Impact thermoplastics evaluating

The impact test evaluates the improvement of the thermoset properties (classified as fragile) compared to composites reinforced with fibers (synthetic or natural fibers) or thermoplastic materials (Chawla, 1998). 

The thermoplastic polymers we studied included the polyolefins as polyethylene and polypropylene the polyacrylates and methacrylates as poly (methyl methacrylate) styrene polymers including both clear and impact types and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastics. Fire retardance was evaluated by the D-635 procedure as described previously (19). 

Dr. Riew has presented more than 50 technical papers and holds more than 25 patents on emulsion polymers, hydrophilic polymers, synthesis and application of telechelic polymers, and toughened plastics for adhesives and composites. His latest research is in the synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of impact modifiers for thermosets and engineering thermoplastics. His research interests include correlating polymer chemistry and physics, morphology, engineering, and static and dynamic thermomechanical properties to the failure mechanisms of toughened plastics. 

Core-shell impact modifiers have also been reported as impact modifiers for engineering polymers. MBS impact modifiers with a SBR core, a polystyrene middle layer and an outer layer of MMA copolymers with glycidyl methacrylate, acrylamide or methacrylic acid functional monomers were evaluated in PC/PBT blends [104]. Optimal results were obtained with 60 wt% SBR content in the MBS and a modest amoimt of a functional monomer in the MMA copolymer shell. Core-shell impact modification of polycarbonate [105] (PMMA grafted on poly(n-butyl acrylate) and PBT[106] (SAN grafted onto a butadiene based rubber) have been reported. A comprehensive review of core-sheU impact modification of various polymers (PMMA, PVC, PC, PBT, PET, polyamides, thermoplastic blends, thermosets) has been presented by Cruz-Ramos [107]. 

The widespread use of Izod and Charpy impact tests to evaluate plastics is, to an unprejudiced eye, rather difficult to justify. Many structural polymers us in load-bearing applications do show a range of fracture behaviour from ductile to brittle . Most thermoplastics can show either kind of behaviour, and may suffer an abrupt tough-to-brittle transition with any of a number of parameters — one of which is the rate of loading at a notch. In order to select a polymer for a specific application it may be important to know its sensitivity to this kind of impact embrittlement. However, it is difficult to see how one might learn this fiem conventional impact strength data. 

In 1976 Unitika Ltd, Japan, first presented the potential flame retardant properties of polyamide 6 (PA6)/layered silicate nanocomposites. However, not until more recent studies did the serious evaluation of the flammability properties of these materials begin when Gilman et al. reported detailed investigations on flame retardant properties of PA6/layered silicate nanocomposite. From this pioneering work many attempts have been made to study the flammability properties of polymer/layered silicate nanocomposites. A wide range of polymers has been employed to provide either intercalated or exfoliated nanocomposites, which exhibit enhanced fire retardant properties. These include various thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers, such as polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (SAN), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrilate (PMMA), " polypropylene 14,15,19-22 polyethylene is, 19,23-27 poly(ethylene-... 

While some might think that the purpose of this demonstration was to prove the toughness of thermoplastics from GE Plastics, I prefer to think of it a subtle reminder of importance of projectile testing when evaluating the use of thermoplastics in an application subject to high velocity impacts. 

Reinforced thermoplastic matrix pipes may be subjected to different types of loading conditions as well as different environmental conditions. However, they may suffer damage due to unexpected working conditions (low velocity impact, such as stones, tools, etc). This paper describes a methodology based upon fracture mechanics to evaluate possible pipe damages. It reports a set of tests made to characterize materials and pipes. Fracture Mechanics tests were made in samples subjected to low velocity impact. The study of damage evolution was done by using the ESPI (Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry) technique in order to determine the delamination area. 

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