Effect of surface activation of alumina particles on the performances of thermosetting-based composite materials

Abstract

Two types of alumina particles, commercial (c-Al2O3) and iron doped (Fe-Al2O3), were functionalized with 3-(aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (one-step) and two-step consecutive process, i.e. firstly using 3-(aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane followed by methyl ester of linseed oil (biodiesel) to produce Al2O3ATPMS-BD reinforcement, respectively. The effect of modifier type and variable amount of alumina particles on the dynamical and mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester resin–based composites was studied. The highest improvement of the tensile strength and micro Vickers hardness, 78.1 and 163%, respectively, was obtained at 1.0 wt% of Fe-Al2O3APTMS-BD addition. The obtained multifunctional composites can be potentially applied in construction and mining industries.

Reuse potential of functionalized thermoplastic waste as reinforcement for thermoset polymers: Mechanical properties and erosion resistance

“…Such a decrease suggests that particles aggregates have been formed, which leads to a concentration of stress points under the influence of external force causing deterioration of mechanical properties. 6,20 In addition, the improvement of flexural strength is more pronounced than increase in tensile properties, where the highest values are 96.0% and 62.2% for UPR/ACR-39(c) in comparison to neat UPR resin, respectively. The activation of CR-39 particles with ethanol amine introduces additional sites for hydrogen bonds formation with UPR matrix (-NH 2 groups) giving the highest values of the mechanical properties (UPR/ACR-39(c)-Table 2).…”

“…[2][3][4][5] Moreover, the utilization of end-of-life polymers in such a way respects the principles of circular economy, preventing the natural resources scarcity and closing the waste material loop. 1,6 It is well known that poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is one of the most frequently used commercial polymers due to its good mechanical properties, low cost, chemical resistance, transparency and recyclability. 3,7 These properties candidate PET for the manufacturing of a broad assortment of products where, the most of them, have a short exploitation time which implies the generation of a significant amount of PET waste.…”

“…2,3 Still, these resins demonstrate poor mechanical and thermal properties which can be improved by the incorporation of various types of reinforcements into them. 2,3,6,[8][9][10] The novel approaches in improving the mechanical properties of polymer matrices include the utilization of waste polymeric materials as fillers within. It has been documented by myriad publications as follows: the replacement of sand with high density polyethylene (HDPE) and waste PET in lightweight mortars, 11,12 strengthening the polypropylene (PP) or bio-based unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) matrix with waste PET fibers 13,14 or the use of waste tires in rubber-PET-HDPE blends.…”

“…19 In general, the tensile and flexural strength of the resulting composites are markedly improved by incorporation of reinforcements into the polymer matrix to a certain content when particle clustering occurs, and as a consequence these properties deteriorate. 6,20 Therefore, the addition of reinforcement can significantly improve the cavitation erosion resistance of the polymer matrix. Cavitation is a phenomenon which disrupts the structural integrity of a particular material by its contact with a liquid containing air bubbles.…”

Using potential of filament-wound carbon/glass polymeric composites as rocket motor thermal insulation

“…16 These fillers exhibit a synergistic effect with the fibers in terms of improving thermal characteristics as demonstrated in the following literature. 14 Hence, alumina tri-hydrate as low-cost, thermally stable upon 800°C with a total weight loss of 7.4% 32 can be effectively used to increase the heat resistance of fiber-reinforced polymer composites. 29 The effect of alumina tri-hydrate on fire resistance of polymers can be summarized by the following effects: cooling down the polymer burning surface (heat sink material); releasing water vapor during the thermal decomposition causing the dilution of the combustible gases; forming insulating protective barrier of aluminum (III) oxide; and reducing smoke emission.…”