Polymer Metal Composite Research Articles

Characterizing the transduction behavior of ionic polymer-metal composite actuators and sensors via dimensional analysis

Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) are functional smart materials that exhibit both electromechanical and mechanoelectrical transduction properties, and the physical phenomenon underlying the transduction mechanisms have been studied across the literature extensively. Here we use a new modeling framework to conduct the most comprehensive dimensional analysis of IPMC transduction phenomena, characterizing the IPMC actuator displacement, actuator blocking force, short-circuit sensing current, and open-circuit sensing voltage under static and dynamic loading. The information obtained in this analysis is used to construct nonlinear regression models for the transduction response as univariant and multivariant functions. Automatic differentiation techniques are leveraged to linearize the nonlinear regression models in the vicinity of a typical IPMC description and derive the sensitivity of the transduction response with respect to the driving independent variables. Further, the multiphysics model is validated using experimental data collected for the dynamic IPMC actuator and voltage sensor. With data collected from physical samples of IPMC materials in-lab, the regression models developed under the new computational framework are verified.

Synthesis and Catalytic Properties of New Polymeric Monometallic Composites Based on Copolymers of Polypropylene Glycol Maleate Phthalate with Acrylic Acid.

Metal-polymer composites based on copolymers of polypropylene glycol maleate phthalate with acrylic acid and metallic nickel and silver were synthesized for the first time. The objects obtained were characterized by infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopies, thermogravimetry, a scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy, and atomic emission spectrometry. The catalytic activity of new metal-polymer composites that exhibited a rather high efficiency in the reactions of electrocatalytic hydrogenation of pyridine was studied. It is shown that nanoparticles of metals are evenly distributed in the volume of the polymer matrix; more than 80% of nanoparticles are in the range from 25 to 40 nm and have spherical and rhombic shapes. The reusability of the obtained composites is shown.

Embedded Inductors Using Composite Magnetic Materials for 12–1-V Integrated Voltage Regulators

Substrate-embedded inductors enable the miniaturization of power modules and integrated voltage regulators (IVRs) with higher power efficiencies and performance. However, embedded inductors for single-stage 12- or 48–1-V high-conversion-ratio IVRs present new performance challenges due to limitations in magnetic materials, limited space, high frequency, and low duty cycle. In this work, we analyze seven embedded inductor designs fabricated with four metal-polymer composites magnetic materials. These inductors have inductances ranging from 20 to 500 nH, dc resistances between 14 and 40 <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{m}\Omega $ </tex-math></inline-formula> , and saturation currents from 100 mA to over 5 A. Each inductor is characterized for its small-signal spectra with and without dc bias current and for its large-signal response. With all these measurements, a relation between the small- and large-signal losses is made, showing that using the new <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$R_{\mathrm{ acx}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> metric, they are related by a factor <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\kappa $ </tex-math></inline-formula> . The measurements show that, in the megahertz range, the large-signal losses can be over four times larger than the small-signal ones. These analyses allow us to understand the material properties and modeling new magnetic materials targeted for high-conversion-ratio IVRs with input voltages greater than 5 V.

Impact of synthetic strategies for the preparation of polymers and metal-polymer hybrid composites in electrocatalysis applications

The current study demonstrates the great importance of synthetic strategy on catalytic behaviours of hybrid and non-hybrid polyindole based composites. The synthesis of polyindole and hybrid silver-polyindole composites was carried out in an aqueous (water) media, a bi-percolating liquid (methanol/water) mixture, and at an aqueous/organic (water/dichloromethane) interface. The characterizations of polyindole (PIn) and silver-polyindole (Ag-PIn) were carried out by UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The properties of the composites were compared based on the synthetic strategy and hybridization of polyindole. The electrocatalytic activity of PIn and hybrid Ag-PIn composites were analyzed using Cyclic Voltammetry and Impedance Spectroscopy. The PIn and hybrid Ag-PIn composites synthesized at the liquid/liquid interface show superior catalytic behaviour than the other methods. Further, the hybrid composites synthesized using all the protocols have significant current densities than non-hybrid polyindole ((PIn)A (0.28 mA/cm2) < (PIn)M (0.79 mA/cm2) < (PIn)L (1.42 mA/cm2) < (Ag-PIn)A (1.85 mA/cm2) < (Ag-PIn)M (3.02 mA/cm2) < (Ag-PIn)L (3.46 mA/cm2)). The catalytic activity of polyindole and hybrid-polyindole are in the order as (PIn)A ˂ (PIn)M ˂ (PIn)L ˂ (Ag-PIn)A ˂ (Ag-PIn)M ˂ (Ag-PIn)L, emphasizes the impact of synthetic protocol and hybridization in Electrocatalysis applications. The Ag-PIn composite obtained at liquid/liquid interface will effectively work as an attractive, non-platinum-based alternative and cost-effective catalyst for electro oxidation of prospective fuel, such as ascorbic acid for low-temperature fuel cell technology. Data availabilityThe data that supports the findings of this study are available within the article [and its supplementary material].

Investigation of Mechanical Behavior of Layered Metal-Rubber Composites Based on Steel and Aluminum Alloy

Metal-polymer composites are advanced materials for the aerospace, automotive and railway industry where details and elements of construction are affected by impact, cyclic and vibration loads. In the present work layered composites based on steel, aluminum alloy and rubber as intermediate layers were obtained by cold and hot bonding using adhesives. Adhesive lap-shear bond strength of layered composites fabricated by various techniques was determined using tensile shear test. To evaluate the mechanical behavior of layered metal-rubber composites under simulated operational conditions static, dynamic and cyclic, three points bending tests were carried out. The results of mechanical tests of these composites indicated that hot bonding is the most preferred fabrication method for the formation of increased mechanical characteristics.

Stimuli‐Driven Insulator–Conductor Transition in a Flexible Polymer Composite Enabled by Biphasic Liquid Metal (Adv. Mater. 43/2021)

Metal–Polymer Composite In article number 2104634, Jiuyang Zhang, Quan Li, and co-workers report a fascinating binary metal–polymer composite that can have a stimuli-driven transition from a biphasic to a monophasic state of liquid metals. The composite has applications toward next-generation soft electronics.

Enhanced dielectric properties of epoxy-based photoresist nanocomposites using carbon-coated nickel nanoparticles for high voltage integrated capacitors

High-k nanocomposite photoresists are highly sought-after dielectric materials for the manufacturing and miniaturization of integrated capacitors. Herein, in-depth high voltage dielectric characterizations of Metal Polymer Composites (MPCs) having carbon-coated nickel nanoparticles (Ni@C) dispersed into epoxy-based photoresist (SU-8) are reported.The MPCs were fabricated using three-step formulation (deagglomeration, surface functionalization and dispersion in a polymeric matrix) involving simple sonochemical methods. Finally, films of MPCs were deposited on silicon wafers by spin-coating, and Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor (MIS) capacitors were fabricated. Formulations with increasing nanoparticles/polymer volume fractions were prepared in order to determine a previously unestablished percolation threshold with (Ni@C) nanoparticles. The experimental results were modeled using the generalized power-law equation of the percolation theory (PT) and were compared with effective medium approximation (EMA).An enhancement of the complex dielectric permittivity of ∼116% was detected keeping a reasonable value of losses of 0.32 at 5 kHz. However, no giant permittivity in vicinity of the percolation threshold was detected. The high-voltage dielectric properties showed the occurrence of two electron field emission mechanisms, but no electrical aging or dielectric breakdown below ±0.38 MV/cm occurred. This study shows a reliable wafer-scale film fabrication process of MPCs for the manufacturing of long-awaited miniaturization of high-voltage capacitors.

Metal-polymer composites for radiation protection: a review

Metal-polymer composites for radiation protection: a review

Stimuli‐Driven Insulator–Conductor Transition in a Flexible Polymer Composite Enabled by Biphasic Liquid Metal

Metal-polymer composites (MPCs) with combined properties of metals and polymers have achieved much industrial success. However, metals in MPCs are thought to be ordinary and invariable electrically conductive fillers in supportive polymers to show limited use in modern technologies. This work that is disclosed here, for the first time, introduces stimuli-driven transition from biphasic to monophasic state of liquid metal into polymer science to form dynamic soft conductors from the binary metal-polymer composites. The binary metal that exhibits temperature-driven reversible transition between solid and liquid states via a biphasic state is fabricated. A conducting stretchable polymer composite is developed using the judiciously chosen biphasic binary metal that undergoes conductor to insulator transition upon stretching. Insulating stretched films become conducting upon heating. A "tube" model elegantly describes such distinctive deformation/temperature-dependent behaviors. Moreover, the conducting polymer composite shows decrease in its resistance upon increasing the sample temperature. The resistance can be tuned from 1 to 108 Ω depending on the state of binary metal in the phase diagram. This work would build the intimate and interesting connection between metal phases and polymer science toward next-generation soft conductors and beyond.

