Effect of Processing Temperature and the Content of Carbon Nanotubes on the Properties of Nanocomposites Based on Polyphenylene Sulfide.

The study aimed to investigate the effect of processing temperature and the content of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the rheological, thermal, and electrical properties of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)/MWCNT nanocomposites. It was observed that the increase in MWCNT content influenced the increase of the complex viscosity, storage modulus, and loss modulus. The microscopic observations showed that with an increase in the amount of MWCNTs, the areal ratio of their agglomerates decreases. Thermogravimetric analysis showed no effect of processing temperature and MWCNT content on thermal stability; however, an increase in stability was observed as compared to neat PPS. The differential scanning calorimetry was used to assess the influence of MWCNT addition on the crystallization phenomenon of PPS. The calorimetry showed that with increasing MWCNT content, the degree of crystallinity and crystallization temperature rises. Thermal diffusivity tests proved that with an increase in the processing temperature and the content of MWCNTs, the diffusivity also increases and declines at higher testing temperatures. The resistivity measurements showed that the conductivity of the PPS/MWCNT nanocomposite increases with the increase in MWCNT content. The processing temperature did not affect resistivity.

Influence of Hemp Shives Size on Hygro-Thermal and Mechanical Properties of a Hemp-Lime Composite.

Different fractions of hemp shives are used in the mixtures of the hemp-lime composite. The market offers shives of different granulation. It depends on the type of industrial hemp and on the capabilities of decortication machines. The aim of the research presented in the article is to check differences in the mechanical and hygro-thermal properties of composites with different shives fractions. The research part of the paper presents the preparation method and investigation on hemp-lime composites. Apparent density, total porosity, thermal conductivity, capillary uptake, vapor permeability, specific heat, mass absorptivity, flexural and compressive strength were examined. The results confirm that the shives fraction influences the individual properties of the composites. Hemp-lime composites with fine shives are characterized by higher water absorption, thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, vapor permeability as well as lower capillary-lifting capacity and specific heat than composites with thick shives.