Polymer-ceramic Composite Materials Research Articles

Synthetic strategy for the production of electrically polarized polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-co-polymer osseo-functionalized with hydroxyapatite scaffold.

The physiological mechanism of bone tissue regeneration is intricately organized and involves several cell types, intracellular, and extracellular molecular signaling networks. To overcome the drawbacks of autografts and allografts, a number of synthetically produced scaffolds have been manufactured by integrating ceramics, polymers, and their hybrid-composites. Considering the fact that natural bone is composed primarily of collagen and hydroxyapatite, ceramic-polymer composite materials seem to be the most viable alternative to bone implants. Here, in this experimental study, copolymer PVDF-TrFE has been amalgamated with HA ceramics to produce composite scaffolds as bone implants. In order to fabricate PVDF-TrFE-HA (polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-hydroxyapatite) composite scaffolds, solvent casting-particulate leaching technique was devised. Two scaffold specimens were produced, with different PVDF-TrFE and HA molar ratios (70:30 and 50:50), and then electrically polarized to observe the subsequent polarization impact on the tissue growth and the suppression of bacterial cell proliferation. Both the specimens underwent characterization to analyze their biocompatibility and bactericidal activities. The bacterial culture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria on the composites was studied to understand the antibacterial characteristics. Moreover, MG63 cells cultured on these as-formed composites provided information about osteogenesis. Improved osteogenesis and antibacterial efficacy were observed on both the composites. However, the composite with 70 wt% PVDF-TrFE and 30 wt% HA showed a higher bactericidal effect as well as osteogenesis. It was found that PVDF-TrFE-HA-based biomaterials have the potential for bone tissue engineering applications.

Effects of Synthesis Parameters on Structure and Antimicrobial Properties of Bacterial Cellulose/Hydroxyapatite/TiO2 Polymer-Ceramic Composite Material.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a highly pure polysaccharide biopolymer that can be produced by various bacterial genera. Even though BC lacks functional properties, its porosity, three-dimensional network, and high specific surface area make it a suitable carrier for functional composite materials. In the present study, BC-producing bacteria were isolated from kombucha beverage and identified using a molecular method. Two sets of the BC hydrogels were produced in static conditions after four and seven days. Afterwards, two different synthesis pathways were applied for BC functionalization. The first method implied the incorporation of previously synthesized HAp/TiO2 nanocomposite using an immersion technique, while the second method included the functionalization of BC during the synthesis of HAp/TiO2 nanocomposite in the reaction mixture. The primary goal was to find the best method to obtain the functionalized material. Physicochemical and microstructural properties were analyzed by SEM, EDS, FTIR, and XRD methods. Further properties were examined by tensile test and thermogravimetric analysis, and antimicrobial activity was assessed by a total plate count assay. The results showed that HAp/TiO2 was successfully incorporated into the produced BC hydrogels using both methods. The applied methods of incorporation influenced the differences in morphology, phase distribution, mechanical and thermal properties, and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Proteus mirabilis (ATCC 12453), and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231). Composite material can be recommended for further development and application in environments that are suitable for diseases spreading.

Compressive Behavior of Some Balls Manufactured by 3D Printing from Ceramic-Polymer Composite Materials.

It is known that ceramic-polymer composite materials can be used to manufacture spherical bodies in the category of balls. Since balls are frequently subjected to compression loads, the paper presents some research results on the compression behavior of balls made of ceramic composite materials with a polymer matrix. The mathematical model of the pressure variation inside the balls highlights the existence of maximum values in the areas of contact with other parts. Experimental research was carried out on balls with a diameter of 20 mm, manufactured by 3D printing from four ceramic-polymer composite materials with a polymer matrix: pottery clay, terracotta, concrete, and granite. The same ceramic-polymer composite material was used, but different dyes were added to it. A gravimetric analysis revealed similar behavior of the four materials upon controlled heating. Through the mathematical processing of the experimental results obtained by compression tests, empirical mathematical models of the power-type function type were determined. These models highlight the influence exerted by different factors on the force at which the initiation of cracks in the ball materials occurs. The decisive influence of the infill factor on the size of the force at which the cracking of the balls begins was found.

Biological properties of polycaprolactone and barium titanate composite in biomedical applications.

The ceramic-polymer composite materials are widely known for their exceptional mechanical and biological properties. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable polymer material extensively used in various biomedical applications. At the same time, barium titanate (BT), a ceramic material, exhibits piezoelectric properties similar to bone, which is essential for osseointegration. Furthermore, a composite material that combines the benefits of PCL and BT results in an innovative composite material with enhanced properties for biomedical applications. Thus, this review is organised into three sections. Firstly, it aims to provide an overview of the current research on evaluating biological properties, including antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity and osseointegration, of PCL polymeric matrices in its pure form and reinforced structures with ceramics, polymers and natural extracts. The second section investigates the biological properties of BT, both in its pure form and in combination with other supporting materials. Finally, the third section provides a summary of the biological properties of the PCLBT composite material. Furthermore, the existing challenges of PCL, BT and their composites, along with future research directions, have been presented. Therefore, this review will provide a state-of-the-art understanding of the biological properties of PCL and BT composites as potential futuristic materials in biomedical applications.

Development of Polymer-Ceramic Composite Materials for the Winding Insulation of Highly Utilized and Energy-Efficient Electrical Machines

Development of Polymer-Ceramic Composite Materials for the Winding Insulation of Highly Utilized and Energy-Efficient Electrical Machines

Dielectric properties of PVDF-PZT composite films and their thermal dependence

Piezoelectric polymer-ceramic composite materials are promising candidate for transducer application because of their inherent capability of combining the favourable properties of both ceramic and polymer materials. Present work discusses the dielectric properties of such composite films developed from two piezoelectric materials viz. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) as a matrix and Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) as filler in PVDF. PVDF-PZT composite films were prepared by solvent casting method followed by hot pressing for better packing and connectivity of ceramic phase in the composite and hence improved piezoelectric properties in the material. The dielectric parameters of these films are evaluated by the measurement of dielectric constants (ε¢ and ε¢¢), intrinsic impedance, capacitance and dielectric loss, etc. as function of frequency at room temperature. The temperature dependence of the dielectric properties is studied as well from 40˚C to 75˚C. It was found that dielectric properties like permittivity and capacitance were quite stable in the frequency range 100 Hz-100 kHz. A variation of 20 to 50% in dielectric properties was observed, for increase in temperature with respect to room temperature, which may be accounted to pyroelectric behaviour of material.

3D-Printed Polymer-Infiltrated Ceramic Network with Biocompatible Adhesive to Potentiate Dental Implant Applications.

The aim of this work was to prepare and characterize polymer–ceramic composite material for dental applications, which must resist fracture and wear under extreme forces. It must also be compatible with the hostile environment of the oral cavity. The most common restorative and biocompatible copolymer, 2,2-bis(p-(2′-2-hydroxy-3′-methacryloxypropoxy)phenyl)propane and triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, was combined with 3D-printed yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia scaffolds with a 50% infill. The proper scaffold deposition and morphology of samples with 50% zirconia infill were studied by means of X-ray computed microtomography and scanning electron microscopy. Samples that were infiltrated with copolymer were observed under compression stress, and the structure’s failure was recorded using an Infrared Vic 2DTM camera, in comparison with empty scaffolds. The biocompatibility of the composite material was ascertained with an MG-63 cell viability assay. The microtomography proves the homogeneous distribution of pores throughout the whole sample, whereas the presence of the biocompatible copolymer among the ceramic filaments, referred to as a polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN), results in a safety “damper”, preventing crack propagation and securing the desired material flexibility, as observed by an infrared camera in real time. The study represents a challenge for future dental implant applications, demonstrating that it is possible to combine the fast robocasting of ceramic paste and covalent bonding of polymer adhesive for hybrid material stabilization.

Multifunctional lead-free K0.5Bi0.5TiO3-based ceramic reinforced PVDF matrix composites

This work aims for the experimental verification of the proposed models for the dielectric and piezoelectric behavior of the polymer-ceramic composites and designing a new composite material with excellent piezoelectric performance. The lead-free piezocomposites were fabricated via hot-press technique with various volume fraction of 0.95K0.5Bi0.5TiO3–0.05BiAlO3 (abbreviated as KBT-5BA) ceramic fillers embedded in polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix. The fabricated composite system was further characterized for thermal, structural, and electrical properties. The addition of ceramic filler resulted in better thermal stability, an apparent evolution of ferroelectric β-phase over the other non electroactive phases due to electrostatic interaction at the ceramic-polymer interface, and a significant increase in the dielectric and piezoelectric performance. The dielectric permittivity of the composite with respect to filler volume was found to be well fitted by the Yamada model. Further, a noticeable change in the value of the shape parameter for composite with low and high volume fractions of the ceramic was discerned. The optimum dielectric response with εr ~112 at 1 MHz and piezoelectric coefficients d33 ~30 pC/N and g33 ~ 32 mV m/N were observed for the composite with optimized filler content. These results extend the feasibility of lead-free polymer ceramic composite materials for the development of piezoelectric devices.

In Situ Nanocomposite Fabrication for RF Electronics Applications With Additive Manufacturing

Using additive manufacturing (AM), in this article, we show the dynamic mixing of polymer ceramic composite materials during the 3-D printing process. Using this in situ mixing strategy, we print polyimide and barium titanate (BaTiO 3) nanocomposite films with variable levels of ceramic loading. This is accomplished with multimaterial aerosol jet printing. The relative dielectric constant and loss tangent of these composite materials are characterized using two ring resonator circuits designed for the first resonance below 12 and 110 GHz, respectively. This yields material characterization results from the X-band to the W-band. We use these results to estimate the ceramic loading by volume in the composites. In addition, we use scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to characterize the dispersion and ceramic loading of the composite films. Using this process, we demonstrate a range of relative dielectric constants from 3.1 to 8.9. To demonstrate the capabilities of this process, a continuous gradient of material is also shown in a printed film. Finally, we demonstrate a slightly modified process in order to lower the loss characteristics of the printed films to provide insight into the loss mechanisms. By mixing composites in situ, we are able to dynamically alter the ceramic loading of the printed material without formulating multiple inks and pattern 3-D structures without the use of photosensitive materials. This allows us to manufacture material gradients and patterns that would otherwise be impractical to fabricate using conventional microfabrication. Using composite mixing in place adds a new dimension to the flexibility and capability of AM.

Evaluation of five CAD/CAM materials by microstructural characterization and mechanical tests: a comparative in vitro study

BackgroundPolymer infiltrated ceramics and nano-ceramic resins are the new restorative materials which have been developed in order to enhance the adverse properties of glass-matrix ceramics and resin composites. The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the characteristics of various CAD/CAM materials through mechanical, microstructural, and SEM analysis.MethodsFive test groups (n = 22) were formed by using the indicated CAD/CAM blocks: VITA Enamic (VITA Zahnfabrik), Lava Ultimate (3 M ESPE), IPS e.max CAD (Ivoclar Vivadent), IPS Empress CAD (Ivoclar Vivadent), and VITA Mark II (VITA Zahnfabrik). Two specimens from each test group were used for XRD and EDS analysis. Remaining samples were divided into two subgroups (n = 10). One subgroup specimens were thermocycled (5 °C to 55 °C, 30s, 10,000 cycles) whereas the other were not. All of the specimens were evaluated in terms of flexural strength, Vickers hardness, and fracture toughness. Results were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA, one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s HSD, and Student’s t tests (α = .05). Fractured specimens were evaluated using SEM.ResultsThe highest Vickers microhardness value was found for VITA Mark II (p < .001), however flexural strength and fracture toughness results were lowest conversely (p < .05). IPS e.max CAD was found to have the highest flexural strength (p < .001). Fracture toughness of IPS e.max CAD was also higher than other tested block materials (p < .001). Lava Ultimate and VITA Enamic’s mechanical properties were affected negatively from thermocycling (p < .05). Microhardness, flexural strength, and fracture toughness values of Lava Ultimate and VITA Enamic were found to be similar to VITA Mark II and IPS Empress CAD groups.ConclusionsIt should be realised that simulated aging process seem to affect ceramic-polymer composite materials more significantly than glass ceramics.

Design and Manufacture of a Fiber Pyro Expanded Perlite/Epoxy Composite for Thermal Insulation

A polymer-ceramic composite material was modelled in the MatLab software, and developed for low-temperature applications. No gasses were emitted during the manufacturing process of this composite. The objective was to develop a uniformly dispersed, interwoven, and reinforced fibre’s structure, resulting in a fiber pyro expanded perlite/ epoxy composite. The material does not cause immediate chemical reactions, either with the severe nor the soft matrix of epoxy resins. Mechanical and physical characterizations of the material were described herein. The thermal conductivity of the material was calculated by the Mixture Rules method and experimentally by Method SAM, finding a value of 0.284 W/mK. The main application proposed for this material is for thermal insulation purposes at cryogenic temperatures in the industry.

Dielectric Properties and Energy Storage Densities of Poly(vinylidenefluoride) Nanocomposite with Surface Hydroxylated Cube Shaped Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO₃ Nanoparticles.

Ceramic-polymer nanocomposites, consisting of surface hydroxylated cube-shaped Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 nanoparticles (BST–NPs) as fillers and poly(vinylidenefluoride) (PVDF) as matrix, have been fabricated by using a solution casting method. The nanocomposites exhibited increased dielectric constant and improved breakdown strength. Dielectric constants of the nanocomposite with surface hydroxylated BST–NPs (BST–NPs–OH) were higher as compared with those of their untreated BST–NPs composites. The sample with 40 vol % BST–NPs–OH had a dielectric constant of 36 (1 kHz). Different theoretical models have been employed to predict the dielectric constants of the nanocomposites, in order to compare with the experimental data. The BST–NPs–OH/PVDF composites also exhibited higher breakdown strength than their BST–NP/PVDF counterparts. A maximal energy density of 3.9 J/cm3 was achieved in the composite with 5 vol % BST–NPs–OH. This hydroxylation strategy could be used as a reference to develop ceramic-polymer composite materials with enhanced dielectric properties and energy storage densities.

Thermal and energy evaluation of a novel polymer-ceramic composite as insulation for a household refrigerator

This article presents a feasibility study of a new polymer-ceramic composite material applied as a thermal insulator on the surface of a low net volume household refrigerator. This paper describes its manufacture in a succinct manner, and a thermal and energy comparison between the factory refrigerator and the refrigerator with the composite installed. Based on the experiments, it is concluded that when using the composite, the average internal temperature of the fridge is increased by 1°C, for practical and design purposes, the refrigerator still functions below 3°C. It was also found that at stable operating conditions the energy consumption using the composite saves approximately 1.5%. Despite these slight savings, the pyro-expanded perlite composite acts as a thermal isolating material. This material may exhibit better ease of use and thermal, energetic and economic benefits, without omitting the environmental characteristics that they favor.

Dielectric Properties of BaTiO&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;/Epoxy and MWCNT/Epoxy Composites

Polymer ceramic composite materials are candidate material for capacitor application. In this research, MWCNT and BaTiO3 were used as fillers in epoxy thin film composites where the filler loading was in the range of 0 to 2.0 vol%. The thin film composites were fabricated by using spin coating method. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss were measured at 100 Hz to 1 MHz. The dielectric constant of CNT was in the range of 3.5 to 243.7 whereas the dielectric constant of BaTiO3 was 3.5 to 33.7 at 1 kHz. Meanwhile the dielectric loss of MWCNT was 0.009 to 6.83 while dielectric loss of BaTiO3 was 0.009 to 0.016 at 1 kHz. In general, it was found that MWCNT filler provide high dielectric constant value compare to BaTiO3 this is because MWCNT is more conductive than BaTiO3. However MWCNT/epoxy composites exhibit higher dielectric loss compare to BaTiO3/epoxy composites.

Polymer Ceramic Composite Materials for Orthopedic Applications—Relevance and Need for Mechanical Match and Bone Regeneration

Polymer Ceramic Composite Materials for Orthopedic Applications—Relevance and Need for Mechanical Match and Bone Regeneration

Three-dimensional discrete element modeling of micromechanical bending tests of ceramic–polymer composite materials

Ceramic–polymer composite materials are used throughout materials science, but theoretical models which take into account the microstructural design to predict their mechanical properties are still not fully developed. We present an approach to use the discrete element method to model the mechanical behavior under bending load of dense composite materials made from ceramic particles which are bonded together by polymeric layers. Unlike many other modeling approaches, the internal particulate structure of the material, including the particle size distribution, packing structure, and pore structure can thus be considered. Linear-elastic bonds are created between all contacting particles to model the polymeric binder. A three-dimensional beam with a packing density of 63% is generated and its mechanical properties are tested in 3- and 4-point bending. The loading speed, loading scheme (position of the supports), and the mechanical properties of the polymeric bonds are varied and their effect on the modulus of elasticity of the material is investigated.

Novel polymer‐ceramic composites for protection against ballistic fragments

AbstractFor the first time, internally reinforced aggregate polymer ceramic composites were evaluated against fragment simulating projectiles (FSPs) of various calibers to investigate their ballistic impact response. Samples were prepared by mechanically mixing B4C and cBN over a range of ratios and combinations with either thermosetting phenolic or epoxy resin and aramid pulp. Dry mixtures were then molded in a closed die using a heated platen press. The resulting tiles were then mounted as “strike faces” to an aramid backing material using an epoxy resin. Backed targets were tested in a fully instrumented firing range against 5.56 mm FSPs to test ballistic limit. A further series of tests using 7.62, 12.5, and 20 mm FSPs was conducted to examine round deformation across a range of fragments calibers. Round deformations were measured after impact and plotted against shot velocity. It was found that the polymer ceramic composite materials were effective round deformers and, like sintered ceramic strike faces, demonstrated improved ballistic performance at an equivalent areal density and impressive multihit capability. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers

Fabrication and mechanical properties of PLLA and CPC composite scaffolds

The brittleness and insufficient strength of biomaterials such as calcium phosphate cement (CPC) limit their applications in physiologically non-load-bearing bone lesions. These limitations stimulated the research for developing degradable polymer-ceramic composite materials that can closely match the modulus of bones. In this study, poly (L-lactic acid)/calcium phosphate cement (PLLA/CPC) composite scaffolds were fabricated via a four-step process, namely, measurement, prototyping, compounding, and dissolving. The design and mechanical properties of the PLLA/CPC composite structures were theoretically and experimentally studied. The PLLA/CPC scaffold improved the mechanical properties of the CPC. The CPC’s compressive strength and strengthening percentage increase with higher PLLA volume. Such composites may have a clinical use for load-bearing bone fixation.

A Study on the Mechanical Properties of Polymer-Ceramic Composite Using Injection Moulding

This paper presents the development of a new polymer-ceramic composite material for use in injection molding machine. The material consists of palm oil fly ash (POFA) in a high density polyethylene (HDPE) powder. In this study, the effect of POFA was investigated as a filler material in polymer-ceramic matrix composite and HDPE was chosen as a matrix material. The detailed formulations of mixing ratio with various combinations of the new polymer-ceramic composite are investigated experimentally. Based on the result obtained, it was found that, the weight percentage increment of POFA filler affected the flexural and hardness strength. This work represents a major development in recycling of waste material from palm oil empty fruit bunch out of the refinery to produce polymer/ceramic matrix composite.

Direct strain energy harvesting in automobile tires using piezoelectric PZT–polymer composites

Direct piezoelectric strain energy harvesting can be used to power wireless autonomous sensors in environments where low frequency, high strains are present, such as in automobile tires during operation. However, these high strains place stringent demands on the materials with respect to mechanical failure or depolarization, especially at elevated temperatures. In this work, three kinds of ceramic–polymer composite piezoelectric materials were evaluated and compared against state-of-the-art piezoelectric materials. The new composites are unstructured and structured composites containing granular lead zirconate titanate (PZT) particles or PZT fibers in a polyurethane matrix. The composites were used to build energy harvesting patches which were attached to a tire and tested under simulated rolling conditions. The energy density of the piezoelectric ceramic–polymer composite materials is initially not as high as that of the reference materials (a macro-fiber composite and a polyvinylidene fluoride polymer). However, the area normalized power output of the composites after temperature and strain cycling is comparable to that of the reference devices because the piezoelectric ceramic–polymer composites did not degrade during operation.