The Modelling of an Impervious Nano-Composite Barrier System for Pipe Systems

开发了一种预测挤压过程中纳米颗粒最佳取向条件的模型，以及基于纳米粘土技术制造非淋滤管的方法。纳米颗粒的作用是形成一道屏障，使管道对碳氢化合物和污染物无法渗透。纳米膜的取向决定了管道在防止渗透方面的有效性。创新之处在于在管体中产生层层排列的纳米粘土小片，减少渗透和淋滤，并使用纳米粘土/聚合物体系的多尺度模型来预测小片的剥落和取向。该模型用于预测在挤压管材中形成阻挡层的最佳对准条件。涉及的因素包括聚合物共混物的选择、纳米粘土的类型、表面处理、复合以及加工方法和条件。项目交付成果包括：基于工艺参数创建模型以预测小片在聚合物中的排列和分布；开发复合工艺和挤出技术以在聚合物基质中生产分散的、剥落的和定向的纳米复合层；开发在线监测系统以检查纳米粘土在基质中的分布和形态；以及调整共挤出模具以适应新的方法。

Development of a model to predict conditions for optimal orientation of nanoparticles in an extrusion process, together with methods of manufacturing non-leaching pipes based on nanoclay technology. The role of the nanoparticles is to form a barrier to render the pipe non-permeable to hydrocarbons and contaminants. The orientation of nanofillers determines the effectiveness of the pipe in preventing permeation.The innovation is the process of producing layers of aligned nanoclay platelets in the pipe body reducing permeation and leaching and using a multiscale model of the nanoclay/polymer systems to predict exfoliation and orientation of the platelets. The model is used to predict conditions for optimal alignment to form a barrier layer in extruded pipes. Factors involved include polymer blend selection, nanoclay type, surface treatment, compounding and processing methods & conditions.Project deliverables were the creation of a model based on the process parameters to predict the alignment and distribution of platelets in polymers, the development of compounding processes and extrusion technology to produce dispersed, exfoliated and aligned nanocomposite layers within the polymer matrix, the development of an online monitoring system to check the distribution and morphology of the nanoclays in the matrix and the adaptation of co-extrusion dies to accommodate the new approach.