Effect of compatibilization on the photo-oxidation behaviour of polyethylene/polyamide 6 blends and their nanocomposites

Abstract Polymer based nanocomposites are increasingly attracting interest from academia and industry, and the use of polymer blends as matrices greatly increase their potential field of application. In order to improve their characteristics, the use of compatibilizers acting on the blend components is mandatory. However, this also leads to rising concerns regarding the behaviour of polymer blend based nanocomposites upon being subjected to photo-oxidative degradation. It is known that morphology can deeply influence the photo-oxidative behaviour, and this can be therefore deeply influenced by the blend components and by the use of compatibilizers. In this work, polymer blend nanocomposites…

Comparative Investigation on the Soil Burial Degradation Behaviour of Polymer Films for Agriculture before and after Photo-Oxidation

Polymer films based on biodegradable polymers, polyethylene (PE) and modified PE with oxo-degradable additive were prepared by film blowing. Carbon black (1%) was added to all the films. Commercial biodegradable Ecovio&reg

Compatibilized Polyamide 6/Polyethylene Blends Clay Nanocomposites: Effect of the Degradation and Stabilization of the Clay Modifier

Abstract Blends of polyamide 6 (PA6) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) were compatibilized using an already investigated method and a sample of Cloisite 15A, a montmorillonite modified with ammonium quaternary salts was added. The blends were prepared in a twin screw extruder and characterized from a morphological, rheological and mechanical point of view. The results indicated that, despite a good morphology achieved in the filled blends and a moderate intercalation of the clay, the mechanical properties are far from being good, especially the ultimate properties. In order to investigate the possible influence of the inhibition of the crystallization and of the degradation of the organi…

Compatibilization of polymer blends by using a cyclophosphazene additive

PVA-based acidic hydrogel electrolyte

Effect of Graphene Nanoplatelets on the Physical and Antimicrobial Properties of Biopolymer-Based Nanocomposites

In this work, biopolymer-based nanocomposites with antimicrobial properties were prepared via melt-compounding. In particular, graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) as fillers and an antibiotic, i.e., ciprofloxacin (CFX), as biocide were incorporated in a commercial biodegradable polymer blend of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and a copolyester (BioFlex®). The prepared materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and rheological and mechanical measurements. Moreover, the effect of GnPs on the antimicrobial properties and release kinetics of CFX was evaluated. The results indicated that the incorporation of GnPs increased the stiffness of the biopolymeric matrix and allowed for the t…

Influence of Different Environments and Temperatures on the Photo-Oxidation Behaviour of the Polypropylene.

The photo-oxidation of polypropylene at two different temperatures and in three different environments—air, distilled water and sea water—has been followed as a function of the irradiation time. The photo-oxidation kinetic is dramatically dependent on the amount of oxygen available for the oxidation reactions and on the temperature. While the photo-oxidation is very fast in air, the degradation is much slower in the two aqueous media. The degradation in sea water is slightly slower than in distilled water. In all cases, the degradation kinetic increases remarkably with the temperature. This behavior has been attributed to the lower oxygen availability for the oxidation reactions of the poly…

Elettrodeposizione di leghe nanostrutturate a base di stagno

Rheological Behaviour, Mechanical Properties and Processability of Biodegradable Polymer Systems for Film Blowing

Films for agricultural or packaging applications are typically made of low density polyethylene (LDPE). They are produced through the film blowing process, which requires the use of polymers with suitable rheological properties. Furthermore, the short shelf-life which is often related to many packed products leads to huge amounts of plastic-based wastes. This suggests the use of biodegradable and/or compostable polymers in replacement for traditional ones. To this regard, only few data exist on the rheological properties of biodegradable polymers undergoing film blowing processing. In this work, a detailed investigation on the rheological, mechanical and processability behaviour of some bio…

Prediction of the morphology of polymer-clay nanocomposites

Abstract Polymer nanocomposites have continually attracted increasing interest over the last decade, due to significant improvements they can offer compared to neat polymer matrices. However, the final morphology of a nanocomposite, determined by several variables, can significantly influence the macroscopic properties of the final product. Therefore, it is important to study the interactions between processing, morphology, structure and rheological properties, and the suitability of existing models in order to predict the system's behaviour with change of the main processing variables. In this work, the applicability of a predictive theory based on the Wu model was formulated and proposed …

Effect of the orientation on the photooxidation behaviour of polymer films

Abstract The effect of the orientation on the photooxidation of polymers is quite controversial. Both improvement of the photo-resistance along the oriented direction and worsening of the photooxidation kinetic have been reported. In this work the effect of the orientation has been investigated on films of PE, PP and PET with different degree of orientation and crystallinity. The results show that the photo-stability, measured from the decay of the elongation at break curve as a function of the irradiation time, improves in the more oriented direction, but this is more and more relevant with increasing the crystallinity degree. It has been hypothesized that the reinforcing action of the ori…

Comportamento reologico di nanocompositi a base di miscele HDPE/PA6

La preparazione di sistemi nanocompositi a base di miscele polimeriche suscita notevole interesse perché offre potenzialmente l’opportunità di combinare in maniera sinergica in un unico materiale diverse proprietà non possedute singolarmente da nessun polimero. In generale, le caratteristiche di questi sistemi polifasici dipendono certamente dalla natura dei costituenti, ma anche dalla morfologia finale del materiale: il controllo della dispersione e della dimensione delle particelle nonché dell’adesione interfacciale tra fasi (polimero/polimero, polimero/carica) costituiscono perciò parametri critici per il successo di questi materiali. Scopo di questo lavoro è stato valutare l’influenza d…

Reprocessing of PLA/graphene nanoplatelets nanocomposites

This work reports a study on the effect of multiple reprocessing on the properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) filled with graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) compared to the melt reprocessed neat polymeric matrix. In particular, morphological, X-Ray Diffraction and Micro-Raman analyses, intrinsic viscosity measurements, thermal, rheological and mechanical tests were carried out on materials reprocessed up five times by means of a single screw extruder. The results indicated that the presence of GnP decreased the degradation rate as a function of the reprocessing cycles in comparison with the neat PLA that, on the contrary, showed a more drastic reduction of the molecular weight. Moreover, the repr…

PROCESSING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE POLYMER/CNTs NANCOMPOSITE FIBRES.

