Properties Of Nanocomposite Films Research Articles

Preparation of polybutylene terephthalate/silica nanocomposites by melt compounding: Evaluation of surface properties

Influence of nanosilica on surface properties of poly(butylene terephthalate) was investigated by the use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle measurement (CAM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and reflectance spectroscopy (RS). FTIR results indicated that surface groups of silica have some interfacial interactions and bonding with carboxyl or hydroxyl end groups of PBT chains. AFM and SEM figures of the resultant nanocomposites illustrated increased surface roughness compared to pure PBT. Optical properties of nanocomposite films were finally determined by the aid of reflectance spectrophotometer.

Morphologies and properties of nanocomposite films based on a biodegradable poly(ester)urethane elastomer

AbstractBiodegradable poly(ester)urethane (PU) elastomer‐based nanocomposite films incorporated with organically modified nanoclay were prepared with melt‐extrusion compounding followed by a casting film process. These films were intended for application as biodegradable food packaging films, with their enhanced gas barrier, mechanical, and thermal properties and good flexibility. From both X‐ray diffraction measurements and transmission electron microscopy observations, the coexistence of intercalated tactoids and exfoliated silicate layers in the compounded PU/clay nanocomposite films was confirmed. In addition, the morphology exhibited a clay dispersion state in the matrix and was influenced by the incorporated nanoclay content. The effects of the nanoclay loading level on the thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties of the compounded nanocomposites were also investigated. As a result, it was revealed that the addition of nanoclay up to a certain level resulted in a remarkable improvement in the thermal properties in terms of thermal stability and the degree of thermal shrinkage; mechanical properties, including dynamic storage modulus and tensile modulus; and oxygen/water‐vapor barrier properties of the nanocomposite films. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011

Metal/polymer nanocomposite thin films prepared by plasma polymerization and high pressure magnetron sputtering

Recently, there is much interest in nanocomposites consisting of metal nanoparticles dispersed in a dielectric matrix due to their novel functional properties. In many cases the formation of metal clusters is affected by chemical reactions of the metal with the host matrix material during deposition. The integration of a magnetron cluster source into a plasma deposition process allows the pre-formation of clusters in the gas phase and subsequent co-deposition with the matrix material. We chose plasma polymerization of HMDSO as deposition method for the matrix in this case. Here we focus on the composition of the nanocomposites generated by high pressure magnetron sputtering combined with a plasma polymer. The influence of magnetron power, total and HMDSO partial gas pressure on the cluster formation as well as nanocomposite film properties were investigated by ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Furthermore optical und morphological properties of the prepared nanocomposites have been characterized.

Thermal and Optical Properties of New Poly(amide-imide)/Nanocomposite Reinforced by Layer Silicate Containing Diphenyl Ether Moieties

New poly(amide-imide)-montmorillonite reinforced nanocomposites containing Bis(4-N-trimellitylimido) diphenyl ether moiety in the main chain were synthesized by a convenient solution intercalation technique. Poly(amide-imide) (PAI) 4 was synthesized by the direct polycondensation reaction of Bis(4-N-trimellitylimido) diphenyl ether 3 with 4,4′-diamino diphenyl ether 2 in the presence of triphenyl phosphite (TPP), CaCl2, pyridine and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). Morphology and structure of the resulting PAI-nanocomposite films 4a and 4b with 10 and 20 mass% silicate particles respectively, were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The properties of nanocomposites films were investigated by using Uv-vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and water uptake measurements.

Optical and Thermal Behaviors of Polyamide-Layered Silicate Nanocomposites Based on 4,4′-Azodibenzoic Acid by Solution Intercalation Technique

Two new samples of polyamide-montmorillonite reinforced nanocomposites based on 4,4′-azodibenzoic acid were prepared by a convenient solution intercalation technique. Polyamide (PA) 4 as a source of polymer matrix was synthesized by the direct polycondensation reaction of 4,4′-azodibenzoic acid 2 with 4,4′-diamino diphenyl sulfone 3 in the presence of triphenyl phosphate (TPP), CaCl2, pyridine and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). Morphology and structure of the resulting PA-nanocomposite films 4a and 4b with 10 and 20% silicate particles were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of clay dispersion and the interaction between clay and polymeric chains on the properties of nanocomposite films were investigated by using Uv-vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and water uptake measurements.

Properties of nanocomposite film combining hard TiN matrix with embedded fullerene-like WS 2 nanoclusters

We have developed hard self-lubricant coatings combining a hard matrix (TiN) and a self-lubricant phase in the form of inorganic-like WS 2 fullerene. The nanoparticles were injected from the preparation chamber directly to the sample surface during reactive sputtering from a Ti target in Ar/N 2 atmosphere. The injection of the particles led to the local oxidation of the matrix due to the flow of residual oxygen from the preparation chamber; therefore, the final composite was TiN/Ti–O–WS 2. The observation of the composite film by scanning and transmission electron microscopies showed the incorporation of the WS 2 nanoparticles; however, their bonding with the matrix was weak. The analysis of the wear tracks did not show any presence of WS 2 in the contact.

Blue photoluminescence from continuous freestanding β-SiC/SiO xC y/C free nanocomposite films with polycarbosilane (PCS) precursor

Novel continuous freestanding β-SiC/SiO x C y /C free nanocomposite films, namely, β-SiC nano-crystals in amorphous SiO x C y and free C cluster matrix material, were fabricated by melt spinning the polycarbosilane (PCS) precursor. Effects of oxidation curing time and sintering temperatures on the photoluminescence (PL) properties of nanocomposite films were investigated. The PL spectra show two strong blue emissions at 416 nm and 435 nm, which are unchanged neither with oxygen content nor with β-SiC crystallite size. The PL intensity of the films is enhanced by increasing curing time when sintered at 1200 °C. However, a reversed trend is identified after the films were sintered at 1300 °C. Spectroscopy and microscopy studies indicate that the radiative recombination of carriers is ascribed to the oxygen mono- and di-vacancy from SiO x C y at the surfaces of β-SiC nano-crystals, whereas the photogeneration of carriers occurs in the β-SiC nano-crystals cores. The obtained results are expected to have important applications in advanced optoelectronic devices.

Formation and Photocatalytic Properties of Nanocomposite Films Containing Both Tetracobalt Dawson-Derived Sandwich Polyanions and Tetracationic Porphyrins

Films based on electrostatic interactions between tetracationic zinc porphyrins, ZnOEP(py)(4)(4+) or ZnTMePyP(4+), and the tetracobalt Dawson-derived sandwich polyanion αββα-[Co(4)(H(2)O)(2)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)](16-) are formed by the so-called layer-by-layer method. These films have been characterized by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and electrochemistry. The composition of the film was measured by X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS). The XPS data confirm the presence of the expected elements. The photocatalytic properties of these films have been also studied for the reduction of silver and gold ions. Indeed, in these systems, porphyrins can be excited by visible light and then play the role of photosensitizers able to give electrons to POM known to be good catalysts. Silver nanowires and gold nanosheets have been obtained.

Electrical properties of TiO 2-filled polyimide nanocomposite films prepared via an in situ polymerization process

To fully understand the reliable electrical properties of the nanocomposite films, their physical and chemical behaviors as well as dielectric properties were analyzed. Polyimide/TiO 2 (PI/TiO 2) nanocomposite films were prepared using in situ dispersion polymerization process. Influences of frequency, temperature and the nano-TiO 2 particles loading concentration on dielectric permittivities of the PI/TiO 2 nanocomposite films were studied. The dielectric relaxation behavior of the PI/TiO 2 nanocomposite films has been investigated with dielectric relaxation spectrum. It was found that interfacial polarization, namely Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars, existed in the PI/TiO 2 nanocomposite films with different loading concentration of the nano-TiO 2 particles. Dielectric permittivities of the PI/TiO 2 nanocomposite films fluctuation with temperature (−50–150 °C) were attributed to the mobility and thermal expansion of the polymer matrix, for which the Cole–Davidson model, or modified Cole–Cole model, was brought to account.

Tuning Cell Adhesion by Incorporation of Charged Silicate Nanoparticles as Cross‐Linkers to Polyethylene Oxide

Controlling cell adhesion on a biomaterial surface is associated with the long-term efficacy of an implanted material. Here we connect the material properties of nanocomposite films made from PEO physically cross-linked with layered silicate nanoparticles (Laponite) to cellular adhesion. Fibroblast cells do not adhere to pure PEO, but they attach to silicate containing nanocomposites. Under aqueous conditions, the films swell and the degree of swelling depends on the nanocomposite composition and film structure. Higher PEO compositions do not support cell proliferation due to little exposed silicate surfaces. Higher silicate compositions do allow significant cell proliferation and spreading. These bio-nanocomposites have potential for the development of biomedical materials that can control cellular adhesion.

Effect of org-titanium phosphonate on the properties of chitosan films

A new type of titanium glycine-N,N-dimethylphosphonate Ti[(O3PCH2)2NCH2COOH] (TGDMP), with the functional groups –COOH, has been prepared first and then characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Subsequently, chitosan/titanium glycine-N,N-dimethylphosphonate (CS/TGDMP-n) nanocomposite films of various compositions were prepared by solution casting method. The structure, morphology, and properties of nanocomposite films were investigated by FTIR, XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile tests. The results showed that the mechanical properties of chitosan films were improved by the incorporation of TGDMP, and the samples kept at moisture environment showed the larger elongation and lower tensile strength than the dried counterparts. In addition, the CS/TGDMP-n films exhibited higher thermal stability and better moisture barrier property than neat CS films.

Structure and properties of nanocomposite films based on sodium caseinate and nanocellulose fibers

Films made from sodium caseinate and nanocellulose were prepared by dispersing the fibrils into film forming solutions, casting and drying. Composite films were less transparent and had a more hydrophilic surface than neat sodium caseinate ones. However, the global moisture uptake was almost not affected by filler concentration. Addition of nanocellulose to the neat sodium caseinate films produced an initial increase in the barrier properties to water vapor, and then, it decreases as filler content increased. This was explained in terms of additional detrimental changes (cracks and bubble formation) induced in the morphological structure of the film by the reinforcement. The tensile modulus and strength of composite films increased significantly with increasing cellulose concentrations, while the values of elongation decreased. In the same way it was found that the storage modulus increases considerably with filler addition in the low temperature range (<60 °C), though the effect of temperature on the films performance is even more dramatic, as expected in protein-based materials.

Bacterial cellulose nanocrystals exhibiting high thermal stability and their polymer nanocomposites

Nanocrystals prepared from bacterial cellulose are considered as ‘green nanomaterials’ depending on their renewable nature and ease of production without the involvement of hazardous chemical treatments. In this investigation, a top down approach was followed for the preparation of bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (BCNC) using a commercially available cellulase enzyme so as to retain native properties of bacterial cellulose even in its nanodimensional form. The morphological and dimensional parameters of BCNC were studied using atomic force microscope (AFM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Thermal properties of BCNC produced using the novel enzyme treatment and conventional sulfuric acid hydrolysis were compared. The thermal stability of enzyme processed BCNC was almost two fold higher than sulfuric acid processed ones. Further, the activation energy required for decomposition of enzyme processed BCNC was much higher than the other. Using this enzyme processed BCNC, Polyvinylalcohol (PVA) nanocomposite films were prepared and characterized. Incorporation of these nanocrystals in polymer matrix resulted in a remarkable improvement in the thermal stability as well as mechanical properties of nanocomposite films. These nanocomposites exhibited higher melting temperature ( T m) and enthalpy of melting (Δ H m) than those of pure PVA, suggesting that the addition of nanocrystals modified the thermal properties of PVA. The effective load transfer from polymer chains to the BCNC resulted in an improved tensile strength from 62.5 MPa to 128 MPa, by the addition of just 4 wt% of BCNC. Furthermore, the elastic modulus was found to increase from 2 GPa to 3.4 GPa. The BCNC obtained through cellulose treatment under controlled conditions were associated with several desirable properties and appear to be superior over the conventional methods of nanocrystals production. The enzymatic method followed in this study is expected to contribute the fabrication of high performance polymer nanocomposites in a much greener and innovative manner.

Influence of ultrasonication on the mechanical properties of Cu/Al2O3 nanocomposite thin films during electrocodeposition

To overcome the poor mechanical properties of pure Cu thin films, we performed electrocodeposition to make nanocomposite thin films by incorporating inert Al2O3 nanoparticles (50nm and 300nm in diameter). In addition, to reduce agglomeration due to their high surface energy, we used ultrasonication during the electrocodeposition. In this paper, we examined the effects of the ultrasonication on the mechanical properties of nanocomposite films with different ultrasonic energy density up to 225W/cm2. Ultrasonication during electrocodeposition efficiently reduced the agglomeration of nanoparticles and reduced the grain size of the Cu matrix. Smaller nanoparticles were more efficiently de-agglomerated by ultrasonication, which resulted in more enhanced mechanical properties in the 50nm Al2O3 nanoparticle-enhanced specimens. Although the addition of nanoparticles in the Cu matrices significantly increased the hardness of the specimens, as observed in nanoindentation tests, we did not observe such an increase in tensile tests. Reducing the grain size by ultrasonication seems to be an important parameter in enhancing the overall mechanical properties of nanocomposites. Ultrasonication provided a significant increase in all mechanical properties, including elastic modulus, yield stress, ultimate tensile stress, and elongation, of all controlled Cu films.

Photocatalytic properties of TiO 2 sol–gel modified nanocomposite films

TiO 2 nanocomposite films with different concentrations of TiO 2 MT-150A nanoparticles were immobilized on glass substrates using a dip coating process. The crystalline structure and surface chemical state of nanocomposite film properties were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. The specific surface area and morphology of TiO 2 MT-150A nanoparticles were evaluated by the BET method and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM). The photocatalytic activities of films were evaluated by the methyl orange decoloring rate. XPS measurements showed that the oxygen amount (%) was related to the film composition. The composite film with 10 g/L MT-150A loading yielded the highest amount of surface oxygen (26.82%) and TiO 2 rutile showed the lowest amount of surface oxygen (13.67%) in the form of surface hydroxyl groups. The remaining oxygen was identified as lattice oxygen. In addition, the nanocomposite film with 10 g/L MT-150A loading yielded the highest photocatalytic activity.

Effect of Inorganic Silver Nanoparticles on Structural and Electrical Properties of Polyaniline/PVC Blends

Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) doped polyaniline (PANDR) has been synthesized by redoping method. Inorganic silver nanoparticles were incorporated in THF solution of PANDR (PANDS) and then mixed with PVC solution to prepare PANDS/PVC nanocomposites. FTIR spectroscopy indicated that silver nanoparticles reside more close to imine nitrogen of PANDS. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the formation and dispersion of silver nanoparticles in polymer matrix having average size of ~20 nm. Incorporation of inorganic metal silver nanoparticles has improved the mechanical properties of nanocomposite films as compared to pure polymer blends. Addition of silver nanoparticles in the blends reduces the charge trapping centres and increases the conducting channels; as a result a decrease in the real part of impedance has been observed.

Elastic and viscous properties of nanocomposite films based on low-density polyethylene

The physical properties of nanocomposite materials which contain nanoparticles of metals and their compounds stabilized within a polymeric dielectric matrix are currently being studied. These materials show a low acoustic impedance, resulting in their use as low-perturbing substrates for thin piezoelectric plates, as well as matching and damping layers for bulk acoustic wave devices. Mechanical properties of the materials which contain various Fe and Fe2O3 nanoparticle concentrations are experimentally defined in the paper. It has been shown that the acoustic impedance of the materials under study may be varied by more than 30% and 40% for longitudinal and shear acoustic waves, respectively, within the same technological procedure. The velocities of bulk longitudinal and shear acoustic waves can be purposefully changed by more than 40% and 29%, respectively.

Highly Conducting Polypyrrole/Cellulose Nanocomposite Films with Enhanced Mechanical Properties

AbstractPPy was synthesised by oxidative chemical polymerisation using xylan, CMC and NFC as additives. Conducting nanocomposite films were cast from aqueous slurries using doped PPy particles, CMC and NFC as the conducting and reinforcing phase, respectively. NFC‐based composites had higher conductivity and lower mechanical properties than CMC‐based homologues. SEM analysis showed that in PPy/NFC composites, PPy and NFC were arranged in two entangled networks, whereas, in PPy/NFC composites, CMC formed a continuous matrix around PPy particles, thus limiting conductivity. Mechanical properties of nanocomposite films were interpreted as reflecting the presence of different structures when using NFC or CMC as reinforcing phase.magnified image

Preparation and Characterization of Nanocomposite Films from Chitin Whisker and Waterborne Poly(ester-urethane) With or Without Ultra-Sonification Treatment

Two series of nanocomposite films were prepared from waterborne poly(ester-urethane) and chitin whisker with and without ultrasound treatment coded as CW/WPU and CHW/WPU, respectively. The effects of ultra-sonification method and chitin whisker content on the chemical compositions, crystallization behavior and miscibility were studied by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WXRD), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermal stability and mechanical properties of the films were measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and tensile test, respectively. The results revealed that both nanocomposite films exhibited a certain degree of miscibility when chitin whisker content was lower than 30 wt%, resulting in higher thermal stability and tensile strength than the pure waterborne poly(ester-urethane) film. Interestingly, the composite films CW/WPU with ultrasound treatment possessed better miscibility, storage modulus, thermal stability and tensile strength than those without ultrasound treatment over the entire composition range studied here. The difference can be attributed to the relatively higher dispersion level of whisker within poly(ester-urethane) matrix resulting in relatively stronger entanglement and interaction between both components. The ultrasound treatment can effectively improve the miscibility and mechanical properties of the casting nanocomposite films with nano-meter size chitin whisker added. This indicated that the structure, miscibility and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films depended significantly on the preparation method.

Thermomechanical and barrier properties of UV‐cured epoxy/O‐montmorillonite nanocomposites

AbstractMixtures of an epoxy resin and organophilic montmorillonites were subjected to ultraviolet (UV)‐induced photopolymerization. Two types of commercially available nanoclays, namely Cloisite 30B and Cloisite Na+, were modified through interaction with organic compatibilizers (dodecylsuccinic anhydride, octadecylamine, octadecyl alcohol, and octadecanoic acid). The modified nanoclays, dispersed in the liquid epoxy resin at 5 wt%, were photopolymerized to get nanocomposite films. The kinetics of the photopolymerization was evaluated by means of real‐time Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The modified nanoclays and their nanocomposites were characterized through X‐ray diffractometry; transmission electron microscopy showed the presence of intercalated and partially exfoliated morphologies in the nanocomposites. Thermogravimetric and dynamic‐mechanical analyses showed an increase of the thermal properties and an increase of the glass transition temperatures of the nanocomposites compared with that of the neat UV‐cured resin. Finally, the oxygen barrier properties of nanocomposite films, coated on a polyethyleneterephtalate substrate, were evaluated; the decrease of permeability was correlated with the degree of exfoliation of the nanocomposites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers