Biopolymer Degradation Analysis: Accelerated Life Testing Study to Characterize Polylactic Acid Durability

While the degradation of Polylactic Acid (PLA) has been studied for several years, results regarding the mechanism for determining degradation are not completely understood. Through accelerated degradation testing, data can be extrapolated and modeled to test parameters such as temperature, voltage, time, and humidity. Accelerated lifetime testing is used as an alternative to experimentation under normal conditions. The methodology to create this model consisted of fabricating series of ASTM specimens using extrusion and injection molding. These specimens were tested through accelerated degradation; tensile and flexural testing were conducted at different points of time. Nonparametric inference tests for multivariate data are presented. The results indicate that the effect of the independent variable or treatment effect (time) is highly significant. This research intends to provide a better understanding of biopolymer degradation. The findings indicated that the proposed statistical models can be used as a tool for characterization of the material regarding the durability of the biopolymer as an engineering material. Having multiple models, one for each individual accelerating variable, allow deciding which parameter is critical in the characterization of the material.

Flexural Properties of Bioactive Restoratives in Cariogenic Environments

Clinical Relevance The strength of some bioactive materials can be compromised by cariogenic challenges. This may impact the clinical longevity of restorations, especially in stress-bearing areas. SUMMARY This study determined the mechanical performance of bioactive restoratives in cariogenic environments and compared the flexural properties of various bioactive materials. The materials evaluated included a conventional resin-based composite (Filtek Z350 [FZ]) and 3 bioactive restoratives, namely an alkasite (Cention N [CN]), a giomer (Beautifil-bulk Restorative [BB]), and an enhanced resin-modified glass ionomer (Activa Bioactive Restorative [AV]). Beam-shaped specimens (12 x 2 x 2 mm) were produced, randomly allocated to 4 groups (n=10), and conditioned in deionized solution, remineralizing solution, demineralizing solution (DE), or pH cycled for 14 days at 37°C. After conditioning/pH cycling, the specimens were subjected to 3-point flexural testing. Flexural data were subjected to statistical analysis using analysis of variance or Tukey’s test (α=0.05). Mean flexural modulus and strength ranged from 3.54 ± 0.33 to 7.44 ± 0.28 GPa, and 87.07 ± 8.99 to 123.54 ± 12.37 MPa, respectively. While the flexural modulus of the bioactive restoratives was not affected by cariogenic/acidic conditions, flexural strength usually decreased, with the exception of CN. The strength of BB was significantly reduced by DE and pH cycling, while that of AV was lowered by DE. For all conditioning mediums, AV had a significantly lower modulus than the other materials. Apart from conditioning in DE, where differences in flexural strength was insignificant, FZ and AV were generally significantly stronger than BB and CN. The effect of cariogenic environments on flexural strength was found to be material dependent, and aside from the alkasite material (CN), cariogenic conditions were observed to significantly decrease the strength of bioactive restoratives.

Mechanical, Absorption and Swelling Properties of Vinyl Ester Based Natural Fibre Hybrid Composites

Natural fibres such as Banana (B), Jute (J) and Kenaf (K) were hybridized in different stacking sequences in vinyl ester. The composites with hybridized fibres were tested to evaluate their tensile, flexural and impact properties. Further, they were also tested for their water absorption and thickness swelling behavior. The hybridization of the fibre mats had an encouraging outcome on the mechanical behavior. The JKBKBJ hybrid composite possessed the maximum tensile strength (34.12 MPa) while maximum stiffness of 1.667 GPa was observed for the KBJJBK hybrid composites. The observations from the flexural testing indicated that the hybrid composites resisted the flexural load for higher displacement. All the hybrid configurations presented better impact strength over the composites reinforced with kenaf and jute fibres. Among the hybrid composites investigated, the KJBBJK hybrid composite displayed highest impact strength (12.32 kJ/m2). The improved strength, stiffness and lower moisture absorption properties make the composites with hybridized fibres a potential candidate for the light weight structural applications.

