Polymer Nanocomposites Research Articles

Fluorescent Polymer Composites Based on Core-Shell NaYF4:Yb/Er@NaGdF4:Ce/Tb Structures for Temperature Monitoring and Anti-Counterfeiting Protection

Synthesis and detailed morphological, structural, and photophysical analysis were conducted on core@shell NaYF4:Yb/Er@NaGdF4:Ce/Tb nanoparticles (C/S NPs). It was found that the NaGdF4:Ce/Tb shell significantly reduces defects in the NaYF4:Yb/Er core, enhancing the emission resolution of Er3+ ions. These C/S NPs exhibit dual luminescence functionality: upconversion with a quantum yield of 0.19%, driven by energy transfer between Yb3+ and Er3+ ions, and downshifting luminescence with a remarkable quantum yield of 96%, attributed to the energy transfer between Ce3+ and Tb3+ ions. Polymer nanocomposites, polystyrene-C/S (PS-C/S), and polyvinyl acetate-C/S (PVA-C/S) were synthesized by co-dissolving the polymers and nanoparticles in chloroform, followed by the removal of chloroform. Thin films based on the PS-C/S composite exhibited upconversion luminescence, enabling spatial temperature measurements with a lateral resolution of 10 μm and an accuracy of 1.6 K on a non-uniformly heated sample. The PVA-C/S composite exhibited dual-mode luminescence (upconversion and downshifting), which was employed to create fluorescent images activated by either NIR or UV irradiation. Additionally, these images demonstrated high stability against alcohols, acetone, and alkaline aqueous solutions, offering new anti-counterfeiting measures.

Contemporary Trends in Active and Intelligent Polymer Nanocomposite based Food Packaging Systems for Food Safety and Sustainability in the Modern Aeon

Abstract: The demand for innovative solutions has arisen from the inevitability of improved packaging systems to protect processed food from various factors that cause spoilage. Traditional food packaging materials have limitations in fulfilling all the requirements of consumers, such as being inert, cheap, lightweight, easily degradable, reusable, and resistant to physical abuse. Nanofillers incorporated in the polymer matrix can provide potential solutions to these challenges. This review paper deliberates the use of nanofillers in a polymer matrix to develop an active and intelligent polymer nanocomposites-based processed food packaging system. The present review article focuses on the properties of nanofillers and their potential benefits when incorporated into the polymer matrix. It also examines the challenges associated with developing such packaging systems and explores the ways to address them. It highlights the potential of nanofiller-based polymer nanocomposites in developing a novel food packaging system that can improve the shelf-life and quality of processed food. Such systems can protect food from dirt or dust, oxygen, light, moisture, and food-spoiling microorganisms. Incorporating nanofillers can provide a viable solution to these problems. Most importantly, this paper provides research insights into the potential benefits of nanofillers-based polymer nanocomposites and their applications in the food packaging industry. The verdicts of this review will be of interest to the food packaging industry, entrepreneurs and researchers interested in developing sustainable and innovative packaging systems.

Maximizing filler content and manufacturing highly thermal conductive composite materials through eutectic liquefaction of epoxy resin

We report novel research results demonstrating the production of polymer nanocomposites with high thermal conductivity. The use of diluents, a conventionally used method to reduce viscosity and increase processability, had clear limitations that could not be used for solid epoxy, but in this study, the melting point of the epoxy itself was reduced through the introduction of the eutectic system, allowing the solid epoxy to be converted into a liquid phase. By utilizing eutectic liquid (EL) derived from ketone-containing epoxy resin (DBPE) and diphenylamine (DPA), we achieved maximal filler content. Unlike DBPE’s solid form at 135 °C, EL displayed liquidity with a viscosity of 50 Pa·s at 50 °C, enabling curing with isophorone diamine (IPDA) below DBPE’s melting point. While DBPE/IPDA yielded a tensile strength of 7.2 MPa due to uneven mixing, EL/IPDA reached 44.3 MPa, marking a 520 % improvement. EL’s viscosity dropped dramatically, reaching 0.06 Pa·s at 98 °C. The EL/IPDA mixture’s viscosity at 98 °C was 150 Pa·s, allowing up to 80 wt% hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) filler. This led to a thermal conductivity of 16 W/m·K, 20 wt% higher than DGEBA’s 60 wt% filling rate. Notably, EL/h-BN composites achieved 16 times the thermal conductivity of DGEBA/h-BN composites, which is 1 W/m·K. Lowering the melting point and viscosity expanded curing agent choices, enhanced tensile strength, increased filler content, and heightened thermal conductivity, showcasing EL’s remarkable potential.

