scholarly journals Plasma Treatment of Polypropylene-Based Wood–Plastic Composites (WPC): Influences of Working Gas

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1933
Author(s):  
Philipp Sauerbier ◽  
Robert Köhler ◽  
Gerrit Renner ◽  
Holger Militz
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Treatment ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Wood Plastic Composites ◽  
Plastic Composite ◽  
Plastic Composites ◽  
Injection Molded ◽  
Wood Content ◽  
Measurement Artifacts

In this study, a polypropylene (PP)-based wood–plastic composite with maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP) as a coupling agent and a wood content of 60% was extruded and specimens were injection molded. The samples were plasma treated utilizing a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) setup with three different working gases: Ar/O2 (90%/10%), Ar/N2 (90%/10%), and synthetic air. This process aims to improve the coating and gluing properties of the otherwise challenging apolar surface of PP based wood–plastic composites (WPC). Chemical analysis with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed the formation of oxygen-based functional groups on the surface, independently from the working gas used for the treatment. Laser scanning microscopy (LSM) examined the surface roughness and revealed that the two argon-containing working gases roughened the surface more than synthetic air. However, the contact angle for water was reduced significantly after treatment, revealing measurement artifacts for water and diiodomethane due to the severe changes in surface morphology. The adhesion of acrylic dispersion coating was significantly increased, resulting in a pull-off strength of approximately 4 N/mm2, and cross-cut tests assigned the best adhesion class (0), on a scale from 0 to 5, after plasma treatment with any working gas.

scholarly journals Surface Activation of Polylactic Acid-Based Wood-Plastic Composite by Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Treatment

Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (20) ◽  
pp. 4673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp Sauerbier ◽  
Robert Köhler ◽  
Gerrit Renner ◽  
Holger Militz
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Treatment ◽  
Polylactic Acid ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Atmospheric Pressure Plasma ◽  
Contact Angles ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Wood Plastic Composite ◽  
Dbd Plasma ◽  
Plastic Composite

Wood-plastic composite (WPC) based on a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix is a promising material since it is biobased, degradable, sustainable, and 3D printable. However, due to its coloring, visible layers after 3D-printing, and small build volumes of these printers, a coating or gluing of parts might be required. This study investigates the influence of a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment of PLA-based WPC to activate the surface and improve, e.g., coating capabilities. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements showed the oxidation of the surface due to the formation of carbonyl and carboxyl groups. Laser scanning microscopy revealed a surface roughening after the treatment. Contact angles of water and diiodomethane decreased significantly after the plasma treatment and the consecutively calculated surface free energy increased. Finally, two practical adhesion tests revealed an improvement of the applied acrylic dispersion coating’s adhesion to the WPC surface: The assigned cross-cut class improved, and the pull-off strength increased from 1.4 to 2.3 N/mm2.

scholarly journals Alien Wood Species as a Resource for Wood-Plastic Composites

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 44
Author(s):  
Sergej Medved ◽  
Daša Krapež Tomec ◽  
Angela Balzano ◽  
Maks Merela
Keyword(s):  
Wood Species ◽  
Dimensional Stability ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Alien Plant ◽  
Wood Plastic Composites ◽  
Plastic Composites

Since invasive alien species are one of the main causes of biodiversity loss in the region and thus of changes in ecosystem services, it is important to find the best possible solution for their removal from nature and the best practice for their usability. The aim of the study was to investigate their properties as components of wood-plastic composites and to investigate the properties of the wood-plastic composites produced. The overall objective was to test the potential of available alien plant species as raw material for the manufacture of products. This would contribute to sustainability and give them a better chance of ending their life cycle. One of the possible solutions on a large scale is to use alien wood species for the production of wood plastic composites (WPC). Five invasive alien hardwood species have been used in combination with polyethylene powder (PE) and maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MAPE) to produce various flat pressed WPC boards. Microstructural analyses (confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy) and mechanical tests (flexural strength, tensile strength) were performed. Furthermore, measurements of density, thickness swelling, water absorption and dimensional stability during heating and cooling were carried out. Comparisons were made between the properties of six WPC boards (five alien wood species and mixed boards). The results showed that the differences between different invasive alien wood species were less obvious in mechanical properties, while the differences in sorption properties and dimensional stability were more significant. The analyses of the WPC structure showed a good penetration of the polymer into the lumens of the wood cells and a fine internal structure without voids. These are crucial conditions to obtain a good, mechanically strong and water-resistant material.

