Characterization Of Polymer Nanocomposites Research Articles

Investigation of the influence of nano-sized particles on the entanglement distribution of a generic polymer nanocomposite using molecular dynamics

The addition of nano-sized filler particles to polymers leads to significant improvements in their mechanical properties. These can be traced back to the matrix–filler interactions of the interphase, which can be analyzed using molecular dynamic simulations. Usually, research in this context studies the general number of entanglements or the radius of gyration. However, this publication presents a novel approach by investigating the radial distribution of entanglements in an effort to characterize the interphase. To this end, we employ a coarse-grained model for a generic polymer composite and study multiple systems with varying particle radius and matrix–filler adhesion. Furthermore, the highly customizable and computationally efficient nanocomposite system developed during this research serves as a foundation for the further characterization of polymer nanocomposites and their interphases.

Recent scattering approaches to structure and dynamics of polymer nanocomposites

The characterization of polymer nanocomposites on molecular length scales and timescales is a challenging task, which is also indispensable for the understanding of macroscopic material's properties. Neutron scattering is one of the techniques which are very well-suited for studying the structure and molecular motion in such soft matter systems. X-rays can also be used for the same purpose, however, with higher energy and thus a different focus on dynamics, where they are better suited for nanoparticle motion. In this mini-review, we aim at highlighting recent results in the field of polymer nanocomposites, including nanoparticle structure in various experimental systems, from model to industrial, and polymer and particle dynamics. This allows establishing the link between microscopic and macroscopic properties, in particular rheology.

Role of reinforcement on mechanical and thermal characteristics of polymer nano composites: A review

Polymers, especially thermoplastics, have high growth in the industry and manufacturing purposes. Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) has properties like processability, rubber content, while Polycarbonate (PC) has the properties of high impact strength and toughness. So, blending these two thermoplastics will give the higher beneficial blend at cheaper costs which are used in various applications. Halloysite Nanotubes (HNT) are naturally occurring eco-friendly nanomaterials and possess better mechanical and thermal properties. Furthermore, these HNT’s are basically aluminosilicate clay materials for which Al2Si2O5(OH)4 is given as the empirical formula. The present review paper provides more insight into the latest trends in the preparation and characterization of polymer composites. Further, the latest works associated with the mechanical and thermal characterization of ABS/PC and HNT composites were critically reviewed.

Prediction of Tribological Parameters for Polymer Nanocomposites

The possibility for predicting tribological characteristics of polymer nanocomposites was studied with the example of nanocomposite poly (ether ketone)/graphene. It has been shown that the “escapement” effect of polymer matrix macromolecules by graphene surface essentially reduces (a several times) the indicated characteristics. The proposed simple structural model describes the obtained results through experiments. The fulfilled estimations indicate that the “escapement” effect of macromolecules by graphene surface results in a loss of 60–86% of the initial area of contact polymer matrix-nanofiller with a growth of graphene content up to 10 mas %. Thus, the improvement of the indicated contact (i.e., by nanofiller functionalization) likely leads to essential improvement of tribological characteristics of nanocomposite.

Preparation and Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites

The polymer nanocomposites have been the exponentially growing field of research for developing the materials in last few decades. The remarkable improvement in the polymer nanocomposite is found when a small amount of nanosized particles are added to a polymer matrix. The addition of inorganic solid nanoparticles (typically in the form of fibres, flakes, spheres or fine particles) into polymer matrix increases their physical, structural and mechanical properties. Since the polymer-nano composites have been the staple of modern polymer industry, their durability under various environmental conditions and degradability after their service life are also essential fields of research. This leads to focus on preparation & characterization of polymer nanocomposite. This article is intended to review the status of worldwide research in this aspect. The successful application of nano particles depends upon both the correct preparation techniques followed by testing through characterization. Surface modification can improve the inherent characteristics of the nano particles and serve to prepare nano composites inexistent in nature. Therefore, some tools as their various properties like electrical, optical and morphological can be used to optimize the preparation of polymer nano composites. This chapter will make an overview about different routes to prepare polymer-based nano composites by extrusion, synthesis of nano particles by sol-gel reactions, sputtering and mainly by physical evaporation deposition method.

Synthesis and characterization of polymer nanocomposites from methyl acrylate and metal chloride and their application

This work involved the preparation of nanoparticles for Fe3O4 oxides with NiCl2 and V2O5SO4 by using ferric chloride as a mineral salt. X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), field emission scanning electronic microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry analysis and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis were performed. The efficiencies of NiO and V2O5 were measured for gas sensitivity and light detection, which were high in both analyses. AFM tests showed that different nanoparticles formed similar acrylate polymers to NiO and V2O5 with the diameters ranging from 72.12 to 88.12 nm. The XRD measurements showed the hexagonal shape of NiO, while the axon axes were observed for V2O5 in SEM measurements. The image measurements showed different forms of polymer compositions. Moreover, the thermodynamic analysis indicated a thermal dissolution for both polymers and oxides prepared at extremely high temperatures. Finally, DSC tests identified the effect of polymer filled with oxide and its comparison with pure polymer.

Ultrasonic treatment as recent and environmentally friendly route for the synthesis and characterization of polymer nanocomposite having PVA and biosafe BSA‐modified ZnO nanoparticles

The present study deals with the immobilization of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) as nanofiller inside poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) by solution casting method which is a low‐cost, environmental‐friendly, and rapid method of sonochemistry. Firstly, the surface of ZnO NPs was treated by bovine serum albumin (BSA) in the phosphate‐buffered solution under ultrasonic cavitation. Three diverse polymeric nanocomposites (NCs) are formed by changing the percentage of ZnO@BSA NPs (3, 6, and 9 wt%) with same amount of PVA. The structure properties, morphology, and thermal stability of prepared NCs were determined through Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and optical UV‐Visible spectrum, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The presence and the dispersal of the ZnO@BSA NPs in the PVA matrix were recognized by TEM. In the X‐ray diffraction analysis, the values of mean particle size using Debye‐Scherrer equation were estimated in the range 4 to 6 nm that is almost in agreement with TEM analysis. Increase of 14% in thermal stability and also increase of more than 2‐fold of the tensile strength of PVA/ZnO@BSA NC 9 wt% in respect to the pure PVA showed that the modified NPs well dispersed within PVA and attached to it.

Influence of Compatiblizer (PP-g-mA) on Morphology, Mechanical Behaviour of PP/ABS/CB Nano-Composite

Composite materials can be defined as a combination of two or more materials results in improved properties than those of the individual material used alone. Nano-technology has recently gained attention of scientific environment due to the solutions offered in main areas of the human activity. Polymers are more ductile but less rigid and strong in which used to replace high load bearing application. Composite materials allow designing materials that may combination of mechanical properties similar to those high load bearing materials. For advance mechanical properties of material using polypropylene (PP) as a polymer and elastomers as acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS) and as compatibilizer maleic anhydridegrafted polypropylene (PP-g-MAH) is used and filler material as carbon black. For characterization Analyses of morphology scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used and mechanical properties which is tensile testing, impact testing is use for characterization of polymer nanocomposites.

Preliminary demonstration of energy-efficient fabrication of aligned CNT-polymer nanocomposites using magnetic fields

Preliminary fabrication of thermoset nanocomposites with aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is demonstrated using magnetic fields in an energy-efficient and quick manner. Bulk application of high-performance polymer nanocomposites is currently limited because scalable manufacturing methods to deliver bulk samples with organized nanofillers are currently missing. In this work, active assembly using external magnetic fields is selected as a solution to provide the balanced benefits of bulk processing capacity and tailorable patterning capability. Magnetically-responsive multi-walled carbon nanotubes (∼35 nm diameter and ∼200 μm length) were fabricated with relatively simple post-growth processing: low-temperature oxygen plasma treatment for improved suspension and dispersion within matrices, and e-beam coating with thin ferromagnetic nickel (Ni) layers (∼40–100 nm) for larger magnetic susceptibility. Dispersion and properties of the plasma-treated and Ni-coated CNTs were evaluated visually using the settlement study and scanning electron microscopy, and quantitatively using Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. Assembly of Ni-coated CNTs was first demonstrated in deionized water, and then in a bisphenol-F based polymer resin (Epon 862). Magnetic assembly behaviors of these two-dimensional nanofillers were studied about the effect of their original dispersion, size, and matrix viscosity. The first sizable fabrication of CNT-thermoset nanocomposite (∼32 mm × ∼32 mm × ∼5 mm sample size) was attempted and demonstrated with the smaller magnetic field in the shorter time (∼400 G application for 40 min), than the previous attempt to assemble CNTs (∼105 G for a few hours). Future work include homogenization of CNT patterns within the nanocomposites by improving the original CNT dispersion and suspension (ferromagnetic filling instead of coating, particle surface treatment, etc.), more complex CNT patterning using magnetic field parameter modulation, and structure-interface-property studies by polymer nanocomposite characterization, specially about transport properties.

Polyethylene-based nanocomposite: Structure and properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/organofunctionalized Mg-doped fluorapatite hybrid

ABSTRACTWe report here the production and characterization of polymer nanocomposites (NC)s containing nanoceramics of organofunctionalized Mg-doped fluorapatite (MDFA) in a poly(vinyl alcohol) matrix. First, the MDFA materials were functionalized with N-trimellitylimido-L-leucine modifier through ultrasonic irradiation. The numerous experimental techniques like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were applied to characterize the prepared materials. Thermal analysis of the obtained NCs showed an increase in thermal stability of the NCs when compared to the neat macromolecule.

Where micro- and nano-worlds meet: multiscale polymer composites

data has been published on the preparation and characterization of polymer nanocomposites. Despite the very intense research efforts, the mechanical properties reported so far for nanocomposites are quite disappointing, particularly when compared to that of structural composites reinforced with highperformance continuous fibers (DOI: 10.1126/science.1151434). Among the main causes invoked to explain the obtained results one could mention i) poor dispersion and alignment of nanofillers, ii) difficulties in achieving an elevated volume fraction of nanofillers and iii) scarce bond and load transfer ability at the nanofiller/matrix interface. Intensive research is currently ongoing to tackle and possibly solve the above mentioned problems. Recently, new strategies emerged for the preparation of structural materials in which both microand nano-reinforcements coexist in multiscale composites (DOI: 10.1177/0731684412456612). Nanoscale reinforcements have been included within fiber reinforced composites in several ways, such as i) grafting or electrophoretic deposition (mostly of carbon nanomaterials) onto the fiber surface (DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2014.06.019), ii) localization in sizing/coatings for fiber treatment (DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2012.08.027) iii) homogeneous dispersion in the whole polymer matrix (DOI: 10.1177/0731684414542668). The presence of nanoreinforcements in traditional microcomposites has been proven to play beneficial effects on several properties, including delamination resistance, fiber/ matrix shear strength (DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech. 2012.12.016), electrical and thermal conductivities. The possibility to improve the electrical conductivity of typically insulating materials such as glass/ epoxy laminates, is opening new possibilities for the monitoring of deformation and damage in composite structures under service. For example, it has been proven that an integrated system of carbon nanotubes and piezoelectric sensors can be used to detect both microcracks and localized damage/ delamination in composite structures (DOI: 10.1016/ j.carbon.2012.04.008). Therefore, nanomodified matrices can be used for a continuous monitoring of deformational levels and damage of structural composites under various loading conditions such as fatigue, impact and creep (DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2012.03.019). Can we dream of polymer composites in which microand nano-structures synergistically operate to provide both structural and functional features, including self-repairing and adaptive responses?

Synthesis and Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites Containing Fe- 40 at.% Si Powder Particles Prepared by High Energy Ball Mill

Fe‒Si alloys are widely used as transformer magnets and magnetic cores because of their excellent soft magnetic properties. Fe60Si40 powders were milled in a high energy planetary ball mill (Rctsch PM400) under argon atmosphere at different time of milling. The metal powders obtained have an average diameter d50 of 2.5 to 6 um. The introduction of Si into Fe can result in a decrease of magnetic anisotropy (therefore leading to a decrease of coercivity). The nanocomposite magnetic cores were made from the Fe60Si40 powder obtained by high energy ball milling for different milling time. The particles of powder were mixed with unsaturated polyester (UP) to obtain toroidal cores. The polymerization process was made under a magnetic field H-500 Am. and ensured a preferential orientation of powder particles. Influences of the metallic powder fraction on soft magnetic properties as well as thermal increase under isothermal conditions were investigated along with the possibility to control these properties with the size and amount of powder fraction. It was also found that the soft magnetic properties of the polymer composites can be controlled in a wide range and depends on the mass fraction of the metallic powder Fe60Si40 in the composite, on shape and size of the powder particles and their orientation in the composite.

Polymer-clay nanocomposites obtained by solution polymerization of vinyl benzyl triammonium chloride in the presence of advanced functionalized clay

Polymer-clay nanocomposites were synthesized by solution polymerization method using advanced functionalized clay and vinyl benzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride as monomer. First stage consisted in the silylation of a commercial organo-modified clay-Cl 20A using alkoxysilanes with different chain lengths. In the second step, the synthesis and characterization of polymer-nanocomposites were followed. To evaluate the clay functionalization process as well as the final polymer-clay products, thermogravimetric, X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and three test liquid contact angles analyses were used. The loss of ammonium ions from commercial clay, the grafting degree, the lengths and the nature of alkyl chain influence the dispersion of the advanced modified clay into the polymer solution and, furthermore, the properties of the final polymer-clay nanocomposite film.

Improved mechanical and crystallization characteristics of polymer nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotube oxidized via wet mechanochemical method

In the present study, a novel approach of wet mechanochemical oxidation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been established in order to improve the uniformity in nanodispersion of the CNTs. This approach was found to be more efficient for CNT oxidation as compared to the acid oxidation method as observed from the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and titrometric analyses. From the x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopic analyses, it was also noticed that the damage to the surface of CNTs caused by acid can be prevented using wet mechanochemical process for oxidation. The transmission electron microscopic micrographs also revealed lesser degree of entanglement of the CNT fibrils. The polymer nanocomposites reinforced with wet mechanochemically oxidized CNT (McCNT) revealed considerably higher mechanical properties as compared to that of acid-oxidized CNTs. Also, the much higher uniformity in dispersion and nucleating effect of the McCNT was observed from the Raman spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry analysis, respectively.

Preparation and characterization of polymeric nanocomposites containing exfoliated tungstenite at high concentrations

For the first time, ultrasonication was exploited for obtaining tungstenite nanoparticles directly into a monomer (tetraethyleneglycol diacrylate) to be eventually polymerized without any further manipulation. The resulting liquid dispersions were characterized by Raman, transmission electron and scanning electron microscopies. Eventually, they were directly used for preparing nanocomposites containing a relatively large amount of exfoliated tungstenite. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analyses were performed in order to assess the effect of the presence of the exfoliated nanofiller on the thermal features of the polymer matrix: a clear improvement of the thermal and thermo-oxidative stability was observed. At variance, the effect of the exfoliated tungstenite on the glass transition temperature of the polymer matrix was negligible. Furthermore, the mechanical behavior of the obtained nanocomposites was evaluated by means of flexural and shore A hardness tests: the exfoliated nanofiller turned out to exert a strong reinforcing effect on the polymer matrix even at very low concentration.

Preparation and characterization of nanocomposites of polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers with molybdenum(VI) oxide (MoO3)

The preparation and characterization of polymer nanocomposites is an important research area because of the significant changes in materials properties relative to the component phases or to conventional microscale or macroscale composites. Polyamidoamine (PAMAM)/molybdenum(VI) oxide (MoO3) nanocomposites were synthesized using an exfoliation/adsorption method and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analyses, scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. Generation 0 (G0) and generation 2 (G2) PAMAM forms nanocomposites with MoO3 with either intercalate monolayers or bilayers, with resulting gallery expansions (Δd) of ∼0.5 and ∼0.7–0.8 nm, respectively. G0 only forms monolayers whereas G2 forms mono and bilayers. The spherical PAMAM conformation in aqueous medium changes dramatically to a highly-flattened conformation within the intercalate galleries. Reaction temperature also affects the structure of the obtained G2 PAMAM nanocomposites. Bilayer nanocomposites obtained at 40 and 120 °C show Δd = 1.4 nm and 0.7 nm, respectively. Mixed phases were obtained at 60 °C. The obtained nanocomposite compositions and structures are compared with previously-reported polymer/MoO3 nanocomposites.

Polymer nanocomposites based on polyamide 6 modified with fulleroid fillers

Polymer nanocomposites based on polyamide and fulleroid modifiers are synthesized through in situ polymerization, and their mechanical and electric properties are studied. After introduction of 0.001–0.1 wt % fulleroid modifiers, Young’s modulus and the strength of thermoplastic composites increases by 15–20%, practically independently of the amount of filler. This circumstance is due to the fact that the introduction of fulleroid fillers causes selective crystallization of polyamide 6 only in the α form. The introduction of fullerene fillers considerably improves the tribological characteristics of polymer nanocomposites, thereby decreasing the friction coefficient by a factor of 2. The electric properties of nanocomposites are studied also.

Characterization of solid complex multiphase systems based on oscillatory photon correlation spectroscopy

The particle loading and dispersion profiles are two significant properties directly affecting the engineering properties and performance characteristics of polymer nanocomposites. Current measurement techniques are often destructive, require special sample preparation, are limited to small, unrepresentative sample size, and/or cannot discriminate between the two aforementioned parameters. This Letter demonstrates the application of photon correlation spectroscopy on mechanically oscillated solids; experimental results show that this technique can discriminate between different grades of such materials.

Synthesis and characterization of polymer nanocomposites containing magnetic nanoparticles

Magnetic poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites were prepared using oleic acid coated cobalt ferrite and magnetite nanoparticles. Both nanofillers had a similar effect in shifting the glass transition temperature from that of the neat polymer. The cobalt ferrite nanocomposite had magnetic hysteresis at 2 and 300 K and the magnetite nanocomposite had magnetic hysteresis at 2 K and superparamagnetic behavior at 300 K. Surprisingly, zero field cooled magnetization measurements for the cobalt ferrite nanocomposite showed a peak at ∼250 K, in contrast with measured hysteresis at 300 K. On the other hand, ac susceptibility measurements up to 400 K did not show any peaks for the cobalt ferrite nanocomposite. These measurements suggest the importance of ac susceptibility measurements in characterizing the magnetic properties of polymer nanocomposites.

Modeling of Nanoindentation Data and Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites by a Multiscale Stochastic Finite Element Method

Modeling of Nanoindentation Data and Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites by a Multiscale Stochastic Finite Element Method