The reliability of finite element simulations for rubber components largely depends on the accuracy of the material models used to represent the mechanical behavior of elastomers. A common challenge faced by simulation engineers is the frequent lack of detailed material models for the specific rubber compounds in use. This study addresses that gap by presenting practical, hardness-based approximation techniques for estimating material parameters. To this end, a range of established methods and equations for deriving parameters from hardness data is reviewed. Given the wide variety of rubber material models, the scope is limited to the Neo-Hookean model. Accordingly, several approaches have been developed to estimate Neo-Hookean parameters directly from hardness measurements. By examining the underlying principles, particularly those related to rubber hardness testing, this work aims to improve the understanding of these techniques and clarify their applicability and limitations. The accuracy of the proposed approximations is evaluated across various rubber materials by comparing the predicted stress–strain behavior with results from finite element simulations of indentation tests.
{"title":"Material models for rubber based on indentation hardness: Comparison between theory and simulation","authors":"Rudolf Randler , Raphael Kaelin , Sacha Bissig , Morteza Nejati , Cornelia Amstutz","doi":"10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108996","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108996","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The reliability of finite element simulations for rubber components largely depends on the accuracy of the material models used to represent the mechanical behavior of elastomers. A common challenge faced by simulation engineers is the frequent lack of detailed material models for the specific rubber compounds in use. This study addresses that gap by presenting practical, hardness-based approximation techniques for estimating material parameters. To this end, a range of established methods and equations for deriving parameters from hardness data is reviewed. Given the wide variety of rubber material models, the scope is limited to the Neo-Hookean model. Accordingly, several approaches have been developed to estimate Neo-Hookean parameters directly from hardness measurements. By examining the underlying principles, particularly those related to rubber hardness testing, this work aims to improve the understanding of these techniques and clarify their applicability and limitations. The accuracy of the proposed approximations is evaluated across various rubber materials by comparing the predicted stress–strain behavior with results from finite element simulations of indentation tests.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20628,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Testing","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 108996"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145268792","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-27DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108998
Gyu-Hyun Lim , Min-Jin Choi , Choon-Ho Lee , Song-Joo Choi , Na-Im Kim , Jung-Wook Wee
In this study, an in-situ evaluation method was developed to provide an objective and quantitative analysis of the environmental stress cracking (ESC) resistance of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) materials. The ESC resistance of PMMA materials with different molecular weights was evaluated under varying solvent temperatures (22, 40, and 60 °C) and bending strains (0 %, 0.5 %, and 1 %). Differences in ESC behavior between the two PMMA materials under different conditions were identified by observing surface damage and determining the timing of crack initiation and fracture occurrence, revealing distinct crack patterns associated with molecular weight. Quantitative analysis of surface observations provided objective material characteristics, and a predictive model for crack evolution was developed through dual fitting analysis combining lognormal distribution and power series approaches. The reliability of the evaluation method was confirmed by establishing optimal image threshold values and reference crack areas used for crack detection. This approach, applicable to transparent polymer specimens under controlled laboratory conditions, enables standardized evaluation of ESC behavior through visual-based crack detection. These findings clarify the ESC mechanism of PMMA as a function of molecular weight and support the potential standardization of ESC evaluation using the developed method and predictive modeling framework for similar transparent polymeric materials.
{"title":"Quantitative in-situ evaluation of environmental stress cracking resistance in poly(methyl methacrylate) using automated crack detection","authors":"Gyu-Hyun Lim , Min-Jin Choi , Choon-Ho Lee , Song-Joo Choi , Na-Im Kim , Jung-Wook Wee","doi":"10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108998","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108998","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, an <em>in-situ</em> evaluation method was developed to provide an objective and quantitative analysis of the environmental stress cracking (ESC) resistance of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) materials. The ESC resistance of PMMA materials with different molecular weights was evaluated under varying solvent temperatures (22, 40, and 60 °C) and bending strains (0 %, 0.5 %, and 1 %). Differences in ESC behavior between the two PMMA materials under different conditions were identified by observing surface damage and determining the timing of crack initiation and fracture occurrence, revealing distinct crack patterns associated with molecular weight. Quantitative analysis of surface observations provided objective material characteristics, and a predictive model for crack evolution was developed through dual fitting analysis combining lognormal distribution and power series approaches. The reliability of the evaluation method was confirmed by establishing optimal image threshold values and reference crack areas used for crack detection. This approach, applicable to transparent polymer specimens under controlled laboratory conditions, enables standardized evaluation of ESC behavior through visual-based crack detection. These findings clarify the <span>ESC</span> mechanism of PMMA as a function of molecular weight and support the potential standardization of <span>ESC</span> evaluation using the developed method and predictive modeling framework for similar transparent polymeric materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20628,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Testing","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 108998"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145222034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-26DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108997
Ingrid Trofin , Martin Borůvka , Sabine Hild
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biobased, biodegradable material that has shown great potential as an alternative to fossil-based polymers, already used in various fields due to its biocompatibility and advantageous physico-chemical properties. However, PLA lacks the thermal stability and impact resistance needed for engineering applications. To this end, the current study proposes a solvent-free methodology for the physical preparation of a PLA stereocomplex (PLA-SC) between enantiomeric poly(D-lactic acid) and poly(L-lactic acid), and its use in small amounts as a self-nucleating agent. The strength of the internal hydrogen-bonding (−CH3 … O=C) within the stereocomplex crystallites was altered by applying three threshold extrusion temperatures, and its influence on crystallinity and morphology was investigated. The crystallinity of PDLLA showed a sixfold increase with the addition of PLA-SC, while the crystallinity of PLLA doubled, as indicated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and corroborated by Raman spectroscopy. The self-nucleation effect of the stereocomplex was observed under polarized optical light microscopy (POM). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed two distinct morphologies correlated to the crystallinity trends recorded, namely spherulites and shish-kebabs, the latter being known as flow-induced, oriented semi-crystalline conformations. The intrinsic crystallization kinetics of each matrix promoted lamellar or fibrillar packing, respectively. The heat deflection temperatures (HDT) also increased with an increase in PLA-SC content for both PDLLA and PLLA matrices. Incorporating very low amounts of PLA-SC into PLA matrices of different optical purities under industrial processing conditions enhanced material properties, crucial for widening the applicability of this bioplastic.
{"title":"Characterization of poly(lactic acid) enhancement via poly(L-lactic acid)/poly(D-lactic acid) stereocomplexation and its influence on material crystallinity and morphology","authors":"Ingrid Trofin , Martin Borůvka , Sabine Hild","doi":"10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108997","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108997","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biobased, biodegradable material that has shown great potential as an alternative to fossil-based polymers, already used in various fields due to its biocompatibility and advantageous physico-chemical properties. However, PLA lacks the thermal stability and impact resistance needed for engineering applications. To this end, the current study proposes a solvent-free methodology for the physical preparation of a PLA stereocomplex (PLA-SC) between enantiomeric poly(<sub>D</sub>-lactic acid) and poly(<sub>L</sub>-lactic acid), and its use in small amounts as a self-nucleating agent. The strength of the internal hydrogen-bonding (−CH<sub>3</sub> … O=C) within the stereocomplex crystallites was altered by applying three threshold extrusion temperatures, and its influence on crystallinity and morphology was investigated. The crystallinity of PDLLA showed a sixfold increase with the addition of PLA-SC, while the crystallinity of PLLA doubled, as indicated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and corroborated by Raman spectroscopy. The self-nucleation effect of the stereocomplex was observed under polarized optical light microscopy (POM). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed two distinct morphologies correlated to the crystallinity trends recorded, namely spherulites and shish-kebabs, the latter being known as flow-induced, oriented semi-crystalline conformations. The intrinsic crystallization kinetics of each matrix promoted lamellar or fibrillar packing, respectively. The heat deflection temperatures (HDT) also increased with an increase in PLA-SC content for both PDLLA and PLLA matrices. Incorporating very low amounts of PLA-SC into PLA matrices of different optical purities under industrial processing conditions enhanced material properties, crucial for widening the applicability of this bioplastic.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20628,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Testing","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 108997"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145268793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-26DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108994
Saja A. Althobaiti , Gehan M. Nabil , Mohamed E. Mahmoud
Doxorubicin drug (DOX) is well-characterized by its high chemical stability with minimum ability to biodegrade. It has been recently characterized as a pollutant in wastewaters. Therefore, the current investigation is devoted to explore the potential recovery of DOX pollutant onto a newly assembled nanocomposite from the combination of carboxymethylcellulose and magnetite with magnesium/aluminum double layered hydroxide (CMC@Fe3O4@MgAl-LDHs). Fe, O, C, Mg and Al elements were detected in this nanocomposite providing 44.78, 38.81, 9.12, 4.02 and 3.27 %, respectively. The implementation of CMC@Fe3O4@MgAl-LDHs in sportive removal of DOX was monitored under numerous impacting conditions including pH (2.0–11.0), reaction time (2–60 min), nanocomposite dosage (2–60 mg), ionic strength via NaCl (10.0–100.0 mg), DOX initial concentration (1.0–20.0 mg L−1) and reaction temperature (25–60 °C). The pHpzc of CMC@Fe3O4@MgAl-LDHs was detected as 5.8 to favoring high adsorptive capture values of DOX near this pH condition. CMC@Fe3O4@MgAl-LDHs exhibited excellent stability toward regeneration for five consecutive cycles providing 90.0–96.0 %. Moreover, CMC@Fe3O4@MgAl-LDHs exhibited excellent removal capability of DOX from real waters up to 95.0–96.5 % (tap water), 95.5–96.1 % (wastewater) and 81.0–83.9 (sea water). Therefore, it could be concluded from the provided data that the investigated CMC@Fe3O4@MgAl-LDHs is a valid and promising adsorbent with lauded potential for significant implementation in DOX recovery from real wastewaters providing high capability and performance with excellent efficiency. Finally, the outcomes from this study approved and lauded the high significance of CMC@Fe3O4@MgAl-LDHs owing to its practical potential in real water treatment based on its high adsorption efficiency, regenerability, biodegradability.
{"title":"Innovative supramolecular magnetic magnesium-aluminum LDHs-decorated-carboxymethylcellulose for doxorubicin uptake from aqueous solutions","authors":"Saja A. Althobaiti , Gehan M. Nabil , Mohamed E. Mahmoud","doi":"10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108994","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108994","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Doxorubicin drug (DOX) is well-characterized by its high chemical stability with minimum ability to biodegrade. It has been recently characterized as a pollutant in wastewaters. Therefore, the current investigation is devoted to explore the potential recovery of DOX pollutant onto a newly assembled nanocomposite from the combination of carboxymethylcellulose and magnetite with magnesium/aluminum double layered hydroxide (CMC@Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>@MgAl-LDHs). Fe, O, C, Mg and Al elements were detected in this nanocomposite providing 44.78, 38.81, 9.12, 4.02 and 3.27 %, respectively. The implementation of CMC@Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>@MgAl-LDHs in sportive removal of DOX was monitored under numerous impacting conditions including pH (2.0–11.0), reaction time (2–60 min), nanocomposite dosage (2–60 mg), ionic strength via NaCl (10.0–100.0 mg), DOX initial concentration (1.0–20.0 mg L<sup>−1</sup>) and reaction temperature (25–60 °C). The pHpzc of CMC@Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>@MgAl-LDHs was detected as 5.8 to favoring high adsorptive capture values of DOX near this pH condition. CMC@Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>@MgAl-LDHs exhibited excellent stability toward regeneration for five consecutive cycles providing 90.0–96.0 %. Moreover, CMC@Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>@MgAl-LDHs exhibited excellent removal capability of DOX from real waters up to 95.0–96.5 % (tap water), 95.5–96.1 % (wastewater) and 81.0–83.9 (sea water). Therefore, it could be concluded from the provided data that the investigated CMC@Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>@MgAl-LDHs is a valid and promising adsorbent with lauded potential for significant implementation in DOX recovery from real wastewaters providing high capability and performance with excellent efficiency. Finally, the outcomes from this study approved and lauded the high significance of CMC@Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>@MgAl-LDHs owing to its practical potential in real water treatment based on its high adsorption efficiency, regenerability, biodegradability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20628,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Testing","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 108994"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145222035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In the presented study, rigid polyurethane foams were modified with a filler in the form of beech wood pulp modified with sodium hydroxide solution. The effects of 0.2, 0.2, 1.2, 2.3, 3.5 and 4.7 wt% of the filler on the performance of the foams were investigated. The best thermo-mechanical properties were characterised by composites containing 3.5 wt% of filler. The samples were characterised by increased damping capacity after thermo-oxidative ageing, lower water absorption (about 38 %) and reduced thermal conductivity. The addition of a thermally unstable cellulose filler did not impair the thermal stability of the PU. The developed compositions confirm the possibility of using paper as a modifier for rigid polyurethane foams. The additive strengthens the composites, protects them from the effects of thermo-oxidative ageing and makes them suitable for use in higher humidity environments.