Synthesis and characterization of nanostructured materials applied to energy devices

Synthesis and Characterization of Nanostructured Electrodes for Innovative Lead Acid Batteries

High barrier properties HDPE/PA6/MMT Films-Preliminary rheological and morphological studies

USE OF BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS FOR FOAM EXTRUSION

Creep Behavior of Poly(lactic acid) Based Biocomposites

Polymer composites containing natural fibers are receiving growing attention as possible alternatives for composites containing synthetic fibers. The use of biodegradable matrices obtained from renewable sources in replacement for synthetic ones is also increasing. However, only limited information is available about the creep behavior of the obtained composites. In this work, the tensile creep behavior of PLA based composites, containing flax and jute twill weave woven fabrics, produced through compression molding, was investigated. Tensile creep tests were performed at different temperatures (i.e., 40 and 60 °C). The results showed that the creep behavior of the composites is strongly inf…

Nanostructures of different oxides/hydroxides grown in nanoporous templates by electrochemical methods.

Thermomechanical degradation of polyethylene/polyamide 6 blend-clay nanocomposites

Film Blowing of Biodegradable Polymer Nanocomposites for Agricultural Applications

Films for agricultural applications, such as greenhouses films or mulching films are generally made of polyolefins such as linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or low-density polyethylene. However, the use of biodegradable and/or compostable polymers is increasing, which enjoy the additional advantage that they can be left on the site since a fine life would be gradually assimilated to the underlying soil. Nevertheless, biodegradable polymeric films often do not have suitable mechanical performances. In this work, biodegradable polymer-based nanocomposite films are prepared by film blowing and compared with traditional LLDPE based nanocomposites. In particular, a biodegradable polymer bl…

Elettrodo al piombo, metodo per la sua realizzazione ed accumulatore comprendente l’elettrodo

High Efficiency Electrodes Based on Nanostructured Materials for Energy Devices

Thermomechanical degradation of polyethylene/polyamide 6 blend-clay nanocomposites

Abstract Polymer nanocomposites are gaining a growing interest both in the academia and in the industrial field, because of some specific properties they can assure. However, the rise in the attention from the industry is also leading to concerns about their processing, which can involve issues which are not present in traditional polymers processing; furthermore, additional issues can arise when nanocomposites are based on a polymer blend rather than a single polymer. In this work, a systematic study on thermomechanical degradation and reprocessing behaviour of LDPE/PA6/Cloisite 15A systems has been performed. The characterization was based on rheological, mechanical and morphological anal…

Effect of Hot Drawing on the Mechanical Properties of Biodegradable Fibers

The use of biodegradable polymers is increasingly attracting interest over the last years, since they can reduce the environmental effects related to disposal of traditional plastics and, in general, the use of fossil, non-renewable resources. One of the most promising applications is represented by fibers production. However, the orientation and the crystallinity degrees can significantly affect the mechanical properties. Therefore, it is of interest to investigate on the optimum processing conditions, in order to improve the mechanical properties. In particular, while crystallinity can be slightly modified by the processing, orientation can be significantly improved. In this work, the eff…

Degradazione Di Argille Modificate Organicamente

Recycling and Thermomechanical Degradation of LDPE/Modified Clay Nanocomposites

The special features of polymer nanocomposites are continually gaining interest both in academia and in industry. The latter is especially experiencing an increase in interest towards this class of polymer composites, and this is leading to the first concerns about their reprocessing and reciclability. Here, a systematic study on the behavior of LDPE/Cloisite 15A systems upon reprocessing in a single-screw extruder is described, focusing on rheological, mechanical, and morphological properties changes. The investigated systems show a very complex thermomechanical degradation behavior, with the degradation of the clay modifier and different degradation paths involving the polymer matrix; all…

Collapsible intact soil stabilisation using non-aqueous polymeric vehicle

Abstract This paper presents the results of an experimental study that had the goal of understanding the effects of treatment with polyethylene glycol (PEG)/nanolime mixtures on collapsible soil behaviour. In a previous study, the use of pure PEG offered a good improvement in the stability of collapsible soil, but the stabilisation effect only lasted for a limited time. To investigate the stabilisation potential of PEG/nanolime systems for collapsible sand, different mixtures were prepared at increasing nanolime weight ratios. The suitability of the stabilised soil was examined on the basis of collapsibility, oedometer, shear, and water vapour permeability tests, and through optical microsc…

Degradation of polymer blends: A brief review

Abstract The usefulness of any material, including polymer blends, depends on its degradability and durability. The blend composition can significantly affect the degradative behavior of a polymer blend and can differ from the degradation routes of the pure components since the interactions among different species in the blends during degradation, and among the degradation products, can occur. These reactions can lead either to an acceleration of the degradation rate or to a stabilizing effect in comparison with the pure components. Thus, the additive rule cannot be often applied in case of degradation of polymer blends and, therefore, it is difficult to predict the degradative behavior of …

Prediction of the flow curves of thermoplastic polymer/clay systems from torque data

Abstract The aim of this work was to determine some relevant rheological parameters of polymer/clay systems using mixing torque and mixing speed data obtained during processing in an internal mixer. The method used was originally proposed by Marquez et al. for monophase polymers, and is here applied to polymer/clay systems for the first time. Several clay-containing composites based on different polymer matrices (i.e., LDPE, HDPE, PA6, EVA) were used to verify the effectiveness of the method for measuring the flow curves of these polymer/clay systems. The results indicated that, for all the systems at low clay level, the rheological curves calculated with the Marquez method fit quite well t…

Reactions Occurring during the Melt Mixing of Nylon 6 and Oxazoline−Cyclophosphazene Units

Specific reactions of amino and carboxyl end groups of Nylon 6 with the reactive oxazoline groups belonging to a cyclophosphazene compound (referred as CP20XA) were carried out at 240 °C for different times, under inert atmosphere. Ny6 polymers terminated with one specific reactive chain end (-COOH or NH2) were reacted with different amounts of CP20XA to study the kinetic order of the reactions. All Ny6-CP20XA reacted products soluble in trifluoroethanol (TFE) were well characterized by MALDI-TOF MS, FT-IR and ( 1H and 13C) NMR techniques. The MALDI-TOF results show that the oxazoline rings react with the carboxyl chain ends of Ny6 following second-order kinetics. The reactions with amino c…

The Effects of Structure on the One Dimensional Compression Behaviour of a Porous Calcarenite

Human settlements built on weak rock deposits are often characterized by instabilities or collapse that may involve the underground cavities and consequently the above buildings. Underground calcarenite quarries in Marsala have been involved in a number of collapses that have seriously damaged numerous buildings. Unfortunately proper engineering solutions have not yet been identified according to the different and special cases and to the properties of this structured material. In order to investigate structure effects on the behaviour of the porous calcarenite of Marsala, this paper presents a comparison between the one dimensional compression behaviour of the intact rock and of the same w…

Bionanocomposite Blown Films: Insights on the Rheological and Mechanical Behavior.

