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A special issue of Journal of Composites Science (ISSN 2504-477X). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanocomposites".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2024) | Viewed by 20429

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Prof. Dr. Chi-Hui Tsou

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College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Zigong 643000, China
Interests: carbon-based polymer composites; biodegradable materials; biomass materials; recycling of resources; functional polymer nanocomposites; membrane; plasma surface modification; natural additives; biological resource regeneration and application; 3D printing materials
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Dear Colleagues,

Polymer Nanocomposites, which consist of polymer matrices reinforced with nanoparticles, have garnered significant attention due to their unique properties and potential applications in various industries. The collection encompasses a wide range of studies that delve into fundamental aspects, synthesis techniques, characterization methods, and applications of polymer nanocomposites. The research articles investigate the effects of different nanoparticle types, sizes, and shapes on the mechanical, thermal, electrical, and barrier properties of polymer matrices. Additionally, the collection includes articles that specifically focus on the electrical and barrier properties of polymer nanocomposites. Various techniques such as dielectric spectroscopy, electrical conductivity measurements, and permeability testing are employed to evaluate electrical resistivity, dielectric constant, and the barrier performance of nanocomposites against gases and liquids. These studies shed light on the potential applications of polymer nanocomposites in electronics, sensors, and packaging industries.

In summary, this Special Issue provides a comprehensive compilation of research articles dedicated to studying the properties and characterization of polymer nanocomposites. The collection emphasizes the importance of understanding the structure-property relationships of these materials and showcases advancements in characterization techniques. The findings presented in this Special Issue contribute to the development of customized polymer nanocomposites with enhanced properties and open up diverse avenues for their application in numerous industries.

Prof. Dr. Chi-Hui Tsou
Guest Editor

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Keywords

polymer nanocomposites
characterization
nanoparticles
properties
polymer matrices
interactions
testing techniques
synthesis
applications

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 2927 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Photo-Crosslinking Conditions on Thermal Conductivity of Photo-Curable Ladder-like Polysilsesquioxane–Al₂O₃ Nanocomposites

by Chiara Romeo, Giulia Fredi, Emanuela Callone, Francesco Parrino and Sandra Dirè

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(8), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8080295 - 1 Aug 2024

Viewed by 834

Abstract

The miniaturization and high-power density of modern electronic devices pose significant thermal management issues, particularly affecting their performance and lifetime. Ladder-like polysilsesquioxanes (LPSQs) offer a promising solution due to their remarkable thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties. By incorporating thermally conductive fillers, LPSQ composites can achieve high thermal conductivity (TC), making them ideal for thermal management in advanced electronic applications. In this study, LPSQ-based nanocomposites containing functionalized alumina nanoparticles were prepared by solution casting and UV curing, and the effects of varying amounts of Irgacure-184 photoinitiator on their structural and thermal properties were investigated. Three sets of samples were prepared with a fixed amount of LPSQs, 80 wt.% of nanoparticles, and 1, 5, or 10 wt.% of photoinitiator with respect to the matrix. TC was evaluated from the measured values of heat capacity, density, and thermal diffusivity. TC values increased by 60%, 71.2%, and 93.1% for the three samples, respectively, compared to the neat matrix. Results indicate that an intermediate amount of photoinitiator (5%) preserved LPSQs’ structural integrity, namely the presence of long linear silsesquioxane chains, and provided good filler dispersion and distribution, high polymerization degree, thermal stability, and high TC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites)

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11 pages, 8638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal, Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Ag Nanoparticle–Polymethyl Methacrylate Composites Under Different Service Temperatures

by Xin-Gang Chen and Yang-Fei Zhang

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(7), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8070279 - 17 Jul 2024

Viewed by 692

Abstract

Ag-nanoparticle-reinforced polymethyl methacrylate (AgNP/PMMA) composites are widely used in healthcare, electronics, construction, transportation and many other fields. As the service temperature fluctuates easily, it is necessary to study the temperature effect on the properties of AgNP/PMMA composites. In this work, a preparation method of mixing and hot-pressing was used to fabricate multifunctional AgNP/PMMA composites that are suitable for large-scale industrial production. AgNPs are found to disperse homogeneously in the PMMA matrix. The thermal conductivity of the composite with 15 vol% AgNPs is 116.19% higher than that of PMMA and decreases as the temperature rises. Flexural strength increases first and then decreases with the rising of AgNP content and service temperature, while the flexural modulus decreases gradually. The minimum electrical resistivity of the composite achieves 1.37 × 10⁻³ Ω·m, with a low percolation threshold of 5 vol%, an improvement of nine orders of magnitude over PMMA. The results demonstrate that the service temperature has a significant effect on the comprehensive properties of AgNP/PMMA composites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites)

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12 pages, 2192 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Nanofillers and Synergistic Action of Carbon Black/Nanoclay Hybrid Fillers in Chlorobutyl Rubber

by Tomy Muringayil Joseph, Hanna J. Maria, Martin George Thomas, Józef T. Haponiuk and Sabu Thomas

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(6), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8060209 - 3 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1118

Abstract

Nanocomposites based on chlorobutyl rubber (CIIR) have been made using a variety of nanofillers such as carbon black (CB), nanoclay (NC), graphene oxide (GO), and carbon black/nanoclay hybrid filler systems. The hybrid combinations of CB/nanoclay are being employed in the research to examine the additive impacts on the final characteristics of nanocomposites. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), together with resistivity values and mechanical property measurements, have been used to characterise the structural composition of CIIR-based nanocomposites. AFM results indicate that the addition of nanoclay into CIIR increased the surface roughness of the material, which made the material more adhesive. The study found a significant decrease in resistivity in CIIR–nanoclay-based composites and hybrid compositions with nanoclay and CB. The higher resistivity in CB composites, compared to CB/nanoclay, suggests that nanoclay enhances the conductive network of carbon black. However, GO-incorporated composites failed to create conductive networks, which this may have been due to the agglomeration. The study also found that the modulus values at 100%, 200%, and 300% elongation are the highest for clay and CB/clay systems. The findings show that nanocomposites, particularly clay and clay/CB hybrid nanocomposites, may produce polymer nanocomposites with high electrical conductivity. Mechanical properties correlated well with the reinforcement provided by nanoclay. Hybrid nanocomposites with clay/CB had increased mechanical properties because of their enhanced compatibility and higher filler–rubber interaction. Nano-dispersed clay helps prevent fracture growth and enhances mechanical properties even more so than CB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites)

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15 pages, 2165 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride-co-Hexafluoropropylene) Nanocomposite Membrane on Reduction in Microbial Load and Heavy Metals in Surface Water Samples

by Lutendo Evelyn Macevele, Kgabo Lydia Maureen Moganedi and Takalani Magadzu

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8040119 - 23 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1368

Abstract

In this work, nanocomposite membranes were prepared using silver nanoparticles (Ag) attached to poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (P)-functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) blended with poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropene) (PVDF-HFP) polymeric membranes (i.e., AgP-CNT/PVDF-HFP) via the phase inversion method. The nanocomposites were characterised and analysed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. The TEM and EDX analyses confirmed the presence of Ag nanoparticles on the nanocomposites, while the SEM and BET data showed the spongy morphology of the nanocomposite membranes with improved surface areas. The sample analysis of surface water collected from the Sekhukhune district, Limpopo Province, South Africa indicated that the water could not be used for human consumption without being treated. The nanocomposite membranes significantly reduced the physicochemical parameters of the sampled water, such as turbidity, TSS, TDS and carbonate hardness, to 4 NTU, 7 mg/L, 7.69 mg/L and 5.9 mg/L, respectively. Significant improvements in microbial load (0 CFU/mL) and BOD (3.0 mg/L) reduction were noted after membrane treatment. Furthermore, toxic heavy metals such as chromium, cadmium and nickel were remarkably reduced to 0.0138, 0.0012 and 0.015 mg/L, respectively. The results clearly suggest that the AgP-CNT/PVDF-HFP nanocomposite membrane can be used for surface water treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites)

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17 pages, 5538 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comprehensive Study of Structural, Thermal, and Dielectric Properties of Melt-Processed Polypropylene/Ni_0.9Zn_0.1Fe₂O₄ Nanocomposites

by Taha Abdel Mohaymen Taha, Mohamed Tharwat and Ali Ismael

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8040117 - 22 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1520

Abstract

This article explores the processing of structural, thermal, and dielectric properties of polypropylene (PP) polymer nanocomposites modified with Ni_0.9Zn_0.1Fe₂O₄. The PP/Ni_0.9Zn_0.1Fe₂O₄ nanocomposites are manufactured by the melt-processing method using a Brabender Polyspeed B. The XRD and FTIR structural investigations assure good incorporation of Ni_0.9Zn_0.1Fe₂O₄ into the PP matrix. It should be noted that adding Ni_0.9Zn_0.1Fe₂O₄ NPs to the PP polymer matrix enhances the polymer’s thermal stability. Utilizing the Coats–Redfern model, kinetic thermodynamic parameters such as activation energy (Ea), enthalpy (ΔH), entropy (ΔS), and Gibbs free energy (ΔG*) are deduced from TGA data. The dielectric results showed an increase in ε′ with the introduction of nanoparticles into the PP matrix. As the content of Ni_0.9Zn_0.1Fe₂O₄ NPs in these nanocomposite films increases, the loss tangent values decrease at higher frequencies while increasing at lower frequencies. The estimated ε_s and ε_∞ of PP nanocomposites using Cole–Cole plots reveal an improvement when NPs are added to PP. We believe that the proposed work suggests a relevant step towards the practical application of PP/Ni_0.9Zn_0.1Fe₂O₄ nanocomposites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites)

