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Article
Publication date: 20 June 2008

H. Unal and F. Findik

The present study aims to find out the best polymer/polymer pair in electrical insulating applications. Moreover, the effects of different polymer counterpart and applied load on…

Abstract

Purpose

The present study aims to find out the best polymer/polymer pair in electrical insulating applications. Moreover, the effects of different polymer counterpart and applied load on the friction and wear behaviour of PA 46 + 30%GFR and unfilled PA 66 thermoplastic polymers are to be studied.

Design/methodology/approach

Friction and wear tests vs PA 46 + 30%GFR and PPS + 30%GFR polymer composites were carried out on a pin‐on‐disc arrangement and at a dry sliding conditions. Tribological tests were performed at room temperature under 20, 40 and 60 N loads and at 0.5 m/s sliding speed.

Findings

The results showed that, the coefficient of friction decreases with the increasing of load (up to 40 N) for PA 46 + 30%GFR composite and polyamide (PA) 66 polymer used in this study. However, above 40 N applied load the coefficient of friction increases. The specific wear rate for PA 46 + 30%GFR and PA 66 against PPS + 30%GFR polymer composite counterpart are about in the order of 10−13 m2/N while the specific wear rate for PA 46 + 30%GFR and PA 66 against PA 46 + 30%GFR polymer composite counterpart are in the order of 10−14 m2/N. For PA 46 + 30%GFR composite and unfilled PA 66 polymers tested the specific wear rate values increased with the increment of load. The highest specific wear rate is for unfilled PA 66 against PPS + 30%GFR with a value of 2.81 × 10−13 m2/N followed by PA 66 against PA 46 + 30%GFR with a value of 2.26 × 10−13 m2/N. The lowest wear rate is PA 46 + 30%GFR polymer composite against PA 46 + 30%GFR polymer composite counterpart with a value of 3.19 × 10−14 m2/N. The average specific wear rates for unfilled PA 66 against PA 46 + 30%GFR is 80 times higher than PA 46 + 30%GFR wear rate while specific wear rates for unfilled PA 66 against PPS + 30%GFR is 100 times higher than that of PA 46 + 30%GFR wear rate. From point view of tribological performance, PA 46 + 30%GFR is a more suitable engineering thermoplastic composite materials for electrical contact breaker applications.

Research limitations/implications

In the present work, tribological tests were performed only at room temperature under three different loads and a sliding speed. This is the limitation of the work.

Practical implications

This work is easily used for industrial polyamides to check their tribological behaviours.

Originality/value

This is an original and experimental study and it will be useful both for academicians and for industrial sides.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 60 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2021

Kawaljit Singh Randhawa and Ashwin Patel

The mechanical and tribological properties of polymers and polymer composites vary with different environmental conditions. This paper aims to review the influence of…

Abstract

Purpose

The mechanical and tribological properties of polymers and polymer composites vary with different environmental conditions. This paper aims to review the influence of humidity/water conditions on various polymers and polymer composites' mechanical properties and tribological behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

The influence of humidity and water absorption on mechanical and tribological properties of various polymers, fillers and composites has been discussed in this paper. Tensile strength, modulus, yield strength, impact strength, COF and wear rates of polymer composites are compared for different environmental conditions. The interaction between the water molecules and hydrophobic polymers is also represented.

Findings

Pure polymer matrices show somewhat mixed behavior in humid environments. Absorbed moisture generally plasticizes the epoxies and polyamides and lowers the tensile strength, yield strength and modulus. Wear rates of PVC generally decrease in humid environments, while for polyamides, it increases. Fillers like graphite and boron-based compounds exhibit low COF, while MoS2 particulate fillers exhibit higher COF at high humidity and water conditions. The mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced polymer composites tend to decrease as the rate of humidity increases while the wear rates of fiber-reinforced polymer composites show somewhat mixed behavior. Particulate fillers like metals and advanced ceramics reinforced polymer composites exhibit low COF and wear rates as the rate of humidity increases.

Originality/value

The mechanical and tribological properties of polymers and polymer composites vary with the humidity value present in the environment. In dry conditions, wear loss is determined by the hardness of the contacting surfaces, which may not effectively work for high humid environments. The tribological performance of composite constituents, i.e. matrix and fillers in humid environments, defines the overall performance of polymer composite in said environments.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 73 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 October 2023

Megavannan Mani, Thiyagu Murgaiyan and Pradeep Kumar Krishnan

This study focuses on the structural performance assessment of hybrid polymer composites for pick-and-place robot grippers used in critical infrastructure. This research involved…

Abstract

Purpose

This study focuses on the structural performance assessment of hybrid polymer composites for pick-and-place robot grippers used in critical infrastructure. This research involved the creation of composite materials with different nanoparticle concentrations, followed by extensive testing to assess the mechanical properties of the materials, such as strength, stiffness and durability.

Design/methodology/approach

The composites comprised bidirectional interply inclined carbon fibers (C), S-glass fibers (SG), E-glass (EG), an epoxy matrix and silica nanoparticles (SNiPs). During construction, the composite materials must be carefully layered using quasi-static sequence techniques (45°C1/45°SG2/45°EG2/45°C1/45°EG2/45°SG2/45°C1) to obtain the epoxy matrix reinforcement and bonding using 0, 2, 4 and 6 wt. % of silica nanoparticles.

Findings

According to various test findings, the 4 wt. % of SNiPs added to polymer plates exhibits the maximum strength outcomes. The average results of the tensile and flexural tests for the polymer composite plates with 4 wt. % addition SNiPs were 127.103 MPa and 223.145 MPa, respectively. The average results of the tensile and flexural tests for the plates with 0 wt.% SNiPs were 115.457 MPa and 207.316 MPa, respectively.

Originality/value

The authors hereby attest that the research paper they have submitted is the result of their own independent and unique labor. All of the sources from which the thoughts and passages were derived have been properly credited. The work has not been submitted for publication anywhere and is devoid of any instances of plagiarism.

Highlights

 

  1. The study enhances the engineering materials for innovative applications.

  2. The study explores the mechanical behavior of carbon/S-glass/E-glass fiber composites.

  3. Silica nanoparticles were enhancing mechanical characteristics of the composite structure.

The study enhances the engineering materials for innovative applications.

The study explores the mechanical behavior of carbon/S-glass/E-glass fiber composites.

Silica nanoparticles were enhancing mechanical characteristics of the composite structure.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 14 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 June 2019

Adam Gnatowski, Agnieszka Kijo-Kleczkowska, Rafał Gołębski and Kamil Mirek

The issues concerning the prediction of changes in properties of polymer materials as a result of adding reinforcing fibers are currently widely discussed in the field of polymer

Abstract

Purpose

The issues concerning the prediction of changes in properties of polymer materials as a result of adding reinforcing fibers are currently widely discussed in the field of polymer material processing. This paper aims to present strengths and weaknesses of composites based on polymer materials strengthened with fibers. It touches upon composite cracking at the junction of a matrix and its reinforcement. It also discusses the analysis of changes in properties of chosen materials as a result of adding reinforcing fibers. The paper shows improvement in the strength of polymer materials with fiber addition, which is extremely important, because these types of composites are used in the aerospace, automotive and electrical engineering industries.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparing the properties of matrix strength with fiber properties is practically impossible. Thus, fiber tensile strength and composite tensile strength shall be compared (González et al., 2011): tensile (glass fiber GF) = 900 [MPa], elongation ΔL≈ 0; yield point (polyamide 66) = 70−90 [MPa], elongation Δ[%] = 3,5-18; tensile (polyamide 66 + 15% GF) = 80-125 [MPa], elongation Δ[%] ≈ 0; tensile (polyamide 66 + 30% GF) = 190 [MPa], elongation Δ[%] ≈ 0; yield point (polyamide 6) = 45-85 [MPa], elongation Δ[%] = 4-15; tensile (polyamide 6 + 15% GF) = 80-125 [MPa], elongation Δ[%] ≈ 0; tensile (polyamide 6 + 30% GF) = 95-130 [MPa] elongation Δ[%] ≈ 0. Comparison of properties of selected polymers and composites is presented in Tables 1−10 and Figures 1 and 2. The measurement methodology is presented in detail in the paper Kula et al. (2018). The increase in fiber content (to the extent discussed) leads to the increase in yield strength stresses and hardness. The value of yield strength for polyamide with the addition of fiberglass grows gradually with the increase in fiber content. The hardness of the composite of polyamide with glass balls increases together with the increase in reinforcement content. The changes of these values do not occur linearly. The increase in fiber content has a slight impact on density change (the increase of about 1 g/mm3 per 10 per cent).

Findings

The use of polymers as a matrix allows to give composites features such as: lightness, corrosion resistance, damping ability, good electrical insulation and thermal and easy shaping. Polymers used as a matrix perform the following functions in composites: give the desired shape to the products, allow transferring loads to fibers, shape thermal, chemical and flammable properties of composites and increase the possibilities of making composites. Fiber-reinforced polymer composites are the effect of searching for new construction materials. Glass fibers show tensile strength, stiffness and brittleness, while the polymer matrix has viscoelastic properties. Glass fibers have a uniform shape and dimensions. Fiber-reinforced composites are therefore used to increase strength and stiffness of materials. Polymers have low tensile strength, exhibit high deformability. Polymers reinforced by glass fiber have a high modulus of elasticity and therefore provide better the mechanical properties of the material. Composites with glass fibers do not exhibit deformations in front of cracking. An increase in the content of glass fiber in composites increases the tensile strength of the material. Polymers reinforced by glass fiber are currently one of the most important construction materials and are widely used in the aerospace, automotive and electro-technical industries.

Originality/value

The paper presents the test results for polyethylene composites with 25 per cent and 50 per cent filler coming from recycled car carpets of various car makes. The tests included using differential scanning calorimetry, testing material hardness, material tensile strength and their dynamic mechanical properties.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 30 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2005

S.H. Masood and W.Q. Song

Presents development and characterisation of a new metal/polymer composite material for use in fused deposition modelling (FDM) rapid prototyping process with the aim of…

3965

Abstract

Purpose

Presents development and characterisation of a new metal/polymer composite material for use in fused deposition modelling (FDM) rapid prototyping process with the aim of application to direct rapid tooling. The work represents a major development in reducing the cost and time in rapid tooling.

Design/methodology/approach

The material consists of iron particles in a nylon type matrix. The detailed formulation and characterisation of the thermal properties of the various combinations of the new composites are investigated experimentally. Results are compared with other metal/polymer composites used in rapid tooling.

Findings

The feedstock filaments of this composite have been produced and used successfully in the unmodified FDM system for direct rapid tooling of injection moulding inserts. Thermal properties are found to be acceptable for rapid tooling applications for injection moulding.

Originality/value

Introduces an entirely new metal based composite material for direct rapid tooling application using FDM RP system with desired thermal properties and characteristics. This will reduce the cost and time of manufacturing tooling inserts and dies for injection moulding.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 25 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1998

A. Bandyopadhyay, R.K. Panda, T.F. McNulty, F. Mohammadi, S.C. Danforth and A. Safari

Reviews the inherent advantages, i.e. design flexibility and processing, of manufacturing piezoelectric ceramics and composites with numerous architectures via rapid prototyping…

2171

Abstract

Reviews the inherent advantages, i.e. design flexibility and processing, of manufacturing piezoelectric ceramics and composites with numerous architectures via rapid prototyping techniques. Reports on processing in which piezoelectric ceramics and composites with novel and conventional designs were fabricated using rapid prototyping techniques. Fused deposition of ceramics, fused deposition modeling, and Sanders prototyping techniques were used to fabricate lead‐zirconate‐titanate ceramics and ceramic/polymer composites via, first, direct fabrication and, second, indirect fabrication using either lost mold or soft tooling techniques.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 4 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 November 2008

George K. Stylios

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

1250

Abstract

Examines the fourteenth 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. 20 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2018

Marlon Wesley Machado Cunico and Jonas de Carvalho

During the past years, numerous market segments have increasingly adopted additive manufacturing technologies for product development and complex parts design. Consequently…

Abstract

Purpose

During the past years, numerous market segments have increasingly adopted additive manufacturing technologies for product development and complex parts design. Consequently, recent developments have expanded the technologies, materials and applications in support of emerging needs, in addition to improving current processes. The present work aims to propose and characterise a new technology that is based on selective formation of metal-polymer composites with low power source.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop this project, the authors have divided this work in three parts: material development, process feasibility and process optimisation. For the polymeric material development, investigation of metallic and composite materials assessed each material’s suitability for selective composite formation besides residual material removal. The primary focus was the evaluation of proposed process feasibility. The authors applied multivariable methods, where the main responses were line width, penetration depth, residual material removal feasibility, layer adherence strength, mechanical strength and dimensional deviation of resultant object. The laser trace speed, distance between formation lines and laser diameter were the main variables. Removal agent and polymeric material formulation were constants. In the last part of this work, the authors applied a multi-objective optimisation. The optimisation objectives minimized processing time and dimensional deviation while maximizing mechanical strength in xy direction and mechanical strength in z direction.