Synthesis and Characterization of hematoxylin biomolecule-doped polymeric nanocomposite film and evaluation of its performance as Low gamma-ray Dosimeter applied to medical diagnosis

Synthesis and Characterization of hematoxylin biomolecule-doped polymeric nanocomposite film and evaluation of its performance as Low gamma-ray Dosimeter applied to medical diagnosis

Marangoni-Induced Honeycomb Structures in Spin-Coated Polymer Nanocomposite Films.

This study investigates Marangoni effect-induced structural changes in spin-coated polymer nanocomposite (PNC) films composed of poly(methyl methacrylate)-grafted silica nanoparticles (NPs) and poly(styrene-ran-acrylonitrile). Films cast from methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) solvent exhibit distinct hexagonal honeycomb cells with thickness gradients driven by surface tension variations. Atomic force microscopy reveals protruded ridges and junctions at cell intersections, where NP concentration is the highest. Upon annealing at 155 °C, NPs segregate to the surface due to their lower surface energy, and the initially protruding features flatten and eventually form depressed channels while maintaining higher NP density than surrounding areas. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry corroborated these findings, highlighting enhanced surface segregation of NPs in MIBK films. These defects can be eliminated using methyl isoamyl ketone (MIAK) as a solvent that produces homogeneous films of uniform thickness. This study highlights the impact of the Marangoni effect on the microstructure and surface properties of PNC films, providing insights for enhancing film quality and performance.

Zwitterionic polymer grafted nano-SiO2 as fluid loss agent for high temperature water-based drilling fluids

With the advancement of ultra-deep well technology, there has been an increased demand for enhanced high-temperature stability in water-based drilling fluids. To address this challenge, this study has developed a novel polymer nanocomposite (AAND-S) to augment the thermal stability of polymeric fluid loss additives in WBDF. AAND-S was synthesized through aqueous radical polymerization, consisting of zwitterionic polymers with rigid anionic groups and strong cationic adsorption groups, grafted with modified silica nanoparticles. The structure of AAND-S was characterized by infrared and thermogravimetric analyses. The performance of drilling fluids containing AAND-S was evaluated under high-temperature aging conditions at 220 ℃. Notably, the Herschel-Bulkley model provided a more accurate description of the behavior of this non-Newtonian fluid. Specifically, after aging at 220 ℃, the fluid loss of the base mud with AAND-S was reduced to 12.25 mL. Additionally, AAND-S exhibited good salt tolerance up to 25 % NaCl solution. The compatibility of AAND-S was also excellent, enabling it to synergistically interact with other drilling fluid additives to form an efficient drilling fluid system that effectively minimized fluid loss. The mechanism of action of AAND-S was investigated through total organic carbon analysis, zeta potential measurements, and particle size analysis. It was found that AAND-S enhanced the adsorption capacity of bentonite, improving the stability of the colloidal solution and leading to a more uniform particle size distribution. Further SEM microstructural analysis confirmed that the incorporation of AAND-S facilitated the formation of high-quality filter cakes with a dense surface and minimal permeability at elevated temperatures. In conclusion, AAND-S, as a high-performance fluid loss additive, is anticipated to play a significant role in drilling operations in ultra-high temperature formations.

Lightweight Double‐Layered Polylactic Acid‐Based Nanocomposite Foams for Highly Absorption‐Dominated Electromagnetic Shielding

Lightweight polymer nanocomposites with efficient electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties play a crucial role in mitigating pollution caused by electromagnetic radiation. In this work, a combination of melt mixing and supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) is used to fabricate lightweight, high‐performance polylactic acid (PLA)‐based conductive nanocomposite foams, with absorption as the dominant shielding mechanism. The addition of carbon nanostructures (CNS) significantly improves the rheological and foaming properties of the PLA‐based nanocomposites. Notably, when the CNS content is 1 wt%, the expansion ratio of the PLA‐based nanocomposite foam reaches its peak at ≈43.5. Additionally, with 4 wt% CNS, the specific electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of the foam reaches up to 179.0 dB cm−2 g−1. To further enhance the absorption of electromagnetic waves, the shielding mechanism of the double‐layer structure consisting of 1% and 6% is absorption‐dominated with an absorption coefficient of 0.67. The specific electromagnetic shielding effectiveness reaches up to 150.7 dB cm−2 g−1. This work offers a straightforward and eco‐friendly approach for the facile preparation of lightweight electromagnetic interference shielding material.

