Papers by Author: Yi Hua Cui

Abstract: In order to improve the crystallization properties of the polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nano-zinc oxide (nano-ZnO)/PET and nano-ZnO/polyethylene glycol (PEG)/PET composites were successfully synthesized by in-situ polymerization method in this work. The experimental results indicated that nano particles can accelerate the crystallization of the PET which was demonstrated by increase in the intensities of the XRD peaks. PEG and PET form copolymer in composites, leading to the improvement of the flexibility of the molecule chain. Meanwhile, PEG was able to encapsulate the nano particles to make them have both good compatibility to matrix and uniform dispersion in the composites. Therefore, the crystallization rate and crystallization capability of nano-ZnO/PEG/PET composites were reasonably raised.

Abstract: To improve the flame retardant performance of polypropylene (PP), three composites systems, nano-Al(OH)3/Mg(OH)2/PP, micro-capsulated ammonium polyphosphate (MCAPP)/PP, and nano-Al(OH)3/Mg(OH)2/MCAPP/PP had been developed and studied in this paper. Their flame retardant and mechanical properties were measured and analyzed. The results indicated that there existed synergistic effect of flame retardant among nano-Al(OH)3, nano-Mg(OH)2, and MCAPP. PP composites with the three flame retardants of 3 wt%, 9 wt%, 8 wt% respectively possessed the best integrated properties with OI value of 26.2 and little decrease in mechanical properties.

Abstract: Nano-TiO2 particles or TiO2 whiskers encapsulated by polyaniline/cyanate ester composites were fabricated by solution-mixing method. Then the dispersion of particles in cyanate ester was observed with the aid of TEM. The effect of the content of particles or whiskers on the dielectric properties of cyanate ester composites was investigated. As the content of the particles up to 3% or the whiskers up to 7%, the dielectric loss of the composites achieved its maximum.

Abstract: Since thermoplastic starch can not be used directly due to its poor properties in processing, thermoplastic starch /ethyl cellulose composite is prepared by blending method in this work. The effect of the composition and the structure on the properties of the composite is studied. The results indicate that glycerin is a better plasticizer in the processing of the thermoplastic starch compared to glycol. The mechanical properties of the thermoplastic starch are improved obviously after blending with ethyl cellulose. The composite exhibits comprehensive properties as the content of the ethyl cellulose is kept at 10%, which also has a reasonable cost.

Abstract: In this study, the absolutely recycled plastic wood (ARCPW) was fabricated with post-consumer high density polyethylene (HDPE) and wood flour from the saw mills. The alkaline, silane and maleic anhydride modified polypropylene (MAPP) were used as modifiers to treat wood fiber and improve the interfacial adhesion of ARCPW. Effects of wood fiber length, weight fraction and surface treatment on the mechanical properties of ARCPW were investigated. The flexural fracture surfaces of ARCPW were examined and the fracture mechanism of ARCPW was also analyzed in this paper. The results indicated that ARCPW with wood fiber simultaneously treated by alkaline, silane and MAPP possesses the best mechanical properties. The higher the content of wood fiber, the better the flexural strength of ARPCW. The interfacial adhesion of prepared ARCPW is ideal and a good compatibility between wood fiber and matrix was obtained.