The introduction of quasicrystalline particles (QCP) into a polymer matrix is a promising approach to creating materials with a unique combination of physical and mechanical properties. Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) is an attractive polymer base due to its elasticity, adhesion and processability.
Quasicrystalline materials (QCs) have been studied for more than two decades, but their industrial application is still limited. They are distinguished by unique properties such as high hardness and wear resistance, low surface energy and friction coefficient, and resistance to radiation and corrosion. In addition, they have low electrical and thermal conductivity and interesting optical properties. Applications based on the combination of thermal, electrical, and optical properties have been widely discussed.
The main obstacle to the widespread use of CC is their low fracture toughness, significantly inferior to metallic materials. This limits their use in massive parts and thick-film coatings at temperatures below 450 °C.
However, QCs are promising as a reinforcing phase in composites. One of the first examples is martensitic steel SandvikBiolineIRK91, where after heat treatment thermodynamically stable particles of the icosahedral phase Mo–Fe–Cr are formed, providing high strength and hardness. This steel is used in the production of surgical needles.
Also, Al–Cu–Fe and Al–Cu–Cr CC are interesting as reinforcing elements of aluminum alloys. The introduction of dispersed quasi-crystalline particles into the aluminum matrix improves strength, hardness and wear resistance. Al–Cu–Fe quasicrystals are considered as promising fillers for composites with polymer matrices, improving their physical, mechanical, tribological and thermal characteristics. Epoxy binders, polyphenylene sulfide and ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene can be used as matrix materials. The use of Al–Cu–Fe quasicrystals in epoxy resin and thermoplastics allows increasing the elastic modulus.
In this paper, the formation of EVA-based composites filled with Al–Cu–Fe and Al–Cu–Cr CPs obtained by mechanical alloying was investigated. The influence of the concentration and type of CPs on the structure and properties of the obtained composites was studied.
Al–Cu–Fe and Al–Cu–Cr CPs were obtained by powder metallurgy. EVA/CP composites were formed by hot pressing at different temperatures and pressures. The structure of CPs and their distribution in the polymer matrix were studied by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of the composites were assessed by tensile and hardness tests.
The results showed that the introduction of CN into EVA leads to an increase in the hardness and elastic modulus of the composites. The distribution of CN in the polymer matrix plays an important role in determining the properties of the composites. Further studies are aimed at optimizing the parameters of the composite formation process to achieve an optimal combination of properties.
Author: Victor V. Tcherdyntsev, Andrey A. Stepashkin, Dilyus I. Chukov, Leonid K. Olifirov, Fedor S. Senatov
Institute: National University of Science and Technology MISiS, Leninsky Prospekt, 4, 119049, Moscow, Russia