Biaxial rotational molding is a low-pressure process that uses a polymer powder to produce large and/or complex-shaped hollow thermoplastic goods using low cost molds, being very suitable for prototype production. In the present work, liner prototypes (F 78 × 280 mm) made of linear low density (LLDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) blends were produced aiming to later use them as compressed natural gas type IV cylinders. The LLDPE/HDPE blend composition and the process parameters (temperature/time cycle, and rotation speed) were varied to evaluate their effect on blend miscibility and liner final properties, such as density and crystallization behavior. Blend composition and process parameters were found vital for the production of a homogeneous wall and for the liner to reach adequate characteristics for the intended product.

O uso de revestimentos compósitos de matriz polimérica e reforço cerâmico capazes de manter a flexibilidade e a elasticidade das fibras poliméricas, agregando propriedades típicas dos materiais cerâmicos (como ação bactericida ou fotocatalítica, resistência à chama, ao desgaste e à abrasão), tem atraído interesse da indústria têxtil. Baseado na técnica dip coating e usando fibras sintéticas de poliamida como substrato, foram produzidas suspensões de poliéster-uretana com partículas de alumina (tamanho médio de partícula 2,2 μm) para obtenção de revestimentos uniformes e espessos sobre o material base, poliamida 6. A viscosidade das suspensões foi controlada pela adição de carboximetilcelulose e avaliada por reometria rotacional. A distribuição granulométrica das suspensões também foi determinada. Os parâmetros operacionais do dip coating, i.e., velocidade de bobinamento e temperatura dos fornos, foram mantidos constantes em todas as amostras. O processo mostrou viabilidade para deposição uniforme do recobrimento avaliado, com espessura adequada, indicando ser promissor para revestir fibras, agregando propriedades de interesse tecnológico.

Ceramic reinforced polymer composite coatings that can retain the flexibility and elasticity of the polymeric fibers, being also able to incorporate the functionality of ceramic materials (e.g. fire, wear, or abrasion resistance, antibacterial performance, photocatalytic effect) are interesting to the processing of textile materials. In this work, polyester-urethane slurries with alumina particles (mean particle size: 2.2 μm) were developed based on the dip coating technique and using polyamide-6 synthetic fibers as the substrate, seeking to obtain an uniform and thick coating. The viscosity of the slurries was varied using carboxymethylcellulose as a rheological agent and evaluated by rotational rheometry. Particle size distribution of the slurries was also analyzed. The developed process successfully deposited a thick and homogeneous composite coating on the fibers, which has the potential of enhancing the original fiber properties and the technological interest towards this material.