Recent progress in preparation process of ionic polymer-metal composites

Ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) is a typical electroactive polymers material, which has the advantages of light weight, fast response, good flexibility, large deformation range and good biocompatibility, it has a broad application prospect in the fields of soft robot, biomedicine, micro/nano object operation and so on. In this paper, the deformation mechanism of IPMC is briefly described, and then the fabrication technology of IPMC at present stage is mainly introduced, it includes electroless plating, electroplating, sputtering deposition, solution casting, hot pressing, direct assembly and other preparation processes. From the point of view of the most basic preparation process of IPMC, the various preparation methods and the problems faced in the preparation process of IPMC were discussed and analyzed. Finally, the preparation process of IPMC was summarized, and the challenges and future development of IPMC were prospected. Through the summary of this paper, it is helpful to consider all kinds of factors comprehensively, and then develop a new preparation technology, which can promote the rapid application and development of IPMC.

Tensile properties of polyamide 12 / black with 10wt.% copper samples manufactured by laser powder bed fusion

In laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) of polymers, a proven material for biomedical applications is Polyamide 12 (PA 12) that is used for production of functional prototypes and end-use parts. The aim of this study is to investigate properties of in situ copper-modified polyamide (Sintratec PA12/B) at 10 wt.% Cu by L-PBF. Polymer-metal composites test samples were evaluated for their porosity, Cu distribution and tensile properties.

Smart materials in architecture for actuator and sensor applications: A review

Severe challenges such as depletion of natural resources, natural catastrophes, extreme weather conditions, or overpopulation require intelligent solutions especially in architecture. Built environments that are conceived from smart materials based on actuator and sensor functionality provide a promising approach in order to address this demand. The present paper reviews smart materials-based technologies which are currently applied or developed for application in civil structures, focusing on smart material applications for actuation or sensing. After giving a definition and categorization of smart materials, applications of the investigated materials (i.e. shape memory materials, electro- and magnetostrictive materials, piezoelectric materials, ionic polymer-metal composites, dielectrical elastomers, polyelectrolyte gels as well as magneto- and electrorheological fluids) are presented for the fields of architecture and civil engineering. While some materials are already highly advantageous in the application context, others still need further research in order to become applicable in real-world constructions. Nonetheless this review indicates their large innovation potential which should be consolidated by systematic research efforts in the near future.

Сопротивление хрупкому разрушению и демпфирующие свойства слоистых металлополимерных композитов

One of the topical trends in modern materials science is the development and study of new layered metal-polymer composites, which are increasingly used in aerospace engineering, automotive and transport engineering. The metal base of these composites provides a high level of strength properties and impact strength, and the polymer interlayer allows obtaining high damping properties due to its ability to dissipate the energy of elastic vibrations. Of a considerable practical interest is one of the varieties of metal-polymer composite materials based on a sandwich structure — layered steel-rubber composite characterized by pronounced viscoelastic properties, which allows them to be used as vibration damping elements in transport systems. In this work, the possibility of obtaining promising layered metal-rubber composites based on low-carbon steels (Fe-2Mn-1Si steel, IF steel), aluminum alloy Al-Mg3 and heat-and-frost-resistant rubber V-14-1NTA by hot pressing is studied. The influence of the composition and design of composites on the impact strength at temperatures of 20 and −60°C and the damping ability characteristics of materials such as the tangent of the angle of mechanical losses (tg δ), the modulus of elasticity (E') and the modulus of viscosity (E'') are determined by the method of dynamic mechanical analysis. The possibility of using layered metal-rubber composites with increased resistance to brittle fracture in the region of low climatic temperatures, as well as in structural elements of transport systems with high vibration resistance is shown.

Molecular dynamics of ionic polymer-metal composites

Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) constitute a promising class of soft, active materials with potentially ubiquitous use in science and engineering. Realizing the full potential of IPMCs calls for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underpinning their most intriguing characteristics: the ability to deform under an electric field and the generation of a voltage upon mechanical deformation. These behaviours are tightly linked to physical phenomena at the level of atoms, including rearrangements of ions and molecules, along with the formation of sub-nanometre thick double layers on the surface of the metal electrodes. Several continuum theories have been developed to describe these phenomena, but their experimental and theoretical validation remains incomplete. IPMC modelling at the atomistic scale could beget valuable support for these efforts, by affording granular analysis of individual atoms. Here, we present a simplified atomistic model of IPMCs based on classical molecular dynamics. The three-dimensional IPMC membrane is constrained by two smooth walls, a simplified analogue of metal electrodes, impermeable only to counterions. The electric field is applied as an additional force acting on all the atoms. We demonstrate the feasibility of simulating counterions' migration and pile-up upon the application of an electric field, similar to experimental observations. By analysing the spatial configuration of atoms and stress distribution, we identify two mechanisms for stress generation. The presented model offers new insight into the physical underpinnings of actuation and sensing in IPMCs. This article is part of the theme issue 'Progress in mesoscale methods for fluid dynamics simulation'.

Self-/Magnetic-Propelled Catalytic Nanomotors Based on a Janus SPION@PEG-Pt/PCL Hybrid Nanoarchitecture: Single-Particle versus Collective Motions

In this paper, we synthesized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (Fe3O4@APTES). The synthesized NPs were coated with succinic anhydride (Fe3O4@COOH) in the next step. Half the surface of the NPs was shielded with wax microparticles via the Pickering emulsion technique, and the unshielded side was covered with poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether. Platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) were deposited between PEG chains by the oxidation-reduction method through an in situ procedure to obtain a metal-polymer composite. These deposited Pt NPs have the potential to catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide at the surface of Janus nanomotors (JNMs). After de-waxing of the NPs, Irgacure 2959 (as the initiator) was reacted with the bare side of the NPs to provide the opportunity to grow poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) chains on the surface of the nanomotors through the "grafting from" method. The diffusion coefficient and velocity of the JNMs (before and after the PCL reaction) in the aqueous solution of 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10% (w/w) hydrogen peroxide and in the presence of different concentrations of NaCl solutions (0, 5, and 10% (w/v)) were investigated by mean square displacement analysis for single-particle or collective motions of JNMs. In addition, the simultaneous effect of an external magnetic field and the NaCl concentration on the movement direction of JNMs was also evaluated in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (10%). Increasing the ionic strength through NaCl addition permits the JNMs to move with relatively lower amounts of fuel [i.e., 2% (w/w)]. The collective motion investigation of the JNMs showed the highest speed in the media with 10% (w/w) hydrogen peroxide and 5% (w/v) NaCl solution (about 1215.78 μm2/s) due to the surfactant effect of the Janus architecture.

A hyperelastic porous media framework for ionic polymer-metal composite actuators and sensors: thermodynamically consistent formulation and nondimensionalization of the field equations

Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) are smart materials that exhibit large deformation in response to small applied voltages, and conversely generate detectable electrical signals in response to mechanical deformations. The study of IPMC materials is a rich field of research, and an interesting intersection of material science, electrochemistry, continuum mechanics, and thermodynamics. Due to their electromechanical and mechanoelectrical transduction capabilities, IPMCs find many applications in robotics, soft robotics, artificial muscles, and biomimetics. The current literature is sparce in multiphysics models that account for large deformations, coupled ion-solvent transport, the porous structure of the membrane, and lossy electrodes under finite-strains. This study addresses this by developing a new, hyperelastic porous media modeling framework for IPMCs using the principles of continuum thermodynamics and multiphasic materials. This framework compactly captures the broadest strokes of IPMC modeling methodologies, summarizing them in the form of general constitutive requirements placed on thermodynamic potential describing the polymer skeleton. A simple IPMC model is derived under this framework which captures the finite-strain deformation of a hyperelastic material, accounting for the coupled ion-solvent transport through the porous polymer, and resistive electrodes deforming with the skeleton. The resulting governing equations are further cast into a generalized nondimensional formulation, and an expansive set of unique dimensionless -groups are derived for IPMC actuator and sensor devices. This new framework and the nondimensional formulation lay the groundwork for future research and an expansive characterization of IPMC transduction phenomena via dimensional analysis.

New Advances and Future Possibilities in Forming Technology of Hybrid Metal–Polymer Composites Used in Aerospace Applications

Fibre metal laminates, hybrid composite materials built up from interlaced layers of thin metals and fibre reinforced adhesives, are future-proof materials used in the production of passenger aircraft, yachts, sailplanes, racing cars, and sports equipment. The most commercially available fibre–metal laminates are carbon reinforced aluminium laminates, aramid reinforced aluminium laminates, and glass reinforced aluminium laminates. This review emphasises the developing technologies for forming hybrid metal–polymer composites (HMPC). New advances and future possibilities in the forming technology for this group of materials is discussed. A brief classification of the currently available types of FMLs and details of their methods of fabrication are also presented. Particular emphasis was placed on the methods of shaping FMLs using plastic working techniques, i.e., incremental sheet forming, shot peening forming, press brake bending, electro-magnetic forming, hydroforming, and stamping. Current progress and the future directions of research on HMPCs are summarised and presented.

Hybrid Welding of Metal-Polymer Composites with a Non- Conducting Polymer Layer

Metal-polymer composites (MPCs) are becoming increasingly popular primarily because of their high strength-to-weight ratio. Metal-polymer composites consist of three layers, i.e. two external metallic sheets (linings) and the core made of plastic. The presence of the internal plastic layer makes MPCs impossible to join using conventional welding processes, which significantly limits their usability. One of the solutions to the problem involves the use of hybrid methods, e.g. ultrasonic method-aided resistance welding. The research work discussed in the article involved the development of a prototype test rig and a technology enabling the joining of the Litecor® composite with steel DP600. The joining process consisted of two stages. The first stage involved the removal of the non-conducting layer of polymer from the welding area and the making of an appropriate electric contact for resistance welding. The second stage was the classical resistance spot welding process. The development of the concept posed a challenge as it was necessary to develop an appropriate acoustic waveguide for high-power ultrasonic waves which, at the same time, could transfer loads in the form of electrode force as well as provide appropriate electric and thermal conductivity without compromising acoustic parameters during the welding process. The development of the test rig was followed by the performance of numerous tests aimed to identify the appropriate window of process parameters. Test joints were subjected to macrographic, strength, ultrasonic and topographic tests.

Influence of Manufacturing Process in Structural Health Monitoring and Mechanical Behaviour of CNT Reinforced CFRP and Ti6Al4V Multi-Material Joints.

Co-cured multi-material metal–polymer composites joints are recent interesting structural materials for locally reinforcing a structure in specific areas of high structural requirements, in fibre metal laminates and lightweight high-performance structures. The influence of manufacturing processes on the morphological quality and their mechanical behaviour has been analysed on joints constituted by sol-gel treated Ti6Al4V and carbon fibre reinforced composites (CFRP). In addition, carbon nanotubes (CNT) have been added to an epoxy matrix to develop multiscale CNT reinforced CFRP, increasing their electrical conductivity and allowing their structural health monitoring (SHM). Mechanical behaviour of manufactured multi-material joints is analysed by the measurement of lap shear strength (LSS) and Mode I adhesive fracture energy (GIC) using double cantilever beam specimens (DCB). It has been proven that the addition of MWCNT improves the conductivity of the multi-material joints, even including surface treatment with sol-gel, allowing structural health monitoring (SHM). Moreover, it has been proven that the manufacturing process affects the polymer interface thickness and the porosity, which strongly influence the mechanical and SHM behaviour. On the one hand, the increase in the adhesive layer thickness leads to a great improvement in mode I fracture energy. On the other hand, a lower interface thickness enhances the SHM sensibility due to the proximity between MWCNT and layers of conductive substrates, carbon woven and titanium alloy.

Rheological conductor from liquid metal-polymer composites

<h2>Summary</h2> Advanced conductors are indispensable circuit elements in modern electronics with unique responses to environmental variations. This work successfully introduces the intriguing polymer relaxation into conductive materials and creates a special rheological conductor (RhC) from liquid metal (LM)-polymer composites. The electrical transition temperatures of RhC are found to be highly consistent with polymer rheological transition temperatures (T_g and T_f). Similar to the time-temperature superposition of polymers, a master curve can be constructed to effectively predict the conductivity of RhC. Further polymer rheological experiments and theoretical analysis successfully demonstrate the relationship between conductance and polymer chain relaxation. The RhC could realize several orders of magnitude change in resistance via temperature/time regulation. The polymer chain dynamics provide multiple resistive responses of RhC to temperature, time, and voltage that are remarkably different from traditional conductors. This work pioneers a new route to re-consider flexible conductors and provides diverse applications in high-tech devices.