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Weltweit stellen Waldbrände eine große Bedrohung für Umwelt, Wirtschaft und menschliches Leben dar. Der fortschreitende Klimawandel verstärkt Trockenheit und Dürre, wodurch die Größe und Intensität von Waldbränden sowie das daraus resultierende Gefahrenpotential zusätzlich erhöht werden. Um im Risikofall eine schnelle und effektive Waldbrandbekämpfung zu gewährleisten, sollen Einsatzkräfte in Zukunft von KI-basierten Ausbreitungsmodellen unterstützt werden.
Der Einsatz von maschinellem Lernen ermöglicht dabei schnelle und zielgerichtete Ausbreitungsvorhersagen in Echtzeit, die in den Prozess der Brandbekämpfung als zusätzliche Information einfließen können. Im Rahmen des durch das EU-Förderprogram Horizon 2020 finanzierte Projekt TREEADS wird ein solches Modell für Europa entwickelt.
Dazu wird mit verschiedenen Satellitendaten des Copernicus-Programms und der NASA ein auf räumlicher und zeitlicher Ebene aufgelöster Datensatz zu europäischen Waldbränden aufgebaut. Zu den erfassten Waldbränden werden wichtigen Faktoren, die Einfluss auf die Brandausbreitung haben, ergänzt. Dazu gehören das von Copernicus bereitgestellte, digitale Geländemodell Europas und verschiedene, von Sentinel-2 Messungen abgeleitete Informationen zu Vegetation und Landnutzung. Dieser 2D-Trainingsdatensatz zu realen Waldbränden wird durch die zeitlich hochaufgelösten, meteorologischen Reanalyse-Produkte – Copernicus European Regional ReAnalysis (CERRA) und ERA5-Land – vervollständigt und ist die Grundlage für ein Modell zur Ausbreitungsvorhersage von Waldbränden.
Methoden des Maschinellen Lernens können komplexe Muster in den gesammelten Daten erkennen und so zu einer verbesserten Vorhersage der Brandausbreitung beitragen. Die vielfältigen, von Copernicus bereitgestellten Daten sind dabei ein unabdingbarer Bestandteil des Modells, mit dem den Einsatzkräften ein zusätzliches Tool für den effizienten Einsatz ihrer limitierten Ressourcen zur Verfügung steht.
Die Umweltwirkungen auf ein Material werden als Überlapp der Funktionskurven von Materialempfindlichkeit und einwirkenden Umweltparametern betrachtet. Wenn entweder die Empfindlichkeit oder die Beanspruchungen Null sind, ergibt sich auch keine Umweltwirkung und bei beidseitig Werten größer Null das jeweilige Produkt der beiden. Die Akkumulation der nicht-reversiblen Effekte über die Zeit und allen Eigenschaftsänderungen entspricht der Alterung des Materials für den jeweiligen Expositionszeitraum.
Die digitale Umweltsimulation gliedert sich hier in drei Teilaspekte. Ein erster, rein materialwissenschaftlicher Teil hat die Aufgabe, alle relevanten Materialempfindlichkeiten experimentell zu quantifizieren. Ein zweiter – unter Umständen numerischer Teil – hat die Aufgabe, das Bauteil und seine Einbaulage zu digitalisieren und aus den makroskopischen Umgebungsbedingungen die relevanten mikroklimatischen Umweltparameter für alle Oberflächen- oder Volumenelemente zu bestimmen. In einem dritten Teil werden die Einwirkungen über den betrachteten Zeitraum berechnet und kumuliert. Dieses Konzept, das auf den so genannten Expositions-Reaktions-Funktionen (ERF) basiert, wird an Beispielen der Photoxidation erläutert. Dieses Vorgehen wurde schon beim ViPQuali-Projekt als Numerische Umweltsimulation umgesetzt.
Überprüft werden muss das Modell unbedingt an einer realitätsnahen Validierungsbeanspruchung. Hier werden die ermittelten ERFs mit über den kompletten Beanspruchungszeitraum geloggten Umweltparametern gekoppelt, um die berechnete mit der experimentell erfahrenen Alterungswirkung zu vergleichen. Nur so kann sichergestellt sein, dass alle für die Anwendungsumgebung relevanten Materialempfindlichkeiten einbezogen wurden.
Die Umweltwirkungen auf ein Material werden als Überlapp der Funktionskurven von Materialempfindlichkeit und einwirkenden Umweltparametern betrachtet. Wenn entweder die Empfindlichkeit oder die Beanspruchungen Null sind, ergibt sich auch keine Umweltwirkung und bei beidseitig Werten größer Null das jeweilige Produkt der beiden. Die Akkumulation der nicht-reversiblen Effekte über die Zeit und allen Eigenschaftsänderungen entspricht der Alterung des Materials für den jeweiligen Expositionszeitraum.
Die digitale Umweltsimulation gliedert sich hier in drei Teilaspekte. Ein erster, rein materialwissenschaftlicher Teil hat die Aufgabe, alle relevanten Materialempfindlichkeiten experimentell zu quantifizieren. Ein zweiter – unter Umständen numerischer Teil – hat die Aufgabe, das Bauteil und seine Einbaulage zu digitalisieren und aus den makroskopischen Umgebungsbedingungen die relevanten mikroklimatischen Umweltparameter für alle Oberflächen- oder Volumenelemente zu bestimmen. In einem dritten Teil werden die Einwirkungen über den betrachteten Zeitraum berechnet und kumuliert. Dieses Konzept, das auf den so genannten Expositions-Reaktions-Funktionen (ERF) basiert, wird an Beispielen der Photoxidation erläutert. Dieses Vorgehen wurde schon beim ViPQuali-Projekt als Numerische Umweltsimulation umgesetzt.
Überprüft werden muss das Modell unbedingt an einer realitätsnahen Validierungsbeanspruchung. Hier werden die ermittelten ERFs mit über den kompletten Beanspruchungszeitraum geloggten Umweltparametern gekoppelt, um die berechnete mit der experimentell erfahrenen Alterungswirkung zu vergleichen. Nur so kann sichergestellt sein, dass alle für die Anwendungsumgebung relevanten Materialempfindlichkeiten einbezogen wurden.
Two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (COFs) based on phosphinine and thiophene building blocks have been synthesized with two different side groups. The materials are denoted as CPSF-MeO and CPSF-EtO where CxxF correspond to the covalent framework, whereas P and S are related to heteroatoms phosphorous and sulfur. MeO and EtO indicate the substituents, i.e. methoxy and ethoxy.
Their morphologies were studied by scanning electron microcopy and X-ray scattering. The absence of crystalline reflexes in the X-ray pattern reveal that both materials are amorphous and can be considered as glasses. Furthermore, N2 adsorption measurements indicate substantial Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area values pointing to the formation of three-dimensional pores by stacking of the aromatic 2D layer. An analysis of the porosity of both COFs showed a mean radius of the pores to be of ca. 4 nm, consistent with their chemical structure. The COFs form nanoparticles with a radius of around 100 nm. The thermal behavior of the COFs was further investigated by fast scanning calorimetry. These investigations showed that both COFs undergo a glass transition. The glass transition temperature of CPSF-EtO is found to be ca. 100 K higher than that for CPSF-MeO. This large difference in the glass transition is discussed to be due to a change in the interaction of the COF sheets induced by the longer ethoxy group. It might be assumed that for CPSF-EtO more individual COF sheets assemble to larger stacks than for CPSF-MeO. This agrees with the much larger surface area value found for CPSF-EtO compared to CPSF-MeO. To corroborate the results obtained be fast scanning calorimetry dielectric measurements were conducted which confirm the occurrence of a dynamic glass transition. The estimated temperature dependence of the relaxation rates of the dielectric relaxation and their absolute values agrees well with the data obtained by fast scanning calorimetry. Considering the fragility approach to the glass transition, it was further found that CPSF-MeO is a fragile glass former whereas CPSF-EtO behaves as a strong glass forming material. This difference in the fragility points also to distinct differences in the interaction between the 2D COF molecules in both materials.
Polymers with intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) are gaining attention as gas separation membranes. Nevertheless, they face limitations due to pronounced physical aging. In this study a covalent organic framework containing λ5-phosphinine moieties, CPSF-EtO were incorporated as a nanofiller (concentration range 0-10 wt%) into a PIM-1 matrix forming dense films with a thickness of ca. 100 μm. The aim of the investigation was to investigate possible enhancements of gas transport properties and mitigating effects on physical aging. The incorporation of the nanofiller occurred on aggregate level with domains up to 100 nm as observed by T-SEM and confirmed by X-ray scattering. Moreover, the X-ray data show that the structure of the microporous network of the PIM-1 matrix is changed by the nanofiller.
As the molecular mobility is fundamental for gas transport as well as for physical aging, the study includes dielectric investigations of pure PIM-1 and PIM-1/CPSF-EtO mixed matrix membranes to establish a correlation between the molecular mobility and the gas transport properties. Using the time-lag method the gas permeability and the permselectivity were determined for N2, O2, CH4 and CO2 for samples with variation in filler content. A significant increase in the permeability of CH4 and CO2 (50 % increase compared to pure PIM-1) was observed for a concentration of 5 wt% of the nanofiller. Furthermore, the most pronounced change in the permselectivity was found for the gas pair CO2/N2 at a filler concentration of 7 wt%.
Polymers with intrinsic microporosity are promising candidates for the active separation layer in gas separation membranes. These polymers are characterized by a high permeability and reasonable permselectivity. The latter point is somehow surprising because for microporous systems a more Knudson-like diffusion is expected then a size dependent temperature activated sieving process. It was argued in the framework of a random gate model that molecular fluctuations on a time scale from ps to ns are responsible for the permselectivity.
Here series of polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) as well as microporous polynorbornenes with bulky Si side groups and a rigid backbone are considered. The polymers have different microporosity characterized by high BET surface area values.
First inelastic time-of-flight neutron scattering measurements were carried out to investigate the low frequency density of state (VDOS). The measured data show the characteristic low frequency excess contribution to the VDOS above the Debye sound wave level, generally known as the Boson peak in glass-forming materials. It was found that the frequency of the maximum position of the Boson peak correlates with the BET surface area value.
Secondly elastic scans as well as quasielastic neutron scattering measurements by a combination of neutron time-of-flight and backscattering have been out. A low temperature relaxation process was found for both polymers. This process was assigned to the methyl group rotation. It was analysed in terms of a jump diffusion in a three-fold potential. The analysis of the dependence of the elastic incoherent structure factor on the scattering vector yields the number of methyl groups which might be immobilized.
The neutron scattering experiments were accompanied by fast scanning calorimetry and broadband dielectric investigations as well as atomistic molecular dynamic simulations.
We report the selective ring opening copolymerisation (ROCOP) of
oxetane and phthalic thioanhydride by a heterobimetallic Cr(III)K
catalyst precisely yielding semi-crystalline alternating poly(esteralt-
thioesters) which show improved degradability due to the
thioester links in the polymer backbone.
The dataset provided in this repository comprises data obtained from a series of full-notch creep tests (FNCT) performed on selected high-density polyethylene (PE-HD) materials (for further details, see section 1 Materials in this document) in accordance with the corresponding standard ISO 16770.
The FNCT is one of the mechanical testing procedures used to characterize polymer materials with respect to their environmental stress cracking (ESC) behavior. It is widely applied for PE-HD materials, that are predominantly used for pipe and container applications. It is based on the determination of the time to failure for a test specimen under constant mechanical load in a well-defined and temperature controlled liquid environment. The test device used here also allows for continuous monitoring of applied force, specimen elongation and temperature.
Only the nano-scaled structure of the nanocomposite and the dispersion of nanoparticles within the polymer matrix harbor multifunctional potential including superior fire retardancy. Thus, this chapter focuses on the dispersion of nanoplates, based mainly on studies of layered silicates and graphene/graphene-related nanoplates. The nanostructure and properties of the nanocomposites are dependent mainly on thermodynamic and kinetic factors during preparation. Improving nano-dispersion often directly improves flame retardancy. Therefore, the modification of the nanoplates as well as the preparation of nanocomposites becomes very important to control this dispersion. The dispersion of nanoplates functions as a prerequisite for the formation of an efficient protective layer, changing the melt flow and dripping behavior, or the improvement of the char properties.
The site of Schöningen (Germany), dated to ca. 300,000 years ago, yielded the earliest large-scale record of humanly-made wooden tools. These include wooden spears and shorter double-pointed sticks, discovered in association with herbivores that were hunted and butchered along a lakeshore. Wooden tools have not been systematically analysed to the same standard as other Palaeolithic technologies, such as lithic or bone tools. Our multianalytical study includes micro-CT scanning, 3-dimensional microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, supporting a systematic technological and taphonomic analysis, thus setting a new standard for wooden tool analysis. In illustrating the biography of one of Schöningen’s double-pointed sticks, we demonstrate new human behaviours for this time period, including sophisticated woodworking techniques. The hominins selected a spruce branch which they then debarked and shaped into an aerodynamic and ergonomic tool. They likely seasoned the wood to avoid cracking and warping. After a long period of use, it was probably lost while hunting, and was then rapidly buried in mud. Taphonomic alterations include damage from trampling, fungal attack, root damage and compression. Through our detailed analysis we show that Middle Pleistocene humans had a rich awareness of raw material properties, and possessed sophisticated woodworking skills. Alongside new detailed morphometrics of the object, an ethnographic review supports a primary function as a throwing stick for hunting, indicating potential hunting strategies and social contexts including for communal hunts involving children. The Schöningen throwing sticks may have been used to strategically disadvantage larger ungulates, potentially from distances of up to 30 metres. They also demonstrate that the hominins were technologically capable of capturing smaller fast prey and avian fauna, a behaviour evidenced at contemporaneous Middle Pleistocene archaeological sites.
Inelastic incoherent neutron time-of-flight scattering was employed to investigate the low-frequency vibrational density of states (VDOSs) for a series of glassy Janus-poly(tricyclononenes), which consist of a rigid main chain and flexible alkyl side chains. Here, the length of the flexible side chains was systematically varied from propyl to octyl. Such materials have potential applications as active separation layers in gas separation membranes as a green future technology, especially for the separation of higher hydrocarbons. From the morphological point of view, the Janus polynorbornenes undergo a nanophase separation into alkyl side chain-rich nanodomains surrounded by a rigid polynorbornene matrix. Here, the influence of the nanophase-separated structure on the low-frequency VDOS is investigated from a fundamental point of view. The low-frequency VDOSs of these Janus polynorbornene show excess contributions to the Debye type VDOS known as the Boson peak (BP) for all side chain lengths. Due to the high incoherent scattering cross-section of hydrogen, most of the scattering comes from the alkyl side chain-rich domains.
Compared to conventional glass-forming materials, in the considered Janus polynorbornenes, the BP has a much lower intensity and its frequency position is shifted to higher values. These experimental results are discussed in terms of the nanophase-separated structure where the alkyl chain-rich domains were constrained by the surrounding matrix dominated by the rigid backbone. With increasing alkyl chain length, the size of the alkyl chain-rich domains increases. The frequency position of the BP shifts linearly to lower frequencies with the size of these nanodomains estimated from X-ray measurements. The obtained results support the sound wave interpretation to the BP
Main message: Sustainability, or in other words, exploiting environmental conservation for the economic welfare and prosperity for all, would revolutionise the plastics industry were it to become predominant practice as a linear, fossil-fuel–based economy is switched to a carbon circular economy. Food for though is given by dint of a critical overview of the current trends in sustainable flame-retardant polymeric materials.
Introduction:
Transforming the plastics industry into a carbon circular economy over the next 30 years requires an immediate revolution entailing the development of cutting-edge materials and the planning of future industrial production plants. Hence, the innovative field of flame-retardant polymeric materials should lend its strength to drive this challenge. Visionary solutions are proposed to inspire us, while the implementation of economically feasible concepts can take us forward into the future.
Experimental The synthesis, processing, polymer analysis, thermal analysis, and investigation of fire behaviour from our own research are performed according to the state of the art, mostly in accordance with the pertinent ISO standards. Indeed, some of our equipment is part of the accredited lab; for the other methods we fulfil equivalent quality standards in terms of maintenance, calibration, participation in round robins, etc. Work steps such as the synthesis or preparation of new materials are usually outsourced or done with partners that have the relevant core competence. The talk also presents examples from other groups whose experimental is described in the corresponding scientific papers.
Results and Discussion An overview of current trends towards producing sustainable, flame-retardant polymeric materials is presented, using examples from the literature and by sketching our own projects performed in recent years. The examples are structured along a common theme leading from the use of old and new natural materials with some intrinsic flame retardancy, via flame-retardant biopolymers and biocomposites, to using renewable sources for flame retardants with the objective of exploiting natural sources available as industrial waste streams. Natural flame retardants and adjuvants are highlighted, although the status of most may be assessed as merely motivating our vision. Nevertheless, there are natural material streams finding their way into polymer mass production as fillers, adjuvants, polymers, or renewable educt sources. Natural substances originating from industrial waste streams open the door to sustainable solutions, because they are often available at low cost and avoid competition for land with farming or virgin forests. Aside from this main topic, remarks will address the recycling of flame-retarded polymeric materials; vitrimers are mentioned as a potential material for recyclable thermosets. At the end of the day, only convincing property profiles will prevail both for exploiting renewable sources and circular design, including cost effectiveness, sufficient availability, consistent quality, processibility, mechanical properties, and flame retardancy. However, sustainability must not be merely tolerated as an additional demand, but should instead be recognized as a solution, because sustainability aspires to ensure our economic welfare now and in the future.
Acknowledgement:
The examples shown from own project were supported by funding grants: BMBF WTZ: 01DN16040, DFG Scha 730/19-1, VW-Stiftung: Experiment No: 97437, DFG Scha 730/20-1, BMBF KMU Innovativ 031B1289B.
Slow crack growth (SCG) under the influence of external fluid media, usually termed environmental stress cracking (ESC), is still one of the most frequent origins of severe damage and failure of polymeric materials. For polyethylene (PE) this is relevant for mass products, like bottles for consumer products, but also for high-performance materials for pipes or industrial packaging, including containers for chemicals and other dangerous goods. Especially for high-density polyethylene (PE-HD) the susceptibility to SGC and ESC is depending on the complex interplay between molecular weight and architecture and the resulting semicrystalline morphology, especially the formation of tie-molecules.
A reliable assessment of the resistance against this damage phenomenon is essential for demanding as well as safety-critical applications and has to take into account suitable testing methodologies and conditions in combination with environmental media reflecting the properties representative for typical fillings and relevant components causing ESC. In this context a better understanding of different influencing factors, such as sorption, swelling or surface activity is necessary together with a detailed characterization of different stages of crack propagation and underlying mechanisms. Therefor well-established testing methods, such as the Full Notch Creep Test (FNCT), were complemented by detailed fracture surface analysis using e.g. LSM and SEM in combination with a time-dependent optical monitoring of the progressing crack growth.
For the crack growth also the ratio of fibrillated craze zone to crack opening is important for the deeper understanding of crack propagation and related material parameters which can be additionally addressed by X-ray computed tomography.
A few layer/multilayer graphene (MLG) with a specific surface area of BET ≥ 250 m2/g is proposed as an efficient multifunctional nanofiller for rubbers. The preparation method, i.e., ultrasonically-assisted solution or latex premixing of master batches followed by conventional two-roll milling, strongly influences the dispersion in the elastomeric matrix and is fundamental for the final properties. When homogenously dispersed, single stacks of only approximately 10 graphene sheets, with an aspect ratio of ca. 35, work at low loadings, enabling the replacement of large amounts of carbon black (CB), an increase in efficiency, and a reduction in filler load. The appropriate preparation yielded nanocomposites in which just 3 phr are sufficient to significantly improve the rheological, curing, gas barrier properties, electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as mechanical properties of different rubbers, as shown for chlorine-Isobutylene-Isoprene rubber (CIIR), nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), natural rubber (NR), and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR).[1-5] 3 phr of MLG tripled the Young’s modulus of CIIR, an effect equivalent to 20 phr of CB. The stronger interactions between MLG and NR or SBR also resulted in a reduction in the elongation at break by 20% and 50%, respectively, while the same parameter was hardly changed for CIIR/MLG and NBR/MLG. CIIR/MLG and NBR/MLG were stiffer but just as defomable than CIIR and NBR. The strong reinforcing effect of 3 phr MLG was confirmed by the increase of greater than 10 Shore A in hardness. MLG reduces gas permeability, increases thermal and electrical conductivities, and retards flammability. We investigated MLG also as a synergist for reducing the aluminium trihydrate loading in flame retardant hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene (HNBR), polybutadiene chloroprene (BR/CR), and chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber(CSM).[6-8] The higher the nanofiller concentration is, the greater the improvement in the properties. For instance, the permeability decreased by 30% at 3 phr of MLG, 50% at 5 phr and 60% at 10 phr, respectively. Moreover, the MLG nanocomposites improve stability of mechanical properties against the effects of weathering. In key experiments an increase in UV-absorption and a pronounced radical scavenging were proved as stabilizing mechanisms. In a nutshell, MLG is an efficient multifunctional nanofiller ready to be used for innovative rubber development.
The addition of nanoparticles as reinforcing fillers in elastomers yields nanocomposites with unique property profiles, which opens the door for various new application fields. Major factors influencing the performance of nanocomposites are studied by varying the type and shape of nanoparticles and their dispersion in the natural rubber matrix. The industrial applicability of these nanocomposites is put into focus using two types of graphene and a nanoscale carbon black, all commercially available, and scalable processing techniques in the form of a highly filled masterbatch production via latex premixing by simple stirring or ultrasonically assisted dispersing with surfactant followed by conventional two-roll milling and hot pressing. Different processing and measurement methods reveal the potential for possible improvements: rheology, curing behavior, static and dynamic mechanical properties, swelling, and fire behavior. The aspect ratio of the nanoparticles and their interaction with the surrounding matrix prove to be crucial for the development of superior nanocomposites. An enhanced dispersing method enables the utilization of the improvement potential at low filler loadings (3 parts per hundred of rubber [phr]) and yields multifunctional rubber nanocomposites: two-dimensional layered particles (graphene) result in anisotropic material behavior with strong reinforcement in the in-plane direction (157% increase in the Young's modulus). The peak heat release rate in the cone calorimeter is reduced by 55% by incorporating 3 phr of few-layer graphene via an optimized dispersing process.
Packaging containers for dangerous goods that include aggressive liquids require that any packaging material that is based on high-density polyethylene has a high degree of stability and durability. This work is focused on testing the environmental stress cracking of the high-density polyethylenes used for such containers in contact with crop protection formulations, in particular, two model liquids established in Germany as standardized test media representatives for crop protection formulations containing the various admixtures typical for such products. One of the liquids is water-based and contains mostly surface-active ingredients, while the other is solvent-based and includes some emulsifiers. Originally established for pin impression tests, these model liquids and their individual components were here used for the first time as environmental media in the Full Notch Creep Test, which addresses the resistance against environmental stress cracking. The Full Notch Creep Test was carried out on five high-density polyethylene types with both model liquids, and also on one selected material with its components. The evaluation was focused on the fracture surface structures, which were visualized by a scanning electron microscope and by optical in situ imaging of the notch opening. While the water-based model liquid and its surface-active individual components induced environmental stress cracking with the characteristic pattern for a craze-crack mechanism and so-called brittle fracture on the surface, the solvent-based model liquid and its soluble ingredients exhibited rather ductile failure behavior, caused by the plasticizing effect on the polymer that reduced the yield stress of the high-density polyethylene.
For both cases, fracture surface analysis, together with side views of the crack opening, showed a clear relation between surface pattern, notch deformation (e.g., by blunting), or crack opening due to crack growth with time to failure and the solubility of the liquids in high-density polyethylene.
Aufgrund des tieferen Eindringens der solaren Strahlung treten bei transparenten und bei transluzenten (durchscheinenden) Kunststoffen veränderte Bedingungen gegenüber opaken Proben auf. Dies kann zu speziellen Effekten und damit zu einem abweichenden Bewitterungsverhalten führen. Auch aus Mangel an geeigneten Normen werden diese Effekte häufig vernachlässigt. Deshalb initiiert der DIN-FNK auf ISO-Ebene ein entsprechendes Dokument.
Die Norm ist in der Form eines Technical Reports geplant. In einem ersten Teil sollen die Besonderheiten transparenter oder transluzenter Kunststoffe erläutert werden, um den Nutzer für mögliche Probleme zu sensibilisieren. Im zweiten Teil werden Empfehlungen für Bestrahlung oder Bewitterung herausgearbeitet. In einem dritten Teil geht es dann um Besonderheiten bei der Messung von Eigenschaftsänderungen transparenter bzw. transluzenter Kunststoffe. In informativen Anhängen sollen verschiedene Beispiele die Thematik illustrieren.
In the processing of nanocomposites, high shear stresses at elevated tempera-tures orient two-dimensional nanoparticles like graphene. This orientationleads to anisotropic mechanical, thermal or barrier properties of the nanocom-posite. This anisotropy is addressed in this study by comparing graphene (few-layer graphene, FLG) with a nanoscaled carbon black (nCB) at a filler contentof 3 phr, by varying the vulcanization, and by comparing different FLG con-tents. Transmission electron microscopy gives insight into the qualitative ori-entation in the nanocomposite with FLG or nCB. The storage moduli paralleland normal to the orientation reveal the direction dependency of reinforce-ment through dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Dimensional swellingmeasurements show a restriction of the expansion parallel to the FLG orienta-tion, and an increased expansion normal to the orientation. The vulcanizationsystem and crosslinking determine the respective level of property values, andhigher crosslinking densities increase the anisotropy in DMA resulting invalues of up to 2.9 for the quantified anisotropy factor. With increasing FLGcontent, the anisotropy increases. A comparison of the results reveals swellingmeasurements as the most suitable method for the determination of anisot-ropy. Compared to recent literature, the presented processing induces higheranisotropy, leading to higher reinforcing effects in the direction of orientation
Investigation of the Thermal Stability of Proteinase K for the Melt Processing of Poly(L‑lactide)
(2022)
The enzymatic degradation of aliphatic polyesters offers unique opportunities for various use cases in materials science. Although evidently desirable, the implementation of enzymes in technical applications of polyesters is generally challenging due to the thermal lability of enzymes. To prospectively overcome this intrinsic limitation, we here explored the thermal stability of proteinase K at conditions applicable for polymer melt processing, given that this hydrolytic enzyme is well established for its ability to degrade poly(L-lactide) (PLLA). Using assorted spectroscopic methods and enzymatic assays, we investigated the effects of high temperatures on the structure and specific activity of proteinase K. Whereas in solution, irreversible unfolding occurred at temperatures above 75−80 °C, in the dry, bulk state, proteinase K withstood prolonged incubation at elevated temperatures. Unexpectedly little activity loss occurred during incubation at up to 130 °C, and intermediate levels of catalytic activity were preserved at up to 150 °C. The resistance of bulk proteinase K to thermal treatment was slightly enhanced by absorption into polyacrylamide (PAM) particles. Under these conditions, after 5 min at a temperature of 200 °C, which is required for the melt processing of PLLA, proteinase K was not completely denatured but retained around 2% enzymatic activity. Our findings reveal that the thermal processing of proteinase K in the dry state is principally feasible, but equally, they also identify needs and prospects for improvement. The experimental pipeline we establish for proteinase K analysis stands to benefit efforts directed to this end. More broadly, our work sheds light on enzymatically degradable polymers and the thermal processing of enzymes, which are of increasing economical and societal relevance.
Tailored crosslinking in elastomers is crucial for their technical applications. The incorporation of nanoparticles with high surface-to-volume ratios not only leads to the formation of physical networks and influences the ultimate performance of nanocomposites, but it also affects the chemical crosslinking reactions. The influence of few-layer graphene (FLG) on the crosslinking behavior of natural rubber is investigated. Four different curing systems, two sulfur-based with different accelerator-to-sulfur ratios, and two peroxide-based with different peroxide concentrations, are combined with different FLG contents. Using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), vulcametry (MDR) and swelling measurements, the results show an accelerating effect of FLG on the kinetics of the sulfur-based curing systems, with an exothermic reaction peak in DSC shifted to lower temperatures and lower scorch and curing times in the MDR. While a higher accelerator-to-sulfur ratio in combination with FLG leads to reduced crosslinking densities, the peroxide crosslinkers are hardly affected by the presence of FLG. The good agreement of crosslink densities obtained from the swelling behavior confirms the suitability of vulcameter measurements for monitoring the complex vulcanization process of such nanocomposite systems in a simple and efficient way. The reinforcing effect of FLG shows the highest relative improvements in weakly crosslinked nanocomposites.
Overview of the state of the art and current trends with the main topics:
- renewable sources in flame retardant polymers (flame retarded bio-polymers and biocomposites; bio-flame retardants, renewable adjuvants from industrial waste)
- flame retardancy meets sustainability
- concepts between analogy and out-of-the-box.
The fracture surface of slow and continuous crack propagation during environmental stress cracking of a semicrystalline polyethylene exhibits isotropic roughness exponents at the local scale but resolved across the macroscopic fracture surface a clear position dependence is found. The spatially resolved roughness exponent admits values in the range between 0.1 and 0.4, demonstrating nontrivial exponents in the small length-scale regime. Instead, they vary across the fracture surface according to the stress-state distribution, which suggests that the exponents are intimately linked to the locally dominating dissipation processes during craze cracking.
Polymeric membranes represent a cost- and energy-efficient solution for gas separation. Recently Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity (PIMs) have been in a great interest because of their outstanding BET surface area larger than 700m2/g and pore size smaller than 1 nm. PIMs are a promising candidate in gas separation with high permeability and appealing selectivity due to their inefficient packing derived from a combination of ladder-like rigid segments with sites of contortion. However, it is recognized this class of polymers suffer from decrease in performance with time due to physical aging. The initial microporous structures approach a denser state via local chain rearrangements, leading to a dramatic reduction in permeability. As chain packing during film casting and physical aging are the key factors determine the performance in separation applications, characterization of the molecular mobility in these materials has been proved to provide valuable information. In recent research on PIM-1 the archetypal PIM, a molecular relaxation process with high activation energy together with a significant conductivity in the glassy state has been found and explained with the formation of local intermolecular agglomerates due to interaction of π-electrons in aromatic moieties of the polymer backbone. In this work, the dielectric behavior of the polymeric films and their response upon heating (aging) were measured by isothermal frequency scans during different heating/cooling cycles in a broad temperature range down to 133K for the first time. Multiple dielectric processes following Arrhenius behavior were observed. Local fluctuations, Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars (MWS) polarization and structural relaxations were discussed correlating to structural-properties of PIM-1. Up to now, no other work has studied the role of porosity and thermal history of PIM-1 film in dielectric processes. The goal is by eliminating thermal history and considering storing conditions provide better understanding on aging and plasticizing in high free volume glassy polymer PIM-1.
