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Article
Publication date: 3 February 2020

J. Elliott Sanders, Lu Wang and Douglas J. Gardner

The purpose of this study was to produce dimensionally accurate and reliable fused layer modeling (FLM) feedstock composed of an impact modified polypropylene matrix, compounded…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to produce dimensionally accurate and reliable fused layer modeling (FLM) feedstock composed of an impact modified polypropylene matrix, compounded with a cellulose nanofiber (CNF) reinforcement and coupled by a maleic anhydride coupling agent to produce comparable mechanical properties in comparison to the industry-standard method of injection molding (IM).

Design/methodology/approach

A spray dried CNF (SDCNF) was compounded with the polymer matrix using a masterbatch method. The composite was diluted with neat polymer and extruded into a filament and then printed into standardized mechanical testing samples. For comparison, the filament was chopped and standardized samples were produced with IM.

Findings

A loss in mechanical properties of up to 30% was observed in FLM samples. If normalized to reflect improved density from a part consolidation method, losses are reduced to 15% or show improvements in the neat polymer matrix.

Originality/value

Limited research has been done on producing FLM feedstock, reporting mechanical property results based on standardized testing and comparing the same material with IM.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 26 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2005

S.H. El‐Sabbagh, A.I. Hussain and M.A. Abd El‐Ghaffar

To evaluate the performance of the compatibiliser of epoxidised soyabean oil‐free fatty acid prepared on the NBR/EPDM blends compared with maleic anhydride and also to explore the…

1724

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the performance of the compatibiliser of epoxidised soyabean oil‐free fatty acid prepared on the NBR/EPDM blends compared with maleic anhydride and also to explore the effect of loading the compatibiliser NBR/EPDM rubber blend with unmodified and modified polypropylene fibres on the mechanical properties of the blend.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve desirable rheological and physico‐mechanical properties of NBR/EPDM rubber blend, various compositions were made by incorporating different doses of the compatibiliser of epoxidised soyabean oil‐free fatty acid prepared and maleic anhydride to form NBR/EPDM blends. The effect of loading the compatibiliser rubber blend with unmodified and modified polypropylene fibres on the mechanical properties of the blend was investigated.

Findings

The incorporation of epoxidised soyabean oil‐free fatty acid or maleic anhydride into NBR/EPDM blend greatly enhanced their compatibility improved the rheological, as well as physical properties of rubber blends. The addition of NBR to EPDM improved the motor oil swelling resistance of EPDM. Blending of the two individual rubbers without a compatibiliser generally exhibited a non‐synergistic effect with respect to the physical properties. The strain energy, tensile strength, Young's modulus and strain at yield varied linearly with composition in the presence of compatibiliser, but deviated from linearity in the absence of compatibiliser. Reinforcement of the NBR/EPDM blend with modified polypropylene fibres enhanced the physical properties more significantly than with the unmodified ones.

Research limitations/implications

The compatibiliser of epoxidised soyabean oil was prepared by reacting in situ soyabean oil‐free fatty acid with per‐acetic acid.

Practical implications

The method developed provided a simple and practical solution to improving the rheological and physico‐mechanical properties of the NBR/EPDM rubber blend.

Originality/value

The method for enhancing rheological and physico‐mechanical properties of NBR/EPDM rubber blend loaded with modified polypropylene fibres was very important and showed a synergistic effect and could find numerous applications in the rubber and plastic industries.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 34 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 July 2017

Baolong Wang, Haiqing Ma, Di Wu, Lien Zhu and Zheng Jin

The purpose of this paper is to prepare new modified polypropylene (PP) with phenolic microspheres (PFMs). Furthermore, the crystallinity and mechanical properties of PP modified

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to prepare new modified polypropylene (PP) with phenolic microspheres (PFMs). Furthermore, the crystallinity and mechanical properties of PP modified by fillers (silicon dioxide [SiO2] and light calcium carbonate [CaCO3], respectively) have also been investigated and compared.

Design/methodology/approach

For effective toughening, three different fillers were added into the PP matrix. PP composites were prepared through melt blending with double-screw extruder and injection moulding machine.

Findings

It was found that with the addition of 3 Wt.% PFM, the impact strength was maximum in all PP composites and increased by 1.4 times compared to pure PP. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and polarised optical microscopy (POM) analysis confirmed that 3 Wt.% PFM, 3 Wt.% SiO2 and 2 Wt.% CaCO3 were optimal to add in PP and PFM to give the best compatibility with PP.