In this work, bionanocomposites based on two different types of biopolymers belonging to the MaterBi® family and containing two kinds of modified nanoclays were compounded in a twin-screw extruder and then subjected to a film blowing process, aiming at obtaining sustainable films potentially suitable for packaging applications. The preliminary characterization of the extruded bionanocomposites allowed establishing some correlations between the obtained morphology and the material rheological and mechanical behavior. More specifically, the morphological analysis showed that, regardless of the type of biopolymeric matrix, a homogeneous nanofiller dispersion was achieved

Rheological Behavior Under Shear and Non-Isothermal Elongational Flow of Biodegradable Polymers for Foam Extrusion

The production of many items, in particular for food packaging applications, is based on foam extrusion and thermoforming. These operations require the use of polymers which can grant some specific rheological properties, both under shear and elongational flow. In this work, the behavior of some biodegradable polymers [Mater-Bi® and poly(lactic acid)] under shear and non-isothermal elongational flow was investigated and compared with a traditional, non-biodegradable polymer, in order to assess their suitability for industrial-scale foam extrusion and thermoforming. The rheological characterization evidenced the differences between the different biodegradable polymers and the reference polys…

Theoretical study on the decomposition mechanism of bisphenol A polycarbonate induced by the combined effect of humidity and UV irradiation.

Polycarbonate (PC) is a good material for covering and protecting cultural heritage sites because of its durability, mechanical properties, and transparency. When bisphenol A polycarbonate is subjected to weathering conditions this polymer shows several degradation processes depending on the irradiation wavelength, humidity and temperature. In particular, the combined effects of humidity and UV irradiation speed up the PC molecular weight reduction. In this work, the decomposition mechanisms associated to the hydrolysis process are scrutinized and the effects of UV irradiation on the hydrolysis process are evaluated throughout the Density Functional Theory (DFT) approach. It was found that …

Effectiveness of organoclays as compatibilizers for multiphase polymer blends - A sustainable route for the mechanical recycling of co-mingled plastics

We prepare and characterize multiphase systems in which small amounts of recycled polymer, namely polyethylene terephtalate (PET) ground from waste bottles, are dispersed in a co-continuous blend of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP). Some of such ternary systems are also filled with plate-like clay nanoparticles with different polarities, in order to assess their influence on the morphology and mechanical behaviour of the blends. On the basis of preliminary wettability considerations and inspections by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the PET is found to preferentially locate within the PP phase. Such a positioning is desirable in order to minimize the pres…

Novel acidic hydrogel electrolytes based on PVA and PVA blends

Metodo di realizzazione di un elettrodo ad elevata densità energetica ed elettrodo ottenibile con tale metodo

Effect of cold drawing on mechanical properties of biodegradable fibers.

Purpose Biodegradable polymers are currently gaining importance in several fields, because they allow mitigation of the impact on the environment related to disposal of traditional, nonbiodegradable polymers, as well as reducing the utilization of oil-based sources (when they also come from renewable resources). Fibers made of biodegradable polymers are of particular interest, though, it is not easy to obtain polymer fibers with suitable mechanical properties and to tailor these to the specific application. The main ways to tailor the mechanical properties of a given biodegradable polymer fiber are based on crystallinity and orientation control. However, crystallinity can only marginally be…

The Effect of Calcium Carbonate on the Photo-Oxidative Behavior of Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)

The aim of this work is to evaluate the influence of nanosized CaCO3 on the photo-oxidation of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)-based nanocomposites. The PBAT/CaCO3 nanocomposites are prepared by using a corotating twin-screw extruder with 0, 2, and 5 wt% of CaCO3. The films are obtained by film blowing process. Specimens of the nanocomposites and that of the pure polymer are subjected to accelerated aging with a cycle of 8 h of light at a temperature of 55 °C followed by 4 h condensation at 45 °C to evaluate the effects of the CaCO3 addition on the photo-oxidation of PBAT. The results indicate that the modulus and tensile strength of the nanocomposites are increased significa…

Orientation induced brittle – Ductile transition in a polyethylene/polyamide 6 blend

Abstract Polyamide/polyolefin blends are of scientific and technological interest but, on the other hand, the different chemical nature of the two components makes them incompatible, resulting in unsatisfactory physical properties and making compatibilization necessary. In particular, although the two components are ductile, the binary blends can show brittle behaviour. It is also known that the effect of the elongational flow (and then of the induced orientation) on polymer blends is a decrease of elongation at break with increase of the degree of orientation. In this work, the effect of orientation on the mechanical properties of a low density polyethylene/polyamide 6 incompatible blend w…

Modification of carboxyl groups of poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) via facile wet chemistry method: A kinetic study

Abstract In this work, we present the results of a kinetic study of the surface modification of the carboxyl group of poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) into acyl chloride. Reaction temperature and time, concentration of the reactants, kind of agitation have been changed in order to understand their effect on the conversion. A study on the penetration of the reaction inside the sample bulk was also performed. The results indicate that, when short reaction times are adopted, the reaction limits to the outer layers of the samples and, in this case, on increasing the temperature, the concentration of the reactants and the stirring allows having a faster kinetic. At longer reaction times, the react…

A viable path toward a high energy density anode for lithium-ion batteries

Structure-properties relationships in melt reprocessed PLA/hydrotalcites nanocomposites

In this work the effect of multiple reprocessing was studied on molecular structure, morphology and properties of poly(lactic acid)/hydrotalcites (PLA/HT) nanocomposites compared to neat PLA. In addition, the influence of two different kinds of HT – organically modified (OM-HT) and unmodified (U-HT) – was evaluated. Thermo-mechanical degradation was induced by means of five subsequent extrusion cycles. The performance of the recycled materials was investigated by mechanical and rheological tests, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), intrinsic viscosity measurements and SEM observation. The results indicated that the best morphology was achieved in the systems incorporating OM-HT. On inc…

Effect of stress and temperature on the thermomechanical degradation of a PE-LD/OMMT nanocomposites

Thermomechanical degradation of nanocomposites is a topical issue that has not been fully investigated as demonstrated by the low number of papers available in the literature regarding this spe- cific aspect. In particular, with regards to low density polyethylene/clay nanocomposites, the degrada- tion behavior is very complex since it involves the degradation paths of both the polymer matrix and the organomodified nanoclay. In the present work, the effects of mechanical stress and temperature on the thermomechanical behavior of PE-LD/organomodified clay nanocomposites and the degradation paths were investigated by rheological, FT-IR and mechanical methods. The results have shown that the t…

Effect of the compatibilization on the photooxidation of a PA6/LDPE blend and their clay nanocomposites

RECYCLING AND THERMOMECHANICAL DEGRADATION OF POLYETHYLENE/ORGANO-MODIFIED CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES

Effect of environmental conditions on the durability of polycarbonate for the protection of cultural heritage sites.

