Development Of Polymer Nanocomposites Research Articles

Investigation on mechanical and tribological properties of PTFE nanocomposites reinforced by surface-modified graphene using molecular dynamics simulations

Surface-modified nanoparticles are commonly used to improve the mechanical properties and wear resistance of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). However, fewer studies have been devoted to quantitatively revealing the action mechanism of graphene (Gr) modified with different functional groups on the mechanical and tribological properties of PTFE. Herein, the effects of four functional groups (−OH, −NH2, −COOH, and −COOCH3 functional groups) on the surface of Gr nanosheets on the mechanical and tribological properties of PTFE nanocomposites are studied using molecular dynamics simulations. The results indicate that the incorporation of functional groups to the Gr surface is able to significantly improve the mechanical properties and wear resistance of the nanocomposites, and the COOH-functionalized Gr nanosheet shows the best reinforcing effect due to the synergistic effect of its own high surface roughness and strong interfacial interaction between itself and the matrix. It is also found that the friction coefficient of the nanocomposites is obviously increased by the inclusion of functionalized Gr nanosheets, and the greater the surface roughness of the functionalized Gr nanosheet, the more significant the growth of the friction coefficient of the nanocomposites. The pull-out test and confined shear simulation reveal that due to the increased interfacial shear strength and the isolation of functional groups, an inhomogeneous transfer film is formed at the friction interface, leading to a decreased anti-friction property. This study provides some guidance for the future design and development of polymer nanocomposites with excellent mechanical and tribological performance for use in extreme service conditions.

Recent Developments in Polymer Nanocomposites for Bone Regeneration.

Most people who suffer acute injuries in accidents have fractured bones. Many of the basic processes that take place during embryonic skeletal development are replicated throughout the regeneration process that occurs during this time. Bruises and bone fractures, for example, serve as excellent examples. It almost always results in a successful recovery and restoration of the structural integrity and strength of the broken bone. After a fracture, the body begins to regenerate bone. Bone formation is a complex physiological process that requires meticulous planning and execution. A normal healing procedure for a fracture might reveal how the bone is constantly rebuilding as an adult. Bone regeneration is becoming more dependent on polymer nanocomposites, which are composites made up of a polymer matrix and a nanomaterial. This study will review polymer nanocomposites that are employed in bone regeneration to stimulate bone regeneration. As a result, we will introduce the role of bone regeneration nanocomposite scaffolds, and the nanocomposite ceramics and biomaterials that play a role in bone regeneration. Aside from that, recent advances in polymer nanocomposites might be used in a variety of industrial processes to help people with bone defects overcome their challenges will be discussed.

Polymer Nanocomposites

In the last 20 years, there has been a strong emphasis on the development of polymer nanocomposites, where at least one of the dimensions of the filler material is of the order of a nanometer. Polymer nanocomposites are fundamentally different from traditional filled polymers because of the immense internal interfacial area and the nanoscopic nature of the nanomaterials. The new multifunctional properties derived from the nano-structure of nanocomposites provide an opportunity to circumvent the traditional properties associated with traditional composites. Numerous examples can be found in the literature that show significant improvements in multifunctional properties of the nanocomposites and this new class materials now being introduced in structural applications, such as gas barrier film, flame retardant product, and other load-bearing applications. This review offers a comprehensive review on the basic concept, technology and application for polymer nanocomposites.

A Review on the Recent Development on Polymer Nanocomposite for Energy Storage Application

ABSTRACT: Since the demand for effective and sustainable energy solutions has been on the rise, the field of energy storage has made tremendous strides. Due to their special mix of features, polymer nanocomposites—materials made of polymers and nano-scale fillers have become intriguing materials for energy storage applications. The most current advancements in polymer nanocomposites for energy storage applications are presented in detail in this review study. The work starts with an overview of the fundamental ideas and difficulties surrounding energy storage, then it explores the synthesis and characterization methods employed to create polymer nanocomposites. The many types of nano-fillers used in polymer nanocomposites are then described, including conductive polymers, metal oxides, and carbon-based nano-materials. The main factors influencing how well polymer nanocomposites store energy, such as charge storage capability, conductivity, and cycle stability, are carefully explored. The paper also explores how polymer nanocomposites are used in flexible energy storage systems, lithium-ion batteries, and supercapacitors, among other types of energy storage technology. The impact of interface engineering, morphology, and nanofiller loading on the general effectiveness of polymer nanocomposites is underlined. Additionally, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact of polymer nanocomposites for energy storage applications are reviewed, along with their problems and potential for the future. A thorough grasp of the most recent developments in polymer nanocomposites for energy storage applications is the goal of this study, which will make it easier to design and create the next generation of energy storage devices with improved performance and sustainability.

Recent Trends in Magnetic Polymer Nanocomposites for Aerospace Applications: A Review.

Polymers have had an enormous impact on science and technology, and their interest relating to the development of new macromolecular materials has exponentially increased. Polymer nanocomposites, materials based on a polymeric matrix covalently coupled to reinforcement, display properties of both components. In the aerospace industry, polymer nanocomposites are attractive due to their promising characteristics, among which lightness, mechanical and thermal resistance, radiation and corrosion resistance, and conductive and magnetic properties stand out. The use of them, instead of metal-based materials, has allowed the optimization of design processes and applications in order to provide safer, faster, and eventually cheaper transportation in the future. This comparative review collects the most relevant and prominent advances in the development of polymer nanocomposites with aerospace applications starting from basic aspects such as the definition of polymer nanocomposite to more specialized details such as synthesis, characterization, and applications, in addition to proposing new research branches related to this topic.

Improved dielectric and energy storage properties of polymer composites with BNNSs/AgNPs hybrid nanofiller

ABSTRACT The development of polymer nanocomposites with superior dielectric performances is critical for flexible capacitive energy storage applications. However, the common approach to fabricate polymer composites with high-dielectric-constant ceramics as fillers always bring about exaggerate dielectric losses, hence low energy density and energy efficiency of polymer composites. In this work, BNNSs/AgNPs nanohybrids, where Ag nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs), are employed as fillers for poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) based nanocomposites. The contributions by enhanced interface polarisation and the internal barrier layer capacitor (IBLC) effect generated by the uniform distribution of conductive Ag nanoparticles on the insulative BNNSs, result in a large increase in dielectric constant and electric displacement meanwhile simultaneously suppressed dielectric losses. The BNNSs/AgNPs/PVDF-HFP nanocomposites exhibit much higher energy density and energy efficiency than the pristine PVDF-HFP and the BNNSs/PVDF-HFP composites counterparts, being great potential for dielectric energy storage applications.

Mechanical analysis of conductive polymer nanocomposite

Polymers are widely appreciated for the development of electronic devices due to their light weight and design flexibility. Therefore, studying the approximate values of failures during displacement and deformation in the polymer nanocomposite is very important for medical devices. The present work deals with the development of polymer nanocomposite (PNC) using the Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as host polymer with vapour grown carbon nano fibers (VGCNF) and ionic liquid (IL) as the filler particles using solution casting technique. The tensile test has been done experimentally using the Ultimate Tensile Machine (UTM) for determining the deformation behaviour in the specimen samples of PNC. Further, the specimen models were developed using the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to compare with the experimental results. The experimental samples were prepared using the solvent casting technique with ASTM 3039 standard dimensions. The uni-axial load (0.5, 1 2, 3, 4 and 5 N) was applied to one end of the specimen while keeping another end fixed for simulating the data with ANSYS. The results obtained by the FEM showed favourable results with an acceptable margin of errors.

Influence of gold nanoparticles in polymer nanocomposite on space-temporal-irradiation dependent diffraction grating recording

Following the modern and extremely useful direction of research and development of polymer nanocomposites with combined effects of photopolymerization superimposed by plasmon-induced processes, we investigated acrylate-based nanocomposites with broadband sensitive Irgaqure784 initiator and silicon oxide as well as gold nanoparticles in different regimes of illumination. The details of initiator photodecomposition and polymer chain formation mechanisms at the presence of the gold nanoparticles' (GNPs) plasmon fields and different combinations of irradiation wavelengths or intensities are discussed. These are related to the mechanism and efficiency of holographic volume and surface grating recording based on photopolymerization and mass-transport, diffusion processes of the organic matrix, and nanoparticles. GNP's presence in a monomer nanocomposite influences the recording parameters in a combined way, making preferable the double-wavelength irradiation mode, which may increase the efficiency of the recorded gratings up to two times at decreased exposures. Results may be used for planning fabrication processes of more complex, multifunctional photonic elements.

Characterization the Thermal Degradation E Kinetic of Unsaturated Polyester and Polyester/Silica Nanoparticles Composites by TGA and DSC Analysis

The development of polymer nanocomposites is rapidly emerging as a multidisciplinary research field with results that could broaden the applications of polymers to many different industries. The nanocomposites were prepared from unsaturated polyester (UPE) mixed with a different percentage (10, 20, and 30%) of silica nanoparticles. TGA and DSC curves were obtained from the thermal degradation computed by using Coast-Redfern technique. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were studied for all specimens were presented a good linear correlation coefficient close to unity using Minitab 16. Experimental work was showed that the degradation of composites that obtained from thermal gravimetric analysis was slower than the resin. Also, the decomposition under the oxidative environment was much faster than the inert environment. The enhancement of stability was attributed to silica content.

Mechanical Characterization of PC-ABS Reinforced with CNT Nanocomposites developed by Fused Deposition Modelling

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), a category of Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a versatile form of manufacturing technology that enables the development of the part layer by layer, of any complex geometry. The development and utilization of polymer nanocomposites for has seen a wide range of implementation. The development of polymer nanocomposite by fused deposition technology and evaluation of its mechanical propertieshave been carried out in this study. Polycarbonate (PC) and Acrylonotrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) are compounded together with carbon nanotubes. Different proportion of Carbon Nano Tubes (CNT) was added as reinforcement at to PC-ABS matrix. Two variations of samples were developed with incremental addition of CNT to PC-ABS. Ultimate tensile strength and impact strength were analyzed for the developed nano composite FDM parts. It was observed that, with the addition of CNT the ultimate tensile strength of the parts increased significantly. Similar trend was seen for impact strength as well.

Few-layer boron nitride nanosheets exfoliated with assistance of fluoro hyperbranched copolymer for poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) nanocomposite film capacitor

The polymer film capacitor has been widely applied in electronics and stationary power system due to the large power density and graceful dielectric reliability. The current requirements for flexible film capacitor are mainly on the development of polymer nanocomposite with high energy density and charge-discharge efficiency during applied electric field. Here we employed the fluoro hyperbranched polyethylene-graft-poly(trifluoroethyl methacrylate) (HBPE-g-PTFEMA) copolymer to exfoliate the boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) in low-boiling-point solvent, and then, the flexible poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-CTFE)) nanocomposite film incorporated with BNNSs was prepared by the simple solution casting. The stable BNNSs dispersion was obtained with assistance of fluoro hyperbranched copolymer as the stabilizer, which was adsorbed on the nanosheets via the noncovalent CH-π interaction against aggregation. The presence of fluoro segments improves the compatibility of BNNSs/P(VDF-CTFE) nanocomposite, which contributes to the large interfacial polarization. The energy density in 0.4 wt% nanocomposite achieves 6.8 J/cm3 with charge-discharge efficiency of 66% at 300 MV/m, which is ascribed to the large content of electroactive phase and the enhanced interfacial polarization. The fluoro hyperbranched copolymer functionalized BNNSs/P(VDF-CTFE) nanocomposite film exhibits high electric storage capability as well as lightweight feature and flexibility, which is benefit to potential applications for portable and implantable electrical devices where both the weight and size are primary concerns.

Development of polymer nanocomposites with sodium alanate for hydrogen storage

The development of materials based on polymer nanocomposites for hydrogen storage with lower temperature of desorption might contribute to the consolidation of the use of hydrogen as a sustainable energy. The purpose of this work was to develop hybrid porous materials consisting of polyaniline or sulfonated polyetherimide as polymer matrices and a potential hydride for hydrogen storage – sodium alanate. Multiwall carbon nanotubes and titanium dioxide were also added in order to improve the hydrogen absorption capacity of the sodium alanate. The nanocomposites were prepared via solution mixing and analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission and scanning electron microscopy and kinetic of hydrogen sorption. The nanoparticles had some influence on the polymers structures, modifying its thermal properties, such as glass transition temperature and the onset temperature of degradation. Microscope analyses showed that not all the particles were always well dispersed and distributed through the matrices. However, kinetics of hydrogen sorption tests indicated a significant amount of hydrogen (up to 1.2 wt%) in the nanocomposites after 12 h at relatively low temperature (120 °C) and 32 bar.

Developments in Polymer Nanocomposites for Modern Biomedical and Industrial Applications: A Review

Developments in Polymer Nanocomposites for Modern Biomedical and Industrial Applications: A Review

Evaluation of internal morphology and engineering properties of graphite-filled UHMWPE nanocomposites produced using a novel octa-screw kneading extruder

Abstract Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a very attractive polymer employed as a high performance material, while filler-reinforced composites have demonstrated its feasibility in various applications. Melt-mixing in an extruder is a key process in the development of polymer nanocomposites. Due to its high melt viscosity, dispersion of fillers is considered as a challenge in UHMWPE nanocomposites preparation process. In this work, we have prepared graphite-filled UHMWPE nanocomposites using a novel octa-screw melt kneading extruder. The engineering properties as well as the morphology of kneaded nanocomposites were characterized using tensile tester, friction and wear tester, scanning electron microscopy, optical profilemeter, polarized optical microscope, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, etc. The experimental results suggested good dispersion of graphite in the UHMWPE nanocomposites, demonstrating the excellent capability of the octa-screw extruder in compounding the graphite-filled nanocomposites. The yield strengths of the nanocomposites increase by 10% (from 21.6 MPa to 23.8 MPa) with the addition of 2% graphite. When the filler percentage was increased to 20%, the yield strengths improved from 21.6 to 27.4 MPa (an increase of 26.8%) for the graphite-filled composites. Furthermore, the crystallinity of UHMWPE nanocomposites increased with the content of graphite fillers, while the pyrolysis temperature of the composites increased with the content of graphite fillers.

Critical review on agrowaste cellulose applications for biopolymers

The usage and application of agricultural biomass products in development of polymer nanocomposites is increasing due to the demand for green materials, depletion of natural resources and awareness of environmental issues. Lignocellulosic agricultural fibers such as sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, sorghum waste and maize stalk are increasingly investigated as an alternative to conventional and inorganic fillers such as carbon fiber, glass fiber and silica. This review provides an overview on the emerging cellulose nanomaterials, focusing on extraction procedures from lignocellulosic biomass, and on modification developments and applications of these materials in polymer matrices. In this regard, cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibrils and bacterial nanocellulose derived from biomass cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer, are increasingly applied to nanocomposites. Different range of biodegradable polymer matrices are described in this review (polylactide, polycaprolactone, and polyhydroxybutyrate) because of more eco-friendliness from their origin in contrast to the fully petroleum polymers in production of biopolymers nanocomposites. This family of composites offer a green alternative to synthetic polymers and represents the best polymeric substitutes for various (petro) polymers because of their renewability, biodegradability, biocompatibility and good thermomechanical properties.