{"title":"Eco-friendly polyurethane foams enriched with sodium hydroxide modified wastepaper filler","authors":"Sylwia Makowska , Dawid Szymborski , Natalia Sienkiewicz , Agnė Kairytė , Piotr Pospiech , Przemysław Rybiński , Giedrius Balčiūnas , Renata Boris","doi":"10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108989","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108989","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the presented study, rigid polyurethane foams were modified with a filler in the form of beech wood pulp modified with sodium hydroxide solution. The effects of 0.2, 0.2, 1.2, 2.3, 3.5 and 4.7 wt% of the filler on the performance of the foams were investigated. The best thermo-mechanical properties were characterised by composites containing 3.5 wt% of filler. The samples were characterised by increased damping capacity after thermo-oxidative ageing, lower water absorption (about 38 %) and reduced thermal conductivity. The addition of a thermally unstable cellulose filler did not impair the thermal stability of the PU. The developed compositions confirm the possibility of using paper as a modifier for rigid polyurethane foams. The additive strengthens the composites, protects them from the effects of thermo-oxidative ageing and makes them suitable for use in higher humidity environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20628,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Testing","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 108989"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145222037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-24DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108992
Xiao Peng , Xuetong Zhao , Tingyue Dong , Yuan Yuan , Li Cheng , Lijun Yang , Ruijin Liao
Conventional diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy resins (DGEBA) are made from non-renewable fossil resources, which caused severe resource waste and environmental issues. It is of great importance to develop degradable epoxy resins with excellent physicochemical and electrical properties. In this work, a novel vanillin-based epoxy resin (VEP) with Schiff base bond is synthesized from Ortho-vanillin (OVA) and L-phenylalanine (PHE) through a two-step procedure. After cured with 4, 4′-diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM), the vanillin-based epoxy resin (VEP/DDM) exhibits a high char yield of 31.15 %, and 110 % enhancement in storage modulus comparing to DGEBA/DDM. Meanwhile, VEP/DDM presents excellent electrical properties with breakdown strength of 33.16 kV/mm, dielectric constant of 4.00 and dielectric loss of 0.0059 at 50 Hz, respectively. Furthermore, the degradable Schiff base and hydrophobic groups on the side chain of PHE enable the VEP/DDM with good acid-catalytic degradation and hydrophobic properties. This work provides a new route for fabricating bio-based epoxy resins with promising physicochemical and electrical performance in practical engineering applications.
