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  1. Home
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Browsing by Author "Ojijo, Vincent O"

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    Advanced of Starch-Based Bioplastics
    (Elsevier, 2024) Mtibe, Asanda; Nomadolo, Elizabeth N; Hlekelele, Lerato; Mokhena, TC; Ofosu, Osei; John, Maya J; Ojijo, Vincent O
    The potential of starch-based plastics is well-known and well-researched. In recent years, starch-based materials have been used in both commercial and industrial applications to develop biodegradable and sustainable products and address the negative impacts caused by synthetic plastic products. Synthetic plastics are derived from petroleum-based resources and are non-biodegradable, causing plastic waste pollution. Starch-based bioplastics are selected as an alternative to synthetic plastics due to their availability, renewability, sustainability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The conversion of starch into thermoplastic starch (TPS) will be discussed in this study. In addition, the development of starch-based bioplastics using different processing techniques such as melt extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, blown film extruder as well as 3D and 4Dprinting will be also discussed. The market analysis of starch and starch-based materials, their properties, and applications, as well as prospects to determine if starch-based bioplastics are economically and practically feasible, will be thoroughly discussed.
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    Analytical techniques to quantify modifiers in bitumen for the South African asphalt pavement industry
    (2021-07) Makhari, A; Hawes, Nomashaka BN; Mturi, George AJ; Ojijo, Vincent O
    Modifying bitumen is currently a common practice in South Africa. The asphalt pavement industry has seen an increase in use of different types of modifiers in an attempt to improve or extend the properties of bitumen. Common modifiers used in South Africa include plastomers (e.g. ethylene vinyl acetate or EVA), elastomers (e.g. styrene-butadiene-styrene or SBS) and warm mix additives (e.g. waxes). Bitumens are already complex materials which can be represented mechanically and rheologically with mathematical models. Recently, the need to also characterise the in situ structural and chemistry effect of modifiers within bitumen has been appreciated, in order to determine their influence on modified bitumen performance. This paper explores the analysis of bitumen with various modifiers using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Special attention is paid to quantification of these modifiers in bitumen as a quality control and forensic investigative tool, due to the current asphalt failure challenges facing the industry. The aim is to accurately determine the extent of modification through analytical techniques as a monitoring tool for the better construction of asphalt pavement roads. The paper shows such analytical scientific techniques have the potential to quantify locally used modifiers in South African bitumen.
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    A brief overview of layered silicates and polymer/layered silicate nanocomposite formation
    (Springer, 2018-02) Ray, Suprakas S; Ojijo, Vincent O
    Layered silicate-containing polymer nanocomposites attract great interest in today’s advanced composite materials research because it is possible to achieve impressive property improvements when compared with neat polymers or conventional filler-filled composites. In its pristine form layered silicate is hydrophilic and not compatible with hydrophobic polymer matrices. To make layered silicate compatible with hydrophobic polymer matrix, one must convert hydrophilic surface to an organophilic one. This chapter briefly summarizes the structure and properties of pristine and organically modified layered silicates. This chapter also provides overview of layered silicate–containing polymer nanocomposites formation.
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    Cellulose nanostructure-based biodegradable nanocomposite foams: A brief overview on the recent advancements and perspectives
    (MDPI, 2019-07) Motloung, Mpho P; Ojijo, Vincent O; Bandyopadhyay, Jayita; Ray, Suprakash S
    The interest in designing new environmentally friendly materials has led to the development of biodegradable foams as a potential substitute to most currently used fossil fuel–derived polymer foams. Despite the possibility of developing biodegradable and environmentally friendly polymer foams, the challenge of foaming biopolymers still persists as they have very low melt strength and viscosity as well as low crystallisation kinetics. Studies have shown that the incorporation of cellulose nanostructure (CN) particles into biopolymers can enhance the foamability of these materials. In addition, the final properties and performance of the foamed products can be improved with the addition of these nanoparticles. They not only aid in foamability but also act as nucleating agents by controlling the morphological properties of the foamed material. Here, we provide a critical and accessible overview of the influence of CN particles on the properties of biodegradable foams; in particular, their rheological, thermal, mechanical, and flammability and thermal insulating properties and biodegradability.
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    The Circular Economy as Development Opportunity: Exploring Circular Economy Opportunities across South Africa’s Economic Sectors
    (CSIR, 2021-12) Godfrey, Linda K; Nahman, Anton; Oelofse, Suzanna HH; Trotter, Douglas; Khan, Sumaya; Nontso, Zintle; Magweregwede, Fleckson; Sereme, Busisiwe V; Okole, Blessed N; Gordon, Gregory ER; Brown, Bernadette; Pillay, Boyse; Schoeman, Chanel; Fazluddin, Shahed; Ojijo, Vincent O; Cooper, Antony K; Kruger, Daniel M; Napier, Mark; Mokoena, Refiloe; Steenkamp, Anton J; Msimanga, Xolile P; North, Brian C; Seetal, Ashwin R; Mathye, Salamina M; Godfrey, Linda K
    The intention of this book is to present the CSIR’s position and interpretation of the circular economy, and to use it to drive discussions on where immediate circular economy opportunities are achievable in South Africa. Opportunities that can be harnessed by business, government and civil society. These circular economy opportunities are framed in this book within the context of the current challenges facing various economic sectors. The CSIR has selected seven, resource intensive sectors – mining, agriculture, manufacturing, human settlements, mobility, energy and water – for further assessment. Many of these economic sectors have seen significant declines over the past years, with agriculture, manufacturing, transport and construction all showing negative growth pre-COVID. These are all sectors under economic stress and in need of regeneration. South Africa stands on the threshold of profound choices regarding its future development path. Transitioning to a more circular economy provides the country with the opportunity to address many national priorities including manufacturing competitiveness, food security; sustainable, resilient and liveable cities; efficient transport and logistics systems; and energy and water security, while at the same time decarbonising the economy. The transition to a circular economy provides the country with an opportunity for green and inclusive development to be the cornerstone of a post-COVID economic recovery. The titles of this book chapters are the following: Chapter 1: Driving economic growth in South Africa through a low carbon, sustainable and inclusive circular economy. Chapter 2: Placing the South African mining sector in the context of a circular economy transition. Chapter 3: Supporting food security and economic development through circular agriculture. Chapter 4: Supporting the development of a globally competitive manufacturing sector through a more circular economy. Chapter 5: Creating resilient, inclusive, thriving human settlements through a more circular economy. Chapter 6: Facilitating sustainable economic development through circular mobility. Chapter 7: Decoupling South Africa’s development from energy demand through a more circular economy. Chapter 8: Decoupling South Africa’s development from water demand through a circular economy.
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    Compatibilization of polymer blends by shear pulverization
    (Elsevier, 2020) Ojijo, Vincent O; Kesavan Pillai, Sreejarani
    Solid-state shear pulverization (SSSP) is a relatively new high-pressure and shear deformation technique, which relies on mechanochemical reactions between polymer chains in solid state. One of it applications is in the compatibilization of polymer blends. Whereas several traditional compatibilization strategies, such as the addition of premade copolymers or in situ generation of the same via reactive compatibilization exist, they have kinetic and thermodynamic challenges that limit their effectiveness. The less utilized technique to compatibilize blends is the SSSP, which utilizes mechanochemistry to enhance interfacial adhesion, stabilize the blend, and improve its properties. This chapter discusses the principles of SSSP and its application in compatibilization of polymer blend systems.
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    Concurrent Enhancement of Multiple Properties in Reactively Processed Nanocomposites of Polylactide/Poly[(butylene succinate)-co-adipate] Blend and Organoclay
    (Wiley, 2014-05) Ojijo, Vincent O; Ray, Suprakas S; Sadiku, R
    Polylactide (PLA) and poly[(butylene succinate)-co-adipate] (PBSA) were reacted by being blended in a batch mixer in the presence of a chain extender, triphenyl phosphite (TPP), and two different types of organically modified clays—a montmorillonite clay (C20A) and a synthetic mica (MEE)—to enhance the thermal stability, impact toughness, and barrier properties of the PLA. An accelerated increase in the torque during processing indicated catalyzed chain-extension reactions in the clay-based compatibilized blends. The rate and extent of the increase in the chain extension/coupling were dependent on the type of organic surfactant used to modify the pristine clays. Enhanced chain extension/coupling and char formation resulted in dramatic thermal stability increases of 17 and 26 8C for composites with 2 and 6wt% C20A loadings, respectively. Similarly, the oxygen and water-vapor permeabilities were improved with the addition of the clays. At 4wt% MEE loading, the oxygen and water-vapor permeabilities were reduced by 60 and 50%, respectively. Unlike the MEE-based blends, C20A-based compatibilized blends resulted in higher toughness than the neat PLA due to the lesser crystallinity of the PLA component and enhanced chain extensions/coupling in the C20A-based samples. Therefore, this work demonstrates the possibility of enhancing the thermal stability, toughness, and barrier properties of PLA in a one-stage process through reactive blending with PBSA in the presence of clays.
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    Correlations between fibre diameter, physical parameters, and the mechanical properties of randomly oriented biobased polylactide nanofibres
    (Springer, 2019-01) Selatile, Mantsopa K; Ray, Suprakas S; Ojijo, Vincent O; Sadiku, R
    In this study, the tensile properties of systematically optimised, biodegradable polylactide (PLA) electrospum fibres are investigated in order to illuminate the influences of the factors that affect their mechanical properties such as fibre diameter, alignment, inter-fibre bonding, mat porosity, and packing density. The effect of fibre diameter was studied by varying the PLA concentration. The effect of fibre-fibre interaction enhancement was also investigated. The extent of anisotropy on the mechanical properties of the mats was evaluated as a function of the collector drum speed in the rotational (0 o), transverse (90 o), and diagonal (45 o) directions. The results demonstrate a strong correlation between the fibre diameter and the mechanical properties. Thinner fibres exhibit better mechanical properties, which are then further enhanced by fibre fusion and alignment. Other mat characteristics have minimal effects on the mechanical properties. The fibres produced at drum speeds of <250 rpm, exhibit isotropic character. Fibre alignment is observed beyond this speed, with strong enhancement of properties in the direction of drum rotation. In summary, randomly oriented fibres with isotropic responses to mechanical properties may be used in applications such as air filtration.
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    Crystallization and thermal properties of Polylactide/Palygorskite composites
    (Wiley, 2014-06) Kesavan Pillai, Sreejarani; Ojijo, Vincent O; Ray, Suprakas S
    Polylactide palygorskite (fibrous clay) composites were prepared by solvent casting method. Both pristine and organically modified palygorskite were used for composite preparation. The detailed crystallization behavior, morphology, and thermal properties of neat polylactide and the corresponding composites were investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry, polarized optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and wide angle X-ray diffraction techniques. The results showed that the crystallization and thermal characteristics of neat PLA were influenced significantly by the presence of palygorskite nanoparticles.
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    Depth filtration of airborne agglomerates using electrospun bio-based polylactide membranes
    (Elsevier, 2018-02) Selatile, Mantsopa K; Ray, Suprakas S; Ojijo, Vincent O; Sadiku, R
    We have investigated the filtration properties of electrospun bio-based polylactide air filter membranes by studying the kinetics of filtration and the influence of fiber diameter, fiber size, and the nature of dust particles on the depth of filtration of airborne agglomerates. The penetration of three different test dust particles (clay, carbon black, and titanium dioxide) into filter membranes of varying fiber diameter was determined gravimetrically. The clay dust, with a large particle size (12.07 µm) was best captured by all the membranes (with efficiencies > 99%), while the smallest (0.095 µm) titanium dioxide particles resulted in the lowest capture efficiency of 92.97%, due to their high penetration ability and this can reach as high as 7% penetration. A kinetics study, involving stacking of membrane layers consisting of the fiber of the lowest diameter (6.5%PLA-J0.5, 450 ± 200 nm diameter), showed a higher dust capture efficiency within the layers, and therefore a higher depth of filtration compared to other membranes. This is an indication of effective capture of deeper penetrating particles that are usually not captured by air filter membranes produced by electrospinning.
