Different Types Of Nanofillers Research Articles

Recent Advances in Nanoclay‐ and Graphene‐Based Thermoplastic Nanocomposites for Packaging Applications

ABSTRACTOver the past few years, thermoplastic nanocomposites reinforced with different types of nanofillers have seen widespread use in the automotive, pharmaceutical, food packaging and electronic sectors. Among the different nanofillers used to fabricate thermoplastic composite–based packaging materials, nanoclay and graphene are very beneficial for producing high‐barrier packaging materials. The high aspect ratio and large surface area of both nanoclay and graphene facilitate uniform filler dispersion and tortuous path in the thermoplastic matrix, which ultimately improves the physico‐mechanical, thermal and barrier to oxygen, water vapour and light as well as antimicrobial properties, which are key requirements for packaging materials. Because graphene nanomaterials are electrically and thermally conductive, these thermoplastic nanocomposites may display excellent electrical‐, thermal‐ and microwave‐shielding capabilities, allowing them to be used in electronic packaging. This review aims to summarize the preparation and characterization of thermoplastic nanocomposites based on different types of nanoclay, graphene and graphene derivatives, as well as their prospective applications in food and electronic packaging. This review paper also discusses the factors that can affect the performance and attributes of these packaging materials, such as processing conditions, types of nanofillers, functionalization or modification of nanofillers for better filler dispersion and so forth. This paper presents a comprehensive and state‐of‐the‐art article on nanoclay‐ and graphene‐loaded thermoplastic nanocomposite–based packaging materials.

Current status of research on composite bipolar plates for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs): nanofillers and structure optimization.

The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is an efficient and clean energy source with promising applications. However, drawbacks such as high cost and low durability limit its application. Bipolar plates are an important component of PEMFCs, which not only account for a large proportion of the price and quality, but also affect the performance and durability of PEMFCs. Unlike traditional graphite and metal bipolar plates, composite bipolar plates have the advantages of easy processing, low cost, and corrosion resistance, but their lower performance limits their practical applications. This paper firstly summarizes the current research progress of various nanofillers used to improve the performance of composite bipolar plates, and discusses the improvement of the performance of composite bipolar plates by different forms and types of nanofillers. The morphological characteristics of different types of nanofillers and their effects on the improvement of conductive pathways are also analyzed. Subsequently, the means of structural optimization of composite bipolar plates are summarized, and specific optimization methods for phase interface, graphite/resin dispersion morphology, and conductive network structure are discussed in detail. Finally, challenges are discussed. Overall, this review can provide a reference for future research on composite bipolar plates.

Synthesis and Characterization of Polyhydroxyalkanoate/Graphene Oxide/Nanoclay Bionanocomposites: Experimental Results and Theoretical Predictions via Machine Learning Models.

Predicting the mechanical properties of multiscale nanocomposites requires simulations that are costly from a practical viewpoint and time consuming. The use of algorithms for property prediction can reduce the extensive experimental work, saving time and costs. To assess this, ternary poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)-based bionanocomposites reinforced with graphene oxide (GO) and montmorillonite nanoclay were prepared herein via an environmentally friendly electrochemical process followed by solution casting. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of different Machine Learning (ML) models, namely Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Decision Tree (DT), and Support Vector Machine (SVM), in predicting their mechanical properties. The algorithms' input data were the Young's modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break for various concentrations of the nanofillers (GO and nanoclay). The correlation coefficient (R2), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean square error (MSE) were used as statistical indicators to assess the performance of the models. The results demonstrated that ANN and SVM are useful for estimating the Young's modulus and elongation at break, with MSE values in the range of 0.64-1.0% and 0.14-0.28%, respectively. On the other hand, DT was more suitable for predicting the tensile strength, with the indicated error in the range of 0.02-9.11%. This study paves the way for the application of ML models as confident tools for predicting the mechanical properties of polymeric nanocomposites reinforced with different types of nanofiller, with a view to using them in practical applications such as biomedicine.

Thermomechanical Properties of Carbon Nanocomposites PEGDA Photopolymers.

In this work, UV-curable resin poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) was reinforced with three different types of nanofillers: pristine graphene (G), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), and a hybrid of MWNTs and graphene 70/30 in mass ratio (Hyb). PEGDA was mixed homogenously with the nanofiller oligomer by shear mixing and then photopolymerized, affording thin, stable films. The thermomechanical properties of the afforded nanocomposites indicated the superior reinforcing ability of pristine graphene compared with MWNTs and an intermediate behavior of the hybrid.

Nanocomposites with Different Types of Nanofillers and Advanced Properties for Several Applications

Polymer nanocomposites are an emerging technological field offering high-performance materials with unique and innovative properties, ideal for numerous advanced applications [...]

Effect of Nanofillers on Tribological Properties of Polymer Nanocomposites: A Review on Recent Development.

Polymer nanocomposites with enhanced performances are becoming a trend in the current research field, overcoming the limitations of bulk polymer and meeting the demands of market and society in tribological applications. Polytetrafluoroethylene, poly(ether ether ketone) and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene are the most popular polymers in recent research on tribology. Current work comprehensively reviews recent advancements of polymer nanocomposites in tribology. The influence of different types of nanofiller, such as carbon-based nanofiller, silicon-based nanofiller, metal oxide nanofiller and hybrid nanofiller, on the tribological performance of thermoplastic and thermoset nanocomposites is discussed. Since the tribological properties of polymer nanocomposites are not intrinsic but are dependent on sliding conditions, direct comparison between different types of nanofiller or the same nanofiller of different morphologies and structures is not feasible. Friction and wear rate are normalized to indicate relative improvement by different fillers. Emphasis is given to the effect of nanofiller content and surface modification of nanofillers on friction, wear resistance, wear mechanism and transfer film formation of its nanocomposites. Limitations from the previous works are addressed and future research on tribology of polymer nanocomposites is proposed.

Revealing the Superiority of Fast Ion Conductor in Composite Electrolyte for Dendrite-Free Lithium-Metal Batteries.

Composite electrolytes composed of a nanoceramic and polymer have been widely studied because of their high ionic conductivity, good Li-ion transference number, and excellent machinability, whereas the intrinsic reason for the improvement of performance is ambiguous. Herein, we have designed a functional polymer skeleton with different types of nanofiller to reveal the superiority of fast ion conductors in composite electrolyte. Three types of ceramics with different dielectric constants and Li-ion transfer ability were selected to prepare composite electrolytes, the composition, structure, and electrochemical performances of which were systematically investigated. It was found that the addition of fast ion conductive ceramics could provide a high Li-ion transference ability and decreased diffusion barrier because the additional pathways existed in the ceramic, which are revealed by experiment and density functional theory calculations. Benefiting from the superiority of fast ion conductor, Li-metal batteries with this advanced composite electrolyte exhibit an impressive cycling stability and enable a dendrite-free Li surface after cycling. Our work enriches the understanding of the function of fast ion conductors in composite electrolyte and guides the design for other high-performance composite electrolytes in rechargeable solid batteries.

Graphene nanoplatelet, multiwall carbon nanotube, and hybrid multiwall carbon nanotube–graphene nanoplatelet epoxy nanocomposites as strain sensing coatings

Strain monitoring is of great interest in order to check components structural life, to prevent catastrophic failures, and, possibly, to predict residual life in case of unexpected events. In this study, strain sensing epoxy-based coatings containing carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), and a mix of the two (MWCNT+GNP) have been produced, with the same initial electrical resistivity, and applied on glass fiber reinforced composites. Morphological, mechanical, and electrical tests have been then performed evaluating the resistance variation and the strain sensing performance of the sensors. A theoretical model to relate the resulting gauge factors to the different types of nanofillers has been applied. The results showed that all systems present a strain sensing performance with different gauge factors (and hence sensitivity) at low strain: GNP samples showed the highest gauge factor (10.3), MWCNT samples the lowest (1.5), and the mixed system lies in the middle (4.3). From analytical analysis, the value of initial distance among conductive particles was found to be 0.3 nm in the case of MWCNT and 1.2 nm for GNP, explaining why the gauge factors of the produced sensors are different.

A review on cleaner strategies for extraction of chitosan and its application in toxic pollutant removal

Existence of human beings in this world require a cleaner environment, in which, water is the main requirement for living. Owing to the considerable development in civilisation and considerable population explosion, an increase in the contamination of natural water resources by means of non-biodegradable contaminants like heavy metals is observed thereby increasing the need for treatment of water before usage. Despite the existence of specific limits for disposal of heavy metals in water resources, studies still show high contamination of heavy metals in all these water resources. This review provides a brief note on sources and toxicity of different heavy metals in various oxidation states, their effects as well as highlights the numerous available and advanced techniques for heavy metals removal. Of all techniques adsorption is found to be beneficial as it doesn't inculcate any secondary pollutants to the environment. Additionally, this article has investigated the advantages of polymer nanocomposites in adsorption and mainly focused on biopolymer chitosan owing to its abundance in natural environment. The cleaner techniques for the extraction of chitosan and its functionalisation using different types of nanofillers are comprehensively discussed in this review. This article suggests a better alternative for conventional adsorbents as well as aids in remediation of wastes.

Synthesis Effect of Nano-fillers on the Damage Resistance of GLARE

GLARE (glass reinforced aluminum laminate) is applied in the aerospace and in vehicle structures. Degradation and failure in these applications commonly initiate at the location of cracks and joints. To improve the damage resistance of GLARE against stress concentration presented in the vicinity of the hole and around the crack tip, GLARE has been filled with different types of nano-fillers. Aluminum (Al) skin layers were treated to achieve good bonding between Al-sheets and nanocomposite laminate. Results showed that a maximum enhancement of 26.3 %, 35 %, and 22.6 % in bearing strength, inplane shear strength, and fracture toughness, respectively, was attained by the inclusion of silica nano-filler to GLARE. Adding alumina to GLARE also causes an enhancement in these properties in a good manner. An improvement of 21.6 %, 28.7 %, and 20.7 % was obtained in bearing strength, in-plane shear strength, and fracture toughness, respectively, as compared to pristine GLARE. Other nano-modified GLARE laminates showed an improvement in bearing strength, in-plane shear strength, and fracture toughness as compared to pristine GLARE. However, adding nanoclay has an adverse effect. The elemental map showed a uniform distribution of alumina nano-filler into the epoxy matrix, which reveals the enhancement in the mechanical properties.

WITHDRAWN: Study review on properties of nano fillers in composite materials

Abstract Nano fillers have now taken more important place in fabrication of composite materials. The development of different potential Nano fillers is one of the active domains in Nanotechnology for aerospace applications. Their composition in composite materials improves the technological properties to greater extent. The demand being in continual advances for the properties of the materials resulted in the extensive usage of Nano-fillers in advanced material engineering. The Nano-fillers not only improves the technological properties but also the physical, chemical and optical properties in the material. The aim of the paper is to describe the different types of Nano-fillers like carbon, ceramic, silicon and metal based Nano-fillers and optimize them in the fabrication of composite materials for potential application in aerospace sector. An extensive comparative discussion has been carried out about potentiality of those Nano-fillers which can enhance the properties of mechanical behavior in advanced composite materials.

Effect of nanoparticles on epoxy based composites: A short review

In the present work, ongoing research on the mechanical and tribological behaviours of nanoparticle composites has been discussed. Epoxy has proved to be one of the best matrix elements due to its unique mechanical properties such as low density, good adhesion, resistance to a corrosive environment, performance at the higher temperature. The effect on the mechanical and tribological properties of different nanoparticle fillers on epoxy-based nanocomposites has been studied and reported. The main focus of this article is to take the effect of most commonly used hard nanoparticulate like silica, alumina, graphene, tungsten carbide into consideration. The effect on major mechanical and tribological properties i.e. hardness, resistance to corrosion, strength, frictional coefficient, SWR (specific wear rate) of different nano-filled epoxy composites have been discussed in this study. The study simultaneously covers the effect of the loading fraction of different types of nanofillers on the properties of a composite. It is reviewed in the article that how most common inorganic nanofillers such as SiC, SiO2, Al2O3, WC and graphene, into epoxy polymer composite can improve hardness, wear resistance and mechanical properties. The nanoparticles reviewed in the article are selected on the basis of modern researches in the field of nanocomposites.

