kunanuruksapong, Ruksapong

2010-01-01

The electrorheological properties (ER) of natural rubber (XL)/alumina (Al2O3) composites were investigated in oscillatory shear mode under DC electrical field strengths between 0 to 2 kV/mm. SEM micrographs indicate a mean particle size of 9.873 ± 0.034 µm and particles that are moderately dispersed in the matrix. The XRD patterns indicate Al2O3 is of the β-phase polytype which possesses high ionic conductivity. The storage modulus (G′) of the composites, or the rigidity, increases by nearly two orders of magnitude, with variations in particle volume fraction and electrical field strength. The increase in the storage modulus is caused the ionic polarization of the alumina particles and the induced dipole moments set up in the natural rubber matrix.

[Bone Cell Biology Assessed by Microscopic Approach. Micro- and nanomechanical analysis of bone].

PubMed

Saito, Masami; Hongo, Hiromi

2015-10-01

For Stiffness, we have several ways, Vicker's, Nano Indentor and NanoIndentation with AFM. Recent study needs several nm, tens of nm scale lateral resolution. For this request, AFM supply new technology, PeakForce QNM®, is only way to measure sub molecular level modulus mapping. In this article, introduce several data and specially talk about bone modulus near osteocytic lacunae treated with PTH which is considering to resolve bone matrix around the osteocytic lacunae.

Nanoindentation on SnAgCu lead-free solder joints and analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Luhua; Pang, John H. L.

2006-12-01

The lead-free SnAgCu (SAC) solder joint on copper pad with organic solderability preservative (Cu-OSP) and electroless nickel and immersion gold (ENIG) subjected to thermal testing leads to intermetallic growth. It causes corresponding reliability concerns at the interface. Nanoindentation characterization on SnAgCu solder alloy, intermetallic compounds (IMCs), and the substrates subjected to thermal aging is reported. The modulus and hardness of thin IMC layers were measured by nanoindentation continuous stiffness measurement (CSM) from planar IMC surface. When SAC/Ni(Au) solder joints were subject to thermal aging, the Young’s modulus of the NiCuSn IMC at the SAC/ENIG specimen changed from 207 GPa to 146 GPa with different aging times up to 500 h. The hardness decreased from 10.0 GPa to 7.3 GPa. For the SAC/Cu-OSP reaction couple, the Young’s modulus of Cu6Sn5 stayed constant at 97.0 GPa and hardness about 5.7 GPa. Electron-probe microanalysis (EPMA) was used to thermal aging. The creep effect on the measured result was analyzed when measuring SnAgCu solder; it was found that the indentation penetration, and thus the hardness, is loading rate dependent. With the proposed constant P/P experiment, a constant indentation strain rate h/h and hardness could be achieved. The log-log plot of indentation strain rate versus hardness for the data from the constant P/P experiments yields a slope of 7.52. With the optimized test method and CSM Technique, the Modulus of SAC387 solder alloy and all the layers in a solder joint were investigated.

High Temperature Mechanical Characterization and Analysis of Al2O3 /Al2O3 Composition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gyekenyesi, John Z.; Jaskowiak, Martha H.

1999-01-01

Sixteen ply unidirectional zirconia coated single crystal Al2O3 fiber reinforced polycrystalline Al2O3 was tested in uniaxial tension at temperatures to 1400 C in air. Fiber volume fractions ranged from 26 to 31%. The matrix has primarily open porosity of approximately 40%. Theories for predicting the Young's modulus, first matrix cracking stress, and ultimate strength were applied and evaluated for suitability in predicting the mechanical behavior of Al2O3/Al2O3 composites. The composite exhibited pseudo tough behavior (increased area under the stress/strain curve relative to monolithic alumina) from 22 to 1400 C. The rule-of-mixtures provides a good estimate of the Young's modulus of the composite using the constituent properties from room temperature to approximately 1200 C for short term static tensile tests in air. The ACK theory provides the best approximation of the first matrix cracking stress while accounting for residual stresses at room temperature. Difficulties in determining the fiber/matrix interfacial shear stress at high temperatures prevented the accurate prediction of the first matrix cracking stress above room temperature. The theory of Cao and Thouless, based on Weibull statistics, gave the best prediction for the composite ultimate tensile strength.

Thermoelastic characteristics testing on kevlar samples for spacecraft structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crema, L. Balis; Barboni, R.; Castellani, A.; Peroni, I.

The tensile properties, the thermal expansion coefficient and the thermal conductivity of woven roving (WR) reinforced Kevlar fabrics were experimentally determined. Theoretical values for tensile Young's modulus were calculated by simulating a fabric as an equivalent cross-ply laminate. As thermal expansion coefficient concerns the fabrics have shown an isotropic behaviour. The thermal conductivity normal to fabric plane has also been determined.

The effect of porosity and microcracking on the thermomechanical properties of cordierite

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shyam, A.; Bruno, G.; Watkins, T. R.

2015-08-28

The effect of porosity and microcracking on the mechanical properties (strength, fracture toughness, Young’s modulus, and fracture energy) and thermal expansion of diesel particulate filter (DPF) grade cordierite materials has been investigated. A method to deconvolute the effect of porosity and microcracking on Young’s modulus is proposed. In addition, the microcrack density and the pore morphology factor are calculated by applying a micromechanical differential scheme. The values of the investigated mechanical properties are shown to decrease with an increase in porosity, but the thermal expansion values are insensitive to porosity. The variation in mechanical properties as a function of porositymore » leads to distinct porosity dependence of thermal shock resistance for crack initiation and crack propagation for DPF grade synthetic cordierite.« less

Matrix Property-Controlled Stem Cell Differentiation for Cardiac and Skeletal Tissue Regeneration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Yanyi

When ischemia, caused by diseases such as myocardial infarction (MI) or atherosclerotic peripheral artery disease (PAD), happens in myocardium or skeletal muscles, the depletion of oxygen and nutrients can cause the immediate death of muscle cells, the formation of stiff scar tissues, followed by the mechanical and functional properties loss of heart/skeletal muscles. In order to treat these diseases, it's necessary to: 1). fast re-establish the blood flow of ischemic tissues; 2). fully regenerate the cardiac/skeletal muscles to restore the tissue functions. One of the widely used approaches to reach these treatment goals is stem cell transplantation. By using novel biomaterial-based scaffolds (gels, foams or fibrous networks), stem cells may be delivered into the injured area, differentiate into cardiomyocytes/myofibers and help the regeneration of local tissues. In the first part of this work, physical induction approaches for stem cell differentiation is presented. Using an electrospinning method, fibrous scaffolds based on hydrogel and polyurethane (PU) were fabricated and cardiac differentiation of cardio-sphere derived cells (CDCs) was successfully induced through the control of scaffold mechanical and morphological properties (fiber diameter, density, alignment, single fiber modulus and scaffold macro modulus). In a hydrogel system, the matrix modulus was successfully decoupled from the chemical structure, composition and water content properties, and a matrix tensile modulus of around 20kPa was found to better induce the myogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) cultured under normal condition. In the other hand, due to the harsh local environment caused by ischemia, the transplanted cells usually have low survival and differentiation rates. To solve this problem, cells were delivered in hydrogels with angiogenesis factor basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or oxygen release microspheres (ORM) to conquer the local low oxygen and low nutrient conditions. The second part of this work focuses on the application of this delivery system in vivo using a mice hindlimb ischemia model. Results showed that MSC survival and myogenic differentiation rates were significantly improved both in vitro and in vivo with the delivery of bFGF or ORM under ischemic condition. In addition, a dramatic increase of muscle fiber regeneration, blood flow recovery as well as the mechanical/functional (muscle contractility, fatigue resistance and mice running ability) properties was observed. These results indicate the great potential of this cell-gel-biomolecule system in the treatment of muscle regeneration. To better understand how the matrix modulus affects the stem cell differentiation, we developed a novel approach using digital image correlation (DIC) and finite element modeling (FEM) to calculate the cell-generated tractions. This is presented in the third part of this work, and our results demonstrated that MSCs with higher myogenic differentiation exerted larger tractions to their surrounding matrix.

Advanced SiC/SiC Ceramic Composites For Gas-Turbine Engine Components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yun, H. M.; DiCarlo, J. A.; Easler, T. E.

2004-01-01

NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) is developing a variety of advanced SiC/SiC ceramic composite (ASC) systems that allow these materials to operate for hundreds of hours under stress in air at temperatures approaching 2700 F. These SiC/SiC composite systems are lightweight (approximately 30% metal density) and, in comparison to monolithic ceramics and carbon fiber-reinforced ceramic composites, are able to reliably retain their structural properties for long times under aggressive gas-turbine engine environments. The key for the ASC systems is related first to the NASA development of the Sylramic-iBN Sic fiber, which displays higher thermal stability than any other SiC- based ceramic fibers and possesses an in-situ grown BN surface layer for higher environmental durability. This fiber is simply derived from Sylramic Sic fiber type that is currently produced at ATK COI Ceramics (COIC). Further capability is then derived by using chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) and/or polymer infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) to form a Sic-based matrix with high creep and rupture resistance as well as high thermal conductivity. The objectives of this study were (1) to optimize the constituents and processing parameters for a Sylramic-iBN fiber reinforced ceramic composite system in which the Sic-based matrix is formed at COIC almost entirely by PIP (full PIP approach), (2) to evaluate the properties of this system in comparison to other 2700 F Sylramic-iBN systems in which the matrix is formed by full CVI and CVI + PIP, and (3) to examine the pros and cons of the full PIP approach for fabricating hot-section engine components. A key goal is the development of a composite system with low porosity, thereby providing high modulus, high matrix cracking strength, high interlaminar strength, and high thermal conductivity, a major property requirement for engine components that will experience high thermal gradients during service. Other key composite property goals are demonstration at high temperatures of high environmental resistance and high creep resistance, which in turn will result in long component life. Data are presented from a variety of laboratory tests on simple two-dimensional panels that examine these properties and compare the performance of the optimized full PIP system with those of the full CVI and CVI + PIP hybrid systems. Underlying mechanisms for performance differences in the various systems are discussed. Remaining issues for further property enhancement and for application of the full PIP approach for engine components are also discussed, as well as on-going approaches at NASA to solve these issues.

A review on mechanical properties of magnesium based nano composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarafder, Nilanjan; Prasad, M. Lakshmi Vara

2018-04-01

A review was done on Magnesium (Mg) based composite materials reinforced with different nano particles such as TiO2, Cu, Y2O3, SiC, ZrO2 and Al2O3. TiO2 and Al2O3 nanoparticles were synthesised by melt deposition process. Cu, Y2O3, SiC and ZrO2 nanoparticles were synthesised by powder metallurgy process. Composite microstructural characteristics shows that the nano-size reinforcements are uniformly distributed in the composite matrix and also minimum porosity with solid interfacial integrity. The mechanical properties showed yield strength improvement by 0.2 percentage and Ultimate tensile strength (UTS) was also improved for all the nano-particles. But UTS was adversely affected with TiO2 reinforcement while ductility was increased. With Cu reinforcement elastic modulus, hardness and fracture resistance increased and improved the co-efficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of Mg based matrix. By Y2O3 reinforcement hardness, fracture resistance was improved and ductility reached maximum by 0.22 volume percentage of Y2O3 and decreased with succeeding increase in Y2O3 reinforcement. The readings exposed that mechanical properties were gathered from the composite comprising 2.0 weight percentage of Y2O3. Ductility and fracture resistance increased with ZrO2 reinforcement in Mg matrix. Using Al2O3 as reinforcement in Mg composite matrix hardness, elastic modulus and ductility was increased but porosity reduced with well interfacial integrity. Dissipation of energy in the form of damping capacity was resolved by classical vibration theory. The result showed that an increasing up to 0.4 volume percentage alumina content increases the damping capacity up to 34 percent. In another sample, addition of 2 weight percentage nano-Al2O3 particles showed big possibility in reducing CTE from 27.9-25.9×10-6 K-1 in Magnesium, tensile and yield strength amplified by 40MPa. In another test, Mg/1.1Al2O3 nanocomposite was manufactured by solidification process followed by hot extrusion. Results showed that strengthening effect was maintained up to 150°C and fracture characteristics of Mg composite transformed from brittle to mixed ductile mode and fully ductile in attendance of nano-Al2O3 particulates.

How Properties of Kenaf Fibers from Burkina Faso Contribute to the Reinforcement of Earth Blocks

PubMed Central

Millogo, Younoussa; Aubert, Jean-Emmanuel; Hamard, Erwan; Morel, Jean-Claude

2015-01-01

Physicochemical characteristics of Hibiscus cannabinus (kenaf) fibers from Burkina Faso were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), chemical analysis and video microscopy. Kenaf fibers (3 cm long) were used to reinforce earth blocks, and the mechanical properties of reinforced blocks, with fiber contents ranging from 0.2 to 0.8 wt%, were investigated. The fibers were mainly composed of cellulose type I (70.4 wt%), hemicelluloses (18.9 wt%) and lignin (3 wt%) and were characterized by high tensile strength (1 ± 0.25 GPa) and Young’s modulus (136 ± 25 GPa), linked to their high cellulose content. The incorporation of short fibers of kenaf reduced the propagation of cracks in the blocks, through the good adherence of fibers to the clay matrix, and therefore improved their mechanical properties. Fiber incorporation was particularly beneficial for the bending strength of earth blocks because it reinforces these blocks after the failure of soil matrix observed for unreinforced blocks. Blocks reinforced with such fibers had a ductile tensile behavior that made them better building materials for masonry structures than unreinforced blocks.

Effects of cellulose whiskers on properties of soy protein thermoplastics.

PubMed

Wang, Yixiang; Cao, Xiaodong; Zhang, Lina

2006-07-14

Environmentally-friendly SPI/cellulose whisker composites were successfully prepared using a colloidal suspension of cellulose whiskers, to reinforce soy protein isolate (SPI) plastics. The cellulose whiskers, having an average length of 1.2 microm and diameter of 90 nm, respectively, were prepared from cotton linter pulp by hydrolyzing with sulfuric acid aqueous solution. The effects of the whisker content on the morphology and properties of the glycerol-plasticized SPI composites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, water-resistivity testing and tensile testing. The results indicated that, with the addition of 0 to 30 wt.-% of cellulose whiskers, strong interactions occurred both between the whiskers and between the filler and the SPI matrix, reinforcing the composites and preserving their biodegradability. Both the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the SPI/cellulose whisker composites increased from 5.8 to 8.1 MPa and from 44.7 to 133.2 MPa, respectively, at a relative humidity of 43%, following an increase of the whisker content from 0 to 30 wt.-%. Furthermore, the incorporation of the cellulose whiskers into the SPI matrix led to an improvement in the water resistance for the SPI-based composites.

Lignin and holocellulose from pecan nutshell as reinforcing fillers in poly (lactic acid) biocomposites.

PubMed

Agustin-Salazar, Sarai; Cerruti, Pierfrancesco; Medina-Juárez, Luis Ángel; Scarinzi, Gennaro; Malinconico, Mario; Soto-Valdez, Herlinda; Gamez-Meza, Nohemi

2018-04-24

Lignocellulose from agro-food biowaste represents a valuable source of cost-effective structural fillers for wholly renewable polymer composites. In this work, pecan (Carya illinoinensis) nutshell (NS) fiber and its structural components, holocellulose (HC) and acid insoluble lignin (AIL), were isolated, characterized and used as reinforcing fillers to manufacture poly(lactic acid) (PLA) based biocomposites. Thermal, morphological and mechanical properties of the prepared materials were analyzed. NS and HC acted as heterogeneous nucleating agents, potentially able to control PLA physical aging. Moreover, they significantly enhanced the viscoelastic response of PLA, mainly restricting the melt molecular mobility due to hydrodynamic effects and the formation of a three-dimensional particulate network. Flexural tests demonstrated that HC induced a 25% increase in modulus compared to the plain polymer. AIL, conversely, conferred higher ductility to the PLA matrix producing an increase in stress and strain at break of 55% and 65%, respectively. Finally, all the biocomposites showed lower resilience with respect to plain PLA due to the lack of chemical adhesion between filler and matrix. These results emphasize the potential of NS as a source of reinforcing filler in polymer-based biocomposites. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Reliable and cost effective design of intermetallic Ni2Si nanowires and direct characterization of its mechanical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Seung Zeon; Kang, Joonhee; Kim, Sung-Dae; Choi, Si-Young; Kim, Hyung Giun; Lee, Jehyun; Kim, Kwangho; Lim, Sung Hwan; Han, Byungchan

2015-10-01

We report that a single crystal Ni2Si nanowire (NW) of intermetallic compound can be reliably designed using simple three-step processes: casting a ternary Cu-Ni-Si alloy, nucleate and growth of Ni2Si NWs as embedded in the alloy matrix via designing discontinuous precipitation (DP) of Ni2Si nanoparticles and thermal aging, and finally chemical etching to decouple the Ni2Si NWs from the alloy matrix. By direct application of uniaxial tensile tests to the Ni2Si NW we characterize its mechanical properties, which were rarely reported in previous literatures. Using integrated studies of first principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) we accurately validate the experimental measurements. Our results indicate that our simple three-step method enables to design brittle Ni2Si NW with high tensile strength of 3.0 GPa and elastic modulus of 60.6 GPa. We propose that the systematic methodology pursued in this paper significantly contributes to opening innovative processes to design various kinds of low dimensional nanomaterials leading to advancement of frontiers in nanotechnology and related industry sectors.

Enhancement of mechanical properties of epoxy/graphene nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berhanuddin, N. I. C.; Zaman, I.; Rozlan, S. A. M.; Karim, M. A. A.; Manshoor, B.; Khalid, A.; Chan, S. W.; Meng, Q.

2017-10-01

Graphene is a novel class of nanofillers possessing outstanding characteristics including most compatible with most polymers, high absolute strength, high aspect ratio and cost effectiveness. In this study, graphene was used to reinforce epoxy as a matrix, to enhance its mechanical properties. Two types of epoxy composite were developed which are epoxy/graphene nanocomposite and epoxy/modified graphene nanocomposite. The fabrication of graphene was going through thermal expansion and sonication process. Chemical modification was only done for modified graphene where 4,4’-Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) is used. The mechanical properties of both nanocomposite, such as Young’s modulus and maximum stress were investigated. Three weight percentage were used for this study which are 0.5 wt%, 1.0 wt% and 1.5 wt%. At 0.5 wt%, modified and unmodified shows the highest value compared to neat epoxy, where the value were 8 GPa, 6 GPa and 0.675 GPa, respectively. For maximum stress, neat epoxy showed the best result compared to both nanocomposite due to the changes of material properties when adding the filler into the matrix. Therefore, both nanocomposite increase the mechanical properties of the epoxy, however modification surface of graphene gives better improvement.

Microwave Irradiation on Graphene Dispersed Within Polymeric Matrices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cisneros, Jorge; Yust, Brian; Chipara, Mircea

Graphene is a two dimensional nanomaterial with high thermal and electric conductivity and Young modulus. These features make graphene an ideal reinforcement for polymeric matrices. However, the mechanical features of polymer-carbon nanostructured composites are limited by the dispersion of the filler and by the delamination or microcracks initiated at the interface between the polymeric matrix and nanofiller. This last weakness can be addressed by improving the interface via chemical and physical methods. Microwave heating of graphite is a very efficient approach if the polymeric matrix does not also have a strong absorption. During the irradiation, the nanofiller is preferentially heated; the local melting of the polymer at the interface improves the interface by filling the microcracks and delaminations. Nanocomposites of polystyrene-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-polystyrene loaded by various amounts of graphene ranging from 0 % to 20 % wt. have been prepared by solution mixing using chloroform as solvent. The as obtained nanocomposites have been subjected to microwave irradiation in an Anton Paar Monowave 300 system operating at 75 W, for various irradiation times 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. The effect of microwave irradiation has been studied by Raman spectroscopy.

Reliable and cost effective design of intermetallic Ni2Si nanowires and direct characterization of its mechanical properties.

PubMed

Han, Seung Zeon; Kang, Joonhee; Kim, Sung-Dae; Choi, Si-Young; Kim, Hyung Giun; Lee, Jehyun; Kim, Kwangho; Lim, Sung Hwan; Han, Byungchan

2015-10-12

We report that a single crystal Ni2Si nanowire (NW) of intermetallic compound can be reliably designed using simple three-step processes: casting a ternary Cu-Ni-Si alloy, nucleate and growth of Ni2Si NWs as embedded in the alloy matrix via designing discontinuous precipitation (DP) of Ni2Si nanoparticles and thermal aging, and finally chemical etching to decouple the Ni2Si NWs from the alloy matrix. By direct application of uniaxial tensile tests to the Ni2Si NW we characterize its mechanical properties, which were rarely reported in previous literatures. Using integrated studies of first principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) we accurately validate the experimental measurements. Our results indicate that our simple three-step method enables to design brittle Ni2Si NW with high tensile strength of 3.0 GPa and elastic modulus of 60.6 GPa. We propose that the systematic methodology pursued in this paper significantly contributes to opening innovative processes to design various kinds of low dimensional nanomaterials leading to advancement of frontiers in nanotechnology and related industry sectors.

A New Electrochemical Approach for the Synthesis of Copper-Graphene Nanocomposite Foils with High Hardness

PubMed Central

Pavithra, Chokkakula L. P.; Sarada, Bulusu V.; Rajulapati, Koteswararao V.; Rao, Tata N.; Sundararajan, G.

2014-01-01

Graphene has proved its significant role as a reinforcement material in improving the strength of polymers as well as metal matrix composites due to its excellent mechanical properties. In addition, graphene is also shown to block dislocation motion in a nanolayered metal-graphene composites resulting in ultra high strength. In the present paper, we demonstrate the synthesis of very hard Cu-Graphene composite foils by a simple, scalable and economical pulse reverse electrodeposition method with a well designed pulse profile. Optimization of pulse parameters and current density resulted in composite foils with well dispersed graphene, exhibiting a high hardness of ~2.5 GPa and an increased elastic modulus of ~137 GPa while exhibiting an electrical conductivity comparable to that of pure Cu. The pulse parameters are designed in such a way to have finer grain size of Cu matrix as well as uniform dispersion of graphene throughout the matrix, contributing to high hardness and modulus. Annealing of these nanocomposite foils at 300°C, neither causes grain growth of the Cu matrix nor deteriorates the mechanical properties, indicating the role of graphene as an excellent reinforcement material as well as a grain growth inhibitor. PMID:24514043

Preparation and Characterization of Polyimide Nanocomposites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Orwoll, Robert A.

2002-01-01

Many properties of polymeric materials can be enhanced by dispersing small quantities of clay nanocomposites throughout the polymer. Among the enhancements are increases in modulus and resistance to erosion by atomic oxygen and reductions in thermal expansivity, gas permeability, and flammability. To achieve the full extent of enhancement with these polymer-clay nanocomposites, the clay nanoparticles, which have thicknesses of only one-to-several nanometers and lengths and widths of hundreds of nanometers to micrometers, must be exfoliated one from another and then individually dispersed throughout the polymer. This dispersion is achieved only after alkali metal cations (usually Na(+)) that reside on the surfaces of the nanoparticles have been replaced by organocations (typically a quaternary amine cation). This renders the surface of the nanoparticle a more hospitable interface for the organic polymer matrix. Following the cation exchange, the organic clay is either mixed directly into the polymer or is dispersed in monomer which is later polymerized around the nanoparticle.

Application of bioethanol derived lignin for improving physico-mechanical properties of thermoset biocomposites.

PubMed

Bajwa, Dilpreet S; Wang, Xinnan; Sitz, Evan; Loll, Tyler; Bhattacharjee, Sujal

2016-08-01

Lignin is the most abundant of renewable polymers next to cellulose with a global annual production of 70million tons, largely produced from pulping and second generation biofuel industries. Low value of industrial lignin makes it an attractive biomaterial for wide range of applications. The study investigated the application of wheat straw and corn stover based lignin derived from ethanol production for use in thermoset biocomposites. The biocomposite matrix constituted a two component low viscosity Araldite(®)LY 8601/Aradur(®) 8602 epoxy resin system and the lignin content varied from 0 to 25% by weight fraction. The analysis of the physical and mechanical properties of the biocomposites show bioethanol derived lignin can improve selective properties such as impact strength, and thermal stability without compromising the modulus and strength attributes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The characterization of high-density polyethylene/organoclay nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodrigues, Tathiane Cordeiro; Tavares, Maria Inês Bruno; Soares, Igor Lopes; Moreira, Ana M.

2009-01-01

Polymeric nanocomposites, which are hybrids of polymers and modified inorganic clay with organic surfactants, are extremely attractive in both science and industry. These materials present improvements in such polymer properties as modulus, heat capacity, thermal stability, flame resistance, and so on. Research has been conducted in recent decades to obtain high-quality materials that can be used in applications like food packing, car components, and combustible cells. Polymeric nanocomposites present many advantages in relation to composites due to the quantity of filler added to the polymer and also to the improved properties. In a composite, the quantity of filler must be as high as possible (i.e., over 30%). In the polymeric nanocomposite the quantity of filler varies from 1% to 5% because of the nanosize of the particles. These nanoparticles often have a large surface area that results in improved polymer-matrix properties.

Characterization of the new biodegradable WPI/clay nanocomposite films based on kefiran exopolysaccharide.

PubMed

Zolfi, Mohsen; Khodaiyan, Faramarz; Mousavi, Mohammad; Hashemi, Maryam

2015-06-01

Physico-mechanical, thermal and structural characteristics of nanocomposite film composed of kefiran-whey protein isolate (WPI)-montmorillonite (MMT; 1, 3 and 5 % w/w) were studied. Incorporation of MMT significantly affected the mechanical attributes of the kefiran-WPI films. The tensile strength and Young's modulus increased and the percentage of elongation at break decreased as the MMT content increased. Moisture content, moisture absorption and water solubility decreased as the MMT concentration increased. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated that the glass transition temperature for kefiran-WPI film was -12.5 °C and was noticeably affected by an increase in MMT. X-ray diffraction analysis showed formation of an exfoliated structure with the addition of small amounts of MMT to the kefiran-WPI matrix. Intercalation and some exfoliation occurred up to 5 % (wt) increase in MMT. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated ideal dispersion for MMT nanoparticles into the structure of the bio-nanocomposite films.

Synthesis and Characterization of Reactive Powder Concrete for its Application on Thermal Insulation Panels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chozas, V.; Larraza, Í.; Vera-Agullo, J.; Williams-Portal, N.; Mueller, U.; Da Silva, N.; Flansbjer, M.

2015-11-01

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of a set of textile reinforced reactive powder concrete (RPC) mixes that have been prepared in the framework of the SESBE project which aims to develop facade panels for the building envelope. In order to reduce the environmental impact, high concentration of type I and II mineral additions were added to the mixtures (up to 40% of cement replacement). The mechanical properties of the materials were analysed showing high values of compression strength thus indicating no disadvantages in the compression mechanical performance (∼140 MPa) and modulus of elasticity. In order to enable the use of these materials in building applications, textile reinforcement was introduced by incorporating layers of carbon fibre grids into the RPC matrix. The flexural performance of these samples was analysed showing high strength values and suitability for their further utilization.

Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Polymer/Clay Nanocomposites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, Cheol; Connell, John W.; Smith, Joseph G., Jr.

2003-01-01

A novel class of polymer/clay nanocomposites has been invented in an attempt to develop transparent, lightweight, durable materials for a variety of aerospace applications. As their name suggests, polymer/ clay nanocomposites comprise organic/ inorganic hybrid polymer matrices containing platelet-shaped clay particles that have sizes of the order of a few nanometers thick and several hundred nanometers long. Partly because of their high aspect ratios and high surface areas, the clay particles, if properly dispersed in the polymer matrix at a loading level of 1 to 5 weight percent, impart unique combinations of physical and chemical properties that make these nanocomposites attractive for making films and coatings for a variety of industrial applications. Relative to the unmodified polymer, the polymer/ clay nanocomposites may exhibit improvements in strength, modulus, and toughness; tear, radiation, and fire resistance; and lower thermal expansion and permeability to gases while retaining a high degree of optical transparency.

Processing and Mechanical Properties of Various Zirconia/Alumina Composites for Fuel Cell Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, Sung R.; Bansal, Narottam P.

2002-01-01

Various electrolyte materials for solid oxide fuel cells were fabricated by hot pressing 10 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (10-YSZ) reinforced with two different forms of alumina, particulates and platelets, each containing 0 to 30 mol% alumina. Flexure strength and fracture toughness of both particulate and platelet composites at ambient temperature increased with increasing alumina content, reaching a maximum at 30 mot% alumina. For a given alumina content, strength of particulate composites was greater than that of platelet composites, whereas, the difference in fracture toughness between the two composite systems was negligible. No virtual difference in elastic modulus and density was observed for a given alumina content between particulate and platelet composites. Thermal cycling up to 10 cycles between 200 to 1000 C did not show any effect on strength degradation of the 30 mol% platelet composites, indicative of negligible influence of CTE mismatches between YSZ matrix and alumina grains.

Influence of nanofillers on the thermal and mechanical behavior of DGEBA-based adhesives for bonded-in timber connections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Z.; Ansell, M. P.; Smedley, D.

2006-09-01

Results of an experimental investigation into the thermal behavior and mechanical properties of a room-temperature-cured epoxy adhesive (diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A, DGEBA) cross-linked with polyetheramines and filled with different fillers, namely nanosilica, liquid rubber (CTBN), and clay, are reported. The nanosilica and liquid rubber increased the flexural strength and elastic modulus of the adhesive systems; the addition of clay particles raised the elastic modulus significantly, but embrittled the adhesive. Establishing a correct cure time is very important for bonded-in timber structures, as it will affect the bond strength. A study on the effect of cure time on the flexural strength was carried out, from which it follows that the adhesives should be cured for at least 20 days at room temperature. The damping characteristics and the glass-transition temperature of the adhesives were determined by using a dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The results showed that the filled adhesives had a higher storage modulus, which was in agreement with the elastic moduli determined from static bending tests. The introduction of the fillers increased its glass-transition temperature considerably.

Thermal-mechanical properties of a graphitic-nanofibers reinforced epoxy.

PubMed

Salehi-Khojin, Amin; Jana, Soumen; Zhong, Wei-Hong

2007-03-01

We previously developed a series of reactive graphitic nanofibers (r-GNFs) reinforced epoxy (nano-epoxy) as composite matrices, which have shown good wetting and adhesion properties with continuous fiber. In this work, the thermal-mechanical properties of the nano-epoxy system containing EponTM Resin 828 and Epi-cure Curing Agent W were characterized. Results from three-point bending tests showed that the flexural strength and flexural modulus of this system with 0.30 wt% of reactive nanofibers were increased by 16%, and 21% respectively, over pure epoxy. Fracture toughness increased by ca. 40% for specimens with 0.50 wt% of r-GNFs. By dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) test, specimens with 0.30 wt% of r-GNFs showed a significant increase in storage modulus E' (by ca. 122%) and loss modulus E" (by ca. 111%) with respect to that of pure epoxy. Also thermo-dilatometry analysis (TDA) was used to measure dimensional change of specimens as a function of temperature, and then, coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) before and after glass transition temperature (Tg) were obtained. Results implied that nano-epoxy materials had good dimensional stability and reduced CTE values when compared to those of pure epoxy.

The Influence of TiO2 Addition on the Modulus of Rupture of Alumina-Magnesia Refractory Castables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Wenjie; Deng, Chengji; Zhu, Hongxi

2015-08-01

The addition of TiO2 to alumina-magnesia refractory castables could accelerate the in situ spinel and calcium hexa-aluminate (CA6) formation and change the phase evolution, which will have direct effect on the overall modulus of rupture values. The cold (CMOR) and hot (HMOR) modulus of rupture, thermal expansion, and elastic modulus of alumina-magnesia refractory castables with different amounts of TiO2 were measured. The correlation of CMOR, theoretical strength, fracture toughness, and the fractal dimension of the fracture surface for these compositions were investigated. HMOR data were described using the model based on Varshni approach and Adam-Gibbs theory. The influence of TiO2 addition on the modulus of rupture of alumina-magnesia refractory castables was related to microcracks derived from expansive phase formation and pore filling or viscous bridging due to the presence of liquid phase at high temperature. The contribution of the above factors to the modulus of rupture for castables varied with the temperature.

Static and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Graphene Oxide-Incorporated Woven Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adak, Nitai Chandra; Chhetri, Suman; Kim, Nam Hoon; Murmu, Naresh Chandra; Samanta, Pranab; Kuila, Tapas

2018-03-01

This study investigates the synergistic effects of graphene oxide (GO) on the woven carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced epoxy composites. The GO nanofiller was incorporated into the epoxy resin with variations in the content, and the CF/epoxy composites were manufactured using a vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding process and then cured at 70 and 120 °C. An analysis of the mechanical properties of the GO (0.2 wt.%)/CF/epoxy composites showed an improvement in the tensile strength, Young's modulus, toughness, flexural strength and flexural modulus by 34, 20, 83, 55 and 31%, respectively, when compared to the CF/epoxy composite. The dynamic mechanical analysis of the composites exhibited an enhancement of 56, 114 and 22% in the storage modulus, loss modulus and damping capacity (tan δ), respectively, at its glass transition temperature. The fiber-matrix interaction was studied using a Cole-Cole plot analysis.

Investigation of dynamic properties of a polymer matrix composite with different angles of fiber orientations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kadioglu, F.; Coskun, T.; Elfarra, M.

2018-05-01

For the dynamic values of fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite materials, elastic modulus and damping values are emphasized, and the two are desired to be high as much as possible, as the first is related to load bearing capacity, the latter provides the capability of energy absorption. In the composites, while fibers are usually utilized for reinforcement providing high elastic modulus and so high strength, matrix introduces a medium for high damping. Correct measurement of damping values is a critical step in designing composite materials. The aim of the current study is to measure the dynamic values of a glass fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite, Hexply 913/33%/UD280, produced by Hexcel, using a vibrating beam technique. The specimens with different angles of fiber orientations (0, ±10°, ±20°, ±35, ±45°, ±55°, ±70, ±80 and 90) were manufactured from the composite prepreg and subjected to the clamped-free boundary conditions. Two different methods, the half power bandwidth and the logarithmic free decay, were used to measure the damping values to be able to compare the results. It has been revealed that the dynamic values are affected by the fiber orientations; for high flexural modulus the specimens with small angles of orientation, but for high damping those with large angles of orientation should be preferred. In general, the results are comparable, and the free decay method gave smaller values compared to the bandwidth method, with a little exception. It is suggested that the results (data) obtained from the test can be used for modal analysis reliably.

Investigation of Mechanical Properties and Interfacial Mechanics of Crystalline Nanomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Qingquan

Nanowires (NWs) and nanotubes (NTs) are critical building blocks of nanotechnologies. The operation and reliability of these nanomaterials based devices depend on their mechanical properties of the nanomaterials, which is therefore important to accurately measure the mechanical properties. Besides, the NW--substrate interfaces also play a critical role in both mechanical reliability and electrical performance of these nanodevices, especially when the size of the NW is small. In this thesis, we focus on the mechanical properties and interface mechanics of three important one dimensional (1D) nanomaterials: ZnO NWs, Ag NWs and Si NWs. For the size effect study, this thesis presents a systematic experimental investigation on the elastic and failure properties of ZnO NWs under different loading modes: tension and buckling. Both tensile modulus (from tension) and bending modulus (from buckling) were found to increase as the NW diameter decreased from 80 to 20 nm. The elastic modulus also shows loading mode dependent; the bending modulus increases more rapidly than the tensile modulus. The tension experiments showed that fracture strain and strength of ZnO NWs increase as the NW diameter decrease. A resonance testing setup was developed to measure elastic modulus of ZnO NWs to confirm the loading mode dependent effect. A systematic study was conducted on the effect of clamping on resonance frequency and thus measured Young's modulus of NWs via a combined experiment and simulation approach. A simple scaling law was provided as guidelines for future designs to accurate measure elastic modulus of a cantilevered NW using the resonance method. This thesis reports the first quantitative measurement of a full spectrum of mechanical properties of five-fold twinned Ag NWs including Young's modulus, yield strength and ultimate tensile strength. In situ tensile testing of Ag NWs with diameters between 34 and 130 nm was carried out inside a SEM. Young's modulus, yield strength and ultimate tensile strength were found to all increased as the NW diameter decreased. For the temperature effect study, a brief review on brittle-to-ductile transition (BDT) of silicon (Si) is presented. BDT temperature shows decreasing trend as size of the sample decrease. However, controversial results have been reported in terms of brittle or ductile behaviors for Si NWs at room temperature. A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) thermal actuator (ETA) was designed to test NW without involving external heating. To circumvent undesired heating of the end effector, heat sink beams that can be co-fabricated with the thermal actuator were introduced. A combined modeling and experimental study was conducted to access the effect of such heat sink beams. Temperature distribution was measured and simulated using Raman scattering and multiphysics finite element method, respectively. Our results demonstrated that heat sink beams are effective in reducing the temperature of the thermal actuator. To get elevated temperature in a controllable fashion, a comb drive actuator was designed with separating actuation and heating mechanisms. Multiphysics finite element analysis (coupled electrical-thermal-mechanical) was used to optimize structure design and minimize undesired thermal loading/unloading. A Si NW with diameter of 50 nm was tested on the device under different temperatures. Stress strain curves at different temperatures revealed that plastic deformation occurs at temperature of 55 °C. For interfacial mechanics, we report an experimental study on the friction between Ag and ZnO NW tips (ends) and a gold substrate. An innovative experimental method based on column buckling theory was developed for the friction measurements. Direct measurements of the static friction force and interfacial shear strength between Si NWs and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is reported. The static friction and shear strength were found to increase rapidly and then decrease with the increasing ultraviolet/ozone (UVO) treatment of PDMS.

High-Performance Acousto-Ultrasonic Scan System Being Developed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, Don J.; Martin, Richard E.; Cosgriff, Laura M.; Gyekenyesi, Andrew L.; Kautz, Harold E.

2003-01-01

Acousto-ultrasonic (AU) interrogation is a single-sided nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technique employing separated sending and receiving transducers. It is used for assessing the microstructural condition and distributed damage state of the material between the transducers. AU is complementary to more traditional NDE methods, such as ultrasonic cscan, x-ray radiography, and thermographic inspection, which tend to be used primarily for discrete flaw detection. Throughout its history, AU has been used to inspect polymer matrix composites, metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, and even monolithic metallic materials. The development of a high-performance automated AU scan system for characterizing within-sample microstructural and property homogeneity is currently in a prototype stage at NASA. This year, essential AU technology was reviewed. In addition, the basic hardware and software configuration for the scanner was developed, and preliminary results with the system were described. Mechanical and environmental loads applied to composite materials can cause distributed damage (as well as discrete defects) that plays a significant role in the degradation of physical properties. Such damage includes fiber/matrix debonding (interface failure), matrix microcracking, and fiber fracture and buckling. Investigations at the NASA Glenn Research Center have shown that traditional NDE scan inspection methods such as ultrasonic c-scan, x-ray imaging, and thermographic imaging tend to be more suited to discrete defect detection rather than the characterization of accumulated distributed micro-damage in composites. Since AU is focused on assessing the distributed micro-damage state of the material in between the sending and receiving transducers, it has proven to be quite suitable for assessing the relative composite material state. One major success story at Glenn with AU measurements has been the correlation between the ultrasonic decay rate obtained during AU inspection and the mechanical modulus (stiffness) seen during fatigue experiments with silicon carbide/silicon carbide (SiC/SiC) ceramic matrix composite samples. As shown in the figure, ultrasonic decay increased as the modulus decreased for the ceramic matrix composite tensile fatigue samples. The likely microstructural reason for the decrease in modulus (and increase in ultrasonic decay) is the matrix microcracking that commonly occurs during fatigue testing of these materials. Ultrasonic decay has shown the capability to track the pattern of transverse cracking and fiber breakage in these composites.

High-Performance Acousto-Ultrasonic Scan System Being Developed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, Don J.; Martin, Richard E.; Cosgriff, Laura M.; Gyekenyesi, Andrew L.; Kautz, Harold E.

2003-01-01

Acousto-ultrasonic (AU) interrogation is a single-sided nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technique employing separated sending and receiving transducers. It is used for assessing the microstructural condition and distributed damage state of the material between the transducers. AU is complementary to more traditional NDE methods, such as ultrasonic cscan, x-ray radiography, and thermographic inspection, which tend to be used primarily for discrete flaw detection. Throughout its history, AU has been used to inspect polymer matrix composites, metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, and even monolithic metallic materials. The development of a high-performance automated AU scan system for characterizing within-sample microstructural and property homogeneity is currently in a prototype stage at NASA. This year, essential AU technology was reviewed. In addition, the basic hardware and software configuration for the scanner was developed, and preliminary results with the system were described. Mechanical and environmental loads applied to composite materials can cause distributed damage (as well as discrete defects) that plays a significant role in the degradation of physical properties. Such damage includes fiber/matrix debonding (interface failure), matrix microcracking, and fiber fracture and buckling. Investigations at the NASA Glenn Research Center have shown that traditional NDE scan inspection methods such as ultrasonic c-scan, x-ray imaging, and thermographic imaging tend to be more suited to discrete defect detection rather than the characterization of accumulated distributed microdamage in composites. Since AU is focused on assessing the distributed microdamage state of the material in between the sending and receiving transducers, it has proven to be quite suitable for assessing the relative composite material state. One major success story at Glenn with AU measurements has been the correlation between the ultrasonic decay rate obtained during AU inspection and the mechanical modulus (stiffness) seen during fatigue experiments with silicon carbide/silicon carbide (SiC/SiC) ceramic matrix composite samples. As shown in the figure, ultrasonic decay increased as the modulus decreased for the ceramic matrix composite tensile fatigue samples. The likely microstructural reason for the decrease in modulus (and increase in ultrasonic decay) is the matrix microcracking that commonly occurs during fatigue testing of these materials. Ultrasonic decay has shown the capability to track the pattern of transverse cracking and fiber breakage in these composites.

Elastic and thermal properties of the layered thermoelectrics BiOCuSe and LaOCuSe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saha, S. K.; Dutta, G.

2016-09-01

We determine the elastic properties of the layered thermoelectrics BiOCuSe and LaOCuSe using first-principles density functional theory calculations. To predict their stability, we calculate six distinct elastic constants, where all of them are positive, and suggest mechanically stable tetragonal crystals. As elastic properties relate to the nature and the strength of the chemical bond, the latter is analyzed by means of real-space descriptors, such as the electron localization function (ELF) and Bader charge. From elastic constants, a set of related properties, namely, bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, sound velocity, Debye temperature, Grüneisen parameter, and thermal conductivity, are evaluated. Both materials are found to be ductile in nature and not brittle. We find BiOCuSe to have a smaller sound velocity and, hence, within the accuracy of the used Slack's model, a smaller thermal conductivity than LaOCuSe. Our calculations also reveal that the elastic properties and the related lattice thermal transport of both materials exhibit a much larger anisotropy than their electronic band properties that are known to be moderately anisotropic because of a moderate effective-electron-mass anisotropy. Finally, we determine the lattice dynamical properties, such as phonon dispersion, atomic displacement, and mode Grüneisen parameters, in order to correlate the elastic response, chemical bonding, and lattice dynamics.

Compressive behavior of laminated neoprene bridge bearing pads under thermal aging condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jun, Xie; Zhang, Yannian; Shan, Chunhong

2017-10-01

The present study was conducted to obtain a better understanding of the variation rule of mechanical properties of laminated neoprene bridge bearing pads under thermal aging condition using compression tests. A total of 5 specimens were processed in a high-temperature chamber. After that, the specimens were tested subjected to axial load. The parameter mainly considered time of thermal aging processing for specimens. The results of compression tests show that the specimens after thermal aging processing are more probably brittle failure than the standard specimen. Moreover, the exposure of steel plate, cracks and other failure phenomena are more serious than the standard specimen. The compressive capacity, ultimate compressive strength, compressive elastic modulus of the laminated neoprene bridge bearing pads decreased dramatically with the increasing in the aging time of thermal aging processing. The attenuation trends of ultimate compressive strength, compressive elastic modulus of laminated neoprene bridge bearing pads under thermal aging condition accord with power function. The attenuation models are acquired by regressing data of experiment with the least square method. The attenuation models conform to reality well which shows that this model is applicable and has vast prospect in assessing the performance of laminated neoprene bridge bearing pads under thermal aging condition.

Measurement of the Elastic Modulus of a Single Boron Nitride Nanotube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chopra, Nasreen G.; Cohen, Marvin L.; Louie, Steven G.; Zettl, A.

1997-03-01

In situ transmission electron microscope (TEM) measurements of thermally-excited vibrational characteristics of boron nitride (BN) nanotubes are used to extract the elastic modulus. We find BN nanotubes to have a higher axial Young's modulus, 1.2 TPa, than any other insulating fiber. This value is consistent with theoretical predictions and confirms previous TEM observations of the high degree of crystallinity of these structures. This work was supported by the U. S. Department of Energy under contract No. DE-AC03-76-SF00098 and the Office of Naval Research, Order No. N00014-95-F-0099

Hydrophobic matrix-free graphene-oxide composites with isotropic and nematic states.

PubMed

Wåhlander, Martin; Nilsson, Fritjof; Carlmark, Anna; Gedde, Ulf W; Edmondson, Steve; Malmström, Eva

2016-08-21

We demonstrate a novel route to synthesise hydrophobic matrix-free composites of polymer-grafted graphene oxide (GO) showing isotropic or nematic alignment and shape-memory effects. For the first time, a cationic macroinitiator (MI) has been immobilised on anionic GO and subsequently grafted with hydrophobic polymer grafts. Dense grafts of PBA, PBMA and PMMA with a wide range of average graft lengths (MW: 1-440 kDa) were polymerised by surface-initiated controlled radical precipitation polymerisation from the statistical MI. The surface modification is designed similarly to bimodal graft systems, where the cationic MI generates nanoparticle repulsion, similar to dense short grafts, while the long grafts offer miscibility in non-polar environments and cohesion. The state-of-the-art dispersions of grafted GO were in the isotropic state. Transparent and translucent matrix-free GO-composites could be melt-processed directly using only grafted GO. After processing, birefringence due to nematic alignment of grafted GO was observed as a single giant Maltese cross, 3.4 cm across. Permeability models for composites containing aligned 2D-fillers were developed, which were compared with the experimental oxygen permeability data and found to be consistent with isotropic or nematic states. The storage modulus of the matrix-free GO-composites increased with GO content (50% increase at 0.67 wt%), while the significant increases in the thermal stability (up to 130 °C) and the glass transition temperature (up to 17 °C) were dependent on graft length. The tuneable matrix-free GO-composites with rapid thermo-responsive shape-memory effects are promising candidates for a vast range of applications, especially selective membranes and sensors.

Using molecular dynamics simulations and finite element method to study the mechanical properties of nanotube reinforced polyethylene and polyketone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rouhi, S.; Alizadeh, Y.; Ansari, R.; Aryayi, M.

2015-09-01

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the mechanical behavior of single-walled carbon nanotube reinforced composites. Polyethylene and polyketone are selected as the polymer matrices. The effects of nanotube atomic structure and diameter on the mechanical properties of polymer matrix nanocomposites are investigated. It is shown that although adding nanotube to the polymer matrix raises the longitudinal elastic modulus significantly, the transverse tensile and shear moduli do not experience important change. As the previous finite element models could not be used for polymer matrices with the atom types other than carbon, molecular dynamics simulations are used to propose a finite element model which can be used for any polymer matrices. It is shown that this model can predict Young’s modulus with an acceptable accuracy.

Compression failure mechanisms of single-ply, unidirectional, carbon-fiber composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ha, Jong-Bae; Nairn, John A.

1992-01-01

A single-ply composite compression test was used to study compression failure mechanisms as a function of fiber type, matrix type, and interfacial strength. Composites made with low- and intermediate-modulus fibers (Hercules AS4 and IM7) in either an epoxy (Hercules 3501-6) or a thermoplastic (ULTEM and LARC-TPI) matrix failed by kink banding and out-of-plane slip. The failures proceeded by rapid and catastrophic damage propagation across the specimen width. Composites made with high-modulus fibers (Hercules HMS4/3501-6) had a much lower compression strength. Their failures were characterized by kink banding and longitudinal splitting. The damage propagated slowly across the specimen width. Composites made with fibers treated to give low interfacial strength had low compression strength. These composites typically failed near the specimen ends and had long kink bands.

Polarization-interference Jones-matrix mapping of biological crystal networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ushenko, O. G.; Dubolazov, O. V.; Pidkamin, L. Y.; Sidor, M. I.; Pavlyukovich, N.; Pavlyukovich, O.

2018-01-01

The paper consists of two parts. The first part presents short theoretical basics of the method of Jones-matrix mapping with the help of reference wave. It was provided experimentally measured coordinate distributions of modulus of Jones-matrix elements of polycrystalline film of bile. It was defined the values and ranges of changing of statistic moments, which characterize such distributions. The second part presents the data of statistic analysis of the distributions of matrix elements of polycrystalline film of urine of donors and patients with albuminuria. It was defined the objective criteria of differentiation of albuminuria.

Boron doping effect on the interface interaction and mechanical properties of graphene reinforced copper matrix composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Bingcheng; Li, Jiajun; Zhao, Naiqin; Shi, Chunsheng; Ma, Liying; He, Chunnian; He, Fang; Liu, Enzuo

2017-12-01

In order to explore an efficient way of modifying graphene to improve the Cu/graphene interfacial bonding and remain the excellent mechanical and physical properties of graphene, the interaction between Cu and the pristine, atomic oxygen functionalized and boron- or nitrogen-doped graphene with and without defects was systematically investigated by density functional theory calculation. The electronic structure analysis revealed that the chemically active oxygen can enhance the binding energy Eb of Cu with graphene by forming strong covalent bonds, supporting the experimental study suggesting an vital role of intermediate oxygen in the improvement of the mechanical properties of graphene/Cu composites. Due to the strong hybridization between Cu-3d electron states and the 2p states of both boron and carbon atoms, the boron-doping effect is comparable to or even better than the chemical bridging role of oxygen in the reduced graphene oxide reinforced Cu matrix composite. Furthermore, we evidenced an enhancement of mechanical properties including bulk modulus, shear modulus and Young modulus of graphene/Cu composite after boron doping, which closely relates to the increased interfacial binding energy between boron-doped graphene and Cu surfaces.

Rheological properties of isotropic magnetorheological elastomers featuring an epoxidized natural rubber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azhani Yunus, Nurul; Amri Mazlan, Saiful; Ubaidillah; Choi, Seung-Bok; Imaduddin, Fitrian; Aziz, Siti Aishah Abdul; Khairi, Muntaz Hana Ahmad

2016-10-01

This study presents principal field-dependent rheological properties of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) in which an epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) is adopted as a matrix (in short, we call it ENR-based MREs). The isotropic ENR-based MRE samples are fabricated by mixing the ENR compound with carbonyl iron particles (CIPs) with different weight percentages. The morphological properties of the samples are firstly analysed using the microstructure assessment. The influences of the magnetic field on the viscoelastic properties of ENR-based MREs are then examined through the dynamic test under various excitation frequencies. The microstructure of MRE samples exhibits a homogeneous distribution of CIPs in the ENR matrix. The dramatic increment of storage modulus, loss modulus and loss tangent of the ENR-based MREs are also observed from the field-dependent rheological test. This directly demonstrates that the stiffness and damping properties of the samples can be adjusted by the magnetic field. It is also seen that the CIP content, exciting frequency and the magnetic field essentially influence the dynamic properties of the ENR-based MREs. The strong correlation between the magnetization and the magneto-induced storage modulus could be used as a useful guidance in synthesizing the ENR-based MREs for certain applications.

Mechanical characterization of hydroxyapatite, thermoelectric materials and doped ceria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Xiaofeng

For a variety of applications of brittle ceramic materials, porosity plays a critical role structurally and/or functionally, such as in engineered bone scaffolds, thermoelectric materials and in solid oxide fuel cells. The presence of porosity will affect the mechanical properties, which are essential to the design and application of porous brittle materials. In this study, the mechanical property versus microstructure relations for bioceramics, thermoelectric (TE) materials and solid oxide fuel cells were investigated. For the bioceramic material hydroxyapatite (HA), the Young's modulus was measured using resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) as a function of (i) porosity and (ii) microcracking damage state. The fracture strength was measured as a function of porosity using biaxial flexure testing, and the distribution of the fracture strength was studied by Weibull analysis. For the natural mineral tetrahedrite based solid solution thermoelectric material (Cu10Zn2As4S13 - Cu 12Sb4S13), the elastic moduli, hardness and fracture toughness were studied as a function of (i) composition and (ii) ball milling time. For ZiNiSn, a thermoelectric half-Heusler compound, the elastic modulus---porosity and hardness---porosity relations were examined. For the solid oxide fuel cell material, gadolina doped ceria (GDC), the elastic moduli including Young's modulus, shear modulus, bulk modulus and Poisson's ratio were measured by RUS as a function of porosity. The hardness was evaluated by Vickers indentation technique as a function of porosity. The results of the mechanical property versus microstructure relations obtained in this study are of great importance for the design and fabrication of reliable components with service life and a safety factor. The Weibull modulus, which is a measure of the scatter in fracture strength, is the gauge of the mechanical reliability. The elastic moduli and Poisson's ratio are needed in analytical or numerical models of the thermal and mechanical stresses arising from in-service thermal gradients, thermal transients and/or mechanical loading. Hardness is related to a material's wear resistance and machinability, which are two essential considerations in fabrication and application.

Biomass-derived monomers for performance-differentiated fiber reinforced polymer composites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rorrer, Nicholas A.; Vardon, Derek R.; Dorgan, John R.

Nearly all polymer resins used to manufacture critically important fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are petroleum sourced. In particular, unsaturated polyesters (UPEs) are widely used as matrix materials and are often based on maleic anhydride, a four-carbon, unsaturated diacid. Typically, maleic anhydride is added as a reactant in a conventional step-growth polymerization to incorporate unsaturation throughout the backbone of the UPE, which is then dissolved in a reactive diluent (styrene is widely used) infused into a fiber mat and cross-linked. Despite widespread historical use, styrene has come under scrutiny due to environmental and health concerns; in addition, many conceivable UPEsmore » are not soluble in styrene. In this study, we demonstrate that renewably-sourced monomers offer the ability to overcome these issues and improve overall composite performance. The properties of poly(butylene succinate)-based UPEs incorporating maleic anhydride are used as a baseline for comparison against UPEs derived from fumaric acid, cis, cis-muconate, and trans, trans-muconate, all of which can be obtained biologically. The resulting biobased UPEs are combined with styrene, methacrylic acid, or a mixture of methacrylic acid and cinnaminic acid, infused into woven fiberglass and cross-linked with the addition of a free-radical initiator and heat. This process produces a series of partially or fully bio-derived composites. Overall, the muconate-containing UPE systems exhibit a more favorable property suite than the maleic anhydride and fumaric acid counterparts. In all cases at the same olefinic monomer loading, the trans, trans-muconate polymers exhibit the highest shear modulus, storage modulus, and glass transition temperature indicating stronger and more thermally resistant materials. They also exhibit the lowest loss modulus indicating a greater adhesion to the glass fibers. The use of a mixture of methacrylic and cinnaminic acid as the reactive diluent results in a FRP composite with properties that can be matched to reinforced composites prepared with styrene. Significantly, at one-third the monomer loading (corresponding to two-thirds the number of double bonds), trans, trans-muconate produces approximately the same storage modulus and glass transition temperature as maleic anhydride, while exhibiting a superior loss modulus. Altogether, this work demonstrates the novel synthesis of performance-differentiated FRP composites using renewably-sourced monomers.« less

Biomass-derived monomers for performance-differentiated fiber reinforced polymer composites

DOE PAGES

Rorrer, Nicholas A.; Vardon, Derek R.; Dorgan, John R.; ...

2017-03-14

Nearly all polymer resins used to manufacture critically important fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are petroleum sourced. In particular, unsaturated polyesters (UPEs) are widely used as matrix materials and are often based on maleic anhydride, a four-carbon, unsaturated diacid. Typically, maleic anhydride is added as a reactant in a conventional step-growth polymerization to incorporate unsaturation throughout the backbone of the UPE, which is then dissolved in a reactive diluent (styrene is widely used) infused into a fiber mat and cross-linked. Despite widespread historical use, styrene has come under scrutiny due to environmental and health concerns; in addition, many conceivable UPEsmore » are not soluble in styrene. In this study, we demonstrate that renewably-sourced monomers offer the ability to overcome these issues and improve overall composite performance. The properties of poly(butylene succinate)-based UPEs incorporating maleic anhydride are used as a baseline for comparison against UPEs derived from fumaric acid, cis, cis-muconate, and trans, trans-muconate, all of which can be obtained biologically. The resulting biobased UPEs are combined with styrene, methacrylic acid, or a mixture of methacrylic acid and cinnaminic acid, infused into woven fiberglass and cross-linked with the addition of a free-radical initiator and heat. This process produces a series of partially or fully bio-derived composites. Overall, the muconate-containing UPE systems exhibit a more favorable property suite than the maleic anhydride and fumaric acid counterparts. In all cases at the same olefinic monomer loading, the trans, trans-muconate polymers exhibit the highest shear modulus, storage modulus, and glass transition temperature indicating stronger and more thermally resistant materials. They also exhibit the lowest loss modulus indicating a greater adhesion to the glass fibers. The use of a mixture of methacrylic and cinnaminic acid as the reactive diluent results in a FRP composite with properties that can be matched to reinforced composites prepared with styrene. Significantly, at one-third the monomer loading (corresponding to two-thirds the number of double bonds), trans, trans-muconate produces approximately the same storage modulus and glass transition temperature as maleic anhydride, while exhibiting a superior loss modulus. Altogether, this work demonstrates the novel synthesis of performance-differentiated FRP composites using renewably-sourced monomers.« less

Determination of mechanical properties of some glass fiber reinforced plastics suitable to Wind Turbine Blade construction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steigmann, R.; Savin, A.; Goanta, V.; Barsanescu, P. D.; Leitoiu, B.; Iftimie, N.; Stanciu, M. D.; Curtu, I.

2016-08-01

The control of wind turbine's components is very rigorous, while the tower and gearbox have more possibility for revision and repairing, the rotor blades, once they are deteriorated, the defects can rapidly propagate, producing failure, and the damages can affect large regions around the wind turbine. This paper presents the test results, performed on glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) suitable to construction of wind turbine blades (WTB). The Young modulus, shear modulus, Poisson's ratio, ultimate stress have been determined using tensile and shear tests. Using Dynamical Mechanical Analysis (DMA), the activation energy for transitions that appear in polyester matrix as well as the complex elastic modulus can be determined, function of temperature.

Effect of Anti-Sclerostin Therapy and Osteogenesis Imperfecta on Tissue-level Properties in Growing and Adult Mice While Controlling for Tissue Age

PubMed Central

Sinder, Benjamin P.; Lloyd, William R.; Salemi, Joseph D.; Marini, Joan C.; Caird, Michelle S.; Morris, Michael D.; Kozloff, Kenneth M.

2016-01-01

Bone composition and biomechanics at the tissue-level are important contributors to whole bone strength. Sclerostin antibody (Scl-Ab) is a candidate anabolic therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis that increases bone formation, bone mass, and bone strength in animal studies, but its effect on bone quality at the tissue-level has received little attention. Pre-clinical studies of Scl-Ab have recently expanded to include diseases with altered collagen and material properties such as Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Scl-Ab on bone quality by determining bone material composition and tissue-level mechanical properties in normal wild type (WT) tissue, as well as mice with a typical OI Gly→Cys mutation (Brtl/+) in type I collagen. Rapidly growing (3-week-old) and adult (6-month-old) WT and Brtl/+ mice were treated for 5 weeks with Scl-Ab. Fluorescent guided tissue-level bone composition analysis (Raman spectroscopy) and biomechanical testing (nanoindentation) were performed at multiple tissue ages. Scl-Ab increased mineral to matrix in adult WT and Brtl/+ at tissue ages of 2–4wks. However, no treatment related changes were observed in mineral to matrix levels at mid-cortex, and elastic modulus was not altered by Scl-Ab at any tissue age. Increased mineral-to-matrix was phenotypically observed in adult Brtl/+ OI mice (at tissue ages >3wk) and rapidly growing Brtl/+ (at tissue ages > 4wk) mice compared to WT. At identical tissue ages defined by fluorescent labels adult mice had generally lower mineral to matrix ratios and a greater elastic modulus than rapidly growing mice, demonstrating that bone matrix quality can be influenced by animal age and tissue age alike. In summary, these data suggest that Scl-Ab alters the matrix chemistry of newly formed bone while not affecting the elastic modulus, induces similar changes between Brtl/+ and WT mice, and provides new insight into the interaction between tissue age and animal age on bone quality. PMID:26769006

Effect of anti-sclerostin therapy and osteogenesis imperfecta on tissue-level properties in growing and adult mice while controlling for tissue age.

PubMed

Sinder, Benjamin P; Lloyd, William R; Salemi, Joseph D; Marini, Joan C; Caird, Michelle S; Morris, Michael D; Kozloff, Kenneth M

2016-03-01

Bone composition and biomechanics at the tissue-level are important contributors to whole bone strength. Sclerostin antibody (Scl-Ab) is a candidate anabolic therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis that increases bone formation, bone mass, and bone strength in animal studies, but its effect on bone quality at the tissue-level has received little attention. Pre-clinical studies of Scl-Ab have recently expanded to include diseases with altered collagen and material properties such as osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Scl-Ab on bone quality by determining bone material composition and tissue-level mechanical properties in normal wild type (WT) tissue, as well as mice with a typical OI Gly➔Cys mutation (Brtl/+) in type I collagen. Rapidly growing (3-week-old) and adult (6-month-old) WT and Brtl/+ mice were treated for 5weeks with Scl-Ab. Fluorescent guided tissue-level bone composition analysis (Raman spectroscopy) and biomechanical testing (nanoindentation) were performed at multiple tissue ages. Scl-Ab increased mineral to matrix in adult WT and Brtl/+ at tissue ages of 2-4wks. However, no treatment related changes were observed in mineral to matrix levels at mid-cortex, and elastic modulus was not altered by Scl-Ab at any tissue age. Increased mineral-to-matrix was phenotypically observed in adult Brtl/+ OI mice (at tissue ages>3wks) and rapidly growing Brtl/+ (at tissue ages>4wks) mice compared to WT. At identical tissue ages defined by fluorescent labels, adult mice had generally lower mineral to matrix ratios and a greater elastic modulus than rapidly growing mice, demonstrating that bone matrix quality can be influenced by animal age and tissue age alike. In summary, these data suggest that Scl-Ab alters the matrix chemistry of newly formed bone while not affecting the elastic modulus, induces similar changes between Brtl/+ and WT mice, and provides new insight into the interaction between tissue age and animal age on bone quality. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ultralow stress, thermally stable cross-linked polymer films of polydivinylbenzene (PDVB)

DOE PAGES

Lepro, Xavier; Ehrmann, Paul; Menapace, Joseph; ...

2017-05-10

Although closely related to polystyrene, poly(divinylbenzene) (PDVB) has found limited utility due to the difficulties associated with its synthesis. As a highly cross-linked polymer, PDVB is infusible and insoluble and thus nearly impossible to shape into films by either melt or solvent-based processes. Here, we report the initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) of nearly stress-free, highly transparent, free-standing films of PDVB up to 25 μm thick. Films initially grow under tensile intrinsic stress but become more compressive with thickness and eventually converge to zero-stress values once they reach ≥10 μm in thickness. Upon initial heating, the evaporative loss of unreactedmore » monomer left in the polymer matrix induces between 35 and 45 MPa of tensile stress in the films. Afterward, subsequent heating cycles induce reversible stress and film expansion behaviors. We estimate the degree of cross-linking to be 44%, resulting in high thermal stability (up to 300 °C) and mechanical stiffness (Young’s modulus of 5.2 GPa). As a result, the low stress combined with high cross-linking makes iCVD PDVB an excellent candidate for protective coatings in harsh environments.« less

Ultralow stress, thermally stable cross-linked polymer films of polydivinylbenzene (PDVB)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lepro, Xavier; Ehrmann, Paul; Menapace, Joseph

Although closely related to polystyrene, poly(divinylbenzene) (PDVB) has found limited utility due to the difficulties associated with its synthesis. As a highly cross-linked polymer, PDVB is infusible and insoluble and thus nearly impossible to shape into films by either melt or solvent-based processes. Here, we report the initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) of nearly stress-free, highly transparent, free-standing films of PDVB up to 25 μm thick. Films initially grow under tensile intrinsic stress but become more compressive with thickness and eventually converge to zero-stress values once they reach ≥10 μm in thickness. Upon initial heating, the evaporative loss of unreactedmore » monomer left in the polymer matrix induces between 35 and 45 MPa of tensile stress in the films. Afterward, subsequent heating cycles induce reversible stress and film expansion behaviors. We estimate the degree of cross-linking to be 44%, resulting in high thermal stability (up to 300 °C) and mechanical stiffness (Young’s modulus of 5.2 GPa). As a result, the low stress combined with high cross-linking makes iCVD PDVB an excellent candidate for protective coatings in harsh environments.« less

Thermal Spray Deposition, Phase Stability and Mechanical Properties of La2Zr2O7/LaAlO3 Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lozano-Mandujano, D.; Poblano-Salas, C. A.; Ruiz-Luna, H.; Esparza-Esparza, B.; Giraldo-Betancur, A. L.; Alvarado-Orozco, J. M.; Trápaga-Martínez, L. G.; Muñoz-Saldaña, J.