Mechanical and tribological characterization of polyamide 66/graphite nanocomposites

Polymer nanocomposites can be employed in diverse engineering applications where wear is a critical concern. Understanding the mechanical and wear properties as applied to polymer nanocomposites is crucial for comprehending the behaviour of workpieces. In this study, three types of nanographites were incorporated at a concentration of 2.5 wt% into a polyamide 6.6 matrix. The graphites differ owing its production process. Tests of wear, impact, and elastic deformation resistance, hardness, and morphology were conducted to evaluate the performance of the PA66/graphite nanocomposites. All nanocomposites exhibit a homogeneous morphology with good dispersion, distribution, and orientation of the nanographites in the matrix, suggesting the effectiveness of the processing methods employed. The incorporation of 2.5 wt% of nanographites A, B, and C improved the wear resistance of PA66 by 52%, 74%, and 44%, respectively. The PA66/graphite nanocomposites exhibited an increase in Shore D hardness up to 2.8%, and in elastic modulus between 8.3% and 13.0%. The impact resistance of the nanocomposites decreased by 15.4%–21.3%. The results revealed that the production process of the nanographites impacted the performance of the produced nanocomposites.

Nanocomposite solid polymer electrolytes: exploring the impact of GO-graft-P(MA-POSS) nanofiller on structural, dielectric, and electrochemical properties for enhanced lithium-ion conductivity in PEO-based system

Nanocomposite solid polymer electrolytes: exploring the impact of GO-graft-P(MA-POSS) nanofiller on structural, dielectric, and electrochemical properties for enhanced lithium-ion conductivity in PEO-based system

Extrusion of MOF–Polymer Nanocomposites with High MOF Loadings

Extrusion of MOF–Polymer Nanocomposites with High MOF Loadings

Fabrication and characterization of PVDF/PMMA nanocomposite membranes doped with graphene oxide (GO) for separation of CO2/CH4 from flue gas

This work focuses on developing polyvinylidene fluoride/polymethyl methacrylate (PVDF/PMMA) polymer blend nanocomposites incorporating varying concentrations of graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles fabricated via casting solution processes. XRD and FT-IR confirmed GO-induced structural modifications in PVDF/PMMA blend. The addition of GO into PMMA/PVDF blend decreased and weakened the intensity of XRD peaks, suggesting that adding GO gradually reduces the crystallinity of the films. FT-IR verified miscibility and complex formation between the pristine polymer blend and the GO-filled nanocomposite. The incorporation of GO caused shifts in the optical absorption edge to lower wavelengths, causing a decrease in the optical bandgap energy (Eg). The real and imaginary parts of the dielectric permittivity (ε′ and ε′′), electric modulus (M′, M″), and AC conductivity (σac) have been measured from 0.1 Hz to 6 MHz. Both ε′ and ε′′ declined with rising frequency. The addition of different concentrations of GO generated charge transfer complexes in the polymer nanocomposites. SEM images show good homogeny with random dispersion of GO inside the polymer blend. The thermoluminescence (TL) glow curves for the nanocomposite samples irradiated 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2 Gy doses show peak cantered at 207 °C. The peak position remained unchanged with increasing irradiation dosage. The dose-dependent linear growth in maximum peak height indicates radiation detection and monitoring capability.

Advancements in electrochemical sensor technology for warfarin detection: a comprehensive review.

