scholarly journals Functionality of Cellulose Nanofiber as Bio-Based Nucleating Agent and Nano-Reinforcement Material to Enhance Crystallization and Mechanical Properties of Polylactic Acid Nanocomposite

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 389
Author(s):  
Siti Shazra Shazleen ◽  
Tengku Arisyah Tengku Yasim-Anuar ◽  
Nor Azowa Ibrahim ◽  
Mohd Ali Hassan ◽  
Hidayah Ariffin
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Polylactic Acid ◽  
Cellulose Nanofibers ◽  
Crystallization Rate ◽  
Nucleating Agent ◽  
Melt Processing ◽  
Dual Function ◽  
Biodegradable Material ◽  
Reinforcement Material ◽  
Single Use

Polylactic acid (PLA), a potential alternative material for single use plastics, generally portrays a slow crystallization rate during melt-processing. The use of a nanomaterial such as cellulose nanofibers (CNF) may affect the crystallization rate by acting as a nucleating agent. CNF at a certain wt.% has been evidenced as a good reinforcement material for PLA; nevertheless, there is a lack of information on the correlation between the amount of CNF in PLA that promotes its functionality as reinforcement material, and its effect on PLA nucleation for improving the crystallization rate. This work investigated the nucleation effect of PLA incorporated with CNF at different fiber loading (1–6 wt.%) through an isothermal and non-isothermal crystallization kinetics study using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. Mechanical properties of the PLA/CNF nanocomposites were also investigated. PLA/CNF3 exhibited the highest crystallization onset temperature and enthalpy among all the PLA/CNF nanocomposites. PLA/CNF3 also had the highest crystallinity of 44.2% with an almost 95% increment compared to neat PLA. The highest crystallization rate of 0.716 min–1 was achieved when PLA/CNF3 was isothermally melt crystallized at 100 °C. The crystallization rate was 65-fold higher as compared to the neat PLA (0.011 min–1). At CNF content higher than 3 wt.%, the crystallization rate decreased, suggesting the occurrence of agglomeration at higher CNF loading as evidenced by the FESEM micrographs. In contrast to the tensile properties, the highest tensile strength and Young’s modulus were recorded by PLA/CNF4 at 76.1 MPa and 3.3 GPa, respectively. These values were, however, not much different compared to PLA/CNF3 (74.1 MPa and 3.3 GPa), suggesting that CNF at 3 wt.% can be used to improve both the crystallization rate and the mechanical properties. Results obtained from this study revealed the dual function of CNF in PLA nanocomposite, namely as nucleating agent and reinforcement material. Being an organic and biodegradable material, CNF has an increased advantage for use in PLA as compared to non-biodegradable material and is foreseen to enhance the potential use of PLA in single use plastics applications.

Comb-like copolymer dispersant for PP/CaCO3 composites: effects of particle concentration on properties of composites

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 607-616 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiwei Jing ◽  
Weiguang Gong ◽  
Zhongjun Feng ◽  
Xin Meng ◽  
Baicun Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Flexural Modulus ◽  
Crystallization Rate ◽  
Nucleating Agent ◽  
Decomposition Temperature ◽  
Initial Decomposition Temperature ◽  
Thermal Stabilities ◽  
Anchoring Group ◽  
Copolymer Poly ◽  
Properties Of Composites

Abstract A comb-like copolymer poly (styrene-co-maleic anhydride)-graft-poly (ε-caprolacton) (SMA-g-PCL, SP) with carboxyl group as an anchoring group and polycaprolactone as a solvent chain was used as an effective dispersant for CaCO3 in the polypropylene (PP) matrix. The effects of CaCO3 concentration on crystallization behaviors, mechanical properties, and thermal stabilities were studied systematically. The results revealed that the dispersion of CaCO3 in the PP matrix was markedly improved owing to the steric hindrance effect caused by PCL, and the SP-coated CaCO3 was a very effective nucleating agent for PP. Proper CaCO3 concentration corresponded to the improvement of crystallization temperature, crystallinity, and crystallization rate of PP. There was only a slight improvement in yield stress but great improvement in Young’s modulus, flexural modulus, and impact strength. However, the excessive CaCO3 filler deteriorated the mechanical properties. The good dispersion of SP-coated CaCO3 in the PP matrix also accounted for the improvement of thermal stability. The initial decomposition temperature of the PP/CaCO3 composite with 7.4 wt.% CaCO3 increased 35°C compared with neat PP.