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    Development of bacterial-resistant electrospun polylactide membrane for air filtration application: Effects of reduction methods and their loadings
    (Elsevier, 2020-05) Selatile, Mantsopa K; Ojijo, Vincent O; Sadiku, R; Ray, Suprakas S
    The antimicrobial activity of fibrous membranes with electrospun polylactide (PLA)/silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) depends on the accessibility of the AgNPs, among other factors. The challenge is therefore to develop a suitable method for loading the AgNPs onto the fibers. In this study, different techniques for determining the efficacy of the membranes in rendering AgNPs available for antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are evaluated. Immersion coating, electrospray-coating, and in-situ loading techniques were used to load AgNPs onto hierarchical electrospun PLA fibers, and their antibacterial effect was evaluated based on a qualitative disc diffusion method. The reduction of AgNO3 (Agþ) to AgNPs was carried out through the use of UV irradiation and neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extracts. The membranes were coated using an electrospray technique resulted in the best antibacterial activity owing to the uniform dispersion of the AgNPs. The AgNPs were also exposed on the surface of the membranes, as confirmed using scanning electron and transmission electron microscopes. An electrospray is, therefore, a promising technique for the preparation of antimicrobial nanofibrous membranes.
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    The distribution of nanoclay particles at the interface and their influence on the microstructure development and rheological properties of reactively processed biodegradable polylactide/poly(butylene succinate) blend nanocomposites
    (MDPI, 2017-08) Salehiyan, Reza; Ray, Suprakas S; Sinha Roy, Jayita; Ojijo, Vincent O
    The present work investigates the distribution of nanoclay particles at the interface and their influence on the microstructure development and non-linear rheological properties of reactively processed biodegradable polylactide/poly(butylene succinate) blend nanocomposites. Two types of organoclays, one is more hydrophilic (Cloisite®30B (C30B)) and another one is more hydrophobic (BetsopaTM (BET)), were used at different concentrations. Surface and transmission electron microscopies were respectively used to study the blend morphology evolution and for probing the dispersion and distribution of nanoclay platelets within the blend matrix and at the interface. The results suggested that both organoclays tended to localize at the interface between the blend’s two phases and encapsulate the dispersed poly(butylene succinate) phase, thereby suppressing coalescence. Using small angle X-ray scattering the probability of finding neighboring nanoclay particles in the blend matrix was calculated using the Generalized Indirect Fourier Transformation technique. Fourier Transform-rheology was utilized for quantifying nonlinear rheological responses and for correlating the extent of dispersion as well as the blend morphological evolution, for different organoclay loadings. The rheological responses were in good agreement with the X-ray scattering and electron microscopic results. It was revealed that C30B nanoparticles were more efficient in stabilizing the morphologies by evenly distributing at the interface. Nonlinear coefficient from FT-rheology was found to be more pronounced in case of blends filled with C30B, indicating better dispersion of C30B compare with BET which was in agreement with the SAXS results.
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    Effect of nanoclay loading on the thermal and mechanical properties of biodegradable Polylactide/Poly[(butylene succinate)- co-adipate] blend composites
    (ACS Publications, 2012-04) Ojijo, Vincent O; Ray, Suprakas S; Sadiku, R
    Polylactide/poly[(butylene succinate)-co-adipate] (PLA/PBSA)-organoclay composites were prepared via melt compounding in a batch mixer. The weight ratio of PLA to PBSA was kept at 70:30, while the weight fraction of the organoclay was varied from 0 to 9%. Small angle X-ray scattering patterns showed slightly better dispersion in PBSA than PLA, and there was a tendency of the silicate layers to delaminate in PBSA at low clay content. Thermal analysis revealed that crystallinity was dependent on the clay content as well its localization within the composite. On the other hand, thermal stability marginally improved for composites with <2 wt % clay content in contrast to the deterioration observed in composites with clay content >2 wt %. Tensile properties showed dependence on clay content and localization. Composite with 2 wt % clay content showed slight improvement in elongation at break. Overall, the optimum property was found for a composite with 2 wt % of the organoclay. This paper therefore has demonstrated the significance of the clay content and localization on the properties of the PLA/PBSA blends.