Research limitations/implications

PFM particles not only are tougher and less brittle and can offer other advantages such as enhanced machinability, but also are important organic materials and have a good compatibility with polymer for reinforcing polymer properties.

Practical implications

The method developed provided a simple and practical solution to improving the toughness of PP.

Social implications

There will be thermoplastic plastics with higher toughness in domestic, packaging and automotive applications, particularly at lower temperatures.

Originality/value

The PP modified by tiny amounts of fillers in this work had high toughness, which can be applied as an efficient material widely used in domestic, packaging and automotive applications.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 46 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 May 2022

Erfan Najaf, Hassan Abbasi and Seyed Mehdi Zahrai

Today, using lightweight structural concrete plays a major role in reducing the damage to concrete structures. On the other hand, lightweight concretes have lower compressive and…

159

Abstract

Purpose

Today, using lightweight structural concrete plays a major role in reducing the damage to concrete structures. On the other hand, lightweight concretes have lower compressive and flexural strengths with lower impact resistance compared to ordinary concretes. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of simultaneous use of waste glass powder, microsilica and polypropylene fibers to make sustainable lightweight concrete that has high compressive and flexural strengths, ductility and impact resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

In this article, the lightweight structural concrete is studied to compensate for the lower strength of lightweight concrete. Also, considering the environmental aspects, microsilica as a partial replacement for cement, waste glass powder instead of some aggregates and polypropylene fibers are used. Microsilica was used at 8, 10 and 12 wt% of cement. Waste glass powder was added to 20, 25 and 30 wt% of aggregates, while fibers were used at 0.5, 1 and 1.5 wt% of cement.

Findings

After making the experimental specimens, compressive strength, flexural strength and impact resistance tests were performed. Ultimately, it was concluded that the best percentage of used microsilica and glass powder was equal to 10 and 25%, respectively. Furthermore, using 1.5 wt% of fibers could significantly improve the compressive and flexural strengths of lightweight concrete and increase its impact resistance at the same time. For constructing a five-story building, by replacing cement with microsilica by 10 wt%, the amount of used cement is reduced by 5 tons, consequently producing 4,752 kg less CO2 that is a significant value for the environment.

Originality/value

The study provides a basis for making sustainable lightweight concrete with high strength against compressive, flexural and impact loads.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 December 2023

Manikandaraja G., Pandiyarajan R., Vasanthanathan A. and Sabarish S.

This study aims to evaluate the development of composites made of epoxy (E) resin with different weight percentages of polypropylene (PP) and graphene oxide (Go) to form…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the development of composites made of epoxy (E) resin with different weight percentages of polypropylene (PP) and graphene oxide (Go) to form nanocomposite plates.

Design/methodology/approach

A hand lay-up process was used to develop 21 different composites, with varying concentrations of PP (5%–35%) and Go (5%–35%). A ternary composite of E matrix was produced by combining binary fillers PP and Go (5%–35%) in a 1:1 ratio to a (95%–5%) solution. With the help of adopting the melt condensation deal to extract Go, the modified Hummers method was used to make Go platelets.

Findings

Through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction investigations, the particulate’s size and structural characteristics were identified. Based on the FESEM analysis of the collapsed zones of the composites, a warp-and-weft-like structure is evident, which endorses the growth yield strength, flexural modulus and impact strength of the composites.

Originality/value

The developed nanocomposites have exceptional mechanical capabilities compared to plain E resin, with E resin exhibiting better tensile strength, modulus and flexural strength when combined with 10% PP and 10% Go. When compared to neat E resin, materials formed from composites have exceptional mechanical properties. When mixed with 10% PP and 10% Go, E resin in particular displays improved tensile strength (23 MPa), tensile modulus (4.15 GPa), flexural strength (75.6 MPa) and other attributes. Engineering implications include automobile side door panels, spacecraft applications, brake pads and flexible battery guards.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2004

George K. Stylios

Examines the tenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects…

3517

Abstract

Examines the tenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 16 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 March 2009

C. Zhang, Y. Huang, Y. Liu, S. Wang and X. Zhang

The purpose of this paper is to study the isothermal and nonisothermal crystallisation kinetics of pure polypropylene (PP), 1 kGy pre‐irradiated PP and 1 kGy pre‐irradiated…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the isothermal and nonisothermal crystallisation kinetics of pure polypropylene (PP), 1 kGy pre‐irradiated PP and 1 kGy pre‐irradiated PP/syndiotactic 1,2‐polybutadiene (s‐1,2 PB) (90/10) blends by differential scanning calorimetry.

