Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This work presents an alternative to studying and determining the torsion modulus, G, in composites. For this purpose, we use a measuring system with a rotation motion sensor coupled with a torsion pendulum that allows for determining the angular position as a function of the time. Then, through an equation derived from mechanical spectroscopy studies that permits the calculation of G’s value, the experiments focus on samples of different quantities of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in unsaturated polyester resins. The results show that CaCO3 (33.33%W) fillers increase G’s value by 88% compared with unsaturated resin (100%W). Furthermore, there is a density increase of approximately 21% with the addition of CaCO3, considering the same two samples, which makes these composites the most massive. The relationship between G and composite density shows that it is possible to change the amount of CaCO3 to increase torsion resistance values in a controlled way.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This study aimed to focus on classifying rubber foam grades according to ASTM D1056. The natural rubber foams were prepared by varying the Azodicarbonamide (ADC) content from 2 - 10 phr. The results were evaluated on their physical and mechanical properties. The relative foam density of the foams decreased, and the expansion ratio increased with the addition of ADC. This was due to the increase in the gas phase raised by ADC. In addition, adding ADC also decreased hardness and compression-deflection of the foams, whereby the values obtained were higher after oven aging due to the radical recombination caused by chain breaking. According to ASTM D1056, the compression-deflection values of the foams were 2A2 and 2A3 grades, where the ADC content at 6 – 10 phr met the basic properties required by the same standard. Furthermore, the ADC content at 6 phr is strongly suggested when considering the foam morphology.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Hybrid composites were prepared using recycled polypropylene (rPP), dimension stone waste (Bege Bahia, BB) and coconut fiber (CF). Post-consumer the formulations of rPP/BB/CF and virgin PP, were processed in a Haake mixer. The films were characterized according to chemical, physical and mechanical properties. Multiple linear regression tests were used to develop mathematical models, which allow simulating the behavior of the composition of composite on mechanical properties. Density variations were associated with differences in particle packing and particle wall roughness. The impact resistance of rPP/BB/CF was slightly higher in the 70/10/20 wt% composite. SEM micrographs of the ternary (70/20/10 wt%) showed stronger traces of decohesion, allowing higher water absorption and reducing impact resistance. The response surface methodology suggest that the increase in the variable “coconut fiber content” is responsible for improving the mechanical properties of the composite. The ternary composite (70/10/20 wt%) was best for replacement of virgin PP.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Controlled release systems can modify the release rate of drugs and direct them to specific sites of action, making them more effective and/or reducing the adverse effects. The objective of this study was investigated, poly(β-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanospheres to improve the delivery of Simvastatin (SIM). Nanospheres were prepared by the emulsion/evaporation technique of the solvent, varying the amount of SIM added. The SIM quantification was performed using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography method. The average diameter and PDI of formulations without SIM were lower 250 nm and 0.3, respectively. Nanospheres containing 30% of SIM showed values of 265 nm and 0.09, respectively. The average zeta potential was -31.8 mV, suggesting the predominance of repulsive forces that prevent aggregation. In vitro release suggest transport occurs by diffusion. Morphological analysis demonstrated spherical particles and rough surfaces. In conclusion, data suggest that PHB/PCL nanospheres are promising delivery systems to SIM.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This work reports the preparation of magnetic polymeric microspheres based on poly(methyl methacrylate) and the investigation of these materials as catalysts in heterogeneous Fenton processes for the decolorization of methyl orange (MO). The microspheres were prepared by polymerization of the magnetic material together with the monomers by aqueous suspension polymerization. The microspheres had specific surface area of 48.2 m2 g-1. Mossbauer data indicated that the magnetic material was a mixture of magnetite (31%), maghemite (21%), and goethite (48%). Fenton reactions were performed by varying the concentration of H2O2, pH, composite mass, and contact time. The highest color removal rates (around 80%) were reached at pH 3.0, 20% w/v of composite, 20 minutes contact time, and 10 ppm of H2O2. The composite could be reused during four cycles with removal efficiency above 50%. The results indicated that the adsorption and oxidation mechanisms act together determining the variation of the MO dye removal.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Nitrile rubber (NBR) nanocomposites with different contents of synthetic Somasif ME-100 mica (sodium-fluorohectorite) were obtained by melt compounding using a Semi Efficient curing system. The effect of curing on the nanocomposties was evaluated through rheometric properties, crosslink density (CLD) and mechanical properties. The ME-100 mica dispersion in NBR was assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the Payne effect and thermodynamic properties (ΔS and ΔG). Both the curing parameters and CLD pointd out that the addition of ME-100 directly affects crosslinks formation. It could also be observed that the nanofiller dispersion state is complex, exhibiting exfoliated and agglomerated structures (TEM); besides, agglomerations rose linearly as the nanofiller was added (the Payne effect). Notwithstanding these findings, and on the basis of unfilled formulations, NBR20 nanocomposite showed improvement in mechanical properties (tensile and tear strengths) which suggests that ME-100 might be considered a semi-reinforcing filler.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The structure and properties of semi-crystalline polymers can be drastically tailored by extensional flows. In this work, polypropylene (PP), Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) were melt extruded through a sequence of rings designed to apply controlled extensional flows in the polymer melts. The effects of extensional flow on the structure and properties of the extruded filaments were then evaluated by mechanical tensile tests, dynamic-mechanical analysis (DMA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The DMA and tensile tests revealed a significant increase in terms of static and dynamic moduli for the polymers extruded through the extensional flow device. PP, PVDF and LDPE had their dynamic moduli enhanced 19%, 40% and 77%, respectively. These results were ascribed to the enhancement in crystallinity and orientation degree of the polymer chains induced by the extensional flow. The crystallinity was increased around 9% for PP, PVDF and LDPE extruded under extensional conditions.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The use of controlled extension flows associated with processing with predominant shear flows can bring gains in the dispersive capacity of nanofillers during the processing of nanocomposites. In this work, we use a controlled flow device coupled to the matrix of a single-screw extruder to process PP matrix composites containing 0.5% and 2.5% (v/v) of MWCNT. The nanocomposites were evaluated by optical microscopy and oscillatory rheological analysis. The clusters size analysis showed that in PP/0.5MWCNT-el, 70.5% of all its clusters were below 1µm2 while its analog processed without the extensional flow showed 59.8% of its clusters below this value. The rheological analysis allowed to verify that the compositions processed with the presence of the extensional flow have their crossover frequencies shifted to lower values, that is, longer relaxation times corroborating that improved degrees of dispersion were achieved.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract In this work, nanocomposites were developed and evaluated using high-density bio polyethylene (BPEAD)/Cloisite 20A (3 and 6%)/commercial antimicrobial additive (0,5 and 1%) containing 1% of zinc pyrithione dispersed in vinyl acetate (EVA). The samples were prepared in a single screw extruder using the melt intercalation technique and then by flat extrusion to obtain the films. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed an increase in basal spacing and exfoliation of the structure of some films. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis illustrated the main functional groups for BHDPE and EVA. Thermal analysis indicated that BHDPE degradation did not change with organoclay addition, but crystallinity increased. The mechanical properties showed an increase in the elastic modulus and a decrease in maximum tensile strength. This work contributes to the development and improvement of the natural properties of BHDPE in order to enlarge its applications.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Mineral insulating oil (MIO) and natural ester insulating (NEI) oil are used in power transformers as an insulating fluid, while elastomeric seals are usually composed of nitrile rubber (NBR). The proprieties of these seals can change in contact with insulating oil. Variation in sealant properties is undesirable in power transformers. In this work, the variation of some elastomer properties was evaluated before and after accelerated aging in MIO and NEI. The developed elastomeric compositions showed variation in the stress and strain at break after the aging test. It also appeared that MIO penetrated the samples and that dioctylphthalate (DOP) migrated or was extracted into MIO and NEI. The samples vulcanized with peroxide showed better results than those vulcanized with sulfur.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Recently, latex (NRL) and natural rubber (NR) from Hevea brasiliensis have emerged as promising biomaterials from renewable sources for biomedical applications. Although some attempts at commercial applications have been made, there is a need to comprehensively document the state-of-the-art of these biopolymers for biomedical applications and regenerative medicine. Here we present the recent advances in the development of NRL and NR as biomedical materials with potential properties including biocompatibility and biodegradability. Due to the angiogenic properties of NRL and NR, well-defined functional materials can be used for drug delivery systems (oral/transdermal), scaffolds for skin and bone regeneration, and dressings for wound healing. The incorporation of drugs, nanoparticles, cells, and others into NRL and NR polymer chains offers a wide range of applications such as dressings with antimicrobial activity and sustained release systems. Concluding remarks on the growth of these biomaterials for biomedical applications and regenerative medicine were discussed.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Polyamide (PA) is a well-known and researched thermoplastic due to its excellent mechanical and physical properties, making it developed in the automotive sector, suitable for lighter vehicles, and, consequently, lower fuel consumption. This review manuscript presents the applications of PA-based materials in the manufacture of vehicle parts, with a description of their processing, a discussion about their thermal properties and the crystallization of polymer structure, the challenges of machining PA-based composite materials, and the feasibility of recyclability. This work aims to revise literature about the use of polyamide 6 (PA6), polyamide 66 (PA66), and polyamide 12 (PA12) and their composites reinforced with fiberglass (FG) and carbon fiber (CF) focused on the potential that these materials have as alternative materials for the automotive industry.