Polycarbonate is a good material for covering and protecting cultural heritage sites because of its durability, mechanical properties, and transparency. However, polycarbonate degrades under environmental weathering with a significant decrease of physical and mechanical properties and loss of transparency. In this work, the contemporary presence of ultraviolet irradiation and different temperature and moisture conditions have been taken into account to study the environmental degradation of this polymer with regard to its mechanical and optical properties. The photo-oxidation reactions cause a decrease in the molecular weight and the formation of many oxygenated species. The hydrolytic sci…

Effect of adding an organically modified clay to a polyethylene/polyamide blend in the presence of compatibilizing agents

Recycling and Thermomechanical Degradation of LDPE/Modified Clay Nanocomposites

Effetto di differenti metodi di preparazione sulle proprietà morfologiche e fisiche di nanocompositi a base di miscele HDPE/PA6

Effect of processing temperature and mixing time on the properties of PP/GnP nanocomposites

Abstract During processing of molten polymers the thermal and mechanical stress acting on the melt in presence of oxygen can induce degradation with a modification of the chemical structure of the polymers. This picture can become even more relevant if the melt is a multiphasic polymer system. In this last case, the effects of the degradation depend also on the presence of a second phase and on the interactions between the two phases. In this work, the effect of the processing conditions, temperature and time, have been considered in order to investigate the thermo-mechanical and thermo-oxidative degradation of nanocomposites made by polypropylene and different contents of graphene nanoplat…

Photooxidation and photostabilization of EVA and cross-linked EVA

Abstract Cross-linked EVA copolymers are widely used as encapsulant material for photovoltaic modules in order to protect the solar cell from the dangerous and degrading environmental factors like moisture and UV radiations. The protection of these modules from photooxidation is the main important objective in their production. In this work, samples of cured EVA in presence of different types of stabilizers have been photooxidized to better understand the photooxidation behavior and the effects of these stabilizers on the mechanical properties. All the results obtained on the cross-linked samples have been compared with those obtained in the same conditions and with the same formulations wi…

In-line monitoring of the photooxidation behaviour of a PP/clay nanocomposite through creep measurements

Abstract The photooxidation behaviour of a polypropylene/organomodified clay nanocomposite sample has been monitored by means of a new apparatus through the record of the creep curves measured while the sample is subjected to the contemporary action of temperature, tensile strength and UV radiation. The creep curves of the irradiated samples are higher than those of the non-irradiated samples and the curves diverge when the molecular weight begins to decrease because of the degradation. At the same the formation of carbonyl groups is observed. The creep curves of the non-irradiated and irradiated samples give, then, an immediate evaluation of the begin and of the development of the photooxi…

PBAT Based Composites Reinforced with Microcrystalline Cellulose Obtained from Softwood Almond Shells

This study explores the processability, mechanical, and thermal properties of biocompostable composites based on poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) as polymer matrix and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) derived from softwood almond (Prunus dulcis) shells (as-MCC) as filler at two different weight concentration, i.e., 10 wt% and 20 wt%. The materials were processed by melt mixing and a commercial MCC (c-MCC) was used as filler comparison. The fibrillar shape of as-MCC particles was found to change the rheological behavior of PBAT, particularly at the highest concentration. The melt mixing processing allowed obtaining a uniform dispersion of both kinds of fillers, slightly reduci…

Effect of a Compatibilizer on the Morphology and Properties of Polypropylene/Polyethylentherephthalate Spun Fibers

Fibers spun by melt spinning of binary and ternary polypropylene/ polyethylenetherephthalate blends have been produced and characterized in order to investigate the effect of a compatibilizer on their morphology and mechanical properties. The compatibilizer was a maleic anhydride-functionalized rubber copolymer. The effect of the compatibilizer was well evident in the isotropic state, as the morphology became very fine, the size of the dispersed particles was very small, and the adhesion was better. The effect of the compatibilizer on the mechanical properties is very relevant, especially in the elongation at break. On the contrary, no relevant effect was observed in the anisotropic oriente…

Degradazione di nanocompositi polimerici

An Additive Model to Predict the Rheological and Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene Blends Made by Virgin and Reprocessed Components

In this work, an additive model for the prediction of the rheological and mechanical properties of monopolymer blends made by virgin and reprocessed components is proposed. A polypropylene sample has been reprocessed more times in an extruder and monopolymer blends have been prepared by simulating an industrial process. The scraps are exposed to regrinding and are melt reprocessed before mixing with the virgin polymer. The reprocessed polymer is, then, subjected to some thermomechanical degradation. Rheological and mechanical experimental data have been compared with the theoretical predictions. The results obtained showed that the values of this simple additive model are a very good fit fo…

On the Preparation and the Characterization of Polyethylene/Polyamide Blends by Melt Processing in the Presence of an Ethylene(co)acrylic Acid Copolymer and of New Phosphazene Compounds

Samples of HDPE and PA6 have been meltprocessed in the presence of two new phosphazene compounds, CP-2EPOX and CP-2OXA together with an ethylene/ acrylic acid copolymer. The blends have been prepared in an industrial twin-screw extruder by using PA6 and PE in weight ratios of 25/75 and 75/25. When used, 5 phr of EAA and 0.2 phr of CP have been added. The materials have been completely characterized from a rheological, morphological, and mechanical point of view. The results indicate that the additives used caused an increase in the rupture tensile properties, of the impact strength and viscosity especially in the PE-rich blend in the presence of CP-2EPOX. This result can be attributed both …

Effect of the adding of a functionalized nanoclay in polyethylene/polyamide blends

Influence of short-term aging on mechanical properties and morphology of polymer-modified bitumen with recycled plastics from waste materials

Polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) is bitumen that has been specifically engineered with polymer for providing enhanced performance in service. The aging of bitumen is a main aspect that is able to affect its final performance: during the production phase in a hot mix plant, all the binders experience short-term aging due to the high processing temperature. The same is true during the production of the modified binder, when the polymer is dispersed at high temperature in the bitumen mass. This paper aims at studying the effect of short-term aging when using different types of modifiers such as recycled polymers obtained from waste materials. A 50/70 penetration-grade bitumen has been modified, …

Photo-oxidation of polypropylene/graphene nanoplatelets composites

Abstract The photo-oxidation behaviour of polymer nanocomposites depends not only on the photo-oxidation behaviour of the matrix, but also on the chemical composition, on the physical properties of the nanoparticles and on the possible interactions between the two phases. In the case of nanocomposites with carbonaceous particles, the main effect is a photo-stabilization due to the absorption of the UV energy and the radical scavenging action. In this work we investigated the effect of the presence of graphene nanoplatelets on the photo-oxidation behaviour of the polypropylene. The presence of the graphene nanoplatelets improves the photo-resistance of the polypropylene and this effect incre…

Effect of reprocessing on the properties of Polyethylene/cloisite 15A nanocomposites

Effetto della degradazione di un'argilla organicamente modificata sulle proprietà di nanocompositi a base di miscele PA6/HDPE

Influence of Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles on the Soil Burial Degradation of Polybutyleneadipate-Co-Butylenetherephthalate Films.