scholarly journals Combined Effects of Cellulose Nanofiber Nucleation and Maleated Polylactic Acid Compatibilization on the Crystallization Kinetic and Mechanical Properties of Polylactic Acid Nanocomposite

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (19) ◽  
pp. 3226
Author(s):  
Siti Shazra Shazleen ◽  
Lawrence Yee Foong Ng ◽  
Nor Azowa Ibrahim ◽  
Mohd Ali Hassan ◽  
Hidayah Ariffin
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Tensile Strength ◽  
Polylactic Acid ◽  
Crystallization Kinetics ◽  
Crystallization Kinetic ◽  
Crystallization Rate ◽  
Combined Effects ◽  
Dsc Analysis ◽  
Scanning Calorimetry ◽  
Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics

This work investigated the combined effects of CNF nucleation (3 wt.%) and PLA-g-MA compatibilization at different loadings (1–4 wt.%) on the crystallization kinetics and mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA). A crystallization kinetics study was done through isothermal and non-isothermal crystallization kinetics using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. It was shown that PLA-g-MA had some effect on nucleation as exhibited by the value of crystallization half time and crystallization rate of the PLA/PLA-g-MA, which were increased by 180% and 172%, respectively, as compared to neat PLA when isothermally melt crystallized at 100 °C. Nevertheless, the presence of PLA-g-MA in PLA/PLA-g-MA/CNF3 nanocomposites did not improve the crystallization rate compared to that of uncompatibilized PLA/CNF3. Tensile strength was reduced with the increased amount of PLA-g-MA. Contrarily, Young’s modulus values showed drastic increment compared to the neat PLA, showing that the addition of the PLA-g-MA contributed to the rigidity of the PLA nanocomposites. Overall, it can be concluded that PLA/CNF nanocomposite has good performance, whereby the addition of PLA-g-MA in PLA/CNF may not be necessary for improving both the crystallization kinetics and tensile strength. The addition of PLA-g-MA may be needed to produce rigid nanocomposites; nevertheless, in this case, the crystallization rate of the material needs to be compromised.

scholarly journals The effect of eggshell as a reinforcement on the mechanical and Corrosion properties of Mg-Zn-Mn matrix composite

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 180-184
Author(s):  
Hasan A. Fattah ◽  
Mohammed Gouda ◽  
Salah Salman ◽  
Ayman Elsayed
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Powder Metallurgy ◽  
Corrosion Behaviour ◽  
Matrix Composites ◽  
Grain Refining ◽  
Biodegradable Material ◽  
Corrosion Properties ◽  
Reinforcement Material ◽  
Mechanical And Corrosion Properties ◽  
Powder Metallurgy Route

Magnesium is a promising lightweight metal required in many industries such as automobile, aerospace, electronics, etc. It is also a biodegradable material, which eliminates the secondary removal procedure of the implant. Furthermore, its mechanical properties are similar to the mechanical properties of human bone.  In this research, eggshells were used as an environmentally friendly composite reinforcement material in the Mg-2.5Zn-1Mn matrix. Composites were prepared using the powder metallurgy route.  The effect of eggshells on the morphology, mechanical, and corrosion behaviour of Mg-2.5Zn-1Mn alloy was investigated. The results revealed an enhancement in grain refining ability and mechanical properties of Mg-2.5Zn-1Mn with eggshell additives. The corrosion behaviour improved at a higher percentage of eggshells (10%).

scholarly journals Crystallization Behavior of Polyvinyl Alcohol With Inorganic Nucleating Agent Talc and Regulation Mechanism Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruru Huang ◽  
Yane Zhang ◽  
Aimin Xiang ◽  
Songbai Ma ◽  
huafeng tian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polyvinyl Alcohol ◽  
Crystallization Behavior ◽  
Crystallization Rate ◽  
Nucleating Agent ◽  
Melt Processing ◽  
Avrami Equation ◽  
Hydroxyl Groups ◽  
Regulation Mechanism ◽  
Mechanism Analysis ◽  
Scanning Calorimetry

