Shape memory polymer composite coatings with enhanced mechanical and antimicrobial properties

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Wang ◽  
Xiaoling Xu ◽  
Zuowan Zhou ◽  
Jihua Gou

Purpose This paper aims to exploit shape memory polymer (SMP) composite as multifunctional coatings for protecting substrates from surface wear and bacterial. The efficiency of added nano or micro-sized particles in enhancing the properties of SMP was investigated. This study also attempts to use a low-cost and effective spraying approach to fabricate the coatings. The coatings are expected to have good conformability with the substrate and deliver multi-functional performance, such as wrinkle free, wear resistance, thermal stability and antimicrobial property. Design/methodology/approach High-performance SMP composite coatings or thin films were fabricated by a home-made continuous spray-deposition system. The morphologies of the coatings were studied using the scanning electron microscope and the transmission electron microscope. The abrasion properties were evaluated by Taber Abraser test, and thermo-gravimetric analysis was carried out to investigate the thermal properties of prepared composites. The antimicrobial property was determined by the inhibition zone method using E. coli. The thermally responsive shape memory effect of the resulting composites was also characterized. Findings The morphology analysis indicated that the nanoclay was distributed on the surface of the coating which resulted in a significant improvement of the wear property. The wear resistance of the coatings with nanoclay was improved as much as 40 per cent compared with that of the control sample. The thermo-gravimetric analysis revealed that the weight loss rate of composites with nanoclay was dropped over 40 per cent. The SMP coating with zinc oxide (ZnO) showed excellent antimicrobial effect. The shape recovery effect of SMP/nanoclay and SMP/ZnO composites can be triggered by external heating and the composites can reach a full shape recovery within 60 s. Research limitations/implications This study proposed a continuous spray-deposition fabrication of SMP composite coatings, which provides a new avenue to prepare novel multi-functional coatings with low cost. Originality/value Most studies have emphasized on the sole property of SMP composites. Herein, a novel SMP composite coating which could deliver multi-functionality such as wrinkle free, wear resistance, thermal stability and antimicrobial property was proposed.

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Chen ◽  
Irina Tatiana Garces ◽  
Tian Tang ◽  
Cagri Ayranci

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate an innovative, fast and low-cost method to fabricate customized stents using polyurethane-based shape memory polymers composite reinforced by cellulose nanocrystal (CNC), achieved by a commercial desktop extrusion-based additive manufacturing (EBAM) device. Design/methodology/approach The composite filament for printing the stents was prepared by a two-step melt-compounding extrusion process. Afterward, the stents were produced by a desktop EBAM printer. Thermal characterizations, including thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and modulated differential scanning calorimetry (modulated DSC), were conducted on stent samples and filament samples, respectively. Then the stents were programmed under 45°C. Recovery characterizations, including recovery force and recovery ratio measurement, were conducted under 40°C. Findings TGA results showed that the materials were stable under the printing temperature. Modulated DSC results indicated that, with the addition of CNCs, the glass transition temperature of the material dropped slightly from 39.7°C at 0 Wt.% CNC to 34.2°C at 7 Wt.% CNC. The recovery characterization showed that the stents can exert a maximum recovery force of 0.4 N/mm when 7 Wt.% of CNCs were added and the maximum recovery ratio of 35.8% ± 5.1% was found when 4 Wt.% of CNCs were added. The addition of CNC improved both the recovery ratio and the recovery force of the as-prepared stents. Originality/value In terms of recovery force, the as-prepared stents out-performed commercially available stents by 30 times. In addition, additive manufacturing offers more flexibility in the design and fabrication of customized cardiovascular stents.


