Polymer composites department
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Polymer composites department

Workings and progress in the Department of Polymer Composites

  Main achievements of the Department

            Theoretical basis of the polymer modification by adding small quantities of the modifier was worked out in the Department. Thermodynamic criterion of the extreme change in both the visco-elastic, adhesive properties and polymer-polymer system strength was determined. Theoretical conceptions of the morphology of the boundary and intermediate layers of the multi-component polymer systems and of the colloid-chemical properties of the polymer-polymer formation were proved.

            The study of electrical properties of the composites with dispersed fillers allows us to determine the rules of the dispersed conductive phase within the polymer matrix formation. Quantitative rules connecting the component surface energies with conductivity percolation parameters in heterogenic systems were found. Conductive cluster appearance conditions were formulated for heterogenic polymer systems. To describe the conductivity processes in the polymer composite disperse phase the “dynamic cluster” model was proposed. Technological factors influence on the conductivity parameters of the metal-filled composites was studied. The correlation of the rheological and electrical characteristics of the carbon- and metal-filled polymer systems was found.

            Principal conceptions of obtaining the new type organic – inorganic polymers were developed. These polymers may be used as adhesives, coatings, engineering materials having improved physical-and-mechanical and technological properties and may be applied in various branches of industry.

            It was found that interaction between functional groups of oligomers of both organic and inorganic nature occurred during formation process resulting in the polymer formation. The obtained polymer can be referred to neither organic nor inorganic materials.

            Organic-and-mineral polymer mixtures containing Si, P, Al atoms allow to change significantly the properties of the final materials, particularly, to increase both thermal and fire resistance, as well as strength parameters of organic matrix; to improve adhesive and deformation properties of inorganic component.

            Epoxy composites containing Al, P atoms were created. Al, P atoms are included in chemical structure of the epoxy matrix. These composites possess increased adhesive strength, fire- and thermal resistance.

            Organic – inorganic systems based on the urethane oligomers of different molecular weight were synthesized. These systems possess high level of the ionic conductivity, they are able to adsorb either polar or non-polar liquids and change their electrical characteristics during the adsorption process.

            The conception of heterogenic systems formation was developed. New inorganic hardeners participating in chemical transformation of the polymer system were used to create polymer composite materials. The rules of polymer system formation in the presence of the filler which is structured simultaneously with oligourethane system hardening are studied.

            The polymer composite materials based on these systems were created. The main characteristic of the composites is their adhesive property. These composites are used mainly as glue, hermetic or coating. The composites, in which the structuring of both organic and inorganic components occurs simultaneously, possess the increased confection strength and allow us to develop the assembling technology on the vertical and profile surfaces of the construction materials such as concrete, brick, granite, wood and metal.

The following research techniques and equipment are used in the Department:

·                    -electron and optical microscopy;

·                    -method of phase separation kinetic determination using light scattering intensity measurement;

·                    -isothermic calorimetry (DAK-1-1А calorimeter);

·                    -rheological methods of investigation;

·                    -methods of determination of the glue composition adhesive properties (normal fracture, shear, peeling);

·                    -analytical methods to control the initial components during synthesis and final products (titrimetry, potentiometry, conductometry);

·                    -ebullioscopy (EP-68 ebulliometer) for apparent molecular weight determination;

·                    -dilatometry;

·                    -methods of simulation of environmental condition influence on the glue joint adhesive strength to determine optimal conditions during the gluing process and to develop recommendations on the glue joint use;

·                    -methods of investigation of the temperature cycling influence on the glue joint adhesive strength.