Synthesis and characterization of graphene oxide-zirconia (GO-ZrO2) and hydroxyapatite-zirconia (HA-ZrO2) nano-fillers for resin-based composites for load-bearing applications

ObjectivesThe study aims to synthesize two different types of nano-fillers based on zirconia (ZrO2), which was functionalized with graphene oxide (GO-ZrO2), and hydroxyapatite (HA-ZrO2), and to implement them in an experimental methacrylate matrix containing new dimethacrylic oligomers. MethodsNano-particles were synthesized via a modified Hummer’s method and a sol-gel route. Bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate oligomers (Bis-GMA336[0–1]) were synthesized from an epoxy resin that reacted with methacrylic acid in the presence of a basic catalyst. Traditional dental glass-fillers (Barium oxide/BaO and Barium fluoride/BaF2) were synthesized to create an experimental resin-based composite (RBC) used as reference. Filler morphology was evaluated via Transmission Electron Microscopy. RBCs were characterised by real-time Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (degree of cure/DC, polymerisation kinetics), real-time spectrometry (light transmittance), 3-point bending test (flexural strength and modulus, Weibull parameters), and depth-sensing indentation test (plastic and elastic deformation parameters). ResultsThe synthesized nanohybrid fillers proved good dispersing performance. Mechanical properties and materials’ reliability are within or above the mean values reported in the literature for RBCs. Addition of HA-ZrO2-fillers resulted in a decrease light transmission, DC and mechanical properties. Except for the HA-ZrO2 RBC, materials showed a high resistance to softening in solvent. ConclusionsThe synthesis of GO-ZrO2 and HA-ZrO2 nanohybrid particles and their implementation in experimental RBCs has proven successful. Adjustments of the light transmission through suitable co-fillers in addition to GO-ZrO2 as well as adjustments of the amount of HA-ZrO2 are necessary to enable reduced curing time (<20 s). Clinical significanceThe addition of nanofillers with tailor-made properties can help improving the performance of modern restoratives.

Research on Processing Technology Product Design and the Application of Nano-Wood-Plastic Composite Materials.

This study focused on the design of wood-plastic composite (WPC) products. In this study, recycled high-density polyethylene plastic was used as the matrix, wood powder was used as the filler, different types of nanofillers and self-synthesized nanofiller treatment agents were added, and the twin-screw extrusion granulation method was used to prepare nano-WPC materials. The effects of different types of nanofillers on the mechanical properties of nano-WPC materials were investigated, and the cross-sectional structures of the materials were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that nanofiller treatment agents improved the interface compatibility of the materials. When the treatment agent content reached 2.5% and the nano-montmorillonite content reached 10%, the mechanical properties of the material reach their maximum values.

Photothermal responsive ultrathin Cu-TCPP nanosheets/sulfonated polystyrene nanocomposite photo-switch proton conducting membranes

Applying different strategies, nanocomposite membranes formation from functionalized polymer(s) and compatible nanofillers is the most renowned way to make the membrane proton conductive without compromising their mechanical strength. Among different types of nanofillers, incorporating photothermal-responsive metal organic frameworks (MOFs) into the ion exchange polymer is the prominent strategy and has achieved advanced attention in smart protonic solids with versatile potential applications. In this work, ultrathin, highly ordered porous photothermal-responsive copper tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (Cu-TCPP) nanosheets are incorporated into sulfonated polystyrene (SPS) membranes as novel nanofillers. High loading and well dispersed Cu-TCPP nanosheets incorporated nanocomposite membranes are achieved and demonstrate photo-switchable protonic conductivity due to photothermal response of MOFs nanosheets to visible light. The nanocomposite membrane with highest MOFs content shows a high proton conductivity of 1.42 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 95 °C at 95% RH. The altered photo-switch proton conductivity of nanocomposite membranes is attributed to the formation and breakage of H-bonding networks with water molecules in the channels of proton transport pathways by the local photothermal heated Cu-TCPP nanosheets. Furthermore, after incorporation of the Cu-TCPP nanosheets into SPS, not only the thermal stability is increased but also almost zero swelling is achieved in water, which reflects the nice durability of nanocomposite membranes. This photo-switchable proton conductivity of polymer proton conducting nanocomposite membranes with nice thermal stability and negligible swelling serves as a new gate for photo-switching proton conductive membranes, photosensors, photoswitches etc.

Properties and Applications of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Biocomposites

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biopolyesters accumulated by microorganisms as intracellular storage materials and they have attracted attention as “green plastic” alternatives to their petrochemical counterparts. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), PHBV, is one of the most studied members of the PHAs family, with numerous applications. PHBV has three main features, biodegradability, biocompatibility and it is a biobased polymer (biosynthesis starting from renewable resources). These three features altogether qualify PHBV as a very promising polymer that has great potential to replace conventional non-degradable polymers, and to play a significant rule in the circular economy concept. However, PHBV has some prominent disadvantages that limit its wide utilization for commercial use, these drawbacks are mainly weak mechanical properties, low thermal stability, difficult processability and considerable hydrophobicity. In order to overcome the properties issues, to produce materials with more desirable features and to engineer purpose-specific PHBV-based systems, much research has been focused on improving its properties by forming composites and to utilize these produced composites for a wide spectrum of very promising applications. The purpose of the current work is to compile and classify the research accomplished in the field of PHBV biocomposites and their applications in different disciplines. It was found that many different types of nanofillers, natural fibers, agricultural waste, clay, silicate, wood and cellulose derived natural materials have been successfully incorporated into PHBV matrix. The resultant biocomposites were characterized, tested and found promising to be utilized in a wide spectrum of applications, namely packaging, tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. The potential benefits of PHBV-based biocomposites make a strong case for research into this area. Therefore, further research works need to be conducted in order to find new PHBV biocomposite materials for advanced applications.

Investigating pore structure of nano-engineered concrete with low-field nuclear magnetic resonance

Pore structure, the most important structural feature of reactive powder concrete (RPC) with nanofillers, is closely related to the dispersion quality, content level and internal structure of nanofillers. In order to characterize the pore structure of RPC and comprehensively understand the effect of nanofillers on the microscopic behavior of concrete, this paper studies the pore structure of RPC containing different types (including zero-dimensional nanoparticles, one-dimensional nanotubes and two-dimensional nanosheets) and content (0.25–3%) of nanofillers by using low-field nuclear magnetic resonance. The experimental results show that incorporation of all types of nanofillers reduces the porosity of RPC and causes shrinkage of gel pores and fine capillary pores. Among different types of nanofillers, one-dimensional nanotubes are most beneficial to reduce porosity, and zero-dimensional nanoparticles have a more pronounced effect on reducing pore size. The effect of nanofillers on the pore structure of RPC is mainly attributed to the conversion of pore water inside C–S–H gel, inducing reorganization of gel structure. Specifically, nanoparticles cause the gel layer surrounding the pore water to shrink or even partially collapse, while nanotubes and nanosheets fill the collapsed gel layers with pore water, in turn, producing a slight swell between gel layers. It is the slight changes in the microstructure of C–S–H gel that cause shrinkage and deformation of concrete materials at the macroscopic scale, which, in turn, greatly affects the overall performances of RPC with nanofillers.

Development of hybrid composites using treated natural biofibers and nanoparticles for structural applications

Tiger grass which is inculcated in reinforcements with combining with Polypropylene(PP) emusled as a resine scorted by individual combination with verity of different nano particles resulting with a composite materials incorporated in real structural applications. Adherence between the nanofillers with bonding matrix was enhanced with combination of alkalization &KMnO4 treating methodsto enhance or cultivate on biofibresurface. Three different types of nanofillers with different percentage combination were made separately. Certain mechanical testing was encapsulated under 3 point bending and tensile stress loading to obtain mechanical properties such as deflection due to loading and obtaining tensile strength of respective sample beams. The bioreinforced composite was also tested by Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) to understand the methodology for degradation with rising temperature. For this reason, there must be microscopically test taken up like scanning electron microscope (SEM) was carried out. Based on the obtained results, when the chemically induced biofibres amalgamated along nanofillers with certain percentage, displayed striking better mechanical properties than the biofibres which were untreated.. Among the results, out of 3 different nanofiller combined with treated natural fibers, h-Bn with 0.3% of weight of fibres treated with consulted percent composition near to 5% NaOH along with 0.6% of KMnO4 gave acceptablemechanical testing propertiesas compared to other graphine, graphine platelets and nontreated bio-fibre composites.

Poly(ethylene-co-vinylacetate) Copolymer Based Nanocomposites: A Review

Nowadays, there is huge demand for novel materials which are desired for new functions and new technological advancements. All technological demands for new applications cannot be implemented by many of the well-established materials, such as single plastics, metals or ceramics. Hence, engineers and scientists realized that, in comparison with pristine counterparts of material, the mixtures of materials can produce much better properties. Polymer nanocomposites is a new form of materials that resulted by the combination of polymers and nanofillers which contributed to various benefits over the neat polymer such as improvement in biocompatibility, biostability, thermal stability, flame retardancy, mechanical and barrier properties. Due to these factors, nanocomposites have received an extraordinary consideration for use in broad range of applications. However, the polymer nanocomposites which comprised of copolymer as matrix material are not widely studied, especially those involved poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (PEVA). The production of PEVA copolymer-based nanocomposites for various applications has been reported by few research papers. In this communication, a review on the properties of PEVA-based nanocomposites with different types of nanofiller was summarized, revealing the high potential of this class of nanocomposite for advanced applications.

EFFECTIVENESS OF USE OF NANO FILLERS OF DIFFERENT TYPES IN POLYMERIC COMPOSITES

The paper provides a theoretical analysis of the effectiveness of using different types of nanofillers to produce high-strength polymer composites. Three basic types of nanoscale inorganic nanofillers were selected: dispersed nanoparticles (0D-nanofillers), carbon nanotubes and nanofibers (1D-nanofillers), and organoclay, graphene, etc. (2D-fillers). The relative modulus of elasticity, i.e. the degree of amplification, is used as the main criterion for the effectiveness of nanofillers. Within the framework of the percolation model, the amplification levels of nanocomposites for different types of nanofillers are determined depending on the relative volume fraction of nanofillers and interfacial regions. It is shown that interfacial regions in polymer nanocomposites are treated as a reinforcing element of the nanocomposite structure. To describe the surface structure of nanofiller particles, an effective value of the fractal dimension is used, which serves as a determining factor for the relative proportion of interfacial regions. At a condition that the fractal dimension of the structural framework of nanofiller particles cannot exceed the fractal dimension of the enclosing Euclidean space, the relative proportion of interfacial regions and, through it, the maximum degree of filling for the types of nanofillers under consideration are determined. The results of the theoretical evaluation of the maximum limit value of the fractal dimension of nanofiller particles carried out in this work show that the formation of a bulk frame of particles is possible only for anisotropic nanofillers, and dispersed particles form chains that do not change the structure of the polymer matrix in comparison with the matrix polymer. It is also found that for each type of nanofiller, there is a limit maximum degree of filling, which ultimately determines the limit maximum degree of amplification of the nanocomposite. These results allow us to conclude that the most effective for creating structural polymer nanocomposites is a dispersed nanofiller.