Warfarin (WA), the most prescribed oral anticoagulant in patients with atrial fibrillation, is widely utilized for the treatment of various diseases, such as vascular disorders, venous thrombosis, and atrial fibrillation. However, its abnormal concentration is linked to a variety of disorders and diseases, namely bleeding while brushing teeth, skin tissue issues, hair loss, and chest pain. Therefore, WA monitoring in blood serum is vital due to its narrow therapeutic window. Accordingly, WA determination has been conducted using various methods, such as high-performance liquid chromatography, fluorescent, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, and electrochemical methods. Electrochemical methods have received considerable attention due to their outstanding selectivity, remarkable sensitivity, great time efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Herein, a comprehensive literature survey on electrochemical methods for determining WA is presented. This review discusses the development of various chemically modified electrodes (CMEs). These CMEs, such as multi-wall carbon nanotubes, molecularly imprinted polymers, metal oxide nanoparticles, and polymer nanocomposites, owing to their morphology and structure, high selectivity, high conductivity, and high volume/area ratio, are designed to overcome the limitations of bare electrodes, which include reduced electrocatalytic activity, slower electron transfer rates, and poor sensitivity. Also, this review presents the advantages and disadvantages of various modified electrodes applied in WA detection.

Obtaining Properties of Polymeric Filaments for 3D Printing from Dinizia Excelsa Ducke Fiber and Copper Nanoparticles

With many existing contagious diseases, SARS-CoV-2 exemplifies the dangers of emerging infectious diseases, potentially leading to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic in response to the rapid increase in infections globally. This situation not only highlighted the vulnerability of populations to dangerous pathogens but also underscored the persistent challenges faced by the public health community in preventing and controlling contagious diseases. Furthermore, it led to excessive use of plastics that harm the environment, such as 70% alcohol due to its low cost and ease of use, which increased the use of plastic packaging and its improper disposal. There are studies on bioplastics reinforced with plant fibers, showing good mechanical properties, and using polymer nanocomposites with metal oxide nanoparticles, such as copper, where their incorporation can achieve optical, electronic, mechanical, and antimicrobial enhancements through the filament extrusion process. Therefore, the matrix is not only a support for the nanoparticles but can also improve antibacterial performance and expand the applications of this material to meet different requirements. The objective of this study is to produce, through extrusion, antimicrobial bioplastic filaments (PLA, plant fiber, and copper nanoparticles) for use in 3D printing and evaluate their tensile mechanical properties, Optical Morphology (OM), and Scanning Electron Morphology (SEM). The filaments produced with a plant fiber particle size of 140 µm exhibited superior quality and better mechanical performance, with tensile strengths of 33.63 and 23.83 MPa and elastic moduli of 2.69 and 5.45 GPa compared to those with a particle size of 30 µm.

Retraction Note: Design, development, and drug delivery applications of graphene polymeric nanocomposites and bionanocomposites

Retraction Note: Design, development, and drug delivery applications of graphene polymeric nanocomposites and bionanocomposites

Hyperelastic model for nonlinear elastic deformations of graphene-based polymer nanocomposites

Graphene-based polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) are increasingly important in engineering applications involving large deformations. However, the nonlinear behavior of these materials has not been thoroughly studied. Current models do not address the specific nonlinear effects of graphene nanofillers under large strains, lack sufficient comparison with experimental data, and primarily focus on uniaxial behavior without exploring biaxial responses, which are relevant in technological applications. This study investigates PNCs composed of silicone elastomer and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). We present experimental tests conducted in both simple tension and biaxial inflation on circular membranes. A homogenized hyperelastic model is developed, incorporating distinct contributions from the matrix and the nanofiller. Specifically, we introduce a novel strain energy function for the nanofiller contribution, tailored to reproduce the observed experimental behavior. The model accurately predicts the nonlinear elastic response of the studied PNCs across varying contents of GNPs. The proposed strain energy function is implemented in MATLAB to obtain an exact numerical solution for the inflation of circular PNC membranes. Finally, to demonstrate its broader applicability, the hyperelastic model is applied to additional experimental data from other PNCs found in the literature. This model contributes to establishing a robust framework for the effective use of PNCs.

Fabrication and evaluation of the superhydrophobic RTV-NanoSiO2 composite coating on aluminum 1350 using plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO)

Surface modification through coating has recently attracted significant attention as a practical approach to mitigating various types of damage, such as dust accumulation, pollution, and icing. Altering surface wettability to achieve superhydrophobicity, with contact angles exceeding 150°, has proven highly effective in such cases. This research aims to enhance the wettability of an aluminum substrate by employing plasma electrolytic oxidation techniques combined with a secondary nanocomposite polymer coating. The objective is to transform the surface from hydrophilic, or water-attracting, to superhydrophobic, or highly water-repellent. When ceramic-polymer nanocomposite coatings are applied, the contact angle of 167° confirms the superhydrophobic properties of the treated aluminum surface.