A polybutyleneadipate-co-butylenetherephthalate (PBAT) sample, commercially known as Ecoflex®, was processed via melt extrusion with CaCO3 nanoparticles coated with a hydrophobic coating. Blown films of PBAT and two composites with nanofiller (2% and 5%wt) were prepared and degradation tests in soil at 30 °C up to 180 days were carried out with weight loss measurements. Furthermore, biodegradation test according to ISO 14851 was carried out at 30 °C. The effect of CaCO3 on soil burial degradation was assessed by surface wettability and SEM. ATR-FTIR and XPS analyses highlighted chemical modifications induced by soil degradation. CaCO3 nanoparticles decreased surface wettability …

Effect of ultraviolet and moisture action on biodegradable polymers and their blend

In this work, the suitability of polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and PBAT/PLA blend samples to outdoor applications were investigated in terms of mechanical, morphological and visual properties in presence of ultraviolet action and water, finding that PLA in particular can be actually considered for such applications.

On the Preparation and Characterization of Polyethylene/Polyamide Blends by Melt Processing in the Presence of an Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer and of New Phosphazene Compounds

Samples of HDPE and PA6 have been melt-processed in the presence of two new phosphazene compounds, CP-2EPOX and CP-20XA together with an ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer. The blends have been prepared in an industrial twin-screw extruder by using PA6 and PE in weight ratios of 25/75 and 75/25. When used, 5 phr of EAA and 0.2 phr of CP have been added. The materials have been completely characterized from a rheological, morphological, and mechanical point of view. The results indicate that the additives used caused an increase in the rupture tensile properties, of the impact strength and viscosity especially in the PE-rich blend in the presence of CP-2EPOX. This result can be attributed both …

Photooxidation Behavior of a LDPE/Clay Nanocomposite Monitored through Creep Measurements

Creep behavior of polymer nanocomposites has not been extensively investigated so far, especially when its effects are combined with those due to photooxidation, which are usually studied in completely independent ways. In this work, the photooxidation behavior of a low density polyethylene/organomodified clay nanocomposite system was monitored by measuring the creep curves obtained while subjecting the sample to the combined action of temperature, tensile stress, and UV radiation. The creep curves of the irradiated samples were found to be lower than those of the non-irradiated ones and progressively diverging, because of the formation of branching and cross-linking due to photooxidation. …

Rheological behaviour, filmability and mechanical properties of biodegradable polymer films

The rheological properties in shear flow and non isothermal elongational flow of two biodegradable polymers, belonging to two different classes of materials, have been measured and compared with those of a film blowing grade high density polyethylene in order to assess the filmability of these polymers. The mechanical properties of isotropic and anisotropic samples have been also reported.

The Use of Waste Hazelnut Shells as a Reinforcement in the Development of Green Biocomposites.

Biodegradable Mater-Bi (MB) composites reinforced with hazelnut shell (HS) powder were prepared in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder followed by compression molding and injection molding. The effects of reinforcement on the morphology, static and dynamic mechanical properties, and thermal and rheological properties of MB/HS biocomposites were studied. Rheological tests showed that the incorporation of HS significantly increased the viscosity of composites with non-Newtonian behavior at low frequencies. On the other hand, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination revealed poor interfacial adhesion between the matrix and the filler. The thermal property results indicated that HS could …

Growth and Electrochemical Performance of Lead and Lead Oxide Nanowire Arrays as Electrodes for Lead-Acid Batteries

n this work, we present the growth and electrochemical performance of nanostructured lead and lead oxide electrodes for lead-acid batteries. The electrodes were obtained by template electrodeposition in polycarbonate membranes, acting as template. Electrochemical tests were conducted at constant current in 5M aqueous solution of sulphuric acid, after assembling nanostructured lead and lead oxide electrodes in a zero-gap configuration using a commercially available separator. The main advantages of these electrodes are the high specific energy and power density, and the wide surface area, about 70 times higher than the geometrical one. These features allowed high discharge rates, up to 20C. …

Reactivity of cyclophosphazenes with end functionalised Ny6 samples and EAA copolyme

Nanocompositi a base di miscele compatibilizate PA6/PE: effetto della degradazione del modificante organico dell'argilla

Processing and characterization of highly oriented fibres of biodegradable nanocomposites

Abstract Biodegradable polymeric materials are becoming day by day ever more important in packaging, agriculture, single-use cutleries and other large consumer applications. The major part of those materials is used under the form of film, i.e. subjected to elongational flow, but the main problem is that they often offer poor mechanical properties. Adding nanofillers, like Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) may solve this problem but only if there is a full control of their orientation inside the material. Aim of this work is to investigate the processing-properties-morphology relationships for a system prepared under elongation flow of MaterBi and commercial MWCNTs. The materials were …

Investigation on the Properties and on the Photo-Oxidation Behaviour of Polypropylene/Fumed Silica Nanocomposites

This work investigates the effects of very small amounts of fumed silica on the morphology and on the rheological and mechanical behaviour of polypropylene nanocomposites and on their photo-oxidation behaviour. Polypropylene nanocomposites were prepared using a twin-screw corotating extruder with 0, 1 and 2 wt/wt% of SiO2. Morphological, mechanical, thermomechanical and rheological properties were examined. It was found that the viscosity of the matrix is reduced by the presence of the silica nanoparticles, suggesting a poor adhesion between the two phases and probably some lubricating effect. On the contrary, the mechanical and, in particular, the thermomechanical properties of the matrix …

Structure–Property Relationships in Bionanocomposites for Pipe Extrusion Applications

In this work, bionanocomposites based on different biodegradable polymers and two types of nanofillers, namely a nanosized calcium carbonate and an organomodified nanoclay, were produced through melt extrusion, with the aim to evaluate the possible applications of these materials as a potential alternative to traditional fossil fuel-derived polyolefins, for the production of irrigation pipes. The rheological behavior of the formulated systems was thoroughly evaluated by exploiting different flow regimes, and the obtained results indicated a remarkable effect of the introduced nanofillers on the low-frequency rheological response, especially in nanoclay-based bionanocomposites. Conversely, t…

A Green Approach for Recycling Compact Discs

Compact discs (CDs) and digital versatile discs (DVDs) are mainly made by polycarbonate disc, a thin layer of aluminum or silver, a thin layer of a coating and a thin layer of a label of paper or PET. The recycling of these discs is difficult due to the removal of these non-polymeric layers and to our best knowledge, no industrial plants have been resent for their recycling. In this work, we propose a facile way to remove the non-polymeric layers and investigate the effect of the repetitive extrusion process on the processability and on the mechanical properties of the recycled polycarbonate. A few works have been published dealing with both the removal of the non-polymeric layers and the m…

