Performance of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Bagasse Fibre Foamed Composites as Cushion Packaging Materials

This work was designed to determine the mechanical properties and static cushioning performance of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/bagasse fibre foam composites with a multiple-factor experiment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and static cushioning tests were performed on the foamed composites and the results were compared with those of commonly used expanded polystyrene (EPS). The results were as follows: the materials had a mainly open cell structure, and bagasse fibre had good compatibility with PVA foam. With increasing PVA content, the mechanical properties of the system improved. The mechanical properties and static cushioning properties of the foam composite almost approached those of EPS. In addition, a small amount of sodium tetraborate obviously regulated the foaming ratio of foamed composites. With increasing sodium tetraborate content, the mechanical properties of foamed composites were enhanced. The yield strength and Young’s modulus of the material prepared by reducing the water content to 80.19 wt% were too high and not suitable for cushioned packaging of light and fragile products.

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Preparation and characterization of paraffin/nickel foam composites as neutron-shielding materials

Journal of Composite Materials ◽

10.1177/0021998317717596 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 52 (7) ◽

pp. 953-962 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Yun Zhang ◽

Feida Chen ◽

Xiaobin Tang ◽

Hai Huang ◽

Minxuan Ni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Boron Carbide ◽

Gamma Ray ◽

Nickel Foam ◽

Neutron Shielding ◽

Static Compression ◽

Neutron Absorber ◽

Open Cell ◽

Foam Composite ◽

Nickel Foams

Traditional neutron-shielding materials usually have poor mechanical properties and secondary gamma-shielding capability. The new requirements of modern neutron-shielding materials are difficult to satisfy. A paraffin/nickel foam neutron-shielding composite was prepared and characterized in this study. Open-cell nickel foams were fabricated through electrodeposition. Subsequently, the paraffin/nickel foam composite were prepared by filling the open-cell nickel foams with melted paraffin. The intrinsic parameters of nickel foam and the content of neutron absorber (boron carbide) were controlled to optimize the composite. The mechanical properties of the composite were studied through a static compression test. The compressive strength improved to 0.4 times that of the nickel foams. The Am–Be source transmittance experiment showed that the 8 cm thick PFM presented a neutron transmittance of 56.1%, and the 6 cm thick boron carbide/paraffin/nickel foam (PFM-B) presented a neutron transmittance of 37.6%. The paraffin/nickel foam and PFM-B had approximately the same shielding efficiency as paraffin and boron carbide/paraffin, respectively. However, the second gamma ray shielding efficiency of the paraffin/nickel foam and PFM-B was significantly higher than that of paraffin and boron carbide/paraffin. The mechanical properties and secondary gamma ray-shielding capability of the composite can be improved by increasing the relative density of nickel foams.

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Extrusion Foaming System for Fabricating Open-Cell Structure of Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Advanced Materials Research ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.550-553.891 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 550-553 ◽

pp. 891-896

Author(s):

Dong Won Jung ◽

Dong Hong Kim ◽

Bong Chun Kim ◽

E. K. Lee ◽

J. C. Park ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Morphology ◽

Cell Structure ◽

Processing Parameters ◽

Expansion Ratio ◽

Sem Analysis ◽

Low Density Polyethylene ◽

Low Density ◽

Cell Content ◽

Open Cell ◽

Extrusion Foaming

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) foam of open-cell type was manufactured through extrusion foaming system using a physical blowing agent for the application of sound absorption. For the purpose of enhancing the open cell content, salt powder was blended with LDPE changing the content and particle size. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was carried out in order to observe the cell morphology. With a view to characterizing the open-cell structure, open-cell content and expansion ratio were measured with extruded foams. Finally the effect of formulation and processing parameters on cell morphology was investigated.

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Influence of Alkali Treatment on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Coir and Abaca Fibers

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma14102636 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (10) ◽

pp. 2636

Author(s):

Petr Valášek ◽

Miroslav Müller ◽

Vladimír Šleger ◽

Viktor Kolář ◽

Monika Hromasová ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Composite Materials ◽

Alkali Treatment ◽

Fiber Surface ◽

Cellulose Fibers ◽

Sem Analysis ◽

Experimental Program ◽

Time Interval ◽

The European Union ◽

Vegetable Fibers

Composite materials with natural fillers have been increasingly used as an alternative to synthetically produced materials. This trend is visible from a representation of polymeric composites with natural cellulose fibers in the automotive industry of the European Union. This trend is entirely logical, owing to a preference for renewable resources. The experimental program itself follows pronounced hypotheses and focuses on a description of the mechanical properties of untreated and alkali-treated natural vegetable fibers, coconut and abaca fibers. These fibers have great potential for use in composite materials. The results and discussion sections contribute to an introduction of an individual methodology for mechanical property assessment of cellulose fibers, and allows for a clear definition of an optimal process of alkalization dependent on the content of hemicellulose and lignin in vegetable fibers. The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of alkali treatment on the surface microstructure and tensile properties of coir and abaca fibers. These fibers were immersed into a 5% solution of NaOH at laboratory temperature for a time interval of 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h, rinsed and dried. The fiber surface microstructures before and after the alkali treatment were evaluated by SEM (scanning electron microscopy). SEM analysis showed that the alkali treatment in the NaOH solution led to a gradual connective material removal from the fiber surface. The effect of the alkali is evident from the visible changes on the surface of the fibers.

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Study of mechanical properties behaviour of biodegradable blends based on wood adhesive, lactic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, and aloe Vera

Materials Today Proceedings ◽

10.1016/j.matpr.2020.12.297 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Zainab J. Sweah ◽

Mohammed Ali jaber ◽

Ahmed J. Mohammed

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Lactic Acid ◽

Polyvinyl Alcohol ◽

Aloe Vera ◽

Wood Adhesive ◽

Biodegradable Blends

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Study of the Preparation and Properties of TPS/PBSA/PLA Biodegradable Composites

Journal of Composites Science ◽

10.3390/jcs5020048 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 48

Author(s):

Yuxuan Wang ◽

Yuke Zhong ◽

Qifeng Shi ◽

Sen Guo

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Heat Resistance ◽

Thermoplastic Starch ◽

Sem Analysis ◽

Infrared Spectrometry ◽

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry ◽

Melt Mixing ◽

Two Phase ◽

Biodegradable Composites ◽

Phase Compatibility

Thermoplastic starch/butyl glycol ester copolymer/polylactic acid (TPS/PBSA/PLA) biodegradable composites were prepared by melt-mixing. The structure, microstructure, mechanical properties and heat resistance of the TPS/PBSA/PLA composites were studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile test and thermogravimetry tests, respectively. The results showed that PBSA or PLA could bind to TPS by hydrogen bonding. SEM analysis showed that the composite represents an excellent dispersion and satisfied two-phase compatibility when the PLA, TPS and PBSA blended by a mass ration of 10, 30, and 60. The mechanical properties and the heat resistance of TPS/PBSA/PLA composite were improved by adding PLA with content less than 10%, according to the testing results.

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Optimally controlled morphology and physico-mechanical properties of inclusion complex loaded electrospun polyvinyl alcohol based nanofibrous mats for therapeutic applications

Journal of Biomaterials Science Polymer Edition ◽

10.1080/09205063.2021.1909414 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-18

Author(s):

Deepika Sharma ◽

Bhabani K. Satapathy

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Inclusion Complex ◽

Polyvinyl Alcohol ◽

Therapeutic Applications ◽

Controlled Morphology

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Effect of Elevated Temperature on Mechanical Properties of High-Volume Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Concrete, Mortar and Paste Cured at Room Temperature

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13091473 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (9) ◽

pp. 1473

Author(s):

Jun Zhao ◽

Kang Wang ◽

Shuaibin Wang ◽

Zike Wang ◽

Zhaohui Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Elevated Temperature ◽

Fly Ash ◽

Residual Strength ◽

Elevated Temperatures ◽

High Volume ◽

Sem Analysis ◽

Geopolymer Concrete ◽

Ordinary Concrete ◽

Exposure Temperature

This paper presents results from experimental work on mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete, mortar and paste prepared using fly ash and blended slag. Compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength tests were conducted on large sets of geopolymer and ordinary concrete, mortar and paste after exposure to elevated temperatures. From Thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM) test results, the geopolymer exhibits excellent resistance to elevated temperature. Compressive strengths of C30, C40 and C50 geopolymer concrete, mortar and paste show incremental improvement then followed by a gradual reduction, and finally reach a relatively consistent value with an increase in exposure temperature. The higher slag content in the geopolymer reduces residual strength and the lower exposure temperature corresponding to peak residual strength. Resistance to elevated temperature of C40 geopolymer concrete, mortar and paste is better than that of ordinary concrete, mortar and paste at the same grade. XRD, TGA and SEM analysis suggests that the heat resistance of C–S–H produced using slag is lower than that of sulphoaluminate gel (quartz and mullite, etc.) produced using fly ash. This facilitates degradation of C30, C40 and C50 geopolymer after exposure to elevated temperatures.

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Poly(Lactic Acid)–Poly(Butylene Succinate)–Sugar Beet Pulp Composites; Part I: Mechanics of Composites with Fine and Coarse Sugar Beet Pulp Particles

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13152531 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (15) ◽

pp. 2531

Author(s):

Rodion Kopitzky

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Lactic Acid ◽

Sugar Beet ◽

Cell Structure ◽

Sugar Beet Pulp ◽

Poly Lactic Acid ◽

Butylene Succinate ◽

Fracture Patterns ◽

Beet Pulp ◽

The Impact

Sugar beet pulp (SBP) is a residue available in large quantities from the sugar industry, and can serve as a cost-effective bio-based and biodegradable filler for fully bio-based compounds based on bio-based polyesters. The heterogeneous cell structure of sugar beet suggests that the processing of SBP can affect the properties of the composite. An “Ultra-Rotor” type air turbulence mill was used to produce SBP particles of different sizes. These particles were processed in a twin-screw extruder with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and fillers to granules for possible marketable formulations. Different screw designs, compatibilizers and the use of glycerol as a thermoplasticization agent for SBP were also tested. The spherical, cubic, or ellipsoidal-like shaped particles of SBP are not suitable for usage as a fiber-like reinforcement. In addition, the fineness of ground SBP affects the mechanical properties because (i) a high proportion of polar surfaces leads to poor compatibility, and (ii) due to the inner structure of the particulate matter, the strength of the composite is limited to the cohesive strength of compressed sugar-cell compartments of the SBP. The compatibilization of the polymer–matrix–particle interface can be achieved by using compatibilizers of different types. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) fracture patterns show that the compatibilization can lead to both well-bonded particles and cohesive fracture patterns in the matrix. Nevertheless, the mechanical properties are limited by the impact and elongation behavior. Therefore, the applications of SBP-based composites must be well considered.

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