Especially now in times of the energy revolution, the demand for energy-efficient separation processes promotes the advancement of new high-performance materials for use as highly selective separation membranes. Polymers with intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) are of high interest in the field of gas separation membranes. Currently the application of PIMs for membrane technology is still restrained by their strong tendency to physical aging involving a significant loss of their good gas separation properties. Physical aging phenomenon is related to the molecular mobility of PIMs which was investigated by broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) previously [1]. In this work, covalent phosphinine-based framework (Eto-CPSF) was used as a nanofiller (0-10 wt %) in a PIM-1 matrix to potentially enhance the gas transport properties and prevent physical aging. Since molecular mobility is a fundamental parameter determining gas transport as well as physical aging in such a material, our study includes dielectric investigations by BDS of pure PIM-1 and PIM-1/Eto-CPSF mixed matrix membranes to establish a correlation between molecular mobility and gas transport properties. In addition, gas permeability was determined by the time-lag method (0-10 bar pressure) at 35 °C for N2, O2, CH4 and CO2 for all MMMs.
The dielectric behavior of the polymeric films and their response upon heating were measured by isothermal frequency scans during different heating/cooling cycles in a broad temperature range up to 250 °C. Multiple dielectric processes following Arrhenius behavior were observed. Local fluctuations, Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars (MWS) polarization and structural relaxations were discussed correlating to structural-properties of PIM-1. As main result for MMMs, the permeability of PIM-1 for CH4 and CO2 gases were increased significantly with only 5 wt% of nanofiller within the polymer matrix. However, this is not observed for Eto-CPSF concentrations higher than ca. 7 wt% probably due to a microphase separated morphology of the nanocomposite system. Furthermore, the permselectivity of membranes for pair gases O2/N2 and CO2/N2 show enhancement up to a concentration of about 7 wt% Eto-CPSF filler.
Polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) are promising candidates for the active layer in gas separation membranes due to their high permeability and reasonable permselectivity. These appealing properties originate from a microporous structure as a result of inefficient segment packing in the condensed state due to a combination of a ladder-like rigid backbone and sites of contortion. However, this class of polymers suffers from a significant decrease in the permeability with time due to physical aging, whereby typically, the permselectivity increases. The initial microporous structures approach a denser state via local rearrangements, leading to the reduction of the permeability. Hence, a detailed characterization of the molecular mobility in such materials can provide valuable information on physical aging. In this work, the dielectric behavior of PIM-1 films and their behavior upon heating (aging) were revisited by isothermal frequency scans during different heating/cooling cycles over a broad temperature range between 133 and 523 K (−140 to 250 °C). In addition, the obtained results were compared with data of samples that were annealed at ambient temperatures over different time scales. Multiple dielectric processes were observed: several relaxation processes due to local fluctuations and a Maxwell−Wagner−Sillars polarization effect related to the microporosity. The temperature dependence of the rates of all processes follows the Arrhenius law where the estimated activation energy depends on the nature of the process. The influence of the thermal history (aging) on the processes is discussed in detail.
The phenomenon of environmental stress cracking is still a major issue in materials engineering as well as from a scientific perspective. Especially in the case of packaging materials made of high-density polyethylene, assessing the potential of premature damage due to environmental stress cracking is complex because of the large number of components in possible liquid filling goods. As a first guideline, the well-known effect of detergents and dispersants is usually considered, but the interplay with other components, such as organic solvents is often unknown. Particularly challenging in this respect are crop protection products, consisting of several different admixtures in addition to the biologically active ingredients. This study is based on two model liquids representing these admixtures that were established for testing in this context. The model liquids as well as their constituting components were used as liquid media in the Full Notch Creep Test to characterize the environmental stress cracking behavior of a typical high-density polyethylene. Complementary to the time-to failure of a notched specimen obtained from these tests, the crack opening was monitored optically, and the fracture surface was analyzed post-failure by laser scanning microscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy. Based on the results, the effect of various surfactants as well as the influence of organic solvents on environmental stress cracking are discussed.
Genormte künstliche Bewitterungstests sind häufig nicht spezifisch für die Anwendungssituation oder das Material. Das macht die Entwicklung spezifischer Tests erforderlich. Für deren Entwicklung müssen Maximalparameter der Anwendungssituation bekannt sein, womit dann der künstliche Test formuliert wird und dessen Bedingungen werden dann solange optimiert, bis die Korrelation der Effekte von natürlichem und künstlichem Test ausreichend ist.
Für Untersuchungen der Freisetzung kann der verbleibende Rest in der Probe und/oder die freigesetzte Menge in Luft, Boden, Wasser bestimmt werden.
Im ersten Beispiel der Witterungswirkung wurde die Freisetzung von Kohlenstoff-Nanoröhrchen (CNT) aus Polymer-Kompositen untersucht (unter Verwendung von empfindlich-nachweisbarer radioaktiver 14C-Markierung für einzelne CNT-Partikel), in einem zweiten die Freisetzung von anorganischen und organischen Bestandteilen aus elastomeren Bestandteilen von Sportböden (Bahnen und Kunstrasen) in Wasser.
The incorporation of nanoscale particles into elastomers enable a boost in performance and/or a distinct reduction of conventional filler loadings due to their high surface to volume ratio. 2D layered nanoparticles like graphene and graphene-related materials provide a great potential as effective fillers in rubber, especially by enhancing mechanical and barrier properties. The type and properties of the nanoparticles, their interface and the elastomeric matrix materials influence the technical behavior, and therefore the potential application fields of such rubber nanocomposites. Especially crucial for the efficiency of the nanofiller, however, is its best possible incorporation into the elastomer. The dispersing of nanoparticles without agglomerates usually constitutes a challenge when using conventional two-roll milling or internal mixing. Academic approaches for highly dispersed nanocomposites solve this problem but are often energy and time consuming with no feasible scale up possibility. Therefore, an ultrasonic assisted NR latex premixing process was established to produce highly filled masterbatches, enabling the main processing with conventional rubber processing techniques.
Two carbon-based nanoparticles with similar specific surface areas were investigated and incorporated in natural rubber as nanocomposites: A commercially available multilayer graphene (MLG) and a nanoscale carbon black (nCB). The mentioned premixed masterbatches were further processed to nanocomposites by the addition of matrix NR, two-roll milling, and hot pressing (vulcanization). By this procedure an increase in Young’s modulus of 157% (MLG) and 71% (nCB) could be obtained at a concentration level of 3 phr. As anisotropic material behavior was observable for the nanocomposites containing MLG, different measurement methods were investigated to quantify the orientation of the nanoparticles in the nanocomposites: Sorption measurements (swelling in 2 dimensions), hardness and dynamical mechanical analysis (in-plane vs. cross-plane), X-Ray diffraction and transmission and scanning electron microscopy.
A few layer/multilayer graphene (MLG) with a specific surface area of BET=250 m2/g is proposed as an efficient multifunctional nanofiller for rubbers. The preparation method, i.e., ultrasonically-assisted solution mixing of master batches followed by two-roll milling, strongly influences the dispersion in the elastomeric matrix and is fundamental for the final properties. When homogenously dispersed, single stacks of only approximately 10 graphene sheets, with an aspect ratio of 34, work at low loadings, enabling the replacement of large amounts of carbon black (CB), an increase in efficiency, and a reduction in filler load. The appropriate preparation yielded nanocomposites in which just 3 phr are sufficient to significantly improve the rheological, curing, gas barrier properties, electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as mechanical properties of different rubbers, as shown for chlorine-Isobutylene-Isoprene rubber (CIIR), nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), natural rubber (NR), and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). 3 phr of MLG tripled the Young’s modulus of CIIR, an effect equivalent to 20 phr of CB. The stronger interactions between MLG and NR or SBR also resulted in a reduction in the elongation at break by 20% and 50%, respectively, while the same parameter was hardly changed for CIIR/MLG and NBR/MLG. CIIR/MLG and NBR/MLG were stiffer but just as defomable than CIIR and NBR. The strong reinforcing effect of 3 phr MLG was confirmed by the increase of greater than 10 Shore A in hardness. MLG reduces gas permeability, increases thermal and electrical conductivities, and retards flammability, the latter shown by the reduction in heat release rate in the cone calorimeter. We investigated MLG also as a synergist for reducing the aluminium trihydrate loading in flame retardant hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene (HNBR), polybutadiene chloroprene (BR/CR), and chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber(CSM). The higher the nanofiller concentration is, the greater the improvement in the properties. For instance, the permeability decreased by 30% at 3 phr of MLG, 50% at 5 phr and 60% at 10 phr, respectively. Moreover, the MLG nanocomposites improve stability of mechanical properties against the effects of weathering. In key experiments an increase in UV-absorption and a pronounced radical scavenging were proved as stabilizing mechanisms. In a nutshell, MLG is an efficient multifunctional nanofiller ready to be used for innovative rubber development.
