Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.8
3.1
Journals
Materials
Special Issues
Durability and Life time of Polymers, Composites and Nanocomposites
materials-logo
Submit to Materials Review for Materials Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Durability and Life time of Polymers, Composites and Nanocomposites

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2018) | Viewed by 30343

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Giuliana Gorrasi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
Interests: green nanomaterials; polymer characterization; nanoclay; composites; mechanical properties; nanofibers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Sabrina Carola Carroccio

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CNR-IPCB, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
Interests: polymer mass spectrometry; hybrid polymeric materials; polymeric nanocomposites; polymer degradation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The life cycle of polymers and their composites and nanocomposites, inevitably implicates exposure to interactive environmental factors, such as heat, light, biological or chemical attacks, radiation with high energy, ozone, etc. These induce irreversible physical and/or chemical alterations in macromolecular chains, as well as in additives and/or fillers compounded. The complex and concomitant presence of different reaction routes, usually produce a decrease in material properties and performance. In some cases, as in biodegradation or recycling, these degradation phenomena are strongly desired. To preserve the “durability” of polymeric formulates, where required, it is, not only important to deeply analyze the mechanisms of the degradation and stabilization processes, but also to understand the relationship between molecular-level changes and macroscopic properties, as well as the design of novel stabilizing agents. Currently, great efforts are being made in the development of green-based solutions.

The present Special Issue on “Durability and Life Time of Polymers, Composites and Nanocomposites” aims to publish original research, which either adds knowledge to the current understanding on polymer degradation and stability, as well as methodology to predict and/or improve the life time of polymers and their composites and nanocomposites. Critical reviews are also welcome.

It is our pleasure to invite you to submit a manuscript to this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Giuliana Gorrasi
Dr. Sabrina Carola Carroccio
Guest Editors

 

Keywords

  • Photo-aging
  • Durability
  • Thermal oxidative degradation
  • Stabilization
  • Life time prediction
  • Recycling
  • Biodegradation
  • Mechanical stresses
  • Chemical degradation
  • High energy radiation

