Formulation of a Photosensitized Polyethylene Film; Its Structure and Property Variation Under the Weathering Conditions of Tehran

To develop an environmentally degradable polymer material, a masterbatch pro-oxidant system was blended into low-density polyethylene. The polymer film samples were prepared by compression molding. The prepared films were placed under the natural environment of Tehran for weathering studies and accelerated conditions were also performed for UV aging in UV chamber. At different time intervals, the changes in chemical structure of photosensitized polyethylene samples were studied by FTIR and compared to that of the control polyethylene films. Also the mechanical properties of photosensitized polyethylene films were determined in comparison with the control films by measuring the tensile strength and elongation at break after exposure to the natural environment and UV radiation. Results showed that the overall rate of degradation process is clearly dependent on the polyethylene composition, test conditions (natural or accelerated), season of the year, and the duration of the weathering of the samples.     

Compatibilization Improves Performance of Biodegradable Biopolymer Composites Without Affecting UV Weathering Characteristics

With growing interest in the use of eco-friendly composite materials, biodegradable polymers and composites from renewable resources are gaining popularity for use in commercial applications. However, the long-term performance of these composites and the effect of compatibilization on their weathering characteristics are unknown. In this study, five types of biodegradable biopolymer/wood fiber (WF) composites were compatibilized with maleic anhydride (MA), and the effect of accelerated UV weathering on their performance was evaluated against composites without MA and neat biopolymers. The composite samples were prepared with 30 wt% wood fiber and one of the five biodegradable biobased polymer: poly(lactic) acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), Bioflex (PLA blend), or Solanyl (starch based). Neat and composite samples were UV weathered for 2000 h (hours), and characterized for morphological, physical, thermal, and mechanical properties before and after weathering. Compared to composites without MA, composites containing MA grafted polymers exhibited improved properties due to increased interfacial adhesion between the fiber and matrix. Upon accelerated weathering, thermal and mechanical properties of 70% of the samples substantially decreased. Surfaces of all the samples were roughened, and drastic color changes were observed. Water absorption of all the samples increased after weathering exposure. Even though the compatibilization is shown to improve composite properties before weathering, it did not affect weathering of samples, as there were no considerable differences in properties exhibited by the composites with MA and without MA after weathering. The results suggest that compatibilization improves properties of biodegradable biobased composites without affecting its UV degradation properties.     

Effect of Accelerated Weathering on Biocomposites Processed by SMC and Compression Molding

The durability of biocomposites utilized for building components has been a subject of recent concern and questioning. To address these concerns, the long-term effects of weathering on biocomposites used as building components were evaluated using an accelerated weatherometer. The biocomposite samples were processed by sheet molding compounding (SMC) panel processing and/or compression molding. The accelerated weatherometer served to expose the samples to ultraviolet radiation (UV), condensation, and water spray at levels pertinent to actual conditions: 48 cycles of UV (340 nm) treatment at 60 °C for 2.5 h was followed by water spray for 0.5 h, and then condensation at 45 °C for 24 h. Twelve cycles were repeated in each test, and the total duration for the complete test was 2016 h. Measurements for color, surface roughness test weight change, and dynamical mechanical analysis were taken at regular intervals of time. It was found that the surface roughness increased, as the color changed, and storage modulus decreased with increases in the exposure time of the samples to accelerated weathering conditions, compared to their properties at the beginning of the test.     

Effect of Reprocessing and Accelerated Weathering on ABS Properties

The feasibility of reprocessing has been investigated as a possible alternative for acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene terpolymer (ABS) recycling. Up to 10 reprocessing cycles have been performed by both extrusion and injection techniques and their effect on thermal and mechanical properties have been studied. Moreover, the effect of the combined reprocessing and accelerated weathering has been analyzed. Measurements collected after each molding cycle indicated virtually complete retention of thermal properties. The same behaviour has been observed from accelerated weathering tests. With respect to the mechanical properties, neither the flow index nor the tensile strength were affected by the number of reprocessing cycles though the impact strength decreased slightly. However, the studies based on the accelerated weathering show that there is an important influence of the number of reprocessing cycles on the tensile strength.     

Durability of PCL Nanocomposites Under Different Environments

The stability of PCL/TiO₂ nanocomposites under different environments was investigated. Samples were exposed to UV radiation in an accelerated weathering chamber equipment and characterized by viscosimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. The results showed that the presence of nanoparticles containing titanium enhanced polymer chain scission during UV exposure. For all samples, the melting temperature and crystallinity increased along photodegradation time. The biodegradability, assessed by biochemical oxygen demand, increased as the amount of inorganic particles increased. However, the thermal stability and activation energy evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis decreased as the amount of inorganic nanoparticles increased, indicating that nanocomposites exhibited lower thermal stability.     

Effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Moringa oleifera</Emphasis> Pod Husk Fibers on the Properties of Gelatin-Based Biocomposite

The objective of this work is to study the feasibility of reinforcing polymer composites by utilizing the biofibers from the agricultural residue of Moringa oleifera pod husks (MOPH). The chemical and physical properties of the fibers were comprehensively investigated to evaluate their potential as a filler in gelatin-based films. The effect of MOPH fiber concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 15 wt% on the water vapor permeability (WVP), and mechanical and thermal properties of the gelatin-based films was studied. By incorporation of 10 wt% of the MOPH fibers in gelatin, the highest tensile strength and Young’s modulus, and the lowest WVP properties were obtained. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photographs indicated good interfacial adhesion between the fibers and the gelatin matrix. TGA of the biocomposites revealed an improvement of thermal stability. Moreover, under accelerated weathering, the gelatin-MOPH-10% biocomposite degraded more slowly than the gelatin control. These results indicate that the MOPH fibers are a good reinforcing filler and may be useful for biocomposite applications.     

Improvement of Physico-Mechanical Properties of Photo-Cured Chitosan Films with Ethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate and (2-Hydroxyethyl) Methacrylate

Chitosan, a natural polymer, was prepared by deacetylation of chitin which was obtained from dried prawn shell and was characterized. Thin chitosan film of chitosan was prepared by casting method from 0.2 % chitosan in 2 % acetic acid solution. Five formulations were developed with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and (2-hydroxyethyl) methacrylate along with photo-initiator, Darocur-1664 (4 %). The chitosan film was soaked in the formulations at different soaking times and irradiated under UV-radiation at different intensities for the improvement of its physical and mechanical properties. The cured chitosan films were then subjected to various mechano-chemical tests like tensile strength, elongation at break, polymer loading, water absorption and gel content. The formulation containing 30 % ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and 66 % (2-hydroxyethyl) methacrylate showed the best performance at the 30th UV pass of UV-radiation for 3 min soaking time.     

Natural Weathering of Kenaf Bast Fibre-Filled Poly(Butylene Succinate) Composites: Effect of Fibre Loading and Compatibiliser Addition

Natural weathering was performed on poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and its kenaf bast fibre (KBF) filled composites by exposing the specimens to a tropical climate for a period of 6 months (max–min temperature: 31.5–23.9 °C; relative humidity: 78.9%). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of KBF loading and the addition of maleated PBS compatibiliser (PBSgMA) on the performance of the composites under natural weathering. As expected, the flexural properties of both the uncompatibilised and compatibilised composites dropped with increasing exposure time. The weathered specimens were also assessed by colour change analysis, FTIR spectroscopy analysis and SEM examination. The total colour change, ΔE _ab , of both the uncompatibilised and compatibilised composites increased with weathering time. FTIR spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of oxidation products such as hydroxyl, carbonyl and vinyl species in the weathered uncompatibilised and compatibilised composites. SEM examination revealed the presence of surface defects such as cracking, tiny holes and degraded fibre, which explain the poor performance of the composites upon weathering.     

Natural Weathering of Polypropylene and Waste Tire Dust (PP/WTD) Blends

Three series of polypropylene and waste tire dust (PP/WTD) blends using three different WTD sizes were prepared, compression-molded and cut into dumbbells. The specimens were exposed to natural weathering in the northern part of Malaysia for a period of 6 months. The results show that at the same blend composition, blends with fine WTD size exhibit higher mechanical properties than that of blends with coarse WTD after exposure to natural weathering. Regardless of WTD size, the retention of tensile strength and elongation at break, E_b increases with the increase in WTD content. From the exposed surface morphology, it is apparent that the blends with fine WTD and WTD-rich blends were able to withstand weathering better than blends with coarse WTD and PP-rich blends. The DSC thermograms suggest that the overall drop in melting temperature (T_m) of the exposed blends decreases as the WTD content increases.     