2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 473-482
Author(s):  
H. Abd El-Wahab ◽  
G.A. Meligi ◽  
M.G. Hassaan ◽  
L. Lin

Purpose The purpose of this study is to prepare, characterise and evaluate nano-emulsions of ter-polymers of various compositions as eco-friendly binders for flexographic ink industry. Design/methodology/approach Various nano-emulsions of ter-polymers were prepared based on Vinyl acetate, Vinyl Versatate, butyl acrylate, acrylic acid and acrylamide monomers by means of a conventional seeded emulsion polymerisation technique, using K2S2O8 as the initiator. The characterisation of the prepared emulsions was performed using Fourier transform infrared, thermo-gravimetric analysis, gel permeation chromatography and transmission electron microscopy. A selection of co-polymers and ter-polymers were formulated with pigments and additional ingredients, as water-based flexographic inks. The inks were characterised for their rheological properties, pH, degree of dispersion, water-resistance and colour density. Findings It was found that the low viscosity of the prepared polymers may reduce the film thickness of the flexographic inks and may also increase the spreading of the ink on the surface. As a result, stable modified poly acrylate-based latex with improved physico-mechanical properties was obtained. The prepared latexes showed improved properties such as enhanced thermal stability and better water resistance. The effect of the emulsifier type on the properties of the resulting emulsion latexes and their corresponding films were investigated. Also, as the hydrophobic monomer increases, so does the colour density and increasing the binder ratio enhances the gloss values. The improving in gloss values were obtained and provide excellent adhesion properties for both the pigment particles and the base paper. Research limitations/implications The study focusses on the preparation of new water-based ter-polymer nano-particles and their use as eco-friendly binders for flexographic ink industry. Ink formulations based on other different type emulsion polymers could also be studied to assess the applicability of the ink formulation system found for other binders. Practical implications The ink formulations developed could find use in industrial-scale printing. Originality/value Eco-friendly environment and low-cost ink formulations for printing on paper substrates are novel.


2016 ◽  
Vol 08 (07) ◽  
pp. 1640009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fengfeng Li ◽  
Liwu Liu ◽  
Xin Lan ◽  
Tong Wang ◽  
Xiangyu Li ◽  
...  

With large spatial deployable antennas used more widely, the stability of deployable antennas is attracting more attention. The form of the support structure is an important factor of the antenna’s natural frequency, which is essential to study to prevent the resonance. The deployable truss structures based on shape memory polymer composites (SMPCs) have made themselves feasible for their unique properties such as highly reliable, low-cost, light weight, and self-deployment without complex mechanical devices compared with conventional deployable masts. This study offers deliverables as follows: an establishment of three-longeron beam and three-longeron truss finite element models by using ABAQUS; calculation of natural frequencies and vibration modes; parameter studies for influence on their dynamic properties; manufacture of a three-longeron truss based on SMPC, and modal test of the three-longeron truss. The results show that modal test and finite element simulation fit well.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Zhao ◽  
Xueyao Zheng ◽  
Shichen Zhou ◽  
Bo Zhou ◽  
Shifeng Xue

PurposeIn this paper, a three-dimensional size-dependent constitutive model of SMP Timoshenko micro-beam is developed to describe the micromechanical properties.Design/methodology/approachAccording to the Hamilton's principle, the equilibrium equations and boundary conditions of the model are established and according to the modified couple stress theory, the model is available to capturing the size effect because of the material length scale parameter. Based on the model, the simply supported beam was taken for example to be solved and simulated.FindingsResults show that the size effect of SMP micro-beam is more obvious when the dimensionless beam height is similar or the larger of the value of loading time. The rigidity and strength of the SMP beam decrease with the increasing of the dimensionless beam height or the loading time. The viscous property of SMP micro-beam plays a more important role with the larger dimensionless beam height. And the smaller the dimensionless beam height is, the more obvious the shape memory effect of the SMP micro-beam is.Originality/valueThis work implies prediction of size-dependent thermo-mechanical behaviors of the SMP micro-beam and will provide a theoretical basis for design SMP microstructures in the field of micro/nanomechanics.


2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 363-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdelrahman Moukhtar Naser ◽  
Hamada Abd El - Wahab ◽  
Mohamed Abd El Fattah Moustafa El Nady ◽  
Abdelzaher E.A. Mostafa ◽  
Long Lin ◽  
...  

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the best methods of utilisation of reclaimed asphalt pavements (RAP) in Egypt, to determine the effect of using 100% RAP instead of using virgin aggregates and asphalt; investigate the effect of thermoplastic elastomer polymer as asphalt modifier; and also improve the mechanical and physical characteristics and consequently improving the quality of asphalt paving, increasing service life of asphalt-paving and reducing costs. Design/methodology/approach Nano acrylate terpolymers were prepared with different % (Wt.) of and were characterised by Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), for molecular weight (Mw), by thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A 4% (Wt.) of the prepared nanoemulsion terpolymer was mixed with virgin asphalt as a polymer modifier, to improve and reuse of the RAP. The modified binder was tested. The tests conducted include penetration, kinematic viscosity, softening point and specific gravity. Application of Marshall mix design types; hot mix asphalt (HMA), warm mix asphalt (WMA) and cold in place recycled (CIR). Four different mix designs used; control mix contained virgin asphalt by HMA, and the other three mix designs were polymermodified asphalt sample by HMA, WMA and CIR. Findings The research results showed that using 4 Wt.% of the prepared nanoemulsion terpolymer to produce hot mix asphalt (HMA) and warm mix asphalt (WMA) achieved higher stability compared to the control mix and cold in place recycled (CIR). Research limitations/implications This paper discusses the preparation and the characterisation of nanoemulsion and its application in RAPs to enhance and improve the RAP quality. Practical implications Nano-acrylate terpolymer can be used as a new polymer to modify asphalt to achieve the required specifications for RAP. Originality/value According to the most recent surveys, Europe produced 265 tonnes of asphalt for road applications in 2014, while the amount of available RAP was more than 50 tonnes. The use of RAP in new blended mixes reduces the need of neat asphalt, making RAP recycling economically attractive.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-287
Author(s):  
Daniel Paul Thanaraj ◽  
Anand N. ◽  
Prince Arulraj

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of standard fire on the strength and microstructure properties of concrete with different strength grades. Design/methodology/approach Different strength grades of concrete used for the investigation are M20, M30, M40 and M50. An electrical bogie hearth furnace was developed to simulate the International Standards Organization 834 standard fire curve.Concrete samples were subjected to high temperatures of 925, 1,029, 1,090 and 1,133°C for the duration of 1, 2, 3 and 4 h, respectively, as per standard fire curve. Compressive strength, tensile strength, thermal crack pattern and spalling of heated concrete specimens were evaluated by experimental investigation. Scanning electron microscopy and thermo-gravimetric analysis were performed to investigate the microstructure properties of heated concrete specimens. Findings Test results indicated reduction in the strength and changes in the microstructure properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperature. The degree of weight and the strength loss were found to be higher for concrete with higher grades. An empirical relation is proposed to determine the residual strength of concrete with different strength grade using regression analysis. Social implications Results of this research will be useful for the design engineers to understand the behavior of concrete exposed to elevated temperature as per standard fire. Originality/value When concrete is exposed to elevated temperature, its internal microstructure changes, thereby strength and durability of concrete deteriorates. The performance of concrete with different strength grade exposed to standard fire is well understood. This research’s findings will be useful for the designers to understand more about fire resistance of concrete. A simple relationship is proposed to determine the residual strength of concrete exposed to various durations of heating.


2014 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhengfeng Jia ◽  
Yan-qiu Xia ◽  
Xin Shao ◽  
San-ming Du

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the tribological properties of poly-alpha-olefin (PAO) with nano/microstructure core-shell lanthanum borate-SiO2 composites (OCLS). Design/methodology/approach – Oleic acid-capped core-shell lanthanum borate-SiO2 composites were synthesized by an easy way. The composites were characterized by means of Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The friction and wear behaviors of the quenched AISI 1045 steel specimens sliding against AISI 52100 steel under the lubrication of PAO containing OCLS were comparatively investigated with PAO containing SiO2 additive on an Optimol SRV reciprocating friction and wear tester. On the other hand, the tribological properties of the PAO containing OCLS were also investigated on four-ball tester. Findings – The diameter of OCLS was about 20 nm, and the thickness of the SiO2 shell was less than 5 nm. The ratio of oleic acid (OA) is about 15 percent. The PAO containing OCLS possesses much better tribological properties than that of pure PAO and PAO containing SiO2 additive. Originality/value – The PAO+OCLS possess a better friction reducing and antiwear properties than pure PAO. The new additive can improve the tribological ability of machinery.


2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 224-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haibao Lu ◽  
Yongtao Yao ◽  
Long Lin

Purpose – This paper aims to create and to study multifunctional shape memory polymer (SMP) composites having temperature-sensing and actuating capabilities by embedding thermochromic particles within the polymer matrix. Design/methodology/approach – The multifunctional materials were fabricated following a process consisting of blending (of the thermochromic particles and the SMP at various ratios), mixing, degasing, moulding and thermal curing, prepared by incorporating thermochromic particles within the polymer. The effect of the thermochromic particles on the thermomechanical properties and thermally responsive shape memory effect of the resulting multifunction SMP composites were characterised and interpreted. Findings – It was found that exposure of the composites to temperatures above 70°C led to a pronounced change of their colour that was recorded by the thermal and electrical actuation approaches and was reproducibly reversible. It was also found that the colour of the composites was independent of the mechanical state of the SMP. Such effects enabled monitoring of the onset of the set/release temperature of the SMP matrix. Furthermore, the combination of thermochromic additive and the SMP resulted in significantly improved thermomechanical strength, absorption of infrared radiation and the temperature distribution of the SMP composites. Research limitations/implications – The temperature-sensing and actuating capabilities of the polymeric shape memory composites developed through this study will help to extend the field of potential applications of such composites to fields including sensors, actuators, security labels and information dissemination, where colour indication is an advantageous feature. Originality/value – The SMP composites capable of temperature sensing and actuating are novel.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emad S. Shafik ◽  
Medhat L. Tawfic ◽  
Adel F. Younan

Purpose The purpose of this study is to manufacture composites from sawdust and polymer high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with different loading from alum as natural and cheap flame retardant and subsequently characterized using standard analytical tools. Design/methodology/approach Artificial wood plastic composites (WPCs) were prepared by mixing HDPE with sawdust as a filler with constant ratio (2:1) using hot press. Polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MAH) used as a coupling agent between two parents of the composites with different ratios (2.5, 5, 7 and 10). Alum as a flame retardant was incorporated into HDPE with 5 phr polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PE-g-MAH) with different ratios (10, 15 and 20). Flame retardant efficiency was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis and the technique of ASTM E162. Findings The results revealed that the composite containing 5 phr from (PE-g-MAH) exhibited higher mechanical properties and this proved that (PE-g-MAH) act as an efficient coupling agent using the aforementioned ratio. The results also revealed that incorporation of alum as a flame retardant increased the thermal stability of the composites. Originality/value Artificial WPCs are ecofriendly materials with a wide range of applications in the constructions field. Moreover, they have high mechanical and physical properties with low cost. Evaluate alum as a natural and cheap flame retardant.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hwang Yi

PurposeThis study aims to present an architectural application of 4D-printed climate-adaptive kinetic architecture and parametric façade design.Design/methodology/approachThis work investigates experimental prototyping of a reversibly self-shaping façade, by integrating the parametric design approach, smart material and 4D-printing techniques. Thermo-responsive building skin modules of two-way shape memory composite (TWSMC) was designed and fabricated, combining the shape memory alloy fibers (SMFs) and 3D-printed shape memory polymer matrices (SMPMs). For geometry design, deformation of the TWSMC was simulated with a dimension-reduced mathematical model, and an optimal arrangement of three different types of TWSMC modules were designed and fabricated into a physical scale model.FindingsModel-based experiments show robust workability and formal reversibility of the developed façade. Potential utility of this module for adaptive building design and construction is discussed based on the results. Findings help better understand the shape memory phenomena and presented design-inclusive technology will benefit architectural communities of smart climate-adaptive building.Originality/valueTwo-way reversibility of 4D-printed composites is a topic of active research in material science but has not been clearly addressed in the practical context of architectural design, due to technical barriers. This research is the first architectural presentation of the whole design procedure, simulation and fabrication of the 4D-printed and parametrically movable façade.


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