Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites Research Articles

Unraveling the effects of geometrical parameters on dynamic impact responses of graphene reinforced polymer nanocomposites using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations.

Nacre plays an important role in bionic design due to its light weight, high strength, and structure-function integration. The key to elucidate its reinforcing and toughening mechanisms is to truly characterize its multi-layer structure and properties. In this work, the dynamic impact responses of graphene reinforced polymer nanocomposites with a unique brick-and-mortar structure are investigated using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, in which the interfacial coarse-grained force field between graphene and the polymer matrix is derived by the energy matching approach. The influences of various geometrical parameters on dynamic impact responses of the nanocomposites are studied, including the interlayer distance, lateral distance, and number of graphene layers. The results demonstrate that the impact resistance of the nacre-like structure can be significantly improved by tuning the geometrical parameters of graphene layers. It is also found that the chain scission and interchain disentanglement of polymer chains are the main failure mechanisms during the perforation failure process as compared to the stretching and breaking of bonds. In addition, the microstructure analysis is performed to deeply interpret the deformation and damage mechanisms of the nanocomposites during impact. This study could be helpful for the rational design and preparation of graphene reinforced nacre-like nanocomposites with high impact resistance.

Interplay of Grafted and Adsorbed Chains at the Polymer–Particle Interface in Tuning the Mechanical Reinforcement in Polymer Nanocomposites

Interplay of Grafted and Adsorbed Chains at the Polymer–Particle Interface in Tuning the Mechanical Reinforcement in Polymer Nanocomposites

Biodegradable polymer nanocomposites for active food packaging

Biodegradable polymer nanocomposites have gained attention in recent years owing to their antimicrobial activity. The article summarizes recent developments in improving antimicrobial, mechanical and barrier properties of biodegradable polymers chitosan, cellulose, gelatin and starch. ZnO, TiO2, reduced graphene oxide and silver reinforced biodegradable polymer nanocomposites exhibit improved tensile strength due to intercalation of nanomaterials into the polymer matrices. Silver nanoparticle reinforced polymer nanocomposites have shown significant antimicrobial properties against various strains of bacteria and fungi. Although, development of antimicrobial nanomaterials embedded packaging films has helped to augment shelf-life of food, leakage of nanomaterials into the packaged food remains an area of concern.

Temperature-dependent mechanical properties of graphene nanoplatelet reinforced polymer nanocomposites: Micromechanical modeling and interfacial analysis

One of the challenges to be addressed in the reasonable prediction of the mechanical properties of nanocomposites at elevated temperatures is the quantitative characterization of the temperature-dependent interfacial behavior. In this study, the temperature-dependent mechanical properties for graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) reinforced polymer-matrix nanocomposites are modeling based on the nonlinear interfacial shear stress transfer mechanism. Besides, the influence of interfacial debonding, polymer matrix plasticity, thermomechanical parameters of components, and their evolution with temperature, as well as the orientation, dimensions and volume fractions of GNPs is considered. The Young's modulus, yield/ultimate strength, and stress-strain relationships at elevated temperatures are predicted and are verified by the available experimental data. Compared to the extended room-temperature models previously established, the proposed model considering the microscopic structures achieves higher prediction accuracy with only basic material parameters input. Furthermore, the temperature-dependent interfacial mechanical behavior is analyzed. The initial strain of debonding and the maximum debonding ratio of the interface at elevated temperatures are calculated. The micromechanical modeling establishes the quantitative relationships between the temperature-dependent interfacial behavior and the mechanical properties of nanocomposites. This study deepens the understanding of the mechanical behavior of the interface and their evolution with temperature, which contributes to the prediction of the high-temperature mechanical performance and reliability analysis of nanocomposites.

Microstructural Welding Engineering of Carbon Nanotube/Polydimethylsiloxane Nanocomposites with Improved Interfacial Thermal Transport

AbstractCarbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced polymer nanocomposites with high thermal conductivity show a promising prospect in thermal management of next‐generation electronic devices due to their excellent mechanical adaptability, outstanding processability, and superior flexibility. However, interfacial thermal resistance between individual CNT significantly hinders the further improvement in thermal conductivity of CNT‐reinforced nanocomposites. Herein, an interfacial welding strategy is reported to construct graphitic structure welded CNT (GS‐w‐CNT) networks. Notably, the obtained GS‐w‐CNT/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanocomposite with a GS loading of 4.75 wt% preserves a high thermal conductivity of 5.58 W m−1 K−1 with a 410% enhancement as compared to a pure CNT/PDMS nanocomposite. Molecular dynamics simulations are utilized to elucidate the effect of interfacial welding on the heat transfer behavior, revealing that the GS welding degree plays an important role in reducing both phonon scattering in the GS‐w‐CNT structure and interfacial thermal resistance at the interfaces between CNT. The unique welding strategy provides a new route to optimize the thermal transport performance in filler reinforced polymer nanocomposites, promoting their applications in next‐generation microelectronic devices.