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    Effect of nanoclay on optical properties of PLA/clay composite films
    (Elsevier, 2014-06) Cele, HM; Ojijo, Vincent O; Chen, H; Kumar, S; Land, K; Joubert, T; De Villiers, MFR; Ray, SS
    This article reports the modification of optical properties of biodegradable/biocompatible polylactide (PLA) using organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) for microcantilever applications. PLA/OMMT composite films with various OMMT loadings (3, 5 and 7 wt%) were prepared using solvent casting. The surface morphology of the PLA/OMMT composites was examined using scanning electron and atomic force microscopes. The morphological results indicated that the surface roughness increases as a function of the clay loading. The optical properties of the PLA/OMMT composites were studied using variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE) and ultra-violet (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. VASE revealed that the refractive index and extinction coefficient (n and k) positively correlated with the thickness of the film. UV-Vis spectroscopy also demonstrated that the absorption of light by PLA/OMMT composite films positively correlated with the clay content in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum. To enhance the reflectivity, PLA/OMMT films were coated with a gold layer.
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    Effect of the mode of nanoclay inclusion on morphology development and rheological properties of nylon6/ethylevinyl-alcohol blend composites
    (Elsevier, 2017-09) Bandyopadhyay, Jayita; Ray, Suprakas S; Salehiyan, Reza; Ojijo, Vincent O; Khoza, Mary N; Wesley-Smith, James
    During melt extrusion of nanocomposites, nanoparticles can be incorporated either directly or through the masterbatch, which brings up a simple question of how the mode of nanoparticle inclusion affects the morphology and hence the rheological properties of the final composite. In the study reported here, nylon6/ethyl–vinyl-alcohol (N6/EVOH) was selected to model a blend system, and the effect of the mode of organoclay inclusion on the morphology development and melt-state viscoelastic properties of ternary blend composites was investigated. The morphological study using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, three-dimensional tomography, and differential scanning calorimetry indicated that the intercalated silicate layers were located in the interphase region between N6 and EVOH in the N6/EVOH/masterbatch composite and core–shell particles were formed, with EVOH as the core. On the other hand, the intercalated silicate layers were well distributed in the blend matrix of the N6/EVOH/organoclay composite, and it was difficult to differentiate between two phases. Finally, the different morphological developments were correlated with the melt-state rheological properties of the composites to evaluate the processing and product performance. The results showed that the masterbatch played an important role in establishing the compatibility of N6 and EVOH, and it could impede the gel formation that would benefit processing and product development.
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    Enhanced piezo-induced photocatalytic activity of BaTiO3/Cd0.5Zn0.5S Ssingle bondscheme heterojunction for water pollution remediation: Performance, degradation pathway, and toxicity evaluation
    (2025-06) Mohlala, TT; Yusuf, TL; Masukume, Mike; Ojijo, Vincent O; Mabuba, N, TT Yusuf
    Pharmaceutical pollutants in water pose a threat to ecosystems and human health by disrupting aquatic life, contributing to antibiotic resistance, and causing hormonal imbalances and increased disease susceptibility in humans. Thus, we report the fabrication of a novel BaTiO3/Cd0.5Zn0.5S heterojunction for the piezo-photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) in wastewater. The BaTiO3/Cd0.5Zn0.5S was synthesized via solvothermal deposition of Cd0.5Zn0.5S (CZS) onto BaTiO3 (BTO) nanorods. This heterojunction exhibited superior photocatalytic activity, degrading ciprofloxacin ∼85 % and ∼3 times more effectively than pristine CZS and BTO, respectively. Its enhanced piezo-photocatalytic performance is attributed to the induced piezoelectric effect, sulfur defects, internal electric field, and S-Scheme charge transfer. Scavenger studies identified h+, O2-, and •OH as the major reactive species responsible for CIP degradation. After 90 min, the extent of mineralization reached 46.7 %, and intermediate products were evaluated using Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS), with their toxicity assessed using the Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (T.E.S.T). The catalyst demonstrated excellent stability over four reuse cycles. The successful development of the BTO/CZS heterojunction holds significant promise for advancing environmentally sustainable water treatment and pollution remediation technologies.