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

21 pages, 40445 KiB  
Article
UV Irradiated Graphene-Based Nanocomposites: Change in the Mechanical Properties by Local HarmoniX Atomic Force Microscopy Detection
by Liberata Guadagno, Carlo Naddeo, Marialuigia Raimondo, Vito Speranza, Roberto Pantani, Annalisa Acquesta, Anna Carangelo and Tullio Monetta
Materials 2019, 12(6), 962; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12060962 - 22 Mar 2019
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3257
Abstract
Epoxy based coatings are susceptible to ultra violet (UV) damage and their durability can be significantly reduced in outdoor environments. This paper highlights a relevant property of graphene-based nanoparticles: Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs) incorporated in an epoxy-based free-standing film determine a strong decrease of [...] Read more.
Epoxy based coatings are susceptible to ultra violet (UV) damage and their durability can be significantly reduced in outdoor environments. This paper highlights a relevant property of graphene-based nanoparticles: Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs) incorporated in an epoxy-based free-standing film determine a strong decrease of the mechanical damages caused by UV irradiation. The effects of UV light on the morphology and mechanical properties of the solidified nanocharged epoxy films are investigated by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), in the acquisition mode “HarmoniX.” Nanometric-resolved maps of the mechanical properties of the multi-phase material evidence that the incorporation of low percentages, between 0.1% and 1.0% by weight, of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in the polymeric film causes a relevant enhancement in the mechanical stability of the irradiated films. The beneficial effect progressively increases with increasing GNP percentage. The paper also highlights the potentiality of AFM microscopy, in the acquisition mode “HarmoniX” for studying multiphase polymeric systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Durability and Life time of Polymers, Composites and Nanocomposites)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 2349 KiB  
Article
Pro-Degradant Activity of Naturally Occurring Compounds on Polyethylene in Accelerate Weathering Conditions
by Nadka Tzankova Dintcheva, Delia Gennaro, Rosalia Teresi and Marilena Baiamonte
Materials 2019, 12(1), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12010195 - 8 Jan 2019
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4360
Abstract
In this work, naturally occurring compounds, such as Vitamin E (VE) and Ferulic Acid (FA), at high concentrations, have been considered as pro-degradant agents for Low Density Polyethylene (PE). However, all obtained results using the naturally occurring molecules as pro-oxidant agents for PE [...] Read more.
In this work, naturally occurring compounds, such as Vitamin E (VE) and Ferulic Acid (FA), at high concentrations, have been considered as pro-degradant agents for Low Density Polyethylene (PE). However, all obtained results using the naturally occurring molecules as pro-oxidant agents for PE have been compared with the results achieved using a classical pro-oxidant agent, such as calcium stearate (Ca stearate) and with neat PE. The preliminary characterization, through rheological, mechanical and thermal analysis, of the PE-based systems highlights that the used naturally occurring molecules are able to exert a slight plasticizing action on PE and subsequently the PE rigidity and crystallinity slightly decrease, while the ductility increases. To assess the pro-degradant activity of the considered naturally occurring compounds, thin films of neat PE and PE-based systems containing 2 and 3 wt.% Ca stearate, VE and FA have been produced and subjected to accelerated weathering upon UVB light exposure. All obtained results point out that the VE and FA, at these high concentrations, exert a clear pro-oxidant activity in PE and this pro-oxidant activity is very similar to that exerted by Ca stearate. Moreover, the VE and FA at high concentrations can be considered as suitable eco-friendly pro-degradant additives for PE, also in order to control the polyolefin degradation times. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Durability and Life time of Polymers, Composites and Nanocomposites)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3250 KiB  
Article
Fatigue Performance of the CA Mortar Used in CRTS I Ballastless Slab Track under Simulated Servicing Condition
by Yuchuan Shan, Shuguang Zheng, Xuefeng Zhang, Wei Luo, Jingda Mao and Deyu Kong
Materials 2018, 11(11), 2259; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11112259 - 13 Nov 2018
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3675
Abstract
The cement and asphalt mortar (CA mortar) used in the China Railway Track System (CRTS) I ballastless slab track may encounter a coupling fatigue effect under the high-frequency vibration, load and high-and-low temperature cycles, and the deterioration under fatigue may happen during service [...] Read more.
The cement and asphalt mortar (CA mortar) used in the China Railway Track System (CRTS) I ballastless slab track may encounter a coupling fatigue effect under the high-frequency vibration, load and high-and-low temperature cycles, and the deterioration under fatigue may happen during service of the high-speed railway. In this study, the performance degradation and its mechanism of the CA mortar with and without polymer emulsion incorporated under the coupling fatigue effects of the high-frequency vibration, load and temperature were studied by using an anti-fatigue testing device specially developed for the CA mortar used in the ballastless slab track of the high-speed railway. The results showed that the deformation capacity of the CA mortar for CRTS I slab ballastless slab track decreased after fatigue test under simulated service environment, presenting a typical brittle characteristic and an obvious reduction of the ductility and toughness. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observation and the mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) analysis showed that the volume of the macropore decreased whereas that of the micropore increased after the fatigue test. The asphalt in the hardened CA mortar revealed a softening and migration from the bulk paste to fill the pore and make the structure denser and even ooze out of the CA mortar under the high-frequency vibration and high temperature. Through incorporating the polymer emulsion, the anti-fatigue property of the CA mortar was obviously improved, which can prevent the CA mortar from losing its elastic adjustment function too early. Though increase of the strength and elastic modulus for the CA mortar after severe service is beneficial to the stability of train running, the comfort level and safety of the train operation may decline due to the gradual reduction of the ductility & toughness and the gradual loss of the elastic damping adjustment function of the CA mortar between the base concrete slab and the track slab. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Durability and Life time of Polymers, Composites and Nanocomposites)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3815 KiB  
Article
Poly(Lactic Acid)-Based Nanobiocomposites with Modulated Degradation Rates
by Iozzino Valentina, Askanian Haroutioun, Leroux Fabrice, Verney Vincent and Pantani Roberto
Materials 2018, 11(10), 1943; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11101943 - 11 Oct 2018
Cited by 38 | Viewed by 4746
Abstract
In the field of biodegradable polymers such as poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA), it is quite well known that their kinetics of hydrolysis strongly depend on the pH of the hydrolyzing medium. The idea explored during this study focused on PLA, is the addition of [...] Read more.