Physical Morphology and Quantitative Characterization of Chemical Changes of Weathered PVC/Pine Composites

This study investigated weathering effects on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) based wood plastic composites (WPC), with a focus on the color and structure that is attributed to the material composition. It is directed towards quantifying the main chemical modifications, such as carbonyl and vinyl groups which are formed during weathering. These composites were subjected to three weathering regimes: exterior, accelerated xenon-arc, and accelerated UVA. The change in color was monitored using colorimetry. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to identify and quantify the chemical modifications (carbonyl formation and vinyl propagation) due to weathering. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy was employed to observe the physical morphological changes that occurred. The results showed that exterior and accelerated xenon-arc and UVA weathering regimes increased the degree of lightness, total color change, carbonyl concentration, and wood loss on the surfaces of the weathered composites. The increased carbonyl concentration during weathering implied that degradation had occurred by oxidation process. Also, oxidation and lignin (from the wood) degradation influenced the color (lightness) of PVC based WPC upon weathering.     

Effect of Nano-SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> and Bark Flour Content on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Wood–Plastic Composites

The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of nano-SiO₂ and bark flour (BF) on the natural fiber–plastic composites engineering properties made from high density polyethylene (HDPE) and beech wood flour (WF). For this purpose, WF and BF in 60 mesh size and weight ratio of (50, 0 %), (30, 20 %), (10, 40 %) and (0, 50 %) respectively were mixed with HDPE. In order to increase the interfacial adhesion between the filler and the matrix, the maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene was constantly used at 3 wt% for all formulations as a coupling agent. The nano-SiO₂ particles with weight ratio of 0, 1, 2, and 4 % were also utilized to enhance the composites properties. The materials were mixed in an internal mixer (HAAKE) and then the bark and/or wood–plastic composite samples were made utilizing an injection molding machine. The physical tests including water absorption and thickness swelling, and mechanical tests including bending characteristics and un-notched impact strength were carried out on the samples based on ASTM standard. The results indicated that as the BF content increased in the composite, mechanical and physical properties were reduced, but the given properties were increased with the addition of nano-SiO₂. The addition of nano-SiO₂ had a negative impact on the physical properties, but when it was up to 2 %, it increased the impact strength.     

Mechanical Properties of Poly (Lactic Acid)/Hemp Fiber Composites Prepared with a Novel Method

This research dealt with a novel method of fabricating green composites with biodegradable poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and natural hemp fiber. The new preparation method was that hemp fibers were firstly blending-spun with a small amount of PLA fibers to form compound fiber pellets, and then the traditional twin-screw extruding and injection-molding method were applied for preparing the composites containing 10–40 wt% hemp fibers with PLA pellets and compound fiber pellets. This method was very effective to control the feeding and dispersing of fibers uniformly in the matrix thus much powerful for improving the mechanical properties. The tensile strength and modulus were improved by 39 and 92 %, respectively without a significant decrease in elongation at break, and the corresponding flexural strength and modulus of composites were also improved by 62 and 90 %, respectively, when the hemp fiber content was 40 wt%. The impact strength of composite with 20 wt% hemp fiber was improved nearly 68 % compared with the neat PLA. The application of the silane coupling agent promoted further the mechanical properties of composites attributed to the improvement of interaction between fiber and resin matrix.     

Wood Modification Effects on Weathering of HDPE-Based Wood Plastic Composites

The effects of weathering on the constituents of wood and polymer matrix behavior in wood plastic composites (WPCs) were investigated. WPCs were produced from pine, extractives-free pine, and pine holocellulose fibers (60%) together with HDPE (40%). These composites were subjected to xenon-arc accelerated and outside weathering for a total of 1200 h and 120 days, respectively. The color and chemical changes that occurred on the surface of the WPCs were analyzed using a set of analytical techniques. For pine and extractive-free pine filled composites, the results showed that the total color change, lightness, and oxidation increased, while the lignin content decreased. In addition, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) and number average molecular weight (Mn) of extracted HDPE decreased with an increase in exposure time of the composites. However, HDPE crystallinity increased with longer exposure time. Lightness of holocellulose-based WPC changed the least while the change in its HDPE crystallinity was not significant compared to the other composite types. Therefore, holocellulose-based WPC may be preferred for applications where color stability is of high priority.     

LDPE/EPDM Multilayer Films Containing Recycled LDPE for Greenhouse Applications

In this paper the reuse of recycled LDPE in combination with the incorporation of EPDM modifier in the production of greenhouse films has been investigated. A three-layer film (60-100-40 micron thickness) containing recycled LDPE in the middle layer and a high UV-stabilized 40-micron outer layer was developed and proven to be commercially successful. Films with 25% and 50% recycled material content were produced. The effect of natural weathering on the film properties over a period of 15 months has been observed. Changes in physical and mechanical property were determined. The addition of EPDM to the raw resin was found to improve the extrudability of the compound and improve the weather resistivity of the film. The EPDM-modified films containing 25% to 50% recycled material retained approximately 95% and 75%, respectively, of their original extensibility after 9 months' exposure to natural weathering. Optimization of EPDM and UV stabilizer concentration was carried out to develop a balanced film with excellent mechanical and physical properties and resistance to weathering conditions. The use of UV stabilizer concentrations slightly higher than commercial practice in the outer layer of the multilayer film can be justified by the cost reduction by the incorporation of recycled LDPE materials.     

High Toughness and Fast Crystallization Poly(Lactic Acid)/Polyamide 11/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Composites

A poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/polyamide 11 (PA11)/SiO₂ composite was mixed from PLA, PA11, and nanosilica particles through twin-screw extrusion. The PLA/PA11/SiO₂ composite was evaluated with tensile and Izod impact tests, light transmission and haze measurement, and isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization behavior determinations. The PLA/PA11/SiO₂ (97.0/3.0) composite had approximately 10.8% less ultimate tensile strength than neat PLA, but it had greater ductility and approximately ninefold greater elongation at break. A dimple morphology was observed on the fractural surface of the PLA/PA11/SiO₂ composite, indicating that the incorporation of PA11 and nanosilica particles increased the ductility of the PLA matrix. PLA with less than 3 wt% of PA11 and 0.5 phr of nanosilica particles had an Izod impact strength of 8.72 kJ/m². PA11 and nanosilica particles effectively toughened this PLA polymer; they accelerated both isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization rates and increased the crystallinities of the resulting composites under isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization processes.     

Biodegradation and Ecotoxicity of Polyethylene Films Containing Pro-Oxidant Additive

The worldwide accumulation of non-degradable plastic materials, such as plastic bags, is one of the most important environmental concerns nowadays. The use of degradable materials is an option to mitigate the environmental impact generated by the consumption of plastics. One of the technologies used for the manufacture and use of degradable plastics is the use of pro-degradant additives that are incorporated in conventional plastics to promote their degradation under certain conditions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the process of oxidation, biodegradation and potential ecotoxicity of polyethylene films containing an oxo-degradable additive, according to the standard ASTM D-6954. This method establishes a procedure in which the samples are subjected to consecutive steps of accelerated oxidation, biodegradation by composting and ecotoxicity assessment. Furthermore, the effect of the presence of printing ink in the polyethylene samples with oxo-degradable additive was evaluated, and the results were compared with those obtained for samples of conventional polyethylene and polylactic acid. After 180 days of laboratory controlled composting, the samples reached the following percentages of biodegradation: polylactic acid, 41 %; printed oxo-degradable polyethylene, 32.24 %; oxo-degradable polyethylene, 25.84 %; printed polyethylene, 18.23 % and polyethylene, 13.48 %. The cellulose sample used as a control was mineralized in 58.45 %. Ecotoxicity assessment showed that the products of biodegradation of the samples tested, did not generate a negative effect on germination or development of the vegetal species studied. Under proper waste management conditions, these plastics can be used as an option to decrease the environmental impact of plastic films.     

