The Effect of SEBS/Halloysite Masterbatch Obtained in Different Extrusion Conditions on the Properties of Hybrid Polypropylene/Glass Fiber Composites for Auto Parts

Masterbatches from a linear poly[styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene] (SEBS) and halloysite nanotubes (HNT-QM) were obtained in different conditions of temperature and shear using two co-rotating twin-screw extruders. The influence of screw configuration and melt processing conditions on the morpho-structural, thermal and mechanical properties of masterbatches at macro and nanoscale was studied. A good dispersion of halloysite nanotubes and better thermal stability and tensile and nanomechanical properties were obtained at a lower temperature profile and higher screw speed. The effect of masterbatches, the best and worst alternatives, on the properties of a polypropylene (PP)–glass fiber (GF) composite was also evaluated. Double hardness, tensile strength and modulus and four times higher impact strength were obtained for PP/GF composites containing masterbatches compared to pristine PP. However, the masterbatch with the best properties led further to enhanced mechanical properties of the PP/GF composite. A clear difference between the effects of the two masterbatches was obtained by nanoindentation and nanoscratch tests. These analyses proved to be useful for the design of polymer composites for automotive parts, such as bumpers or door panels. This study demonstrated that setting-up the correct processing conditions is very important to obtain the desired properties for automotive applications

A Concrete and Viable Example of Multimaterial Body: The Evolution Project Main Outcomes

Funded by the EC FP7 Programme, EVolution project demonstrated that it is possible to consistently reduce the vehicle weight through the wide use of new materials and process technologies, mainly by developing a multi-material Body-in-White. This paper focuses on three of the five structural body demonstrators, the main objective of the framework, strongly hybridized with aluminum and thermoplastic composite materials, specifically developed and manufactured through innovative technologies. Directing in particular the analysis on medium production volumes (> 30,000 units/year), the industrial viability is evaluated in terms of TAKT time, lightweighting costs, weight reduction and structural performances achieved.The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement no. 314744

Evolution FP7 funded project: body structure design strategies using new composite and aluminium materials and enabled technologies

Based on Pininfarina Nido EV concept, EVolution aims to reduce the vehicle weight through new materials and process technologies, focused on five demonstrators: underbody, front crossbeam, mechanical subframe, shotgun system and door. This paper refers to body structure design strategies using new composite, Al materials and enabled technologies, focusing in particular on demonstrators design and manufacturing. The new front crossbeam geometry of the front shell is adapted starting from the Nanotough design, while the rear shell is specific for EVolution. The subframe demonstrator is redesigned to fulfil mechanical requirements of the part and manufacturing feasibility either. The EVolution door concept consists of two semistructural composite skins including a structural Al frame. The underbody is conceived through an integrated approach, optimising each element for its function. The shotgun component is designed to link parts obtained with different manufacturing technologies and several aluminium alloys in one single component: the structural node demonstrator.The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement no. 314744

Mechanical and microstructural characterization of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels and its nanocomposites

*Düşünceli, Necmi ( Aksaray, Yazar )Mechanical behavior dependency of the poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel related to the amount of initiator, crosslinker, and nanoparticles was investigated. An experimental approach has been undertaken to observe these dependencies and assess the amount of initiator (ammonium persulfate), crosslinker (N, N′-methylene-bisacrylamide), and nanoparticles (graphene oxide) on the macroscopic responses of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide). Different amounts of initiator, crosslinker, and nanoparticle were used to manufacture specimens for the compression test. The specimens were subjected to compressive loading up to breakage to investigate the breaking behavior of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide). The responses of these specimens indicated that the mechanical behavior of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) was highly nonlinear and depends on these ingredients. The mechanical responses of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) were simulated using the ideal network model. The simulation results of the mathematical model substantially complied with the experimental data of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide). In addition, a more in-depth microstructural analysis was performed on these specimens. The analysis results allowed us to correlate the dependent amounts of the ingredients on the nonlinear, mechanical behavior of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)