Search

A unique morphology was fabricated using melt mixing of polysulfone (PSU) and nylon 6, 6, as well as organically modified clay to produce two blended nanocomposite compositions (80/20 and 60/40 w/w) of polysulfone and nylon 6, 6. The morphology of PSU/Nylon 6, 6 blend nanocomposites with various amounts of clay has been examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). In the case of 80/20 (w/w) PSU/Nylon 6, 6 without clay, the Nylon 6, 6 is dispersed in the PSU matrix with an average particle size of about 6.81 micrometers (μm). After adding clay (2%, 4%, and 8%), the domain size of nylon 6, 6 decreases, although the decrease rate is much slower than initially observed. However, we discovered that when the organoclay level exceeds 2%, the matrix-domain structure transforms into a co-continuous morphology for the 60/40 (w/w) blends. The TEM studies clearly demonstrate that the organoclay preferentially positions itself in the nylon 6, 6 phase, exhibiting a high degree of exfoliation, while the PSU phase of the nanocomposites remains devoid of clay, irrespective of the amount present. This study indicates that the size of clay platelets dispersed in the PSU/Nylon 6, 6 blend plays an important role in determining the morphology and stability of these blends. Moreover, the co-continuous structures were stable against further annealing at high temperatures, thus inhibiting the coalescence of the dispersed phase in addition to reducing interfacial tension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses primarily on the wear behavior observed in AISI4340 steel when machining with a multi-layered coated carbide tool. Numerical and experimental examination is processed out to predict the wear performance of AISI 4340 steel along with its cutting force and temperature. In this process, four layers of different coated material are bonded together to form a multi-layered coated carbide tool. The coated thickness is assessed with the assistance of a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Experimental analysis takes place with a heavy duty lathe machine equipped with an infrared thermometer and force dynamometer. Simulation is performed using DEFORM-2D software to simulate cutting forces and interface temperature, and the output results obtained have been compared with the experimental work. With the help of the SEM image, maximum crater wear depth is evaluated and analyzed. Feed plays a crucial role in increasing the chip interface temperature and cutting force. For varied feed rates, the cutting tool edge radius, depth of cut, and cutting speed are taken as the input parameters. The proposed 2D finite element model provides effective parameter values for reducing wear. Results measured indicate that the output parameter values of interface temperature and cutting force obtained from simulation and experimental investigation match each other with high accuracy. Simulation results for temperature distribution around the tool tip show that a maximum temperature of 654 °C is formed at the feed rate of 0.4 mm/rev, leading to high heat flux. For the feed rate of 0.3 and 0.2 mm/rev, there is not much deviation in heat flux around the tool tip. The maximum temperature around the tool tip is near 527 °C for both 0.3 and 0.2 mm/rev. Simulation results show that the lowest tool wear of 0.001 23 mm was obtained for a feed rate of 0.2 mm/rev, followed by 0.004 25 (0.1 mm/rev), 0.005 09 mm (0.4 mm/rev), and 0.007 14 mm/rev. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new approach for improving the compatibility of liquid crystalline polymers with engineering thermoplastics. To improve compatibility and mechanical performance of poly (phenylene oxide) (PPO)/liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) A950 blends, a third component compatibilizer is incorporated into the processing step. In this work, epoxy containing acrylate rubber (ACM) is used for the compatibilization of PPO/LCPA950 blends through the chemical reaction of epoxy functional groups of the acrylate rubber with terminated carboxylic acids or hydroxyl end groups of the two phases. The compatibilization effect on the properties of PPO/LCPA950 blends is investigated by adjusting the amount of acrylate rubber. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and melt-rheological analysis were used to study the compatibilization mechanism of acrylate rubber, and the results demonstrate that acrylate rubber is capable of reacting with PPO/LCPA950 to form a chemical bonding interface. The electron microscopic images revealed a well-compatibilized microstructure of PPO/LCPA950 blends in presence of acrylate rubber with submicron-sized liquid crystalline polymer domains in the continuous poly (phenylene oxide) matrix phase, which could not be detected for immiscible PPO/LCPA950 blend. The dynamic mechanical analysis shows that PPO/LCPA950 blend with acrylate rubber exhibit greater elastic storage moduli. It was observed that blends of PPO/LCPA950 compatible with acrylate rubber showed significant increases in tensile strength as well as notched impact strength. These blends can be used in automotive industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erosion, a major threat to the safety and reliability of piping components, can significantly impact their integrity and functionality. This study employs computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to systematically investigate the erosion behavior of four elbow designs (standard 90- degree elbow, 18-degree gored elbow, 22.5-degree gored elbow, and 30- degree gored elbow) subjected to multiphase air-sand and water-sand flows. Our primary objective is to identify the optimal elbow design that effectively mitigates erosion and enhances the safety and reliability of piping systems. Our findings reveal that the 22.5-degree gored elbow exhibits significantly lower erosion rates compared to other designs, particularly in air-sand flows, making it the superior choice for reducing erosion by up to 32% compared to the standard elbow. However, the standard 90-degree elbow demonstrates greater erosion resistance in water-sand flows. This research contributes valuable insights for selecting the optimal elbow design in multiphase flow, ultimately enhancing the design and longevity of piping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]