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13 pages, 2376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient and Rapid Removal of Nickel Ions from Electroplating Wastewater Using Micro-/Nanostructured Biogenic Manganese Oxide Composite

by Jiaoqing Li, Li Li, Yongxuan Liu, Jin Liu and Lin Li

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(2), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8020063 - 7 Feb 2024

Viewed by 2190

Abstract

Manganese oxides reportedly exhibit pronounced adsorption capacities for numerous heavy-metal ions owing to their unique structural properties. Herein, a biogenic manganese oxide (BMO) composite was developed and used to remove Ni ions from Ni²⁺-containing electroplating wastewater. The formation of BMO and the micro-/nanoscale fine microstructure were characterized via scanning/high-resolution transmission electron microscopies and X-ray diffraction assays. Under the optimized conditions, with an adsorption temperature of 50 °C, pH 6, the BMO composite showed a 100% removal efficiency within a rapid equilibrium reaction time of 20 min towards an initial Ni²⁺ concentration of 10 mg L⁻¹ and a remarkable removal capacity of 416.2 mg g⁻¹ towards an initial Ni²⁺ concentration of 600 mg L⁻¹ in Ni-electroplating wastewater. The pseudo-second-order equation was applicable to sorption data at low initial Ni²⁺ concentrations of 10–50 mg L⁻¹ over the time course. Moreover, Freundlich isotherm models fitted the biosorption equilibrium data well. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic analysis validated that the removal capacity of the BMO composite was closely associated with structural groups. In five continuous cycles of adsorption/desorption, the BMO composite exhibited high Ni²⁺ removal and recovery capacities, thereby showing an efficient and continuous performance potential in treating Ni²⁺-containing industrial wastewater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites)

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11 pages, 4752 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nanocomposite Material Based on Polyvinyl Alcohol Modified with Carbon Nanotubes: Mechanism of Formation and Electronic Energy Structure

by Lusine Elbakyan, Irina Zaporotskova and David Hayrapetyan

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(2), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8020054 - 30 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1734

Abstract

The physical chemistry of surface phenomena in polymers is an important issue when studying the interaction of polymers with solid surfaces. This is due to the fact that most of the modern polymer materials are heterogeneous systems with highly developed phase separation surfaces. An example of such materials can be reinforced plastic, filled thermoplastics, reinforced rubber, paint coatings, etc. Polymer adsorption at the boundary of the phase separation process in solids plays an important role in the reinforcing effect of fillers, adhesion, gluing and obtaining composite materials with high strength properties. Compositions based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) modified with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be used as an interesting and informative system for studying the structure and properties of polymer nanocomposites, especially in a highly oriented state. PVA has one of the simplest chemical structure among the polymers, containing a functional (hydroxyl) group capable of participating in interphase interactions. In turn, carbon nanotubes with unique strength properties are currently products of industrial production, which makes it possible to control and modify their properties. To prove the possibility of creating new composite materials with improved strength characteristics, the mechanisms of interaction between PVA and CNTs are studied by modeling the adsorption processes of a polymer fragment on the outer surface of single-layer carbon nanotubes of different chirality, performed within the framework of the modern DFT calculation method. The main adsorption characteristics of the process and the features of the electron energy structure of the resulting composite systems are determined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites)

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14 pages, 3837 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Polystyrene (PS)/Untreated SWCNT Nanocomposite Films

by Pooyan Parnian and Alberto D’Amore

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(2), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8020049 - 29 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1693

Abstract

This paper presents a study of the electrical and mechanical properties of polystyrene (PS)/carbon nanotube (CNT) composites prepared using the doctor blade technique. The nanocomposite films of PS/CNT were prepared by casting a composite solution of PS/CNT in tetrahydrofuran (THF) on a glass substrate using a doctor blade and drying in an oven. The nanocomposite films were then characterized using a tensile test and the four-point probe method to evaluate their mechanical properties and electrical conductivity. The experimental results were used to analyze the unpredicted behavior of the nanocomposite films. The experimental results showed that the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite films became almost insensitive or unmeasurable with increasing CNT content for very dilute PS–THF solutions. In contrast, at higher PS concentrations, film conductivity increased to a given CNT threshold and then decreased. Based on PS–THF viscosity–concentration data, a discussion is elaborated that partially justifies the experimental results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites)

