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A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 April 2024) | Viewed by 17817

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Prof. Dr. Keon-Soo Jang

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Department of Polymer Engineering, School of Chemical and Materials Engineering, The University of Suwon, 17 Wauan-gil, Bongdam-eup, Hwaseong 18323, Republic of Korea
Interests: functional epoxy resins for electronics packaging; extrusion; polymer composites
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Dear Colleagues,

Polymeric composites are widely used in a myriad of applications, ranging from the biomedical to the aerospace field. Polymer matrices can be blended with various inorganic and organic materials to enhance various properties, such as mechanical, thermal, electrical, rheological, optical, physical, and chemical properties. Inorganic fillers can be utilized to provide a thermal and electrical path. Many components can be blended to achieve synergy.

In this Special Issue, authors are encouraged to submit their work in this topic, dealing with new composites with improved properties caused by the synergy of their components, which can help to overcome the limit of existing materials. New composites can be useful for not only the academic but also the industrial field.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

Polymer–polymer blends;
Polymer–fiber composites including glass fiber, carbon fiber, inorganic fiber, and organic fiber;
Polymer–inorganic component composites including clays, talc, mica, silica, CaCO₃, nanoparticles, polyoxometalates, and catalysts;
Polymer–organic molecule composites including dyes, pigment, drugs, and liquid crystal;
Polymer–conductive particles composites providing a thermal and conductive path;
Polymer–hybrid molecule composites;
Biocompatible polymeric composites;
Biodegradable polymeric composites.

Prof. Dr. Keon-Soo Jang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

composites
hybrids
polymer
inorganic and organic component
mechanical properties
thermal properties
conductive properties
rheological properties
fillers
fibers
functional

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Related Special Issue

Functional Hybrid Polymeric Composites, 2nd Edition in Polymers (3 articles)

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 4117 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Air Permeability and the Porosity of Polymer Materials Based on 3D-Printed Hybrid Non-Woven Needle-Punched Fabrics

by Victor Nazarov, Alexander Dedov, Fedor Doronin, Mikhail Savel’ev, Andrey Evdokimov and Georgy Rytikov

Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1424; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101424 - 17 May 2024

Viewed by 1045

Abstract

The possibility of controlling the porosity and, as a result, the permeability of fibrous non-woven fabrics was studied. Modification of experimental samples was performed on equipment with adjustable heating and compression. It was found that the modification regimes affected the formation of the porous structure. We found that there was a relationship between the permeability coefficient and the porosity coefficient of the materials when the modification speed and temperature were varied. A model is proposed for predicting the permeability for modified material with a given porosity. As the result, a new hybrid composite material with reversible dynamic color characteristics that changed under the influence of ultraviolet and/or thermal exposure was produced. The developed technology consists of: manufacture of the non-woven needle-punched fabrics, surface structuring, material extrusion, additive manufacturing (FFF technology) and the stencil technique of ink-layer adding. In our investigation, we (a) obtained fibrous polymer materials with a porosity gradient in thickness, (b) determined the dependence of the material’s porosity coefficient on the speed and temperature of the modification and (c) developed a model for calculating the porosity coefficient of the materials with specified technological parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Hybrid Polymeric Composites)

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13 pages, 4925 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reinforcement of Cement Nanocomposites through Optimization of Mixing Ratio between Carbon Nanotube and Polymer Dispersing Agent

by Seok Hwan An, Ki Yun Kim and Jea Uk Lee

Polymers 2024, 16(3), 428; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16030428 - 3 Feb 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1385

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), known for their exceptional mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, are being explored as cement nanofillers in the construction field. However, due to the limited water dispersion of CNTs, polymer dispersing agents like polycarboxylate ether (PCE) and sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde (SNF) are essential for uniform dispersion. In a previous study, PCE and SNF, common cement superplasticizers, effectively dispersed CNTs in cement nanocomposites. However, uncertainties remained regarding the extent to which all dispersing agents interacted efficiently with CNTs. Therefore, this research quantitatively assessed CNT interaction with dispersing agents through dispersion and centrifugation. Approximately 37% of PCE and 50% of SNF persisted compared to CNT after centrifugation. The resulting cement nanocomposites, with optimized mixing ratios, exhibited enhanced compressive strength of about 14% for CNT/PCE (78.13 MPa) and 12.3% for CNT/SNF (76.97 MPa) compared to plain cement (68.52 MPa). XRD results linked strength reinforcement to increased cement hydrate from optimized CNT dispersion. FE-SEM analysis revealed that CNTs were positioned within the pores of the cement. These optimized cement nanocomposites hold promise for improved safety in the construction industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Hybrid Polymeric Composites)

