Simple Solution Mixing Research Articles

Graphene Oxide/Activated Clay/Gelatin Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Properties

In this work, graphene oxide/activated clay/Gelatin (GO/AC/G) composite blends were prepared by a simple solution mixing method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were investigated to study the novelty in the structural characterization of the samples. The thermal stability was pursued by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).The obtained results showed a homogeneous mixture was able to be formed between AC, GO, and G. XRD indicated a successful intercalated structure was created in the composites. The disappearance of montmorillonite and GO peaks at 2 = 8.1° and at 2 =13.5° respectively was observed, indicating the homogenous distribution of GO sheets onto activated clay structure. The interlayer spacing increased from 19.4 to 23.5 A due to the insertion of gelatin molecules into the sheets of clay.The IR spectrum of (GO/AC/G) composite revealed the presence of C-O-C bonds, C=C bending, C-OH vibration, and C=O bending. These results suggested that GO had been composited with AC structure. Further, an intense band of N-H at 3419 cm-1 of gelatin was ameliorated through combination with absorption bonds of O-H, indicating the interaction of gelatin with the clay.A comparison of the thermograms of GO/AC and GO/AC/G showed that the thermal stability had been improved.

Self-assembled 3D-microstructured dual carbon black filled polymer nanocomposite-coated fabric for tunable electromagnetic interference shielding

Dual carbon black (CB) was used to create self-assembled three-dimensional (3D)-microstructured polymer nanocomposite by a simple solution mixing process. A mechanical stirrer was employed for uniform dispersion and minimizing CB aggregates sizes in the viscous blended medium of hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and natural rubber latex (NRL). A stable 3D-microstructural architecture was obtained when an extremely high volume fraction (0.54) of dual CB was used. 3D-microstructured polymer nanocomposite was then applied on the cotton fabric and characterized for the final performance of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness. The morphological and microstructural analysis revealed that dual CB at a particular ratio of 10:90 (smaller:larger) could provide excellent electrical conductivity (>1.5 S/cm) as well as EMI shielding when assessed against a frequency range of 8.2–12.4 GHz. A durable ultra-thin layer (100 µm) of nanocomposite was sufficient to achieve tunable >31 dB shielding effectiveness.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Reinforced Waste Buffing Dust Based Composite Insole and Its Antimicrobial Activity

The objective of this research is to use zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) combined with buffing dust to develop footwear insole with antibacterial properties. In addition, performance analysis (mechanical, chemical, and thermal) of fabricated insole is also the integral consideration of this study. With such aim, antimicrobial composite insoles were fabricated via simple solution mixing of ZnONPs and natural rubber latex (NRL) binder along with buffing dusts with optimum ratio. Then, removal of water was considered by mechanical pressing followed by natural drying in sunlight. The chemical bonding and material interactions of composites were investigated using FT-IR and XRD, respectively. TGA analysis confirmed the thermal stability of composites, while SEM and OTR are elucidating the surface morphology and gas barrier properties, respectively. Tensile strength, elongation, flexibility, hardness, and water absorption of prepared composite with optimum NRL content were increased by 39, 31, 30, 38, and 28%, respectively. Finally, 78% antimicrobial performance was achieved against the suspension of ( 1.5 × 10 6 CFU / mL ) bacterial strain Staphylococcus aureus.

Monodisperse Carbon Nitride Nanosheets as Multifunctional Additives for Efficient and Durable Perovskite Solar Cells.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials are promising components for defect passivation of metal halide perovskites. Unfortunately, commonly used polydisperse liquid-exfoliated 2D materials generally suffer from heterogeneous structures and properties while incorporated into perovskite films. We introduce monodisperse multifunctional 2D crystalline carbon nitride, poly(triazine imide) (PTI), as an effective defect passivation agent in perovskite films via typical solution processing. Incorporation of PTI into perovskite film can be readily attained by simple solution mixing of PTI dispersions with perovskite precursor solutions, resulting in the highly selective distribution of PTI localized at the defective crystal grain boundaries and layer interfaces in the functional perovskite layer. Several chemical, optical, and electronic characterizations, in conjunction with density functional theory calculations, reveal multiple beneficial roles from PTI: passivation of undercoordinated organic cations at the surface of perovskite crystal, suppression of ion migration by blocking diffusion channels, and prevention of hole quenching at perovskite/SnO2 interfaces. Consequently, a noticeably improved power conversion efficiency is achieved in perovskite solar cells, accompanied with promoted stability under humid air and thermal stress. Our strategy highlights the potential of judiciously designed 2D materials as a simple-to-implement material for various optoelectronic devices, including solar cells, based on hybrid perovskites.

Preparation, Marriage Chemistry and Applications of Graphene Quantum Dots-Nanocellulose Composite: A Brief Review.

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are zero-dimensional carbon-based materials, while nanocellulose is a nanomaterial that can be derived from naturally occurring cellulose polymers or renewable biomass resources. The unique geometrical, biocompatible and biodegradable properties of both these remarkable nanomaterials have caught the attention of the scientific community in terms of fundamental research aimed at advancing technology. This study reviews the preparation, marriage chemistry and applications of GQDs–nanocellulose composites. The preparation of these composites can be achieved via rapid and simple solution mixing containing known concentration of nanomaterial with a pre-defined composition ratio in a neutral pH medium. They can also be incorporated into other matrices or drop-casted onto substrates, depending on the intended application. Additionally, combining GQDs and nanocellulose has proven to impart new hybrid nanomaterials with excellent performance as well as surface functionality and, therefore, a plethora of applications. Potential applications for GQDs–nanocellulose composites include sensing or, for analytical purposes, injectable 3D printing materials, supercapacitors and light-emitting diodes. This review unlocks windows of research opportunities for GQDs–nanocellulose composites and pave the way for the synthesis and application of more innovative hybrid nanomaterials.

Functionalization of PMMA/TiO2 nanocomposites: Synthesis, characterization and their antioxidant and antibacterial evaluation

AbstractThe present work reports the functionalization of PMMA and its nanocomposites were synthesized via simple solution mixing method. Functionalization of PMMA with different amino containing groups, that is, ethylene diamine (ED) and 4‐amino benzoic acid (PA) and used with low dosage (1 wt% and 3 wt%) of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) to form nanocomposites. The morphology was determined by SEM, average particle size (50 nm) of TiO2 NPs was measured by TEM. The pore radius (14.47 A°) and specific surface area (157.89 m2/g) of TiO2 NPs were measured by BET analysis. FT‐IR and NMR analysis confirms the functionalization of PMMA. The antioxidant activity of functionalized PMMA and its nanocomposites have been analyzed by using 2,2 diphenyl‐1‐picryhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) of functionalized polymer nanocomposites were investigated. The result revealed that functionalized PMMA (PMPA) shows maximum antioxidant activity. The increase in concentration of TiO2 NPs efficiently augments the bacterial inhibition against Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria. The maximum zone of inhibition (ZOI) was recorded against E. coli ATCC 25922 (30 mm) and S. aureus ATCC 29213 (31 mm) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) over E. coli (64 μg/ml) and S. aureus (32 μg/ml) by PMPA2. The synthesized functionalized PMMA nanocomposites can be considered as promising material for biological applications.

The Development of Polydimethysiloxane/ZnO–GO Antifouling Coatings

The development of antifouling coating for sensor is desirable because the biofilm can shorten sensor’s life and cause inaccurate reading. In this study, a facile one-pot reaction was used to synthesized ZnO–graphene oxide (GO) (ZnO–GO) nanocomposites. Different amount of ZnO–GO was incorporated in the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix respectively though a simple solution mixing method, in order to create PDMS/ZnO–GO nanocomposite (PZGO). The coating was obtained directly by spin coating of PZGO/tetrahydrofuran suspension. The hydrophobicity, surface roughness (Ra), surface free-energy (SFE) and nanoscale structure were investigated as antifouling factors. Antifouling tests were performed using two marine microorganisms, the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. Strain PCC 7002 and the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. PZGO0.2 (mass ratio of ZnO–GO to PDMS: 0.2 wt%) displayed excellent antifouling property with 8.5% of Synechococcus sp. Strain PCC 7002 biofilm coverage, while PZGO0.1 (mass ratio of ZnO–GO to PDMS: 0.1 wt%) showed 2.4% P. tricornutum biofilm coverage. The antifouling property of the synthesized PZGO nanocomposite can be attributed to its high Ra and hydrophobicity which was caused by the good dispersion of ZnO–GO in PDMS matrix. This study suggests a potential of PZGO nanocomposite for sensor’s antifouling coating, which could contribute to improve sensor’s durability relating to biofouling in future.Graphic

Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of Thermal, Adsorption and Antioxidant Studies of Amino Functionalized Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Titanium dioxide Nanocomposites

The present work reports Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) functionalized with different amino compounds i.e. 2-amino pyridine and 2-nitro aniline. The functionalized polymer (FP1 and FP2) of PMMA doped with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (1 wt% and 3 wt%) with a simple solution mixing method to develop polymer nanocomposite. The functionalized PMMA were characterized by FT-IR and NMR. The surface morphology and crystalline nature of polymer nanocomposite was determined by SEM and XRD. The thermal behavior of polymer nanocomposite were analyzed by thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The thermal stability of polymer nanocomposites was improved by incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles. In case of sample (PS2) polymer nanocomposite shows degradation temperature (Td) increases 13 °C and the glass transition temperature (Tg) increases 12 °C. TiO2 nanoparticles were embedded into the polymer array which makes the surface of polymer nanocomposite porous, which improves Congo red (CR) dye adsorption. The CR dye adsorption from PMMA to FP1 and PC2 samples were inversely proportional to the pH scale 4–10. The CR dye adsorption increases 50% to 54% from PMMA to PC2 by an effect of contact time. By increasing the concentration of CR dye, the adsorption decreases and the maximum value of adsorption was found 86.57% at 10 ppm for PC2 sample. FP1 sample showed good antioxidant activity i.e. 67.13%. These results showed that the synthesized polymer nanocomposites were low-cost material for water treatment, industrial effluents and preservatives for food beverages.

Preparation of nano-sized calcium carbonate in solution mixing process

Discreet nano-sized precipitated calcium carbonate was prepared by a simple solution mixing process, in which sodium carbonate solution was injected into calcium chloride solution containing calcium hydroxide. The morphology, size, and structure of the as-prepared precipitated calcium carbonate and intermediate products were examined. The results indicated that the non-impurity additive of calcium hydroxide, temperature below 30 °C, and controlled injecting rate were essential to obtain nano-sized precipitated calcium carbonate in the solution mixing process. It was observed that the intermediate nanofibrils fragged into nanograins in the process. This method can provide a simpler method to study the formation mechanism of nano calcium carbonate.

SUSTAINABLE CELLULOSE NANOCRYSTAL REINFORCED CHITOSAN/HPMC BIO-NANOCOMPOSITE FILMS CONTAINING MENTHOL OIL AS PACKAGING MATERIALS

There is a growing demand to develop biodegradable composite films, with enhanced water resistance, antimicrobial activity, high mechanical properties and low oxygen permeability. In the present study, chitosan/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films reinforced with cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) and containing menthol oil were prepared for food packaging applications. Menthol oil was selected due to its antibacterial properties, as well as relatively low cost and wide availability. CNC was prepared from bagasse via acid degradation. The bio-composites were prepared through a simple and versatile solution mixing and casting method. The morphology, chemical composition, water absorption, mechanical properties and antibacterial activity of the films were investigated. FTIR spectra were used to evaluate the film structure in terms of the interactions between components. Data showed that the addition of CNC improved the mechanical properties of the formed films and the menthol oil enhanced their antibacterial properties. HPMC and HPMC/CNC reduced the water absorption of the pure chitosan membrane from 70% to 22% and 9-11% by weight, respectively, which makes these constituents a good alternative for producing packaging.

Well‐dispersed poly(ether‐ether‐ketone)/multi‐walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites prepared via a simple solution mixing approach

AbstractIncorporation of reinforcing nanoparticles, like multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), in a polymer matrix is an effective way to enhance mechanical properties and expand structural applications of engineering polymers such as poly(ether‐ether‐ketone) (PEEK). Good dispersion of MWCNTs is critical for achieving optimal properties. In this work, a simple solution mixing approach was utilized to prepare PEEK nanocomposites reinforced with MWCNTs. By direct mixing of PEEK/dichloroacetic acid solution and MWCNT/N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone solution, PEEK nanocomposites with individually dispersed MWCNTs were prepared. A PEEK wrapping of MWCNT mechanism is proposed to explain why this simple solution mixing approach resulted in such a good dispersion. Thermal stability of PEEK is not affected but crystallization is impeded due to the confinement effect of well‐dispersed MWCNTs. Young's modulus is increased by ca 20% while coefficient of thermal expansion above the glass transition temperature is decreased by ca 30% with only 1.5 wt% MWCNT loading in PEEK, which is critical for a variety of high‐temperature applications. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.

Preparation of Well-Exfoliated Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate)/α-Zirconium Phosphate Nanocomposites.

Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (PEVAc) nanocomposites containing exfoliated α-zirconium phosphate (ZrP) have been prepared using a simple solution mixing method to improve their barrier and mechanical properties. ZrP was pre-exfoliated with a surfactant, followed by additional targeted surface functionalization and surfactant exchange to allow for hydrogen bonding of ZrP with the acetate functionality on PEVAc and to improve ZrP surface hydrophobicity. The solvent is found to play an important role in stabilizing ZrP exfoliation in the presence of PEVAc to retain full exfoliation and homogeneous dispersion upon the removal of the solvent. The PEVAc/ZrP nanocomposite exhibits greatly improved oxygen barrier, melt strength, and mechanical properties. The usefulness of the present study for the preparation of olefinic polymer nanocomposites is discussed.

Poly(methyl methacrylate)/SiO2 nanocomposites: Effects of the molecular interaction strength on thermal properties

Poly(methyl methacrylate)/silica nanocomposites membranes were prepared by simple solution mixing method using three different solvents (acetone, acetonitrile and chloroform). The structure and thermal properties of these nanocomposites were investigated by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). The infrared spectra confirm that the strongest H-bond interaction between the PMMA and silica was found when using chloroform solvent. In the case of thermal properties, the DSC and TGA analyses show significant improvement in thermal stability and glass transition temperature (Tg). Furthermore, the ESEM micrographs prove the structure stability of these synthesized nanocomposites. The results demonstrate that the solvent that lead to form the strongest H-bond interaction between the PMMA carbonyl groups and silica silanol groups (as chloroform solvent) will be more efficient in the synthesis of PMMA/SiO2 nanocomposites.

Facile fabrication of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)-coated selenium nanowire/carbon nanotube composite films for flexible thermoelectric applications.

In this study, we synthesized a flexible thermoelectric composite film consisting of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiopene)-poly(4-styrenesulfonate)-coated selenium nanowires (PEDOT:PSS-coated Se NWs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via simple solution mixing. PEDOT:PSS-coated Se NWs were synthesized by coating PEDOT:PSS-on the surface of Se during the process of synthesizing Se NWs. Then, flexible PEDOT:PSS-coated Se/MWCNT composite films were synthesized by filtration. To verify the thermoelectric (TE) potential, the TE properties of the composite film with various MWCNT contents were investigated to determine the optimal conditions for improved TE performance. The maximum power factor of the composite film was ∼73.94 μW (m K2)-1, which is much higher than that of Se and PEDOT:PSS. This study suggests an approach to fabricate flexible inorganic/organic hybrid films with high TE performance.

Optical and electrical properties of biocompatible and novel (CS–GO) polymer nanocomposites

The objective of this paper is to give information about the optical and electrical characteristics measured of the CS–GO PNCs (chitosan-graphene oxide polymer nanocomposites), which is novel, biodegradable and biocompatible in nature. These nanocomposites have been synthesized by simple solution mixing technique trailed by ultrasonication treatment. The variation of GO nano-filler has shown a direct impact on the optical and electrical properties of the nanocomposite. According to the observations, optical absorption edge has a slightly shift towards the longer wavelength; while the optical band gap of the nanocomposite is constantly reduced on increasing the wt% of GO. In optical properties, the dielectric constant, dissipation factor and electrical conductivity have been found to increase with increasing wt% of GO in the PNC. Further, a shift in the relaxation frequency, at which dipole get relaxed indicating the interaction between the graphene and chitosan, has also been observed for different GO wt%. The conductivity of nanocomposites were increased to almost 10 times on increasing 2 wt% of GO. Taking into account the outcomes accomplished, the use of CS–GO PNC is reasonable for forthcoming advancement of optical sensors, and might be demonstrated as an expected possibility for the electrical or optoelectronic devices working at high frequencies.

Enhanced thermoelectric properties of flexible N-type Ag2Se nanowire/polyvinylidene fluoride composite films synthesized via solution mixing

This paper presents inorganic/organic composites, namely, Ag2Se nanowire (NW)/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films, possessing outstanding thermoelectric power factor and flexibility. The composite film was fabricated through simple solution mixing and drop-casting with various contents of Ag2Se NW (50, 60, 70 and 80wt.%). The Ag2Se NWs were synthesized with solution mixing with as-synthesized Se NWs. The Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and power factor of the films were valuated; the sample containing 70wt.% Ag2Se NWs showed exceptional durability and enhanced thermoelectric power factor. A maximum power factor of ∼180.6μW/mK2 was reached at 400K. Thus, the proposed Ag2Se NW/PVDF films could be used to realize flexible inorganic/organic thermoelectric devices with good conversion efficiency. In summary, we presented an efficient strategy for designing and synthesizing high-performance inorganic/organic TE composite films by combining the high power factor of an inorganic filler with the high flexibility of a polymer.