In Situ Fabricated Perovskite Quantum Dots: From Materials to Applications

AbstractDue to the low formation enthalpy and high defect tolerance, in situ fabricated perovskite quantum dots offer advantages such as easy fabrication and superior optical properties. This paper reviews the methodologies, functional materials of in situ fabricated perovskite quantum dots, including polymer nanocomposites, quantum dots doped glasses, mesoporous nanocomposites, quantum dots‐embedded single crystals, and electroluminescent films. This study further highlights the industrial breakthroughs of in situ fabricated perovskite quantum dots, especially the scale‐up fabrication and stability enhancement. Finally, the fundamental challenges in developing perovskite quantum dots for industrial applications are discussed, with a focus on photoinduced degradation under high‐intensity light irradiation, ion migration under electrical bias and thermal quenching at high temperature.

Nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon for high-performance zinc-iodine batteries

Iodine-based aqueous zinc ion (Zn-I2) batteries have received wider attention due to their excellent electrochemical reversibility, low cost and environmental friendliness. In this work, we report a polymeric nanocomposite with great potential for zinc-ion (Zn-I2) water battery. Nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon (NMC) was prepared using phenol, formaldehyde and melamine by a simple and easy sol–gel technique. The rich-pore structure is conducive to improving the adsorption effect of iodine and accelerating the wetting of electrolyte, ensuring the stability of battery during cycling process. The NMC/I2 cathode material exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, which ensure rapid equilibration of iodine adsorption and dissolution in the electrolyte, showing 80.7 % capacity retention and 91mAh g−1 reversible specific capacity after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g-1.

Investigation of the Effect of Reprocessing on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Polymers and Polymer Nanocomposites

This study explored the impact of multiple reprocessing cycles on the thermomechanical properties of polystyrene (PS) and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), simulated through reprocessing with a twin‐screw extruder. Additionally, it compared the thermal and mechanical properties of graphene nanoplatelets (1% w/w) reinforced polypropylene (PP‐GNP) nanocomposites with PP. The materials undergo seven consecutive extrusion cycles at varying screw speeds (100 and 150 rpm) and temperatures (180 and 200 °C). Increasing the screw speed from 100 to 150 rpm raised LDPE's screw torque by about 40% at the first reprocessing cycle. Processing PS at 200 °C reduced screw torque by ≈20% compared to 180 °C at 1–5 reprocessing cycles. Both torque and power decrease for PP and PP‐GNP with each reprocessing cycle. LDPE's tensile modulus decreases with more cycles at 200 °C, while PS shows no consistent variation. PP's tensile modulus and ultimate tensile strength drop by 24% and 12%, respectively, from the first to the fifth cycle, while PP‐GNP exhibits no consistent variation. Differential scanning calorimetry shows no clear change in LDPE's melting point, but an increase in PP and PP‐GNP's melting points up to the fifth cycle. This research provides crucial insights to advance the recycling of polymers reducing environmental impact.

Cobalt iron oxide (CoFe2O4) reinforced polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based magnetoactive polymer nanocomposites for remote actuation

Magnetoactive polymer composites (MAPCs) are materials composed of a polymer matrix embedded with magnetic particles that mechanically respond to external magnetic fields. MAPCs can be programmed to be adjusted remotely without physical interventions using a magnetic field to generate the desired response; therefore, MAPCs are being actively explored for their applications in remote sensing, soft robotics, electronics, and biomedical areas. In this work, novel MAPCs were synthesised comprising polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the matrix and cobalt iron oxide (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles as the magnetic component with varying concentrations (i.e., 1.25%, 2.5%, and 5%). MAPCs were synthesised using the solution casting technique, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) results revealed the successful integration of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles within the polymer matrix. The synthesised MAPC films were also characterised for their chemical, thermal, magnetic, and biological properties. The incorporation of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles resulted in an improved magnetic response, with improvements in these properties with increasing CoFe2O4 content. PVA/5% CoFe2O4 revealed toxicity and requires further investigation of using these materials with higher CoFe2O4 concentrations. The magnetic response and biological properties of the PVA/CoFe2O4 MAPCs revealed their potential uses for remote actuation and sensing in the biomedical sector.