Jean-Pierre Habas

Influence of both cation and alginate nature on the rheological behavior of transition metal alginate gels.

The rheological properties of several ionotropic alginate hydrogels were investigated according to the nature of the divalent cation (Mn(2+), Co(2+), Cu(2+)) and the guluronic fraction of the alginate (HG and LG for high G-content and low G-content). Six hydrogels (Mn-LG, Mn-HG, Co-LG, Co-HG, Cu-LG and Cu-HG) were synthesized and studied by spectromechanical analyses. On one hand, Cu-HG, Cu-LG and Co-HG behaved as viscoelastic solids: the elastic contribution was higher than the dissipative component in all the frequency range studied (G>G). No flow zone (G>G) was detected even at very low values of the shearing frequency. On the other, Mn-HG, Mn-LG and Co-LG presented a spectromechanical behavior that resembled that observed classically for entangled polymers. Indeed, at high frequency, these latter materials could be compared to a viscoelastic solid but at low frequency, the flow zone was described and the viscous character became prevalent with finite relaxation time. Very good correlations with the microscopic structurations of the network were evidenced (rubbery vs. flow zone and fibrillar vs. complex morphology respectively).

Avaliação do efeito de um óleo parafínico sobre o comportamento físico-químico de tubulações de polietileno de alta densidade

The effects caused by a paraphinic oil on the physicochemical behavior of high-density polyehtylene pipes were investigated, as a function of time and temperature. These effects were evaluated by thermogravimetric and gravimetric analysis and by FTIR. The gravimetric data were satisfactorily described using the Ficks law, and the FTIR results showed that no main structural modifications have occurred after exposure of the HDPE pipes to this oil. From the results obtained it was concluded that physical aging was occurring, since the chemical structure of the polymer was not altered.

Optimized Synthesis According to One-Step Process of a Biobased Thermoplastic Polyacetal Derived from Isosorbide

This paper describes both the synthesis and characterization of a biobased and non-aromatic polyacetal produced from the reaction between isosorbide and methylene chloride. The reaction was conducted in an aprotic dipolar and harmless solvent using a one-step, fast and economical procedure. The chemical composition of this polymer was investigated using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopies. The molecular weights were examined by size exclusion chromatography and MALDI-TOF spectrometry. The synthesis conditions (concentration, mixing speed, solvent nature, stoichiometry, addition mode of one reactan) were found to strongly influence both polymer architecture and reaction yield. Under moderated stirring conditions, the polyacetal was characterized by a larger amount of macro-cycles. Inversely, under higher intensity mixing and with an excess of methylene chloride, it was mainly composed of linear chains. In this latter case, the polymeric material presented an amorphous morphology with a glass transition temperature (Tg) close to 55 °C. Its degradation temperature was evaluated to be close to 215 °C using thermogravimetry according to multi-ramp methodology. The chemical approach and the physicochemical properties are valuable in comparison with that characteristic of other isosorbide-based polyacetals.

High Temperature Epoxy Foam: Optimization of Process Parameters

For many years, reduction of fuel consumption has been a major aim in terms of both costs and environmental concerns. One option is to reduce the weight of fuel consumers. For this purpose, the use of a lightweight material based on rigid foams is a relevant choice. This paper deals with a new high temperature epoxy expanded material as substitution of phenolic resin, classified as potentially mutagenic by European directive Reach. The optimization of thermoset foam depends on two major parameters, the reticulation process and the expansion of the foaming agent. Controlling these two phenomena can lead to a fully expanded and cured material. The rheological behavior of epoxy resin is studied and gel time is determined at various temperatures. The expansion of foaming agent is investigated by thermomechanical analysis. Results are correlated and compared with samples foamed in the same temperature conditions. The ideal foaming/gelation temperature is then determined. The second part of this research concerns the optimization of curing cycle of a high temperature trifunctional epoxy resin. A two-step curing cycle was defined by considering the influence of different curing schedules on the glass transition temperature of the material. The final foamed material has a glass transition temperature of 270 °C.