Poly(propylene carbonate)/clay nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical property, thermal stability and oxygen barrier property

To develop eco-polymeric materials is of significant importance to protect the global environment and promote the sustainable development of human society. Poly (propylene carbonate) (PPC) as a new biodegradable polymer has attracted much interest, but some properties of PPC have to be improved before the practical utilization.In this work, the re-dispersible unmodified laponite and montmorillonite (MMT) were used as the nanometer reinforcing phase to enhance the mechanical property, thermal stability and oxygen barrier property of PPC. Via a simple solution mixing method, the PPC/laponite and PPC/MMT nanocomposites were fabricated. The unmodified laponite and MMT were well dispersed in the PPC matrix, which was confirmed by TEM results. As a result, the obtained PPC/clay nanocomposites exhibited high transparency (>80%) and enhanced storage modulus (100–150% higher than PPC), when the clay content was in a range of 1–10 wt%. In addition, the incorporation of lower than 3 wt% of laponite and MMT increased the elongation at break and thermal stability of PPC. The initial decomposition temperature (Td10%) of PPC/clay nanocomposites with 1 wt% clay was approximately 250 °C, which was substantially higher than that of pure PPC (215 °C). The PPC/clay nanocomposites with 7 wt% clay displayed the lowest O2 permeability, which was two orders of magnitude lower than that of pure PPC. Therefore, the resultant PPC/clay nanocomposites with enhanced properties have a potential to boost the practical utilization of PPC.

Metal-organic frameworks derived hierarchical flower-like ZnO/ Co3O4 heterojunctions for ppb-level acetone detection

ABSTRACT The demand of acetone gas sensors with great response value and fast response/recovery time to low concentration acetone is increasing in practical diagnosis for diabetes. In this work, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) derived flower-like ZnO/Co3O4 heterojunctions based sensor is prepared by a simple solution mixing method at room temperature. The sensor shows high acetone response value, short response/recovery time, excellent selectivity and good stability. For example, the response value of ZnO/Co3O4 heterojunctions based sensor is up to 120 % towards 500 ppb acetone at 300 ℃, which is about 30-fold enhancement than these of intrinsic ZnO and Co3O4. Moreover, its minimal detection limitation is 100 ppb acetone and it shows ultra-fast response/recovery time for ppb-level acetone (22 s/27 s@500 ppb). The excellent acetone sensing properties of flower-like ZnO/Co3O4 heterojunctions based sensor is attributed to the sharp resistance variation of heterojunction interface between ZnO and Co3O4 and the ultra-fast gas transport channel provided by ZnO nanosheets. This finding provides important insights and useful guidance for the detection of ppb-level acetone.

Nanocomposite cross-linked conjugated polyelectrolyte/MWCNT/poly(pyrrole) for enhanced Mg2+ ion sensing and environmental remediation in real samples

Conjugated polyelectrolyte/MWCNT/poly(pyrrole) (CPE-K/MWCNT/PPY) composites have been prepared by a simple solution mixing technique. Synthesis of PPY/CPE/MWCNT composites was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. These nanocomposites of CPE-K/MWCNT/PPY were deposited onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) in order to fabricate a reliable Mg2+ cationic sensor. A plot called the calibration curve is produced from the current as a function of concentration of Mg2+ ion. This plot was found to be linear in the range 0.1 nM to 0.01 mM, which is defined as the linear dynamic range. According to the surface area of the GCE (0.0316 cm2) and the slope of the calibration curve, a high sensitivity (19.4968 µA µM–1 cm–2) of the Mg2+ ion sensor was calculated. A significant lower limit of detection (97.71 ± 4.89 pM) was obtained in association with a signal to noise ratio of 3. Sensor parameters such as reproducibility, long-time stability, and short response time were measured and found to be quite satisfactory. This new approach to Mg2+ detection with high sensitivity is suggested for application as a novel multifunctional sensing system. Besides, it was found to be very effective to analyze real environmental samples.

Carbon nanotube-incorporated cellulose nanocomposite sheet for flexible technology

A flexible, electrically conductive and low-cost composite sheet has been prepared combining multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and cellulose pulp using simple solution mixing method. The uniform attachment of MWCNTs on to the cellulose fibres of the composites lead to a gradual decline of the sheet resistance with an enhanced electrical conductivity. The crystallinity of the composites is also found to be increased. The composites remain thermally stable up to 550 K as well as demonstrate improved flame retardancy. The conducting CNT networks of the composites are not disrupted even after 600 bending cycles, indicating almost no loss of conductivity. This conducting and flexible composite sheet can be used in different energy storage devices.