Abstract Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) decompose before melting, making it difficult for melt processing. This phenomenon limits the applications of PVA. Therefore, to widen the application of PVA, in the present work, the PVA films have been prepared by the flow casting method. And talc added as an inorganic nucleating agent to improve the crystallinity of PVA. The effects of talc on the crystallization behavior of PVA are tested by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and successive self-nucleation annealing (SSA). The crystallization kinetics behavior of talc was is further studied by Mo Zhishen equation and Avrami equation. The results show that the addition of talc to the PVA film promotes its crystallization, and as the content of the nucleating agent increases, the crystallinity tends to increase, and the thickness of the wafer becomes uniform due to the increase of nucleation points. These results show that talc regulates the crystallization of PVA, improves the crystallinity and crystallization rate of PVA, and has a heterogeneous nucleation effect. PVA itself exhibits hydrophilicity because it contains large number of hydroxyl groups, and has good physical and chemical properties. In addition, the mechanical properties and water resistance have been further improved by improving the crystallinity of PVA, and the practicability of PVA film in actual production was improved.

Biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA)

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
James Goodsel ◽  
Samy Madbouly
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Polylactic Acid ◽  
Food Packaging ◽  
Oily Wastewater ◽  
Biodegradable Material ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
The Common ◽  
Packaging Industry ◽  
Processing Techniques

Abstract Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable material that can be processed using the common processing techniques, such as injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding. PLA has widely been researched and tested due to its biodegradable nature. As a biodegradable material, PLA can be subject to some inherently poor qualities, such as its brittleness, weak mechanical properties, small processing windows, or poor electrical and thermal properties. In order to nullify some of these issues, nanofiller composites have been added to the polymer matrix, such as nanocellulose, nanoclays, carbon nanotubes, and graphene. Dye-clay hybrid nanopigments (DCNP) have been used to explore potential applications in the food packaging industry with promising results. Several different compatibilizers have been studied as well, with the goal of increasing the mechanical properties of blends. A key application for PLA is in wound healing and surgical work, with a few studies described in the present chapter. Finally, the superwettability of dopamine modified PLA is examined, with promising results for separation of oily wastewater.

scholarly journals Crystallization Morphology Regulation on Enhancing Heat Resistance of Polylactic Acid

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1563
Author(s):  
Yufei Liu ◽  
Siyuan Jiang ◽  
Wei Yan ◽  
Min He ◽  
Jun Qin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Treatment ◽  
Heat Resistance ◽  
Polylactic Acid ◽  
Crystallization Rate ◽  
Nucleating Agent ◽  
High Heat ◽  
Nucleating Agents ◽  
Test Results ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Crystallization Morphology

To expand the use of polylactic acid (PLA) in high-temperature environments, crystallization morphology regulation was studied to enhance the heat resistance of PLA. PLA crystallinity was controlled using heat treatment and nucleating agent (zinc phenylphosphonate, brand TMC). The heat deflection temperatures of PLAs with same crystallinities considerably varied using different treatments. The crystallization morphology of PLA (4032D) and PLA/TMC composites was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and polarized optical microscopy. XRD test results show that TMC can improve the crystallization rate and heat treatment can enhance the crystallinity and thickness of PLA, suggesting that the crystallization morphology improved after heat treatment. Nucleating agents can increase the crystallinity of PLA but cannot improve its crystallization morphology. The findings indicate that at the same crystallinity, PLAs exhibit improved crystallization morphology and high heat resistance; these results can provide guidance for improving the heat resistance of PLAs and facilitate the design of new nucleating agents.

scholarly journals Preparation of Long Sisal Fiber-Reinforced Polylactic Acid Biocomposites with Highly Improved Mechanical Performance

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1124
Author(s):  
Zhifang Liang ◽  
Hongwu Wu ◽  
Ruipu Liu ◽  
Caiquan Wu
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Polylactic Acid ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Tensile Elongation ◽  
Sisal Fiber ◽  
Fiber Reinforced ◽  
Impact Performance ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Blending Process ◽  
Extension Direction

Green biodegradable plastics have come into focus as an alternative to restricted plastic products. In this paper, continuous long sisal fiber (SF)/polylactic acid (PLA) premixes were prepared by an extrusion-rolling blending process, and then unidirectional continuous long sisal fiber-reinforced PLA composites (LSFCs) were prepared by compression molding to explore the effect of long fiber on the mechanical properties of sisal fiber-reinforced composites. As a comparison, random short sisal fiber-reinforced PLA composites (SSFCs) were prepared by open milling and molding. The experimental results show that continuous long sisal fiber/PLA premixes could be successfully obtained from this pre-blending process. It was found that the presence of long sisal fibers could greatly improve the tensile strength of LSFC material along the fiber extension direction and slightly increase its tensile elongation. Continuous long fibers in LSFCs could greatly participate in supporting the load applied to the composite material. However, when comparing the mechanical properties of the two composite materials, the poor compatibility between the fiber and the matrix made fiber’s reinforcement effect not well reflected in SSFCs. Similarly, the flexural performance and impact performance of LSFCs had been improved considerably versus SSFCs.