2017-08-01

This paper deals with the deposition of La2Zr2O7 (LZO) and LaAlO3 (LAO) mixtures by air plasma spray (APS). The raw material for thermal spray, single phase LZO and LAO in a 70:30 mol.% ratio mixture was prepared from commercial metallic oxides by high-energy ball milling (HEBM) and high-temperature solid-state reaction. The HEBM synthesis route, followed by a spray-drying process, successfully produced spherical agglomerates with adequate size distribution and powder-flow properties for feeding an APS system. The as-sprayed coating consisted mainly of a crystalline LZO matrix and partially crystalline LAO, which resulted from the high cooling rate experienced by the molten particles as they impact the substrate. The coatings were annealed at 1100 °C to promote recrystallization of the LAO phase. The reduced elastic modulus and hardness, measured by nanoindentation, increased from 124.1 to 174.7 GPa and from 11.3 to 14.4 GPa, respectively, after the annealing treatment. These values are higher than those reported for YSZ coatings; however, the fracture toughness ( K IC) of the annealed coating was only 1.04 MPa m0.5.

Chitosan nanocomposite films: enhanced electrical conductivity, thermal stability, and mechanical properties.

PubMed

Marroquin, Jason B; Rhee, K Y; Park, S J

2013-02-15

A novel, high-performance Fe(3)O(4)/MWNT/Chitosan nanocomposite has been prepared by a simple solution evaporation method. A significant synergistic effect of Fe(3)O(4) and MWNT provided enhanced electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, and thermal stability on the nanocomposites. A 5% (wt) loading of Fe(3)O(4)/MWNT in the nanocomposite increased conductivity from 5.34×10(-5) S/m to 1.49×10(-2) S/m compared to 5% (wt) MWNT loadings. The Fe(3)O(4)/MWNT/Chitosan films also exhibited increases in tensile strength and modulus of 70% and 155%, respectively. The integral procedure decomposition temperature (IPDT) was enhanced from 501 °C to 568 °C. These effects resulted from a number of factors: generation of a greater number of conductive channels through interactions between MWNT and Fe(3)O(4) surfaces, a higher relative crystallinity, the antiplasticizing effects of Fe(3)O(4), a restricted mobility and hindrance of depolymerization of the Chitosan chain segments, as well as uniform distribution, improved dispersion, and strong interfacial adhesion between the MWNT and Chitosan matrix. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of stearic acid-grafted starch compatibilizer on properties of linear low density polyethylene/thermoplastic starch blown film.

PubMed

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.

Effect of modified graphene on thermal, mechanical and tribological performance of polyimide based composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Duxin; Yang, Wenyan; Chen, Yue; Xiao, Chunguang; Wei, Mengling

2018-06-01

The graphene oxide sheets (GO) were modified by silane coupling before incorporation into the aromatic polyimide (PI) matrix via in situ polymerization. The successful grafting of silane coupling onto the surface of the graphene was confirmed by FTIR, x-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. The incorporation of modified graphene oxide(K-GO) sheets significantly enhanced the thermal stability and tensile properties of PI. It was found that the tensile stress and the Young’s modulus of 0.5 wt%K-GO/PI were increased by 27.2% and 28.0% from pure PI, respectively. The T5% values of 0.5%K-GO/PI (507 °C) were obviously higher than that of pure PI (491 °C). Compared to pure PI, the PI composites with the K-GO addition of 0.5 wt% exhibits much lower friction coefficient (0.361) and wear rate (1.247 × 10‑5 mm3 N‑1m‑1). This can be attributed to the enhanced effect of K-GO addition on the properties of the composites. This study aims to expand the range of applications of graphene and to solve wear-related mechanical failures for polymer parts.

Elasticity and anelasticity of microcrystalline aluminum samples having various deformation and thermal histories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Betekhtin, V. I.; Kadomtsev, A. G.; Kardashev, B. K.

2006-08-01

The effect of the amplitude of vibrational deformation on the elastic modulus and internal friction of microcrystalline aluminum samples produced by equal-channel angular pressing was studied. The samples have various deformation and thermal histories. The elastic and inelastic (microplastic) properties of the samples are investigated. As the degree of plastic deformation increases, the Young’s modulus E, the amplitude-independent decrement δi, and the microplastic flow stress σ increase. As the annealing temperature increases, the quantities δi and σ decrease noticeably and the modulus E exhibits a more complex behavior. The experimental data are discussed under the assumption that the dislocation mobility depends on both the spectrum of point defects and the internal stresses, whose level is determined by the degree of plastic deformation and the temperature of subsequent annealing. The concept of internal stresses is also used to analyze the data on the effect of the degree of deformation and annealing on the rupture strength of the samples.

A high-damping magnetorheological elastomer with bi-directional magnetic-control modulus for potential application in seismology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yu, Miao, E-mail: yumiao@cqu.edu.cn; Qi, Song; Fu, Jie

A high-damping magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) with bi-directional magnetic-control modulus is developed. This MRE was synthesized by filling NdFeB particles into polyurethane (PU)/ epoxy (EP) interpenetrating network (IPN) structure. The anisotropic samples were prepared in a permanent magnetic field and magnetized in an electromagnetic field of 1 T. Dynamic mechanical responses of the MRE to applied magnetic fields are investigated through magneto-rheometer, and morphology of MREs is observed via scanning electron microscope (SEM). Test result indicates that when the test field orientation is parallel to that of the sample's magnetization, the shear modulus of sample increases. On the other hand, when themore » orientation is opposite to that of the sample's magnetization, shear modulus decreases. In addition, this PU/EP IPN matrix based MRE has a high-damping property, with high loss factor and can be controlled by applying magnetic field. It is expected that the high damping property and the ability of bi-directional magnetic-control modulus of this MRE offer promising advantages in seismologic application.« less

Tailoring mechanical and antibacterial properties of chitosan/gelatin nanofiber membranes with Fe3O4 nanoparticles for potential wound dressing application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Ning; Li, Chao; Han, Chao; Luo, Xiaogang; Shen, Liang; Xue, Yanan; Yu, Faquan

2016-04-01

In this work, magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) were utilized to improve the mechanical and antibacterial properties of chitosan (CS)/gelatin (GE) composite nanofiber membranes. Homogeneous Fe3O4/CS/GE nanofibers were electrospun successfully. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images confirmed the presence of well-dispersed Fe3O4 NPs in the composite nanofibers. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra revealed the effective interactions of Fe3O4 NPs to the composite matrix through hydrogen bonding. The improvement on the thermal stability of the Fe3O4/CS/GE was observed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), which is tightly correlated to strong filler-matrix adhesion. The incorporation of Fe3O4 NPs resulted in a substantial enhancement of mechanical properties. The optimum mechanical performance was demonstrated on 1 wt% Fe3O4/CS/GE nanofiber membranes, achieving 155% augment of Young's modulus, 128% increase of tensile strength, and 100% boost of toughness from CS/GE. The excellent mechanical enhancement can be explained by the effective dispersion of fillers and the filler-matrix interactions, which ensures the efficient load transfer from CS/GE matrix to Fe3O4 nanofillers. Moreover, zones of inhibition for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus expanded markedly with the supplement of Fe3O4 NPs. In all, nanofiber membranes made of Fe3O4/CS/GE composite with tailored mechanical and antibacterial properties appear a promising wound dressing material.

Propagating elastic vibrations dominate thermal conduction in amorphous silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moon, Jaeyun; Latour, Benoit; Minnich, Austin J.

2018-01-01

The thermal atomic vibrations of amorphous solids can be distinguished by whether they propagate as elastic waves or do not propagate due to lack of atomic periodicity. In a -Si, prior works concluded that nonpropagating waves are the dominant contributors to heat transport, with propagating waves being restricted to frequencies less than a few THz and scattered by anharmonicity. Here, we present a lattice and molecular dynamics analysis of vibrations in a -Si that supports a qualitatively different picture in which propagating elastic waves dominate the thermal conduction and are scattered by local fluctuations of elastic modulus rather than anharmonicity. We explicitly demonstrate the propagating nature of waves up to around 10 THz, and further show that pseudoperiodic structures with homogeneous elastic properties exhibit a marked temperature dependence characteristic of anharmonic interactions. Our work suggests that most heat is carried by propagating elastic waves in a -Si and demonstrates that manipulating local elastic modulus variations is a promising route to realize amorphous materials with extreme thermal properties.

Bendable Electro-Acoustic Transducer Fabricated Utilizing Frequency Dispersion of Elastic Modulus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyoshi, Tetsu; Ohga, Juro

2013-09-01

To realize the speaker diaphragm that can be united with a flexible display without deteriorating lightweight properties and flexibility, a novel bendable electro-acoustic transducer (BEAT) based on 0-3-type piezoelectric composites has been developed. To overcome the trade-off between flexibility and the transmission efficiency of vibration energy, a viscoelastic polymer that has local maximum points in the loss factor as well as large frequency dispersion in the storage modulus near room temperature was employed as the matrix of the piezoelectric composite layer. Against the comparatively slow (10 Hz or less) deformation from the outside, the viscoelastic matrix is viscous enough to prevent cracking and delamination. On the other hand, in the audible range (20 Hz to 20 kHz), the matrix is elastic enough to transmit piezoelectric vibration energy, maintaining a moderately large loss factor as well as a high sound velocity. For the first time, we successfully demonstrated a rollable speaker that can continue to generate a high-quality sound while being rolled and unrolled repeatedly onto a cylinder with a curvature radius of 4 mm.

Design of a unidirectional composite momentum wheel rim

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shogrin, Bradley; Jones, William R., Jr.; Prahl, Joseph M.

1995-05-01

A preliminary study comparing twelve unidirectional-fiber composite systems to five metal materials conventionally used in momentum wheels is presented. Six different fibers are considered in the study: E-Glass, S-Glass, Boron, AS, T300, and Kevlar. Because of the possibility of high momentum requirements, and thus high stresses, only two matrix materials are considered: a high-modulus (HM) and a intermediate-modulus-high-strength (IMHS) matrix. Each of the six fibers are coupled with each of the two matrix materials. In an effort to optimize the composite system, each composite is considered while varying the fiber volume ratio from 0.0 to 0.7 in increments of 0.1. For fiber volume ratios above 0.2, all twelve unidirectional-fiber composite systems meet the study's requirements with higher factors of safety and less mass than the five conventional isotropic (metal) materials. For example, at a fiber volume ratio of 0.6, the Kevlar/IMHS composite system has a safety factor 4.5 times greater than that of a steel (maraging) system and an approximately 10 percent reduction in weight.

Processing and evaluation of long fiber thermoplastic composite plates for internal fixation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warren, Paul B.

The metallic plates used in internal fracture fixation may have up to ten times the elastic modulus of normal bone tissue, causing stress shielding-induced osteopenia in healed bone that can lead to re-fracture after plate removal and prolonged and painful recovery. Thermoplastic polymer matrix composites reinforced with long carbon fiber are promising alternative materials for internal fixation plates because they may be produced with relative ease and be tailored to have specific mechanical properties, alleviating the stress shielding problem. Long carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (LCF PEEK) plates were produced using the extrusion / compression molding process. Static flexural testing determined that LCF PEEK plates with rectangular cross-section had an average flexural modulus of 12 GPa, or 23% of the flexural modulus of a stainless steel plate. The LCF PEEK plates also experienced negligible (14.7%, 14.5%, and 16.7%) reductions in modulus after fatigue testing at applied moments of 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 N•m, respectively, over 106 load cycles. Aging the plates in 0.9% NaCl solution for four and eight weeks caused 0.34% and 0.28% increases in plate mass, respectively. No significant decrease of flexural properties due to aging was detected. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed the PEEK matrix of the plates to be 24.5% crystalline, which is lower than typical PEEK crystallinity values of 30-35%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed three times as many fiber pullout areas in LCF PEEK fracture surfaces as in fracture surfaces of long carbon fiber-reinforced polyphenylenesulfide (LCF PPS), another plate material tested. DSC and SEM data suggest that improvements in processing conditions and fiber/matrix bonding, along with higher carbon fiber fractions, would enhance LCF PEEK plate performance. LCF PEEK remains a promising alternative to stainless steel for internal fixation plates.

Reduction of thermal stresses in continuous fiber reinforced metal matrix composites with interface layers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jansson, S.; Leckie, F. A.

1990-01-01

The potential of using an interface layer to reduce thermal stresses in the matrix of composites with a mismatch in coefficients of thermal expansion of fiber and matrix was investigated. It was found that compliant layers, with properties of readily available materials, do not have the potential to reduce thermal stresses significantly. However, interface layers with high coefficient of thermal expansion can compensate for the mismatch and reduce thermal stresses in the matrix significantly.

Synergistic effect of the inclusion of glass fibers and halloysite nanotubes on the static and dynamic mechanical, thermal and flame retardant properties of polypropylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jenifer, A.; Rasana, N.; Jayanarayanan, K.

2018-06-01

Hybrid composites based on polypropylene (PP), glass fiber (GF) and halloysite nanotubes (HNT) were prepared in the presence of a compatibilizer, polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PP-g-MAH), in a twin screw extruder. The properties of the micro composite (PP/GF), nanocomposite (PP/HNT) and hybrid composite (PP/GF/HNT) were studied and compared. The dispersion of the fillers in the base matrix and the effectiveness of the compatibilizer were ascertained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The tensile strength and modulus of the hybrid composite prepared in the presence of PP-g-MAH were found to be superior to those of the compatibilized micro and nanocomposites. Differential scanning calorimetry gave insight to the effect of the fillers on modifying the crystallization behavior of the base polymer. The combination of GF and HNT increased the crystallization temperature of PP phase in all the composites. The dynamic mechanical analysis proved that the fillers introduced in the polymer matrix restricted the relaxation of the PP polymer chains as evidenced by the rise in the glass transition temperature (Tg). The thermal stabilities of the hybrid composites were far superior to the neat polymer as the fillers formed an insulating layer delaying the degradation tendency and elevated the activation energy. The flammability of PP could be modified tremendously by the incorporation of the fillers as they reduced the burning rate and raised the limiting oxygen index values.

Measurement error of Young’s modulus considering the gravity and thermal expansion of thin specimens for in situ tensile testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Zhichao; Zhao, Hongwei; Ren, Luquan

2016-06-01

Most miniature in situ tensile devices compatible with scanning/transmission electron microscopes or optical microscopes adopt a horizontal layout. In order to analyze and calculate the measurement error of the tensile Young’s modulus, the effects of gravity and temperature changes, which would respectively lead to and intensify the bending deformation of thin specimens, are considered as influencing factors. On the basis of a decomposition method of static indeterminacy, equations of simplified deflection curves are obtained and, accordingly, the actual gage length is confirmed. By comparing the effects of uniaxial tensile load on the change of the deflection curve with gravity, the relation between the actual and directly measured tensile Young’s modulus is obtained. Furthermore, the quantitative effects of ideal gage length l o, temperature change ΔT and the density ρ of the specimen on the modulus difference and modulus ratio are calculated. Specimens with larger l o and ρ present more obvious measurement errors for Young’s modulus, but the effect of ΔT is not significant. The calculation method of Young’s modulus is particularly suitable for thin specimens.

Thermomechanical properties of polymeric materials and related stresses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Sheng Yen

1990-01-01

The thermomechanical properties of a number of widely used polymeric materials were determined by thermomechanical analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis. A combined profile of the coefficient of thermal expansion and the modulus change over a wide temperature range obtained by the analyses shows clearly the drastic effect of the glass transition on both the CTE and the modulus of a polymer, and the damaging potential due to such effect.

Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Praseodymium Monopnictides: AN Ultrasonic Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhalla, Vyoma; Kumar, Raj; Tripathy, Chinmayee; Singh, Devraj

2013-09-01

We have computed ultrasonic attenuation, acoustic coupling constants and ultrasonic velocities of praseodymium monopnictides PrX(X: N, P, As, Sb and Bi) along the <100>, <110>, <111> in the temperature range 100-500 K using higher order elastic constants. The higher order elastic constants are evaluated using Coulomb and Born-Mayer potential with two basic parameters viz. nearest-neighbor distance and hardness parameter in the temperature range of 0-500 K. Several other mechanical and thermal parameters like bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, Poisson ratio, anisotropic ratio, tetragonal moduli, Breazeale's nonlinearity parameter and Debye temperature are also calculated. In the present study, the fracture/toughness (B/G) ratio is less than 1.75 which implies that PrX compounds are brittle in nature at room temperature. The chosen material fulfilled Born criterion of mechanical stability. We also found the deviation of Cauchy's relation at higher temperatures. PrN is most stable material as it has highest valued higher order elastic constants as well as the ultrasonic velocity. Further, the lattice thermal conductivity using modified approach of Slack and Berman is determined at room temperature. The ultrasonic attenuation due to phonon-phonon interaction and thermoelastic relaxation mechanisms have been computed using modified Mason's approach. The results with other well-known physical properties are useful for industrial applications.

First-principle calculation on mechanical and thermal properties of B2-NiSc with point defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Zhipeng; Cui, Hongbao; Guo, Xuefeng

2017-01-01

Using the first-principles plane-wave pseudo-potential method based on density functional theory, the effect of vacancy and anti-position defect on the mechanical and thermal properties of B2-NiSc intermetallics were discussed in detail. Several parameters, such as the shear modulus, bulk modulus, modulus of elasticity, C 11-C 11, the Debye temperature and Poisson's ratio, have been calculated to evaluate the effect of vacancy and anti-position defect on the hardness, ductility and thermal properties of B2-NiSc intermetallics. The results show that VNi, ScNi, VSc and NiSc the four point defects all make the crystal hardness decrease and improve plasticity of B2-NiSc intermetallics. The entropy, enthalpy and free energy of VNi, ScNi, VSc and NiSc are monotonously changed as temperature changes. From the perspective of free energy, NiSc is the most stable, while ScNi is the most unstable. Debye temperature of NiSc intermetallics with four different point defects shows VNi, ScNi, VSc and NiSc the four point defects all reduce the stability of B2-NiSc intermetallics. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 51301063, 51571086) and the Talent Introduction Foundation of Henan Polytechnic University (No. Y-2009).

Development of sugar palm yarn/glass fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester hybrid composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nurazzi, N. Mohd; Khalina, A.; Sapuan, S. Mohd; Rahmah, M.

2018-04-01

This study investigates the effect of fibre hybridization for sugar palm yarn fibre with glass fibre reinforced with unsaturated polyester composites. In this work, unsaturated polyester resin are reinforced with fibre at a ratio of 70:30 wt% and 60:40 wt%. The hybrid composites were characterized in terms of physical (density and water absorption), mechanical (tensile, flexural and compression) and thermal properties through thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA). Density determination showed that density increased with higher wt% of glass fibre. The inherently higher density of glass fibre increased the density of hybrid composite. Resistance to water absorption is improved upon the incorporation of glass fibre and the hybrid composites were found to reach equilibrium absorption at days 4 and 5. As for mechanical performance, the highest tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus and compression strength were obtained from 40 wt% of fibres reinforcement with ratio of 50:50 wt% of sugar palm yarn fibre and glass fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. The increase of glass fibre loading had a synergistic effect on the mechanical properties to the composites structure due to its superior strength and modulus. The thermal stability of hybrid composites was improved by the increase of onset temperature and the reduction of residues upon increase in temperature.

Stress hysteresis and mechanical properties of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposited dielectric films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thurn, Jeremy; Cook, Robert F.; Kamarajugadda, Mallika; Bozeman, Steven P.; Stearns, Laura C.

2004-02-01

A comprehensive survey is described of the responses of three plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposited dielectric film systems to thermal cycling and indentation contact. All three films—silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxy-nitride—exhibited significant nonequilibrium permanent changes in film stress on thermal cycling or annealing. The linear relationship between stress and temperature changed after the films were annealed at 300 °C, representing a structural alteration in the film reflecting a change in coefficient of thermal expansion or biaxial modulus. A double-substrate method was used to deduce both thermoelastic properties before and after the anneal of selected films and the results were compared with the modulus deconvoluted from small-scale depth-sensing indentation experiments (nanoindentation). Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and hydrogen forward scattering were used to deduce the composition of the films and it was found that all the films contained significant amounts of hydrogen.

Mechanical and thermal behavior of ionic polymer metal composites: effects of electroded metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Il-Seok; Kim, Sang-Mun; Kim, Kwang J.

2007-08-01

In this study, we investigated the mechanical properties of various types of ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) and Pt, Au, Pd, and Pt electroded ionic liquid (IL-Pt) IPMCs, by testing tensile modulus and dynamic mechanical behavior. The SEM was utilized to investigate the characteristics of the doped electroding layer, and the DSC was probed in order to look into the thermal behavior of various types of IPMCs. Au IPMCs, having a 5-7 µm-doped layer and nanosized Au particles (ca. 10 nm), showed the highest tensile strength (56 MPa) and modulus (602 MPa) in dried conditions. With regards to thermal behavior, Au IPMC had the highest Tg (153 °C) and Tm (263 °C) in both the DMA and DSC results. The fracture behavior of various types of IPMCs followed the behavior of the base material, Nafion™, which is represented as the semicrystalline polymer characteristic.

In-Situ Synthetic TiB2 Particulate Reinforced Metal Matrix Composite Coating on AA2024 Aluminum Alloy by Laser Cladding Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jiang; Kan, Yide; Liu, Wenjin

In order to improve the wear resistance of aluminum alloy, in-situ synthesized TiB2 and Ti3B4 peritectic composite particulate reinforced metal matrix composite, formed on a 2024 aluminum alloy by laser cladding with a powder mixture of Fe-coated Boron, Ti and Al, was successfully achieved using 3-KW CW CO2 laser. The chemical composition, microstructure and phase structure of the composite clad coating were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), SEM, AFM and XRD. The typical microstructure of the composite coating is composed of TiB2, Ti3B4, Al3Ti, Al3Fe and α-Al. The surface hardness of cladding coating increases with the amount of added Fe-coated B and Ti powder which determines the amount of TiB2 and Ti3B4 peritectic composite particulate. The nanohardness and the elastic modulus at the interface of the TiB2 and Ti3B4 peritectic composite particulate/matrix were investigated using the nanoindentation technique. The results showed that the nanohardness and the reduced elastic modulus from the peritectic composite particulate to the matrix is a gradient distribution.

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.

Polymer blends for LDB applications. [Long Duration Ballooning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lichkus, Andrew M.; Harrison, Ian R.

1991-01-01

A series of LCP/PE blends have been studied to determine the potential of such systems to produce a high modulus balloon film material which retains the balloon fabrication and low temperature flight advantages of the current PE films. Blown films of blends of 5 and 15 percent LCP in PE have been produced which show a 28 percent enhancement in modulus over the neat PE matrix. These results are substantially lower than anticipated and are explained in terms of the LCP reinforcement aspect ratio and fibril diameter.

Uniaxial Drawing of Graphene-PVA Nanocomposites: Improvement in Mechanical Characteristics via Strain-Induced Exfoliation of Graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jan, Rahim; Habib, Amir; Akram, Muhammad Aftab; Zia, Tanveer-ul-Haq; Khan, Ahmad Nawaz

2016-08-01

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-stabilized graphene nanosheets (GNS) of lateral dimension ( L) ~1 μm are obtained via liquid phase exfoliation technique to prepare its composites in the PVA matrix. These composites show low levels of reinforcements due to poor alignment of GNS within the matrix as predicted by the modified Halpin-Tsai model. Drawing these composites up to 200 % strain, a significant improvement in mechanical properties is observed. Maximum values for Young's modulus and strength are ~×4 and ~×2 higher respectively than that of neat PVA. Moreover, the rate of increase of the modulus with GNS volume fraction is up to 700 GPa, higher than the values predicted using the Halpin-Tsai theory. However, alignment along with strain-induced de-aggregation of GNS within composites accounts well for the obtained results as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization.

Uniaxial Drawing of Graphene-PVA Nanocomposites: Improvement in Mechanical Characteristics via Strain-Induced Exfoliation of Graphene.

PubMed

Jan, Rahim; Habib, Amir; Akram, Muhammad Aftab; Zia, Tanveer-Ul-Haq; Khan, Ahmad Nawaz

2016-12-01

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-stabilized graphene nanosheets (GNS) of lateral dimension (L) ~1 μm are obtained via liquid phase exfoliation technique to prepare its composites in the PVA matrix. These composites show low levels of reinforcements due to poor alignment of GNS within the matrix as predicted by the modified Halpin-Tsai model. Drawing these composites up to 200 % strain, a significant improvement in mechanical properties is observed. Maximum values for Young's modulus and strength are ~×4 and ~×2 higher respectively than that of neat PVA. Moreover, the rate of increase of the modulus with GNS volume fraction is up to 700 GPa, higher than the values predicted using the Halpin-Tsai theory. However, alignment along with strain-induced de-aggregation of GNS within composites accounts well for the obtained results as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization.

Optimization of mechanical strength of titania fibers fabricated by direct drawing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanschmidt, Kelli; Tätte, Tanel; Hussainova, Irina; Part, Marko; Mändar, Hugo; Roosalu, Kaspar; Chasiotis, Ioannis

2013-11-01

Nanostructured polycrystalline titania (TiO2) microfibers were produced by direct drawing from visco-elastic alkoxide precursors. The fiber crystallinity and grain size were shown to depend on post-treatment calcination temperature. Tensile tests with individual fibers showed strong sensitivity of the elastic modulus and the tensile strength to microstructural details of the fibers. The elastic modulus of as-fabricated fibers increased about 10 times after calcination at 700 ∘C, while the strain at failure remained almost the same at ˜1.4 %. The highest tensile strength of more than 800 MPa was exhibited by nanoscale grained fibers with a bimodal grain size distribution consisting of rutile grains embedded into an anatase matrix. This structure is believed to have reduced the critical defect size, and thus increased the tensile strength. The resultant fibers showed properties that were appropriate for reinforcement of different matrixes.

Effect of microstructure of nano- and micro-particle filled polymer composites on their tribo-mechanical performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devaprakasam, D.; Hatton, P. V.; Möbus, G.; Inkson, B. J.

2008-08-01

In this work we have investigated the influence of nanoscale and microscale structure on the tribo-mechanical performance and failure mechanisms of two biocompatible dental polymer composites, with different reinforcing particulates, using advanced microscopy techniques. Nano- and micro structural analysis reveals the shape, size and distribution of the particles in the composites. In the microparticle filled polymer composite (microcomposite), the particles are of irregular shape with sharp edges with non-uniform distribution in the matrix. However, in the nanoparticle filled composites (nanocomposite), filler particles are spherical in shape with uniform distribution in the matrix. From nanoindentation measurements, hardness and reduced modulus of the microcomposite were found to be heterogeneous. However, the hardness and reduced modulus of the nanocomposite were found to be homogeneous. The nanocomposite shows better tribo-mechanical performance compared to that of the microcomposite.

High thermal conductivity in soft elastomers with elongated liquid metal inclusions.

PubMed

Bartlett, Michael D; Kazem, Navid; Powell-Palm, Matthew J; Huang, Xiaonan; Sun, Wenhuan; Malen, Jonathan A; Majidi, Carmel

2017-02-28

Soft dielectric materials typically exhibit poor heat transfer properties due to the dynamics of phonon transport, which constrain thermal conductivity ( k ) to decrease monotonically with decreasing elastic modulus ( E ). This thermal-mechanical trade-off is limiting for wearable computing, soft robotics, and other emerging applications that require materials with both high thermal conductivity and low mechanical stiffness. Here, we overcome this constraint with an electrically insulating composite that exhibits an unprecedented combination of metal-like thermal conductivity, an elastic compliance similar to soft biological tissue (Young's modulus < 100 kPa), and the capability to undergo extreme deformations (>600% strain). By incorporating liquid metal (LM) microdroplets into a soft elastomer, we achieve a ∼25× increase in thermal conductivity (4.7 ± 0.2 W⋅m -1 ⋅K -1 ) over the base polymer (0.20 ± 0.01 W⋅m -1 ·K -1 ) under stress-free conditions and a ∼50× increase (9.8 ± 0.8 W⋅m -1 ·K -1 ) when strained. This exceptional combination of thermal and mechanical properties is enabled by a unique thermal-mechanical coupling that exploits the deformability of the LM inclusions to create thermally conductive pathways in situ. Moreover, these materials offer possibilities for passive heat exchange in stretchable electronics and bioinspired robotics, which we demonstrate through the rapid heat dissipation of an elastomer-mounted extreme high-power LED lamp and a swimming soft robot.

A novel use of bio-based natural fibers, polymers, and rubbers for composite materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Modi, Sunny Jitendra

The composites, materials, and packaging industries are searching for alternative materials to attain environmental sustainability. Bio-plastics are highly desired and current microbially-derived bio-plastics, such as PHA (poly-(hydroxy alkanoate)), PHB (poly-(hydroxybutyrate)), and PHBV (poly-(beta-hydroxy butyrate-co-valerate)) could be engineered to have similar properties to conventional thermoplastics. Poly-(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a bio-degradable aliphatic polyester that is produced by a wide range of microorganisms. Basic PHB has relatively high glass transition and melting temperatures. To improve flexibility for potential packaging applications, PHB is synthesized with various co-polymers such as Poly-(3-hydroxyvalerate) (HV) to decrease the glass and melting temperatures and, since there is improved melt stability at lower processing temperatures, broaden the processing window. However, previous work has shown that this polymer is too brittle, temperature-sensitive, and hydrophilic to meet packaging material physical requirements. Therefore, the proposed work focuses on addressing the needs for bio-derived and bio-degradable materials by creating a range of composite materials using natural fibers as reinforcement agents in bio-polymers and bio- plastic-rubber matrices. The new materials should possess properties lacking in PHBV and broaden the processing capabilities, elasticity, and improve the mechanical properties. The first approach was to create novel composites using poly-(beta-hydroxy butyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV) combined with fibers from invasive plants such as common reed (Phragmites australis), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), and water celery ( Vallisneria americana). The composites were manufactured using traditional processing techniques of extrusion compounding followed by injection molding of ASTM type I parts. The effects of each bio-fiber at 2, 5, and 10% loading on the mechanical, morphological, rheological, and thermal properties of PHBV were investigated. Many of the composites showed miscible blends between the fibers and PHBV. The SEM analysis showed finely dispersed water celery bio-fibers into the PHBV matrix indicating compatibility between this fiber and the PHBV matrix. The finely ground water celery fibers increased the fiber-matrix interactions without the use of additives or compatibilizers. When the mechanical properties of the composites were compared to pure PHBV, the composites showed improvements in the tensile modulus, while limited changes were observed in the tensile strength and elongation at break. Also, improvements in the viscosity at 170¨¬C over pure PHBV were observed with the addition of 10% by weight bio-fibers due to fiber-fiber and fiber-matrix interactions. With these improvements in the melt stability, the composites can be processed above the melting temperature of 165-170°C, a marked benefit over pure PHBV. The brittle nature of PHBV and its relatively high water transmission rates making it unsuitable for packaging applications. New blends of PHBV with high molecular weight natural rubber of matched viscosity were developed. The mechanical, rheological, and thermal properties of the blends with 5, 10, 15, and 25% by weight high molecular weight natural rubber (HMW-NR) were characterized; in addition, the water vapor transmission rates of these blends was determined. The results showed increased thermal stability and more uniform melting peaks for the blends compared to pure PHBV. The water permeation decreased with the addition of HMW-NR, and the permeation rates were similar to that of traditional thermoplastics. The addition of rubber increased the elongation at break without adversely affecting the Young's modulus for the blends. The complex viscosity of the blends was improved by one log over pure PHBV at 170ºC suggesting improved thermal stability of the blends. During creep and recovery testing, higher compliance values of the blends suggest increased entanglements network of PHBV and rubber micro-fibrils preventing the blends from developing permanent deformation. Therefore, these blends can potentially be used in-place of transitional thermoplastics in casting sheets and thermoforming.

Processing of a fiber-reinforced transparent glass matrix composite and study of micromechanics of load transfer from matrix to fiber using micro-fluorescence spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banerjee, Debangshu

The brittleness of monolithic ceramic materials can be overcome by reinforcing them with high strength, high modulus ceramic fibers. These ceramic matrix composites exhibit improved strength, toughness, and work of fracture. Successful design of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) depends on two factors: proper choice of fiber, matrix, and interface material, and understanding the mechanics of fracture. The conventional techniques for measuring stress and strain at a local level in CMCs are based on indirect experiments and analytical models. In recent years a couple of optical techniques have been explored for non- contact and direct evaluation of the stress and strain in materials, such as laser Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. In order to employ spectroscopy to study stress in a composite, a transparent matrix was needed. In this study a SiC fiber reinforced transparent glass matrix composite was developed. A tape casting, binder burnout, and sintering route was adopted to achieve the optimum transparency with proper fiber alignment and interfacial properties. Sapphire fibers were used to act as probe to generate fluorescence signals for measuring stress. A fugitive carbon coating was developed to act as a weak interface for the sapphire fiber, which otherwise, forms a strong bond with the matrix. A fixture was designed to apply stress on the composite specimen, in situ, under the microscope of the spectrometer. Using fluorescence spectroscopy, the micromechanics of load transfer from matrix to fibers were studied. Studies were conducted on both strongly and weakly bonded fibers, as well as on single fiber, and multi fiber situations. Residual stresses arising from thermal expansion mismatch have been mapped along the fiber length with resolution in microns. Residual axial stress was found to follow a shear lag profile along the fiber length. A finite residual axial stress was detected at the fiber ends. Correction of the measured stress for sample probe interaction could not eliminate this finite stress completely. Residual axial stress was also found to vary across the fiber cross section. Analytical models predicting the stress variation along the fiber length and across fiber cross section were developed. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Mechanical Properties of Oxide Films on Electrolytic In-process Dressing (ELID) Copper-based Grinding Wheel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuai, J. C.; Wang, J. W.; Jiang, C. R.; Zhang, H. L.; Yang, Z. B.

2018-05-01

The mechanical properties of oxide films on copper based grinding wheel were studied by nanoindentation technique. The analysis of load displacement shows that the creep phenomenon occurs during the loading stage. Results show that the oxide film and the matrix have different characteristics, and the rigidity of the copper based grinding wheel is 0.6-1.3mN/nm, which is weaker than that of the matrix; the hardness of the oxide film is 2000-2300MPa, which is higher than the matrix; and the elastic modulus of the oxide film is 100-120GPa, also higher than the matrix.

Synthesis and characterization of polymer matrix composite material with combination of ZnO filler and nata de coco fiber as a candidate of semiconductor material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saputra, Asep Handaya; Anindita, Hana Nabila

2015-12-01

Synthesis of semiconductor composite using acrylic matrix filled with ZnO and nata de coco fiber has been conducted in this research. The purpose of this research is to obtain semiconductor composite material that has a good mechanical strength and thermal resistance. In situ polymerization method is used in this research and the composites are ready to be characterized after 12 hours. The main parameter that is characterized is the electric conductivity of the composite. Additional parameters are also characterized such as composite's elastic modulus and glass transition temperature. The composites that has been made in this research can be classified as semiconductor material because the conductivity is in the range of 10-8-103 S/cm. In general the addition of ZnO and nata de coco filler can increase the conductivity of the composite. The highest semiconductor characteristic in acrylic/ZnO composite is obtained from 30% volume filler that reach 3.4 x 10-7 S/cm. Similar with acrylic/ZnO composite, in acrylic/nata de coco fiber composite the highest semiconductor characteristic is also obtained from 30% volume filler that reach 1.15 x 10-7 S/cm. Combination of 20% volume of ZnO, 10% volume of nata de coco, and 70% volume of acrylic resulting in composite with electric conductivity of 1.92 x 10-7 S/cm. In addition, combination of ZnO and nata de coco fiber as filler in composite can also improve the characteristic of composite where composite with 20% volume of ZnO filler and 10% volume of nata de coco fiber resulting in composite with elastic modulus of 1.79 GPa and glass transition temperature of 175.73°C which is higher than those in acrylic/ZnO composite.

3D Modeling Effect of Spherical Inclusions on the Magnetostriction of Bulk Superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yufeng; Pan, Baocai

2018-02-01

In this paper, the dependence of the effective magnetostriction of bulk superconductors on the elastic parameters including the volume fraction and elastic modulus ratio is studied by a three-dimensional model consisting of a spherical inclusion-superconducting matrix system. The effect of the elastic modulus and volume fraction on the magnetostriction is also obtained through the magnetostriction loop. The results indicate that the elastic modulus and volume fraction have obvious effects on the effective magnetostriction of the superconducting composite, which gives an explanation about the differences between the experimental and the theoretical results. Furthermore, it is worth pointing out that the linear field dependence of magnetostriction is unique to the Bean model by comparing the curve shapes of the magnetostriction loop with and without inclusion.

Thermal expansion of selected graphite reinforced polyimide-, epoxy-, and glass-matrix composite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tompkins, S. S.

1985-01-01

The thermal expansion of three epoxy-matrix composites, a polyimide-matrix composite and a borosilicate glass-matrix composite, each reinforced with continuous carbon fibers, has been measured and compared. The expansion of a composite with a rubber toughened epoxy-matrix and P75S carbon fibers was very different from the expansion of two different single phase epoxy-matrix composites with P75S fibers although all three had the same stacking sequence. Reasonable agreement was obtained between measured thermal-expansion data and results from classical laminate theory. The thermal expansion of a material may change markedly as a result of thermal cycling. Microdamage, induced by 250 cycles between -156 C and 121 C in the graphite/polyimide laminate, caused a 53 percent decrease in the coefficient of thermal expansion. The thermal expansion of the graphite/glass laminate was not changed by 100 thermal cycles from -129 C to 38 C; however, a residual strain of about 10 x 10 to the minus 6 power was measured for the laminate tested.

Mechanical properties and micro-morphology of fiber posts.

PubMed

Zicari, F; Coutinho, E; Scotti, R; Van Meerbeek, B; Naert, I

2013-04-01

To evaluate flexural properties of different fiber posts systems and to morphologically characterize their micro-structure. Six types of translucent fiber posts were selected: RelyX Post (3M ESPE), ParaPost Taper Lux (Colthéne-Whaledent), GC Fiber Post (GC), LuxaPost (DMG), FRC Postec Plus (Ivoclar-Vivadent), D.T. Light-Post (RTD). For each post system and size, ten specimens were subjected to a three-points bending test. Maximum fracture load, flexural strength and flexural modulus were determined using a universal loading device (5848 MicroTester(®), Instron). Besides, for each system, three intact posts of similar dimensions were processed for scanning electron microscopy to morphologically characterize the micro-structure. The following structural characteristics were analyzed: fibers/matrix ratio, density of fibers, diameter of fibers and distribution of fibers. Data were statistically analyzed with ANOVA. Type and diameter of posts were found to significantly affect the fracture load, flexural strength and flexural modulus (p<0.05). Regarding maximum fracture load, it was found to increase with post diameter, in each post system (p<0.001). Regarding flexural strength and flexural modulus, the highest values were recorded for posts with the smallest diameter (p<0.001). Finally, structural characteristics significantly varied among the post systems tested. However, any correlation has been found between flexural strength and structural characteristics. Flexural strength appeared not to be correlated to structural characteristics of fiber posts, but it may rather be affected by mechanical properties of the resin matrix and the interfacial adhesion between fibers and resin matrix. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Development of low modulus material for use in ceramic gas path seal applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eaton, H. E.; Novak, R. C.

1981-01-01

Three candidate materials were examined: Brunsbond (R) Pad; plasma sprayed porous NiCrAlY; and plasma sprayed low modulus microcracked zirconia. Evaluation consisted of mechanical, thermophysical, and oxidation resistance testing along with optical microscopy and a feasibility demonstration of attaching the material to a suitable substrate. The goals of the program were the following: feasibility of fastening or depositing the low modulus system onto a broad range of substrate alloys; feasibility of depositing or forming the low modulus system to a thickness of 0.19 cm to 0.38 cm; potential to attain a modulus of elasticity in the range of 3.4 to 6.9 GPa (0.5 to 1.0 MSI), and an ultimate strength of 17.2 MPa (2.5 ksi); suitable thermal conductivity; and static oxidation life of at least 1000 hours at 1311 K. The results of the program indicate that all three systems offer attractive properties as a strain isolator material.

Influence of Addition of Carboxyl Functionalized MWCNTs on Performance of Neat and Carbon Fiber Reinforced EPON 862

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-01

control system (without CNTs). In addition, storage modulus, glass transition temperature, thermal stability were all improved in MWCNTs modified carbon...curve obtained from Flexural response of different composites (b) variation in flexural properties with the concentration of MWCNTs ...tensile test (b) variation in tensile strength and Young’s modulus with the percentage of MWCNT .... 65 7.4 Fracture morphology of (a) Neat, (b

Effect of single-particle magnetostriction on the shear modulus of compliant magnetoactive elastomers.

PubMed

Kalita, Viktor M; Snarskii, Andrei A; Shamonin, Mikhail; Zorinets, Denis

2017-03-01

The influence of an external magnetic field on the static shear strain and the effective shear modulus of a magnetoactive elastomer (MAE) is studied theoretically in the framework of a recently introduced approach to the single-particle magnetostriction mechanism [V. M. Kalita et al., Phys. Rev. E 93, 062503 (2016)10.1103/PhysRevE.93.062503]. The planar problem of magnetostriction in an MAE with magnetically soft inclusions in the form of a thin disk (platelet) having the magnetic anisotropy in the plane of this disk is solved analytically. An external magnetic field acts with torques on magnetic filler particles, creates mechanical stresses in the vicinity of inclusions, induces shear strain, and increases the effective shear modulus of these composite materials. It is shown that the largest effect of the magnetic field on the effective shear modulus should be expected in MAEs with soft elastomer matrices, where the shear modulus of the matrix is less than the magnetic anisotropy constant of inclusions. It is derived that the effective shear modulus is nonlinearly dependent on the external magnetic field and approaches the saturation value in magnetic fields exceeding the field of particle anisotropy. It is shown that model calculations of the effective shear modulus correspond to a phenomenological definition of effective elastic moduli and magnetoelastic coupling constants. The obtained theoretical results compare well with known experimental data. Determination of effective elastic coefficients in MAEs and their dependence on magnetic field is discussed. The concentration dependence of the effective shear modulus at higher filler concentrations has been estimated using the method of Padé approximants, which predicts that both the absolute and relative changes of the magnetic-field-dependent effective shear modulus will significantly increase with the growing concentration of filler particles.

Effect of single-particle magnetostriction on the shear modulus of compliant magnetoactive elastomers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalita, Viktor M.; Snarskii, Andrei A.; Shamonin, Mikhail; Zorinets, Denis

2017-03-01

The influence of an external magnetic field on the static shear strain and the effective shear modulus of a magnetoactive elastomer (MAE) is studied theoretically in the framework of a recently introduced approach to the single-particle magnetostriction mechanism [V. M. Kalita et al., Phys. Rev. E 93, 062503 (2016), 10.1103/PhysRevE.93.062503]. The planar problem of magnetostriction in an MAE with magnetically soft inclusions in the form of a thin disk (platelet) having the magnetic anisotropy in the plane of this disk is solved analytically. An external magnetic field acts with torques on magnetic filler particles, creates mechanical stresses in the vicinity of inclusions, induces shear strain, and increases the effective shear modulus of these composite materials. It is shown that the largest effect of the magnetic field on the effective shear modulus should be expected in MAEs with soft elastomer matrices, where the shear modulus of the matrix is less than the magnetic anisotropy constant of inclusions. It is derived that the effective shear modulus is nonlinearly dependent on the external magnetic field and approaches the saturation value in magnetic fields exceeding the field of particle anisotropy. It is shown that model calculations of the effective shear modulus correspond to a phenomenological definition of effective elastic moduli and magnetoelastic coupling constants. The obtained theoretical results compare well with known experimental data. Determination of effective elastic coefficients in MAEs and their dependence on magnetic field is discussed. The concentration dependence of the effective shear modulus at higher filler concentrations has been estimated using the method of Padé approximants, which predicts that both the absolute and relative changes of the magnetic-field-dependent effective shear modulus will significantly increase with the growing concentration of filler particles.

Poly(ethylene glycol)-Mediated Collagen Gel Mechanics Regulates Cellular Phenotypes in a Microchanneled Matrix.

PubMed

Rich, Max H; Lee, Min Kyung; Ballance, William C; Boppart, Marni; Kong, Hyunjoon

2017-08-14

For the past few decades, efforts have been extensively made to reproduce tissue of interests for various uses including fundamental bioscience studies, clinical treatments, and even soft robotic systems. In these studies, cells are often cultured in micropores introduced in a provisional matrix despite that bulk rigidity may negatively affect cellular differentiation involved in tissue formation. To this end, we hypothesized that suspending cells within a soft fibrous matrix that is encapsulated within the microchannels of a provisional matrix would allow us to mediate effects of the matrix rigidity on cells and, in turn, to increase the cell differentiation level. We examined this hypothesis by filling microchannels interpenetrating alginate matrices with collagen gels of controlled elastic moduli (i.e., 125 to 1 Pa). Myoblasts used as a model predifferentiated cell were suspended within the collagen gels. The elastic modulus of the collagen gels was decreased through the addition of poly(ethylene glycol) during the gel preparation. Myoblasts loaded in the collagen gel exhibited a higher myogenic differentiation level than those adhered to the collagen-coated microchannel wall. Furthermore, the collagen gel softened by poly(ethylene glycol) further increased the volume of the multinucleated myofibers. The role of collagen gel softness on cell differentiation became more significant when the bulk elastic modulus of the alginate matrix was tuned to be close to that of muscle tissue (i.e., 11 kPa). We believe that the results of this study would be useful to understanding phenotypic activities of a wide array of cells involved in tissue development and regeneration.

Mechanical characterization of matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI®) grafts in an equine model at 53 weeks.

PubMed

Griffin, Darvin J; Bonnevie, Edward D; Lachowsky, Devin J; Hart, James C A; Sparks, Holly D; Moran, Nance; Matthews, Gloria; Nixon, Alan J; Cohen, Itai; Bonassar, Lawrence J

2015-07-16

There has been much interest in using autologous chondrocytes in combination with scaffold materials to aid in cartilage repair. In the present study, a total of 27 animals were used to compare the performance of matrix-assisted chondrocyte implantation (MACI®) using a collagen sponge as a chondrocyte delivery vehicle, the sponge membrane alone, and empty controls. A total of three distinct types of mechanical analyses were performed on repaired cartilage harvested from horses after 53 weeks of implantation: (1) compressive behavior of samples to measure aggregate modulus (HA) and hydraulic permeability (k) in confined compression; (2) local and global shear modulus using confocal strain mapping; and (3) boundary friction coefficient using a custom-built tribometer. Cartilage defects receiving MACI® implants had equilibrium modulus values that were 70% of normal cartilage, and were not statistically different than normal tissue. Defects filled with Maix™ membrane alone or left empty were only 46% and 51-63% of control, respectively. The shear modulus of tissue from all groups of cartilage defects were between 4 and 10 times lower than control tissue, and range from 0.2 to 0.4 MPa. The average values of boundary mode friction coefficients of control tissue from all groups ranged from 0.42 to 0.52. This study represents an extensive characterization of the mechanical performance of the MACI® grafts implant in a large animal model at 53 weeks. Collectively, these data demonstrate a range of implant performance, revealing similar compressive and frictional properties to native tissue, with inferior shear properties. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Mechanical properties of thermal protection system materials.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hardy, Robert Douglas; Bronowski, David R.; Lee, Moo Yul

2005-06-01

An experimental study was conducted to measure the mechanical properties of the Thermal Protection System (TPS) materials used for the Space Shuttle. Three types of TPS materials (LI-900, LI-2200, and FRCI-12) were tested in 'in-plane' and 'out-of-plane' orientations. Four types of quasi-static mechanical tests (uniaxial tension, uniaxial compression, uniaxial strain, and shear) were performed under low (10{sup -4} to 10{sup -3}/s) and intermediate (1 to 10/s) strain rate conditions. In addition, split Hopkinson pressure bar tests were conducted to obtain the strength of the materials under a relatively higher strain rate ({approx}10{sup 2} to 10{sup 3}/s) condition. In general, TPSmore » materials have higher strength and higher Young's modulus when tested in 'in-plane' than in 'through-the-thickness' orientation under compressive (unconfined and confined) and tensile stress conditions. In both stress conditions, the strength of the material increases as the strain rate increases. The rate of increase in LI-900 is relatively small compared to those for the other two TPS materials tested in this study. But, the Young's modulus appears to be insensitive to the different strain rates applied. The FRCI-12 material, designed to replace the heavier LI-2200, showed higher strengths under tensile and shear stress conditions. But, under a compressive stress condition, LI-2200 showed higher strength than FRCI-12. As far as the modulus is concerned, LI-2200 has higher Young's modulus both in compression and in tension. The shear modulus of FRCI-12 and LI-2200 fell in the same range.« less

Degradation and recovery of iron doped barium titanate single crystals via modulus spectroscopy and thermally stimulated depolarization current

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carter, J. J.; Bayer, T. J. M.; Randall, C. A.

2017-04-01

Understanding resistance degradation during the application of DC bias and recovery after removing the DC bias provides insight into failure mechanisms and defects in dielectric materials. In this experiment, modulus spectroscopy and thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) techniques were used to characterize the degradation and recovery of iron-doped barium titanate single crystals. Modulus spectroscopy is a very powerful analytical tool applied during degradation and recovery to observe changes in the local conductivity distribution. During degradation, oxygen vacancies migrate to the cathode region, and a counter flow of oxygen anions migrates towards the anode. With increasing time during degradation, the distribution of conductivity broadens only slightly exhibiting crucial differences to iron doped strontium titanate. After removing the DC bias, the recovery shows that a second previously unobserved and distinct conductivity maximum arises in the modulus data. This characteristic with two maxima related to different conductivities in the anode and cathode region is what can be expected from the published defect chemistry. It will be concluded that only the absence of an external electric field during recovery measurements permits the observation of local conductivity measurements without the presence of non-equilibrium conditions such as charge injection. Equilibrium conductivity as a function of oxygen vacancy concentration is described schematically. Oxygen vacancy migration during degradation and recovery is verified by TSDC analysis. We establish a self-consistent rationale of the transient changes in the modulus and TSDC for the iron doped barium titanate single crystal system including electron, hole and oxygen vacancy conductivity. During degradation, the sample fractured.

Thermostructural Properties Of Sic/Sic Panels With 2.5d And 3d Fiber Architectures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yun, H. M.; DeCarlo, J. A.; Bhatt, R. H.; Jaskowiak, M. H.

2005-01-01

CMC hot-section components in advanced engines for power and propulsion will typically require high cracking strength, high ultimate strength and strain, high creep- rupture resistance, and high thermal conductivity in all directions. In the past, NASA has demonstrated fabrication of a variety of SiC/SiC flat panels and round tubes with various 2D fiber architectures using the high-modulus high-performance Sylramic-iBN Sic fiber and Sic-based matrices derived by CVI, MI, and/or PIP processes. The thermo- mechanical properties of these CMC have shown state-of-the-art performance, but primarily in the in-plane directions. Currently NASA is extending the thermostructural capability of these SiC/SiC systems in the thru-thickness direction by using various 2.5D and 3D fiber architectures. NASA is also using specially designed fabrication steps to optimize the properties of the BN-based interphase and Sic-based matrices. In this study, Sylramic-iBN/SiC panels with 2D plain weave, 2.5D satin weave, 2.5D ply-to-ply interlock weave, and 3D angle interlock fiber architectures, all woven at AITI, were fabricated using matrix densification routes previously established between NASA and GEPSC for CVI-MI processes and between NASA and Starfire-Systems for PIP processes. Introduction of the 2.5 D fiber architecture along with an improved matrix process was found to increase inter-laminar tensile strength from 1.5 -2 to 3 - 4 ksi and thru-thickness thermal conductivity from 15-20 to 30-35 BTU/ft.hr.F with minimal reduction in in-plane strength and creep-rupture properties. Such improvements should reduce thermal stresses and increase the thermostructural operating envelope for SiC/SiC engine components. These results are analyzed to offer general guidelines for selecting fiber architectures and constituent processes for high-performance SiC/SiC engine components.

Mechanical Properties of Steel Encapsulated Metal Matrix Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fudger, Sean; Klier, Eric; Karandikar, Prashant; McWilliams, Brandon; Ni, Chaoying

This research evaluates a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch induced residual compressive stress approach as a means of improving the ductility of metal matrix composites (MMCs). MMCs are frequently incorporated into advanced material systems due to their tailorable material properties. However, they often have insufficient strength and ductility for many structural applications. By combining MMCs with high strength steels in a hybridized, macro composite materials system that exploits the CTE mismatch, materials systems with improved strength, damage tolerance, and structural efficiency can be obtained. Macro hybridized systems consisting of steel encapsulated light metal MMCs were produced with the goal of creating a system which takes advantage of the high strength, modulus, and damage tolerance of steels and high specific stiffness and low density of MMCs while mitigating the high density of steels and the poor ductility of MMCs. Aluminum and magnesium based particulate reinforced MMCs combine many of the desirable characteristic of metals and ceramics, particularly the unique ability to tailor their CTE. This work aims to compare the performance of macro hybridized material systems consisting of aluminum or magnesium MMCs reinforced with Al2O3, SiC, or B4C particles and encapsulated by A36 steel, 304 stainless steel, or cold worked Nitronic® 50 stainless steels.

Fabrication, nanomechanical characterization, and cytocompatibility of gold-reinforced chitosan bio-nanocomposites

PubMed Central

Patel, Nimitt G.; Kumar, Ajeet; Jayawardana, Veroni N.; Woodworth, Craig D.; Yuya, Philip A.

2017-01-01

Chitosan, a naturally derived polymer represents one of the most technologically important classes of active materials with applications in a variety of industrial and biomedical fields. Gold nanoparticles (~32 nm) were synthesized via a citrate reduction method from chloroauric acid and incorporated in Chitosan matrix. Bio-nanocomposite films with varying concentrations of gold nanoparticles were prepared through solution casting process. Uniform distribution of gold nanoparticles was achieved throughout the chitosan matrix and was confirmed with SEM. Synthesis outcomes and prepared nanocomposites were characterized using SEM, TEM, EDX, SAED, UV–vis, XRD, DLS, and Zeta potential for their physical, morphological and structural properties. Nanoscale properties of materials under the influence of temperature were characterized through nanoindentation techniques. From quasi-static nanoindentation, it was observed that hardness and reduced modulus of the nanocomposites were increased significantly in direct proportion to the gold nanoparticle concentration. Gold nanoparticle concentration also showed positive impact on storagemodulus and thermal stability of the material. The obtained films were confirmed to be biocompatible by their ability to support growth of human cells in vitro. In summary, the results show enhanced mechanical properties with increasing gold nanoparticle concentration, and provide better understanding of the structure–property relationships of such biocompatiblematerials for potential biomedical applications. PMID:25280713

Shape stabilised phase change materials (SSPCMs): High density polyethylene and hydrocarbon waxes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mu, Mulan, E-mail: mmu01@qub.ac.uk, E-mail: m.basheer@qub.ac.uk; Basheer, P. A. M., E-mail: mmu01@qub.ac.uk, E-mail: m.basheer@qub.ac.uk; Bai, Yun, E-mail: yun.bai@ucl.ac.uk

Shape stabilised phase change materials (SSPCMs) based on high density polyethylene (HDPE) with high (HPW, T{sub m}=56-58 °C) and low (L-PW, T{sub m}=18-23 °C) melting point waxes were prepared by melt-mixing in a twin-screw extruder and their potential in latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) applications for housing assessed. The structure and morphology of these blends were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both H-PW and L-PW were uniformly distributed throughout the HDPE matrix. The melting point and latent heat of the SSPCMs were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results demonstrated that both H-PW and L-PW have amore » plasticisation effect on the HDPE matrix. The tensile and flexural properties of the samples were measured at room temperature (RT, 20±2 °C) and 70 °C, respectively. All mechanical properties of HDPE/H-PW and HDPE/L-PW blends decreased from RT to 70 °C. In all instances at RT, modulus and stress, irrespective of the mode of deformation was greater for the HDPE/H-PW blends. However, at 70 °C, there was no significant difference in mechanical properties between the HDPE/H-PW and HDPE/L-PW blends.« less

Preparation and characterization of CNTs/UHMWPE nanocomposites via a novel mixer under synergy of ultrasonic wave and extensional deformation.

PubMed

Yin, Xiaochun; Li, Sai; He, Guangjian; Feng, Yanhong; Wen, Jingsong

2018-05-01

In this work, design and development of a new melt mixing method and corresponding mixer for polymer materials were reported. Effects of ultrasonic power and sonication time on the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) filled ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) nanocomposites were experimentally studied. Transmission Electron Microscopy images showed that homogeneous dispersion of CNTs in intractable UHMWPE matrix is successfully realized due to the synergetic effect of ultrasonic wave and extensional deformation without any aid of other additives or solvents. Differential scanning calorimetry results revealed an increase in crystallinity and crystallization rate due to the finer dispersion of the CNTs in the matrix which act as nucleating point. Composites' complex viscosity and storage modulus decreased sharply at first and then leveled off with the increase of sonication time or the ultrasonic power. The thermal stability and the tensile strength of the CNTs/UHMWPE nanocomposites improved by using this novel mixing method. This is the first method that combined the ultrasonic wave and the extensional deformation in which the elongation rate, sonication time and ultrasonic power can be adjusted simultaneously during mixing. The novel mixer offers several advantages such as environment-friendly, high mixing efficiency, self-cleaning and wide adaptability to materials. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reliable and cost effective design of intermetallic Ni2Si nanowires and direct characterization of its mechanical properties

PubMed Central

Han, Seung Zeon; Kang, Joonhee; Kim, Sung-Dae; Choi, Si-Young; Kim, Hyung Giun; Lee, Jehyun; Kim, Kwangho; Lim, Sung Hwan; Han, Byungchan

2015-01-01

We report that a single crystal Ni2Si nanowire (NW) of intermetallic compound can be reliably designed using simple three-step processes: casting a ternary Cu-Ni-Si alloy, nucleate and growth of Ni2Si NWs as embedded in the alloy matrix via designing discontinuous precipitation (DP) of Ni2Si nanoparticles and thermal aging, and finally chemical etching to decouple the Ni2Si NWs from the alloy matrix. By direct application of uniaxial tensile tests to the Ni2Si NW we characterize its mechanical properties, which were rarely reported in previous literatures. Using integrated studies of first principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) we accurately validate the experimental measurements. Our results indicate that our simple three-step method enables to design brittle Ni2Si NW with high tensile strength of 3.0 GPa and elastic modulus of 60.6 GPa. We propose that the systematic methodology pursued in this paper significantly contributes to opening innovative processes to design various kinds of low dimensional nanomaterials leading to advancement of frontiers in nanotechnology and related industry sectors. PMID:26456769

Fatigue damage in cross-ply titanium metal matrix composites containing center holes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bakuckas, J. G., Jr.; Johnson, W. S.; Bigelow, C. A.

1992-01-01

The development of fatigue damage in (0/90) sub SCS-6/TI-15-3 laminates containing center holes was studied. Stress levels required for crack initiation in the matrix were predicted using an effective strain parameter and compared to experimental results. Damage progression was monitored at various stages of fatigue loading. In general, a saturated state of damage consisting of matrix cracks and fiber matrix debonding was obtained which reduced the composite modulus. Matrix cracks were bridged by the 0 deg fibers. The fatigue limit (stress causing catastrophic fracture of the laminates) was also determined. The static and post fatigue residual strengths were accurately predicted using a three dimensional elastic-plastic finite element analysis. The matrix damage that occurred during fatigue loading significantly reduced the notched strength.

Durability and Damage Development in Woven Ceramic Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haque, A.; Rahman, M.; Tyson, O. Z.; Jeelani, S.; Verrilli, Michael J. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Damage development in woven SiC/SiNC ceramic matrix composites (CMC's) under tensile and cyclic loading both at room and elevated temperatures have been investigated for the exhaust nozzle of high-efficient turbine engines. The ultimate strength, failure strain, proportional limit and modulus data at a temperature range of 23 to 1250 C are generated. The tensile strength of SiC/SiNC woven composites have been observed to increase with increased temperatures up to 1000 C. The stress/strain plot shows a pseudo-yield point at 25 percent of the failure strain (epsilon(sub r)) which indicates damage initiation in the form of matrix cracking. The evolution of damage beyond 0.25 epsilon(sub f), both at room and elevated temperature comprises multiple matrix cracking, interfacial debonding, and fiber pullout. Although the nature of the stress/strain plot shows damage-tolerant behavior under static loading both at room and elevated temperature, the life expectancy of SiC/SiNC composites degrades significantly under cyclic loading at elevated temperature. This is mostly due to the interactions of fatigue damage caused by the mechanically induced plastic strain and the damage developed by the creep strain. The in situ damage evolutions are monitored by acoustic event parameters, ultrasonic C-scan and stiffness degradation. Rate equations for modulus degradation and fatigue life prediction of ceramic matrix composites both at room and elevated temperatures are developed. These rate equations are observed to show reasonable agreement with experimental results.

Strong and Tough Hi-Nicalon Fiber-Reinforced Celsian Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bansal, Narottam P.

1997-01-01

Strong, tough and almost fully dense Hi-Nicalon/BN/SiC fiber reinforced celsian matrix composites have been fabricated by impregnation of the fiber tows with the matrix slurry, winding on a drum, stacking the prepreg tapes in the desired orientation, and hot pressing. The monoclinic celsian phase in the matrix was produced in situ, during hot pressing, from a mixed oxide precursor. The unidirectional composites having approx. 42 volume percent of fibers exhibited graceful failure with extensive fiber pullout in three-point bend tests at room temperature. Values of first matrix cracking stress and strain were 435 +/- 35 MPa and 0.27 +/- 0.01 %, respectively, and ultimate strengths of 900 +/- 60 MPa were observed. The Young's modulus of the composites was 165 +/- 5 GPa.

First-principles study of the structural, electronic and thermal properties of CaLiF3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chouit, N.; Amara Korba, S.; Slimani, M.; Meradji, H.; Ghemid, S.; Khenata, R.

2013-09-01

Density functional theory calculations have been performed to study the structural, electronic and optical properties of CaLiF3 cubic fluoroperovskite. Our calculations were carried out by means of the full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave method. The exchange-correlation potential is treated by the local density approximation and the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) (Perdew, Burke and Ernzerhof). Moreover, the alternative form of GGA proposed by Engel and Vosko is also used for band structure calculations. The calculated total energy versus volume allows us to obtain structural properties such as the lattice constant (a0), bulk modulus (B0) and pressure derivative of the bulk modulus (B'0 ). Band structure, density of states and band gap pressure coefficients are also given. Our calculations show that CaLiF3 has an indirect band gap (R-Γ). Following the quasi-harmonic Debye model, in which the phononic effects are considered, the temperature and pressure effects on the lattice constant, bulk modulus, thermal expansion coefficient, Debye temperature and heat capacities are calculated.

Neurite extension and neuronal differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cell derived neural stem cells on polyethylene glycol hydrogels containing a continuous Young's Modulus gradient.

PubMed

Mosley, Matthew C; Lim, Hyun Ju; Chen, Jing; Yang, Yueh-Hsun; Li, Shenglan; Liu, Ying; Smith Callahan, Laura A

2017-03-01

Mechanotransduction in neural cells involves multiple signaling pathways that are not fully understood. Differences in lineage and maturation state are suggested causes for conflicting reports on neural cell mechanosensitivity. To optimize matrices for use in stem cell therapy treatments transplanting human induced pluripotent stem cell derived neural stem cells (hNSC) into lesions after spinal cord injury, the effects of Young's Modulus changes on hNSC behavior must be understood. The present study utilizes polyethylene glycol hydrogels containing a continuous gradient in Young's modulus to examine changes in the Young's Modulus of the culture substrate on hNSC neurite extension and neural differentiation. Changes in the Young's Modulus of the polyethylene glycol hydrogels was found to affect neurite extension and cellular organization on the matrices. hNSC cultured on 907 Pa hydrogels were found to extend longer neurites than hNSC cultured on other tested Young's Moduli hydrogels. The gene expression of β tubulin III and microtubule-associated protein 2 in hNSC was affected by changes in the Young's Modulus of the hydrogel. The combinatory method approach used in the present study demonstrates that hNSC are mechanosensitive and the matrix Young's Modulus should be a design consideration for hNSC transplant applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 824-833, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Polylactic acid composites incorporating casein functionalized cellulose nanowhiskers

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Polylactic acid (PLA) is considered to be a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based polymers for many applications. Using cellulose fiber to reinforce PLA is of great interest recently due to its complete biodegradability and potential improvement of the mechanical performance. However, the dispersion of hydrophilic cellulose fibers in the hydrophobic polymer matrix is usually poor without using hazardous surfactants. The goal of this study was to develop homogenously dispersed cellulose nanowhisker (CNW) reinforced PLA composites using whole milk casein protein, which is an environmentally compatible dispersant. Results In this study, whole milk casein was chosen as a dispersant in the PLA-CNW system because of its potential to interact with the PLA matrix and cellulose. The affinity of casein to PLA was studied by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging. CNWs were functionalized with casein and used as reinforcements to make PLA composites. Fluorescent staining of CNWs in the PLA matrix was implemented as a novel and simple way to analyze the dispersion of the reinforcements. The dispersion of CNWs in PLA was improved when casein was present. The mechanical properties of the composites were studied experimentally. Compared to pure PLA, the PLA composites had higher Young’s modulus. Casein (CS) functionalized CNW reinforced PLA (PLA-CS-CNW) at 2 wt% filler content maintained higher strain at break compared to normal CNW reinforced PLA (PLA-CNW). The Young’s modulus of PLA-CS-CNW composites was also higher than that of PLA-CNW composites at higher filler content. However, all composites exhibited lower strain at break and tensile strength at high filler content. Conclusions The presence of whole milk casein improved the dispersion of CNWs in the PLA matrix. The improved dispersion of CNWs provided higher modulus of the PLA composites at higher reinforcement loading and maintained the strain and stress at break of the composites at relatively low reinforcement loading. The affinity of the dispersant to PLA is important for the ultimate strength and stiffness of the composites. PMID:24341897

Wood Products Thermal Degradation and Fire

Treesearch

Mark Dietenberger; Laura Hasburgh

2016-01-01

As wood reaches elevated temperatures, the different chemical components undergo thermal degradation that affect the performance of wood. The extent of these changes depends on the temperature level and length of time under exposure conditions. Permanent reductions in strength and modulus of elasticity can occur at temperatures >65 °C, with the amount depending...

Origin of low thermal conductivity in SnSe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Yu; Chang, Cheng; Pei, Yanling; Wu, Di; Peng, Kunling; Zhou, Xiaoyuan; Gong, Shengkai; He, Jiaqing; Zhang, Yongsheng; Zeng, Zhi; Zhao, Li-Dong

2016-09-01

We provide direct evidence to understand the origin of low thermal conductivity of SnSe using elastic measurements. Compared to state-of-the-art lead chalcogenides Pb Q (Q =Te , Se, S), SnSe exhibits low values of sound velocity (˜1420 m /s ) , Young's modulus (E ˜27.7 GPa ) , and shear modulus (G ˜9.6 GPa ) , which are ascribed to the extremely weak Sn-Se atomic interactions (or bonds between layers); meanwhile, the deduced average Grüneisen parameter γ of SnSe is as large as ˜3.13, originating from the strong anharmonicity of the bonding arrangement. The calculated phonon mean free path (l ˜ 0.84 nm) at 300 K is comparable to the lattice parameters of SnSe, indicating little room is left for further reduction of the thermal conductivity through introducing nanoscale microstructures and microscale grain boundaries. The low elastic properties indicate that the weak chemical bonding stiffness of SnSe generally causes phonon modes softening which eventually slows down phonon propagation. This work provides insightful data to understand the low lattice thermal conductivity of SnSe.

Effects of High-Temperature Annealing in Air on Hi-Nicalon Fiber-Reinforced Celsian Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bansal, Narottam P.

2008-01-01

BN/SiC-coated Hi-Nicalon fiber-reinforced celsian matrix composites (CMC) were annealed for 100 h in air at various temperatures to 1200 C, followed by flexural strength measurements at room temperature. Values of yield stress and strain, ultimate strength, and composite modulus remain almost unchanged for samples annealed up to 1100 C. A thin porous layer formed on the surface of the 1100 C annealed sample and its density decreased from 3.09 to 2.90 g/cu cm. The specimen annealed at 1200 C gained 0.43 wt%, was severely deformed, and was covered with a porous layer of thick shiny glaze which could be easily peeled off. Some gas bubbles were also present on the surface. This surface layer consisted of elongated crystals of monoclinic celsian and some amorphous phase(s). The fibers in this surface ply of the CMC had broken into small pieces. The fiber-matrix interface strength was characterized through fiber push-in technique. Values of debond stress, alpha(sub d), and frictional sliding stress, tau(sub f), for the as-fabricated CMC were 0.31+/-0.14 GPa and 10.4+/-3.1 MPa, respectively. These values compared with 0.53+/-0.47 GPa and 8.33+/-1.72 MPa for the fibers in the interior of the 1200 C annealed sample, indicating hardly any change in fiber-matrix interface strength. The effects of thermal aging on microstructure were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Only the surface ply of the 1200 C annealed specimens had degraded from oxidation whereas the bulk interior part of the CMC was unaffected. A mechanism is proposed explaining the various steps involved during the degradation of the CMC on annealing in air at 1200 C.

Trout skin gelatin-based edible film development.

PubMed

Kim, Dayeon; Min, Sea C

2012-09-01

Edible biopolymer films were developed from gelatin extracted from trout skin (TSG) using thermal protein denaturation conditions and plasticizer (glycerol) concentration as variables. The amino acid composition of the TSG, elastic modulus, viscous modulus, and the viscosity of film-forming solutions, and tensile properties, water vapor permeability, solubility in water, and color of TSG-based films were determined. A 6.8% (w/w, wet basis) trout skin-extracted gelatin solution containing 9, 17, or 23% (w/w, dry basis) glycerol was heated at 80, 90, or 100 °C for 30, 45, or 60 min to prepare a film-forming solution. TSG can be characterized as a gelatin containing high contents of methionine and aspartic acid. The gelation temperature of the film-forming solution was 7 °C and the solution was subjected to heating to form a stable matrix for a film. Increased heating time of the film-forming solution reduced the film solubility (P < 0.05). Heating at 90 °C for 30 min was suggested as the requirement for film formation. As the concentration of glycerol in the film increased, film strength and moisture barrier properties decreased, while film stretchability increased (P < 0.05). Trout skin by-products can be used as a natural protein source for fabricating biopolymer films stable at ambient conditions with certain physical and moisture barrier properties by controlling thermal treatment conditions and glycerol concentrations. The fishing industry produces a significant amount of waste, including fish skin, due to fish processing. Trout skin waste has potential value as a protein source that can be used to form biopolymer edible films for packaging low and intermediate water activity food products, and thus may have practical applications in the food industry, which could be one way to cut waste disposal in the trout processing industry. © 2012 Institute of Food Technologists®

γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles filled polyvinyl alcohol as potential biomaterial for tissue engineering scaffold.

PubMed

Ngadiman, Nor Hasrul Akhmal; Idris, Ani; Irfan, Muhammad; Kurniawan, Denni; Yusof, Noordin Mohd; Nasiri, Rozita

2015-09-01

Maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticle with its unique magnetic properties is recently known to enhance the cell growth rate. In this study, γ-Fe2O3 is mixed into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix and then electrospun to form nanofibers. Design of experiments was used to determine the optimum parameter settings for the electrospinning process so as to produce elctrospun mats with the preferred characteristics such as good morphology, Young's modulus and porosity. The input factors of the electrospinnning process were nanoparticles content (1-5%), voltage (25-35 kV), and flow rate (1-3 ml/h) while the responses considered were Young's modulus and porosity. Empirical models for both responses as a function of the input factors were developed and the optimum input factors setting were determined, and found to be at 5% nanoparticle content, 35 kV voltage, and 1 ml/h volume flow rate. The characteristics and performance of the optimum PVA/γ-Fe2O3 nanofiber mats were compared with those of neat PVA nanofiber mats in terms of morphology, thermal properties, and hydrophilicity. The PVA/γ-Fe2O3 nanofiber mats exhibited higher fiber diameter and surface roughness yet similar thermal properties and hydrophilicity compared to neat PVA PVA/γ-Fe2O3 nanofiber mats. Biocompatibility test by exposing the nanofiber mats with human blood cells was performed. In terms of clotting time, the PVA/γ-Fe2O3 nanofibers exhibited similar behavior with neat PVA. The PVA/γ-Fe2O3 nanofibers also showed higher cells proliferation rate when MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was done using human skin fibroblast cells. Thus, the PVA/γ-Fe2O3 electrospun nanofibers can be a promising biomaterial for tissue engineering scaffolds. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preparation and Various Characteristics of Epoxy/Alumina Nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozako, Masahiro; Ohki, Yoshimichi; Kohtoh, Masanori; Okabe, Shigemitsu; Tanaka, Toshikatsu

Epoxy/ alumina nanocomposites were newly prepared by dispersing 3, 5, 7, and 10 weight (wt) % boehmite alumina nanofillers in a bisphenol-A epoxy resin using a special two-stage direct mixing method. It was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy imaging that the nanofillers were homogeneously dispersed in the epoxy matrix. Dielectric, mechanical, and thermal properties were investigated. It was elucidated that nanofillers affects various characteristics of epoxy resins, when they are nanostructrued. Such nano-effects we obtained are summarized as follows. Partial discharge resistance increases as the filler content increases; e.g. 7 wt% nanofiller content creates a 60 % decrease in depth of PD-caused erosion. Weibull analysis shows that short-time electrical treeing breakdown time is prolonged to 265 % by 5 wt% addition of nanofillers. But there was more data scatter in nanocomposites than in pure epoxy. Permittivity tends to increase from 3.7 to 4.0 by 5 wt% nanofiller addition as opposed to what was newly found in the recent past. Glass transition temperature remains unchanged as 109 °C. Mechanical properties such as flexural strength and flexural modulus increase; e.g. flexural strength and flexural modulus are improved by 5 % and 8 % with 5 wt% content, respectively. Excess addition causes a reverse effect. It is concluded from permittivity and glass transition temperature characteristics that interfacial bonding seems to be more or less weak in the nanocomposite specimens prepared this time, even though mechanical strengths increase. There is a possibility that the nanocomposites specimens will be improved in interfacial quality.

Biomineralization of Fucoidan-Peptide Blends and Their Potential Applications in Bone Tissue Regeneration

PubMed Central

Pajovich, Harrison T.; Banerjee, Ipsita A.

2017-01-01

Fucoidan (Fuc), a natural polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed algae, and gelatin (Gel) were conjugated to form a template for preparation of biomimetic scaffolds for potential applications in bone tissue regeneration. To the Fuc–Gel we then incorporated the peptide sequence MTNYDEAAMAIASLN (MTN) derived from the E-F hand domain, known for its calcium binding properties. To mimic the components of the extracellular matrix of bone tissue, the Fuc–Gel–MTN assemblies were incubated in simulated body fluid (SBF) to induce biomineralization, resulting in the formation of β-tricalcium phosphate, and hydroxyapatite (HAp). The formed Fuc–Gel–MTN–beta–TCP/HAP scaffolds were found to display an average Young’s Modulus value of 0.32 GPa (n = 5) with an average surface roughness of 91 nm. Rheological studies show that the biomineralized scaffold exhibited higher storage and loss modulus compared to the composites formed before biomineralization. Thermal phase changes were studied through DSC and TGA analysis. XRD and EDS analyses indicated a biphasic mixture of β-tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite and the composition of the scaffold. The scaffold promoted cell proliferation, differentiation and displayed actin stress fibers indicating the formation of cell-scaffold matrices in the presence of MT3C3-E1 mouse preosteoblasts. Osteogenesis and mineralization were found to increase with Fuc–Gel–MTN–beta–TCP/HAP scaffolds. Thus, we have developed a novel scaffold for possible applications in bone tissue engineering. PMID:29036882

The effect of TiB2 reinforcement on the mechanical properties of an Al-Cu-Li alloy-based metal-matrix composite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

The addition of ceramic particles to aluminum based alloys can substantially improve mechanical properties, especially Young's modulus and room and elevated temperature strengths. However, these improvements typically occur at the expense of tensile ductility. The mechanical properties are evaluated to a metal matrix composite (MMC) consisting of an ultrahigh strength aluminum lithium alloy, Weldalite (tm) 049, reinforced with TiB2 particles produced by an in situ precipitation technique called the XD (tm) process. The results are compared to the behavior of a nonreinforced Weldalite 049 variant. It is shown that both 049 and 049-TiB2 show very attractive warm temperature properties e.g., 625 MPa yield strength at 150 C after 100 h at temperature. Weldalite 049 reinforced with a nominal 4 v pct. TiB2 shows an approx. 8 pct. increase in modulus and a good combination of strength (529 MPa UTS) and ductility (6.5 pct.) in the T3 temper. And the high ductility of Weldalite 049 in the naturally aged and underaged tempers makes the alloy a good, high strength matrix for ceramic reinforcement.

Application of Eshelby's Solution to Elastography for Diagnosis of Breast Cancer.

PubMed

Shin, Bonghun; Gopaul, Darindra; Fienberg, Samantha; Kwon, Hyock Ju

2016-03-01

Eshelby's solution is the analytical method that can derive the elastic field within and around an ellipsoidal inclusion embedded in a matrix. Since breast tumor can be regarded as an elastic inclusion with different elastic properties from those of surrounding matrix when the deformation is small, we applied Eshelby's solution to predict the stress and strain fields in the breast containing a suspicious lesion. The results were used to investigate the effectiveness of strain ratio (SR) from elastography in representing modulus ratio (MR) that may be the meaningful indicator of the malignancy of the lesion. This study showed that SR significantly underestimates MR and is varied with the shape and the modulus of the lesion. Based on the results from Eshelby's solution and finite element analysis (FEA), we proposed a surface regression model as a polynomial function that can predict the MR of the lesion to the matrix. The model has been applied to gelatin-based phantoms and clinical ultrasound images of human breasts containing different types of lesions. The results suggest the potential of the proposed method to improve the diagnostic performance of breast cancer using elastography. © The Author(s) 2015.

The effect of matrix stiffness of injectable hydrogels on the preservation of cardiac function after a heart attack.

PubMed

Plotkin, Marian; Vaibavi, Srirangam Ramanujam; Rufaihah, Abdul Jalil; Nithya, Venkateswaran; Wang, Jing; Shachaf, Yonatan; Kofidis, Theo; Seliktar, Dror

2014-02-01

This study compares the effect of four injectable hydrogels with different mechanical properties on the post-myocardial infarction left ventricle (LV) remodeling process. The bioactive hydrogels were synthesized from Tetronic-fibrinogen (TF) and PEG-fibrinogen (PF) conjugates; each hydrogel was supplemented with two levels of additional cross-linker to increase the matrix stiffness as measured by the shear storage modulus (G'). Infarcts created by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in a rodent model were treated with the hydrogels, and all four treatment groups showed an increase in wall thickness, arterial density, and viable cardiac tissue in the peri-infarct areas of the LV. Echocardiography and hemodynamics data of the PF/TF treated groups showed significant improvement of heart function associated with the attenuated effects of the remodeling process. Multi-factorial regression analysis indicated that the group with the highest modulus exhibited the best rescue of heart function and highest neovascularization. The results of this study demonstrate that multiple properties of an injectable bioactive biomaterial, and notably the matrix stiffness, provide the multifaceted stimulation necessary to preserve cardiac function and prevent adverse remodeling following a heart attack. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Magnetization measurements reveal the local shear stiffness of hydrogels probed by ferromagnetic nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bender, P.; Tschöpe, A.; Birringer, R.

2014-12-01

The local mechanical coupling of ferromagnetic nanorods in hydrogels was characterized by magnetization measurements. Nickel nanorods were synthesized by the AAO-template method and embedded in gelatine hydrogels with mechanically soft or hard matrix properties determined by the gelatine weight fraction. By applying a homogeneous magnetic field during gelation the nanorods were aligned along the field resulting in uniaxially textured ferrogels. The magnetization curves of the soft ferrogel exhibited not only important similarities but also characteristic differences as compared to the hard ferrogel. The hystereses measured in a field parallel to the texture axis were almost identical for both samples indicating effective coupling of the nanorods with the polymer network. By contrast, measurements in a magnetic field perpendicular to the texture axis revealed a much higher initial susceptibility of the soft as compared to the hard ferrogel. This difference was attributed to the additional rotation of the nanorods allowed by the reduced shear modulus in the soft ferrogel matrix. Two methods for data analysis were presented which enabled us to determine the shear modulus of the gelatine matrix which was interpreted as a local rather than macroscopic quantity in consideration of the nanoscale of the probe particles.

Fabrication and characterization of novel polymer-matrix nanocomposites and their constituents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Rui

Two main issues for the wide application of polymer-matrix nanocomposites need to be addressed: cost-effective processing of high-performance nanomaterials, and fundamental understanding of the nanofiller-polymer interaction related to property changes of nanocomposites. To fabricate inexpensive and robust carbon nanofibers (CNFs) by the electrospinning technique, an organosolv lignin for replacing polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor was investigated in this work. Modification of lignin to its butyl ester alters the electrospinnability and the thermal mobility of the lignin/PAN blend precursor fibers, which further affect the thermostabilization and carbonization processes of CNFs. The micromorphology, carbon structure, and mechanical properties of resultant CNFs were evaluated in detail. Lignin butyration reveals a new approach to controlling inter-fiber bonding of CNFs which efficiently increases the tensile strength and modulus of nonwoven mats. A commercial vapor-grown CNF reinforcing of room-temperature-vulcanized (RTV) polysiloxane foam has potential impact on the residual tin catalyst in composites and consequently the aging and the long-term performance of the materials. Elemental spectra and mapping were employed to analyze the distribution and the composition of tin catalyst residues in the CNF/polysiloxane composites. Thermal analysis revealed a significant increase of thermal stability for CNF-filled composites. Further, the glass transition properties of polysiloxane are not evidently influenced by the physical interaction between CNF filler and polysiloxane matrix. Nanocomposites consisting of anthracene, a model polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compound, and a thermosetting epoxy was matrix was studied to interpret the reinforcing effect on the glass transition temperature ( Tg) by different routes: physical dispersion and/or covalent modification. The molecular dynamics of the relaxation processes were analyzed by broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS). By parametric fitting using the Havriliak-Negami (HN) function, the Arrhenius diagram was obtained to evaluate the temperature dependence of the relaxation processes at different length scales for the nanocomposites. The segmental alpha relaxation was strongly affected by the reinforcing approaches and the correlation of T g-scaled fragility to molecular structures provides the explanation for the mechanisms of the nanofiller-polymer interaction. In addition, the accelerated chemical aging of nylon 6 polymer, a common material for wire insulations, was monitored by a nondestructive dielectric/capacitive method. The correlation between dielectric properties and electrical breakdown strength was found dependent on the polarity of the aircraft fluids to which nylon 6 was exposed. It was concluded that permittivity/capacitance measurement offers a feasible nondestructive method for diagnosing the breakdown strength of chemically immersed nylon 6.

A Fracture Mechanics Approach to Thermal Shock Investigation in Alumina-Based Refractory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volkov-Husović, T.; Heinemann, R. Jančić; Mitraković, D.

2008-02-01

The thermal shock behavior of large grain size, alumina-based refractories was investigated experimentally using a standard water quench test. A mathematical model was employed to simulate the thermal stability behavior. Behavior of the samples under repeated thermal shock was monitored using ultrasonic measurements of dynamic Young's modulus. Image analysis was used to observe the extent of surface degradation. Analysis of the obtained results for the behavior of large grain size samples under conditions of rapid temperature changes is given.

Bulk modulus and its pressure derivative of YBa2Cu3O7-x

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cankurtaran, M.; Saunders, G. A.; Willis, J. R.; Al-Kheffaji, A.; Almond, D. P.

1989-02-01

Pressure dependences of the ultrasonic wave velocities in polycrystalline YBa2Cu3O7-x are reported. Porosity effects are taken into account using wave-scattering theory in a porous medium. The bulk modulus B0 at atmospheric pressure for the nonporous matrix is 65 GPa, much smaller than B(P) obtained at high pressures from lattice-parameter measurements. This discrepancy accrues from the large value of (∂B/∂P). The comparatively small B0 and large (∂B/∂P) are due to vacant anion sites in this defect perovskite.

Structural, electronic, mechanical, thermal and optical properties of B(P,As)1-xNx; (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1) alloys and hardness of B(P,As) under compression using DFT calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viswanathan, E.; Sundareswari, M.; Jayalakshmi, D. S.; Manjula, M.; Krishnaveni, S.

2017-09-01

First principles calculations are carried out in order to analyze the structural, electronic, mechanical, thermal and optical properties of BP and BAs compounds by ternary alloying with nitrogen namely B(P,As)1-xNx (x = 0.25, 0.5, 0.75) alloys at ambient condition. Thereby we report the mechanical and thermal properties of B(P,As)1-xNx (x = 0.25, 0.5, 0.75) alloys namely bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, hardness, ductile-brittle nature, elastic wave velocity, Debye temperature, melting point, etc.; optical properties of B(P)1-xNx (x = 0.25, 0.5, 0.75) and B(As)1-xNx (x = 0.25, 0.75) alloys namely the dielectric function of real and imaginary part, refractive index, extinction coefficient and reflectivity and the hardness profile of the parent compounds BP and BAs under compression. The charge density plot, density of states histograms and band structures are plotted and discussed for all the ternary alloys of the present study. The calculated results agree very well with the available literature. Analysis of the present study reveals that the ternary alloy combinations namely BP.25N.75 and BAs.25N.75 could be superhard materials; hardness of BP and BAs increases with compression.

Ultrasonic velocity technique for monitoring property changes in fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kautz, Harold E.; Bhatt, Ramakrishna T.

1991-01-01

A technique for measuring ultrasonic velocity was used to monitor changes that occur during processing and heat treatment of a SiC/RBSM composite. Results indicated that correlations exist between the ultrasonic velocity data and elastic modulus and interfacial shear strength data determined from mechanical tests. The ultrasonic velocity data can differentiate strength. The advantages and potential of this nondestructive evaluation method for fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite applications are discussed.

Magnesium Matrix Composite Foams-Density, Mechanical Properties, and Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-07-24

to syntactic foam densities in the range 1–1.5 g/cc, which directly compete with polymer matrix composites. Their inherently high modulus, ductility ...nomenclature of these alloys A, Z, and C refer to aluminum, zinc and copper, respectively. The two letters are followed by two numbers, which correspond to...respectively [27]. Usually, the increased strength of Mg alloys due to the addition of Al or Cu comes at the expense of ductility . Addition of Zn along

Homogeneous Liquid Phase Transfer of Graphene Oxide into Epoxy Resins.

PubMed

Amirova, Lyaysan; Surnova, Albina; Balkaev, Dinar; Musin, Delus; Amirov, Rustem; Dimiev, Ayrat M

2017-04-05

The quality of polymer composite materials depends on the distribution of the filler in the polymer matrix. Due to the presence of the oxygen functional groups, graphene oxide (GO) has a strong affinity to epoxy resins, providing potential opportunity for the uniform distribution of GO sheets in the matrix. Another advantage of GO over its nonoxidized counterpart is its ability to exfoliate to single-atomic-layer sheets in water and in some organic solvents. However, these advantages of GO have not yet been fully realized due to the lack of the methods efficiently introducing GO into the epoxy resin. Here we develop a novel homogeneous liquid phase transfer method that affords uniform distribution, and fully exfoliated condition of GO in the polymer matrix. The most pronounced alteration of properties of the cured composites is registered at the 0.10%-0.15% GO content. Addition of as little as 0.10% GO leads to the increase of the Young's modulus by 48%. Moreover, we demonstrate successful introduction of GO into the epoxy matrix containing an active diluent-modifier; this opens new venues for fabrication of improved GO-epoxy-modifier composites with a broad range of predesigned properties. The experiments done on reproducing the two literature methods, using alternative GO introduction techniques, lead to either decrease or insignificant increase of the Young's modulus of the resulting GO-epoxy composites.

Collagen and mineral deposition in rabbit cortical bone during maturation and growth: effects on tissue properties.

PubMed

Isaksson, Hanna; Harjula, Terhi; Koistinen, Arto; Iivarinen, Jarkko; Seppänen, Kari; Arokoski, Jari P A; Brama, Pieter A; Jurvelin, Jukka S; Helminen, Heikki J

2010-12-01

We characterized the composition and mechanical properties of cortical bone during maturation and growth and in adult life in the rabbit. We hypothesized that the collagen network develops earlier than the mineralized matrix. Growth was monitored, and the rabbits were euthanized at birth (newborn), and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 18 months of age. The collagen network was assessed biochemically (collagen content, enzymatic and non-enzymatic cross-links) in specimens from the mid-diaphysis of the tibia and femur and biomechanically (tensile testing) from decalcified whole tibia specimens. The mineralized matrix was analyzed using pQCT and 3-point bend tests from intact femur specimens. The collagen content and the Young's modulus of the collagen matrix increased significantly until the rabbits were 3 months old, and thereafter remained stable. The amount of HP and LP collagen cross-links increased continuously from newborn to 18 months of age, whereas PEN cross-links increased after 6 months of age. Bone mineral density and the Young's modulus of the mineralized bone increased until the rabbits were at least 6 months old. We concluded that substantial changes take place during the normal process of development in both the biochemical and biomechanical properties of rabbit cortical bone. In cortical bone, the collagen network reaches its mature composition and mechanical strength prior to the mineralized matrix. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Cytocompatibility and Mechanical Properties of Short Phosphate Glass Fibre Reinforced Polylactic Acid (PLA) Composites: Effect of Coupling Agent Mediated Interface

PubMed Central

Hasan, Muhammad Sami; Ahmed, Ifty; Parsons, Andrew; Walker, Gavin; Scotchford, Colin

2012-01-01

In this study three chemical agents Amino-propyl-triethoxy-silane (APS), sorbitol ended PLA oligomer (SPLA) and Hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) were identified to be used as coupling agents to react with the phosphate glass fibre (PGF) reinforcement and the polylactic acid (PLA) polymer matrix of the composite. Composites were prepared with short chopped strand fibres (l = 20 mm, ϕ = 20 µm) in a random arrangement within PLA matrix. Improved, initial composite flexural strength (~20 MPa) was observed for APS treated fibres, which was suggested to be due to enhanced bonding between the fibres and polymer matrix. Both APS and HDI treated fibres were suggested to be covalently linked with the PLA matrix. The hydrophobicity induced by these coupling agents (HDI, APS) helped to resist hydrolysis of the interface and thus retained their mechanical properties for an extended period of time as compared to non-treated control. Approximately 70% of initial strength and 65% of initial modulus was retained by HDI treated fibre composites in contrast to the control, where only ~50% of strength and modulus was retained after 28 days of immersion in PBS at 37 °C. All coupling agent treated and control composites demonstrated good cytocompatibility which was comparable to the tissue culture polystyrene (TCP) control, supporting the use of these materials as coupling agent’s within medical implant devices. PMID:24955744

Assessment of morphology and property of graphene oxide-hydroxypropylmethylcellulose nanocomposite films.

PubMed

Ghosh, Tapas Kumar; Gope, Shirshendu; Mondal, Dibyendu; Bhowmik, Biplab; Mollick, Md Masud Rahaman; Maity, Dipanwita; Roy, Indranil; Sarkar, Gunjan; Sadhukhan, Sourav; Rana, Dipak; Chakraborty, Mukut; Chattopadhyay, Dipankar

2014-05-01

Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized by Hummer's method and characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The as synthesized GO was used to make GO/hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) nanocomposite films by the solution mixing method using different concentrations of GO. The nanocomposite films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and thermo-gravimetric analysis. Mechanical properties, water absorption property and water vapor transmission rate were also measured. XRD analysis showed the formation of exfoliated HPMC/GO nanocomposites films. The FESEM results revealed high interfacial adhesion between the GO and HPMC matrix. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of the nanocomposite films containing the highest weight percentage of GO increased sharply. The thermal stability of HPMC/GO nanocomposites was slightly better than pure HPMC. The water absorption and water vapor transmission rate of HPMC film was reduced with the addition of up to 1 wt% GO. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Isolation and characterisation of microcrystalline cellulose and cellulose nanocrystals from coffee husk and comparative study with rice husk.

PubMed

Collazo-Bigliardi, Sofía; Ortega-Toro, Rodrigo; Chiralt Boix, Amparo

2018-07-01

Cellulosic material from coffee husk has not been previously studied despite being a potential source of reinforcing agents for different applications. This material has been extracted and characterised from coffee husk, in parallel with previously studied rice husk. Samples have been analysed as to their ability to obtain cellulosic fibres and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) by applying alkali and bleaching treatments and final sulphuric acid hydrolysis. Microstructural changes were analysed after treatments, and the size and aspect ratio of CNCs were determined. Crystallinity and thermal stability of both materials progressed in line with the enrichment in cellulosic compounds. The CNC aspect ratio was higher than 10, which confers good reinforcing properties. These were tested in thermoplastic starch films, whose elastic modulus increased by 186 and 121% when 1 wt% of CNCs from rice and coffee husks, respectively, was incorporated into the matrix. Coffee husk represents an interesting source of cellulosic reinforcing materials. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Incorporating silica into cyanate ester-based network by sol-gel method: Structure and properties of subnano- and nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bershtein, V.; Fainleib, A.; Kirilenko, D.; Yakushev, P.; Gusakova, K.; Lavrenyuk, N.; Ryzhov, V.

2016-05-01

A series of Cyanate Ester Resins (CER)-based composites containing 0.01-10 wt. % silica, introduced by sol-gel method, was synthesized using tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS), and their nanostructure and properties were characterized by means of STEM/EDXS, Far-IR spectroscopy, DMA and DSC methods. It was revealed that the most substantial positive impact on CER dynamics, thermal and mechanical properties is attained at ultra-low silica contents, e.g., at 0.1 wt. % silica where Tg and modulus increase, respectively, by 50° and 60%. In this case, silica nanoclusters are absent in the composite, and only chemically incorporated silica junctions of subnanometric size in the densely-crosslinked CER network could be implied. These composites can be designated as "polymer subnanocomposites". Contrarily, formation of silica nanoclusters and especially their aggregates of hundreds nanometers in size at silica contents of 2-10 wt. % led to the distinct negative impact on the matrix properties.

Implementation of thermal residual stresses in the analysis of fiber bridged matrix crack growth in titanium matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bakuckas, John G., Jr.; Johnson, W. Steven

1994-01-01

In this research, thermal residual stresses were incorporated in an analysis of fiber-bridged matrix cracks in unidirectional and cross-ply titanium matrix composites (TMC) containing center holes or center notches. Two TMC were investigated, namely, SCS-6/Timelal-21S laminates. Experimentally, matrix crack initiation and growth were monitored during tension-tension fatigue tests conducted at room temperature and at an elevated temperature of 200 C. Analytically, thermal residual stresses were included in a fiber bridging (FB) model. The local R-ratio and stress-intensity factor in the matrix due to thermal and mechanical loadings were calculated and used to evaluate the matrix crack growth behavior in the two materials studied. The frictional shear stress term, tau, assumed in this model was used as a curve-fitting parameter to matrix crack growth data. The scatter band in the values of tau used to fit the matrix crack growth data was significantly reduced when thermal residual stresses were included in the fiber bridging analysis. For a given material system, lay-up and temperature, a single value of tau was sufficient to analyze the crack growth data. It was revealed in this study that thermal residual stresses are an important factor overlooked in the original FB models.

Self-sensing performance of MWCNT-low density polyethylene nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Tejendra K.; Kumar, S.; Khan, Amal Z.; Varadarajan, Kartik M.; Cantwell, Wesley J.

2018-01-01

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) based polymer nanocomposites offer a range of remarkable properties. Here, we demonstrate self-sensing performance of low density polyethylene (LDPE)-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites for the first time. The dispersion of the CNTs and the morphology of the nanocomposites was investigated using scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopic techniques. The thermal properties were measured using thermal gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry and were found to increase with increasing wt% of MWCNTs in LDPE matrix. An overall improvement in ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and Young’s modulus was found to be 59.6%, 48.5% and 129.3%, respectively for 5.0 wt% loading of MWCNTs. The electrical percolation threshold was observed at 1.0 wt% of MWCNTs and the highest electrical conductivity of 2.8 × 10-2 Scm-1 was observed at 5.0 wt% loading of MWCNTs. These piezo-resistive nanocomposites offer tunable self-sensing capabilities with gauge factors in the ranges of 17-52 and 42-530 in linear elastic (strain ˜3%) and inelastic regimes (strain ˜15%) respectively. Our demonstration would provide guidelines for the fabrication of low cost, self-sensing MWCNT-LDPE nanocomposites for potential use as civil water pipelines and landfill membranes.

Restrained shrinkage cracking of cementitious composites containing soft PCM inclusions: A paste (matrix) controlled response

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wei, Zhenhua; Falzone, Gabriel; Das, Sumanta

The addition of phase change materials (PCMs) has been proposed as a way to mitigate thermal cracking in cementitious materials. However, the addition of PCMs, i.e., soft inclusions, degrades the compressive strength of cementitious composites. From a strength-of-materials viewpoint, such reductions in strength are suspected to increase the tendency of cementitious materials containing PCMs to crack under load (e.g., volume instability-induced stresses resulting from thermal and/or hygral deformations). Based on detailed assessments of free and restrained shrinkage, elastic modulus, and tensile strength, this study shows that the addition of PCMs does not alter the cracking sensitivity of the material. Inmore » fact, the addition of PCMs (or other soft inclusions) enhances the cracking resistance as compared to a plain cement paste or composites containing equivalent dosages of (stiff) quartz inclusions. This is because composites containing soft inclusions demonstrate benefits resulting from crack blunting and deflection, and improved stress relaxation. As a result, although the tensile stress at failure remains similar, the time to failure (i.e., macroscopic cracking) of PCM-containing composites is considerably extended. More generally, the outcomes indicate that dosages of soft(er) inclusions, and the resulting decrease in compressive strength does not amplify the cracking risk of cementitious composites.« less

Mechanical and thermal properties of bacterial-cellulose-fibre-reinforced Mater-Bi(®) bionanocomposite.

PubMed

Nainggolan, Hamonangan; Gea, Saharman; Bilotti, Emiliano; Peijs, Ton; Hutagalung, Sabar D

2013-01-01

The effects of the addition of fibres of bacterial cellulose (FBC) to commercial starch of Mater-Bi(®) have been investigated. FBC produced by cultivating Acetobacter xylinum for 21 days in glucose-based medium were purified by sodium hydroxide 2.5 wt % and sodium hypochlorite 2.5 wt % overnight, consecutively. To obtain water-free BC nanofibres, the pellicles were freeze dried at a pressure of 130 mbar at a cooling rate of 10 °C min(-1). Both Mater-Bi and FBC were blended by using a mini twin-screw extruder at 160 °C for 10 min at a rotor speed of 50 rpm. Tensile tests were performed according to ASTM D638 to measure the Young's modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break. A field emission scanning electron microscope was used to observe the morphology at an accelerating voltage of 10 kV. The crystallinity (T c) and melting temperature (T m) were measured by DSC. Results showed a significant improvement in mechanical and thermal properties in accordance with the addition of FBC into Mater-Bi. FBC is easily incorporated in Mater-Bi matrix and produces homogeneous Mater-Bi/FBC composite. The crystallinity of the Mater-Bi/FBC composites decrease in relation to the increase in the volume fraction of FBC.

Solid impingement erosion mechanisms and characterization of erosion resistance of ductile metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, V. P.; Buckley, D. H.

1982-01-01

Experimental results pertaining to spherical glass bead and angular crushed glass particle impingement are presented. A concept of energy adsorption to explain the failure of material is proposed. The erosion characteristics of several pure metals were correlated with the proposed energy parameters and with other properties. Correlations of erosion and material properties were also carried out with these materials to study the effect of the angle of impingement. Analyses of extensive erosion data indicate that surface energy, strain energy, melting point, bulk modulus, hardness, ultimate resilience, atomic volume and product of linear coefficient of thermal expansion, bulk modulus, and temperature rise required for melting, and ultimate resilience, and hardness exhibit the best correlations. It appears that both energy and thermal properties contribute to the total erosion.

Correlated Time-Variation of Asphalt Rheology and Bulk Microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramm, Adam; Nazmus, Sakib; Bhasin, Amit; Downer, Michael

We use noncontact optical microscopy and optical scattering in the visible and near-infrared spectrum on Performance Grade (PG) asphalt binder to confirm the existence of microstructures in the bulk. The number of visible microstructures increases linearly as penetration depth of the incident radiation increases, which verifies a uniform volume distribution of microstructures. We use dark field optical scatter in the near-infrared to measure the temperature dependent behavior of the bulk microstructures and compare this behavior with Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) measurements of the bulk complex shear modulus | G* (T) | . The main findings are: (1) After reaching thermal equilibrium, both temperature dependent optical scatter intensity (I (T)) and bulk shear modulus (| G* (T) |) continue to change appreciably for times much greater than thermal equilibration times. (2) The hysteresis behavior during a complete temperature cycle seen in previous work derives from a larger time dependence in the cooling step compared with the heating step. (3) Different binder aging conditions show different thermal time-variations for both I (T) and | G* (T) | .

Making the case for high temperature low sag (htls) overhead transmission line conductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banerjee, Koustubh

The future grid will face challenges to meet an increased power demand by the consumers. Various solutions were studied to address this issue. One alternative to realize increased power flow in the grid is to use High Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) since it fulfills essential criteria of less sag and good material performance with temperature. HTLS conductors like Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced (ACCR) and Aluminum Conductor Carbon Composite (ACCC) are expected to face high operating temperatures of 150-200 degree Celsius in order to achieve the desired increased power flow. Therefore, it is imperative to characterize the material performance of these conductors with temperature. The work presented in this thesis addresses the characterization of carbon composite core based and metal matrix core based HTLS conductors. The thesis focuses on the study of variation of tensile strength of the carbon composite core with temperature and the level of temperature rise of the HTLS conductors due to fault currents cleared by backup protection. In this thesis, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) was used to quantify the loss in storage modulus of carbon composite cores with temperature. It has been previously shown in literature that storage modulus is correlated to the tensile strength of the composite. Current temperature relationships of HTLS conductors were determined using the IEEE 738-2006 standard. Temperature rise of these conductors due to fault currents were also simulated. All simulations were performed using Microsoft Visual C++ suite. Tensile testing of metal matrix core was also performed. Results of DMA on carbon composite cores show that the storage modulus, hence tensile strength, decreases rapidly in the temperature range of intended use. DMA on composite cores subjected to heat treatment were conducted to investigate any changes in the variation of storage modulus curves. The experiments also indicates that carbon composites cores subjected to temperatures at or above 250 degree Celsius can cause permanent loss of mechanical properties including tensile strength. The fault current temperature analysis of carbon composite based conductors reveal that fault currents eventually cleared by backup protection in the event of primary protection failure can cause damage to fiber matrix interface.

Fluid property measurements study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Devaney, W. E.

1976-01-01

Fluid properties of refrigerant-21 were investigated at temperatures from the freezing point to 423 Kelvin and at pressures to 1.38 x 10 to the 8th power N/sq m (20,000 psia). The fluid properties included were: density, vapor pressure, viscosity, specific heat, thermal conductivity, thermal expansion coefficient, freezing point and bulk modulus. Tables of smooth values are reported.

Properties of carbon fibers with various coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seegel, V.; Mcmahon, P.

1983-01-01

It is shown that all high modulus carbon fibers are durable with respect to thermal oxidation in air. Among the more widely used and economical materials with low modulus, Celion displays particularly good oxidative durability at high temperatures. This contrast to other materials is due to the low content of Natrium and Kalium in Celion carbon fibers. It is also noted that improved characteristics are attained in Celion carbon fiber/polyimide systems when fibers are used with high temperature resistant polyimide coatings.

Determination of Thermal Conductivity of Silicate Matrix for Applications in Effective Media Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fiala, Lukáš; Jerman, Miloš; Reiterman, Pavel; Černý, Robert

2018-02-01

Silicate materials have an irreplaceable role in the construction industry. They are mainly represented by cement-based- or lime-based materials, such as concrete, cement mortar, or lime plaster, and consist of three phases: the solid matrix and air and water present in the pores. Therefore, their effective thermal conductivity depends on thermal conductivities of the involved phases. Due to the time-consuming experimental determination of the effective thermal conductivity, its calculation by means of homogenization techniques presents a reasonable alternative. In the homogenization theory, both volumetric content and particular property of each phase need to be identified. For porous materials the most problematic part is to accurately identify thermal conductivity of the solid matrix. Due to the complex composition of silicate materials, the thermal conductivity of the matrix can be determined only approximately, based on the knowledge of thermal conductivities of its major compounds. In this paper, the thermal conductivity of silicate matrix is determined using the measurement of a sufficiently large set of experimental data. Cement pastes with different open porosities are prepared, dried, and their effective thermal conductivity is determined using a transient heat-pulse method. The thermal conductivity of the matrix is calculated by means of extrapolation of the effective thermal conductivity versus porosity functions to zero porosity. Its practical applicability is demonstrated by calculating the effective thermal conductivity of a three-phase silicate material and comparing it with experimental data.

Directly susceptible, noncarbon metal ceramic composite crucible

DOEpatents

Holcombe, Jr., Cressie E.; Kiggans, Jr., James O.; Morrow, S. Marvin; Rexford, Donald

1999-01-01

A sintered metal ceramic crucible suitable for high temperature induction melting of reactive metals without appreciable carbon or silicon contamination of the melt. The crucible comprises a cast matrix of a thermally conductive ceramic material; a perforated metal sleeve, which serves as a susceptor for induction heating of the crucible, embedded within the ceramic cast matrix; and a thermal-shock-absorber barrier interposed between the metal sleeve and the ceramic cast matrix to allow for differential thermal expansions between the matrix and the metal sleeve and to act as a thermal-shock-absorber which moderates the effects of rapid changes of sleeve temperature on the matrix.

Gelling ability of kefiran in the presence of sucrose and fructose and physicochemical characterization of the resulting cryogels.

PubMed

Zavala, Lucía; Roberti, Paula; Piermaria, Judith A; Abraham, Analía G

2015-08-01

In this work, the influence of sucrose and fructose on the gel-forming capacity of kefiran was investigated as well as the physicochemical characteristics of the resulting gels. The addition of sugar to gel-forming solutions did not alter the pseudoplastic flow properties of kefiran solutions and after one freeze-thaw cycle translucent gels with high water-holding capability were obtained. A highly porous matrix was revealed by microscopy whose pore size varied with sugar concentration. Sucrose and fructose had different effects on the rheological characteristics of sugar-kefiran gels. An increment in the strength of the gels with progressive concentrations of sucrose was evidenced by an increase in the elastic modulus (G'), indicating that sucrose reinforces the binding interactions between the polymer molecules (p ≤ 0.05). A drastic reduction in elastic modulus occurred, however, when 50.0 % w/w sucrose was added to kefiran gels, resulting in less elasticity. In contrast, when fructose was added to kefiran gels, elastic modulus decreased slightly with progressive sugar concentrations up to 10 %, thereafter increasing up to 50 % (p ≤ 0.05). Supplementation with up to 30 % sugar contributed to water retention and increased the viscous modulus. The relative increment in the elastic and viscous moduli elevated the loss tangent (tanδ) depending on the type and concentration of sugar. Sugars (sucrose, fructose) present in the matrix of the polysaccharide networks modified water-polymer and polymer-polymer interactions and consequently changed the gels' physicochemical characteristics, thus allowing the possibility of selecting the appropriate formulation through tailor-made kefiran cryogels.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Srivastava, Ashish Kumar, E-mail: ashish.memech@gmail.com; Singh, Akhileshwar; Mokhalingam, A.

Atomistic simulations were conducted to estimate the effect of the carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforcement on the mechanical behavior of CNT-reinforced aluminum (Al) nanocomposite. The periodic system of CNT-Al nanocomposite was built and simulated using molecular dynamics (MD) software LAMMPS (Large-scale Atomic/Molecular Massively Parallel Simulator). The mechanical properties of the nanocomposite were investigated by the application of uniaxial load on one end of the representative volume element (RVE) and fixing the other end. The interactions between the atoms of Al were modeled using embedded atom method (EAM) potentials, whereas Adaptive Intermolecular Reactive Empirical Bond Order (AIREBO) potential was used for themore » interactions among carbon atoms and these pair potentials are coupled with the Lennard-Jones (LJ) potential. The results show that the incorporation of CNT into the Al matrix can increase the Young’s modulus of the nanocomposite substantially. In the present case, i.e. for approximately 9 with % reinforcement of CNT can increase the axial Young’s modulus of the Al matrix up to 77 % as compared to pure Al.« less

CCOMP: An efficient algorithm for complex roots computation of determinantal equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zouros, Grigorios P.

2018-01-01

In this paper a free Python algorithm, entitled CCOMP (Complex roots COMPutation), is developed for the efficient computation of complex roots of determinantal equations inside a prescribed complex domain. The key to the method presented is the efficient determination of the candidate points inside the domain which, in their close neighborhood, a complex root may lie. Once these points are detected, the algorithm proceeds to a two-dimensional minimization problem with respect to the minimum modulus eigenvalue of the system matrix. In the core of CCOMP exist three sub-algorithms whose tasks are the efficient estimation of the minimum modulus eigenvalues of the system matrix inside the prescribed domain, the efficient computation of candidate points which guarantee the existence of minima, and finally, the computation of minima via bound constrained minimization algorithms. Theoretical results and heuristics support the development and the performance of the algorithm, which is discussed in detail. CCOMP supports general complex matrices, and its efficiency, applicability and validity is demonstrated to a variety of microwave applications.

Wedge disclination dipole in an embedded nanowire within the surface/interface elasticity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shodja, Hossein M.; Rezazadeh-Kalehbasti, Shaghayegh; Gutkin, Mikhail Yu

2013-12-01

The elastic behavior of an arbitrary oriented wedge disclination dipole located inside a nanowire, which in turn is embedded in an infinite matrix, is studied within the surface/interface theory of elasticity. The corresponding boundary value problem is provided using complex potential functions. The potential functions are defined through modeling the wedge disclination in terms of an equivalent distribution of edge dislocations. The interface effects on the stress field and strain energy of the disclination dipole and image forces acting on it, the influence of relative shear moduli of the nanowire and the matrix, as well as the different characteristics of the interface are studied thoroughly. It is shown that the positive interface modulus leads to increased strain energy and extra repulsive forces on the disclination dipole. The noticeable effect of the negative interface modulus is the non-classical oscillations in the stress field of the disclination dipole and an extra attractive image force on it.

Amino acids supply in culture media is not a limiting factor in the matrix synthesis of engineered cartilage tissue

PubMed Central

Ng, K. W.; DeFrancis, J. G.; Kugler, L. E.; Kelly, T.-A. N.; Ho, M. M.; O’Conor, C. J.; Ateshian, G. A.; Hung, C. T.

2013-01-01

Summary Increased amino acid supplementation (0.5×, 1.0×, and 5.0× recommended concentrations or additional proline) was hypothesized to increase the collagen content in engineered cartilage. No significant differences were found between groups in matrix content or dynamic modulus. Control constructs possessed the highest compressive Young’s modulus on day 42. On day 42, compared to controls, decreased type II collagen was found with 0.5×, 1.0×, and 5.0× supplementation and significantly increased DNA content found in 1.0× and 5.0×. No effects were observed on these measures with added proline. These results lead us to reject our hypothesis and indicate that the low collagen synthesis in engineered cartilage is not due to a limited supply of amino acids in media but may require a further stimulatory signal. The results of this study also highlight the impact that culture environment can play on the development of engineered cartilage. PMID:17713744

Dielectric and modulus studies of polycrystalline BaZrO3 ceramic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saini, Deepash S.; Singh, Sunder; Kumar, Anil; Bhattacharya, D.

2018-05-01

In the present work, dielectric and modulus studies of polycrystalline BaZrO3 ceramic, prepared by modified combustion method followed by conventional sintering, are investigated over the frequency range of 100 Hz to 106 Hz at different temperatures from 250 to 500 °C in air. The high value of dielectric constant (ɛ' ˜ 103) of BaZrO3 at high temperature and low frequency can be attributed to the Maxwell-Wagner polarization mechanism as well as to the thermally activated mechanism of charge carriers. Electric modulus reveal two type relaxations in the 250 °C to 800 °C temperature region as studied at different frequencies over 100 Hz to 106 Hz in air.

Elastic and transport properties of topological semimetal ZrTe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, San-Dong; Wang, Yue-Hua; Lu, Wan-Li

2017-11-01

Topological semimetals may have substantial applications in electronics, spintronics, and quantum computation. Recently, ZrTe was predicted as a new type of topological semimetal due to the coexistence of Weyl fermions and massless triply degenerate nodal points. In this work, the elastic and transport properties of ZrTe are investigated by combining the first-principles calculations and semiclassical Boltzmann transport theory. Calculated elastic constants prove the mechanical stability of ZrTe, and the bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young’s modulus, and Poisson’s ratio also are calculated. It is found that spin-orbit coupling (SOC) has slightly enhanced effects on the Seebeck coefficient, which along the a(b) and c directions for pristine ZrTe at 300 K is 46.26 μVK-1 and 80.20 μVK-1, respectively. By comparing the experimental electrical conductivity of ZrTe (300 K) with the calculated value, the scattering time is determined as 1.59 × 10-14 s. The predicted room-temperature electronic thermal conductivity along the a(b) and c directions is 2.37 {{Wm}}-1{{{K}}}-1 and 2.90 {{Wm}}-1{{{K}}}-1, respectively. The room-temperature lattice thermal conductivity is predicted as 17.56 {{Wm}}-1{{{K}}}-1 and 43.08 {{Wm}}-1{{{K}}}-1 along the a(b) and c directions, showing very strong anisotropy. Calculated results show that isotope scattering produces an observable effect on lattice thermal conductivity. To observably reduce lattice thermal conductivity by nanostructures, the characteristic length should be smaller than 70 nm, based on cumulative lattice thermal conductivity with respect to the phonon mean free path (MFP) at 300 K. It is noted that the average room-temperature lattice thermal conductivity of ZrTe is slightly higher than that of isostructural MoP, which is due to larger phonon lifetimes and smaller Grüneisen parameters. Finally, the total thermal conductivity as a function of temperature is predicted for pristine ZrTe. Our works provide valuable information for ZrTe-based nano-electronics devices, and motivate further experimental works to study elastic and transport properties of ZrTe.

Cytoskeletal remodeling of connective tissue fibroblasts in response to static stretch is dependent on matrix material properties

PubMed Central

Abbott, Rosalyn D; Koptiuch, Cathryn; Iatridis, James C; Howe, Alan K; Badger, Gary J; Langevin, Helene M

2012-01-01

In areolar “loose” connective tissue, fibroblasts remodel their cytoskeleton within minutes in response to static stretch resulting in increased cell body cross-sectional area that relaxes the tissue to a lower state of resting tension. It remains unknown whether the loosely arranged collagen matrix, characteristic of areolar connective tissue, is required for this cytoskeletal response to occur. The purpose of this study was to evaluate cytoskeletal remodeling of fibroblasts in and dissociated from areolar and dense connective tissue in response to 2 hours of static stretch in both native tissue and collagen gels of varying crosslinking. Rheometric testing indicated that the areolar connective tissue had a lower dynamic modulus and was more viscous than the dense connective tissue. In response to stretch, cells within the more compliant areolar connective tissue adopted a large “sheet-like” morphology that was in contrast to the smaller dendritic morphology in the dense connective tissue. By adjusting the in vitro collagen crosslinking, and the resulting dynamic modulus, it was demonstrated that cells dissociated from dense connective tissue are capable of responding when seeded into a compliant matrix, while cells dissociated from areolar connective tissue can lose their ability to respond when their matrix becomes stiffer. This set of experiments indicated stretch-induced fibroblast expansion was dependent on the distinct matrix material properties of areolar connective tissues as opposed to the cells’ tissue of origin. These results also suggest that disease and pathological processes with increased crosslinks, such as diabetes and fibrosis, could impair fibroblast responsiveness in connective tissues. PMID:22552950

Spectral properties of Google matrix of Wikipedia and other networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ermann, Leonardo; Frahm, Klaus M.; Shepelyansky, Dima L.

2013-05-01

We study the properties of eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the Google matrix of the Wikipedia articles hyperlink network and other real networks. With the help of the Arnoldi method, we analyze the distribution of eigenvalues in the complex plane and show that eigenstates with significant eigenvalue modulus are located on well defined network communities. We also show that the correlator between PageRank and CheiRank vectors distinguishes different organizations of information flow on BBC and Le Monde web sites.

Epoxy Nanocomposites Containing Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8.

PubMed

Liu, Cong; Mullins, Michael; Hawkins, Spencer; Kotaki, Masaya; Sue, Hung-Jue

2018-01-10

Zeolitic imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8) is utilized as a functional filler and a curing agent in the preparation of epoxy nanocomposites. The imidazole group on the surface of the ZIF-8 initiates epoxy curing, resulting in covalent bonding between the ZIF-8 crystals and epoxy matrix. A substantial reduction in dielectric constant and increase in tensile modulus were observed. The implication of the present study for utilization of metal-organic framework to improve physical and mechanical properties of polymeric matrixes is discussed.

Fatigue behavior of a cross-ply ceramic matrix composite at elevated temperature under tension-tension loading. Master`s thesis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Steiner, C.D.

This study investigated the fatigue behavior and damage mechanisms of a (0/90)4s SiC/MAS ceramic matrix composite under tension-tension loading at two elevated temperatures and two frequencies. Stress and strain hystereses, maximum and minimum strain, and modulus of elasticity were evaluated to characterize the material behavior. Microscopy and fractography were used to evaluate damage progression and mechanisms. Fatigue life was independent of frequency at both temperatures.

Reinforcement of natural rubber latex by nanosize montmorillonite clay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tantatherdtam, Rattana

Based on the unique character of montmorillonite namely its layer structure and the ability of silicate particles to separate into nanometer-size platelets, natural rubber (polyisoprene)/clay composites were obtained by mixing rubber latex with clay-water dispersion and coagulating the mixture. The resulting film had greatly improved mechanical properties compared with films using micron-sized fillers. Further, both modulus and toughness were improved; in many composite system an improvement in modulus leads to a loss of toughness. X-ray diffraction results indicated that clay platelets dispersed in the rubber matrix on the nanoscale level with some macromolecules intercalated into the clay gallery. The observed considerable improvement in mechanical properties, coupled with a theoretical model of composite modulus suggests a dispersed structure of clay in the composite. While not all clay particles are exfoliated, data suggest that a reasonable fraction of exfoliated materials is required to explain the experimental results.

Effective properties of dispersed phase reinforced composite materials with perfect and imperfect interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Ru

This thesis focuses on the analysis of dispersed phase reinforced composite materials with perfect as well as imperfect interfaces using the Boundary Element Method (BEM). Two problems of interest are considered, namely, to determine the limitations in the use of effective properties and the analysis of failure progression at the inclusion-matrix interface. The effective moduli (effective Young's modulus, effective Poisson's ratio, effective shear modulus, and effective bulk modulus) of composite materials can be determined at the mesoscopic level using three-dimensional parallel BEM simulations. By comparing the mesoscopic BEM results and the macroscopic results based on effective properties, limitations in the effective property approach can be determined. Decohesion is an important failure mode associated with fiber-reinforced composite materials. Analysis of failure progression at the fiber-matrix interface in fiber-reinforced composite materials is considered using a softening decohesion model consistent with thermodynamic concepts. In this model, the initiation of failure is given directly by a failure criterion. Damage is interpreted by the development of a discontinuity of displacement. The formulation describing the potential development of damage is governed by a discrete decohesive constitutive equation. Numerical simulations are performed using the direct boundary element method. Incremental decohesion simulations illustrate the progressive evolution of debonding zones and the propagation of cracks along the interfaces. The effect of decohesion on the macroscopic response of composite materials is also investigated.

Reinforcement effect of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)-grafted cellulose nanocrystal on toughened PBS/polylactic acid blends.

PubMed

Zhang, Xuzhen; Zhang, Yong

2016-04-20

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/polylactic acid (PLA) blends modified with dicumyl peroxide (DCP) were reinforced by PBS-g-cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) through melt mixing. PBS-g-CNC was prepared through in situ polymerization and its structure was confirmed by FTIR, (13)C NMR, XPS and GPC analysis after saponification. The morphological analysis of PBS/PLA/PBS-g-CNC composites before and after etched by CH2Cl2 shows that the addition of DCP and PBS-g-CNC could decrease the size of PBS as a dispersed phase in PLA matrix and improve the dispersion of PBS-g-CNC in both PBS and PLA phases, which could affect the crystallization and mechanical properties of composites. The crystallinity of PLA α'-phase crystal in PBS/PLA/PBS-g-CNC composites is increased obviously by the addition of PBS-g-CNC, leading to an increase of the crystallinity of the composites. PBS/PLA blends modified by DCP have high Notched Izod impact strength and moduli, and the values are increased by the addition of PBS-g-CNC. Both storage modulus and glass translation temperature of PBS/PLA blend are increased by DCP and PBS-g-CNC, which is proved by DMA results, showing a weak molecular segment mobility of PBS/PLA matrix. The addition of DCP decreases the crystallization temperature and crystallinity of PBS/PLA composite, but increases the thermal stability of composites, mostly because of the crosslink effect of DCP on PBS/PLA matrix. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Flexible fiber-reinforced composites with improved interfacial adhesion by mussel-inspired polydopamine and poly(methyl methacrylate) coating.

PubMed

Yi, Mi; Sun, Hongyang; Zhang, Hongcheng; Deng, Xuliang; Cai, Qing; Yang, Xiaoping

2016-01-01

To obtain a kind of light-curable fiber-reinforced composite for dental restoration, an excellent interfacial adhesion between the fiber and the acrylate resin matrix is quite essential. Herein, surface modification on glass fibers were carried out by coating them with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polydopamine (PDA), or both. The PMMA or PDA coating was performed by soaking fibers in PMMA/acetone solution or dopamine aqueous solution. PDA/PMMA co-coated glass fibers were obtained by further soaking PDA-coated fibers in PMMA/acetone solution. These modified fibers were impregnated with bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA)/triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) (5:5, w/w) dental resin at a volume fraction of 75%, using unmodified fibers as reference. Light-cured specimens were submitted to evaluations including flexural properties, morphological observation, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and pull-out test. In comparison with unmodified glass fibers, all the modified glass fibers showed enhancements in flexural strength and modulus of Bis-GMA/TEGDMA resin composites. Results of DMTA and pull-out tests confirmed that surface modification had significantly improved the interfacial adhesion between the glass fiber and the resin matrix. Particularly, the PDA/PMMA co-coated glass fibers displayed the most efficient reinforcement and the strongest interfacial adhesion due to the synergetic effects of PDA and PMMA. It indicated that co-coating method was a promising approach in modifying the interfacial compatibility between inorganic glass fiber and organic resin matrix. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Simulation of thermal stress in Er2O3 and Al2O3 tritium penetration barriers by finite-element analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ze, LIU; Guogang, YU; Anping, HE; Ling, WANG

2017-09-01

The physical vapor deposition method is an effective way to deposit Al2O3 and Er2O3 on 316L stainless steel substrates acting as tritium permeation barriers in a fusion reactor. The distribution of residual thermal stress is calculated both in Al2O3 and Er2O3 coating systems with planar and rough substrates using finite element analysis. The parameters influencing the thermal stress in the sputter process are analyzed, such as coating and substrate properties, temperature and Young’s modulus. This work shows that the thermal stress in Al2O3 and Er2O3 coating systems exhibit a linear relationship with substrate thickness, temperature and Young’s modulus. However, this relationship is inversed with coating thickness. In addition, the rough substrate surface can increase the thermal stress in the process of coating deposition. The adhesive strength between the coating and the substrate is evaluated by the shear stress. Due to the higher compressive shear stress, the Al2O3 coating has a better adhesive strength with a 316L stainless steel substrate than the Er2O3 coating. Furthermore, the analysis shows that it is a useful way to improve adhesive strength with increasing interface roughness.

Influence of thermal aging on AC leakage current in XLPE insulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geng, Pulong; Song, Jiancheng; Tian, Muqin; Lei, Zhipeng; Du, Yakun

2018-02-01

Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) has been widely used as cable insulation material because of its excellent dielectric properties, thermal stability and solvent resistance. To understand the influence of thermal aging on AC leakage current in XLPE insulation, all XLPE specimens were aged in oven in temperature range from 120 °C to 150 °C, and a series of tests were conducted on these XLPE specimens in different aging stages to measure the characteristic parameters, such as complex permittivity, leakage current and complex dielectric modulus. In the experiments, the effects of thermal aging, temperature and frequency on the AC leakage current in XLPE insulation were studied by analyzing complex dielectric constant and dielectric relaxation modulus spectrum, the change of relaxation peak and activation energy. It has been found that the active part of leakage current increases sharply with the increase of aging degree, and the test temperature and frequency have an influence on AC leakage current but the influence of test temperature is mainly reflected in the low frequency region. In addition, it has been shown by the experiments that the reactive part of leakage current exhibits a strong frequency dependent characteristic in the testing frequency range from 10-2 Hz to 105 Hz, but the influence of test temperature and thermal aging on it is relatively small.

Fiber study involving a polyimide matrix

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cano, R.J.; Rommel, M.; Hinkley, J.A.

1996-12-31

Mechanical properties are presented for eight different intermediate modulus carbon fiber/ polyimide matrix composites. Two unsized carbon fibers (Thornel T650-42 and Hercules IM9) and two sized carbon fibers (high temperature sized Thornel T650-42 HTS and epoxy sized Toray T1000) were prepregged on the NASA LaRC Multipurpose Tape Machine using the NASA LaRC developed polyimide resin matrix, LaRC{trademark}-PETI-5, and the DuPont developed Avitnid{reg_sign} R1-16. Composite panels fabricated from these prepregs were evaluated to determine their mechanical properties. The data show the effects of using sized fibers on the processing and mechanical properties of polyimide composites.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Cross-Linking Strategy of a Quercetin-Based Epoxidized Monomer as a Naturally-Derived Replacement for BPA in Epoxy Resins.

PubMed

Kristufek, Samantha L; Yang, Guozhen; Link, Lauren A; Rohde, Brian J; Robertson, Megan L; Wooley, Karen L

2016-08-23

The natural polyphenolic compound quercetin was functionalized and cross-linked to afford a robust epoxy network. Quercetin was selectively methylated and functionalized with glycidyl ether moieties using a microwave-assisted reaction on a gram scale to afford the desired monomer (Q). This quercetin-derived monomer was treated with nadic methyl anhydride (NMA) to obtain a cross-linked network (Q-NMA). The thermal and mechanical properties of this naturally derived network were compared to those of a conventional diglycidyl ether bisphenol A-derived counterpart (DGEBA-NMA). Q-NMA had similar thermal properties [i.e., glass transition (Tg ) and decomposition (Td ) temperatures] and comparable mechanical properties (i.e., Young's Modulus, storage modulus) to that of DGEBA-NMA. However, it had a lower tensile strength and higher flexural modulus at elevated temperatures. The application of naturally derived, sustainable compounds for the replacement of commercially available petrochemical-based epoxies is of great interest to reduce the environmental impact of these materials. Q-NMA is an attractive candidate for the replacement of bisphenol A-based epoxies in various specialty engineering applications. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Dynamic mechanical properties of a Ti-based metallic glass matrix composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jinshan; Cui, Jing; Qiao, Jichao; Bai, Jie; Kou, Hongchao; Wang, Jun

2015-04-01

Dynamic mechanical behavior of a Ti50Zr20Nb12Cu5Be13 bulk metallic glass composite was investigated using mechanical spectroscopy in both temperature and frequency domains. Storage modulus G' and loss modulus G″ are determined by temperature, and three distinct regions corresponding to different states in the bulk metallic glass composite are characterized. Physical parameters, such as atomic mobility and correlation factor χ, are introduced to analyze dynamic mechanical behavior of the bulk metallic glass composite in the framework of quasi-point defects (QPD) model. The experimental results are in good agreement with the prediction of QPD model.

Dynamic mechanical properties of a Ti-based metallic glass matrix composite

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Jinshan, E-mail: ljsh@nwpu.edu.cn; Cui, Jing; Bai, Jie

2015-04-21

Dynamic mechanical behavior of a Ti{sub 50}Zr{sub 20}Nb{sub 12}Cu{sub 5}Be{sub 13} bulk metallic glass composite was investigated using mechanical spectroscopy in both temperature and frequency domains. Storage modulus G′ and loss modulus G″ are determined by temperature, and three distinct regions corresponding to different states in the bulk metallic glass composite are characterized. Physical parameters, such as atomic mobility and correlation factor χ, are introduced to analyze dynamic mechanical behavior of the bulk metallic glass composite in the framework of quasi-point defects (QPD) model. The experimental results are in good agreement with the prediction of QPD model.

Characterization of solid particle erosion resistance of ductile metals based on their properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, P. V.; Buckley, D. H.

1985-01-01

This paper presents experimental results pertaining to spherical glass bead and angular crushed glass particle impingement. A concept of energy absorption to explain the failure of material is proposed and is correlated with the erosion characteristics of several pure metals. Analyses of extensive erosion data indicate that the properties - surface energy, specific melting energy, strain energy, melting point, bulk modulus, hardness, atomic volume - and the product of the parameters - linear coefficient of thermal expansion x bulk modulus x temperature rise required for melting, and ultimate resilience x hardness - exhibit the best correlations. The properties of surface energy and atomic volume are suggested for the first time for correlation purposes and are found to correlate well with erosion rates at different angles of impingement. It further appears that both energy and thermal properties contribute to the total erosion.

Effect of Thermal Treatment of Fast Growing Wood Fibers on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Light Medium Density Fiberboard

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jarusombuti, Songklod; Ayrilmis, Nadir; Fueangvivat, Vallayuth; Bauchongkol, Piyawade

2011-06-01

This study investigated physical and mechanical properties of the light medium density fiberboard (MDF) panels made from thermally treated wood fibers of eucalyptus camaldulensis at three different temperatures (393 K, 423 K or 453 K) for 30 or 60 min in a laboratory autoclave. The average thickness swelling of the panels decreased by 16-54% depending on the treatment temperature and time. However, the modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and internal bond strength decreased by 16-37%, 9-25% and 10-39%, respectively. Based on the findings obtained from the present study, it may be said that wood fibers of E. camaldulensis treated at 453 K - 30 min can be used in the light MDF manufacture for use in humid conditions, such as kitchen and bathroom furniture requiring improved dimensional stability.

High thermal conductivity in soft elastomers with elongated liquid metal inclusions

PubMed Central

Bartlett, Michael D.; Powell-Palm, Matthew J.; Huang, Xiaonan; Sun, Wenhuan; Malen, Jonathan A.; Majidi, Carmel

2017-01-01

Soft dielectric materials typically exhibit poor heat transfer properties due to the dynamics of phonon transport, which constrain thermal conductivity (k) to decrease monotonically with decreasing elastic modulus (E). This thermal−mechanical trade-off is limiting for wearable computing, soft robotics, and other emerging applications that require materials with both high thermal conductivity and low mechanical stiffness. Here, we overcome this constraint with an electrically insulating composite that exhibits an unprecedented combination of metal-like thermal conductivity, an elastic compliance similar to soft biological tissue (Young’s modulus < 100 kPa), and the capability to undergo extreme deformations (>600% strain). By incorporating liquid metal (LM) microdroplets into a soft elastomer, we achieve a ∼25× increase in thermal conductivity (4.7 ± 0.2 W⋅m−1⋅K−1) over the base polymer (0.20 ± 0.01 W⋅m−1·K−1) under stress-free conditions and a ∼50× increase (9.8 ± 0.8 W⋅m−1·K−1) when strained. This exceptional combination of thermal and mechanical properties is enabled by a unique thermal−mechanical coupling that exploits the deformability of the LM inclusions to create thermally conductive pathways in situ. Moreover, these materials offer possibilities for passive heat exchange in stretchable electronics and bioinspired robotics, which we demonstrate through the rapid heat dissipation of an elastomer-mounted extreme high-power LED lamp and a swimming soft robot. PMID:28193902

Effects of cryogenic thermal cycle and immersion on the mechanical characteristics of phenol-resin bonded plywood

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jeong-Hyeon; Park, Doo-Hwan; Lee, Chi-Seung; Park, Kwang-Jun; Lee, Jae-Myung

2015-12-01

The main objective of the present study is to investigate the performance degradation of the plywood used in a liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo containment system (CCS). A plywood sheet features an odd number of thinly layered wooden plies bonded perpendicularly to the previous layer to give it a very strong and durable structure. Owing to this strong point, plywood is applied to a variety of interior and exterior applications. Above all, it is widely adopted as insulation panels in an LNG CCS owing to a high stiffness with low density and its superior mechanical capabilities. As an insulation material of an LNG CCS, plywood is constantly exposed to repeated wave-induced thermal variations caused by the loading (-163 °C) and unloading (20 °C) of LNG during general operating periods of 25 years on average. Therefore, the effects of cryogenic-level thermal loads on the material characteristics of plywood must be analyzed with respect to the design and safety aspects of LNG CCSs. In the present study, the influences of the estimated thermal load, testing temperature, and grain orientation on plywood adopted in an LNG CCS are investigated. In terms of safety and design, the repeated thermal loads in a LNG CCS must be considered because the modulus of elasticity (MOE), tensile strength (TS), and modulus of rupture (MOR) are degraded by thermal treatments, such as cyclic thermal-shock and cryogenic immersion.

Thermal shock fracture in cross-ply fibre-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kastritseas, C.; Smith, P. A.; Yeomans, J. A.

2010-11-01

The onset of matrix cracking due to thermal shock in a range of simple and multi-layer cross-ply laminates comprising a calcium aluminosilicate (CAS) matrix reinforced with Nicalon® fibres is investigated analytically. A comprehensive stress analysis under conditions of thermal shock, ignoring transient effects, is performed and fracture criteria based on either a recently derived model for the thermal shock resistance of unidirectional Nicalon®/glass ceramic-matrix composites or fracture mechanics considerations are formulated. The effect of material thickness on the apparent thermal shock resistance is also modelled. Comparison with experimental results reveals that the accuracy of the predictions is satisfactory and the reasons for some discrepancies are discussed. In addition, a theoretical argument based on thermal shock theory is formulated to explain the observed cracking patterns.

Mechanical properties of metastatic breast cancer cells invading into collagen I matrices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ros, Robert

2014-03-01

Mechanical interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) are critical to the metastasis of cancer cells. To investigate the mechanical interplay between the cells and ECM during invasion, we created thin bovine collagen I hydrogels ranging from 0.1-5 kPa in Young's modulus that were seeded with highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Significant population fractions invaded the matrices either partially or fully within 24 h. We then combined confocal fluorescence microscopy and indentation with an atomic force microscope to determine the Young's moduli of individual embedded cells and the pericellular matrix using novel analysis methods for heterogeneous samples. In partially embedded cells, we observe a statistically significant correlation between the degree of invasion and the Young's modulus, which was up to an order of magnitude greater than that of the same cells measured in 2D. ROCK inhibition returned the cells' Young's moduli to values similar to 2D and diminished but did not abrogate invasion. This provides evidence that Rho/ROCK-dependent acto-myosin contractility is employed for matrix reorganization during initial invasion, and suggests the observed cell stiffening is due to an attendant increase in actin stress fibers. This work was supported by the National Cancer Institute under the grant U54 CA143862.

Microstructure and physical properties of steel-ladle purging plug refractory materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Long, Bin; Xu, Gui-ying; Andreas, Buhr

2017-02-01

Three different castables were prepared as steel-ladle purging-plug refractory materials: corundum-based low-cement castable (C-LCC), corundum-spinel-based low-cement castable (C-S-LCC), and no-cement corundum-spinel castable (C-S-NCC) (hydratable alumina ρ-Al2O3 bonded). The properties of these castables were characterized with regard to water demand/flow ability, cold crushing strength (CCS), cold modulus of rupture (CMoR), permanent linear change (PLC), apparent porosity, and hot modulus of rupture (HMoR). The results show the CCS/CMoR and HMoR of C-LCC and C-S-LCC are greater than those of the castable C-S-NCC. According to the microstructure analysis, the sintering effect and the bonding type of the matrix material differ among the three castables. The calcium hexaluminate (CA6) phase in the matrix of C-LCC enhances the cold and hot mechanical strengths. In the case of C-S-LCC, the CA6 and 2CaO·2MgO·14Al2O3 (C2M2A14) ternary phases generated from the matrix can greatly increase the cold and hot mechanical strengths. In the case of the no-cement castable, sintering becomes difficult, resulting in a lower mechanical strength.

Mechanical characterization of proanthocyanidin-dentin matrix interaction

PubMed Central

Castellan, Carina Strano; Pereira, Patricia Nobrega; Grande, Rosa Helena Miranda; Bedran-Russo, Ana Karina

2010-01-01

Objectives To characterize the properties of dentin matrix treated with two proanthocyanidin rich cross-linking agents and their effect on dentin bonded interfaces. Methods Sound human molars were cut into 0.5 mm thick dentin slabs, demineralized and either treated with one of two cross-linking agents (grape seed - GSE and cocoa seed - COE extracts) or left untreated. The modulus of elasticity of demineralized dentin was assessed after 10 or 60 min and the swelling ratio after 60 min treatment. Bacterial collagenase was also used to assess resistance to enzymatic degradation of samples subjected to ultimate tensile strength. The effect of GSE or COE on the resin-dentin bond strength was evaluated after 10 or 60 min of exposure time. Data were statistically analyzed at a 95% confidence interval. Results Both cross-linkers increased the elastic modulus of demineralized dentin as exposure time increased. Swelling ratio was lower for treated samples when compared to control groups. No statistically significant changes to the UTS indicate that collagenase had no effect on dentin matrix treated with either GSE or COE. Dentin-resin bonds significantly increased following treatment with GSE regardless of the application time or adhesive system used. Significance Increased mechanical properties and stability of dentin matrix can be achieved by the use of PA-rich collagen cross-linkers most likely due to the formation of a PA-collagen complex. The short term dentin-resin bonds can be improved after 10 minutes dentin treatment. PMID:20650510

Indirect three-dimensional printing of synthetic polymer scaffold based on thermal molding process.

PubMed

Park, Jeong Hun; Jung, Jin Woo; Kang, Hyun-Wook; Cho, Dong-Woo

2014-06-01

One of the major issues in tissue engineering has been the development of three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds, which serve as a structural template for cell growth and extracellular matrix formation. In scaffold-based tissue engineering, 3D printing (3DP) technology has been successfully applied for the fabrication of complex 3D scaffolds by using both direct and indirect techniques. In principle, direct 3DP techniques rely on the straightforward utilization of the final scaffold materials during the actual scaffold fabrication process. In contrast, indirect 3DP techniques use a negative mold based on a scaffold design, to which the desired biomaterial is cast and then sacrificed to obtain the final scaffold. Such indirect 3DP techniques generally impose a solvent-based process for scaffold fabrication, resulting in a considerable increase in the fabrication time and poor mechanical properties. In addition, the internal architecture of the resulting scaffold is affected by the properties of the biomaterial solution. In this study, we propose an advanced indirect 3DP technique using projection-based micro-stereolithography and an injection molding system (IMS) in order to address these challenges. The scaffold was fabricated by a thermal molding process using IMS to overcome the limitation of the solvent-based molding process in indirect 3DP techniques. The results indicate that the thermal molding process using an IMS has achieved a substantial reduction in scaffold fabrication time and has also provided the scaffold with higher mechanical modulus and strength. In addition, cell adhesion and proliferation studies have indicated no significant difference in cell activity between the scaffolds prepared by solvent-based and thermal molding processes.

Producibility of fibrous refractory composite insulation, FRCI 40-20. [for reusable heat shielding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strauss, E. L.; Johnson, C. W.; Graese, R. W.; Campbell, R. L.

1983-01-01

Fibrous Refractory Composite Insulation (FRCI) is a NASA-developed, second generation, reusable heat-shield material that comprises a mixture of aluminoborosilicate fibers, silica fibers, and silicon carbide. Under NASA contract, a program was conducted to demonstrate the capability for manufacturing FRCI 40-20 billets. A detailed fabrication procedure was written and validated by testing specimens from the first two billets. The material conformed to NASA requirements for density, tensile strength, modulus of rupture, thermal expansion, cristobalite content, and uniformity. Twenty-four billets were prepared to provide 20 deliverable articles. Production billets were checked for density, modulus of rupture, cristobalite content, and uniformity. Billet density ranged from 309.48 to 332.22 kg/cu m (19.32 to 20.74 lb/cu ft) and modulus of rupture from 4690 to 10,140 kPa (680 to 1470 psi). Cristobalite content was less than 1 percent. A Weibull analysis of modulus-of-rupture data indicated a 1.5 percent probability for failure below the specified strength of 4480 kPa (650 psi).

Optimization of ceramic strength using elastic gradients

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yu; Ma, Li

2009-01-01

We present a new concept for strengthening ceamics by utilizing a graded structure with a low elastic modulus at both top and bottom surfaces sandwiching a high-modulus interior. Closed-form equations have been developed for stress analysis of simply supported graded sandwich beams subject to transverse center loads. Theory predicts that suitable modulus gradients at the ceramic surface can effectively reduce and spread the maximum bending stress from the surface into the interior. The magnitude of such stress dissipation is governed by the thickness ratio of the beam to the graded layers. We test our concept by infiltrating both top and bottom surfaces of a strong class of zirconia ceramic with an in-house prepared glass of similar coefficient of thermal expansion and Poisson’s ratio to zirconia, producing a controlled modulus gradient at the surface without significant long-range residual stresses. The resultant graded glass/zirconia/glass composite exhibits significantly higher load-bearing capacity than homogeneous zirconia. PMID:20161019

Influence of fibre and filler reinforcement of plastic brackets: an in vitro study.

PubMed

Faltermeier, Andreas; Rosentritt, Martin; Faltermeier, Rupert; Müssig, Dieter

2007-06-01

In spite of their popularity in fulfilling aesthetic requirements, plastic brackets still present some disadvantages because of their low elastic modulus, decreased fracture toughness, and reduced wear resistance. Fibre-reinforced composites are well established in dentistry and consist of a polymer matrix in which reinforcing fibres are embedded. Stress is transferred from the polymer matrix to the fibres which present a high tensile strength. Hence, the mechanical properties of polymers could be improved. The purpose of this study was to compare fracture strength, fracture toughness and flexural strength of an experimental fibre-reinforced bracket material, an SiO(2) filler-reinforced bracket and an unfilled plastic bracket material (control group). Experimental brackets and specialized bars were manufactured. Tests were performed after thermal cycling (5 degrees C/55 degrees C) the samples in an artificial oral environment of a device to simulate mastication. Statistical evaluation was undertaken. The median, 25th and 75th percentiles were calculated and a Mann-Whitney U-test was performed. In this study two findings were obvious. (1) Filler reinforcement of plastic brackets improved fracture strength and fracture toughness in comparison with the unfilled bracket material. (2) Glass fibre reinforcement of orthodontic bracket materials resulted in the greatest enhancement of the mechanical properties in comparison with the other test groups. Therefore, the application of glass fibres in plastic brackets is a successful method to enhance fracture strength.

Electroconductive Composites from Polystyrene Block Copolymers and Cu–Alumina Filler

PubMed Central

Nadeem, QuratulAin; Fatima, Tasneem; Prinsen, Pepijn; ur Rehman, Aziz; Gill, Rohama; Mahmood, Rashid; Luque, Rafael

2016-01-01

Technological advancements and development of new materials may lead to the manufacture of sustainable energy-conducting devices used in the energy sector. This research attempts to fabricate novel electroconductive and mechanically stable nanocomposites via an electroless deposition (ELD) technique using electrically insulating materials. Metallic Cu is coated onto Al2O3 by ELD, and the prepared filler is then integrated (2–14 wt %) into a matrix of polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-block-polystyrene-graft-maleic anhydride (PS-b-(PE-r-B)-b-PS-g-MA). Considerable variations in composite phases with filler inclusion exist. The Cu crystallite growth onto Al2O3 was evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) depicts a uniform Cu coating on Al2O3, while homogeneous filler dispersion is exhibited in the case of composites. The electrical behavior of composites is enhanced drastically (7.7 × 10−5 S/cm) upon incorporation of Cu–Al2O3 into an insulating polymer matrix (4.4 × 10−16 S/cm). Moreover, mechanical (Young’s modulus, tensile strength and % elongation at break) and thermal (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)) properties of the nanocomposites also improve substantially. These composites are likely to meet the demands of modern high-strength electroconductive devices. PMID:28774110

Probabilistic Simulation of Progressive Fracture in Bolted-Joint Composite Laminates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Minnetyan, L.; Singhal, S. N.; Chamis, C. C.

1996-01-01

This report describes computational methods to probabilistically simulate fracture in bolted composite structures. An innovative approach that is independent of stress intensity factors and fracture toughness was used to simulate progressive fracture. The effect of design variable uncertainties on structural damage was also quantified. A fast probability integrator assessed the scatter in the composite structure response before and after damage. Then the sensitivity of the response to design variables was computed. General-purpose methods, which are applicable to bolted joints in all types of structures and in all fracture processes-from damage initiation to unstable propagation and global structure collapse-were used. These methods were demonstrated for a bolted joint of a polymer matrix composite panel under edge loads. The effects of the fabrication process were included in the simulation of damage in the bolted panel. Results showed that the most effective way to reduce end displacement at fracture is to control both the load and the ply thickness. The cumulative probability for longitudinal stress in all plies was most sensitive to the load; in the 0 deg. plies it was very sensitive to ply thickness. The cumulative probability for transverse stress was most sensitive to the matrix coefficient of thermal expansion. In addition, fiber volume ratio and fiber transverse modulus both contributed significantly to the cumulative probability for the transverse stresses in all the plies.

Effect of thermally reduced graphene oxide on dynamic mechanical properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adak, Nitai Chandra; Chhetri, Suman; Murmu, Naresh Chandra; Samanta, Pranab; Kuila, Tapas

2018-03-01

The Carbon fiber (CF)/epoxy composites are being used in the automotive and aerospace industries owing to their high specific mechanical strength to weight ratio compared to the other conventional metal and alloys. However, the low interfacial adhesion between fiber and polymer matrix results the inter-laminar fracture of the composites. Effects of different carbonaceous nanomaterials i.e., carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene nanosheets (GNPs), graphene oxide (GO) etc. on the static mechanical properties of the composites were investigated in detail. Only a few works focused on the improvement of the dynamic mechanical of the CF/epoxy composites. Herein, the effect of thermally reduced grapheme oxide (TRGO) on the dynamic mechanical properties of the CF/epoxy composites was investigated. At first, GO was synthesized using modified Hummers method and then reduced the synthesized GO inside a vacuum oven at 800 °C for 5 min. The prepared TRGO was dispersed in the epoxy resin to modify the epoxy matrix. Then, a number of TRGO/CF/epoxy laminates were manufactured incorporating different wt% of TRGO by vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) technique. The developed laminates were cured at room temperature for 24 h and then post cured at 120 °C for 2 h. The dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA 8000 Perkin Elmer) was used to examine the dynamic mechanical properties of the TRGO/CF/epoxy composites according to ASTM D7028. The dimension of the specimen was 44×10×2.4 mm3 for the DMA test. This test was carried out under flexural loading mode (duel cantilever) at a frequency of 1 Hz and amplitude of 50 μm. The temperature was ramped from 30 to 200 °C with a heating rate of 5 °C min-1. The dynamic mechanical analysis of the 0.2 wt% TRGO incorporated CF/epoxy composites showed ~ 96% enhancement in storage modulus and ~ 12 °C increments in glass transition temperature (Tg) compared to the base CF/epoxy composites. The fiber-matrix interaction was studied by Cole-Cole plot analysis. It proved the homogeneous dispersion of the epoxy resin and TRGO. The homogeneous dispersion of the TRGO in the epoxy matrix increased the overall enhancement of the dynamic mechanical properties of the hybrid composites.

Molecular Modeling of Aerospace Polymer Matrices Including Carbon Nanotube-Enhanced Epoxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radue, Matthew S.

Carbon fiber (CF) composites are increasingly replacing metals used in major structural parts of aircraft, spacecraft, and automobiles. The current limitations of carbon fiber composites are addressed through computational material design by modeling the salient aerospace matrix materials. Molecular Dynamics (MD) models of epoxies with and without carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforcement and models of pure bismaleimides (BMIs) were developed to elucidate structure-property relationships for improved selection and tailoring of matrices. The influence of monomer functionality on the mechanical properties of epoxies is studied using the Reax Force Field (ReaxFF). From deformation simulations, the Young's modulus, yield point, and Poisson's ratio are calculated and analyzed. The results demonstrate an increase in stiffness and yield strength with increasing resin functionality. Comparison between the network structures of distinct epoxies is further advanced by the Monomeric Degree Index (MDI). Experimental validation demonstrates the MD results correctly predict the relationship in Young's moduli for all epoxies modeled. Therefore, the ReaxFF is confirmed to be a useful tool for studying the mechanical behavior of epoxies. While epoxies have been well-studied using MD, there has been no concerted effort to model cured BMI polymers due to the complexity of the network-forming reactions. A novel, adaptable crosslinking framework is developed for implementing 5 distinct cure reactions of Matrimid-5292 (a BMI resin) and investigating the network structure using MD simulations. The influence of different cure reactions and extent of curing are analyzed on the several thermo-mechanical properties such as mass density, glass transition temperature, coefficient of thermal expansion, elastic moduli, and thermal conductivity. The developed crosslinked models correctly predict experimentally observed trends for various properties. Finally, the epoxies modeled (di-, tri-, and tetra-functionalresins) are simulated with embedded CNT to understand how the affinity to nanoparticles affects the mechanical response. Multiscale modeling techniques are then employed to translate the molecular phenomena observed to predict the behavior of realistic composites. The effective stiffness of hybrid composites are predicted for CNT/epoxy composites with randomly oriented CNTs, for CF/CNT/epoxy systems with aligned CFs and randomly oriented CNTs, and for woven CF/CNT/epoxy fabric with randomly oriented CNTs. The results indicate that in the CNT/epoxy systems the epoxy type has a significant influence on the elastic properties. For the CF/CNT/epoxy hybrid composites, the axial modulus is highly influenced by CF concentration, while the transverse modulus is primarily affected by the CNT weight fraction.

[Properties and infiltration arts of machinable infiltration ceramic(MIC)].

PubMed

Yang, H; Xian, S; Liao, Y; Xue, Y; Chai, F

2000-06-01

The purpose of this study is to explore the infiltration arts of MIC and study the effects of different packing density of Al2O3 matrix on the properties of MIC. alpha-Al2O3 specimens were fabricated by pouring alpha-Al2O3 slip with different powder/liquid ratios(P/L = 3.5, 7.5, 10.5) into a mold, and subsequently pre-fired at 1160 degrees C for 6 hours to form Al2O3 matrix. The packing density of the matrices were measured. Infiltration concepts were introduced into this study by infiltrating molten mica micro-crystalline glass into the porous Al2O3 matrix at 1160 degrees C for 6 hours to form a continuous interpenetrating composite. The composite then underwent micro-crystallization by nucleating at 550 degrees C for 1 hour and crystallizing at 900 degrees C for 1 hour, which resulted in the MIC. Mechanical properties including three point flexural strength, elastic modulus, Vicker's hardness, indentation fracture toughness and Weibull's modulus of flexural strength were determined. Parameters of machinability(H/KIC)2 of MIC were calculated. XRD and SEM were employed to study its microstructure. The resulted matrices reached packing densities of 63%, 76%, 78% with P/L of 3.5, 7.5 and 10.5. The MIC attained high strength and good machinability after infiltration. Three-point flexural strength and indentation fracture toughness were 342, 431, 374 MPa and 4.05, 4.14, 5.02 MPa m1/2 for MIC with packing density of 63%, 76%, 78% separately. And parameters of machinability were 5.41, 6.84 and 7.39 respectively. Packing density of Al2O3 matrix significantly influenced the mechanical properties. Maximum properties were obtained with a matrix packing density of 75%(P/L = 7.5), with a Weibull's modulus of flexural strength of 6.8. Machinability decreased with the increase of P/L ratio. Micro-crystallizing treatment resulted in the formation of evenly distributed mica crystalline in the composite, which contributed to the high strength of this composite material. MIC is a new infiltrated ceramic with favorable strength and machinability which can satisfy the prosthodontic requirements as all ceramic crown and bridge materials, it also shows promising outlook for future developments and clinical usage.

Alloying effects on structural and thermal behavior of Ti{sub 1-x}Zr{sub x}C: A first principles study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chauhan, Mamta, E-mail: mamta-physics@yahoo.co.in; Gupta, Dinesh C., E-mail: sosfizix@gmail.com

2016-05-06

The formation energy, equilibrium lattice parameter, bulk modulus, Debye temperature and heat capacity at constant volume have been calculated for TiC, ZrC, and their intermediate alloys (Ti{sub 1-x}Zr{sub x}C, x = 0,0.25.0.5,0.75,1) using first principles approach. The calculated values of lattice parameter and bulk modulus agree well with the available experimental and earlier theoretical reports. The variation of lattice parameter and bulk modulus with the change in concentration of Zr atom in Ti{sub 1-x}Zr{sub x}C has also been reported. The heat capacities of TiC, ZrC, and their intermediate alloys have been calculated by considering both vibrational and electronic contributions.

Radiofrequency electrode vibration-induced shear wave imaging for tissue modulus estimation: a simulation study.

PubMed

Bharat, Shyam; Varghese, Tomy

2010-10-01

Quasi-static electrode displacement elastography, used for in-vivo imaging of radiofrequency ablation-induced lesions in abdominal organs such as the liver and kidney, is extended in this paper to dynamic vibrational perturbations of the ablation electrode. Propagation of the resulting shear waves into adjoining regions of tissue can be tracked and the shear wave velocity used to quantify the shear (and thereby Young's) modulus of tissue. The algorithm used utilizes the time-to-peak displacement data (obtained from finite element analyses) to calculate the speed of shear wave propagation in the material. The simulation results presented illustrate the feasibility of estimating the Young's modulus of tissue and is promising for characterizing the stiffness of radiofrequency-ablated thermal lesions and surrounding normal tissue.

Structural and thermomechanical properties of the zinc-blende AlX (X = P, As, Sb) compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ha, Vu Thi Thanh; Hung, Vu Van; Hanh, Pham Thi Minh; Nguyen, Viet Tuyen; Hieu, Ho Khac

2017-08-01

The structural and thermomechanical properties of zinc-blende aluminum class of III-V compounds have been studied based on the statistical moment method (SMM) in quantum statistical mechanics. Within the SMM scheme, we derived the analytical expressions of the nearest-neighbor distance, thermal expansion coefficient, atomic mean-square displacement and elastic moduli (Young’s modulus, bulk modulus and shear modulus). Numerical calculations have been performed for zinc-blende AlX (X = As, P, Sb) at ambient conditions up to the temperature of 1000 K. Our results are in good and reasonable agreements with earlier measurements and can provide useful references for future experimental and theoretical works. This research presents a systematic approach to investigate the thermodynamic and mechanical properties of materials.

Anticorrosive organic/inorganic hybrid coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Tongzhai

Organic/inorganic hybrid coating system was developed for anticorrosion applications using polyurea, polyurethane or epoxide as the organic phase and polysiloxane, formed by sol-gel process, as the inorganic phase. Polyurea/polysiloxane hybrid coatings were formulated and moisture cured using HDI isocyanurate, alkoxysilane-functionalized HDI isocyanurate, and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) oligomers. Two urethanes were prepared using the same components as abovementioned in addition to the oligoesters derived from either cyclohexane diacids (CHDA) and 2-butyl-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol (BEPD) or adipic acid (AA), isophthalic acid (IPA), 1,6-hexanediol (HD), and trimethylol propane (TMP). Accelerated weathering and outdoor exposure were performed to study the weatherability of the polyurethane/polysiloxane hybrid coating system. FTIR and solid-state 13C NMR revealed that the degradation of the hybrid coatings occurred at the urethane and ester functionalities of the organic phase. DMA and DSC analyses showed the glass transition temperature increased and broadened after weathering. SEM was employed to observe the change of morphology of the hybrid coatings and correlated with the gloss variation after weathering. Rutile TiO2 was formulated into polyurethane/polysiloxane hybrid coatings in order to investigate the effect of pigmentation on the coating properties and the sol-gel precursor. Chemical interaction between the TiO2 and the sol-gel precursor was investigated using solid-state 29Si NMR and XPS. The morphology, mechanical, viscoelastic, thermal properties of the pigmented coatings were evaluated as a function of pigmentation volume concentration (PVC). Using AFM and SEM, the pigment were observed to be well dispersed in the polymer matrix. The thermal stability, the tensile modulus and strength of the coatings were enhanced with increasing PVC, whereas the pull-off adhesion and flexibility were reduced with increasing PVC. Finally, the pigmented coatings were evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the results showed that 10 wt% pigmentation improved the corrosion resistance of the entire coating system. The effect of pigmentation on epoxide/polysiloxane hybrid coatings was also investigated. The epoxide was successfully modified using 3-(triethoxysilyl) propyl isocyanate (TEOSPI) as indicated by FTIR and NMR. Good dispersion of the pigment particles was achieved as revealed by the SEM images. The tensile modulus, tensile strength, pencil hardness and thermal stability of the hybrid coatings were improved while the flexibility and pull-off adhesion were deteriorated when increasing PVC.

Development of a Nondestructive Non-Contact Acousto-Thermal Evaluation Technique for Damage Detection in Materials (Preprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-11-01

horn and the sample to obtain a repeatable excitation for detection of the damage of interest. Varieties of materials, including card stock, leather ...per cycle is, (2). where Tan , is the internal friction in the material, E is the Young’s modulus and σmax is the maximum amplitude of the...of acoustic energy to thermal energy depends on both the elastic properties (E and tan ) and the thermal properties (k, Cp) of the material. It

Emerging low-cost LED thermal management materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zweben, Carl H.

2004-10-01

As chip size and power levels continue to increase, thermal management, thermal stresses and cost have become key LED packaging issues. Until recently, low-coefficient-of-thermal-expansion (CTE) materials, which are needed to minimize thermal stresses, had thermal conductivities that are no better than those of aluminum alloys, about 200 W/m-K. Copper, which has a higher thermal conductivity (400 W/m-K), also has a high CTE, which can cause severe thermal stresses. We now have over a dozen low-CTE materials with thermal conductivities ranging between 400 and 1700 W/m-K, and almost a score with thermal conductivities at least 50% greater than that of aluminum. Some of these materials are low cost. Others have the potential to be low cost in high volume production. Emphasizing low cost, this paper reviews traditional packaging materials and the six categories of advanced materials: polymer matrix-, metal matrix-, ceramic matrix-, and carbon matrix composites; monolithic carbonaceous materials; and metal-metal composites/alloys. Topics include properties, status, applications, cost and likely future directions of new advanced materials, including carbon nanotubes and inexpensive graphite nanoplatelets.

Alkali-resistant calcium iron phosphate glass fibers for concrete reinforcement

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-02-01

The physical properties and alkaline corrosion resistant properties of calcium-ironphosphate glasses were studied. Iron addition decreases the thermal expansion coefficient and increases the Youngs modulus in comparison with the addition of calciu...

Computational Nanomechanics of Carbon Nanotubes and Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Srivastava, Deepak; Wei, Chenyu; Cho, Kyeongjae; Biegel, Bryan (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Nanomechanics of individual carbon and boron-nitride nanotubes and their application as reinforcing fibers in polymer composites has been reviewed with interplay of theoretical modeling, computer simulations and experimental observations. The emphasis in this work is on elucidating the multi-length scales of the problems involved, and of different simulation techniques that are needed to address specific characteristics of individual nanotubes and nanotube polymer-matrix interfaces. Classical molecular dynamics simulations are shown to be sufficient to describe the generic behavior such as strength and stiffness modulus but are inadequate to describe elastic limit and nature of plastic buckling at large strength. Quantum molecular dynamics simulations are shown to bring out explicit atomic nature dependent behavior of these nanoscale materials objects that are not accessible either via continuum mechanics based descriptions or through classical molecular dynamics based simulations. As examples, we discus local plastic collapse of carbon nanotubes under axial compression and anisotropic plastic buckling of boron-nitride nanotubes. Dependence of the yield strain on the strain rate is addressed through temperature dependent simulations, a transition-state-theory based model of the strain as a function of strain rate and simulation temperature is presented, and in all cases extensive comparisons are made with experimental observations. Mechanical properties of nanotube-polymer composite materials are simulated with diverse nanotube-polymer interface structures (with van der Waals interaction). The atomistic mechanisms of the interface toughening for optimal load transfer through recycling, high-thermal expansion and diffusion coefficient composite formation above glass transition temperature, and enhancement of Young's modulus on addition of nanotubes to polymer are discussed and compared with experimental observations.

Residual thermal stresses in composites for dimensionally stable spacecraft applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowles, David E.; Tompkins, Stephen S.; Funk, Joan G.

1992-01-01

An overview of NASA LaRC's research on thermal residual stresses and their effect on the dimensional stability of carbon fiber reinforced polymer-matrix composites is presented. The data show that thermal residual stresses can induce damage in polymer matrix composites and significantly affect the dimensional stability of these composites by causing permanent residual strains and changes in CTE. The magnitude of these stresses is primarily controlled by the laminate configuration and the applied temperature change. The damage caused by thermal residual stresses initiates at the fiber/matrix interface and micromechanics level analyses are needed to accurately predict it. An increased understanding of fiber/matrix interface interactions appears to be the best approach for improving a composite's resistance to thermally induced damage.

Elasto-plastic analysis of interface layers for fiber reinforced metal matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doghri, I.; Leckie, F. A.

1991-01-01

The mismatch in coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of fiber and matrix in metal matrix composites reinforced with ceramic fibers induces high thermal stresses in the matrix. Elasto-plastic analyses - with different degrees of simplification and modelization - show that an interface layer with a sufficiently high CTE can reduce the tensile hoop stress in the matrix substantially.

Dynamic mechanical analysis of multi-walled carbon nanotube/HDPE composites.

PubMed

Kanagaraj, S; Guedes, R M; Oliveira, Mónica S A; Simões, José A O

2008-08-01

Since the discovery of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), their remarkable properties make them ideal candidates to reinforce in advanced composites. In this attempt, an enhancement of mechanical properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE) by adding 1 wt% of CNTs is studied using Dynamic mechanical and Thermal analyzer (DMTA). The chemically treated and functionalized CNTs were homogeneously dispersed with HDPE and the test samples were made using injection molding machine. Using DMTA, storage modulus (E'), loss modulus (E") and damping factor (tan delta) of the sample under oscillating load were studied as a function of frequency of oscillation and temperatures. The storage modulus decreases with an increase of temperature and increases by adding CNTs in the composites where the reinforcing effect of CNT is confirmed. It is concluded that the large scale polymer relaxations in the composites are effectively restrained by the presence of CNTs and thus the mechanical properties of nanocomposites increase. The transition frequency of loss modulus is observed at 1 Hz. The loss modulus decreases with an increase of temperature at below 1 Hz but opposite trend was observed at above 1 Hz. The shift factor could be predicted from Williams-Landel-Ferry (WLF) model which has good agreement with experimental results.

Thermomechanical Testing Techniques for Microcircuits.