Emanating from developing flame retarded biocomposites, we have proposed renewable natural fibers (including keratin) taken from industrial waste as an authentic sustainable approach. More recently, we have investigated non-vegan flame retardant approaches. This paper loves to give you an insight into our ongoing projects on biogenic industrial wastes like leather, bone meal, and insects. Materials were characterized multi-methodically, flame retardant modes of action quantified, decomposition mechanism proposed, and synergisms explained. Considering the large quantities of leather waste (LW) in industrial-scale production, we underline LW as multifunctional bio-adjuvants. LW enhances the flame retardancy of poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) (EVA) containing phosphorus flame retardants (P-FR). Products/by-products of the invertebrate and vertebrate farming, respectively, are promising bio-based adjuvants in flame retarded bio-epoxy thermosets. While the addition of bone meal yields the formation of an inorganic shield, protein-based powders from insects provide an intumescent behavior. In combination with a P-FR superior charring and self-extinguishing are obtained.
Acknowledgement: In part of this work was supported by the Volkswagen Foundation grant “Experiment!” No. 97437.
In a laboratory test, transparent high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) jerrycans have been exposed to both UV radiation and 55 wt‐% nitric acid solution at (41 ± 2)°C, for up to 20 days. For comparison, UV radiant exposure (21 days) and nitric acid exposure (up to 6 weeks) were performed separately, at nearly equal temperatures. The damages are compared with FTIR spectroscopy in ATR and HT‐gel permeation chromatography(GPC) on a molecular level and with hydraulic internal pressure testing as a component test. For the used jerrycans, relevant oxidation can only be found after the combined exposure. This is caused by the decomposition of nitric acid into nitrous gases by UV radiation, which is also observed at lower concentrations (28 wt‐%). After 6 days of laboratory exposure, this is rated as critical, which corresponds to about 1/10 year in Central Europe, according to the UV radiant exposure. The gradual increase in oxidative damage shows the reproducibility of the test.
2D layered nanoparticles enable a distinct reduction of filler loadings in rubber compounds combined with a boost in performance due to their high surface to volume ratio. They often enable unique property profiles providing a great potential as effective fillers in rubber, especially by enhancing mechanical and barrier properties.
As the best possible incorporation into the elastomer matrix is crucial for the efficiency of the nanofiller, dispersing and exfoliation of the nanoparticles without formation of agglomerates usually constitutes an outstanding challenge - especially when using conventional processing methods. Laboratory-scale approaches for highly dispersed nanocomposites sometimes solve this problem, but these are often too energy and time consuming and provide no scale up possibility for real applications. Therefore, a latex premixing process was established to produce highly filled masterbatches, enabling the processing with conventional techniques.
The presence of nanoparticles greatly impacts the behavior of elastomeric compounds, besides affecting the properties of the final product also the processing is influenced (rheology, crosslinking).
In this study, nanocomposites of natural rubber and multilayer graphene (MLG) were prepared via a latex masterbatch route. Different strategies for masterbatch premixing are compared (stirring vs. ultrasonication, coagulation vs. drying). Dispersion and exfoliation of MLG were determined by transmission electron microscopy. The reinforcing effect of MLG affects the viscosity while the dispersed graphene layers may also act as diffusion barrier/absorbent for the crosslinking agents. In contrast to that, MLG forms physical crosslinks in the final product. Swelling measurements and differential scanning calorimetry allow a differentiation between chemical and physical network links. Different technical properties of the nanocomposites were measured with respect to mechanical and application relevant behavior.
Das langsame Risswachstum (slow crack growth, SCG) sowie der umgebungsbedingte Spannungsriss (environmental stress cracking, ESC) sind relevante Schädigungsmechanismen für teilkristalline Werkstoffe auf Basis von Polyethylen hoher Dichte (PE-HD).
Der Vortrag gibt einerseits einen Überblick über die grundlegenden Struktur-Eigenschafts-Beziehungen in diesem Kontext, andererseits werden auch verschiedene praxisorientierte Prüfverfahren vorgestellt. Letztere wurden in gemeinsamen Forschungsprojekten von BAM und LBF mit dem Schwerpunkt Gefahrgutbehälter bzw. Pflanzenschutzmittel vergleichend untersucht und durch weitergehende Analytik ergänzt.
The chapter gives a brief introduction to (nano)compositecomposite materials having the focus on polymer-based nanocomposites. The different dimensionalities of nanoparticles are introduced, along with their distribution in the matrix.
Different application fields of polymer-based nanocomposites, like flame retardancy, filled rubbers, nanofilled thermosets and thermoplastics, separation membranes and nanodielectrics, are considered in greater detail.
In den letzten Jahrzehnten wurde die Degradation der polymeren Matrix von flammgeschützten Polymeren eingehend untersucht. Erst in den letzten Jahren jedoch hat sich die Frage der Lebensdauer der Funktionalität des Flammschutzes selbst als wichtige Fragestellung herauskristallisiert, z.B. bei Kabeln. Deshalb sollte diese Fragestellung durch systematisch-variierte künstliche Klima- und Bewitterungstests an flammgeschützten Polymerwerkstoffen untersucht werden
In den letzten Jahrzehnten wurde die Degradation der polymeren Matrix von flammgeschützten Polymeren eingehend untersucht. Erst in den letzten Jahren jedoch hat sich die Frage der Lebensdauer der Funktionalität des Flammschutzes selbst als wichtige Fragestellung herauskristallisiert, z.B. bei Kabeln. Deshalb sollte diese Fragestellung durch systematisch-variierte künstliche Klima- und Bewitterungstests an flammgeschützten Polymerwerkstoffen untersucht werden.
The incorporation of nanoparticles like multilayer graphene (MLG) into elastomeric composites boosts their technical performance, such as their mechanical behavior and electrical conductivity. Common filler types (carbon black (CB) and aluminum trihydroxide (ATH)) generally fulfill single, specific purposes and are often used in high loadings. CB typically reinforces rubber mechanically, while ATH increases flame retardancy. Small amounts of MLG reduce these high filler contents and maintain the multifunctional characteristics of rubber composites. In chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM) + ATH, an intrinsically flame-retardant rubber was designed to achieve the highest standards such as maximum average of heat emission (MARHE) <90 kW m−2, 3 phrMLG was substituted for 15 phr CB and/or 3 phr ATH via an industrially applicable processing approach. Replacing either CB or ATH resulted in a property profile that was multifunctionally improved in terms of features such as mechanical performance, reduced sorption, and flame retardance. MLG nanocomposites are reported to show promise as an industrially utilizable route to obtain multifunctional high-performance rubbers.
We report dielectric and calorimetric studies on metathesis and addition-type polytricyclononenes, both based on the same monomer bearing three pendant OSiMe3 groups. For the addition-type polymer, dielectric spectroscopy reveals a β*-process related to the microporosity, whereas for its metathesis counterpart, the segmental dynamics manifests as an α-process related to a glass transition. Besides active dielectric processes, a significant conductivity contribution is detected for both samples which for the microporous additiontype polymer is three orders of magnitude greater than for the metathesis polymer. The broadband dielectric spectroscopy is complemented by detailed calorimetric investigations, comprising DSC, FSC, and TMDSC. The calorimetric methods detected the glass transition for the metathesis polymer in agreement with the observed dielectric α-process. Furthermore, the already reported gas transport properties for both polymers are compared, setting them in correlation with the observed molecular mobility and conductivity behavior. The discussed results reflect significant differences in molecular mobility of the two polymers affecting the appearance of microporosity which strongly determines the gas transport properties.
Die Forderung, dass der Flammschutz von Kunststoffen nicht nur zum bei der Herstellung der jeweiligen Produkte, sondern auch über die gesamte Einsatzdauer im geforderten Maß wirksam ist, stellt eine große Aufgabe dar. Ferner ist die Anforderung für viele Produkte in der Praxis neu, da bisher vor allem der Einfluss der Flammschutzmittel auf die Stabilität der Polymerwerkstoffe, nicht aber die Stabilität des Flammschutzes untersucht wurde. Das Langzeitverhalten halogenfreier Systeme ist bis heute wenig untersucht, insbesondere weil Phosphor- und Stickstoff-basierte Systeme die oxidative Beständigkeit von Polymeren weniger zu beeinflussen scheinen als halogenhaltige FSM. Die Frage, wie zuverlässig der Flammschutz wirkt, wenn Kunststoffe einige Jahre im Innen- und Außenbereich im Einsatz sind und dabei wechselnden Beanspruchungen ausgesetzt waren, wurde bislang nur vereinzelt untersucht. Mögliche Auswirkungen von Witterungseinflüssen auf flammgeschützte Polymerwerkstoffe sind, dass die Flammschutzmittel selbst abbauen, ausgewaschen werden, oder auch durch Wechselwirkung mit den eingesetzten Additiven oder mit den Alterungsprodukten der Polymermatrix in ihrer Wirkung nachlassen. Hier bestand großer Forschungsbedarf, um an den Punkt zu gelangen, die Beständigkeit der Flammschutzeigenschaften eines Produktes über seine gesamte Lebensdauer zuverlässig garantieren zu können. Diese Fragestellung greift das durchgeführte Forschungsvorhaben auf.
Ziel war die Untersuchung der Langzeitstabilität der Flammschutzwirkung von halogenfrei flammgeschützten Polymerwerkstoffen unter diversen Witterungseinflüssen. Dazu wurden die Schädigungsmechanismen der Polymerwerkstoffe und der Flammschutzmittel sowie die auftretenden Wechselwirkungen analysiert, um ein Verständnis für die ablaufenden Prozesse zu entwickeln und Empfehlung für die Reduzierung der Alterung zu erarbeiten. Gegenstand der Untersuchungen waren anwendungsrelevante Flammschutz-Konzepte, die miteinander verglichen wurden. Die Erarbeitung von Struktur-Eigenschafts-Beziehungen ermöglichte die Beschreibung der Empfindlichkeiten und den Vergleich zwischen den Systemen. Darauf basierend wurden für die FSM spezifische Leitlinien für die Optimierung der Langzeitstabilität des Flammschutzes erstellt.
The microscopic diffusion and the low frequency density of states (VDOS) of PIM-EATB(CH3) are investigated by inelastic and quasi-elastic neutron scattering where also the demethylated counterpart of PIM-EA-TB(H2) is considered. These intrinsic microporous polymers are characterized by large BET surface area values of several hundred m2/g and pore sizes between 0.5 and 2 nm. Detailed comparison is made to the archetype of polymers of intrinsic microporosity, PIM-1, and polynorbornenes also bearing a microporosity. Due to the wavelength of neutrons, the diffusion and vibrations can be addressed on microscopic length and time scales. From the inelastic neutron scattering experiments the low frequency density of states (VDOS) is estimated which shows excess contributions to the Debye-type VDOS known as Boson peak. It was found that the maximum frequency of the Boson peak decreases with increasing microporosity characterized by the BET surface area. However, besides the BET surface area, additional factors such as the backbone stiffness govern the maximum frequency of the Boson peak. Further the mean squared displacement related to microscopic motions was estimated from elastic fixed window scans. At temperatures above 175 K, the mean squared displacement PIM-EA-TB(CH3) is higher than that for the demethylated counterpart PIM-EA-TB(H2). The additional contribution found for PIM-EATB(CH3) is ascribed to the rotation of the methyl group in this polymer because the only difference between the two structures is that PIM-EA-TB(CH3) has methyl groups where PIM-EA-TB(H2) has none. A detailed comparison of the molecular dynamics is also made to that of PIM-1 and the microporous polynorbornene PTCNSi1. The manuscript focuses on the importance of vibrations and the localized molecular mobility characterized by the microscopic diffusion on the gas Transport in polymeric separation membranes. In the frame of the random gate model localized fluctuations can open or close bottlenecks between pores to enable the diffusion of gas molecules.
Polyethylen hoher Dichte (PE-HD) ist ein weit verbreitetes Material für Transportbehälter, die oft für eine längere Nutzungsdauer vorgesehen sind. Insbesondere in diesem Fall können mikroskopische Schäden im Material auch weit unterhalb der Streckgrenze auftreten, die durch eine Spannungskonzentration verursacht werden, deren Ursprung in intrinsischen Materialfehlern oder äußeren Kratzern liegt. Mit fortschreitender Schädigung bilden sich Rissstrukturen, die von verstreckten Fibrillen aufgespannt werden, bis es zum Versagen dieser Fibrillen kommt und sich der Riss ausbreitet. Dieser Schadensmechanismus des langsamen Risswachstums kann durch eine Vielzahl von Umgebungsmedien beschleunigt werden und wird dann als "environmental stress cracking" (ESC) bezeichnet. Eine international normierte Methode zur Validierung der Spannungsrissbeständigkeit von PE-HD Materialien ist der „Full Notch Creep Test“ (FNCT).
Anhand von Bruchflächenauswertungen mittels Rasterelektronenmikroskopie und Laser-Scanning-Mikroskopie, werden die typischen Schädigungsstrukturen des ESC sichtbar. Die fibrillierten Strukturen des ESC auf der Bruchfläche von PE-HD ergeben sich besonders bei oberflächenaktiven wässrigen Umgebungsmedien. In Lösungsmittel-Umgebungsmedien, im Zusammenspiel mit PE-HD, kommt es aufgrund der plastifizierenden Wirkung zur Herabsetzung der Streckspannung und Bruchflächen aus dem FNCT veranschaulichen keine signifikanten Anzeichen des Schädigungsmechanismus ESC.
The molecular dynamics of addition-type poly(tricyclononenes) with Si-substituted bulky side groups has been investigated by a combination of neutron time-of-flight and neutron backscattering spectroscopy methods on a time scale from 0.1 ps to ca. 3 ns. The investigated poly(tricyclononenes) PTCNSi1 and PTCNSi2g both bear a high microporosity which makes them promising candidates for active separation layers for gas separation membranes. At least for larger gas molecules it is assumed that the pathways for diffusion require an enlargement of pre-existing micropores in terms of an activated zone. A low temperature relaxation process was found for both polymers by the performed neutron scattering experiments. This process was assigned to the methyl group rotation. It was analysed in terms of a jump diffusion in a three-fold potential. The analysis of the dependence of the elastic incoherent structure factor on the scattering vector yields the number of methyl groups which might be immobilized. For PTCNSi1 (3 methyl groups in the monomeric unit) it was found that all methyl groups take part in the methyl group rotation whereas for PTCNSi2g (6 methyl groups in monomeric unit) a considerable number of methyl groups are blocked in their rotation. This immobilization of methyl groups is due to the sterically demanding arrangement of the methyl groups in PTCNSi2g. This conclusion is further supported by the result that the activation energy for the methyl group rotation is three times higher for PTCNSi2g than that of PTCNSi1.