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16 pages, 2903 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of CoFe₂O₄ Magnetic Nanoparticles on the Physical and Mechanical Properties and Shape Memory Effect of Polylactide

by Anna Zimina, Aleksey Nikitin, Vladislav Lvov, Inna Bulygina, Polina Kovaleva, Stepan Vodopyanov, Mikhail Zadorozhnyy, Elizaveta Peshkina, Saida Karshieva, Rajan Choudhary, Maxim Abakumov and Fedor Senatov

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(2), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8020048 - 27 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2283

Abstract

The acceleration in advancements of smart materials and non-contact controlled devices in the field of 4D printing is facilitated by the use of magnetically responsive shape memory polymer (SMP) composites. This study is dedicated to the development of promising shape memory materials based on polylactic acid (PLA) and cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄) nanoparticles. The activation of the shape memory effect (SME) in magnetic nanoparticle composites was achieved by applying a high-frequency alternating magnetic field (HFAMF). The PLA/CoFe₂O₄ composites exhibited a remarkable shape recovery ratio (>84%) and underwent rapid heating when exposed to HFAMF. The interaction of these composites with mouse adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells demonstrated adequate cytocompatibility. The rapid magnetosensitive behavior and high shape recovery characteristics of PLA/CoFe₂O₄ composites make them promising candidates for biomedical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites)

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17 pages, 8700 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Characterization of Composites Based on Butadiene Rubber and Expanded Perlite

by Nada Edres, Irada Buniyat-zadeh, Sinan Mehmet Turp, Mustafa Soylak, Solmaz Aliyeva, Nurlana Binnetova, Naila Guliyeva, Sevinj Mammadyarova and Rasim Alosmanov

J. Compos. Sci. 2023, 7(12), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs7120487 - 24 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2202

Abstract

The article presents a method for obtaining new composites using the well-known mineral expanded perlite (EP), and the industrial polymer butadiene rubber (BR). For the design of composites, a joint oxidative chlorophosphorylation reaction of BR and EP (as well as BR and modified EP) was carried out, and the modifications resulting from these reactions were further hydrolyzed. The structure and morphology of the obtained samples were characterized in detail using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, as well as scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. EP and BR were separately modified with a similar reaction and characterized for data interpretation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites)

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Review

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16 pages, 849 KiB

Open AccessReview

Fracture Mechanisms and Toughness in Polymer Nanocomposites: A Brief Review

by Theodor Stern and Gad Marom

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(10), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8100395 - 1 Oct 2024

Viewed by 972

Abstract

This article underlines the observation that, unlike the underperformance of nanocomposites in as far as their static mechanical properties of modulus and strength are concerned, fracture toughness exhibits exceptional behavior. This is attributed to the fact that fracture toughness expresses a measure of the energy absorbed in crack propagation, namely, the energy involved in creating new surface area, which, in turn, is controlled by a specific type of energy-dissipating interaction of the crack front with nanoparticles. This concise review focuses on two micromechanisms that are considered representative of energy dissipation due to their frequent presence in nanocomposites of both nanoparticles and nanofibers. Examples taken from recent relevant articles are presented to showcase fracture toughness improvements by nanoparticles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites)

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35 pages, 4795 KiB

Open AccessReview

Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Nano-Carbon-Reinforced Polymeric Nanocomposites: A Review

by Zeeshan Latif, Mumtaz Ali, Eui-Jong Lee, Zakariya Zubair and Kang Hoon Lee

J. Compos. Sci. 2023, 7(10), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs7100441 - 17 Oct 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3124

Abstract

Carbon nanomaterials are an emerging class of nano-reinforcements to substitute for metal-based nanomaterials in polymer matrices. These metal-free nano-reinforcement materials exhibit a high surface area, thermal stability, and a sustainable nature. Compared to conventional reinforcements, nano-carbon-reinforced polymer composites provide enhanced mechanical and thermal properties. While previous reviews summarized the functionality of nanocomposites, here, we focus on the thermomechanical properties of nano-carbon-reinforced nanocomposites. The role of carbon nanomaterials, including graphene, MXenes, carbon nanotubes, carbon black, carbon quantum dots, fullerene, and metal–organic frameworks, in polymer matrices for the enhancement of thermal and mechanical properties are discussed. Different from metal-based nanomaterials, carbon nanomaterials offer high specific strength, abundance, and sustainability, which are of considerable importance for commercial-scale applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites)

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