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-05-01

nodel thermal resistances ana the thermal capacitance (Wcp) for each node were determined. In order to calculate these values , the thermophysical ...present analysis by substituting the appropriate property values for methyl alcohol in place of those for Freon. A check was then made to determine... properties were assumed: GLASS ALLOY 42 ALTJMINA Elastic Modulus, psi 7.34 x 106 22 x 106 48 x 106 Poisson’s Ratio .294

Spark plasma sintering of tantalum carbide and graphene reinforced tantalum carbide composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalluri, Ajith Kumar

Tantalum carbide (TaC), an ultra-high temperature ceramic (UHTC), is well known for its exceptional properties such as high hardness (15-19 GPa), melting point (3950 °C), elastic modulus (537 GPa), chemical resistance, and thermal shock resistance. To make TaC to be the future material for hypersonic vehicles, it is required to improve its thermal conductivity, strength, and fracture toughness. Researchers have previously reinforced TaC ceramic with carbides of silicon and boron as well as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), however, these reinforcements either undergo chemical changes or induce defects in the matrix during processing. In addition, these reinforcements exhibit a very minimal improvement in the properties. In the present work, we attempted to improve TaC fracture toughness by reinforcing with graphene nano-platelets (GNPs) and processing through spark plasma sintering at high temperature of 2000 °C, pressure of 70 MPa, and soaking time of 10 min. In addition, we investigated the active densification mechanism during SPS of TaC powder and the effect of ball milling time on mechanical properties of sintered TaC. A relative density of >96% was achieved using SPS of monolithic TaC (<3 μm). Ball milling improved the sintering kinetics and improved the mechanical properties (microhardness, bi-axial flexural strength, and indentation fracture toughness). Activation energy (100 kJ/mol) and stress exponent (1.2) were obtained using the analytical model developed for power-law creep. Grain boundary sliding is proposed as active densification mechanism based on these calculations. Reinforcing GNPs (2-6 vol.% ) in the TaC matrix improved relative density (99.8% for TaC-6 vol.% GNP). Also ˜150% and ˜180% increase in flexural strength and fracture toughness, respectively, was observed for TaC-6 vol.% GNP composite. The significant improvement in these properties is attributed to improved densification and toughening mechanisms such as sheet pull-out and crack deflection due to reinforcement of graphene. Uniform dispersion of GNPs in the TaC matrix is observed from microstructural analysis. Raman spectroscopy analysis also indicated that GNPs are successfully retained in sintered TaC-GNP composites without any damage.

Modeling the Monotonic and Cyclic Tensile Stress-Strain Behavior of 2D and 2.5D Woven C/SiC Ceramic-Matrix Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, L. B.

2018-05-01

The deformation of 2D and 2.5 C/SiC woven ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs) in monotonic and cyclic loadings has been investigated. Statistical matrix multicracking and fiber failure models and the fracture mechanics interface debonding approach are used to determine the spacing of matrix cracks, the debonded length of interface, and the fraction of broken fibers. The effects of fiber volume fraction and fiber Weibull modulus on the damage evolution in the composites and on their tensile stress-strain curves are analyzed. When matrix multicracking and fiber/matrix interface debonding occur, the fiber slippage relative to the matrix in the debonded interface region of the 0° warp yarns is the main reason for the emergance of stress-strain hysteresis loops for 2D and 2.5D woven CMCs. A model of these loops is developed, and histeresis loops for the composites in cyclic loadings/unloadings are predicted.

Thermodynamic properties of α-uranium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Zhiyong; Wu, Jun; Ma, Rong; Hu, Guichao; Luo, Chao

2016-11-01

The lattice constants and equilibrium atomic volume of α-uranium were calculated by Density Functional Theory (DFT). The first principles calculation results of the lattice for α-uranium are in agreement with the experimental results well. The thermodynamic properties of α-uranium from 0 to 900 K and 0-100 GPa were calculated with the quasi-harmonic Debye model. Volume, bulk modulus, entropy, Debye temperature, thermal expansion coefficient and the heat capacity of α-uranium were calculated. The calculated results show that the bulk modulus and Debye temperature increase with the increasing pressure at a given temperature while decreasing with the increasing temperature at a given pressure. Volume, entropy, thermal expansion coefficient and the heat capacity decrease with the increasing pressure while increasing with the increasing temperature. The theoretical results of entropy, Debye temperature, thermal expansion coefficient and the heat capacity show good agreement with the general trends of the experimental values. The constant-volume heat capacity shows typical Debye T3 power-law behavior at low temperature limit and approaches to the classical asymptotic Dulong-Petit limit at high temperature limit.

Thermophysical property and pore structure evolution in stressed and non-stressed neutron irradiated IG-110 nuclear graphite

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Snead, Lance; Contescu, Christian I.; Byun, Thak Sang

2016-08-01

The nuclear graphite, IG-110, was irradiated with and without a compressive load of 5 MPa at ~400 *C up to 9.3E25 n/m2 (E > 0.1 MeV). Following irradiation physical properties were studied to compare the effect of graphite irradiation on microstructure developed under compression and in stress-free conditions. Properties included: dimensional change, thermal conductivity, dynamic modulus, and CTE. The effect of stress on open internal porosity was determined through nitrogen adsorption. The IG-110 graphite experienced irradiation-induced creep that is differentiated from irradiation-induced swelling. Irradiation under stress resulted in somewhat greater thermal conductivity and coefficient of thermal expansion. While a significantmore » increase in dynamic modulus occurs, no differentiation between materials irradiated with and without compressive stress was observed. Nitrogen adsorption analysis suggests a difference in pore evolution in the 0.3e40 nm range for graphite irradiated with and without stress, but this evolution is seen to be a small contributor to the overall dimensional change.« less

Thermophysical property and pore structure evolution in stressed and non-stressed neutron irradiated IG-110 nuclear graphite

DOE PAGES

Snead, Lance L.; Contescu, C. I.; Byun, T. S.; ...

2016-04-23

The nuclear graphite, IG-110, was irradiated with and without a compressive load of 5 MPa at ~400 C up to 9.3x10 25 n/m 2 (E>0.1 MeV.) Following irradiation physical properties were studied to compare the effect of graphite irradiation on microstructure developed under compression and in stress-free condition. Properties included: dimensional change, thermal conductivity, dynamic modulus, and CTE. The effect of stress on open internal porosity was determined through nitrogen adsorption. The IG-110 graphite experienced irradiation-induced creep that is differentiated from irradiation-induced swelling. Irradiation under stress resulted in somewhat greater thermal conductivity and coefficient of thermal expansion. While a significantmore » increase in dynamic modulus occurs, no differentiation between materials irradiated with and without compressive stress was observed. Nitrogen adsorption analysis suggests a difference in pore evolution in the 0.3-40 nm range for graphite irradiated with and without stress, but this evolution is seen to be a small contributor to the overall dimensional change.« less

Effect of the fiber-matrix interphase on the transverse tensile strength of the unidirectional composite material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsai, H. C.; Arocho, A. M.

1992-01-01

A simple one-dimensional fiber-matrix interphase model has been developed and analytical results obtained correlated well with available experimental data. It was found that by including the interphase between the fiber and matrix in the model, much better local stress results were obtained than with the model without the interphase. A more sophisticated two-dimensional micromechanical model, which included the interphase properties was also developed. Both one-dimensional and two-dimensional models were used to study the effect of the interphase properties on the local stresses at the fiber, interphase and matrix. From this study, it was found that interphase modulus and thickness have significant influence on the transverse tensile strength and mode of failure in fiber reinforced composites.

Carbon nanotubes for thermal interface materials in microelectronic packaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Wei

As the integration scale of transistors/devices in a chip/system keeps increasing, effective cooling has become more and more important in microelectronics. To address the thermal dissipation issue, one important solution is to develop thermal interface materials with higher performance. Carbon nanotubes, given their high intrinsic thermal and mechanical properties, and their high thermal and chemical stabilities, have received extensive attention from both academia and industry as a candidate for high-performance thermal interface materials. The thesis is devoted to addressing some challenges related to the potential application of carbon nanotubes as thermal interface materials in microelectronics. These challenges include: 1) controlled synthesis of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes on various bulk substrates via chemical vapor deposition and the fundamental understanding involved; 2) development of a scalable annealing process to improve the intrinsic properties of synthesized carbon nanotubes; 3) development of a state-of-art assembling process to effectively implement high-quality vertically aligned carbon nanotubes into a flip-chip assembly; 4) a reliable thermal measurement of intrinsic thermal transport property of vertically aligned carbon nanotube films; 5) improvement of interfacial thermal transport between carbon nanotubes and other materials. The major achievements are summarized. 1. Based on the fundamental understanding of catalytic chemical vapor deposition processes and the growth mechanism of carbon nanotube, fast synthesis of high-quality vertically aligned carbon nanotubes on various bulk substrates (e.g., copper, quartz, silicon, aluminum oxide, etc.) has been successfully achieved. The synthesis of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes on the bulk copper substrate by the thermal chemical vapor deposition process has set a world record. In order to functionalize the synthesized carbon nanotubes while maintaining their good vertical alignment, an in situ functionalization process has for the first time been demonstrated. The in situ functionalization renders the vertically aligned carbon nanotubes a proper chemical reactivity for forming chemical bonding with other substrate materials such as gold and silicon. 2. An ultrafast microwave annealing process has been developed to reduce the defect density in vertically aligned carbon nanotubes. Raman and thermogravimetric analyses have shown a distinct defect reduction in the CNTs annealed in microwave for 3 min. Fibers spun from the as-annealed CNTs, in comparison with those from the pristine CNTs, show increases of ˜35% and ˜65%, respectively, in tensile strength (˜0.8 GPa) and modulus (˜90 GPa) during tensile testing; an ˜20% improvement in electrical conductivity (˜80000 S m-1) was also reported. The mechanism of the microwave response of CNTs was discussed. Such a microwave annealing process has been extended to the preparation of reduced graphene oxide. 3. Based on the fundamental understanding of interfacial thermal transport and surface chemistry of metals and carbon nanotubes, two major transfer/assembling processes have been developed: molecular bonding and metal bonding. Effective improvement of the interfacial thermal transport has been achieved by the interfacial bonding. 4. The thermal diffusivity of vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT, multi-walled) films was measured by a laser flash technique, and shown to be ˜30 mm2 s-1 along the tube-alignment direction. The calculated thermal conductivities of the VACNT film and the individual CNTs are ˜27 and ˜540 W m-1 K-1, respectively. The technique was verified to be reliable although a proper sampling procedure is critical. A systematic parametric study of the effects of defects, buckling, tip-to-tip contacts, packing density, and tube-tube interaction on the thermal diffusivity was carried out. Defects and buckling decreased the thermal diffusivity dramatically. An increased packing density was beneficial in increasing the collective thermal conductivity of the VACNT film; however, the increased tube-tube interaction in dense VACNT films decreased the thermal conductivity of the individual CNTs. The tip-to-tip contact resistance was shown to be ˜1x10-7 m2 K W -1. The study will shed light on the potential application of VACNTs as thermal interface materials in microelectronic packaging. 5. A combined process of in situ functionalization and microwave curing has been developed to effective enhance the interface between carbon nanotubes and the epoxy matrix. Effective medium theory has been used to analyze the interfacial thermal resistance between carbon nanotubes and polymer matrix, and that between graphite nanoplatlets and polymer matrix.

Slag of Greek provenance uses in materials science and geophysics: implications for a highly potential material in the service of the development of Greek economy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leontakianakos, G.; Baziotis, I.; Sotiriadis, K.; Goulas, G.; Liakopoulos, S.; Karastathis, V.

2012-04-01

Ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) is a secondary raw material that can be used as an alternative low energy binder. Hydraulic properties can be occurred through its alkali activation. GGBS is characterized by the glassy to crystalline ratio and by its chemical and mineralogical composition. Acidic slag cannot easily get crystallized in oppose to the basic one. Crystalline phases show very low reactivity with Ca(OH)2, while amorphous phases can easily react in the presence of basic substances. The aim of the present study was to study the evolution of new advanced silicate materials presenting high durability at high temperature environments. Specimens were produced using two types of slag of Greek origin. The first type was a ferrous slag, while the second one was calcareous. Their maximum particle size was 4 mm and 0.07 mm respectively. Specimens were prepared using the above slag types and siliceous sand as an aggregate. Sand was divided according to European Standard EN 196-1 in three fractions: PG1 (1

Design of unique composites based on aromatic thermosetting copolyesters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parkar, Zeba

Aromatic thermosetting copolyester (ATSP) has promise in high-temperature applications. It can be employed as a bulk polymer, as a coating and as a matrix for carbon fiber composites (ATSP/C composites). This work focuses on the applications of high performance ATSP/C composites. The morphology of the ATSP matrix in the presence of carbon fiber was studied. The effect of liquid crystalline character of starting oligomers used to prepare ATSP on the final crystal structure of the ATSP/C composite was evaluated. Matrices obtained by crosslinking of both liquid crystalline oligomers (ATSP2) and non-liquid crystalline oligomers (ATSP1) tend to crystallize in presence of carbon fibers. The crystallite size of ATSP2 is 4 times that of ATSP1. Composites made from ATSP2 yield tougher matrices compared to those made from ATSP1. Thus toughened matrices could be achieved without incorporating any additives by just changing the morphology of the final polymer. The flammability characteristics of ATSP were also studied. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) of bulk ATSP was found to be 40% whereas that of ATSP/C composites is estimated to be 85%. Thus, ATSP shows potential to be used as a flame resistant material, and also as an aerospace reentry shield. Mechanical properties of the ATSP/C composite were characterized. ATSP was observed to bond strongly with reinforcing carbon fibers. The tensile strength, modulus and shear modulus were comparable to those of conventionally used high temperature epoxy resins. ATSP shows a unique capability for healing of interlaminar cracks on application of heat and pressure, via the Interchain Transesterification Reaction (ITR). ITR can also be used for reduction in void volume and healing of microcracks. Thus, ATSP resin systems provide a unique intrinsic repair mechanism compared to any other thermosetting systems in use today. Preliminary studies on measurement of residual stresses for ATSP/C composites indicate that the stresses induced are much lower than that in epoxy/C composites. Thermal fatigue testing suggests that ATSP shows better resistance to microcracking compared to epoxy resins.

Joining of polypropylene/polypropylene and glass fiber reinforced polypropylene composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jianguang

Joining behavior of polypropylene (PP) to PP and long glass fiber reinforced polypropylene (LFT) to LFT were investigated. Adhesive bonding was used to join PP/PP. Both adhesive bonding and ultrasonic welding were used to join LFT/LFT. Single-lap shear testing and low velocity impact (LVI) testing were used to evaluate the performance of bonded structures. The two-part acrylic adhesive DP8005 was determined to be the best among the three adhesive candidates, which was attributed to its low surface energy. The impact resistance of LFT/LFT joints, normalized with respect to thickness, was higher than that of PP/PP joints because of higher stiffness of LFT/LFT joints. The stress states in the adhesive layer of adhesively bonded structures were analyzed using ANSYS and LS-DYNA to simulate the single-lap shear testing and LVI testing, respectively. The shear and peel stresses peaked at the edges of the adhesive layer. Compared to LFT/LFT joints, higher peel stress occurred in the adhesive layer in the PP/PP joints in tension. Impact response of adhesively bonded structures as evaluated by LS-DYNA showed good agreement with the experimental results. The effect of weld time and weld pressure on the shear strength of ultrasonically welded LFT/LFT was evaluated. With higher weld pressure, less time was required to obtain a complete weld. At longer weld times, lower weld pressure was required. From the 15 weld conditions studied, a weld map was obtained that provides conditions to achieve a complete weld. Nanoindentation was used to evaluate the effect of ultrasonic weld on the modulus and hardness of the PP matrix. Modulus and hardness of the PP matrix were slightly decreased by ultrasonic welding possibly due to the decrease in the molecular weight. The temperature profile in LFT/LFT in the transverse direction during ultrasonic welding was analyzed by two ANSYS-based thermal models: (a) one in which heat generated by interfacial friction was treated as a heat flux and (b) one in which heat was generated in a thin slab at the interface. The weld map obtained from the thin slab model was closer to the one obtained experimentally.

Composite material reinforced with atomized quasicrystalline particles and method of making same

DOEpatents

Biner, Suleyman B.; Sordelet, Daniel J.; Lograsso, Barbara K.; Anderson, Iver E.

1998-12-22

A composite material comprises an aluminum or aluminum alloy matrix having generally spherical, atomized quasicrystalline aluminum-transition metal alloy reinforcement particles disposed in the matrix to improve mechanical properties. A composite article can be made by consolidating generally spherical, atomized quaiscrystalline aluminum-transition metal alloy particles and aluminum or aluminum alloy particles to form a body that is cold and/or hot reduced to form composite products, such as composite plate or sheet, with interfacial bonding between the quasicrystalline particles and the aluminum or aluminum alloy matrix without damage (e.g. cracking or shape change) of the reinforcement particles. The cold and/or hot worked compositehibits substantially improved yield strength, tensile strength, Young's modulus (stiffness).

A high-performance wave guide cryogenic thermal break

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melhuish, S. J.; McCulloch, M. A.; Piccirillo, L.; Stott, C.

2016-10-01

We describe a high-performance wave guide cryogenic thermal break. This has been constructed both for Ka band, using WR28 wave guide, and Q band, using WR22 wave guide. The mechanical structure consists of a hexapod (Stewart platform) made from pultruded carbon fibre tubing. We present a tentative examination of the cryogenic Young's modulus of this material. The thermal conductivity is measured at temperatures above the range explored by Runyan and Jones, resulting in predicted conductive loads through our thermal breaks of 3.7 mW to 3 K and 17 μK to 1 K.

High elastic modulus polymer electrolytes suitable for preventing thermal runaway in lithium batteries

DOEpatents

Mullin, Scott; Panday, Ashoutosh; Balsara, Nitash Pervez; Singh, Mohit; Eitouni, Hany Basam; Gomez, Enrique Daniel

2014-04-22

A polymer that combines high ionic conductivity with the structural properties required for Li electrode stability is useful as a solid phase electrolyte for high energy density, high cycle life batteries that do not suffer from failures due to side reactions and dendrite growth on the Li electrodes, and other potential applications. The polymer electrolyte includes a linear block copolymer having a conductive linear polymer block with a molecular weight of at least 5000 Daltons, a structural linear polymer block with an elastic modulus in excess of 1.times.10.sup.7 Pa and an ionic conductivity of at least 1.times.10.sup.-5 Scm.sup.-1. The electrolyte is made under dry conditions to achieve the noted characteristics. In another aspect, the electrolyte exhibits a conductivity drop when the temperature of electrolyte increases over a threshold temperature, thereby providing a shutoff mechanism for preventing thermal runaway in lithium battery cells.

Liquid Whey Protein Concentrates Produced by Ultrafiltration as Primary Raw Materials for Thermal
Dairy Gels

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Summary The aim of this work is to study the gelation properties of liquid whey protein concentrates (LWPC) produced by ultrafiltration (UF) as raw material for thermally induced gels intended for food applications. LWPC thermal gelation was performed using different types of LWPC (non-
-defatted, defatted and diafiltered) of different protein mass fractions and pH. Most of the produced gels showed viscoelastic behaviour. Non-defatted LWPC gave stronger heat-induced gels with a more cohesive microstructure, a higher water holding capacity and also higher elastic modulus (G’) and viscous modulus (G’’). Gel properties were not improved in products with lower content of non-protein compounds. As expected, the increase in protein mass fraction positively influences protein interactions. However, the pH is responsible for the equilibrium between attraction and repulsion forces in the gel components that influence gel hardness and water holding capacity. PMID:29540980

Liquid Whey Protein Concentrates Produced by Ultrafiltration as Primary Raw Materials for Thermal
Dairy Gels.

PubMed

Henriques, Marta; Gomes, David; Pereira, Carlos

2017-12-01

The aim of this work is to study the gelation properties of liquid whey protein concentrates (LWPC) produced by ultrafiltration (UF) as raw material for thermally induced gels intended for food applications. LWPC thermal gelation was performed using different types of LWPC (non-
-defatted, defatted and diafiltered) of different protein mass fractions and pH. Most of the produced gels showed viscoelastic behaviour. Non-defatted LWPC gave stronger heat-induced gels with a more cohesive microstructure, a higher water holding capacity and also higher elastic modulus (G') and viscous modulus (G''). Gel properties were not improved in products with lower content of non-protein compounds. As expected, the increase in protein mass fraction positively influences protein interactions. However, the pH is responsible for the equilibrium between attraction and repulsion forces in the gel components that influence gel hardness and water holding capacity.

The mechanical properties of ionic polymer-metal composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Il-Seok; Kim, Sang-Mun; Kim, Doyeon; Kim, Kwang J.

2007-04-01

In this study, we investigated the mechanical properties of various type ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) and Pt, Au, Pd, and Pt electroded ionic liquid (IL-Pt) IPMCs, by testing tensile modulus and dynamic mechanical behavior. The SEM was utilized to investigate the characteristics of the doped electroding layer, and the DSC was probed in order to look into the thermal behavior of various types of IPMCs. Au IPMCs, having a 5~7 μm doped layer and nano-sized Au particles (ca. 10 nm), showed the highest tensile strength (56 MPa) and modulus (602 MPa) in a dried condition. In a thermal behavior, Au IPMC has the highest T g (153°C) and T m (263°C) in both the DMA and DSC results. The fracture behavior of various types IPMCs followed base material's behavior, Nafion TM, which is represented as the semicrystalline polymer characteristic.

Effect of phosphoric acid on the morphology and tensile properties of halloysite-polyurethane composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaaz, Tayser Sumer; Luaibi, Hasan Mohammed; Al-Amiery, Ahmed A.; Kadhum, Abdul Amir H.

2018-06-01

The high aspect ratio of nanoscale reinforcements enhances the tensile properties of pure polymer matrix. The composites were first made by adding halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) at low weight percentages of 1, 2, and 3 wt% to thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Then, HNTs were phosphoric acid-treated before adding to TPU at same weight percentage to create phosphoric acid HNTs-TPU composites. The samples were fabricated using injection moulding. The HNTs-TPU composites were characterized according to the tensile properties including tensile strength, tensile strain and Young's modulus. The loading has shown its highest tensile values at 2 wt% HNTs loading and same findings are shown with the samples that treated with phosphoric acid. The tensile strength increased to reach 24.65 MPa compare with the 17.7 MPa of the neat TPU showing about 26% improvement. For the phosphoric acid-treated composites, the improvement has reached 35% compared to the neat sample. Regarding the tensile stain, the improvement was about 83% at 2 wt% HNTs loading. For Young's modulus, the results obtained in this study have shown that Young's modulus is linearly improved with either the loading content or the phosphoric acid treated achieving its highest values at 3 wt% HNTs of 14.53 MPa and 16.27 MPa for untreated and treated, respectively. FESEM results showed that HNTs were well dispersed in TPU matrix. Thus, HNTs-TPU has improved tensile properties compared with pure TPU due to the addition of nanofiller.

Thermal and mechanical behavior of metal matrix and ceramic matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kennedy, John M. (Editor); Moeller, Helen H. (Editor); Johnson, W. S. (Editor)

1990-01-01

The present conference discusses local stresses in metal-matrix composites (MMCs) subjected to thermal and mechanical loads, the computational simulation of high-temperature MMCs' cyclic behavior, an analysis of a ceramic-matrix composite (CMC) flexure specimen, and a plasticity analysis of fibrous composite laminates under thermomechanical loads. Also discussed are a comparison of methods for determining the fiber-matrix interface frictional stresses of CMCs, the monotonic and cyclic behavior of an SiC/calcium aluminosilicate CMC, the mechanical and thermal properties of an SiC particle-reinforced Al alloy MMC, the temperature-dependent tensile and shear response of a graphite-reinforced 6061 Al-alloy MMC, the fiber/matrix interface bonding strength of MMCs, and fatigue crack growth in an Al2O3 short fiber-reinforced Al-2Mg matrix MMC.

Mechanical and microwave absorbing properties of carbon-filled polyurethane.

PubMed

Kucerová, Z; Zajícková, L; Bursíková, V; Kudrle, V; Eliás, M; Jasek, O; Synek, P; Matejková, J; Bursík, J

2009-01-01

Polyurethane (PU) matrix composites were prepared with various carbon fillers at different filler contents in order to investigate their structure, mechanical and microwave absorbing properties. As fillers, flat carbon microparticles, carbon microfibers and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) were used. The microstructure of the composite was examined by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Mechanical properties, namely universal hardness, plastic hardness, elastic modulus and creep were assessed by means of depth sensing indentation test. Mechanical properties of PU composite filled with different fillers were investigated and the composite always exhibited higher hardness, elastic modulus and creep resistance than un-filled PU. Influence of filler shape, content and dispersion was also investigated.

Creep rupture of polymer-matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brinson, H. F.; Morris, D. H.; Griffith, W. I.

1981-01-01

The time-dependent creep-rupture process in graphite-epoxy laminates is examined as a function of temperature and stress level. Moisture effects are not considered. An accelerated characterization method of composite-laminate viscoelastic modulus and strength properties is reviewed. It is shown that lamina-modulus master curves can be obtained using a minimum of normally performed quality-control-type testing. Lamina-strength master curves, obtained by assuming a constant-strain-failure criterion, are presented along with experimental data, and reasonably good agreement is shown to exist between the two. Various phenomenological delayed failure models are reviewed and two (the modified rate equation and the Larson-Miller parameter method) are compared to creep-rupture data with poor results.

High-temperature ultrasonic characterization of the mechanical and microstructural behavior of a fibrous composite with a magnesium lithium aluminum silicate glass-ceramic matrix

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cutard, T.; Huger, M.; Fargeot, D.

The mechanical behavior and the microstructural modifications of a SiC-fiber-reinforced magnesium lithium aluminum silicate glass-ceramic (SiC/MASL) have been characterized by ultrasonic measurement of uniaxial Young`s modulus at high temperature. Under vacuum, long isothermal agings in the 750--1,000 C temperature range have shown matrix modifications in terms of crystallization of residual glassy phases, and of phase transformations in the Li{sub 2}O-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-SiO{sub 2} system. In air, long isothermal agings performed under the same conditions have led to the same matrix transformations but in competition with oxidation mechanisms of the carbon fiber-matrix interphase. All of these matrix and/or interface transformations havemore » been confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, scanning acoustic microscopy, and microindentation tests.« less

Surface functionalization of hexagonal boron nitride and its effect on the structure and performance of composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Wenqin; Zhang, Wei; Gao, Yuwen; Liang, Guozheng; Gu, Aijuan; Yuan, Li

2013-04-01

A new organized hexagonal boron nitride (OhBN) with significantly increased amount of amine groups was synthesized, and characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, UV-vis Transmittance Spectra, Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and the potentiometric titration. The content of amine groups for OhBN is about 5 times of that for original hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). Based on the preparation of OhBN, new composites consisting of OhBN and bismaleimide (BD) resin were developed, which show greatly improved integrated performance (including dynamic mechanical, dielectric and thermal properties) compared with BD resin and the hBN/BD composites. In the case of the OhBN/BD composite with 15 wt% OhBN, its storage modulus, dielectric loss, thermal conductivity and coefficient of thermal expansion are about 1.2, 0.56, 1.11 and 0.92 times of the corresponding values of hBN/BD composite, respectively; moreover, the glass transition temperature of the former is 15 °C higher than that of the latter. These interesting results suggest that the integrated performance of the composites is closely related to the surface nature of the fillers because the change in the surface nature not only varies the chemical structure, free volume and crosslinking density of the composite, but also determines the interfacial nature between inorganic fillers and the resin matrix. This investigation demonstrates that the method proposed herein provides a new approach to prepare organized inorganic fillers as well as corresponding composites with controlled structure and expected performances for cutting-edge industries.

Effect of Starch Loading on the Thermo-Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Polyurethane Composites

PubMed Central

Gaaz, Tayser Sumer; Sulong, Abu Bakar; Ansari, M. N. M.; Kadhum, Abdul Amir H.; Nassir, Mohamed H.

2017-01-01

The advancements in material science and technology have made polyurethane (PU) one of the most important renewable polymers. Enhancing the physio-chemical and mechanical properties of PU has become the theme of this and many other studies. One of these enhancements was carried out by adding starch to PU to form new renewable materials called polyurethane-starch composites (PUS). In this study, PUS composites are prepared by adding starch at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 wt.% to a PU matrix. The mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of PU and PUS composites were investigated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of PU and PUS fractured surfaces show cracks and agglomeration in PUS at 1.5 wt.% starch. The thermo-mechanical properties of the PUS composites were improved as starch content increased to 1.5 wt.% and declined by more starch loading. Despite this reduction, the mechanical properties were still better than that of neat PU. The mechanical strength increased as starch content increased to 1.5 wt.%. The tensile, flexural, and impact strengths of the PUS composites were found to be 9.62 MPa, 126.04 MPa, and 12.87 × 10−3 J/mm2, respectively, at 1.5 wt.% starch. Thermal studies showed that the thermal stability and crystallization temperature of the PUS composites increased compared to that of PU. The loss modulus curves showed that neat PU crystallizes at 124 °C and at 127 °C for PUS-0.5 wt.% and rises with increasing loading from 0.5 to 2 wt.%. PMID:28773134

Improvement of thermal and mechanical properties of composite based on polylactic acid and microfibrillated cellulose through chemical modification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suryanegara, L.; Nugraha, R. A.; Achmadi, S. S.

2017-07-01

Polylactic acid (PLA) is the most representative sustainable and bio-based polymer environmentally friendly that has a great potential to replace petroleum-based plastics. However, brittleness, low heat resistance, and slow crystallization limit the wide application of PLA. One of strategies to improve PLA properties is by reinforcing with microfibrillated cellulose (MFC). Unfortunately, the hydrophilic properties of MFC make it difficult to attain good dispersion in a hydrophobic PLA matrix. Therefore, modification of MFC was needed to increase its compatibility with PLA in the composite formation. In this experiment, MFC was modified with partial acetylation (degree of substitution: 1) and further grafted with lactide monomers through ring-opening polymerization using Sn(Oct)2 catalyst. The result of acetylation and grafting were verified by infrared spectra. Composites were prepared by mixing PLA (molecular weight of 200,000) and the modified MFC at 9:1 ratio through organic solvent method. Followed by 8 min-kneading and hot pressing at 180°C, the resulted composites were evaluated for their mechanical and thermal properties. Thermal characterization carried out using differential scanning calorimetry measurements showed that the presence of modified MFC increased the temperature of glass transition and accelerated the crystallization of PLA. Mechanical properties measurement showed that the presence of modified MFC enhanced the elongation at break (1.1 to 1.8%), tensile strength (14.9 to 25.7 MPa), and modulus of elasticity (1.7 to 2.1 GPa). These results demonstrated that the modified MFC could extend the application of PLA in industry.

Effect of Starch Loading on the Thermo-Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Polyurethane Composites.

PubMed

Gaaz, Tayser Sumer; Sulong, Abu Bakar; Ansari, M N M; Kadhum, Abdul Amir H; Al-Amiery, Ahmed A; Nassir, Mohamed H

2017-07-10

The advancements in material science and technology have made polyurethane (PU) one of the most important renewable polymers. Enhancing the physio-chemical and mechanical properties of PU has become the theme of this and many other studies. One of these enhancements was carried out by adding starch to PU to form new renewable materials called polyurethane-starch composites (PUS). In this study, PUS composites are prepared by adding starch at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 wt.% to a PU matrix. The mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of PU and PUS composites were investigated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of PU and PUS fractured surfaces show cracks and agglomeration in PUS at 1.5 wt.% starch. The thermo-mechanical properties of the PUS composites were improved as starch content increased to 1.5 wt.% and declined by more starch loading. Despite this reduction, the mechanical properties were still better than that of neat PU. The mechanical strength increased as starch content increased to 1.5 wt.%. The tensile, flexural, and impact strengths of the PUS composites were found to be 9.62 MPa, 126.04 MPa, and 12.87 × 10 -3 J/mm², respectively, at 1.5 wt.% starch. Thermal studies showed that the thermal stability and crystallization temperature of the PUS composites increased compared to that of PU. The loss modulus curves showed that neat PU crystallizes at 124 °C and at 127 °C for PUS-0.5 wt.% and rises with increasing loading from 0.5 to 2 wt.%.

Change and anisotropy of elastic modulus in sheet metals due to plastic deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishitsuka, Yuki; Arikawa, Shuichi; Yoneyama, Satoru

2015-03-01

In this study, the effect of the plastic deformation on the microscopic structure and the anisotropy of the elastic modulus in the cold-rolled steel sheet (SPCC) is investigated. Various uniaxial plastic strains (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%) are applied to the annealed SPCC plates, then, the specimens for the tensile tests are cut out from them. The elastic moduli in the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction to the direction that are pre-strained are measured by the tensile tests. Cyclic tests are performed to investigate the effects of the internal friction caused by the movable dislocations in the elastic deformation. Also, the movable dislocations are quantified by the boundary tracking for TEM micrographs. In addition, the behaviors of the change of the elastic modulus in the solutionized and thermal aged aluminum alloy (A5052) are measured to investigate the effect on the movable dislocations with the amount of the depositions. As a result in SPCC, the elastic moduli of the 0° and 90° directions decrease more than 10% as 10% prestrain applied. On the other hand, the elastic modulus shows the recovery behavior after the strain aging and the annealing. The movable dislocation and the internal friction show a tendency to increase as the plastic strain increases. The marked anisotropy is not observed in the elastic modulus and the internal friction. The elastic modulus in A5052 with many and few depositions decreases similarly by the plastic deformation. From the above, the movable dislocations affect the elastic modulus strongly without depending on the deposition amount. Moreover, the elastic modulus recovers after the plastic deformation by reducing the effects of them with the strain aging and the heat treatment.