Polymer Nanocomposite Materials Research Articles

Review on the Encapsulation, Microencapsulation, and Nano- Encapsulation: Synthesis and Applications in the Process Industry for Corrosion Inhibition

Background: Surfaces of materials often corrode and deteriorate due to environmental conditions. There are various widely used methods of reducing corrosion rates to increase the lifetime of materials and equipment. Recently, there has been a growth in the use of nanotechnology to protect metals against corrosion. The application of nano-encapsulation techniques in the process industry is one of the important eras of nanotechnology. This review paper focuses on encapsulation, microencapsulation, and nano-encapsulation methods, emphasizing nanoencapsulation applications as corrosion inhibitions in the process industry. Methods: Materials based on the self-healing mechanism were used in advanced applications such as structures, batteries, and coatings. These technologies may be studied in two ways: compounds with intrinsic self-healing properties and extrinsic self-healing materials with additives such as microcapsules filled with healing agents. Nano-coatings have advantages, like accelerated ground hardness, adhesive energy, long-time period and/or high-temperature corrosion resistance, tribological residence enhancement, etc. Nano-coatings can also be carried out in thinner and smoother layers, considering flexibility, accelerated performance, decreased fuel costs, and smaller carbon footprints, as well as occasional maintenance. The review of corrosion characteristics of polymeric nanocomposite material was discussed in this paper. Results: This review paper presents an updated overview summarizing the latest advances in the various micro/nanocarriers used for self-healing corrosion protective coatings. Conclusion: With this information, the investigators will be able to modify the structure of the inhibitor to get the necessary corrosion inhibition capabilities. The need for a physical examination is rising as a result.

Experimental and molecular dynamics simulation based investigation to understand tribological performance of graphene reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (Gr/TPU) nanocomposites

Ongoing innovative research in tribology aims to develop high-performance polymer nanocomposite (PNC) materials that offer significant improvements in efficiency, reliability, and durability across various engineering systems. Selection of appropriate nanoreinforcements is crucial for maximizing the tribological behavior in PNCs. The primary objective is to investigate how various factors, such as graphene (Gr) loadings, processing techniques, normal loading, and sliding velocity influence the tribological behavior of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and graphene reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (Gr/TPU) nanocomposites using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and experiments. Nanocomposite materials fabricated by ultrasonication methods, test specimens are prepared in appropriate dimensions as per ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) standard. MD simulations are conducted on the developed plate and rod models under different sliding velocity, pressing and stabbing depth conditions to understand fundamental insights into the friction and wear mechanisms of Gr/TPU nanocomposites at the atomic level. Morphological studies using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs indicate no case of Gr agglomeration up to 3 wt% Gr/TPU nanocomposite. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis confirms presence of Carbon (c), Nitrogen (N) and Oxygen (O) in Gr/TPU nanocomposites. Finally the obtained results from MD simulation and experiments show a significant trend of similarity.

Silicone Nanocomposites with Enhanced Thermal Resistance: A Short Review.

Continuous technological progress places significant demands on the materials used in increasingly modern devices. An important parameter is often the long-term thermal resistance of the material. The use of heat-resistant polymer materials worked well in technologically advanced products. An economically justified direction in searching for new materials is the area of polymer nanocomposite materials. It is necessary to appropriately select both the polymer matrix and the nanofillers best able to demonstrate the synergistic effect. A promising area of exploration for such nanocomposites is the use of organosilicon polymers, which results from the unique properties of these polymers related to their structure. This review presents the results of the analysis of the most important literature reports regarding organosilicon polymer nanocomposites with increased thermal resistance. Particular attention was paid to modification methods of silicone nanocomposites, focusing on increasing their thermal resistance related to the modification of siloxane molecular structure and by making nanocomposites using inorganic additives and carbon nanomaterials. Attention was also paid to such important issues as the influence of the dispersion of additives in the polymer matrix on the thermal resistance of silicone nanocomposites and the possibility of modifying the polymer matrix and permanently introducing nanofillers thanks to the presence of various reactive groups. The thermal stability mechanism of these nanocomposites was also analysed.

ZnO nanofiller concentrations modified P(VDF-HFP)/PEO polymer matrix-based nanocomposites of enhanced optical and dielectric properties for emerging optoelectronic and energy storage devices

Wide bandgap metal oxide nanoparticles incorporated polymer blend matrix-based polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) are established as innovative multifunctional and properties tunable materials in the dimensional design and fabrication of promising performance extensive flexible type advanced devices. For further progress in these materials, herein, the detailed structural and promising properties of solution-cast prepared ternary PNC films, composed of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) P(VDF-HFP)/ poly(ethylene oxide) PEO (50/50 wt%) host matrix and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofiller (0, 1, 2, 5, and 10 wt%), are characterized. A sequence of employed experimental techniques, namely SEM, XRD, FTIR, and DSC, confirm that the surface morphology, polymorphic crystallographic character, polymer-polymer interactions, polymer-nanoparticle interfaces, crystalline phase thermal transitions, and degree of crystallinity of these PNCs largely affected with varying nanofiller concentrations. The optical study conducted with a UV–Vis spectrophotometer revealed high photo sensing and UV shielding characteristics with an energy bandgap of about 3.0 eV, demonstrating widespread applications of these semiconducting PNC materials in emerging optoelectronic device technologies. The broadband dielectric spectroscopic (BDS) characterization over the 20 Hz–1 GHz range explained harmonic field frequency and nanofiller concentration tunable dielectric permittivity (about 3 to 13) with low losses and multiple relaxation processes, predominantly ruled by microstructural interfaces and interactions developed in these ternary hybrid complex materials. The meaningful broadband dielectric characteristics of P(VDF-HFP)/PEO/ZnO materials demonstrated that they could be used as innovative nanodielectrics for energy storage purposes in capacitive devices, and flexible dielectric substrate and insulators for the fabrication of frequency-adjustable discrete and integrated microelectronic devices.

Synergistic effect of polymer blend compositions on the structural, thermal, optical, and broadband dielectric properties of P(VDF-HFP)/PEO/ZnO polymer nanocomposites

Polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) composed of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (P(VDF-HFP))/ poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blend host matrix of varying compositions i.e., xP(VDF-HFP)/(100–x)PEO with x values 20, 50, and 80 wt%, and zinc oxide (ZnO) as nanofiller (2 wt%) are prepared by state-of-the-art homogenized solution cast method. The SEM micro-images of these PNC films revealed that the polymer blend compositions considerably affect the polymers miscibility, spherulitic morphologies, and crystalline phases. FTIR spectra demonstrated that the P(VDF-HFP) and PEO chain interactions in these PNCs change significantly with the polymer blend compositions. The DSC results revealed a decrease in PEO crystallite temperature and degree of crystallinity with the increase of P(VDF-HFP) amount in the blend matrix of these PNC materials. Analysis of UV-Vis spectra categorized these PNCs of wide band gap (∼ 3.1 eV) semiconductive optical materials. Broadband frequency range (20 Hz–1 GHz) dielectric dispersion demonstrated that 50P(VDF-HFP)/50PEO-2 wt% ZnO composition based nanodielectric film has a relatively high dielectric constant, whereas the chain segmental and dipolar reorientation relaxation processes are strongly polymer blend composition dependent for these PNC materials. The experimental results are discussed in detail concerning the multifunctionality of these PNCs as promising candidates for innovation in flexible optoelectronic and nanodielectric-based microelectronic devices.

Fe-nanoparticle effect on polypropylene for effective radiation protection: Simulation and theoretical study

An evaluation of the gamma-neutron shielding capabilities of polymer nanocomposite materials based on polypropylene and iron nanoparticles is presented in this study. The chemical composition of the materials is (100-x) PP-Fex, (where x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1, 2 and 5 wt percent). For the proposed polymer samples with photon energies ranging from 30 to 2000 KeV, the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), a crucial parameter for studying gamma-ray shielding capability, was calculated using the Geant4 Monte Carlo code. Results were compared with those predicted by EpiXS. The values of the Geant4 code and the EpiXS software were both found to be in excellent agreement. Using the mass attenuation coefficient values, we determined the linear attenuation coefficients, electron density, effective atomic number, and half value layer for all the samples. The shielding properties of the polymer samples were also evaluated by estimating both the fast neutron removal cross-section and the mean free path of the fast neutron at energies between 0.25 and 5.5 keV. The study's findings indicate a positive correlation between the Fe nanoparticle content and the gamma-ray shielding performance of PP-Fe polymer samples. Out of the several glasses that were evaluated, it was found that the PP-Fe5 polymer sample demonstrates the highest efficacy in terms of gamma-ray shielding. Moreover, the polymer sample PP-Fe5, which consists of 5 mol% of iron (Fe), exhibits the highest value of ∑R (1.10650 cm-1) and the lowest value of the mean free path for fast neutrons. This indicates that the PP-Fe5 possesses better gamma-neutron shielding efficiency.

In vivo validation of a mechanically adaptive microfluidic intracortical device as a platform for sustained local drug delivery

Introduction: Intracortical microelectrodes (IME) are vital to properly functioning brain-computer interfacing (BCI). However, the recording electrodes have shown a steady decline in performance after implantation, mainly due to chronic inflammation. Compliant materials have been explored to decrease differential strain resulting in lower neural inflammation. We have previously developed a fabrication method for creating mechanically adaptive microfluidic probes made of a cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) polymer nanocomposite material that can become compliant after implantation. Here, we hypothesized that our device, would have a similar tissue response to the industry standard, allowing drug delivery therapeutics to improve neural inflammation in the future.Methods: RNA expression analysis was performed to determine the extent of neural inflammation and oxidative stress in response to the device compared to controls and to naïve shame tissue.Results: Results presented for both four- and eight-weeks post-implantations suggest that our device offers a promising platform technology that can be used to deliver therapeutic strategies to improve IME performance.

Electrospray deposited plant-based polymer nanocomposite coatings with enhanced antibacterial activity for Ti-6Al-4V implants

The present study was designed to apply the Electrospray Deposition (ESD) coating on metallic biomaterials used in dentistry with plant-based polymer nanocomposite materials. Nano silvers (AgNPs) were produced with an average size of 34 nm and homogenous distribution. As the nanosilver modification rate in the coatings increased, the surface roughness decreased compared with that of the neat sample. The most mechanically and chemically stable coating samples were the 0.1 %, 0.3 %, and 0.5 % nanosilver-modified samples. In addition, plant extracts increased the mechanical strength of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) coatings by at least two times compared to that of neat coatings. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) images revealed that the surface roughness of the nanosilver-modified coatings was lower than that of the plant extract-modified and neat samples. It was observed that bacterial growth could be reduced by up to 100 times with increasing nano‑silver ratio in all nano-silver-modified coatings. Toxicity tests confirmed that the green synthesized nano-silvers did not show toxic effects on HaCaT live cells and A549 lung cancer cells, with the use of concentrations of 62 μg/mL and below in coatings.

Comparative analysis of the structural, optical, mechanical, and electrical properties of PMMA/PU blend‐based nanocomposites with FeVO4 nanofiller for energy storage devices

AbstractThe best materials for enhanced energy storage capacitors in electrical systems are polymer nanocomposites films. Therefore, using the solution casting approach, we created a unique series of FeVO4 nanofiller‐embedded polyurethane (PU) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)‐based composites. Various techniques were used to describe the prepared films. XRD spectra were used to assess the crystallinity and crystallite size of nanocomposites. The XRD spectra were used to assess the crystallinity and crystallite size of nanocomposites. With rising nanoparticles (NPs) content up to samples with 1.5 weight percent of FeVO4, XRD demonstrated an increase in the amorphous phase of the polymer mixture, which was further supported by UV–Vis measurements. FTIR was used for determining the complexation of the FeVO4 with the polymer mixture. Calculations were used to determine optical properties such as the Urbach energy and energy bandgap. With a rise in FeVO4 NP concentration, the energy bandgap decreases while the Urbach energy increases. All samples' AC conductivity spectra exhibit Jonscher's power law (JPL) behavior. Studies on dielectric permittivity and electric modulus have also been conducted in order to comprehend the charge storage characteristics and conductivity relaxation. Whereas the frequency‐dependent increase in AC electrical conductivity, the ε′ and ε″ of PU/PMMA–FeVO4 nanocomposites drop with the rising of the electric field frequency. The high level of FeVO4 was shown to improve the AC conductivity, ε′ and ε″ values of the nanocomposites. Tensile strength was improved by 38% with the addition of FeVO4 NPs into the PU/PMMA blend. Experimental outcomes show that these polymer nanocomposites materials are multifunctional and can be used as low‐permittivity nanodielectric insulators and substrates to design the next generation of flexible electronic devices and also there can be used to create a variety of advanced optoelectronic and organic electronic devices.

A short review on machine learning for the purpose of optimizing and predicting the properties of polymeric nanocomposites

The mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of nanocomposite materials are vastly superior to those of their bulk counterparts. Adding nanoparticles (sometimes called nanofillers or nano reinforcing) to a material is a common way to make the polymeric matrix more robust. The automobile, aviation, aerospace, maritime, and municipal industries can all benefit greatly from these materials. Common types of carbon-based nanomaterials include graphene sheets and carbon nanotubes. Their mechanical, electrical, and optical qualities are unparalleled.This material has the potential to be used in the development of synthetic scaffolding. According to their properties, nanofillers can be broken down into one of three broad categories. In this paper, we provide an overview of recent advances in the application of machine learning (ML)-driven approaches for the logical design of polymer nanocomposite materials. It has been found that nanocomposites in this setting can take on one of three distinct morphologies: phase separated, intercalated, or exfoliated. This is because the resulting mechanical and thermal properties are intimately tied to the particular morphologies that are developed. Melt mixing, compression moulding, and in-situ polymerization are common techniques for creating polymeric nanocomposites. When it comes to the toughness and rigidity of composites, stress transfer from the continuous phase to the dispersed phase is a crucial occurrence. Polymer nanocomposites are a class of nanomaterials that have the potential to be used in a variety of applications such as tissue engineering.

Fabrication, Structural Properties, and Electrical Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposite Materials for Dielectric Applications.

This research paper aims to fabricate flexible PVA/Cs/TiO2 nanocomposite films consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), chitosan (Cs), and titanium oxide (TiO2) for application in energy storage devices. The samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscope (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. The impact of TiO2 on the electrical impedance, conductivity, permittivity, and energy efficiency of the PVA/Cs was determined in a frequency range of 100 Hz to 5 GHz. The XRD, FTIR, and EDX results showed the successful fabrications of the PVA/Cs/TiO2. The SEM and AFM images illustrated that the TiO2 was loaded and distributed homogenously in PVA/Cs chains. In addition, the electrical conductivity was enhanced from 0.04 × 10-7 S.cm-1 of PVA/Cs to 0.25 × 10-7 S.cm-1 and 5.75 × 10-7 S.cm-1, respectively, for the composite PVA/Cs/0.01TiO2 and PVA/Cs/0.1TiO2, and the dielectric constant grew from 2.46 for PVA/Cs to 7.38 and 11.93, respectively. These results revealed that modifications were made to the produced films, paving the way for using the composite PVA/Cs/TiO2 films in different energy applications, such as electronic circuits and supercapacitors.

Molecular Origin of the Reinforcement Effect and Its Strain-Rate Dependence in Polymer Nanocomposite Glass.

We investigate the molecular origin of mechanical reinforcement in a polymer nanocomposite (PNC) under a glass state via molecular dynamics simulations. The strength of the PNC system is found to be reinforced mainly via reduced plastic deformations of the nanoparticle neighborhood (NN). Such a reinforcement effect is found to decay with an increase in the strain rate. The Arrhenius-Eyring relation is used to analyze its origin. The amplitude of the reinforcement is found to be determined by the difference between the energy barrier (ΔE) for the activation of NN and the work (W) done by the applied stress to conquer that barrier. A larger strain rate is found to result in a larger W and, hence, a weaker reinforcement effect. Such a strain-rate dependence is verified in the experimental tensile tests of a poly(vinyl alcohol)/SiO2 composite system. These results not only provide a new understanding of the molecular origin of the reinforcement effect in the PNC system, but also pave the way for a better design of the PNC material properties.

Effective Changes In Polymer Nanocomposite Materials When They Are Modified with γ-Rays

Effective Changes In Polymer Nanocomposite Materials When They Are Modified with γ-Rays

Study of the dynamic fragility of polymer nanocomposites: Correlation with damping

AbstractIn this work, an extensive study on the glass transition temperature (Tg), dynamic fragility and activation energy (Ea) for a variety polymeric nanocomposite materials, based on four different types of polymeric matrices reinforced with carbonaceous nanofillers, and SiO2 has been performed. Referring to the dynamic mechanical analysis data obtained in the author's previous works, the dynamic fragility and activation energy were calculated and examined. Depending on the polymeric type, different behavior was detected, as far as the fragility dependence on nanofiller type and loading is concerned, whereas the Tg variation was also investigated. A general trend of a decreasing dynamic fragility with increasing Tg was found, with the exception of Polylactic acid (PLA)/hybrid nanocomposites. A relation between nanofillers synergy and dynamic fragility variation has been achieved, namely the more homogenous nanofillers dispersion (and the synergistic effect between nanofillers), was associated with higher dynamic fragility values. Furthermore, the inter‐particle distance increment may lead to an increased fragility and the Resin/SiO2 nanocomposites appear to follow this rule. In addition, strain sweep experiments were conducted to analyze the connection between fragility and damping of the polymer nanocomposites. The PLA/hybrid carbonaceous nanocomposites reveal an essential damping enhancement, associated with fragility lowering.