scholarly journals A Review: Research Progress in Modification of Poly (Lactic Acid) by Lignin and Cellulose

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 776
Author(s):  
Sixiang Zhai ◽  
Qingying Liu ◽  
Yuelong Zhao ◽  
Hui Sun ◽  
Biao Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Composite Materials ◽  
Crystallization Rate ◽  
Research Progress ◽  
Poly Lactic Acid ◽  
Green Composite ◽  
Materials Development ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Biomass Components

With the depletion of petroleum energy, the possibility of prices of petroleum-based materials increasing, and increased environmental awareness, biodegradable materials as a kind of green alternative have attracted more and more research attention. In this context, poly (lactic acid) has shown a unique combination of properties such as nontoxicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and good workability. However, examples of its known drawbacks include poor tensile strength, low elongation at break, poor thermal properties, and low crystallization rate. Lignocellulosic materials such as lignin and cellulose have excellent biodegradability and mechanical properties. Compounding such biomass components with poly (lactic acid) is expected to prepare green composite materials with improved properties of poly (lactic acid). This paper is aimed at summarizing the research progress of modification of poly (lactic acid) with lignin and cellulose made in in recent years, with emphasis on effects of lignin and cellulose on mechanical properties, thermal stability and crystallinity on poly (lactic acid) composite materials. Development of poly (lactic acid) composite materials in this respect is forecasted.

scholarly journals Melt- vs. Non-Melt Blending of Complexly Processable Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene/Cellulose Nanofiber Bionanocomposite

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 404
Author(s):  
Nur Sharmila Sharip ◽  
Hidayah Ariffin ◽  
Tengku Arisyah Tengku Yasim-Anuar ◽  
Yoshito Andou ◽  
Yuki Shirosaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Tensile Strength ◽  
Yield Strength ◽  
Young’S Modulus ◽  
High Molecular Weight ◽  
Melt Processing ◽  
Cellulose Nanofiber ◽  
Melt Blending ◽  
Ultra High Molecular Weight

The major hurdle in melt-processing of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) nanocomposite lies on the high melt viscosity of the UHMWPE, which may contribute to poor dispersion and distribution of the nanofiller. In this study, UHMWPE/cellulose nanofiber (UHMWPE/CNF) bionanocomposites were prepared by two different blending methods: (i) melt blending at 150 °C in a triple screw kneading extruder, and (ii) non-melt blending by ethanol mixing at room temperature. Results showed that melt-processing of UHMWPE without CNF (MB-UHMWPE/0) exhibited an increment in yield strength and Young’s modulus by 15% and 25%, respectively, compared to the Neat-UHMWPE. Tensile strength was however reduced by almost half. Ethanol mixed sample without CNF (EM-UHMWPE/0) on the other hand showed slight decrement in all mechanical properties tested. At 0.5% CNF inclusion, the mechanical properties of melt-blended bionanocomposites (MB-UHMWPE/0.5) were improved as compared to Neat-UHMWPE. It was also found that the yield strength, elongation at break, Young’s modulus, toughness and crystallinity of MB-UHMWPE/0.5 were higher by 28%, 61%, 47%, 45% and 11%, respectively, as compared to the ethanol mixing sample (EM-UHMWPE/0.5). Despite the reduction in tensile strength of MB-UHMWPE/0.5, the value i.e., 28.4 ± 1.0 MPa surpassed the minimum requirement of standard specification for fabricated UHMWPE in surgical implant application. Overall, melt-blending processing is more suitable for the preparation of UHMWPE/CNF bionanocomposites as exhibited by their characteristics presented herein. A better mechanical interlocking between UHMWPE and CNF at high temperature mixing with kneading was evident through FE-SEM observation, explains the higher mechanical properties of MB-UHMWPE/0.5 as compared to EM-UHMWPE/0.5.

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