Recycling of a Biodegradable Polymer Blend

Mechanical recycling is one of the possible ways to enhance the value of postconsumer plastic materials. However, the final performance of the recycled material will strongly depend on the quality of the selection made on the recycled product and on the degradation of the properties. In this context, the present study examines the effect of reprocessing for five successive extrusion cycles on the rheological, mechanical and thermal properties of a poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)-based blend on samples reprocessed in both dry and wet conditions. The results showed that when the sample was processed after drying, degradation of the material was less than when it was processed i…

Injection Molding and Mechanical Properties of Bio-Based Polymer Nanocomposites

The use of biodegradable/bio-based polymers is of great importance in addressing several issues related to environmental protection, public health, and new, stricter legislation. Yet some applications require improved properties (such as barrier or mechanical properties), suggesting the use of nanosized fillers in order to obtain bio-based polymer nanocomposites. In this work, bionanocomposites based on two different biodegradable polymers (coming from the Bioflex and MaterBi families) and two different nanosized fillers (organo-modified clay and hydrophobic-coated precipitated calcium carbonate) were prepared and compared with traditional nanocomposites with high-density polyethylene (HDPE…

Characterization and Processability of Blends of Polylactide Acid with a New Biodegradable Medium-Chain-Length Polyhydroxyalkanoate

In this work the processability and the mechanical performance of polylactide acid (PLA) based blends with a sample of a new biodegradable medium-chain-length poly (hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA) were investigated. The two polymers are incompatible with scarce adhesion and with the dispersed PHA particles size increasing with the PHA content. Rheological tests in shear flow indicate that adding PHA improves the processability of the matrix by increasing the content of this second component in the blend, as observed also for the torque curves, due to the very low viscosity of this new sample of PHA. The processability is only slightly worsened in non-isothermal elongational flow as the melt strengt…

Compatibilization of a polyethylene/polyamide 6 blend nanocomposite

Polymer blends of incompatible components need to be compatibilized to give rise to a blend with good properties. At the same way, polymer/clay nanocomposites show the same problem because of different chemical nature of the polymer matrix and of the clay. Compatibilization is then necessary if an incompatible polymer blend is filled with an organomodified clay. In this work a polyethylene/polyamide 6 blend filled with an organomodified clay has been compatibilized with a maleic anyhidride grafted SEBS (styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) copolymer and a glicidylmethacrylate-ethylene copolymer. The results show that compatibilization improves the mechanical properties in terms of elongation …

Toward the Decarbonization of Plastic: Monopolymer Blend of Virgin and Recycled Bio-Based, Biodegradable Polymer.

Decarbonization of plastics is based on two main pillars: bio-based polymers and recycling. Mechanical recycling of biodegradable polymers could improve the social, economic and environmental impact of the use of these materials. In this regard, the aim of this study was to investigate whether concentrations of the same recycled biopolymer could significantly affect the rheological and mechanical properties of biodegradable monopolymer blends. Monopolymer blends are blends made of the same polymers, virgin and recycled. A sample of commercially available biodegradable blend was reprocessed in a single-screw extruder until two extrusion cycles were completed. These samples were exposed to gr…

“Compatibilization” through Elongational Flow Processing of LDPE/PA6 Blends

Polyamide/polyolefin blends have gained attention from the academia and the industry for several years. However, in order to optimize their properties, some drawbacks such as chemical incompatibility must be adequately overcome. This can be done by adding suitable compatibilizers. On the other hand, it is less known that suitable processing techniques may also lead to significant results. In a previous work on a low-density polyethylene/polyamide 6 (LDPE/PA6) blend, we found that the orientation due to elongational flow processing conditions could lead to an unexpected brittle&ndash

PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES BASED ON COMPATIBILIZED POLYAMMIDE6/POLYETHYLENE BLENDS

MECHANICAL RECYCLING OF POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTALATE BY BLENDING WITH POLYOLEFINS – COMPATIBILIZING WITH ORGANOCLAYS

Effect of heating of organo-montmorillonites under different atmospheres

Abstract We studied the influence of heating on the behaviour of two organo-montmorillonites paying particular attention to the possible degradation effects of the organic modifier under different atmospheres. Hoffmann elimination and anucleophilic substitution on the nitrogen led to rapid degradation of the modifier. As confirmed by deconvoluted FTIR spectra, the presence of oxygen accelerated the degradation rate. The degradation products of the modifier (α-olefins transforming into various carboxyl compounds if oxygen is present) initially increased the basal spacing, followed by a collapse of the particle layers when the decomposition products migrated toward the surface and eventually …

Rheological and mechanical properties of biodegradable nanocomposites

Polymer nanocomposites have gained huge interest over the last decade. However, traditional thermoplastic nanocomposites do not match the rising concern about environmental issues. Therefore, during the last years, the search for biodegradable polymer nanocomposites is gaining importance. Most of biobased (i.e. based on biodegradable/bioderived polymer matrices) nanocomposites have poly(lactic acid), PLA, as matrix. However, it is of clear interest to take into account also different biobased polymer matrices, such as MaterBi. In this work, we prepared bionanocomposites containing MaterBi or a PLA-based polymer matrix, with two different kinds of nanofillers (organomodified clay and nanosiz…

Influence Of Clay Thermal Degradation On Polyethylene Based Nanocomposite

Processing – morphology – property relationships of polyamide 6/polyethylene blend–clay nanocomposites

In this work, we studied the effect of the method of preparation and of reprocessing on the morphology and, con- sequently, on the physical properties of polyamide 6 (PA6)/ high density polyethylene (HDPE)-clay nanocomposite blends in the presence of different compatibilizers. In particular, the nanocomposites were obtained by melt mixing using a co- rotating twin screw extruder (E1). The blends thus obtained were re-extruded (E2) under the same operating conditions. Moreover, blends with the same final composition were produced using a masterbatch of the compatibilizer with the clay prepared in a separated stage in a batch mixer (MB). All the materials were characterized by scanning electr…

High-performance of PbO2 nanowire electrodes for lead-acid battery

Abstract PbO2 nanowires were obtained by template electrodeposition in polycarbonate membranes and tested as positive electrode for lead-acid battery. Nanowires were grown on the same material acting as current collector that was electrodeposited too. The nanostructured electrodes were assembled in a zero-gap configuration using commercial negative plate and separator. Cell performance was tested by galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles in a 5 M H2SO4 aqueous electrolyte. PbO2 nanostructured electrodes were able to deliver at 1C rate an almost constant capacity of about 190 mAh g−1 (85% of active material utilization), close to the theoretical value (224 mAh g−1). The nanowire array provide…

preparazione e caratterizzazione di nanocompositi polimero/CNTs sottoposti a stiro elongazionale

Lo scopo principale di questo lavoro è rivolto alla preparazione di sistemi polimero/CNTs (in particolare a 1 e 3 % in peso di CNTs) e alla caratterizzazione reologica e meccanica dei filamenti in funzione del rapporto di stiro.