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22 pages, 11053 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Epoxy-Based Copper (Cu) Sintering Pastes for Enhanced Bonding Strength and Preventing Cu Oxidation after Sintering

by Seong-ju Han, Seungyeon Lee and Keon-Soo Jang

Polymers 2024, 16(3), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16030398 - 31 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1814

Abstract

The investigation of interconnection technologies is crucial for advancing semiconductor packaging technology. This study delved into the various methods of achieving electrical interconnections, focusing on the sintering process and composition of the epoxy. Although silver (Ag) has traditionally been utilized in the sintering process, its high cost often precludes widespread commercial applications. Copper (Cu) is a promising alternative that offers advantages, such as cost-effectiveness and high thermal and electrical conductivities. However, the mechanical robustness of the oxide layers formed on Cu surfaces results in several challenges. This research addresses these challenges by integrating epoxy, which has advantages such as adhesive capabilities, chemical resistance, and robust mechanical properties. The chemical reactivity of the epoxy was harnessed to both fortify adhesion and inhibit oxide layer formation. However, the optimal sintering performance required considering both the composite composition (20 wt% epoxy) and the specific sintering conditions (pre-heating at 200 °C and sintering at 250 °C). The experimental findings reveal a balance in the incorporation of epoxy (20 wt%) for the desired electrical and mechanical properties. In particular, the bisphenol A epoxy (Da)-containing sintered Cu chip exhibited the highest lab shear strength (35.9 MPa), whereas the sintered Cu chip without epoxy represented the lowest lab shear strength of 2.7 MPa. Additionally, the introduction of epoxy effectively curtailed the onset of oxidation in the sintered Cu chips, further enhancing their durability. For instance, 30 days after sintering, the percentage of oxygen atoms in the Da-containing sintered Cu chip (4.5%) was significantly lower than that in the sintered Cu chip without epoxy (37.6%), emphasizing the role of epoxy in improving Cu oxidation resistance. Similarly, the samples sintered with bisphenol-based epoxy binders exhibited the highest electrical and thermal conductivities after 1 month. This study provides insights into interactions between epoxy, carboxylic acid, solvents, and Cu during sintering and offers a foundation for refining the sintering conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Hybrid Polymeric Composites)

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18 pages, 4814 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protein-Aided Synthesis of Copper-Integrated Polyaniline Nanocomposite Encapsulated with Reduced Graphene Oxide for Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Dimetridazole in Real Samples

by Kartik Behera, Bhuvanenthiran Mutharani, Yen-Hsiang Chang, Monika Kumari and Fang-Chyou Chiu

Polymers 2024, 16(1), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16010162 - 4 Jan 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1577

Abstract

Dimetridazole (DMZ) is a derivative of nitroimidazole and is a veterinary drug used as an antibiotic to treat bacterial or protozoal infections in poultry. The residues of DMZ cause harmful side effects in human beings. Thus, we have constructed a superior electrocatalyst for DMZ detection. A copper (Cu)-integrated poly(aniline) (PANI) electrocatalyst (PANI-Cu@BSA) was prepared by using a one-step method of biomimetic mineralization and polymerization using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a stabilizer. Then, the synthesized PANI-Cu@BSA was encapsulated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) using an ultrasonication method. The PANI-Cu@BSA/rGO nanocomposite had superior water dispersibility, high electrical conductivity, and nanoscale particles. Moreover, a PANI-Cu@BSA/rGO nanocomposite-modified, screen-printed carbon electrode was used for the sensitive electrochemical detection of DMZ. In phosphate buffer solution, the PANI-Cu@BSA/rGO/SPCE displayed a current intensity greater than PANI-Cu@BSA/SPCE, rGO/SPCE, and bare SPCE. This is because PANI-Cu@BSA combined with rGO increases fast electron transfer between the electrode and analyte, and this synergy results in analyte–electrode junctions with extraordinary conductivity and active surface areas. PANI-Cu@BSA/rGO/SPCE had a low detection limit, a high sensitivity, and a linear range of 1.78 nM, 5.96 μA μM⁻¹ cm⁻², and 0.79 to 2057 μM, respectively. The selective examination of DMZ was achieved with interfering molecules, and the PANI-Cu@BSA/rGO/SPCE showed excellent selectivity, stability, repeatability, and practicability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Hybrid Polymeric Composites)