Currently, the Full Notch Creep Test (FNCT) [1] method is used by material suppliers and end users in industry for the approval of container and pipe materials based on high-density polyethylene (PE-HD). The resistance to environmental stress cracking (ESC) of the material is evaluated using the time to failure of the specimen in an aqueous solution of a detergent [2, 3]. Usually specimens made of sheets with isotropic material properties, manufactured by hot pressing, are employed in order to obtain intrinsic properties of the material in terms of ESC failure. In contrast, the processes used in manufacturing to form containers and pipes, such as extrusion blow molding or extrusion, impose anisotropic properties to the material. These are mostly due to a microstructural orientation (polymer chains or crystallites) [4]. Furthermore, the different cooling conditions significantly affect the size distribution of crystallites as well as the overall morphology. It is therefore essential to understand the influence of process-induced material characteristics on failure due to ESC.
A large number of studies on material properties as a function of microstructural preferential orientation have already been conducted [5-7]. However, effects on ESC as the major failure mechanism of containers and pipes are still rather unexplored [8, 9]. The most important factor is whether primarily intramolecular high-strength covalent bonds or the substantially weaker intermolecular van der Waals forces are predominantly loaded.
In addition to the widely established classification by time to failure, the strain or crack opening displacement (COD) provides valuable information about the evolution and progression of damage as a function of time [10, 11]. Optical strain measurement using digital image correlation allows the differences in COD for isotropic and different angles of orientation of anisotropic specimens to be discussed. Also, a post-fracture surface analysis provides clarification on the craze-crack mechanism of the ESC. These different ESC-related properties of extruded and hot-pressed specimens have been investigated at different environmental medium temperatures and different initial stresses to provide a broad characterization of the fracture behavior of PE-HD.
Molecular orientation has a significant effect on the material properties of polymers. Preferential orientation of the microstructure (polymer chains or crystallites) in a specific direction or plane often enhances the material properties, especially if the high-strength covalent bonds are primarily exposed to loads instead of the weaker van der Waals bonds. However, the orientation-dependent microstructure and its mechanical behavior is in general already well understood by many scientific studies [1-3]. Isotropic materials are frequently required for an intrinsic material characterization without prevailing processing-induced properties, as is the case for Full Notch Creep Test (FNCT) [4] addressing environmental stress cracking (ESC) in high-density polyethylene (PE-HD) [5, 6]. Since ESC is one of the major limiting issues for long-term performance of PE-HD pipes and containers [7], which in contrast have a production-related preferential orientated microstructure due to extrusion or extrusion blow molding, it is important to additionally investigate the ESC resistance of such anisotropic microstructure.
Investigations of the slow crack growth (SCG) with respect to the molecular orientation generally obtain a factor of 1.2 up to 4.7 between crack growth perpendicular to the extrusion direction and crack growth parallel to the extrusion direction 8. Based on FNCT investigations with an aqueous detergent solution as environmental medium, hot pressed sheets with isotropic morphology are compared with extruded sheets from which specimens with different orientation angles are taken. However, the time to failure obtained by FNCT is also significantly influenced by the different cooling conditions under which the final morphology is formed. The tendency of the specimen to fail due to ESC is investigated as a function of environmental medium temperature. For a more detailed analysis of the affecting parameters in the manufacturing process, the ESC resistance is discussed considering the differences in crystallinity as revealed by thermal analysis.
Multifunctional Graphene in Flame Retarded Polybutadiene/ Chloroprene/ Carbon Black Composites
(2021)
Multilayer graphene is investigated as a multifunctional nanofiller to polybutadiene/ chloroprene rubbers (BR/CR) that partially substitutes carbon black (CB) and aluminum trihydroxide (ATH). Loadings of only 3 parts per hundred rubber (phr) MLG replaced 15 phr of CB and/or 3 phr of ATH in BR/CR nanocomposites. Mechanical and fire behavior were investigated, and results point to improved rheological, curing and mechanical properties of MLG-containing rubber composites.
Natural Rubber Nanocomposites via Optimized Latex Premixing and Conventional Technical Processing
(2021)
Creation of highly functional materials and replacement of high amounts of conventional fillers are driving forces for the development of nanocomposites. Besides the type and properties of nanoparticles, their dispersing in the elastomeric matrix and the stability of this dispersion through all processing steps are the
main factors for the resulting performance of the produced material. Therefore, a preparation chain via latex premixing to a highly filled masterbatch, followed by conventional technical processing is to be developed.
Three types of carbon-based particles are characterized as such (SEM, Raman Spectroscopy, BET specific surface area) and in combination with natural rubber, as nanocomposites (TEM. Hardness, Abrasion resistance, Compression set, Cone calorimetry).
All of the studied particles lead to an improvement in the investigated mechanical properties, the extent of reinforcement depends strongly on the specific surface of the particle interacting with the elastomeric matrix in combination with their shape.
Polyethylen hoher Dichte (PE-HD) wird als Werkstoff für Rohre und Behälter für den Transport und zur Lagerung von Gefahrgütern verwendet. Für die Beurteilung und technische Freigabe dieser Materialien ist insbesondere das Verständnis des Schädigungsmechanismus des langsamen, umgebungsbedingten Spannungsrisses (engl.: „environmental stress cracking“, ESC) essentiell. ESC tritt bei relativ geringen auf einen Werkstoff einwirkenden mechanischen Spannungen auf. An lokalen Fehlstellen (z.B. Defekte, Inhomogenitäten, Kerben) beginnend wächst ein Riss langsam durch das Material und führt nach gewisser Zeit zu einem charakteristischen, pseudo-spröden Bruch. Dabei wird das Risswachstum durch äußere Medieneinwirkung zusätzlich entscheidend beeinflusst. Dieses langsame Risswachstum wird als Hauptursache für das plötzliche und unerwartete Versagen von Polymerwerkstoffen angesehen.
Eine etablierte Prüfmethode zur Bewertung des Materialverhaltens gegenüber dieses Schädigungsmechanismus ist der Full-Notch Creep Test (FNCT), der für PE-HD Behältermaterialien üblicherweise unter Verwendung von wässrigen Netzmittellösungen (Arkopal N 100) durchgeführt wird. Die aus dem FNCT erhaltene Standzeit dient dabei als Bewertungskriterium für verschiedene PE-HD-Werkstoffe. In einer Studie wurden neben einer typischen Arkopal-N-100-Netzmittellösung praktisch relevante, organische Flüssigkeiten wie Biodiesel und Diesel als Testmedien verwendet, um deren Einfluss auf das ESC-Verhalten von PE-HD-Behältermaterialien zu charakterisieren. Neben der klassischen Standzeit-Auswertung erfolgte eine erweiterte Bruchflächenanalyse mittels Licht- (LM), Laserscanning- (LSM) und Rasterelektronenmikroskopie (REM). Insbesondere die LSM erlaubt eine schnelle und einfache Unterscheidung pseudo-spröder und duktiler Bruchbilder, die zur Beurteilung der Repräsentativität des FNCT für das dem Spannungsriss zugrundeliegenden langsamen Risswachstum von Bedeutung ist.
Four typical high-density polyethylene container materials were used to investigate damage or stress cracking behavior in contact with model liquids for crop protection products. These model liquids are established in German regulations for the approval of dangerous goods containers and consist of typical admixtures used for crop protection products but without biological active ingredients. This study is performed with the standardized method of Full Notch Creep Test, adapting the media temperature to 40 °C according to the usual conditions where these test liquids are applied. The two model liquids differ into a water-based solution and a composition based on different organic solvents which are absorbed by the material up to significant levels. Therefore, extensive sorption measurements are performed. The fracture surfaces obtained are analyzed in detail not only by light microscopy, but also by laser scanning microscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy. Influence of pre-saturation and applied stress are addressed by respective systematic series of experiments.