Inorganic nanotubes and fullerene-like nanoparticles: Synthesis, mechanical properties, and applications (Phys. Status Solidi A 11∕2013)

Abstract

The present topical section in pss(a), guest-edited by T. McNally and I. Drevenšek Olenik, summarizes the results obtained through the COST action MP0902 – COINAPO (Composites of Inorganic Nanotubes and Polymers). With their high crystalline perfection and mechanical robustness, inorganic nanotubes and nanowires, in particular multiwall WS2 nanotubes which are synthesized in large amounts, were found to be very suitable for reinforcing a variety of polymer nanocomposites at low concentrations (<2 wt%). Such nanocomposites exhibit a variety of favorable properties making them particularly suitable for different commercial applications, in the aerospace, defense, automotive, sport, medical-technology and other industries. A summary of some of the results obtained through this 4-year COST action and related activities are reported in a concise minireview by R. Tenne, R. Rosentsveig and A. Zak (see the Invited Article on pp. 2253–2258). In a related work by M. Shneider et al. (see pp. 2298–2306), the effect of adding small amounts of WS2 nanotubes into epoxy matrix on the tribological properties of the nanocomposites is discussed. The cover page shows a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) picture of one such nanotube protruding from the fractured epoxy surface. The high crystalline perfection of the nanotube is demonstrated by the magnifi ed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) picture of the nanotube (inset). The SEM picture reveals also the tight adhesion of the nanotube to the surrounding epoxy matrix as studied by E. Zohar et al. [J. Adhes. Sci. Technol. 25, 1603–1617 (2011)].