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Polymers
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Mechanical Properties of Polymer Composites II
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Mechanical Properties of Polymer Composites II

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2023) | Viewed by 10062

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Julfikar Haider

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
Interests: surface engineering; thin film coating; metal machining; advanced welding; manufacturing; composite; dental materials; tribology; wear; machine learning; image processing; 3D printing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Muhammad Rahman

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Engineering & Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
Interests: energy; retrofitting buildings; sustainable construction materials; computational structural mechanics; composite materials; water and wastewater treatment and slope stabilization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Gazi Md. Arifuzzaman Khan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Islamic University, Kushtia 7003, Bangladesh
Interests: natural and synthetic polymer; biodegradable composite; nanomaterial; macromolecular chemistry; hydrogel
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer composite materials have recently acquired a large range of applications in a number of areas, such as automotive, aerospace, biomedical, sports, and even civil engineering. In this Special Issue, we are seeking both cutting-edge original research and review papers on the latest advancements in novel polymer composite/nanocomposite design, manufacturing, characterization, and modeling. Today, polymer composites encompass a large number of different synthetic and natural polymers as matrix material and a wide variety of organic and inorganic filler materials in the form of fiber, macroparticles, microparticles, and nanoparticles. By optimizing the filler content, it is possible to customize the material property for numerous applications as a structural or functional material (electrical, optical, thermal, and many more) with a lightweight construction. Recycling of conventional composite materials poses a huge challenge from an environmental point of view. More recently, polymers synthesized from biobased materials and with the addition of natural fiber have attracted a significant amount of attention among researchers for their ability to develop sustainable and biodegradable composite materials. The development of hybrid composite materials with multiple fillers and composite fabrication using 3D printing is of interest in this Special Issue.

Dr. Julfikar Haider
Dr. Muhammad Rahman
Prof. Dr. Gazi Md. Arifuzzaman Khan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • polymer
  • biobased polymer
  • composite
  • nanoparticle
  • natural fiber
  • biocomposite
  • physical characteristics
  • mechanical characteristics
  • composite design and characterization

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 3510 KiB  
Article
Efficient Regulation of the Cross-Linking Structure in Polyurethane: Achieving Outstanding Processing and Mechanical Properties for a Wind Turbine Blade
by Zijin Jiang, Lingtong Li, Luoping Fu, Gaohu Xiong, Hong Wu and Shaoyun Guo
Polymers 2024, 16(2), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16020235 - 15 Jan 2024
Viewed by 655
Abstract
Although epoxy resin has been extensively used in the field of wind turbine blades, polyurethane has attracted much attention in recent years, due to its potential value of better fatigue resistance, lower processing viscosity and higher strength than epoxy resin blades. Herein, we [...] Read more.
Although epoxy resin has been extensively used in the field of wind turbine blades, polyurethane has attracted much attention in recent years, due to its potential value of better fatigue resistance, lower processing viscosity and higher strength than epoxy resin blades. Herein, we construct a dense cross-linking structure in polyurethane (PU) based on different amounts of hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) with low processing viscosity and excellent mechanical properties. By increasing the content of HPMA, the thermal stability of PU is enhanced, but the micro-morphology does not change significantly. When the content of HPMA is 50 g (in 200 g copolymer), the PU sample PH-50 exhibits a viscosity of 70 MPa·s and a gelation time of 120 min at 25 °C, which is sufficient to complete processes like pouring and filling. By post-curing the PH-50 at 80 °C for 2 h, the heat distortion temperature can reach 72 °C, indicating the increase of temperature resistance. The PU copolymers also have excellent mechanical and dynamic thermo-mechanical properties due to the cross-linking structure between PU chains and poly-HPMA chains. Additionally, the PU copolymer has excellent compatibility with various glass fiber fabrics (GFF), showing a good match in the vacuum infusion experiment and great properties in the mechanical test. By compounding PH-50 with GFF, the composite with high strength is easily prepared for a wind turbine blade in various positions. The tensile strengths of the composites are all over 1000 MPa in the 0° direction. Such composites are promising for the future development of wind turbine blades that meet the stringent requirements for outstanding processing and mechanical properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Properties of Polymer Composites II)
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13 pages, 3087 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Properties and Reinforcement of Paper Sheets Composited with Carboxymethyl Cellulose
by Junya Kobayashi, Masahiro Kaneko, Chamaiporn Supachettapun, Kenji Takada, Tatsuo Kaneko, Joon Yang Kim, Minori Ishida, Mika Kawai and Tetsu Mitsumata
Polymers 2024, 16(1), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16010080 - 26 Dec 2023
Viewed by 755
Abstract
The mechanical properties for paper sheets composited with glucose (Glc), methyl cellulose (MC), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were investigated. The paper composites were prepared by immersing paper sheets in aqueous solutions of these materials and drying at 100 °C for 30 min. The [...] Read more.