Findings

With respect to material development, the polymeric material tensile strength was found between 30 and 45 MPa at break. It was also seen that this material has low viscosity before polymerized (between 2 and 20 cP) essential for composite formation and complete material removal. In that way, the authors also identified that the residual material removal process was possible by redox reaction. In contrast with that the final object was marked by the polymer which covers the metallic matrix, protecting the object protects against chemical reactions. For the feasibility study, the authors identified the process windows for adherence between composite layers, demonstrating the process feasibility. The composite mechanical strength was shown to be between 120 and 135 MPa in xy direction and between 35 and 45 MPa in z direction. In addition, the authors have also evidenced that the geometrical dimensional distortion might vary until 5 mm, depending on process configuration. Despite that, the authors identified an optimised configuration that exposes the potential application of this new technology. As this work is still in a preliminary development stage, further studies are needed to be done to better understand the process and market segments wherein it might be applied.

Originality/value

This paper proposed a new and innovative additive manufacturing technology which is based on metal-polymer composites using low power source. Additionally, this work also described studies related to the investigation of concept feasibility and proposed process characterisation. The authors have focused on material development and studied the functional feasibility, which at the same time might be useful to the development of other additive manufacturing processes.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 24 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 January 2021

Irina Tatiana Garces and Cagri Ayranci

A review on additive manufacturing (AM) of shape memory polymer composites (SMPCs) is put forward to highlight the progress made up to date, conduct a critical review and show the…

1009

Abstract

Purpose

A review on additive manufacturing (AM) of shape memory polymer composites (SMPCs) is put forward to highlight the progress made up to date, conduct a critical review and show the limitations and possible improvements in the different research areas within the different AM techniques. The purpose of this study is to identify academic and industrial opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces the reader to three-dimensional (3 D) and four-dimensional printing of shape memory polymers (SMPs). Specifically, this review centres on manufacturing technologies based on material extrusion, photopolymerization, powder-based and lamination manufacturing processes. AM of SMPC was classified according to the nature of the filler material: particle dispersed, i.e. carbon, metallic and ceramic and long fibre reinforced materials, i.e. carbon fibres. This paper makes a distinction for multi-material printing with SMPs, as multi-functionality and exciting applications can be proposed through this method. Manufacturing strategies and technologies for SMPC are addressed in this review and opportunities in the research are highlighted.

Findings

This paper denotes the existing limitations in the current AM technologies and proposes several directions that will contribute to better use and improvements in the production of additive manufactured SMPC. With advances in AM technologies, gradient changes in material properties can open diverse applications of SMPC. Because of multi-material printing, co-manufacturing sensors to 3D printed smart structures can bring this technology a step closer to obtain full control of the shape memory effect and its characteristics. This paper discusses the novel developments in device and functional part design using SMPC, which should be aided with simple first stage design models followed by complex simulations for iterative and optimized design. A change in paradigm for designing complex structures is still to be made from engineers to exploit the full potential of additive manufactured SMPC structures.

Originality/value

Advances in AM have opened the gateway to the potential design and fabrication of functional parts with SMPs and their composites. There have been many publications and reviews conducted in this area; yet, many mainly focus on SMPs and reserve a small section to SMPC. This paper presents a comprehensive review directed solely on the AM of SMPC while highlighting the research opportunities.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2021

Vijay Kumar Dwivedi and Dipak Kumar

The purpose of this paper is related with the comparative study between graphene-based glass fiber–reinforced polymer composites and without graphene composite on polymer matrix…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is related with the comparative study between graphene-based glass fiber–reinforced polymer composites and without graphene composite on polymer matrix. The current study explains the result of amalgamation of 4 Wt.% graphene oxide (GO), in comparison to without graphene, on the mechanical strength of glass fiber/epoxy (GE).

Design/methodology/approach

A hand layup technique is used for the experimental study. For this, chemical synthesis process is approached based on Hummer’s theory. For mechanical testing of glass fiber–reinforced graphene composites and without graphene composites, American Society for Testing and Materials-3039 (ASTM3039) standards was adopted. Furthermore, comparatively, composites were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

Reinforcement of 4.0 Wt.% GO in epoxy matrix material showed 7.46% and 12.31% improvement in mechanical strength and elongation, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy results showed the influence of graphene cumulations in the failure of GO-reinforced GE (GO-GE) composites.

Originality/value

The inimitable things of graphene grounded nanofillers have encouraged in the world of material for their thinkable manipulation in glass fiber polymeric composites. In this work, for the first time, graphene is used as nanofiller in glass fiber epoxy coatings, and their fractography study is investigated.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 4000