Modern Developments in Polymer Nanocomposites For Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Applications: A Review

Modern Developments in Polymer Nanocomposites For Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Applications: A Review

Characterization Nanofillers from Agriculture Waste for Polymer Nanocomposites Reinforcement

The current development of the packaging industry is increasing as well as the dependence of non-renewable oil-based materials encouraging researchers to look for alternative polymeric strengthening materials from biomass. Especially used from agricultural waste because it is cheap and widely available in nature and it can be renewed. In this study, agriculture waste used were rice husk and rice husks ash that prepared as organic nanofillers for the development of polymer nanocomposites. XRF analysis showed that rice husk ash has the highest silica (SiO2) content of 89. 835%, while rice husk has SiO2 contents of 82.540%. From XRD analysis on 2 theta there is a crystalline silica region at 22° and this analysis shows the sample is amorphous. FTIR analysis showed Si-H at peak 2339 cm−1 in rice husk and 2129 cm−1 for rice husk ash.

Ultralow-Carbon Nanotube-Toughened Epoxy: The Critical Role of a Double-Layer Interface.

Understanding the chemistry and structure of interfaces within epoxy resins is important for studying the mechanical properties of nanofiller-filled nanocomposites as well as for developing high-performance polymer nanocomposites. Despite the intensive efforts to construct nanofiller/matrix interfaces, few studies have demonstrated an enhanced stress-transferring efficiency while avoiding unfavorable deformation due to undesirable interface fractures. Here, we report an optimized method to prepare epoxy-based nanocomposites whose interfaces are chemically modulated by poly(glycidyl methacrylate)-block-poly(hexyl methacrylate) (PGMA-b-PHMA)-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (bc@fMWNTs) and also offer a fundamental explanation of crack growth behavior and the toughening mechanism of the resulting nanocomposites. The presence of block copolymers on the surface of the MWNT results in a promising double-layered interface, in which (1) the outer-layered PGMA segment provides good dispersion in and strong interface bonding with the epoxy matrix, which enhances load transfer efficiency and debonding stress, and (2) the interlayered rubbery PHMA segment around the MWNT provides the maximum removable space for nanotubes as well as triggering cavitation while promoting local plastic matrix deformation, for example, shear banding to dissipate fracture energy. An outstanding toughening effect is achieved with only a 0.05 wt % carbon nanotube loading with the bc@fMWNT, that is, needing only a 20-times lower loading to obtain improvements in fracture toughness comparable to epoxy-based nanocomposites. The enhancements of their corresponding ultimate mode-I fracture toughnesses and fracture energies are 4 times higher than those of pristine MWNT-filled epoxy. These results demonstrate that a MWNT/epoxy interface could be optimized by changing the component structure of grafted modifiers, thereby facilitating the transfer of both mechanical load and energy dissipation across the nanofiller/matrix interface. This work provides a new route for the rational design and development of polymer nanocomposites with exceptional mechanical performance.

Characterization of bentonite clays from Cubati, Paraíba (Northeast of Brazil)

Abstract Clays of different composition have been used in the development of polymer nanocomposites. The utilization of bentonite clays of the State of Paraíba, Brazil, has been emphasized mainly due to their availability. However, these bentonite deposits are becoming exhausted after several years of exploitation. Thus, the aim of this work was to characterize bentonite clays recently discovered in the municipality of Cubati, Paraíba. The samples underwent a particle size classification step and were characterized by granulometric analysis by laser diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and cation exchange capacity. The results of particle size distribution showed that the clay samples have similar physical characteristics to bentonite clays of Boa Vista, Paraíba. Results of X-ray diffraction indicated that the mineralogical composition of the samples consisted of montmorillonite, kaolinite and quartz. The characterization of the samples by FTIR confirmed these results. Results of chemical analysis showed that the samples are polycationic bentonite clays and have predominantly different exchangeable cations similar to those seen in South American bentonites.

Cellulose Acetate Based Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications: A Review.

The development of polymer nanocomposites by incorporating variable nanofillers has attracted attention of scientists, researchers and industrial sectors due to their dramatic improvement in various properties. Cellulose acetate (CA) based nanocomposites have interesting history in the field of medical applications because CA meets a wide range of biomedical implant properties. Since cellulose acetate is considered as a biodegradable, renewable, non-corrosive, non-toxic and biocompatible material, it raised up the unique advantages over many other materials. This review is designed to provide a broad overview of cellulose acetate nanocomposites in the field of medical applications and medical devices.