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20 pages, 5651 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Composite Polymer Granules Based on Poly-ε-Caprolactone and Montmorillonite Prepared by Solution-Casting and Melt Extrusion

by Anna Sukhanova, Anatoly Boyandin, Natalya Ertiletskaya, Taisia Shalygina, Alexander Shabanov, Alexander Vasiliev, Ivan Obvertkin, Valeria Brott, Yulia Prokopchuk and Alexander Samoilo

Polymers 2023, 15(20), 4099; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15204099 - 16 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1481

Abstract

Eco-friendly polymer composites in the form of granules based on biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) with the inclusion of montmorillonite (MMT) from 5 to 50 wt% were prepared by solution-casting and melt extrusion. The physicochemical properties of the composite granules were studied using FTIR spectroscopy, XRDA, DSC, and TGA methods. The paper presents comparative values of crystallinity of composite granules which depend on the method of measuring (XRDA, DSC). It was shown that the crystallinity of PCL/MMT granules was affected by the preparation method and by the MMT content, and that with increase in MMT content, crystallinity increased by up to 61–67%. The change in crystallinity of the granules also affected its biodegradation in soil. At the end of exposure in soil, the mass loss for the granules prepared by solution-casting was more than 90%, whereas for the composite granules prepared by extrusion it was less than 60%. Applying melt extrusion enabled obtaining intercalated composites with predictable features, whereas only mixed-structure microcomposites could be prepared by solution-casting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Hybrid Polymeric Composites)

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17 pages, 6184 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrospinning of Magnetite–Polyacrylonitrile Composites for the Production of Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalysts

by Al Mamun, Francisco José García-Mateos, Lilia Sabantina, Michaela Klöcker, Elise Diestelhorst, Ramiro Ruiz-Rosas, Juana María Rosas, José Rodríguez-Mirasol, Tomasz Blachowicz and Tomás Cordero

Polymers 2023, 15(20), 4064; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15204064 - 12 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1416

Abstract

In this study, electrospun carbon fiber electrodes were prepared by the carbonization of PAN–Fe₃O₄ electrospun fibers at 800 °C for their use as catalysts in the oxygen reduction reaction in an alkaline electrolyte. Magnetic nanofiber mats were fabricated using a needle-free electrospinning method by incorporating magnetic nanoparticles into a polymer solution. Electrochemical tests revealed that the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity is optimized at an intermediate magnetite loading of 30% wt. These catalysts not only show better performance compared to their counterparts but also achieve high selectivity to water at low potentials. The onset and half-wave potentials of 0.92 and 0.76 V shown by these samples are only slightly behind those of the commercial Pt 20%-carbon black ORR catalyst. The obtained results point out that the electrospinning of PAN-Fe₃O₄ solutions allows the preparation of advanced N-Fe ORR catalysts in fibrillar morphology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Hybrid Polymeric Composites)

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19 pages, 3022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Varying Concentrations of Epoxy, Rice Husk, Al₂O₃, and Fe₂O₃ on the Properties of Brake Friction Materials Prepared Using Hand Layup Method

by Agustinus Purna Irawan, Deni Fajar Fitriyana, Januar Parlaungan Siregar, Tezara Cionita, Paula Tjatoerwidya Anggarina, Didi Widya Utama, Teuku Rihayat, Rusiyanto Rusiyanto, Saeful Dimyati, Muhammad Bustanul Aripin, Rifky Ismail, Athanasius Priharyoto Bayuseno, Gregorius Dimas Baskara, Muhammad Khafidh, Finny Pratama Putera and Rahmadi Yotenka

Polymers 2023, 15(12), 2597; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15122597 - 7 Jun 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1975

Abstract

Brake friction materials (BFMs) have a critical role in ensuring the safety as well as the reliability of automotive braking systems. However, traditional BFMs, typically made from asbestos, are associated with environmental and health concerns. Therefore, this results in a growing interest in developing alternative BFMs that are eco-friendly, sustainable, and cost-effective. This study investigates the effect of varying concentrations of epoxy, rice husk, alumina (Al₂O₃), and iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) on the mechanical and thermal properties of BFMs prepared using the hand layup method. In this study, the rice husk, Al₂O₃, and Fe₂O₃ were filtered through a 200-mesh sieve. Note that the BFMs were fabricated using different combinations and concentrations of the materials. Their mechanical properties, such as density, hardness, flexural strength, wear resistance, and thermal properties, were investigated. The results suggest that the concentrations of the ingredients significantly influence the mechanical and thermal properties of the BFMs. A specimen made from epoxy, rice husk, Al₂O₃, and Fe₂O₃ with concentrations of 50 wt.%, 20 wt.%, 15 wt.%, and 15 wt.%, respectively, produced the best properties for BFMs. On the other hand, the density, hardness, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and wear rate values of this specimen were 1.23 g/cm³, 81.2 Vickers (HV), 57.24 MPa, 4.08 GPa, and 8.665 × 10⁻⁷ mm²/kg. In addition, this specimen had better thermal properties than the other specimens. These findings provide valuable insights into developing eco-friendly and sustainable BFMs with suitable performance for automotive applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Hybrid Polymeric Composites)

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12 pages, 28187 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Improvement of Flame Retardancy and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy/Benzoxazine/Aluminum Trihydrate Adhesive Composites

by Kyung-Soo Sung and Namil Kim

Polymers 2023, 15(11), 2452; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15112452 - 25 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1637

Abstract

Epoxy resin was mixed with benzoxazine resin and an aluminum trihydrate (ATH) additive to provide flame retardancy and good mechanical properties. The ATH was modified using three different silane coupling agents and then incorporated into a 60/40 epoxy/benzoxazine mixture. The effect of blending compositions and surface modification on the flame-retardant and mechanical properties of the composites was investigated by performing UL94, tensile, and single-lap shear tests. Additional measurements were conducted including thermal stability, storage modulus, and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) assessments. The mixtures containing more than 40 wt% benzoxazine revealed a UL94 V-1 rating with high thermal stability and low CTE. Mechanical properties including storage modulus, and tensile and shear strength, also increased in proportion to the benzoxazine content. Upon the addition of ATH to the 60/40 epoxy/benzoxazine mixture, a V-0 rating was achieved at 20 wt% ATH. The pure epoxy passed a V-0 rating by the addition of 50 wt% ATH. The lower mechanical properties at high ATH loading could have been improved by introducing a silane coupling agent to the ATH surface. The composites containing surface-modified ATH with epoxy silane revealed about three times higher tensile strength and one and a half times higher shear strength compared to the untreated ATH. The enhanced compatibility between the surface-modified ATH and the resin was confirmed by observing the fracture surface of the composites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Hybrid Polymeric Composites)

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Review

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17 pages, 10500 KiB

Open AccessReview

Vitrimer Nanocomposites for Highly Thermal Conducting Materials with Sustainability

by Younggi Hong and Munju Goh

Polymers 2024, 16(3), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16030365 - 29 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2609

Abstract

Vitrimers, as dynamic covalent network polymers, represent a groundbreaking advancement in materials science. They excel in their applications, such as advanced thermal-conductivity composite materials, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional polymers. The incorporation of vitrimers into composite fillers enhances alignment and heat passway broadly, resulting in superior thermal conductivity compared to conventional thermosetting polymers. Their dynamic exchange reactions enable straightforward reprocessing, fostering the easy reuse of damaged composite materials and opening possibilities for recycling both matrix and filler components. We review an overview of the present advancements in utilizing vitrimers for highly thermally conductive composite materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Hybrid Polymeric Composites)

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56 pages, 2650 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Applications of Oxidases and Peroxidases Polymer-Based Enzyme Biocatalysts in Sensing and Wastewater Treatment: A Review

by Hilda Dinah Kyomuhimbo, Usisipho Feleni, Nils H. Haneklaus and Hendrik Brink

Polymers 2023, 15(16), 3492; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15163492 - 21 Aug 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1992

Abstract

Oxidase and peroxidase enzymes have attracted attention in various biotechnological industries due to their ease of synthesis, wide range of applications, and operation under mild conditions. Their applicability, however, is limited by their poor stability in harsher conditions and their non-reusability. As a result, several approaches such as enzyme engineering, medium engineering, and enzyme immobilization have been used to improve the enzyme properties. Several materials have been used as supports for these enzymes to increase their stability and reusability. This review focusses on the immobilization of oxidase and peroxidase enzymes on metal and metal oxide nanoparticle-polymer composite supports and the different methods used to achieve the immobilization. The application of the enzyme-metal/metal oxide-polymer biocatalysts in biosensing of hydrogen peroxide, glucose, pesticides, and herbicides as well as blood components such as cholesterol, urea, dopamine, and xanthine have been extensively reviewed. The application of the biocatalysts in wastewater treatment through degradation of dyes, pesticides, and other organic compounds has also been discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Hybrid Polymeric Composites)

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