{"title":"Improved electrical properties, hydrophobicity, and degradability of ortho-vanillin-based epoxy resin: Roles of Schiff base","authors":"Xiao Peng , Xuetong Zhao , Tingyue Dong , Yuan Yuan , Li Cheng , Lijun Yang , Ruijin Liao","doi":"10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108992","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108992","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Conventional diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy resins (DGEBA) are made from non-renewable fossil resources, which caused severe resource waste and environmental issues. It is of great importance to develop degradable epoxy resins with excellent physicochemical and electrical properties. In this work, a novel vanillin-based epoxy resin (VEP) with Schiff base bond is synthesized from Ortho-vanillin (OVA) and L-phenylalanine (PHE) through a two-step procedure. After cured with 4, 4′-diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM), the vanillin-based epoxy resin (VEP/DDM) exhibits a high char yield of 31.15 %, and 110 % enhancement in storage modulus comparing to DGEBA/DDM. Meanwhile, VEP/DDM presents excellent electrical properties with breakdown strength of 33.16 kV/mm, dielectric constant of 4.00 and dielectric loss of 0.0059 at 50 Hz, respectively. Furthermore, the degradable Schiff base and hydrophobic groups on the side chain of PHE enable the VEP/DDM with good acid-catalytic degradation and hydrophobic properties. This work provides a new route for fabricating bio-based epoxy resins with promising physicochemical and electrical performance in practical engineering applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20628,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Testing","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 108992"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145159076","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-24DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108993
Kiran Shahzadi , Muhammad Sarfraz , Muneerah Alomar , Maryam Al Huwayz , Aqib Riaz , M.A. Mujtaba , Muhammad Nasir Bashir , Jana Petrů
Exacerbating challenges of providing safe environment and drinking water to humanity can be efficiently managed via membrane technology. Nanomaterials-impregnated polymer membranes find versatile applications in the removal of heavy metals from contaminated water. Owing to their outstanding mesoporous properties, high surface area, and good chemical and thermal resistance, the nanoparticles of Zn-Co nanoferrites (Zn1-xCoxFe2O4) were imbedded into polysulfone (PSF) matrix to concoct mixed-matrix membranes using wet phase inversion process. Hydrothermally synthesized Zn1-xCoxFe2O4 (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 1.0) nanoferrite particles of approximately 29–45 nm size in unannealed and annealed state were doped in PSF matrix to assess the effects of nanoferrites annealing on separation performance of resulting membranes. A thorough analysis was conducted to evaluate nanoferrites doping effect on membranes chemical structure, morphology, mechanical strength, wettability and microporous properties using FTIR, optical microscopy, UTM, Goneometer and porosity tester. Compared to pristine PSF membrane, water desalination performance of nanoferrites-filled membranes were significantly improved on doping nanoferrites of different grades.
{"title":"Zn-Co nanoferrites incorporated polysulfone nanofiltration membranes for wastewater treatment","authors":"Kiran Shahzadi , Muhammad Sarfraz , Muneerah Alomar , Maryam Al Huwayz , Aqib Riaz , M.A. Mujtaba , Muhammad Nasir Bashir , Jana Petrů","doi":"10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108993","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108993","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Exacerbating challenges of providing safe environment and drinking water to humanity can be efficiently managed via membrane technology. Nanomaterials-impregnated polymer membranes find versatile applications in the removal of heavy metals from contaminated water. Owing to their outstanding mesoporous properties, high surface area, and good chemical and thermal resistance, the nanoparticles of Zn-Co nanoferrites (Zn<sub>1-x</sub>Co<sub>x</sub>Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>) were imbedded into polysulfone (PSF) matrix to concoct mixed-matrix membranes using wet phase inversion process. Hydrothermally synthesized Zn<sub>1-x</sub>Co<sub>x</sub>Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 1.0) nanoferrite particles of approximately 29–45 nm size in unannealed and annealed state were doped in PSF matrix to assess the effects of nanoferrites annealing on separation performance of resulting membranes. A thorough analysis was conducted to evaluate nanoferrites doping effect on membranes chemical structure, morphology, mechanical strength, wettability and microporous properties using FTIR, optical microscopy, UTM, Goneometer and porosity tester. Compared to pristine PSF membrane, water desalination performance of nanoferrites-filled membranes were significantly improved on doping nanoferrites of different grades.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20628,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Testing","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 108993"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145222033","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-19DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108984
Patrick Wegele , L. Daniel Söderberg
A calculation method has been derived to predict the void volume loss of dynamically loaded structured composites commonly used as press belts in paper manufacturing. The method is based on a viscoelastic model that uses two serial generalised three-parameter Maxwell models and allows for predicting the void volume loss as a function of the applied external load and load rate. Optical verification of the void volume losses revealed that the method accurately calculates these volume losses that appear in the structure due to viscoelastic compression. Applying it to different composite specimen types makes it possible to quantify the influence of matrix material formulation, geometrical structure, temperature and saturation conditions on the void volume loss of dynamically loaded composites. As a result, the matrix material formulation of the polyurethane matrix is identified as the key parameter influencing the void volume loss.