Effect of Dietary Challenges on the Flexural Properties of Resin-based Composites

This study aims to compare flexural strength and flexural modulus of different resin-based composites (RBCs) and to determine the impact of dietary solvents on flexural properties. Forty specimens (12x2x2mm) for each of two conventional (Aura Easy [AE]; Harmonize [HN]) and one bulk fill (Sonic Fill 2 [SF2]) were fabricated using customised plastic moulds. Specimens were light-cured, measured and randomly divided into four groups. The groups (n=10) were conditioned for 7 days at 37°C: in one of media: air (control), artificial saliva (SAGF), 0.02N citric acid and 50% ethanol–water solution. After conditioning, the specimens subjected to flexural testing. Two-way ANOVA and one-way ANOVA (post hoc: Tukey’s or Dunnett T3 tests) were used at a=0.05. Significant differences in flexural properties were observed between materials and conditioning media. Flexural strength and modulus values ranged from 124.85MPa to 51.25MPa; and 6.76GPa to 4.03GPa, respectively. The highest flexural properties were obtained with conditioning in air. Exposure to aqueous solutions generally reduced flexural properties. In conclusion, the effect of dietary solvents on flexural properties were material and medium dependent. For functional longevity of restorations, patients’ alcohol intake should be considered during material selection. Dietary advice (reduce alcohol consumption) should be given to patients post operatively.

The Performance of Filava-Polysiloxane, Silres® H62C Composite in High Temperature Application

The research aim is to investigate the performance of novel enriched mineral fibres (Filava) in polysiloxane SLIRES H62 resin. Specimens were manufactured using a vacuum bagging process and oven cured at 250 °C. Specimens were prepared for flexural testing according to BS EN ISO 14125:1998 to obtain flexural strength, modulus, and elongation. The mechanical strength was compared to similar composites, with the aim of determining composite performance index. The flexural modulus (9.7 GPa), flexural strength (83 MPa), and flexural strain (2.9%) were obtained from a three-point bending test. In addition, the study investigates the thermal properties of the composite using a state-of-art Zwick Roell high temperature tensile rig. The results showed Filava/Polysiloxane Composites had an ultimate tensile strength 400 MPa, Young’s modulus 16 GPa and strain 2.5% at 1000 °C, and no smoke and ash were observed during pyrolysis. Ongoing research is currently taking place to use Filava-H62 in fire-retardant enclosure for lithium-ferro-phosphate Batteries used in electric trucks.

Mechanical behaviour of 3D printed Lightweight Nano-composites

Background: The nanoclay (NC) and glass micro balloons (GMB) based reinforced polymer composites are explored extensively through traditional processing methods. NC shows substantial enhancement in mechanical properties. Polymer composites developed by reinforcing GMB fillers provide a substantial reduction in weight, which is essential in the marine, aerospace, and automotive field. In this study, an attempt is made by developing polymer nano composites by reinforcing NC and GMB particles. Objective: The paper deals with 3 dimensional printing (3DP) of lightweight nanocomposite foam (NF) developed by mixing nanoclay (NC) and glass micro balloons (GMB) in high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The NF blend is prepared by keeping NC at 5 weight %. Subsequently, GMBs are added by volume (20 - 60 %) to NC/HDPE blend to realize lightweight NFs. Methods: The lightweight feedstock filaments are developed by extruding the blends using a single screw extruder. The extruded NF filaments are used as an input in a 3D printer to print NFs. The density of extruded filaments and prints are measured. The printed NFs are subjected to tensile and flexural testing. Conclusion: With an increase in GMB loading the density of both filaments and prints decreases. Compared to neat HDPE, printed NFs show ~30 % weight reducing potential. The tensile, flexural modulus and strength increases with GMB loading. NFs exhibited superior mechanical performance as compared to HDPE and NC/HDPE. Further, the property map reveals that the 3D printed NFs show superior tensile, flexural modulus, and strength in comparison with injection and compression-molded foams.

Effect of Steel Fiber Reinforced in FRP Confined Concrete by Using Numerical Analysis

The models are predicting and analyzing on compressive and flexural testing by considering fiber reinforcement embedded in confinement concrete. In this work, steel 4340 fiber with high aspect ratio was developed in unique random spline shape and randomly disperse in confinement concrete. Fibers designed in 15.5mm of average length and amount were varied in range of 50 to 200 and 250 to 1000 for compressive and flexural testing, respectively. Both varied orientation and random dispersion of fiber were developed using MATLAB before embedded and analyzed in Ansys Workbench. The finite element model was validated in initial results on plain concrete prior study in influence of confining and fibers to structure. The model proposed showed that confining reinforcement increasing ductility and large deflections in structure testing. In addition, fibers as reinforcement slightly increases in strength for both compressive and flexural in certain number. These method reinforcement was help warning of failure prior to complete failure that use in construction material.