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    Impact of melt-processing strategy on structural and mechanical properties: Clay-containing polypropylene nanocomposites
    (Springer, 2018-02) Morajane, D; Ray, Suprakas S; Sinha Roy, Jayita; Ojijo, Vincent O
    Processing conditions (e.g., temperature profile, feed point, screw speed, feed rate, and screw element configuration) and how nanocomposites are prepared in the extruder have a vital effect on the dispersion of nanoclay. The resultant morphology of nanocomposites is not only a question of shear stress or residence time, but also a result of the entire mechanical and thermal history of the material when extruded. Hence, this study intends to extensively investigate the aspects of processing conditions, such as temperature profile, feed point, screw speed, feed rate, and screw element configuration, and the relationship between the different parameters (optimal conditions). The clay-containing polymer nanocomposite has been selected as a model system and the effects of nanoclay and maleic anhydride grafted PP loading on the dispersion of nanoclay in the PP nanocomposite have been investigated. The aim of this study is to investigate ways of improving the dispersion of nanoclay in the PP matrix and to determine how the state of dispersion affects the morphology and properties of resultant PP nanocomposites. Aco-rotating twin-screw extruder was used to produce nanocomposites owing to the flexibility of the screw profile, screw speed, feed rate, and material feeding in different areas of the machine.
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    Improving wear resistance of polyolefins
    (Elsevier, 2017-06) Ojijo, Vincent O; Sadiku, ER
    This chapter discusses the strategies employed in enhancing the wear performance of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). A brief overview of the polyolefins, their structure, and tribological characteristics and applications is presented. Wear mechanism, characterization, and techniques in wear enhancement in PE and PP are also reviewed. A discussion of these techniques in the context of test conditions, influence of the external parameters (sliding velocity, applied load, test duration, etc.) is provided. Finally, some conclusions on the state of research on wear resistance in polyolefins are reported.
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    The influence of blend ratio on the morphology, mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of PP/LDPE blends
    (Wiley, 2016-10) Mofokeng, Tladi G; Ojijo, Vincent O; Ray, Suprakas S
    This paper reports on how the blend ratio and morphology influence the mechanical, thermal, thermomechanical, and rheological properties of poly(propylene) (PP)/low density polyethylene (LDPE) blends. The blend morphology is composed of the major matrix phase and the minor phase, with subinclusions of the major matrix existing within the minor phase. Blends containing low amounts (<20 wt%) of either phase exhibit partial miscibility but the phases are immiscible at higher contents. Partial miscibility of the blends is revealed by scanning electron microscopy studies showing fibril-like structures and confirmed by rheology. The tensile modulus of the blends decreases with increasing amounts of LDPE, but low LDPE contents exhibit positive deviation from the mixing rule of mixture due to partial compatibility. The crystallinity of PP is affected less than that of LDPE in the blends. Thermomechanical and rheological properties of neat polymers are significantly influenced by blending. The blend ratio and morphology influence impact strength and elongation at break, and the result demonstrates that the 80/20 PP/LDPE blend offers a balance among the mechanical and material properties that are essential for flexible packaging applications.
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    The influence of filler surface modification on mechanical and material properties of layered double hydroxide -containing polypropylene composites
    (Wiley-Blackwell, 2017-03) Moyo, Lumbidzani; Ray, Suprakas S; Sebati, Ngwanamohuba W; Ojijo, Vincent O
    The processing and properties of layered double hydroxides (LDHs)-containing polypropylene (PP) composites have been studied extensively. However, no detailed studies have reported on how stearic acid (SA)-intercalated and SA-coated LDHs influence the properties of melt-processed PP/LDH composites. Here, four different types of LDHs: synthesized (cLDH1) and commercial (cLDH2) SA-coated LDH, SA-intercalated LDH (iLDH), and unmodified LDH (nLDH), were used to fabricate composites using a master-batch-dilution technique in a twin-screw extruder. The characterization results showed that microcomposites were formed when cLDH2 and nLDH were used, whereas nanocomposites were formed when iLDH and cLDH1 were used. Strong nucleating behavior was observed for the nLDH-, cLDH1-, and cLDH2-containing composites, whereas iLDH delayed the crystallization process of the PP matrix. A significant improvement in modulus, with a balance of tensile and impact strengths, was observed in the case of the cLDH1-containing composite, whereas the nLDH-containing composite showed good improvement in temperature-dependent load-bearing capacity. On the other hand, the PP/iLDH composite showed a remarkable improvement in thermal stability and a reduction in the peak-heat-release rate. Therefore, this study gives us an opportunity to design PP composites with desired properties by the judicious choice of LDH, which further widens the application of PP matrices.
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