Hybrid Polymer Nanocomposites Research Articles

Influences of hybrid fiber on functional and drilling characteristics study of polymer hybrid Nanocomposite

The severe environmental pollution related to the manufacturing, recycling and disposal of metal-based and synthetic fiber-based composites has a major impact on human and animal life. A wide range of studies are conducted on alternative materials in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Various industries are focusing on using natural fibers from banana, jute, coir, hemp, pineapple, areca, kenaf, Sterculia foetida and Delonix regia that are the key sources of different components for developing nanocomposites. Drilling is a vital factor in the assembly process of composites. The amorphous structure of the natural fibers causes the formation of cracks at the entry and exit sides of the drilled hole. So, in the present work a nanocomposite was synthesized and optimized the machining parameters, which affect the surface finish of the hole at the entry, exit and inner surface of the drilled hole. The effect of the hybridization of glass fiber with the pineapple leaf fiber and areca fiber was studied in terms of tensile properties, delamination around the hole and surface roughness. The microstructure of the holes was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy.

Thermomechanical properties of multifunctional polymer hybrid nanocomposites based on carbon nanotubes and nanosilica

AbstractNanocomposites containing low wt% of oxidized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT‐OXI), nanosilica (NS), and its hybrid (MWCNT‐OXI/NS) in epoxy resin were produced and evaluated. The used nanoparticles were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Raman spectroscopy while the nanocomposites were investigated in relation to its morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties. The results demonstrated significant improvements in the storage modulus (E′), glass transition temperature (Tg), and cross link density (CD), for the produced nanocomposites. Increases in thermal conductivity (TC) of up to 85% at 90°C were observed for the nanocomposites containing 1.0 wt% of the hybrid MWCNT‐OXI + NS nanofiller, when compared with neat polymer. It was also verified increases in the resistance to plastic deformation for the nanocomposites, maintained the polymer thermal stability with the addition of these nanoparticles. Finally, the use of MWCNT‐OXI and NS, combined or not, significantly improved the thermal and mechanical properties of polymer, showing multifunctional characteristics for the produced nanocomposites.

Adaptation of Silica for HDPE/Cotton Stalk Powder Hybrid Polymer Nanocomposite via Injection Mould

Adaptation of Silica for HDPE/Cotton Stalk Powder Hybrid Polymer Nanocomposite via Injection Mould

Hybrid polymer nanocomposites with tailored band gaps and UV absorption for advanced applications in optoelectronics and UV protection

Hybrid polymer nanocomposites with tailored band gaps and <scp>UV</scp> absorption for advanced applications in optoelectronics and <scp>UV</scp> protection

Optimisation of properties of multidimensional hybrid polymer nanocomposites for flexible pressure sensors

Flexible, wearable pressure sensors provide a convenient, timely, and portable solution for human motion detection. However, there is still a lack of reports on the synergistic effect of multidimensional hybrid polymer nanocomposites for modulating the sensor’s key performance indexes. Herein, we present a cost-effective and scalable approach to preparing multidimensional hybrid polymer composites for piezoresistive pressure sensors. Composite charge-transfer paths and contact types are presented for the first time and analyzed in relation to the sensor sensitivity and linearity. The sensor has good characteristics, such as 0 ∼ 70 kPa range, 369.39 kPa−1 sensitivity, a minimum resolving power of 18 Pa and 68 ms, and 76 ms response and recovery times, owing to the interconnecting porous structure of MS and the synergistic effect of the composites. The sensor exhibited a stable piezoresistive response and good reproducibility over 9000 + cycles. The sensor was then attached to different parts of the human body and evaluated for its ability to detect various human movements, including speech and elbow flexion. Finally, a prototype haptic sensing array and a prototype force measurement platform based on these pressure sensors were demonstrated.

Investigation of the mechanical, absorption, flammability and swelling properties of graphene filled sisal/glass fiber reinforced polymer hybrid nanocomposites

Investigation of the mechanical, absorption, flammability and swelling properties of graphene filled sisal/glass fiber reinforced polymer hybrid nanocomposites

Novel polycaprolactone-based biomimetic grafts enriched with graphene oxide and cerium oxide: Exploring improved osteogenic potential

