The tribological and mechanical properties of a novel polyamide 12 (PA12)/Al-Cu-Fe quasicrystal (QC) composite were systematically studied to accelerate efforts to develop a useful, melt-processable, and wear-resistant polymer composite. The wear and friction properties were characterized using a pin-on-disk configuration and the static and dynamic mechanical properties were investigated using dynamical mechanical analyzer, tensile tester, and an impact tester. Further, the melt processability of the composite was studied using a Haake torque rheometer and a dynamic rotational rheometer. The results suggest that PA12/QC composite can be melt-processed into a wear-resistant material with enhanced mechanical properties for applications where combinations of wear resistance and good mechanical properties are required. The static mechanical properties of the composite were found to be consistent with the Halpin-Tsai equation and agreement was observed between the measured viscoelastic properties and theoretical predictions of Burgers' and Eilers' models.

A novel, water-soluble AB-block copolymer of diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DEAEM) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was synthesized by anionic polymerization. Poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether (PEGME) was converted into the corresponding potassium salt by reacting with potassium metal. The PEG salt was used as a macroinitiator for the polymerization of DEAEM to yield a PEG-b-PDEAEM block copolymer. Carbon dioxide was used to terminate DEAEM polymerization with a carboxylic acid group. This polymer, loaded with dye, was tested for pH sensitivity by release studies into solutions of various pH.

Quasicrystalline Al-Cu-Fe powders were used as a novel filler material in poly(p-phenylene sulfide) (PPS). These polymer/quasicrystal composites showed useful properties that may be beneficially exploited in applications such as dry bearings and composite gears. Al-Cu-Fe quasicrystalline filler significantly improved wear resistance to volume loss in polymer-based composites. In addition to improving the composite wear resistance, the Al-Cu-Fe filler showed low abrasion to the 52100 chrome steel counterface. Furthermore, mechanical testing results showed a two-fold increase in the storage modulus of the reinforced composites compared with the polymer samples. In addition, the Al-Cu-Fe filler was compared to its constituent metals, aluminum oxide, and silicon carbide in PPS. Chemical analysis of the wear interface by X-ray spectroscopy indicated the generation of a third body oxide layer during wear. The fabrication in addition to the thermal, mechanical, and wear properties of these unique materials is described.