Effect of screw configuration on the dispersion of nanofillers in thermoset polymers

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>This paper deals with the study of screw configuration for dispersing nanofillers in thermoset polymers using an intermesh co-rotating twin screw extruder. The influence of kneading elements on the dispersion of nanoclay in epoxy was examined using 10 different screw configurations. Nanoclay was dispersed in epoxy at a barrel temperature of 5°C and a screw speed of 100 rpm. The combination of right hand kneading block and three/four lobed kneading blocks resulted in uniform dispersion of nanofiller. Positive staggered angle with right hand kneading elements yielded uniform dispersion of the nanofiller. Mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites processed with these configurations were better than those of neat epoxy. Excessive shear was associated with four lobed kneading block (4KB)/4KB configuration and hence degradation of polymers leading to shorter chains, whereas inadequate shearing in neutral kneading block (NKB)/NKB configuration led to agglomerations. These observations were evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).</jats:p>

Thermomorphological analysis of Al2O3/HDPE nanocomposites: One approach in function of the processing and vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) content

“…There are many different types of elements for screws, with different parameters as root, crest, flank, angle flank, and pitch (see more in Ref. ) and the screw is common designed considering the type of polymer. This screw configuration was designed and keeping for direct blending and masterbatch process of HDPE.…”

Effect of coactive influence of LDHs and PNCC on thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy resin

“…Similarly, Kumar et al [17] manufactured the epoxy/Al 2 O 3 nanocomposites by the solution process and practically reported that the filling of nanoparticles altered the arrangement of nanocomposites. Shafi et al [18, 19] evaluated the consequence of nanoclay addition on fatigue properties of carbon fibre-reinforced epoxy composites, found improved mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites than that of neat epoxy resin and also observed inadequate shearing fallouts into agglomerations. Rice et al [20] did not observe any significant improvements in the mechanical properties of carbon fibre-reinforced laminates of epoxy.…”