In bone tissue engineering, the development of advanced biomaterials is crucial to address the challenges associated with the treatment and regeneration of bone defects. This study presents a novel polymeric nanocomposite consisting of Polycaprolactone (PCL) integrated with graphene oxide (GO) and cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles, aiming to comprehensively explore its multifaceted potential for bone tissue engineering applications. The physicochemical properties of the composite films were analyzed. Biodegradation studies showed superior degradability to pure PCL due to added hydrophilic features and increased nanofiller-induced surface porosity. The remarkable improvement in mechanical stability is attributed to the uniform dispersion of nanofillers. Assessments of surface wettability, demonstrate a noteworthy shift towards heightened hydrophilicity, rendering a more conducive environment for biomolecules. The hybrid polymer nanocomposite exhibits remarkable hemocompatibility, antibacterial properties, antioxidant activity, and excels in facilitating apatite deposition and promoting osteogenic differentiation. Biomineralization investigations and ARS assay underscore the nanocomposite's exceptional ability to promote apatite deposition, a pivotal mineral in bone formation, owing to the altered surface properties introduced by the nanofillers. The ALP findings imply that the PCL-GO-CeO2 nanocomposite actively supports and accelerates the process of osteogenic differentiation in MSCs, indicating its potential utility in bone tissue engineering. Additionally, cell culture studies conducted on HOS and rBMSC cell lines validate the nanocomposite's excellent cell viability, attachment, and proliferation, affirming its biocompatibility and potential for bone tissue engineering. Collectively, these findings establish PCL-GO-CeO2 nanocomposite as a favourable option for enhancing bone regeneration.

Preparation and experimental investigations on the mechanical behavior of hybrid polymer nanocomposite with boron carbide and graphene nanoplatelets

Preparation and experimental investigations on the mechanical behavior of hybrid polymer nanocomposite with boron carbide and graphene nanoplatelets

Artificial Intelligence prediction and optimization of the mechanical strength of modified Natural Fibre/MWCNT polymer nanocomposite

Artificial Intelligence (AI), techniques like artificial neural networks (ANN), and machine learning have been used to solve a variety of engineering problems. In this study, Multiwall Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) and Natural Fibres (NF) from plantain (Musa Paradisiaca) fiber (PF), were utilized to prepare a reinforced hybrid polymer nanocomposite for advanced composite applications. A chemical solution containing potassium permanganate (KMnO4) in acetone (C3H6O) was applied to modify the fibers to alter their surface and improve adhesion and interaction between the PF/polymer matrix. To predict and optimize the tensile strength (TS) of the prepared PF/MWCNT hybrid nanocomposite (PFMNC), the ANN model with hyper-parameter optimization in a single-layer-perceptron architecture of 3-5-1 was used with 5 neurons in the hidden layer, and Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was utilized. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs demonstrate that KMnO4 modification has impacted the TS of the hybridized nanocomposite. Mechanical Test results show that these variables impacted the TS of the PFMNC as shown by analysis of variance (ANOVA) with R2 = 0.9986. The expected findings were nearly identical to the experimental results. The model predicted an optimal tensile strength of 46.1563 Mpa. To substantiate the reliability of the empirical experimental investigation, TS analysis was performed at predicted optimal settings. TS results showed an average strength of 45.4401 Mpa. About 98.45 % of the projected tensile strength is accounted for by the model. The present study has demonstrated the effectiveness of the ANN-BBD modeling technique in achieving the appropriate mechanical property values quickly, reducing production costs, and preserving resources.

Effect of Zirconia and Graphene Nanoparticles Loading on Thermo-Mechanical Performance of Hybrid Polymer Nanocomposite

This study demonstrates the development of a unique hybrid thermoplastic composite using reduced Graphene oxide (rGO) content and Zirconia (ZrO2) nanoparticles into the Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) biomaterials for continuous loading conditions. Specimens with different loadings of rGO (0 to 1.5 wt.%) and ZrO2 (5 to 10 wt.%) were fabricated using liquid phase ultrasonication followed by the hot press moulding method. The samples were analyzed using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Impact (Izod) testing, and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). The developed material feasibility was assessed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses. The findings revealed that the 1 wt.% rGO/5 wt.% ZrO2/UHMWPE sample improved the storage modulus by 66.15%, and the Impact absorbed energy by 11.33% compared to the pristine UHMWPE. The proposed nanocomposite could be endorsed for artificial joints, prostheses, and other Artificial Bio-Bearing (ABB) applications.

Modification of thermal and electrical characteristics of hybrid polymer nanocomposites through gamma irradiation for advanced applications

In this article, we present a straightforward in-situ approach for producing Ag NPs incorporated in graphene oxide (GO) blended with glutaraldehyde (GA) cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. Samples are γ-irradiated by doses of 2, 5, and 10 kGy and in comparison with the pristine films, the thermal conductivity (‘k’) and effusivity are measured. ‘k’ decreases with irradiation doses up to 5 kGy and further increase in the dosage results increase in ‘k’. We performed FDTD modeling to verify the effect of polarization and periodicity on the absorptivity and emissivity spectra that are correlated to the ‘k’ and effusivity, empirically. Hence, we can confess that the structural properties of the prepared hybrid nanocomposite are manipulated by γ-irradiation. This attests that the PVA/GO-Ag/GA nanocomposite is radiation-sensitive and could be employed for thermal management systems. Moreover, their strong electrical insulation, as the measured dc conductivity of the γ-irradiated samples is found to be in the range of 2.66 × 10−8–4.319 × 10−7 Sm−1, which is below the percolation threshold of 1.0 × 10−6 Sm−1, demonstrates that they are excellent candidates for the use of thermal management materials. The low ‘k’ values allow us to use this promising material as thermal insulating substrates in microsensors and microsystems. They are also great choices for usage as wire and cable insulation in nuclear reactors due to their superior electrical insulation.Graphical

Utilizing multicriteria decision‐making approach for material selection in hybrid polymer nanocomposites for energy‐harvesting applications

AbstractFlexible and cost‐effective poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)‐based composites having excellent piezo performance are quite interesting for developing actuators, sensors, and nanogenerators. In this work, a hybrid PVDF‐based nanocomposite consisting of a fixed quantity of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and varying quantities of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for increased mechanical and piezoelectric performance is reported for the first time. Compared to pure PVDF, there is a significant enhancement in mechanical properties for hybrid nanocomposites. The highest piezoelectric voltage as well as current values of 10.2 V and 0.78 μA are recorded for a hybrid nanocomposite containing 1 wt% of rGO for continuous finger‐tapping operation. A multicriteria decision‐making (MCDM)‐based material selection and optimization technique called TODIM is applied, and a sensitivity study is carried out to select the best material for mechanical energy harvesting applications. A hybrid nanocomposite based on PVDF‐TiO2 with 1% rGO loading is the most suitable material according to the TODIM (an acronym in Portuguese for Interactive Multicriteria Decision Making) approach.Highlights PVDF‐TiO2‐rGO nanocomposites are fabricated by solvent casting. TODIM optimization technique is applied for the best material selection among samples. Material ranking consistency shows the reliability of the TODIM method. Conductive rGO increases interfacial polarization, resulting in enhanced ε values. An increment of 88% and 104% in tensile strength and elastic modulus, respectively.

Mechanical reinforcement from two-dimensional nanofillers: model, bulk and hybrid polymer nanocomposites.

Thanks to their intrinsic properties, multifunctionality and unique geometrical features, two-dimensional nanomaterials have been used widely as reinforcements in polymer nanocomposites. The effective mechanical reinforcement of polymers is, however, a multifaceted problem as it depends not only on the intrinsic properties of the fillers and the matrix, but also upon a number of other important parameters. These parameters include the processing method, the interfacial properties, the aspect ratio, defects, orientation, agglomeration and volume fraction of the fillers. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the mechanical reinforcement of polymer nanocomposites from two-dimensional nanofillers with an emphasis on the mechanisms of reinforcement. Model, bulk and hybrid polymer nanocomposites are reviewed comprehensively. The use of Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopies is examined in light of the distinctive information they can yield upon stress transfer at interfaces. It is shown that the very diverse family of 2D nanofillers includes a number of materials that can attribute distrinctive features to a polymeric matrix, and we focus on the mechanical properties of both graphene and some of the most important 2D materials beyond graphene, including boron nitride, molybdenum disulphide, other transition metal dichalcogenides, MXenes and black phosphorous. In the first part of the review we evaluate the mechanical properties of 2D nanoplatelets in "model" nanocomposites. Next we examine how the performance of these materials can be optimised in bulk nanocomposites. Finally, combinations of these 2D nanofillers with other 2D nanomaterials or with nanofillers of other dimensions are assessed thoroughly, as such combinations can lead to additive or even synergistic mechanical effects. Existing unsolved problems and future perspectives are discussed.

