Wastes from Agricultural Silage Film Recycling Line as a Potential Polymer Materials

The recycling of plastics is currently one of the most significant industrial challenges. Due to the enormous amounts of plastic wastes generated by various industry branches, it is essential to look for potential methods for their utilization. In the presented work, we investigated the recycling potential of wastes originated from the agricultural films recycling line. Their structure and properties were analyzed, and they were modified with 2.5 wt % of commercially available compatibilizers. The mechanical and thermal performance of modified wastes were evaluated by tensile tests, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. It was found that incorporation of such a small amount of modifiers may overcome the drawbacks caused by the presence of impurities. The incorporation of maleic anhydride-grafted compounds enhanced the tensile strength of wastes by 13–25%. The use of more ductile compatibilizers—ethylene-vinyl acetate and paraffin increased the elongation at break by 55–64%. The presence of compatibilizers also reduced the stiffness of materials resulting from the presence of solid particles. It was particularly emphasized for styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, which caused up to a 20% drop of Young’s modulus. Such effects may facilitate the further applications of analyzed wastes, e.g., in polymer film production. Thermal performance was only slightly affected by compatibilization. It caused a slight reduction in polyethylene melting temperatures (up to 2.8 °C) and crystallinity degree (up to 16%). For more contaminated materials, the addition of compatibilizers caused a minor reduction in the decomposition onset (up to 6 °C). At the same time, for the waste after three washing cycles, thermal stability was improved. Moreover, depending on the desired properties and application, materials do not have to go through the whole recycling line, simplifying the process, reducing energy and water consumption. The presented results indicate that it is possible to efficiently use the materials, which do not have to undergo the whole recycling process. Despite the presence of impurities, they could be applied in the manufacturing of products which do not require exceptional mechanical performance.

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Recyclable amitraz-ethylene vinyl acetate strips used for beehives treatment against Varroa destructor

Journal of Elastomers & Plastics ◽

10.1177/0095244317729554 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 50 (5) ◽

pp. 391-402 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Federico Karp ◽

Julio A Luna ◽

Luciano N Mengatto

Keyword(s):

Mass Spectrometry ◽

Differential Scanning Calorimetry ◽

Vinyl Acetate ◽

Varroa Destructor ◽

Ethylene Vinyl Acetate ◽

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽

Recycling Process ◽

Scanning Calorimetry ◽

The World ◽

Natural Pollination

In this work, a new recyclable ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)-based strip impregnated with amitraz (AMZ) was prepared, characterized, and evaluated for the treatment of Apis mellifera against Varroa destructor. Bees are important for natural pollination, honey, and related goods production. Varroa destructor is currently considered one of the major pests and important efforts around the world are focused on methods for varroasis treatment. The procedure of strips preparation presented in this work consisted of two steps: impregnation and molding of impregnated pellets. Differential scanning calorimetry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses confirmed that AMZ molecule resisted the impregnation and molding conditions. The strips were sufficiently strong to resist destruction by the bees. The final infestation was lower in the hives treated with AMZ/EVA strips than in those treated with commercial strips. In order to check the possibility of recycling, strips were cut into little pieces and were subjected to total AMZ extraction. Finally, the fragments were exposed to re-impregnation and molding. The strips prepared after the recycling process presented the same shape and AMZ load than fresh strips.

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Influence Study of Plasticizer Compatibility on Strength Properties of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate

Materials Science Forum ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/msf.935.79 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 935 ◽

pp. 79-83

Author(s):

A.N. Volotskoy ◽

Yuriy V. Yurkin ◽

V.V. Avdonin

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Vinyl Acetate ◽

Ethylene Vinyl Acetate ◽

Dynamic Mechanical Properties ◽

Strength Properties ◽

Polymer Materials ◽

Strength Characteristics ◽

Actual Problem ◽

Urgent Task ◽

Wide Range

This research is devoted to the actual problem of the development of damping polymer materials which are effective in a wide range of temperatures and having satisfactory strength characteristics. There are many works devoted to the study of dynamic mechanical properties of filled composites, but most do not take into account the influence of plasticizer on the strength properties of the polymer, as they change its characteristics for the worse. In this respect, the study and comparison of the mechanical properties of the polymer base with the introduction of different types and concentrations of plasticizers is an urgent task. According to the received regularities it was possible to define the type, concentration and boundaries of the polarity of the plasticizer, which reduces the strength characteristics of ethylene-vinyl acetate to a lesser degree.

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Fabrication, Characterization, and Properties of Poly (Ethylene-Co-Vinyl Acetate) Composite Thin Films Doped with Piezoelectric Nanofillers

Nanomaterials ◽

10.3390/nano9081182 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 1182 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Giulia Mariotti ◽

Lorenzo Vannozzi

Keyword(s):

Thin Films ◽

Vinyl Acetate ◽

Polymer Concentration ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Ethylene Vinyl Acetate ◽

Mechanical Stimuli ◽

Mechanical Reinforcement ◽

Crystallinity Degree ◽

Tunable Materials ◽

Poly Ethylene

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) is a copolymer comprehending the semi-crystalline polyethylene and amorphous vinyl acetate phases, which potentially allow the fabrication of tunable materials. This paper aims at describing the fabrication and characterization of nanocomposite thin films made of polyethylene vinyl acetate, at different polymer concentration and vinyl acetate content, doped with piezoelectric nanomaterials, namely zinc oxide and barium titanate. These membranes are prepared by solvent casting, achieving a thickness in the order of 100–200 µm. The nanocomposites are characterized in terms of morphological, mechanical, and chemical properties. Analysis of the nanocomposites shows the nanofillers to be homogeneously dispersed in EVA matrix at different vinyl acetate content. Their influence is also noted in the mechanical behavior of thin films, which elastic modulus ranged from about 2 to 25 MPa, while keeping an elongation break from 600% to 1500% and tensile strength from 2 up to 13 MPa. At the same time, doped nanocomposite materials increase their crystallinity degree than the bare ones. The radiopacity provided by the addition of the dopant agents is proven. Finally, the direct piezoelectricity of nanocomposites membranes is demonstrated, showing higher voltage outputs (up to 2.5 V) for stiffer doped matrices. These results show the potentialities provided by the addition of piezoelectric nanomaterials towards mechanical reinforcement of EVA-based matrices while introducing radiopaque properties and responsiveness to mechanical stimuli.

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Influence of glass beads filler and orientation process on piezoelectric properties of polyethylene composites

Journal of Materials Science Materials in Electronics ◽

10.1007/s10854-019-02473-9 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 30 (24) ◽

pp. 21032-21047 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Halina Kaczmarek ◽

Marta Chylińska ◽

Bogusław Królikowski ◽

Ewa Klimiec ◽

Dagmara Bajer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Piezoelectric Properties ◽

Tensile Tests ◽

Extrusion Process ◽

Glass Beads ◽

Mechanical Resistance ◽

Scanning Calorimetry ◽

Crystallinity Degree ◽

X Ray ◽

Polyethylene Composite ◽

Polyethylene Composites

AbstractThe effect of silica filler (in the form of glass beads) on polyethylene composite properties has been studied. Conditions for obtaining polyethylene-based composites in the extrusion process were developed. Two types of such composites were prepared: non-oriented and oriented in the uniaxial stretching process in a ratio of 3:1. The morphology, microstructure (including crystallinity degree), mechanical resistance, and thermal stability of the obtained composites containing 2.5–10% of the filler were analyzed by the scanning electron microscopy connected with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry methods, and tensile tests. In order to induce piezoelectric effect, the samples were charged with a direct current of 100 V/μm at 85 °C. The piezoelectric properties of the polyethylene composites were determined by the measurement of charge and voltage of current generated during action of stress up to 120 kPa. Piezoelectric coefficients, d33 and g33, versus applied stress were determined and the stability of electrets stored during 2–5 months was tested too. The best piezoelectric properties were found for medium-density polyethylene composite containing 5% of glass beads.

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Sustainable composite materials based on ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer and organo-modified silica

Green Processing and Synthesis ◽

10.1515/gps-2016-0044 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 5 (6) ◽

Author(s):

Do Quang Tham ◽

Nguyen Thi Thu Trang ◽

Nguyen Thuy Chinh ◽

Nguyen Vu Giang ◽

Tran Dai Lam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ethylene Vinyl Acetate ◽

Test Results ◽

Torque Measurement ◽

Scanning Calorimetry ◽

Melt Mixing ◽

Crystallinity Degree ◽

Mixing Method ◽

Sustainable Materials ◽

Weather Resistance ◽

Acetate Copolymer

AbstractSilica nanoparticles (SNPs) were modified by different amounts of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). Nanocomposites based on ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and modified SNP (m-SNP) were prepared by the melt mixing method. They were characterized by Haake torque measurement, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), horizontal burning test, scanning electron microscopy. Accelerated weather testing of the nanocomposites was performed according to ASTM D4329 (cycle A) for 168 h. The Haake torque indicates that the relative melt viscosity of EVA/m-SNPs is slightly higher than that of EVA/SNP nanocomposites. The DSC and burning test results show that m-SNPs decrease crystallinity degree and flammability of EVA. After accelerated weather testing, the relative amount of C=O groups in EVA/m-SNP nanocomposites is lower than that in EVA/SNP nanocomposites. Micro crack of EVA/m-SNP nanocomposite is smaller than that of EVA/SNP nanocomposite. In our study, the EVA/m-SNP nanocomposites with good tensile properties, flame and weather resistance can be used as sustainable materials in some technique fields.

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Tough Materials Through Ionic Interactions

Frontiers in Chemistry ◽

10.3389/fchem.2021.721656 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Linda Salminen ◽

Erno Karjalainen ◽

Vladimir Aseyev ◽

Heikki Tenhu

Keyword(s):

Thermal Properties ◽

Ion Pairs ◽

Tensile Tests ◽

Mechanical Analysis ◽

Polymer Materials ◽

Mechanical And Thermal Properties ◽

Scanning Calorimetry ◽

Shape Stability ◽

Chemical Crosslinks ◽

Unique Approach

This article introduces butyl acrylate-based materials that are toughened with dynamic crosslinkers. These dynamic crosslinkers are salts where both the anion and cation polymerize. The ion pairs between the polymerized anions and cations form dynamic crosslinks that break and reform under deformation. Chemical crosslinker was used to bring shape stability. The extent of dynamic and chemical crosslinking was related to the mechanical and thermal properties of the materials. Furthermore, the dependence of the material properties on different dynamic crosslinkers—tributyl-(4-vinylbenzyl)ammonium sulfopropyl acrylate (C4ASA) and trihexyl-(4-vinylbenzyl)ammonium sulfopropyl acrylate (C6ASA)—was studied. The materials’ mechanical and thermal properties were characterized by means of tensile tests, dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The dynamic crosslinks strengthened the materials considerably. Chemical crosslinks decreased the elasticity of the materials but did not significantly affect their strength. Comparison of the two ionic crosslinkers revealed that changing the crosslinker from C4ASA to C6ASA results in more elastic, but slightly weaker materials. In conclusion, dynamic crosslinks provide substantial enhancement of mechanical properties of the materials. This is a unique approach that is utilizable for a wide variety of polymer materials.

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Mechanical and thermal properties of polybutylene terephthalate/ethylene-vinyl acetate blends using vane extruder

e-Polymers ◽

10.1515/epoly-2017-0073 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 67-73 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Cong Meng ◽

Jin-ping Qu

Keyword(s):

Impact Strength ◽

Vinyl Acetate ◽

Loss Modulus ◽

Weight Fraction ◽

Ethylene Vinyl Acetate ◽

Mechanical Analysis ◽

Mechanical And Thermal Properties ◽

Polybutylene Terephthalate ◽

Scanning Calorimetry ◽

The Impact

AbstractThe poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT)/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) blends with different contents of EVA were prepared by an vane extruder. From the observation of morphologies, impact strength and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), the EVA particles were well dispersed in the PBT matrix and improved the impact strength of PBT. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements demonstrate that there is little diversification in the crystal structure and type. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals that as the weight fraction of EVA increases, the thermal stability of composite is enhanced. The rheological analyses indicate that the PBT/EVA blends follow a non-Newtonian behavior and viscosities of the blends are drastically lower than that of pure PBT at higher frequencies. The storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) of the blends monotonously increase as the frequency rises. This work provides a novel method to develop blends with excellent performance.

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POM/EVA Blends with Future Utility in Fused Deposition Modeling

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma13132912 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (13) ◽

pp. 2912 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mateusz Galeja ◽

Klaudiusz Wypiór ◽

Jan Wachowicz ◽

Przemysław Kędzierski ◽

Aleksander Hejna ◽

...

Keyword(s):

3D Printing ◽

Fused Deposition Modeling ◽

Headspace Analysis ◽

Melt Flow Index ◽

Ethylene Vinyl Acetate ◽

Tensile Tests ◽

Index Structure ◽

Flow Index ◽

Scanning Calorimetry ◽

Fused Deposition

Polyoxymethylene (POM) is one of the most popular thermoplastic polymers used in the industry. Therefore, the interest in its potential applications in rapid prototyping is understandable. Nevertheless, its low dimensional stability causes the warping of 3D prints, limiting its applications. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of POM modification with ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 wt.%) on its processing (by melt flow index), structure (by X-ray microcomputed tomography), and properties (by static tensile tests, surface resistance, contact angle measurements, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis), as well as very rarely analyzed emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (by headspace analysis). Performed modifications decreased stiffness and strength of the material, simultaneously enhancing its ductility, which simultaneously increased the toughness even by more than 50% for 7.5 wt.% EVA loading. Such an effect was related to an improved linear flow rate resulting in a lack of defects inside the samples. The decrease of the melting temperature and the slight increase of thermal stability after the addition of EVA broadened the processing window for 3D printing. The 3D printing trials on two different printers showed that the addition of EVA copolymer increased the possibility of a successful print without defects, giving space for further development.

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