The mechanical properties for paper sheets composited with glucose (Glc), methyl cellulose (MC), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were investigated. The paper composites were prepared by immersing paper sheets in aqueous solutions of these materials and drying at 100 °C for 30 min. The stress–strain curves for these paper composites were measured by a uniaxial tensile apparatus with a stretching speed of 2 mm/min. The breaking stress and strain for untreated paper were 24 MPa and 0.016, respectively. The paper composites demonstrated stress–strain curves similar to the untreated paper; however, the breaking point largely differed for these composites. The breaking strain and breaking stress for the Glc composite slightly decreased and those for the MC composite gradually increased with the concentration of materials composited. Significant increases in the mechanical properties were observed for the CMC composite. The breaking stress, breaking strain, and breaking energy for the 3 wt.% CMC composite were 2.0-, 3.9-, and 8.0-fold higher than those for untreated paper, respectively. SEM photographs indicated that the CMC penetrated into the inner part of the paper. These results strongly suggest that the mechanical improvement for CMC composites can be understood as an enhancement of the bond strength between the paper fibrils by CMC, which acts as a bonding agent. It was also revealed that the breaking strain, breaking stress, and breaking energy for the CMC composites were at maximum at the first cycle and decreased gradually as the immersion cycles increased. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Properties of Polymer Composites II)
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19 pages, 10508 KiB  
Article
Ballistic Performance, Thermal and Chemical Characterization of Ubim Fiber (Geonoma baculifera) Reinforced Epoxy Matrix Composites
by Belayne Zanini Marchi, Pedro Henrique Poubel Mendonça da Silveira, Wendell Bruno Almeida Bezerra, Lucio Fabio Cassiano Nascimento, Felipe Perissé Duarte Lopes, Verônica Scarpini Candido, Alisson Clay Rios da Silva and Sergio Neves Monteiro
Polymers 2023, 15(15), 3220; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15153220 - 28 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 709
Abstract
The search for unexplored natural materials as an alternative to synthetic components has driven the development of novel polymeric composites reinforced with environmentally-friendly materials. Natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs) have been highlighted as potential reinforcement in composite materials for engineering applications. In this work, [...] Read more.
