Mechanical Properties of the Carbon Nanotube Modified Epoxy-Carbon Fiber Unidirectional Prepreg Laminates.

The effect of plasma treatment of the multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) surface on the fracture toughness of an aerospace grade epoxy resin and its unidirectional (UD) carbon fiber prepreg laminates has attracted scientific interest. A prepreg route eliminates the possible risk of carbon nanotube filtration by unidirectional carbon fibers. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results suggested that oxygen atom concentration at the nanotube surface was increased from 0.

Low-Density Polybutylene Terephthalate Foams with Enhanced Compressive Strength via a Reactive-Extrusion Process.

Due to their appealing properties such as high-temperature dimensional stability, chemical resistance, compressive strength and recyclability, new-generation foams based on engineering thermoplastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) have been gaining significant attention. Achieving low-density foams without sacrificing the mechanical properties is of vital importance for applications in the field of transportation and construction, where sufficient compressive strength is desired. In contrast to numerous research studies on PET foams, only a limited number of studies on PBT foams and in particular, on extruded PBT foams are known.

Properties of Styrene-Maleic Anhydride Copolymer Compatibilized Polyamide 66/Poly (Phenylene Ether) Blends: Effect of Blend Ratio and Compatibilizer Content.

Two different blend ratios of polyamide 66 (PA66) and poly (2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) (PPE) (60/40 and 40/60 /) were produced via melt mixing. A styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer (SMA) was utilized at various contents from 2.5-15 wt% to compatibilize the immiscible blend system.

Properties of Styrene-Maleic Anhydride Copolymer Compatibilized Polyamide 66/Poly (Phenylene Ether) Blends: Effect of Maleic Anhydride Concentration and Copolymer Content.

Polyamide 66 (PA66)/poly (2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) (PPE) blends with a ratio of 50/50 (w/w) were produced by a twin-screw compounder. The immiscible blends were compatibilized using two different styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers (SMA) with a low (SMA) and a high (SMA) maleic anhydride (MA) concentration of 8 and 25 wt%, respectively. Furthermore, the SMA content was varied from 0 to 10 wt%.