Durability of biodegradable polymers for the conservation of cultural heritage

The use of polymers for conservation of cultural heritage is related to the possibility to slow down or stop natural deterioration which, in many cases, corresponds to stopping the entrance of liquid water and to favour spontaneous water vapour removal. Unfortunately, hydrophobicity is generally favoured by surface roughness and thus competitive with transparency. It is therefore important to find an optimal balance hydrophobicity, transparency and durability (especially to photooxidation). However, polymers typically used for applications in this field come from non-renewable resources and are not biodegradable. In this work, the mechanical, structural and optical properties of PLA, PBAT a…

Thermomechanical degradation of PLA-based nanobiocomposite

Nanobiocomposites are a new class of biodegradable polymer materials with nanometric dispersion of inert particles in a biodegradable polymer matrix that show very interesting properties often very different from those of conventional- filled polymers and also biodegradability. An important issue in the applications of the biodegradable polymers is their easy degradability during processing due to the thermomechanical stress or to the presence of humidity. In this work, the thermomechanical degradation behavior of a nanobiocomposite made by a PLA-based blend and an organomodified montmorillonite has been investigated. The degradation kinetics has been followed by means of rheological, mecha…

Rheological, mechanical and morphological characterization of monopolymer blends made by virgin and photo-oxidized polypropylene

In this work, monopolymer blends of virgin polypropylene and photo-oxidized polypropylene were prepare and characterized. The polypropylene samples were subjected to accelerated ageing to simulate the effects of outdoor exposure of polypropylene. After exposure, samples were pelletized and mixed with the same virgin polymer. The rheological, mechanical and morphological characterization was conducted on both the polymers and the blends. Both viscosity and mechanical properties decrease with increases in the content of recycled, photo-oxidized components and of the level of degradation of this component. In addition, the experimental data were compared with a model that takes into account bo…

Effect of multiple reprocessing cycles on the properties of polyethylene/Cloisite 15A nanocomposites

Chemical Reactions occurring in the molten state between Ny6 and Oxazoline groups linked to a Cyclophosphazene moiety

Biopolymer based nanocomposites reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets

In this work, biopolymer based nanocomposites filled with graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) were prepared by melt compounding in a batch mixer. The polymer used as matrix was a commercial biodegradable polymer-blend of PLA and a copolyester (BioFlex®). The prepared materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), rheological and mechanical measurements. Moreover, the effect of the GnP amount on the investigated properties was evaluated. The results indicated that the incorporation of GnP increased the stiffness of the biopolymeric matrix.

A facile and eco-friendly route to fabricate poly(Lactic acid) scaffolds with graded pore size

Over the recent years, functionally graded scaffolds (FGS) gaineda crucial role for manufacturing of devices for tissue engineering. The importance of this new field of biomaterials research is due to the necessity to develop implants capable of mimicking the complex functionality of the various tissues, including a continuous change from one structure or composition to another. In this latter context, one topic of main interest concerns the design of appropriate scaffolds for bone-cartilage interface tissue. In this study, three-layered scaffolds with graded pore size were achieved by melt mixing poly(lactic acid) (PLA), sodium chloride (NaCl) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Pore size distr…

Mechanical, Thermomechanical and Reprocessing Behavior of Green Composites from Biodegradable Polymer and Wood Flour

The rising concerns in terms of environmental protection and the search for more versatile polymer-based materials have led to an increasing interest in the use of polymer composites filled with natural organic fillers (biodegradable and/or coming from renewable resources) as a replacement for traditional mineral inorganic fillers. At the same time, the recycling of polymers is still of fundamental importance in order to optimize the utilization of available resources, reducing the environmental impact related to the life cycle of polymer-based items. Green composites from biopolymer matrix and wood flour were prepared and the investigation focused on several issues, such as the effect of r…

Miscele PE/PA6: transizione fragile-duttile indotta dall’orientazione

Compatibilization of polyethylene/polyamide 6 blend nanocomposite films

Polymer blends of incompatible components need to undergo compatibilization, in order to give rise to a blend with good physical properties. At the same way, polymer/clay nanocomposites show this problem because of different chemical nature of the polymer matrix and of the clay. Compatibilization is therefore more necessary if an incompatible polymer blend is filled with an organomodified clay in order to give a final material with good properties. In this work, a polyethylene/polyamide 6 blend filled with an organomodified clay has been compatibilized with a maleic anhydride grafted SEBS (styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) copolymer and a glicidylmethacrylate-ethylene copolymer. The result…

Proprietà meccaniche di miscele poliammide/poliolefine in presenza di ciclofosfazeni

Photooxidation and stabilization of a solar cell encapsulating crosslinked EVA

Fabbricazione elettrochimica e caratterizzazione di materiali nanostrutturati

Synthesis and characterization of a new set of protic ionic liquids

Effect of Elongational Flow and Polarity of Organomodified Clay on Morphology and Mechanical Properties of a PLA Based Nanobiocomposite

Abstract In biodegradable polymer world nanobiocomposites represent a new group of materials filled with inert nanoparticles that shows very interesting properties and the biodegradability of the matrix. In this work we have studied the effect of the polarity of the organomodified montmorillonite and of the elongational flow on the morphology and the rheological and mechanical properties of a new nanobiocomposite with a matrix of biodegradable PLA based blend. The elastic modulus enhances in presence of the nanofiller and this increase is larger and larger with the increment of the orientation. The tensile strength does not show any significant change at the same level of orientation. Moreo…

Lead Electrode, Method for its Manufacturing and Accumulator Comprising the Electrode

Creep response of a LDPE-based nanocomposite

Polymer nanocomposites and their behavior have been widely investigated by several paths, including mechanical, rheological, and permeability tests, finding that several parameters (such as the polymer matrix, the nanofiller, their amounts, the presence of compatibilizers, processing parameters, etc.) can influence the main properties. However, less information is available regarding the creep response of polymer nanocomposites; in particular, few or no data are reported about the combined effect of different loads and different temperatures. In this article, the creep behavior of a low density polyethylene/organomodified clay nanocomposite has been investigated. The characterization of vis…

Method for Producing an Electrode with Nanometric Structure and Electrode with Nanometric Stucture

Effetto della filatura di un sistema polimerico biodegradabile nanocomposito

Orientation and exfoliation of clay nanoparticles in the spinning of a nanobiocomposite sample

Polymer nanobiocomposites represent a new group of materials filled with inert nanosized particles that show very interesting properties with respect to the matrix and the same biodegradability of the matrix. In this work we have studied the effect of the elongational flow on the morphology and dynamic-mechanical properties of a new nanobiocomposite made by a matrix of biodegradable PLA and a filler of organomodified montmorillonite.