The search for unexplored natural materials as an alternative to synthetic components has driven the development of novel polymeric composites reinforced with environmentally-friendly materials. Natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs) have been highlighted as potential reinforcement in composite materials for engineering applications. In this work, a less known Amazonian fiber, the ubim fiber (Geonoma baculifera), is investigated as a possible reinforcement in epoxy composites and was, for the first time, thermally characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Additionally, its chemical structure was elucidated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Ballistic tests were also performed against the threat of a 7.62 mm high-speed lead projectile. The results were statistically analyzed by the Weibull statistical analysis method. FTIR analysis showed the functional groups normally found for NLFs highly rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The TGA/DTG results showed the onset of thermal degradation for the composites (325~335 °C), which represents better thermal stability than isolated ubim fiber (259 °C), but slightly lower than that of pure epoxy (352 °C). The DSC results of the composites indicate endothermic peaks between 54 and 56 °C, and for the ubim fibers, at 71 °C. Ballistic tests revealed higher energy absorption in composites with lower fiber content due to the more intense action of the brittle fracture mechanisms of the epoxy resin, which tended to dissipate more energy. These failure mechanisms revealed the presence of river marks, cracks, and broken fibers with a detachment interface. These results may contribute to the production of ubim fiber-reinforced composites in engineering applications, such as ballistic armors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Properties of Polymer Composites II)
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16 pages, 3527 KiB  
Article
Effect of Alkaline Treatment on Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Miswak (Salvadora persica) Fiber-Reinforced Polylactic Acid
by S. Ayu Rafiqah, A. F. Nur Diyana, Khalina Abdan and S. M. Sapuan
Polymers 2023, 15(9), 2228; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15092228 - 08 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1493
Abstract
This study examines the effects of alkaline treatment on the mechanical and thermal properties of miswak fiber-reinforced polylactic acid. The treatment was performed with three distinct concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH): 1 wt %, 2 wt %, and 3 wt %. The difficulties [...] Read more.
This study examines the effects of alkaline treatment on the mechanical and thermal properties of miswak fiber-reinforced polylactic acid. The treatment was performed with three distinct concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH): 1 wt %, 2 wt %, and 3 wt %. The difficulties of interaction between the surface of the fiber and the matrix, which led to this treatment, is caused by miswak fiber’s hydrophilic character, which impedes its ability to bind with hydrophobic polylactic acid. FTIR, tensile, TGA, and DMA measurements were used to characterize the composite samples. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the microstructures of many broken samples. The treatment is not yet especially effective in enhancing interfacial bonding, as seen by the uneven tensile strength data. The effect of the treated fiber surface significantly improves the tensile strength of miswak fiber-reinforced PLA composites. Tensile strength improves by 18.01%, 6.48%, and 14.50%, respectively, for 1 wt %, 2 wt %, and 3 wt %. Only 2 wt %-treated fiber exhibits an increase of 0.7% in tensile modulus. The modulus decreases by 4.15 % at 1 wt % and by 19.7% at 3 wt %, respectively. The TGA curve for alkali-treated fiber composites demonstrates a slight increase in thermal stability when compared to untreated fiber composites at high temperatures. For DMA, the composites with surface treatment have higher storage moduli than the composite with untreated miswak fiber, especially for the PLA reinforced with 2 wt % alkali miswak fiber, proving the effectiveness of the treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Properties of Polymer Composites II)
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13 pages, 7209 KiB  
Article
Influence on Elastic Wave Propagation Behavior in Polymers Composites: An Analysis of Inflection Phenomena
by Guoqiang Luo, Pu Cheng, Yin Yu, Xiangwei Geng, Yue Zhao, Yulong Xia, Ruizhi Zhang and Qiang Shen
Polymers 2023, 15(7), 1680; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15071680 - 28 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1259
Abstract
Particulate polymer composites (PPCs) are widely applied under different elastic wave loading conditions in the automobile, aviation, and armor protection industries. This study investigates the elastic wave propagation behavior of a typical PPC, specifically a Cu/poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composite, with [...] Read more.