scholarly journals Chemical, Thermo-Mechanical and Antimicrobial Properties of DBD Plasma Treated Disinfectant-Impregnated Wipes during Storage

Polymers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1769 ◽  
Author(s):  
Song ◽  
Cvelbar ◽  
Strazar ◽  
Vossebein ◽  
Zille
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Treatment ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Storage Time ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Elastic Response ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Ammonium Compound ◽  
Dbd Plasma ◽  
Etching Effect

Disinfectant-impregnated wipes are broadly used in hospitals, as an important approach for infection prevention and control. But their ageing performance has rarely been studied. Untreated and Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma pre-treated wiping materials made of nonwoven 100% polyester (W1), nonwoven 55% cellulose/45% polyester (W2) and woven cotton (W3) were impregnated with a quaternary ammonium compound solution (ADBAC) for 30 min, 3, 7, 15, and 30 days of storage time and characterized in term of chemical, thermo-mechanical and antimicrobial efficacy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis on the plasma-treated polyester wipes demonstrates the incorporation of reactive oxygen species on the fiber surface. Laser scanning microscopy demonstrates the plasma etching effect in smoothing the surface of the cotton wipe reducing the adsorption of ADBAC. The result showed no significant changes in breaking force and elongation during storage for W1 and W2. However, plasma treatment affects W3 in weft direction reducing the force at break in water and ADBAC treated wipes. Dynamic mechanical analysis results show that ADBAC and plasma treatment have a significant influence in W1 and W3 viscoelastic properties improving the elastic response limiting the polymeric chains mobility and the non-elastic response due to the etching effect, respectively. Overall, the plasma pre-treatment of ADBAC-impregnated wipes is able to enhance the antimicrobial performance and the storage time of polyester-containing wipes.

scholarly journals Investigation of Spin Coating Cerium-Doped Hydroxyapatite Thin Films with Antifungal Properties

Coatings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 464
Author(s):  
Simona Liliana Iconaru ◽  
Mihai Valentin Predoi ◽  
Patrick Chapon ◽  
Sofia Gaiaschi ◽  
Krzysztof Rokosz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Spin Coating ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Antifungal Properties ◽  
Scanning Electron

In this study, the cerium-doped hydroxyapatite (Ca10−xCex(PO4)6(OH)2 with xCe = 0.1, 10Ce-HAp) coatings obtained by the spin coating method were presented for the first time. The stability of the 10Ce-HAp suspension particles used in the preparation of coatings was evaluated by ultrasonic studies, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface morphology of the 10Ce-HAp coating was studied by SEM and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The obtained 10Ce-HAp coatings were uniform and without cracks or unevenness. Glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used for the investigation of fine chemical depth profiling. The antifungal properties of the HAp and 10Ce-HAp suspensions and coatings were assessed using Candida albicans ATCC 10231 (C. albicans) fungal strain. The quantitative antifungal assays demonstrated that both 10Ce-HAp suspensions and coatings exhibited strong antifungal properties and that they successfully inhibited the development and adherence of C. albicans fungal cells for all the tested time intervals. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) visualization of the C. albicans fungal cells adherence to the 10Ce-HAp surface also demonstrated their strong inhibitory effects. In addition, the qualitative assays also suggested that the 10Ce-HAp coatings successfully stopped the biofilm formation.

Mechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Wood-Plastic Composites

2018 ◽  
Vol 777 ◽  
pp. 499-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ossi Martikka ◽  
Timo Kärki ◽  
Qing Ling Wu
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Composite Materials ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Impact Strength ◽  
Polylactic Acid ◽  
Wood Plastic Composite ◽  
Wood Plastic Composites ◽  
Plastic Composite ◽  
Plastic Composites ◽  
3D Printed

3D printing has rapidly become popular in both industry and private use. Especially fused deposition modeling has increased its popularity due to its relatively low cost. The purpose of this study is to increase knowledge in the mechanical properties of parts made of wood-plastic composite materials by using 3D printing. The tensile properties and impact strength of two 3D-printed commercial wood-plastic composite materials are studied and compared to those made of pure polylactic acid. Relative to weight –mechanical properties and the effect of the amount of fill on the properties are also determined. The results indicate that parts made of wood-plastic composites have notably lower tensile strength and impact strength that those made of pure polylactic acid. The mechanical properties can be considered sufficient for low-stress applications, such as visualization of prototypes and models or decorative items.

