Keyword: «polymer composite materials»

The reasons for the formation of gradients of mechanical parameters of polymer composite materials (PCM) during exposure to natural climatic conditions are considered. It is shown that in the process of thermal and moisture cycling, cyclic internal stresses are formed in materials, the amplitude of which increases in the surface layers. Under the action of internal stresses activated by the ultraviolet component of solar radiation, microcracks are formed. The density of microcracks is maximum in the surface layers, which explains the mechanisms of uneven aging of PCM.

The resistance of polymer composite materials to external environments including fungi, bacteria and yeasts is a key factor in their reliability. These microorganisms, known as degraders or biodegraders, are capable of causing biological damage and even complete destruction of composite materials by altering their structure and functional characteristics.

The article deals with the actual problem of breeding industrial microorganisms to achieve environmental goals. Various methods of selection and improvement of microorganisms are discussed, as well as their application in biodegradation, bioremediation, biosynthesis, biogeochemical cycle and application in industry and construction to combat bio-damage of polymer composite materials and structures based on them. The article discusses the challenges and prospects of this field of research. The authors consider the factors influencing the efficiency and safety of the use of industrial microorganisms for environmental purposes. This article provides an overview of important topics and is a valuable source material for researchers and specialists interested in developing environmentally sustainable solutions based on industrial microorganisms.

Biological damage of polymer materials can be caused by various factors, such as bacteria, fungi, insects, exposure to chemical factors and the environment. In this work, the mechanisms of damage to materials under the influence of mold fungi of the genus Rhizopus are considered. The main causes of the destruction of polymer composites under the influence of biological factors, such as degradation of the polymer matrix, the release of toxic compounds, changes in the physical and mechanical properties of composites, are analyzed. The results of the study allow us to better understand the processes of bio-damage of polymer composites and develop measures to improve their stability in various operating conditions. This is of practical importance for creating more durable and stable polymer composite materials that can be used in a wide range of applications.

The results of deformation-strength and tribological studies of polymer composite materials based on PTFE and carbon nanofibers UNV-01 and UNV-02 produced by the Federal Research Center Boreskov Institute of Catalysis. It is shown that when UNV-01 is added, the strength of the composites increases up to 25 MPa, and the wear resistance increases up to 20 times compared to PTFE. It has been established that particles of carbon nanofibers introduced into the volume of PTFE in small amounts (0.01–0.1 wt.%) have a plasticizing effect, which is expressed in an increase in the deformability and a decrease in the strength of the polymer composite. With an increase in the concentration of UNV-02 to 2 wt.%, the modulus of elasticity and the mass wear rate decrease by 76 times, which indicates an effect on tribotechnical characteristics. With the introduction of UNV-02 into the activated matrix up to 5 wt.%, the wear resistance increases by 1707 times.