Comparison of the Recycling Behavior of a Polypropylene Sample Aged in Air and in Marine Water

During the processing and during their lifetime, polymers are subjected to several environmental stresses—thermomechanical, photo-oxidative, etc.—that can strongly modify their chemical and molecular structure and, consequently, their morphology. Reduction of the molecular weight and formation of double bonds and oxygenated groups are the main changes observed as a consequence of the degradation. As a result of these changes, the macroscopic properties are dramatically modified. These changes can have a relevant effect if the post-consumer plastic manufacts are recycled. In this work, a sample of polypropylene subjected to two different degradation histories—photo-oxidatio…

A simple method to interpret the rheological behaviour of intercalated polymer nanocomposites

Abstract Nanocomposites are a new class of polymer composites that exhibit an interesting combination of chemical, physical, thermal and mechanical properties. Only small amounts of nanofiller are sufficient to generate great variations of many properties. This work focuses on the rheological behaviour of the intercalated polymer nanocomposites in shear flow. The increase of the viscosity and the more pronounced non-Newtonian behaviour is interpreted simply considering the increase of volume of the inert phase caused by the intercalation of the macromolecules. Indeed, the volume of the intercalated tactoids increases with increasing the interlayer distance. On the other hand, the interlayer…

Effect of the elongational flow on morphology and properties of polypropylene/graphene nanoplatelets nanocomposites

Abstract In this work the effect of the presence of graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) on the morphology and mechanical properties of polypropylene/GnP nanocomposites has been investigated when these polymer systems are subjected to non-isothermal elongational flow in a melt spinning operation. The presence of the GnP magnifies the effect of the elongational flow. Indeed, the elastic modulus and the tensile strength of nanocomposites increases with the orientation more than that observed for the pure matrix. Moreover, the elongation at break increases at low values of the draw ratio for the nanocomposites, while, the matrix shows the expected decrease in deformability. These effects have been cor…

Preparation and characterization of polyamide 6/polyethylene blend-clay nanocomposites in the presence of compatibilisers and stabilizing system

Abstract Several compatibilising systems were added to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyamide 6 (PA6) blends in the presence of an organically modified montmorillonite (OMM). All the blends were prepared by using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder and characterized by SEM, TEM and XRD analyses. In addition, the rheological behaviour and the mechanical properties – tensile and impact – were evaluated. The presence of OMM affects the dimensions of the polymeric phases in the blend but not their mutual adhesion, granted only by the compatibilisers. TEM, SEM and XRD analyses indicated that there is a strict correlation between the compatibilisation level and the final interlayer distance…

Effetto dei cicli di lavorazione sulle proprietà di nanocompositi PE/Cloisite 15A

Morphology of Polyamide/Polyethylene Blends in Presence of Nanoclay

A simple interpretation of the effect of the polymer type on the properties of PMBs for road paving applications

Abstract The paper presents the results of the rheological characterisation of polymer-modified bitumen for paving applications. In order to find a simple interpretation of the influence of polymer type on the blends produced, in this study high density and low density polyethylene (PE) with different chemical properties were used, as well as ethylene-vinyl acetate. The chemical characteristics of the base bitumen and the polymers used were determined by means of SARA analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, FTIR, respectively. The morphology of the produced blends was investigated by means of fluorescent light optic microscopy, while the mechanical properties were investigated…

Processing-morphology-properties relationships in HDPE/PA6/Clay nanocomposites

A model for the prediction of the flow curves from interlayer distance and vice versa for intercalated polymer and polymer blend nanocomposites

In this work was proposed a simple model to predict the viscosity and the power law index from the interlayer distance and, vice versa, the interlayer distance from a single flow curve for intercalated polymer nanocomposites. This model cannot be applied to exfoliated nanocomposites or when other interactions are present in the systems.

Sun radiation and temperature impact at different periods of the year on the photooxidation of polyethylene films

Analysis of the IR spectra of weathered films exposed at different periods of the year reveals that, the main regions of the IR spectrum affected by solar irradiation and temperature variation are the complex carbonyls and unsaturations composite absorption bands. Their respective kinetics vary in different manner according to the period at which the exposure is started. Curve fitting has been performed to refine the analysis of the IR spectra and to identify all the chemical species constituting the complex absorption bands. The analysis of the results let appears that whatever the exposure period of the year is, it does not affect the type of developing products, but it has strong effect …

Photo-Oxidative and Soil Burial Degradation of Irrigation Tubes Based on Biodegradable Polymer Blends

: Irrigation tubes based on biodegradable polymers were prepared via an extrusion-drawing process by Irritec and compared to conventional pipes made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). A commercial polylactide/poly (butyleneadipate-co-butyleneterephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) blend (Bio-Flex&reg

Compatibilization of Polypropylene/Polyamide 6 Blend Fibers Using Photo-Oxidized Polypropylene.

The use of polyamide/polyolefin blends has gained importance and concern for years, but they also show some issues to be adequately addressed, such as the incompatibility between the two components. This is usually overcome by using suitable compatibilizers, typically based on functionalized polyolefins. However, there is only little information about the use of a degraded polyolefins to induce compatibilization. This is even truer, as far as polyamide 6/polypropylene (PA6/PP) blends are concerned. In this work, compatibilization of PA6/PP blends by using small amounts of photo-oxidized PP was investigated

ULTRAFAST LEAD ACID BATTERIES USING NANOSTRUCTURED ELECTRODES

Clay nanocomposites based on compatibilized PA6/HDPE blends

Studio del processo di recupero di membrane di policarbonato

Morphology, rheology, and mechanical properties of a new nanobiocomposite

Nanobiocomposites are a new class of biodegradable polymer materials with an ultrafine phase dispersion of the order of a few nanometers in a biodegradable polymer matrix that shows very interesting properties often very different from those of conventional filled polymers. In this work the morphology and the rheological and mechanical properties of a new nanobiocomposite made of a biodegradable copolyester based blend with an organomodified montmorillonite have been investigated to evaluate its possible use in several applications. SAXS diffractograms and TEM micrographs show that the in both the adopted processing conditions an hybrid intercalated/exfoliated morphology is observed. Rheolo…

Effect of reprocessing on polyamide/polyolefin based nanocomposites