{"title":"Characterisation of the void volume loss of dynamically loaded structured polyurethane composites using viscoelastic modelling","authors":"Patrick Wegele , L. Daniel Söderberg","doi":"10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108984","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108984","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A calculation method has been derived to predict the void volume loss of dynamically loaded structured composites commonly used as press belts in paper manufacturing. The method is based on a viscoelastic model that uses two serial generalised three-parameter Maxwell models and allows for predicting the void volume loss as a function of the applied external load and load rate. Optical verification of the void volume losses revealed that the method accurately calculates these volume losses that appear in the structure due to viscoelastic compression. Applying it to different composite specimen types makes it possible to quantify the influence of matrix material formulation, geometrical structure, temperature and saturation conditions on the void volume loss of dynamically loaded composites. As a result, the matrix material formulation of the polyurethane matrix is identified as the key parameter influencing the void volume loss.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20628,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Testing","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 108984"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145119723","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-17DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108991
Jun Young Yoon , Sang Min Lee , Youjin Park , Kyung-Woo Lee , Daeun Sung , Seongho Yoon , Byoung-Ho Choi
The emergence of low-noise vehicles, such as electric and hydrogen-powered cars, has increased the perceptibility of minor noises—commonly referred to as buzz, squeak, and rattle—which can significantly influence consumer perception and satisfaction. Among these, squeak noise arises from dynamic frictional interactions between contacting components and is highly sensitive to material properties and environmental conditions. However, existing commercial testing systems with fixed structural stiffness are inadequate for evaluating the friction-induced noise behaviors of various polymer combinations under diverse conditions. To overcome these limitations, a novel test apparatus was developed with adjustable system stiffness and frictional speed, alongside a corresponding evaluation methodology. This setup enables detailed analysis of friction-induced noise characteristics, including frequency, amplitude, and vibration acceleration level (VAL). Experiments were performed using three polymeric materials—polycarbonate (PC), polyoxymethylene (POM), and a polypropylene compound (PP-TDGX)—across four sliding speeds and four stiffness settings. A bandpass filter was applied to eliminate background noise from the acquired signals, and time-domain feature extraction was used to quantify the frequency and amplitude of friction-induced oscillations. Additionally, vibration analysis based on VAL was conducted to assess the severity of frictional noise. The results demonstrate that the tribological interactions between polymer pairs vary significantly with changes in sliding speed and system stiffness. The proposed testing method and equipment offer a more accurate and flexible approach to characterizing friction-induced noise in polymeric materials, thereby supporting more effective material selection for automotive interior applications and potentially reducing both noise issues and development costs.
{"title":"Development of a tunable test method for characterizing friction-induced squeak noise in automotive interior plastics","authors":"Jun Young Yoon , Sang Min Lee , Youjin Park , Kyung-Woo Lee , Daeun Sung , Seongho Yoon , Byoung-Ho Choi","doi":"10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108991","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108991","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The emergence of low-noise vehicles, such as electric and hydrogen-powered cars, has increased the perceptibility of minor noises—commonly referred to as buzz, squeak, and rattle—which can significantly influence consumer perception and satisfaction. Among these, squeak noise arises from dynamic frictional interactions between contacting components and is highly sensitive to material properties and environmental conditions. However, existing commercial testing systems with fixed structural stiffness are inadequate for evaluating the friction-induced noise behaviors of various polymer combinations under diverse conditions. To overcome these limitations, a novel test apparatus was developed with adjustable system stiffness and frictional speed, alongside a corresponding evaluation methodology. This setup enables detailed analysis of friction-induced noise characteristics, including frequency, amplitude, and vibration acceleration level (VAL). Experiments were performed using three polymeric materials—polycarbonate (PC), polyoxymethylene (POM), and a polypropylene compound (PP-TDGX)—across four sliding speeds and four