Flame Retardant Intumescent Polyamide 11 Nanocomposites – Further Study

The objective of this research is to develop improved polyamide 11 and 12 polymers with enhanced flame retardancy, thermal, and mechanical properties for selective laser sintering (SLS) rapid manufacturing (RM). In the present study, a nanophase was introduced into the polyamide 11 and combine with a conventional intumescent flame retardant (FR) additive via twin screw extrusion. Arkema Rilsan® polyamide 11 molding polymer pellets were used with two types of nanoparticles such as: chemically modified montmorillonite (MMT) organoclays and carbon nanofibers (CNFs). Two types of Clariant’s Exolit® OP 1311 and 1312 intumescent FR additives were used to generate a family of FR intumescent polyamide 11 nanocomposites with anticipated synergism.Mechanical Engineerin

Flammability and Thermal Properties of Polyamide 11-Alumina Nanocomposites

Neat polyamides 11 and 12 lack high strength/high heat resistance and flame retardancy. The incorporation of selected nanoparticles is expected to enhance these properties to a level that is desired and required for performance driven applications. This enhancement may result in additional market opportunities for the polyamide 11 and 12 polymer manufacturers. The objective of this study is to develop polyamide 11 polymer nanocomposites with enhanced thermal, flammability, and mechanical performance for selective laser sintering (SLS) rapid manufacturing. Three types of nano-alumnia (X-0 needle, X-25SR, and X-0SR) with different organic treatments were melt-compounded into polyamide 11 in three different weight loadings of the nanoparticles (2.5%, 5%, and 7.5%). Injection molded specimens were fabricated for thermal, flammability, and mechanical properties characterization. Although nano-alumina was uniformly dispersed in polyamide 11 and better thermal stability of the nanomodified materials was observed, the desired FR characteristics of the nanomodified polyamide 11 was not achieved. None of the materials passed the desired UL 94 V0 rating.Mechanical Engineerin

Primary design concept of mini compression test machine for food texture analyzer

The sensory analysis method is commonly used for the quality control process. However, this method may provide a biased result since it counts as a subjective measurement. Therefore, engineers came up with the idea of implementing a mechanical testing tool, called a texture analyzer, to measure the properties of the food itself. This study aims to develop a preliminary design of a texture analyzer that can function as a mini-compression test machine that is lightweight, portable, low cost, but still performs the texture analyzer's essential function. Design synthesis is done by reviewing the existing texture analyzers. As a result, the proposed device uses ball screws with a stepper motor as the control machine and load cell to measure the load applied. Furthermore, the dimension of this mini compression is D245 x W200 x H537.5 mm with a 250 mm effective sliding distance, and the maximum load is 10 kg. The design is smaller and lighter than the commercial product; thus, it can be considered portable. Design mainly constructed using SS304 and aluminum to provide a robust design and minimize compliance error. However, some parts were 3D printed due to the complexity in the manufacturing process. The estimated torque that the motor should produce is 1.2 N.m. This machine is expected to be useful for educational purpose as a demonstration tool. © 2023 Author(s).12 month embargo; first published 27 April 2023This item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]