Design/methodology/approach

The Avrami equation, modified Avrami equation, Ozawa equation and the treatment by combining the Avrami and Ozawa equation were used to analyse the isothermal and nonisothermal crystallisation of various samples.

Findings

The s‐1,2 PB acted as a heterogeneous nucleation agent during the crystallisation of the PP/s‐1,2 PB blends and accelerated the crystallisation rate. The Avrami exponent n of the blends implied that the isothermal crystallisation kinetics of the blends followed a three‐dimensional growth via heterogeneous nucleation. The modified Avrami equation was limited to describe the nonisothermal crystallisation process of pure PP and 1 kGy pre‐irradiated PP, but it was successful for the blends. The treatment by combining the Avrami and Ozawa equation described appropriately the nonisothermal crystallisation process and obtained the kinetic parameter F(T) with specific physical meaning. The crystallisation activation energy for isothermal crystallisation and nonisothermal crystallisation of the blends was reduced due to the s‐1,2 PB acting as a heterogeneous nucleating agent during the crystallisation of the blends and accelerating the crystallisation rate.

Research limitations/implications

The Avrami equation, modified Avrami equation, Ozawa equation and the treatment by combining the Avrami and Ozawa equation were compared for analysis of the isothermal and nonisothermal crystallisation of samples. The crystallisation activation energy for isothermal crystallisation and nonisothermal crystallisation was also calculated according to the Arrhenius and the Kissinger method.

Practical implications

The fundamental research on the crystallisation properties of PP/s‐1,2‐PB blends is essential to understand the mutual effects of two components on their crystallisation mechanisms, facilitating to improve the mechanical properties of the final materials.

Originality/value

The isothermal and nonisothermal crystallisation behaviours of PP/s‐1,2 PB blends, especially pre‐irradiated PP/s‐1,2 PB blends, have not been studied systematically yet, though PP/s‐1,2 PB blends were promising materials in terms of both PP toughening and the application of s‐1,2 PB thermal plastic elastomer.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 38 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 April 2017

Adnan Qadir and Uneb Gazder

The purpose of this study is to investigate the incorporation of lightweight aggregate concrete modify with fiber (LWACF) in water retaining structure. In developed countries…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the incorporation of lightweight aggregate concrete modify with fiber (LWACF) in water retaining structure. In developed countries LWACF is being successfully used as structural concrete; however, third-world countries such as Pakistan are still struggling to come up with the practical applications of lightweight concrete in the building and construction industry. One reason is because of the lack of reliable data regarding its performance as a structural member in the building and construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study inspected the flexural and shear tolerance of fiber-reinforced LWACF by testing six beam specimens’ cast, cured and tested after 28 days for the purpose. An overhead tank of 1,000-gallon capacity was also constructed to verify the application of LWACF by observing its water retention behavior. The experimental design included a mix design of concrete at a target strength of 21 MPa for control sample natural aggregate and for synthetic aggregate modified with polypropylene fibers. Compressive strengths of both categories of concrete were also determined by crushing the cylindrical samples at the age of 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. The cast beams were later subjected to the application of two-point loading test until failure.

Findings

It was found that the beams fabricated with LWACF possessed better resistance to cracks compared with those fabricated with normal weight concrete, both in terms of number and crack width. The study also concluded that the constructed water tank with LWACF was thermally efficient and structurally sound, as it showed no sign of seepage for the observed period.

Originality/value

On the basis of the results, it can be concluded that the LWACF used has revolutionized the concept of using lightweight aggregates in regular structures and that consequently it will help in a constructing a sustainable environment. One of the useful applications of such material is for water-retaining structures.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2003

George K. Stylios

Examines the ninth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects…

1197

Abstract

Examines the ninth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 15 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 November 2012

George K. Stylios

Examines the seventeenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects…

1099

Abstract

Examines the seventeenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 24 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

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