Mechanical characterization of bamboo and glass fiber hybrid composite material

Natural fibers are appealing due to its inexpensive price, small weight, and high specific modulus, renewable nature, as well as biodegradability. Bamboo fibers is one of the most promising natural fibers (along with jute, sisal, bamboo, coir, banana, and others) owing to its low cost, light weight, quick growing cycle, and wide availability. The goal of this paper is to look into fibers orientation reinforced hybrid polymer nano composites that combine BAMBOO/E-GLASS and epoxy polymer in the ratios of E-glass fibre80 percent +bamboo 20 percent, E-glass Fibre70 percent +bamboo 30 percent, and E-glass Fibre60 percent +bamboo 40 percent of volume. The mechanical characteristics will be calculated by performing tests on the specimen's tension, hardness, and flexural qualities in line with ASTM standards. Finally, the values are verified when the testing results have been obtained.

An Experimental Investigation for Multi-objective Optimization of Turning Parameters on Graphene/Al2O3 Reinforced Polymer Hybrid Nanocomposite using RSM Combined with GRA

An Experimental Investigation for Multi-objective Optimization of Turning Parameters on Graphene/Al2O3 Reinforced Polymer Hybrid Nanocomposite using RSM Combined with GRA

Preparation and characterization of down converting poly (vinyl alcohol)/ PANI@CuS hybrid nanocomposites for optoelectronic application

A new avenue for modifying the physical and chemical characteristics of the semiconducting polymers is opened by the incorporation of conducting polymers coated with inorganic nanoparticles into the semiconducting host polymers. For the manufacture of polyaniline (PANI) composites containing copper sulfide (PANI@CuS) and subsequent introduction to polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), an in-suite polymerization process was used. In the current study, PVA/PANI@CuS hybrid nanocomposites (NCs) were prepared using an environmentally friendly solution casting technique with PANI@CuS concentrations of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 ​wt%. To assess their morphological, electrical, optical, and surface characteristics, the prepared polymer hybrid nanocomposites were put through a variety of analytical techniques. The molecular connection between CuS, PANI, and PVA is visible thanks to X-ray diffraction and FT-IR investigations. The refractive index rises from 1.40 to 1.73 while the band gap in the UV–Visible decreases from 6.17 to 3.43, providing information on the optical characteristics. Additionally, photoluminescence spectra exhibit a 150 ​nm Stokes shift towards higher wavelengths, opening up additional opportunities for photovoltaic applications. The electrical characteristics were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and it was discovered that the conduction mechanism adheres to the Poole-Frenkel effect. The obtained findings demonstrate that the addition of PANI@CuS significantly improves the host polymer matrix's opto-electronic characteristics.

Optimization of mechanical properties of multiscale hybrid polymer nanocomposites: A combination of experimental and machine learning techniques

Machine learning (ML) models provide fast and accurate predictions of material properties at a low computational cost. Herein, the mechanical properties of multiscale poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB)-based nanocomposites reinforced with different concentrations of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), WS2 nanosheets and sepiolite (SEP) nanoclay have been predicted. The nanocomposites were prepared via solution casting. SEM images revealed that the three nanofillers were homogenously and randomly dispersed into the matrix. A synergistic reinforcement effect was attained, resulting in an unprecedented stiffness improvement of 132% upon addition of 1:2:2 wt% SEP:MWCNTs:WS2. Conversely, the increments in strength were only moderates (up to 13.4%). A beneficial effect in the matrix ductility was also found due to the presence of both nanofillers. Four ML approaches, Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), RNN with Levenberg's algorithm (RNN-LV), decision tree (DT) and Random Forest (RF), were applied. The correlation coefficient (R2), mean absolute error (MAE) and mean square error (MSE) were used as statistical indicators to compare their performance. The best-performing model for the Young's modulus was RNN-LV with 3 hidden layers and 50 neurons in each layer, while for the tensile strength was the RF model using a combination of 100 estimators and a maximum depth of 100. An RNN model with 3 hidden layers was the most suitable to predict the elongation at break and impact strength, with 90 and 50 neurons in each layer, respectively. The highest correlation (R2 of 1 and 0.9203 for the training and test set, respectively) and the smallest errors (MSE of 0.13 and MAE of 0.31) were obtained for the prediction of the elongation at break. The developed models represent a powerful tool for the optimization of the mechanical properties in multiscale hybrid polymer nanocomposites, saving time and resources in the experimental characterization process.

Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties of a Hydroxyapatite Polymer Nanocomposite for Use in Fused Filament Fabrication.

