Unique observations on the shear flow rheological characterization of nylon resins, especially in the high-shear-rate region, nylon 6 and its nylon 610 blends in particular, are reported. The main aims of our study were to deal with a deviation of nylon melt from the Ostwald-de Wale equation, well accepted for polymers to date. It was found that rheological data of nylons fit well with the logarithmic law. Such unique results, in contrast to those for polyethylene and polypropylene, were tentatively attributed to the rupture of H-bonding in nylon melts.
To enhance the resistance of eucalyptus (EU) reinforced high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites to exposure in simulated seawater, the EU fibers were modified by alkali treatment with NaOH to prepare wood-plastic composites (WPCs). The materials were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), moisture absorption, mechanical properties, and color change tests. After exposure to the sea water, all composites experienced deterioration of water repellency and mechanical properties, and color change. The NaOH concentration greatly influenced the properties of the EU/HDPE composites both before and after exposure. The alkali-treated EU fibers presented low polarities, which resulted in better interfacial bonding, improved mechanical properties, lower moisture absorption, and lower color change relative to the untreated samples after immersion in simulated sea water. The results showed that the HDPE composite prepared with 3% NaOH treated EU fiber had better degradation resistance compared with the untreated composite. The tensile strength, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and impact strength increased 29.9%, 19.8%, 35.4%, and 39.3%, respectively, in comparison with the untreated composite after 21 d exposure. The improved degradation resistance of the alkali-treated EU/HDPE composites could ensure the expected service life of their products and widen their practical applications.
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