BIODEGRADABLE FIBER POLYMER COMPOSITES POLYLACTIC ACID (PLA)COIR USING BENTONITE

Biodegradable fiber polymer composites: Polylactic acid (PLA)/coir using bentonite refers to a type of composite material that combines polylactic acid (PLA) as the polymer matrix, coir fibers as reinforcement, and bentonite as a filler material. The aim of this composite is to develop a sustainable and environmentally friendly material that can potentially replace traditional synthetic composites.Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable and renewable polymer derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. Hybrid fiber reinforced polymer nanocomposites were prepared from kenaf fiber, coir fiber, polypropylene and montmorillonite nanoclay through hot compression method. The study investigated the impact of fiber hybridization and montmorillonite on the physical, mechanical, and biodegradable properties of the composites. To increase adhesion and compatibility between the fiber and polymer matrix, both bentonite and coir fibers were treated with a 2% sodium hydroxide solution to reduce their hydrophilic nature before use. The mechanical properties of the composites, including tensile strength and Young's modulus, were measured using a universal tensile testing machine. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that montmorillonite significantly improved the adhesion and compatibility between fibers and the polymer matrix. Hybridization improved the biodegradability and water absorption characteristics of the composites, while MMT addition had the opposite effect on these properties.

Investigating the mechanical performance of graphene reinforced polymer nanocomposites via atomistic and continuum simulation approaches

Graphene, having exceptional mechanical properties, is expected to improve the overall mechanical performance of polymer nanocomposites when inserted as a nanofiller. In this work, the mechanical properties of graphene-based cis-1,4-polybutadiene glassy polymer nanocomposites are investigated via a hierarchical multiscale approach, combining atomistic simulations and continuum mechanics. The global mechanical properties of the graphene-based polymer nanocomposites are computed via a rich enough set of remote applied deformations. On a localized level, the effective Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio are calculated in both the interphase and polymer matrix regions where the former shows greater rigidity. Finally, the properties of the different phases forming the heterogeneous polymer nanocomposite are used to develop a continuum three-phase micromechanical finite element model for predicting the overall mechanical behavior of the structure, which are found to be in very good agreement with the results from the atomistic MD simulations.

Manufacturing and experimental characterization of new-developed natural fiber reinforced polymer nanocomposite

In this work, a nanocomposite polymer is developed using less utilised palm leaf stalk fiber as natural reinforcement and nano coconut shell powder blended with polyester resin as a matrix. The fibers are extracted from palm leaves. The fibers are treated with 5% potassium permanganate (KMnO4) as an alkali for 1 h. They are then thoroughly cleaned with water and dried in an oven. The fibers are chopped into short strands. The polyester matrix is pre-prepared by blending with coconut shell nanopowder. The fabrication of the composite is completed using these mats as reinforcement in the prepared blend. Mechanical tests are performed on the newly developed composites. The experimental findings are compared to similar natural fibers, and found that palm-based composite exhibits superior values. Structural electron microscopy observations reveal the presence of matrix, reinforcement and the absence of voids due to the addition of nanopowder. The developed composite may be recommended for automobile and aerospace applications.

Multi-axial elastic–viscoplastic curves of unidirectional carbon nanotube-polymer nanocomposites considering interphase and interface debonding using finite element modeling

This paper aims to predict the elastic-viscoplastic curves of unidirectional carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced polymer nanocomposites under the multi-axial tensions, including bi-axial transverse-transverse, bi-axial longitudinal-transverse and tri-axial longitudinal-transverse-transverse loadings by the use of finite element (FE) modeling. The role of the interphase between the CNT and polymer matrix as well as the debonding at the CNT/interphase interface in the stress-strain curves of nanocomposites is investigated. The polymer matrix and interphase region are characterized as elastic-viscoplastic materials, while the CNT behaves as the elastic material. The present results in uni-axial loading are compared to the available numerical outcomes for indicating the accuracy of the FE modeling. The simulation of multi-axial load conditions is based on the three-dimensional representative volume element (RVE) of the unidirectional CNT-polymer nanocomposite. The effect of interface strength on the elastic-viscoplastic stress-strain curves is examined under bi-axial and tri-axial loadings.

Synthesis and Characterization of Perovskite Oxide Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites.

Synthesis and Characterization of Perovskite Oxide Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites.

New approach for modeling randomly distributed CNT reinforced polymer nanocomposite with van der Waals interactions

This paper presents a new approach for the prediction of the stiffness of randomly distributed CNT/polymer nanocomposites using molecular and micromechanics methods with the van der Waals (VdW) interactions. A multi-scale modeling technique was designed for CNT nanoparticles randomly embedded in the polymer using an AMBER force field. This multi-scale model constitutes a representative volume element. The representative volume element consists of polymer, CNT nanoparticle, CNT-polymer interfacial region and Van der Waals bonds. A programming code was developed that randomly distributes nanoparticles according to the desired volume fraction. Python scripting language was used for the modeling technique performed in a finite element environment. By modeling the interfacial regions around randomly distributed CNTs, van der Waals bonds are modeled stochastically. In this study, the subject of interest is the number of CNTs positioned in the RVE according to the volume fraction. These numbers were determined at the level allowed by finite element equations and computational solvers and their effects were investigated by calculated stiffness behavior.

Evolution of Carbon Nanotubes, Their Methods, And Application as Reinforcements in Polymer Nanocomposites: A Review

The demand for increased performance in structural materialshasdrawn attention to the use of fiber materials as a means of reinforcement to provide structural integrity. Carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced polymer nanocomposites have become the go-to materials due to their superior properties. CNTs possess a strength 10-100 times higher than steel yetare lighter in weight. Additionally, CNTs have a remarkable thermal stability of up to 2800°C in a vacuum, and an electrical conductivity of 103 S/cm. It also has an electric-current-carrying capacity 1000 times higher than other materials and a thermal conductivity of around 1900 W m-1K-1, which is almost double that of diamond. This article explores the potential of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) to reinforce structural composite materials, improve sensing, and enhance responsiveness. It also examines its structure and classification as single and multi-walled, its synthesis,including laser ablation methods, arc discharge methods, chemical vapor deposition methods, and spray pyrolysis. Additionally, it discusses the applications,structural benefits,and challenges ofcomposite materials.

Fabrication of Silane-Grafted Cellulose Nanocrystals and Their Effects on the Structural, Thermal, Mechanical, and Hysteretic Behavior of Thermoplastic Polyurethane.

Reinforcement of polymer nanocomposites can be achieved by the selection of the appropriate fabrication method, surface modification, and orientation of the filler. Herein, we present a nonsolvent-induced phase separation method with ternary solvents to prepare thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composite films with excellent mechanical properties using 3-Glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane-modified cellulose nanocrystals (GLCNCs). ATR-IR and SEM analyses of the GLCNCs confirmed that GL was successfully coated on the surface of the nanocrystals. The incorporation of GLCNCs in TPU resulted in the enhancement of the tensile strain and toughness of pure TPU owing to the enhanced interfacial interactions between them. The GLCNC-TPU composite film had tensile strain and toughness values of 1740.42% and 90.01 MJ/m3, respectively. Additionally, GLCNC-TPU exhibited a good elastic recovery rate. CNCs were readily aligned along the fiber axis after the spinning and drawing of the composites into fibers, which further improved the mechanical properties of the composites. The stress, strain, and toughness of the GLCNC-TPU composite fiber increased by 72.60%, 10.25%, and 103.61%, respectively, compared to those of the pure TPU film. This study demonstrates a facile and effective strategy for fabricating mechanically enhanced TPU composites.

Theoretical modeling for piezoresistive behavior of aligned carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposites accounting for evolution of agglomerates morphology

In this study, the electromechanical response of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced polymer nanocomposites subjected to uniaxial deformation was investigated theoretically. For this purpose, a comprehensive analytical model that incorporated critical factors affecting the piezoresistive properties of CNT/polymer nanocomposites was proposed. To determine the effects of field-induced CNT alignment and the corresponding prolonged agglomeration morphology, an effective resistor network was established to predict piezoresistivity defined as the normalized resistance change of CNT/polymer nanocomposites. The proposed model accurately described the piezoresistive properties of randomly aligned CNT-based composites compared with a previously developed model, and its further validation was performed using experimental data obtained from the literature for CNTs aligned in a polymer matrix. A similar approach was used for the determination of a percolation threshold, which strongly correlated with piezoresistivity. In addition, the effect of each individual critical factor was examined to establish a desirable set of parameters that would either decrease the percolation threshold or increase the piezoresistivity of composites. • The theoretical model is proposed for the piezoresistive behavior of carbon nanotube (CNT)/polymer composites. • The effects of electric field-induced alignment of CNTs and their aggregation morphology have been taken into account. • An optimal set of critical parameters is determined to increase the piezoresistivity of CNT/polymer nanocomposites.

