Publications by authors named "U Sundararaj"
Article Synopsis
- HDPE and PP blends filled with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are explored to understand how processing parameters like blending sequence and screw speed affect their performance.
- *The study finds that the blending sequence significantly influences the crystallization behavior and tensile properties of the blends, particularly showing that GNPs premixed with PP lead to greater increases in crystallization temperature for PP than GNPs premixed with PE.
- *Results indicate that while tensile moduli are stable under different processing conditions, elongation at break and tensile toughness exhibit significant changes, emphasizing the critical link between processing methods and material performance.
Article Synopsis
- * The composites showed significant thermal stability with a char residue of 47.2% and a limited oxygen index (LOI) of 29.4%, indicating effective flame retardancy due to the interaction of the two additives.
- * Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the additives were well-dispersed in the matrix, and even with the addition of flame retardants, the composites retained high impact strength.
Electrospun polystyrene (PS) fibers are produced using a mixed solvent of chloroform and n,n-dimethylformamide (DMF) to investigate the influence of the solvent ratio on the fiber surface morphology and contact angle of the obtained mats. Electrospinning is a simple processing technique for producing fibers with diameters in the range of nanometers to a few micrometers. When using the different solvent ratios for this process, porous PS membranes are created due to nonsolvent and thermally induced phase separation (N-TIPS).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnhancing interfacial adhesion in polypropylene (PP)/recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) blends is crucial for the effective mechanical recycling of these commercial plastic wastes. This study investigates the reactive extrusion of PP/rPET blends using a dual compatibilizer system comprising maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MA) and various glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)-based compatibilizers. The effects of backbone structure and reactive group on the morphological, mechanical, and thermal characteristics were systematically studied.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe increase in the world population and the intensification of agricultural practices have resulted in the release of several contaminants into the environment, especially pesticides and heavy metals. This article reviews recent advances in using adsorbent and catalytic materials for environmental decontamination. Different materials, including clays, carbonaceous, metallic, polymeric, and hybrid materials, are evaluated for their effectiveness in pollutant removal.
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