28:T520,

Mesoporous diatomite nanoplatelets were employed to prepare various poly (styrene-co-butyl acrylate)/diatomite nanocomposites by in situ reverse atom transfer radical polymerization of styrene and butyl acrylate. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm were employed for evaluating some properties of the pristine diatomite nanoplatelets. Evaluation of pore size distribution and morphological studies were also performed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Conversion and molecular weight determinations were carried out using gas and size exclusion chromatography, respectively. Addition of 3 wt% pristine mesoporous diatomite nanoplatelets leads to an increase in conversion from 77% to 92%. Molecular weight of poly (styrene-co-butyl acrylate) chains increases from 17,348 g mol⁻¹ to 21,346 g mol⁻¹ with the addition of 3 wt% pristine mesoporous diatomite nanoplatelets; however, polydispersity index values increases from 1.38 to 1.65. Increasing thermal stability of the nanocomposites is demonstrated by TGA. Differential scanning calorimetry shows an increase in glass transition temperature from 35.5°C to 39.4°C with the addition of 3 wt% mesoporous diatomite nanoplatelets.

29:T528,

The aim of this study is to explore the possibility of using polyamide (PA) as a reinforcement with glass (G) fiber to form new hybrid composites with improved physical and mechanical properties. PA-G–reinforced epoxy hybrid composites were designed, fabricated using the hand layup technique in inter-ply configuration and their mechanical properties were investigated. Results are presented regarding the tensile, flexural, and in-plane shear behaviors of the fabricated composites with a particular consideration of the effects of the stacking sequence and PA-fiber relative volume fraction, (v_PA/v_tot). The experimental results reveal that the existence of G-fiber at the composite external layers and PA-fiber in the core improves the tensile and flexural properties but worsens the shear properties. Also, increasing (v_PA/v_tot) upgrades the tensile properties but deteriorates the flexural and shear properties. The merits of the hybridization in the current study are lesser cost compared to pure PA-composite and lightweight and better ductility compared to pure G-composite with improved mechanical properties. As a result, these hybrid composites are suitable for medium load applications.

2a:T493,<a href="http://www.sagepub.co.uk/sagechoice.sp"><img src="http://www.sagepub.co.uk/repository/binaries/img/common/sagechoice.gif" /></a>This journal offers optional funded open access. <a href="http://www.sagepub.co.uk/sagechoice">Click here to read more...</a>The Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials is a fully peer-reviewed international journal that publishes original research and review articles on polymers, nanocomposites, and particulate-, discontinuous-, and continuous-fiber-reinforced materials in the areas of processing, materials science, mechanics, durability, design, non destructive evaluation and manufacturing science. This journal is a member of the <a href="http://publicationethics.org/about">Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)</a>. Submit your manuscript today at <a href="https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/jtcm">https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/jtcm</a>.