Efficient Approach to the Preparation of Flame-Retardant Nanocomposite Polymeric Materials Based on High Density Polyethylene and Magnesium Hydroxide

Efficient Approach to the Preparation of Flame-Retardant Nanocomposite Polymeric Materials Based on High Density Polyethylene and Magnesium Hydroxide

Fast response and recovery polyaniline montmorillonite reduce graphene oxide polymer nanocomposite material for detection of hydrogen cyanide gas

In the present work, we have developed a polymer based gas sensor. The polymer nanocomposites are synthesized by the chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline with ammonium persulfate and sulfuric acid. The fabricated sensor is able to achieve a sensing response of 4.56% for PANI/MMT-rGO at 2 ppm of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) gas. The sensitivity of the sensors PANI/MMT and PANI/MMT-rGO are 0.89 ppm−1 and 1.1174 ppm−1 respectively. The increase in the sensitivity of the sensor may be due to an increase in the surface area provided by MMT and rGO which provided more binding sites for the HCN gas. The sensing response of the sensor increases as the concentration of the gas exposed increases but saturates after 10 ppm. The sensor recovers automatically. The sensor is stable and can work for 8 months.

Field and temperature assisted DC/AC conduction measurements of PS/ZnO nanocomposite films

Electrical, optical and morphological properties of polymer nanocomposite materials are quite interesting to investigate due to their innovative characteristics and applications. Temperature dependent dc conductivity using different charge transport mechanisms like ionic hopping, Schottky and Poole-Frankel emissions has been investigated for pristine PS and PS/ZnO (at different wt% of ZnO) nanocomposite films in this research report. Non-ohmic conduction behaviour of these films developed an interest to carry out bulk and electrode limited conduction mechanisms. Ionic jump distance ‘a’ and conduction coefficient ‘βexp’ values for these films were calculated at various temperatures from the slopes of log I vs E and log I vs E1/2 plots respectively. The increase in dc conductivity of an order of 108 was observed by increasing the doping concentration up to 20 wt% of ZnO. The change in their ac conductivity was observed from 10−9 S/m to 10−6 S/m by varying the frequency from 1 to 300 kHz.

AN EFFICIENT APPROACH FOR THE PREPARATION OF FLAME-RETARDANT NANOCOMPOSITE POLYMERIC MATERIALS BASED ON HIGH-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE AND MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE

A novel approach for the development of nanocomposite materials based on high-density polyethylene and an inorganic flame retardant, magnesium hydroxide, via the fundamental strategy of environmental crazing of polymers has been advanced. Efficient methods for incorporation of magnesium nitrate as a precursor into mеsoporous polymeric matrixes have been proposed, and the optimal conditions providing high-conversion in situ hydrolysis of magnesium salt to magnesium hydroxide within the confined space of mesopores of polymeric matrixes have been found. As a result of in situ hydrolysis, spherical or needle-like nanoparticles of magnesium hydroxide are found to be uniformly distributed within the volume of the high-density polyethylene matrix. The resultant nanocomposite polymeric materials with the low content of nanoparticles of magnesium hydroxide (below 30 wt. %) are characterized by reduced flammability and mechanical characteristics that are comparable to those of the initial polymer.

Recent Biomedical Applications of Coupling Nanocomposite Polymeric Materials Reinforced with Variable Carbon Nanofillers.

The hybridization between polymers and carbon materials is one of the most recent and crucial study areas which abstracted more concern from scientists in the past few years. Polymers could be classified into two classes according to the source materials synthetic and natural. Synthetic polymeric materials have been applied over a floppy zone of industrial fields including the field of biomedicine. Carbon nanomaterials including (fullerene, carbon nanotubes, and graphene) classified as one of the most significant sources of hybrid materials. Nanocarbons are improving significantly mechanical properties of polymers in nanocomposites in addition to physical and chemical properties of the new materials. In all varieties of proposed bio-nanocomposites, a considerable improvement in the microbiological performance of the materials has been explored. Various polymeric materials and carbon-course nanofillers were present, along with antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer products. This review spots the light on the types of synthetic polymers-based carbon materials and presented state-of-art examples on their application in the area of biomedicine.

Surface characterization and linear/nonlinear optical properties of irradiated flexible PVA/ZnO polymeric nanocomposite materials

Surface characterization and linear/nonlinear optical properties of irradiated flexible PVA/ZnO polymeric nanocomposite materials