Over the last decade, there has been an increasing interest in the use of bioceramics for biomedical purposes. Bioceramics, specifically those made of calcium phosphate, are commonly used in dental and orthopaedic applications. In this context, hydroxyapatite (HA) is considered a viable option for hard tissue engineering applications given its compositional similarity to bioapatite. However, owing to their poor mechanobiology and biodegradability, traditional HA-based composites have limited utilisation possibilities in bone, cartilage and dental applications. Therefore, the efficiency of nano HA (nHA) has been explored to address these limitations. nHA has shown excellent remineralising effects on initial enamel lesions and is widely used as an additive for improving existing dental materials. Furthermore, three-dimensional printing (3DP) or fused deposition modelling that can be used for creating dental and hard tissue scaffolds tailored to each patient's specific anatomy has attracted considerable interest. However, the materials used for producing hard tissue with 3DP are still limited. Therefore, the current study aimed to develop a hybrid polymer nanocomposite composed of nHA, nanoclay (NC) and polylactic acid (PLA) that was suitable for 3DP. The nHA polymer nanocomposites were extruded into filaments and their physiochemical properties were evaluated. The results showed that the addition of nHA and NC to the PLA matrix significantly increased the water absorption and contact angle. In addition, the hardness increased from 1.04 to 1.25 times with the incorporation of nHA. In sum, the nHA-NC-reinforced PLA could be used as 3DP filaments to generate bone and dental scaffolds, and further studies are needed on the biocompatibility of this material.

Mechanical Interlocking Approaches to the Prediction of Mechanical and Tribological Behavior of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Hybrid Nanocomposites or Automotive Applications

Polymer matrix composites synthesized with biodegradable natural fiber obtain a predominant structure with specific properties at a low-processing cost. The unique characteristics of polymer matrix composites were magnetized in automotive parts like top roof, panel, and seat frame applications. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) G99 analyzed the wear characteristics of synthesized composites through a pin-on-disc wear tester with an EN32 steel disc. The epoxy hybrid composites have been synthesized via a conventional casting process assisted with a mechanical interlock technique to obtain a predominant structure with specific properties at a low-processing cost. The advanced composite contained different jute weights (50, 25, 50, and 75 g) and coconut coir (50, 70, 45, and 20 g) hybridized with graphite particles. ASTM D2240, D638, and D790 standards evaluated the fabricated composite hardness, tensile, and flexural strength. The Sample 4 hybrid composite found maximum hardness, tensile, and flexural strength of 27.41 ± 0.99 Hv, 51.69 ± 1.01MPa, and 55.94 ± 0.78 MPa, respectively. Sample 4 offered good wear resistance of their volumetric wear rate of 0.043 cm3 on 40 N average load at 0.25 m/s sliding speed. It is increased by 12% compared to Sample 1 at 40 N applied load on 2.5 m/s sliding speed.

Composition controllable multifunctionality of PVDF/PMMA/BaTiO3/OMMT based ternary and quaternary hybrid polymer nanocomposites

State-of-the-art engineered multifunctional nanocomposites composed of different polymer matrices and functional nanomaterials are in high industrial demand for advances in all-solid-state flexible device technologies. Within this framework, the host matrices of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and its blend with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and the barium titanate (BaTiO3) and organo-modified montmorillonite (OMMT) clay mixed nanomaterial dispersed ternary PVDF/x wt% (BaTiO3+OMMT) and quaternary (PVDF+PMMA)/x wt% (BaTiO3+OMMT) hybrid polymer nanocomposites (HPNCs) are prepared through ultrasonicated homogenized solution casting method. The XRD patterns and FTIR transmittance spectra confirmed the composition dependent crystal phases of the PVDF and the heterogeneous polymer-polymer and polymer-nanomaterial interactions in these HPNC materials. The DSC measurements explained a huge alteration in the PVDF crystallite melting temperatures and also the degree of crystallinity of different HPNC materials. The UV–Vis absorbance of these hybrid materials depends strongly on their composition design and demonstrated dual energy band gaps attributed to host polymer matrices and the nanofillers. The dielectric permittivity dispersion in the broadband frequency range of 20 Hz − 1 GHz explains the contribution of several polarizations and relaxation processes in these complex composites, at 27 °C. Appreciably high dielectric permittivity (4 to 7) in the 20 Hz − 1 MHz range and low permittivity at the ultra high radio frequencies confirmed the promising nanodielectric characteristics of these hybrid materials. The interesting structure-property relationship, tunable energy band gaps, a wide range of composition controllable dielectric permittivity, and frequency dependent electrical conductivity revealed the usefulness of these HPNCs in making flexible-type innovative optoelectronic, capacitive energy storage, and microelectronic devices.