Particulate polymer composites (PPCs) are widely applied under different elastic wave loading conditions in the automobile, aviation, and armor protection industries. This study investigates the elastic wave propagation behavior of a typical PPC, specifically a Cu/poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composite, with a wide range of particle contents (30–65 vol. %) and particle sizes (1–100 μm). The results demonstrate an inflection phenomenon in both the elastic wave velocity and attenuation coefficient with increasing volume content. In addition, the inflection point moves to the direction of low content with the increase in particle size. Notably, the elastic wave velocity, attenuation, and wavefront width significantly increased with the particle size. The inflection phenomenon of elastic wave propagation behavior in PPCs is demonstrated to have resulted from particle interaction using the classical scattering theory and finite element analysis. The particle interaction initially intensified and then reduced with increasing particle content. This study elucidates the underlying mechanism governing the elastic wave propagation behavior of high particle content PPCs and provides guidelines for the design and application of wave-absorbing composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Properties of Polymer Composites II)
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13 pages, 20428 KiB  
Article
Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Polytetrafluoroethylene Modified with Combined Fillers: Carbon Fibers, Zirconium Dioxide, Silicon Dioxide and Boron Nitride
by Andrey P. Vasilev, Nadezhda N. Lazareva, Tatyana S. Struchkova, Aitalina A. Okhlopkova and Sakhayana N. Danilova
Polymers 2023, 15(2), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15020313 - 07 Jan 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2262
Abstract
The introduction of combined fillers can effectively improve the mechanical and tribological properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In this work, three different types of nanosized fillers (zirconium dioxide, silicon dioxide, and boron nitride) were introduced in a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer matrix for the development [...] Read more.
The introduction of combined fillers can effectively improve the mechanical and tribological properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In this work, three different types of nanosized fillers (zirconium dioxide, silicon dioxide, and boron nitride) were introduced in a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer matrix for the development of polymer composite materials (PCM). Tensile and compressive testing were carried out, and the hardness of created PCM was evaluated. It is shown that the compressive strength of PCM increased by 30–70%, and the hardness, increased by 38–55% compared to the initial PTFE. The tribological properties of the developed PCM were evaluated under dry friction conditions. An analysis of the results of an experimental study of wear confirmed that the inclusion of combined fillers (two- and three-component) in PTFE significantly increased wear resistance compared to the polymer matrix with a slight increase in the coefficient of friction. It has been shown that the introduction of three-component fillers has an antagonistic effect on the wear resistance of PCMs compared to two-component fillers. The thermodynamic properties of the composites were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry and a thermomechanical analyzer. The surface morphology of polymer composites after wear testing was studied by IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy to investigate and suggest a possible mechanism for increasing the wear resistance of the developed composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Properties of Polymer Composites II)
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15 pages, 17954 KiB  
Article
Interfacial Properties and Melt Processability of Cellulose Acetate Propionate Composites by Melt Blending of Biofillers
by Ji-Eun Lee, Seung-Bo Shim, Jae-Hyung Park and Ildoo Chung
Polymers 2022, 14(20), 4286; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14204286 - 12 Oct 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2035
Abstract
A series of eco-friendly biocomposites with improved mechanical properties and interfacial interaction were prepared by melt-mixing natural fibers using a cellulose acetate derivative as a polymer matrix and used to evaluate their mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties. The natural fiber used as a [...] Read more.
A series of eco-friendly biocomposites with improved mechanical properties and interfacial interaction were prepared by melt-mixing natural fibers using a cellulose acetate derivative as a polymer matrix and used to evaluate their mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties. The natural fiber used as a biofiller was pre-surface-treated by a refining process using alkali and natural enzymes to improve compatibility and increase interfacial bonding with biopolymer substrate. To increase the processability of the cellulose material, the raw material was plasticized and the composition prepared in the form of pellets in a twin-screw extruder by mixing with an additive before being molded through an injection process. For each composition, the interfacial bonding force between different materials was confirmed through morphology analysis and evaluation of mechanical and thermal properties. When biofillers and a viscosity modifier were used at the same time, the fabricated biocomposites had controllable crystallinity, stiffness, and elasticity and showed improved mechanical strength, such as tensile strength and flexural strength. These results indicated that interfacial properties could be increased through interfacial interactions between two different components due to appropriate surface treatment. In addition, it was confirmed that a composition having interfacial interaction, not a simple mixture, could be prepared by lowering both glass transition and melting temperature. The lowering of glass transition temperature increased the elasticity of the biocomposites, which have the potential advantage of easier melt processing when applied to various injection parts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Properties of Polymer Composites II)
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