Atomic investigation on optimal interfacial bonding for enhanced fracture properties in polymer nanocomposites

Functionalization of nanofillers is known to have stiffening and strengthening effects on nanocomposites through improved interfacial bonding. However, the optimality in the interfacial bonding is generally not reported in the literature. This issue is addressed here through a series of reactive molecular dynamics simulations on carbon nanotube reinforced polymer nanocomposite. For various degrees of functionalization, uniaxial tension conditions are simulated to study the stress–strain behavior, crack propagation, and fracture toughness. The J-integral is used to quantify the fracture toughness. Through these simulations we demonstrate the existence of an optimal degree of functionalization for maximum enhancement in elastic property, tensile strength, ductility, and fracture toughness. The underlying mechanics behind this optimality is identified through careful studies on crack propagation mechanisms, including crack arresting and formation of new crack surfaces. This optimality, which might also be expected in other material systems, will help in designing efficient nanocomposites.

Response Surface Methodology (RSM)- Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) Aided Prediction of The Impact Strength of Natural Fibre/Carbon Nanotubes Hybrid Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposite

Response Surface Methodology (RSM)- Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) Aided Prediction of The Impact Strength of Natural Fibre/Carbon Nanotubes Hybrid Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposite

Recent advances in tribological properties of silicon based nanofillers incorporated polymer nanocomposites

Over the last few decades, the demand for the development of polymer nanocomposites is increasing due to their excellent properties of mechanical, thermal, electrical, tribological properties and so on. The diversity of polymer nanocomposites with enhanced performances makes them suitable for a wide variety of applications such as automobile, aerospace, electrical, electronics, construction etc. The effect of various types of nanofillers such as metal-based nanofiller, carbon-based nanofiller, and silicon-based nanofiller incorporated into polymers are widely investigated by various researchers. Silicon-based nanofiller-reinforced polymer nanocomposites are prospective in recent years on tribological applications such as plastic gears, bushes, bearings, etc. A large number of different studies have demonstrated the various excellent properties of silicon-based nanofillers and hybrid nanofillers into polymer nanocomposites, however, limited reviews are being published on the effect of silicon-based nanofillers and hybrid nanofillers reinforced polymer nanocomposites. Therefore, this manuscript aims to review the recent advances on the effect of silicon-based nanofillers and hybrid nanofillers incorporated polymer nanocomposites emphasizing mainly the tribological properties. This work presents the outline of the main outcome from various studies focusing mainly on the effect of silicon-based nanofiller on friction, wear resistance and wear mechanism-related tribological properties. This work also intended to review the effect of silicon-based hybrid nanofillers into polymer nanocomposites on tribological properties. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives of silicon-based nanofillers reinforced polymer nanocomposites on the tribological properties are also discussed.

Mechanical performance and drilling machinability evaluation of carbon nano onions (CNOs) reinforced polymer nanocomposites

Mechanical performance and drilling machinability evaluation of carbon nano onions (CNOs) reinforced polymer nanocomposites

A Study of Fabrication Method and Characterization of Jute fiber mat/Graphene/Multi wall carbon nanotube Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposite

Abstract: It is possible to lower the overall weight of automobiles in order to minimize waste of resources, enhance economic effectiveness, and optimize the performance of Vehicles. Currently, the utilization of composite materials rather than conventional materials is the primary significant way to reduce the weight of the automotive vehicles. Using polymer materials as a composite matrix in the industry may effectively decrease the quality of automobiles because strong moisture absorption characteristics, low impact and hardness properties than metal materials. It is well recognized that graphene is one of the strongest known materials, with exceptional toughness and electrical conductivity, and MWCNT also have exceptional mechanical properties and so in the polymer composite's mechanical and electrical characteristics may be improved significantly by dispersing graphene and MWCNT in polymer matrix. In the realm of materials, graphene/MWCNT-polymer composites are thus considered an excellent substitute of standard metal components in some applications. Current needs necessitate the use of hybrid materials of all varieties. The composites used in this research was created by hand layup process using LY556 epoxy resin and HY951 hardener, and the article examines the results of hybridization. Tests such as tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness indicate the attributes of all fabricated samples. The results of the test demonstrate that the (Jute Fibre Mat +Epoxy) composites with multi wall carbon nanotube MWCNT/Graphene in (1:5) ratio in sample 5 have considerably superior qualities than the other composites

Investigation of the Mechanical Properties for Polymer Reinforced by Nanoparticles with Considering Viscoelasticity of the Matrix

Investigation of the Mechanical Properties for Polymer Reinforced by Nanoparticles with Considering Viscoelasticity of the Matrix