stiffness settings. A bandpass filter was applied to eliminate background noise from the acquired signals, and time-domain feature extraction was used to quantify the frequency and amplitude of friction-induced oscillations. Additionally, vibration analysis based on VAL was conducted to assess the severity of frictional noise. The results demonstrate that the tribological interactions between polymer pairs vary significantly with changes in sliding speed and system stiffness. The proposed testing method and equipment offer a more accurate and flexible approach to characterizing friction-induced noise in polymeric materials, thereby supporting more effective material selection for automotive interior applications and potentially reducing both noise issues and development costs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20628,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Testing","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 108991"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145109646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-16DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108987
Jaegeun Lyu , Hyeonjeong Kim , Min Woo Kim , Juyoung Kim , Howon Choi , Donghoon Lee , Daeyoung Lim , Ji Ho Youk , Youngho Eom , Han Gi Chae
Para-aramid (p-aramid) fibers have gained significant attention in lightweight vehicle and optical cable industries. However, the use of harsh sulfuric acid-based processing limits their widespread adoption. As a promising alternative, p-aramid copolymer (p-AC) offers improved processability while maintaining comparable properties. In this study, p-AC superfibers incorporating 3,4′-oxydianiline (3,4′-ODA) monomers were successfully fabricated through optimized manufacturing processes spanning from solution preparation to fiber property enhancement. The homogeneity of spinning solutions, determined by polymerization conditions, serves as a key factor governing fiber structure and properties. Three p-AC solutions with varying rheological homogeneities, classified as low (L), moderate (M), and high (H), exhibited Cole-Cole plot slopes of 1.12, 1.34, and 1.65, respectively. A higher solution homogeneity enabled greater draw ratios, leading to more compact and well-aligned fiber microstructures. Consequently, as the homogeneity increased, the fiber crystallinity and orientation factor increased from 56.1 % and 0.923 to 62.2 % and 0.968, respectively. Notably, the p-AC-H fibers exhibited tensile modulus and strength of 82.4 and 3.1 GPa, respectively, representing 11.2 % and 41.0 % increases compared to those of p-AC-L fibers (74.1 and 2.2 GPa, respectively). These findings establish a direct correlation between solution homogeneity and fiber performance, providing a theoretical background for the precise design of high-performance superfibers.
{"title":"Optimizing p-aramid copolymer superfibers: The synergistic effect of solution rheology and fiber structure","authors":"Jaegeun Lyu , Hyeonjeong Kim , Min Woo Kim , Juyoung Kim , Howon Choi , Donghoon Lee , Daeyoung Lim , Ji Ho Youk , Youngho Eom , Han Gi Chae","doi":"10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108987","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108987","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Para-aramid (<em>p</em>-aramid) fibers have gained significant attention in lightweight vehicle and optical cable industries. However, the use of harsh sulfuric acid-based processing limits their widespread adoption. As a promising alternative, p-aramid copolymer (<em>p</em>-AC) offers improved processability while maintaining comparable properties. In this study, <em>p</em>-AC superfibers incorporating 3,4′-oxydianiline (3,4′-ODA) monomers were successfully fabricated through optimized manufacturing processes spanning from solution preparation to fiber property enhancement. The homogeneity of spinning solutions, determined by polymerization conditions, serves as a key factor governing fiber structure and properties. Three <em>p</em>-AC solutions with varying rheological homogeneities, classified as low (L), moderate (M), and high (H), exhibited Cole-Cole plot slopes of 1.12, 1.34, and 1.65, respectively. A higher solution homogeneity enabled greater draw ratios, leading to more compact and well-aligned fiber microstructures. Consequently, as the homogeneity increased, the fiber crystallinity and orientation factor increased from 56.1 % and 0.923 to 62.2 % and 0.968, respectively. Notably, the <em>p</em>-AC-H fibers exhibited tensile modulus and strength of 82.4 and 3.1 GPa, respectively, representing 11.2 % and 41.0 % increases compared to those of <em>p</em>-AC-L fibers (74.1 and 2.2 GPa, respectively). These findings establish a direct correlation between solution homogeneity and fiber performance, providing a theoretical background for the precise design of high-performance superfibers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20628,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Testing","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 108987"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145097803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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