Hybrid cement-assisted dewatering,solidification and stabilization of sewage sludge with high organic content

Sewage sludge with high organic content is particularly difficult to dewater before disposal in landfill. In this study, different hybrid cement binders were investigated to evaluate their ability to dewater the sewage sludge with high organic content. After 7 days of stabilization, the CASC (Mayenite/Sulfoaluminate cement) hybrid binder showed an excellent efficiency on both water content reduction and strength development; the water content and unconfined compressive strength value of solidified sludge reached 52.43 % and 109.55 kPa, respectively, at 8 % binder/sludge mass rate. The horizontal vibration leaching test (HJ 557-2009) indicated that leachability of heavy metals of the CASC-solidified sludge was far lower than that of non-solidified sludge and CAPC-solidified sludge. Furthermore, SEM and XRD analyses suggested that certain hydrates formed in the solidification process might have accelerated the depletion of interstitial water and strength development in the CASC-solidified sludge.     

Physical Properties, Photo- and Bio-degradation of Baked Foams Based on Cassava Starch, Sugarcane Bagasse Fibers and Montmorillonite

The objectives of this work were to develop biodegradable trays from cassava starch, sugarcane fibers and Na-montmorillonite (Na-MMT) using a baking process and to study the effects of these components on the physical properties, photo- and bio-degradation of the trays. The sample F20 (produced with 20 g fiber/100 g formulation) showed the maximum yield production (100 %). All formulations resulted in well-shaped trays with densities between 0.1941 and 0.2966 g/cm³. The addition of fibers and Na-MMT resulted in less dense and less rigid trays compared to control samples (only starch). The studied processing conditions resulted in good nanoclay dispersion, leading to the formation of an exfoliated structure. The evaluation of the photo-degradation stability of the trays under UV exposure for 336 h showed that a sample produced with a specific combination of fiber and nanoclay (20 g fiber and 5 g nanoclay/100 g formulation) had the highest loss in stress at break (91 %). Biodegradation assays showed that Control trays (starch) and F20 (20 g fiber/100 g formulation) lost a greater percentage of their weight after 90 days of incubation in soil, with losses of up to 85.50 and 82.70 %, respectively.     

Performance of Cow Dung Reinforced Biodegradable Poly(Lactic Acid) Biocomposites for Structural Applications

In this work, performance of cow dung (CD) reinforced poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biocomposites was investigated for the potential use in load bearing application. CD of average 4 mm size was blended with PLA at different CD ratios (0–50 wt%) and their effects on the biocomposite properties were studied. The results showed an improvement in the flexural properties, while the tensile and impact strength dropped by 20 and 28% with the addition of 50% CD. The decline in the tensile and impact strength was due to micro-cracking and voids formation at higher CD content. Also, the incorporation of CD slightly decreased the thermal stability of the biocomposite. However, dynamic mechanical properties of the biocomposites generally improved. SEM analysis of tensile and impact fractured surfaces indicated that the CD had a reasonable adhesion with matrix. Moreover, the SEM micrographs of soil burial studies showed an accelerated degradation of higher CD wt% biocomposites.     

Mechanical Properties of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) Filled Engineering Thermoplastic Composites

In this study, engineering thermoplastic composites were prepared from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)-filled nylon 6. MCC were added to nylon 6 using melt mixing to produce compounded pellets. The MCC-filled nylon 6 composites with varying concentrations of MCC (from 2.5 to 30 wt%) were prepared by injection molding. The tensile and flexural properties of the nylon 6 composites were increased significantly with the addition of MCC. The maximum strength and modulus of elasticity for the nylon 6 composites were achieved at a MCC weight fraction of 20 %. The Izod impact strength of composites decreased with the incorporation of MCC without any surface treatments and coupling agent. This observation is quite expected for filled polymer systems and has been commonly observed. There was a strong correlation between density and tensile (r = 0.94) and flexural modulus of elasticity (r = 0.9). MCC filled composites manufactured by injection method had highly uniform density distribution through their thickness. The higher mechanical results with lower density demonstrate that MCC can be used as a sufficient reinforcing material for low cost, eco-friendly composites in the automotive industry especially for under-the-hood applications (engine covers, intake manifolds and radiator end tanks) as well as in other applications such as the building and construction industries, packaging, consumer products etc.