Junyan Zhang

Non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of PA6/attapulgite composites prepared by melt compounding

The non‐isothermal crystallization behaviors of neat polyamide 6 (PA6) and PA6/attapulgite (ATB) composites were examined using differential scanning calorimetry. The results show that ATB acts as a nucleator for PA6 matrix, accelerating the crystallization, and simultaneously obstructs the crystallization especially for the composites with higher ATB content. The analysis results using the Jeziorny and Liu equations verify the dual actions of the nucleation and the obstruction of crystallization of the ATB in the PA6 matrix. Kissingers method is employed to obtain the activation energy of the crystallization processes; the results further indicate that the addition of ATB may also cause the above actions. It is speculated that there is a very complicated crystallization mechanism in the PA6/ATB composites based on the analysis of Avrami exponents obtained by the Jeziorny model.

Morphological, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Compatibilized Nylon 6/ABS Blends

Super‐tough nylon 6/ABS blends were prepared by using styrene/acrylonitrile/maleic anhydride co‐polymer (SAM) as a compatibilizer. The variations in morphology, mechanical behavior, and crystallinity associated with the reaction of the SAM with the nylon were characterized. The results showed that the addition of SAM to nylon 6/ABS blends enhanced the interfacial adhesion between nylon 6 and ABS, and this led to the decrease of ABS domain size and the improvement of mechanical properties of their blends. Moreover, it could be found that the crystallinity and phase morphology changed with the variation of SAM.

Study on the Morphological and Mechanical Properties of Nylon 6/ABS/Nano-SiO2 Composites

The mechanical properties and morphology of the composites of nylon 6, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) rubber, and nano-SiO2 particles were examined as a function of the nano-SiO2 content. A mixture with separation and encapsulation microstructures existed in the nylon 6/ABS/nano-SiO2 at lower nano-SiO2 content, and ABS and nano-SiO2 improved the toughness synergistically, while obvious agglomeration appeared at higher nano-SiO2 content and the impact strength decreased. Moreover, the addition of nano-SiO2 particles also affected the dispersion of the rubber phase, resulting in the appearance of smaller rubber particles. The deformation and toughening mechanisms of the composites were also investigated; they resulted from rubber voiding, crack forking, and plastic deformation of the matrix.

Non-additivity of Methyl Group in the Single-electron Lithium Bond of H3C LiH Complex

The non-additivity of the methyl groups in the single-electron lithium bond was investigated using ab initio calculations at the B3LYP/6311++G** and UMP2/6311++G** levels. The strength of the interaction in the H3C LiH, H3CH2C LiH, (H3C)2HC LiH, and (H3C)3C LiH complexes was analyzed in term of the geometries, energies, frequency shifts, stabilization energies, charges, and topological parameters. It is shown that (H3C)3C radical with LiH forms the strongest single-electron lithium bond, followed by (H3C)2HC radical, then H3CH2C radical, and H3C radical forms the weakest single-electron lithium bond. A positive non-additivity is present among methyl groups. Natural bond orbital and atoms in molecules analyses were used to estimate such conclusions. Furthermore, there are few linear/nonlinear relationships in the system and the interaction mode of single-electron Li-bond is different from the single-electron H-bond and single-electron halogen bond.

Friction and Wear Behavior of Polyamide 66/Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Blends

The tribological performance of PA66 and PVDF blends was investigated by a block‐on ring sliding friction and wear tester. The appropriate amount of PVDF can decrease the friction coefficient and improve the wear resistance of PA66. Moreover, the appropriate amount of PA66 can improve the wear resistance of PVDF. SEM analysis shows that PVDF is noncompatible with PA66, and the blend presents a two‐phase structure. A smooth worn surface is a main reason for improving the frictional and wear properties of the PA66/PVDF blend. Besides, slight debris is an important factor in improving the wear resistance of the PA66/PVDF blend. FT‐IR analysis shows that the oxidation and degradation behavior of PVDF is effectively controlled in the PA66/PVDF blends. Therefore, the blend of PA66 and PVDF is a potential polymer material for tribological applications.