In the field of biodegradable polymers such as poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA), it is quite well known that their kinetics of hydrolysis strongly depend on the pH of the hydrolyzing medium. The idea explored during this study focused on PLA, is the addition of additives that are able to control the pH of water when it diffuses inside the polymer. For instance, acids (i.e. succinic acid, also used as food additive) are bio- and eco- friendly additives that are able to play this role. In order to control the release of these molecules and their dispersion inside the polymer, their intercalation in biocompatible nanofillers like layered double hydroxides (LDH) is here considered. The additives have been dispersed in the polymer by melt compounding, commonly used in the plastic industry. Several composites of PLA (4032D) and LDH intercalated with organic acids (succinic, fumaric, and ascorbic acid) have been obtained by an extrusion process. From all extruded materials, PLA films obtained by compression molding were then subjected to hydrolysis tests. The results showed that the mentioned molecules, dispersed in the polymer, are able to control the rate of hydrolysis, and experimental results show an increase of degradation time for samples containing LDH-organic acid (in particular with LDH-succinic acid), making such hybrid additives an appropriate and efficient solution for PLA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Durability and Life time of Polymers, Composites and Nanocomposites)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3245 KiB  
Article
Lifetime Prediction of Polymers: To Bet, or Not to Bet—Is This the Question?
by Ignazio Blanco
Materials 2018, 11(8), 1383; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11081383 - 8 Aug 2018
Cited by 56 | Viewed by 4661
Abstract
Polymers are a great and very important category of organic compounds that have changed our lifestyle. In the last eighty years, we have used them for the most varied applications, and from the first structural ones we began to investigate their durability, which [...] Read more.
Polymers are a great and very important category of organic compounds that have changed our lifestyle. In the last eighty years, we have used them for the most varied applications, and from the first structural ones we began to investigate their durability, which can be fatal in the successful completion of the application for which the material was designed. Over the last thirty years, the environmental problems related to the disposal of polymers that have completed their lifecycle have begun to arise, and the need to foresee their end of life has become increasingly urgent. In this manuscript, the reliability of the lifetime predictions of polymeric materials is faced with comparing measurements obtained at low temperature with those carried out at high temperatures, in the molten state. The obtained data were treated by a well-established kinetics model and discrepancies were observed in the two different conditions (high and low temperatures), which led to a mismatching between expected and real data. A correction of the data extrapolated from measurements obtained at high temperatures, by using a novel equation which takes into account the induction period (IP) of the degradation process, is proposed. Considerations about the useful parameters, namely initial decomposition temperature (Ti), activation energy of degradation (Ea), and glass-transition temperature (Tg), to be used for making predictions, are also carried out. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Durability and Life time of Polymers, Composites and Nanocomposites)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2707 KiB  
Article
Influence of the Preparation Method and Photo-Oxidation Treatment on the Thermal and Gas Transport Properties of Dense Films Based on a Poly(ether-block-amide) Copolymer
by Gabriele Clarizia, Paola Bernardo, Giuliana Gorrasi, Daniela Zampino and Sabrina C. Carroccio
Materials 2018, 11(8), 1326; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11081326 - 31 Jul 2018
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 4379
Abstract
Dense films based on the hydrophobic Pebax®2533 were prepared by using solution casting in different solvents as well as compression molding and subjected to photo–aging under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The influence of the preparation method, including the casting solvents, as well [...] Read more.
Dense films based on the hydrophobic Pebax®2533 were prepared by using solution casting in different solvents as well as compression molding and subjected to photo–aging under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The influence of the preparation method, including the casting solvents, as well as the UV irradiation time selected to treat the samples, were evaluated in terms of permeation rates of pure gases (CO2, N2, O2, CH4, He, and H2). The transport data were correlated with the microstructure and surface properties by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), as well as water contact angle measurements. The obtained results showed that a controlled photo-oxidation process reduces the hydrophobicity of the Pebax®2533 films, increasing their permeability without compromising their integrity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Durability and Life time of Polymers, Composites and Nanocomposites)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 2483 KiB  
Article
Study on the Degradation of Optical Silicone Exposed to Harsh Environments
by Maryam Yazdan Mehr, Willem Van Driel, Francois De Buyl and Kouchi Zhang
Materials 2018, 11(8), 1305; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11081305 - 28 Jul 2018
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3775
Abstract
Degradation mechanisms of silicone plates under harsh environment conditions are studied in this investigation. Environmental degradation of silicone free form, used as secondary optics in Light Emitting Diode LED lighting lamps and luminaires or any other applications requiring high quality optics being used, [...] Read more.
Degradation mechanisms of silicone plates under harsh environment conditions are studied in this investigation. Environmental degradation of silicone free form, used as secondary optics in Light Emitting Diode LED lighting lamps and luminaires or any other applications requiring high quality optics being used, has negative implications for the optical performance. Degradation of silicone plates in harsh environment conditions was studied in salt bath and swimming water environments, using different light radiation and temperatures. Samples were exposed to harsh environment conditions for up to 4 months. Optical and chemical characteristics of exposed plates were studied using an Fourier transform infrared- attenuated total reflection FTIR-ATR spectrometer, an integrated sphere, and a Lambda 950 Ultraviolet-Visible UV-VIS spectrophotometer. Results show that 100 °C salt bath exposure had the most severe degrading effect on the optical characteristic of silicone plates. Increasing exposure time in the salt bath at that high temperature is associated with a significant deterioration of both optical (i.e., light transmission and relative radiant power value) and mechanical properties of silicone samples. On the contrary, silicone plates showed a great degree of stability against light exposure (UV at 360 nm and blue light at 450 nm). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Durability and Life time of Polymers, Composites and Nanocomposites)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop