Physical and mechanical characterization of a recycled polypropylene and wood flour without additives

Recycled polymer matrix composites reinforced with wood flour can be a viable alternative for the replacement of wood and virgin polymers in materials used in floors, door frames, windows and external cladding. The objective of this research was to determine some physical and mechanical parameters of composite made with Pinus taeda and elliottii wood flour (WF) and recycled polypropylene (PP), without the use of compatibilizers or additives. The composites were separated into four traits, namely 100% PP, 90% PP with 10%, WF 80% PP with 20% WF and 70 % PP with 30% WF. The characterization of the composite followed the standards ASTM D-638-10, ASTM D256-00, ASTM D570 -98, ASTM D1238 -10 and ASTM G 155-05, it was also employed the surface analysis by scanning electron microscopy. The dimensional stability tests showed satisfactory results. Even the composite with a higher percentage of wood flour (30%) had a flow index of 10 MFI, considered compatible with that observed for PP (polypropylene) virgin by standard ASTM D 1238-10. The inclusion of wood flour (FM) afforded composites with good mechanical characteristics which can be applied in manufacture of different materials, specifically employed outdoors.

A novel profluorescent dinitroxide for imaging polypropylene degradation

Free-radical processes underpin the thermo-oxidative degradation of polyolefins. Thus, to extend the lifetime of these polymers, stabilizers are generally added during processing to scavenge the free radicals formed as the polymer degrades. Nitroxide radical precursors, such as hindered amine stabilizers (HAS),1,2 are common polypropylene additives as the nitroxide moiety is a potent scavenger of polymer alkyl radicals (R¥). Oxidation of HAS by radicals formed during polypropylene degradation yields nitroxide radicals (RRNO¥), which rapidly trap the polymer degradation species to produce alkoxyamines, thus retarding oxidative polymer degradation. This increase in polymer stability is demonstrated by a lengthening of the “induction period” of the polymer (the time prior to a sharp rise in the oxidation of the polymer). Instrumental techniques such as chemiluminescence or infrared spectroscopy are somewhat limited in detecting changes in the polymer during the initial stages of degradation. Therefore, other methods for observing polymer degradation have been sought as the useful life of a polymer does not extend far beyond its “induction period”

Thermal Analysis of Polypropylene Hydroperoxide

Studies on the low temperature oxidation of polyolefins have been the subject matter of several investigations because of interest in understanding the aging and weathering of polymers. One of the key steps in such an oxtdatton is the formation of hydroperoxide. Estimation of the hydroperoxide in oxidized samples, which is conventionally done by iodometric titrations, is quite important to gain knowledge about the kinetics and mechanism of the process. The present investigation is the first report of the thermal analysis of polypropylene hydroperoxide samples from two angles: (1) the thermal behavior of its decomposition and (2) whether such an analysis leads to knowledge of the concentration of hydroperoxide in the sample.

Properties Of Castor Oil Impregnated All-Polypropylene And Polypropylene-Paper Capacitors

In view of its non-toxicity, and good dielectric properties, castor oil, a polar liquid dielectric of vegetable origin is suggested as a possible alternative to PCB's for capacitor applications. In this paper the dielectric properties (including partial discharge behavior), of all-polypropylene and paper-polypropylene capacitors with castor oil as impregnant, are reported. The paper also contains results of life studies conducted under accelerated electrical and thermal stresses when they are occurring both individually and combined. The data obtained have been statistically analyzed and approximate life of the system calculated bylinear extrapolation.

The Role of Interface Modification on Thermal Degradation and Crystallization Behavior of Composites from Commingled Polypropylene Fiber and Banana Fiber

The thermal degradation behavior of banana fiber and polypropylene/banana fiber composites has been studied by thermogravimetric analysis. Banana fiber was found to be decomposing in two stages, first one around 320 degrees C and the second one around 450 degrees C. For chemically treated banana fiber, the decomposition process has been at a higher temperature, indicating thermal stability for the treated fiber. Activation energies for thermal degradation were estimated using Coats and Redfern method. Calorific value of the banana fiber was measured using a constant volume isothermal bomb calorimeter. rystallization studies exhibited an increase in the crystallization temperature and crystallinity of polypropylene upon the addition of banana fiber. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1113-1123, 2010. (C) 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers.