Mechanical Properties of Some Epoxy-PMMA Blends

The thermoset polymers and the thermoplastic polymers matrix composites require different forming techniques due to the different properties of two classes of polymers. While the forming technique for thermoset polymer matrix composites does not require the use of special equipment, the thermoplastic polymer matrix composites imposes the rigorous control of temperature and pressure values. Each type of polymer transfers to the composite a set of properties that may be required for a certain application. It is difficult to design a composite with commonly brittle thermoset polymer matrix showing properties of a viscoelastic thermoplastic polymer matrix composite. One solution may consist in mixing a thermoset and a thermoplastic polymer getting a polymer blend that can be used as matrix to form a composite. This study is about using PMMA solutions to obtain thermoset-thermoplastic blends and to mechanically characterize the obtained materials. Three well known organic solvents were used to obtain the PMMA solutions, based on a previous study concerning with the effect of solvents presence into the epoxy structure.

Development of Forming Method of Deployable Boom from Thermoplastic Polymer Composite

This paper studies deployable elements which are used in satellites and different terrestrial antenna devices. Many deployable elements are made from steel or thermoset polymer composite materials and have the following disadvantages like length limitation of deployable elements, labour intensity of manufacturing process of deployable elements etc. For this purpose a deployable tube boom element was chosen and a forming method for manufacturing deployable tube element from thermoplastic polymer composite material was developed.

The Challenges and Future Perspective of Woven Kenaf Reinforcement in Thermoset Polymer Composites in Malaysia: A Review

In this review, the challenges faced by woven kenaf thermoset polymer composites in Malaysia were addressed with respect to three major aspects: woven kenaf reinforcement quality, Malaysian citizen awareness of woven kenaf thermoset composite products, and government supports. Kenaf plantations were introduced in Malaysia in the last two decades, but have generally not produced much kenaf composite product that has been widely accepted by the public. However, woven kenaf fiber enhances the thermoset composites to a similar degree or better than other natural fibers, especially with respect to impact resistance. Woven kenaf composites have been applied in automotive structural studies in Malaysia, yet they are still far from commercialization. Hence, this review discusses the kenaf fiber woven in Malaysia, thermoset and bio-based thermoset polymers, thermoset composite processing methods and, most importantly, the challenges faced in Malaysia. This review sets guidelines, provides an overview, and shares knowledge as to the potential challenges currently faced by woven kenaf reinforcements in thermoset polymer composites, allowing researchers to shift their interests and plans for conducting future studies on woven kenaf thermoset polymer composites.

Thermoset Polymer Splicing Study Using a variation of welding

There is not much plastic welding currently done and not much research has been done on plastic welding. The purpose of this study was to study the use of welding variations used to join the thermoset polymer material. The thermoset polymer materials used are acrylic, melamine and bakelit with the test sample measuring 80mm in length, 30mm in width and 3mm in thickness. Variations in welding are used using hot gas welding, electric soldering and gas torches. The test method is carried out after welding to determine the porosity of the weld using a penetrant liquid. Hardness testing was also carried out. The best welding results are shown on acrylic material using electric solder, showing that the amount of porosity is the least, and has the highest hardness test.