scholarly journals Antimicrobial Activity Evaluation on Silver Doped Hydroxyapatite/Polydimethylsiloxane Composite Layer

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. S. Ciobanu ◽  
A. Groza ◽  
S. L. Iconaru ◽  
C. L. Popa ◽  
P. Chapon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Activity ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Composite Layer ◽  
Physicochemical Characterization ◽  
Antimicrobial Effect ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Composite Layers

The goal of this study was the preparation, physicochemical characterization, and microbiological evaluation of novel hydroxyapatite doped with silver/polydimethylsiloxane (Ag:HAp-PDMS) composite layers. In the first stage, the deposition of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer layer on commercially pure Si disks has been produced in atmospheric pressure corona discharges. Finally, the new silver doped hydroxyapatite/polydimethylsiloxane composite layer has been obtained by the thermal evaporation technique. The Ag:HAp-PDMS composite layers were characterized by various techniques, such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Glow Discharge Optical Emission Spectroscopy (GDOES), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The antimicrobial activity of the Ag:HAp-PDMS composite layer was assessed againstCandida albicansATCC 10231 (ATCC—American Type Culture Collection) by culture based and confirmed by SEM and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) methods. This is the first study reporting the antimicrobial effect of the Ag:HAp-PDMS composite layer, which proved to be active againstCandida albicansbiofilm embedded cells.

Spectral characterisation of new organic fluorescent dyes with an alkoxysilane moiety and their utilisation for the labelling of layered silicates

2013 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Danko ◽  
Matej Mičušík ◽  
Mária Omastová ◽  
Juraj Bujdák ◽  
Dušan Chorvát
Keyword(s):  
Dicarboxylic Acid ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Fluorescent Dyes ◽  
Stokes Shift ◽  
Particle Surface ◽  
Acid Anhydride ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Layered Silicates ◽  
Confocal Laser

AbstractNew fluorescence dyes with an alkoxysilane moiety were synthesised by the condensation of 3-(triethoxysilyl)-1-propanamine (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane) with 4,10-benzothioxanthene-3,1′-dicarboxylic acid anhydride (BTXA) and N,N-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1,8-dicarboxylic acid anhydride (DMANA), which was accompanied by the formation of an imidic bridge. The compounds N-(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)-thioxantheno[2,1,9-dej]isoquinoline-1,3-dione (BTX-S) and 4-(N′, N′-dimethyl)-N-(triethoxysilyl)propyl-1,8-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid imide (DMAN-S) were characterised by steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy in chloroform and ethanol. Both conjugates (BTX-S and DMAN-S) exhibited absorption and emission bands in the same region as the un-substituted BTXA and DMANA. An important Stokes shift was observed for DMAN-S in ethanol. A high fluorescence quantum yield was observed for BTX-S in both solvents and for DMAN-S in chloroform. In addition, the newly developed fluorescent silane dyes were covalently attached to the microscopic particles of layered silicates and on the surface of SiO2 wafers as a proof of concept for fluorescence particle (surface) visualisation. The surface wafer modification was precisely characterised by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Successful covalent linkage onto the particles of layered silicates was proved by confocal laser scanning microscopy technique.

scholarly journals Electrochemical and surface analytical techniques applied to microbiologically influenced corrosion investigation

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 349-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
László Trif ◽  
Abdul Shaban ◽  
Judit Telegdi
Keyword(s):  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Electrochemical Impedance ◽  
Electrochemical Techniques ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion ◽  
Microbial Consortia ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
The Impact

AbstractSuitable application of techniques for detection and monitoring of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is crucial for understanding the mechanisms of the interactions and for selecting inhibition and control approaches. This paper presents a review of the application of electrochemical and surface analytical techniques in studying the MIC process of metals and their alloys. Conventional electrochemical techniques, such as corrosion potential (Ecorr), redox potential, dual-cell technique, polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), electrochemical noise (EN) analysis, and microelectrode techniques, are discussed, with examples of their use in various MIC studies. Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance, which is newly used in MIC study, is also discussed. Microscopic techniques [scanning electron microscopy (SEM), environmental SEM (ESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), confocal laser microscopy (CLM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), confocal Raman microscopy] and spectroscopic analytical methods [Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)] are also highlighted. This review highlights the heterogeneous characteristics of microbial consortia and use of special techniques to study their probable effects on the metal substrata. The aim of this review is to motivate using a combination of new procedures for research and practical measurement and calculation of the impact of MIC and biofilms on metals and their alloys.

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