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Improving Performance of Nanocomposite Materials
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Improving Performance of Nanocomposite Materials

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Advanced Composites".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2017) | Viewed by 82527

Special Issue Editor

Assoc. Prof. Homayoun Hadavinia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Director of Postgraduate Research Coordinator, School of Engineering and Environment, Kingston University London, Friars Avenue, London SW15 3DW, UK
Interests: polymer composite materials; nanocomposites; fatigue of polymer composites; multiscale modeling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Engineers and scientists are engaged in enhancing the properties of materials by redesigning the materials’ structure at atomic, nano-, micro-, and meso- scales to achieve significant property enhancements relative to base material. Recent progress in nanoscale composites demonstrated that properties of resulting nanocomposites are superior in many aspects to those of analogous composites with larger particles, and this offers many opportunities for the designing of nanocomposites having superior performance. This progress has been made on many fronts, including controlling manufacturing process; understanding their physiochemical characteristics; bonding mechanisms between the additives and the matrix; characterising the mechanical, thermal and electrical properties; and theoretical/computational analyses of structural responses made from nanocomposite matrix under different types of loading.

The ability to manipulate the structure of materials for producing unique functionalities and characteristics has revolutionized next-generation materials in many areas, from structural materials to smart structures, self-healing/self-repair to self-sensing, and microelectronics. Applications of nanocomposites have opened new frontiers for many industries, including aerospace, renewables, automotive, and electronics industries.

One of the major aims of this Special Issue is to bring together the researchers from different branches of science and engineering disciplines working on nanocomposites into one volume. The Guest Editor welcomes papers dedicated to experimental, computational, and theoretical aspects dealing with many important state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies regarding the synthesis, fabrication, characterization, properties, design, applications, theoretical, and both finite element analysis and molecular dynamic simulation computational analyses of nanocomposite materials and structures. Full papers covering novel topics, extending the frontiers of the science and technology of multiscale composites are encouraged. Reviews covering topics of major interest will be also considered. The Guest Editor is responsible for accepting the papers.

Assoc. Prof. Homayoun Hadavinia
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. Materials 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 2600 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

  • Nanocomposites
  • Composites
  • Polymers
  • Nanoparticles
  • Layered compounds

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

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2097 KiB  
Article
Industrial-Graded Epoxy Nanocomposites with Mechanically Dispersed Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: Static and Damping Properties
by Andrea Giovannelli, Dario Di Maio and Fabrizio Scarpa
Materials 2017, 10(10), 1222; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10101222 - 24 Oct 2017
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3819
Abstract
The majority of currently published dispersion protocols of carbon nanotubes rely on techniques that are not scalable to an industrial level. This work shows how to obtain polymer nanocomposites with good mechanical characteristics using multi-walled carbon nanotubes epoxy resins obtained by mechanical mixing [...] Read more.
The majority of currently published dispersion protocols of carbon nanotubes rely on techniques that are not scalable to an industrial level. This work shows how to obtain polymer nanocomposites with good mechanical characteristics using multi-walled carbon nanotubes epoxy resins obtained by mechanical mixing only. The mechanical dispersion method illustrated in this work is easily scalable to industrial level. The high shearing force due to the complex field of motion produces a good and reproducible carbon nanotube dispersion. We have tested an industrial epoxy matrix with good baseline mechanical characteristics at different carbon nanotube weight loads. ASTM-derived tensile and compressive tests show an increment in both Young’s modulus and compressive strength compared with the pristine resin from a starting low wt %. Comparative vibration tests show improvement in the damping capacity. The new carbon nanotube enhanced epoxy resin has superior mechanical proprieties compared to the market average competitor, and is among the top products in the bi-components epoxy resins market. The new dispersion method shows significant potential for the industrial use of CNTs in epoxy matrices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Performance of Nanocomposite Materials)
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6248 KiB  
Article
Enhancement of Fracture Toughness of Epoxy Nanocomposites by Combining Nanotubes and Nanosheets as Fillers
by Nadiim Domun, Keith R. Paton, Homayoun Hadavinia, Toby Sainsbury, Tao Zhang and Hibaaq Mohamud
Materials 2017, 10(10), 1179; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10101179 - 19 Oct 2017
Cited by 66 | Viewed by 6454
Abstract
In this work the fracture toughness of epoxy resin has been improved through the addition of low loading of single part and hybrid nanofiller materials. Functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) was used as single filler, increased the critical strain energy release rate, G [...] Read more.
In this work the fracture toughness of epoxy resin has been improved through the addition of low loading of single part and hybrid nanofiller materials. Functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) was used as single filler, increased the critical strain energy release rate, GIC, by 57% compared to the neat epoxy, at only 0.1 wt% filler content. Importantly, no degradation in the tensile or thermal properties of the nanocomposite was observed compared to the neat epoxy. When two-dimensional boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) were added along with the one-dimensional f-MWCNTs, the fracture toughness increased further to 71.6% higher than that of the neat epoxy. Interestingly, when functionalised graphene nanoplatelets (f-GNPs) and boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) were used as hybrid filler, the fracture toughness of neat epoxy is improved by 91.9%. In neither of these hybrid filler systems the tensile properties were degraded, but the thermal properties of the nanocomposites containing boron nitride materials deteriorated slightly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Performance of Nanocomposite Materials)
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2790 KiB  
Article
The Dynamic Response and Vibration of Functionally Graded Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Composite (FG-CNTRC) Truncated Conical Shells Resting on Elastic Foundations
by Duc Nguyen Dinh and Pham Dinh Nguyen
Materials 2017, 10(10), 1194; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10101194 - 18 Oct 2017
Cited by 50 | Viewed by 6138
Abstract
Based on the classical shell theory, the linear dynamic response of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) truncated conical shells resting on elastic foundations subjected to dynamic loads is presented. The truncated conical shells are reinforced by single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) that vary [...] Read more.
Based on the classical shell theory, the linear dynamic response of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) truncated conical shells resting on elastic foundations subjected to dynamic loads is presented. The truncated conical shells are reinforced by single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) that vary according to the linear functions of the shell thickness. The motion equations are solved by the Galerkin method and the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method. In numerical results, the influences of geometrical parameters, elastic foundations, natural frequency parameters, and nanotube volume fraction of FG-CNTRC truncated conical shells are investigated. The proposed results are validated by comparing them with those of other authors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Performance of Nanocomposite Materials)
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7291 KiB  
Article
Toughening of Epoxy Adhesives by Combined Interaction of Carbon Nanotubes and Silsesquioxanes
by Giuseppina Barra, Luigi Vertuccio, Umberto Vietri, Carlo Naddeo, Homayoun Hadavinia and Liberata Guadagno
Materials 2017, 10(10), 1131; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10101131 - 25 Sep 2017
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 5143
Abstract
The extensive use of adhesives in many structural applications in the transport industry and particularly in the aeronautic field is due to numerous advantages of bonded joints. However, still many researchers are working to enhance the mechanical properties and rheological performance of adhesives [...] Read more.
The extensive use of adhesives in many structural applications in the transport industry and particularly in the aeronautic field is due to numerous advantages of bonded joints. However, still many researchers are working to enhance the mechanical properties and rheological performance of adhesives by using nanoadditives. In this study the effect of the addition of Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) with Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) compounds, either Glycidyl Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (GPOSS) or DodecaPhenyl Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (DPHPOSS) to Tetraglycidyl Methylene Dianiline (TGMDA) epoxy formulation, was investigated. The formulations contain neither a tougher matrix such as elastomers nor other additives typically used to provide a closer match in the coefficient of thermal expansion in order to discriminate only the effect of the addition of the above-mentioned components. Bonded aluminium single lap joints were made using both untreated and Chromic Acid Anodisation (CAA)-treated aluminium alloy T2024 adherends. The effects of the different chemical functionalities of POSS compounds, as well as the synergistic effect between the MWCNT and POSS combination on adhesion strength, were evaluated by viscosity measurement, tensile tests, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), single lap joint shear strength tests, and morphological investigation. The best performance in the Lap Shear Strength (LSS) of the manufactured joints has been found for treated adherends bonded with epoxy adhesive containing MWCNTs and GPOSS. Carbon nanotubes have been found to play a very effective bridging function across the fracture surface of the bonded joints. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Performance of Nanocomposite Materials)
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6611 KiB  
Article
Enhancement of the Electrical Conductivity and Interlaminar Shear Strength of CNT/GFRP Hierarchical Composite Using an Electrophoretic Deposition Technique
by Amin Haghbin, Gholamhossein Liaghat, Homayoun Hadavinia, Amir Masoud Arabi and Mohammad Hossein Pol
Materials 2017, 10(10), 1120; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10101120 - 22 Sep 2017
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6000
Abstract
In this work, an electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique has been used for deposition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the surface of glass fiber textures (GTs) to increase the volume conductivity and the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of CNT/glass fiber-reinforced polymers (GFRPs) composites. Comprehensive [...] Read more.
In this work, an electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique has been used for deposition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the surface of glass fiber textures (GTs) to increase the volume conductivity and the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of CNT/glass fiber-reinforced polymers (GFRPs) composites. Comprehensive experimental studies have been conducted to establish the influence of electric field strength, CNT concentration in EPD suspension, surface quality of GTs, and process duration on the quality of deposited CNT layers. CNT deposition increased remarkably when the surface of glass fibers was treated with coupling agents. Deposition of CNTs was optimized by measuring CNT’s deposition mass and process current density diagrams. The effect of optimum field strength on CNT deposition mass is around 8.5 times, and the effect of optimum suspension concentration on deposition rate is around 5.5 times. In the optimum experimental setting, the current density values of EPD were bounded between 0.5 and 1 mA/cm2. Based on the cumulative deposition diagram, it was found that the first three minutes of EPD is the effective deposition time. Applying optimized EPD in composite fabrication of treated GTs caused a drastic improvement on the order of 108 times in the volume conductivity of the nanocomposite laminate in comparison with simple GTs specimens. Optimized CNT deposition also enhanced the ILSS of hierarchical nanocomposites by 42%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Performance of Nanocomposite Materials)
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9685 KiB  
Article
Shape Memory Polyurethane Materials Containing Ferromagnetic Iron Oxide and Graphene Nanoplatelets
by Magdalena Urban and Michał Strankowski
Materials 2017, 10(9), 1083; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10091083 - 14 Sep 2017
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 6315
Abstract
Intelligent materials, such as memory shape polymers, have attracted considerable attention due to wide range of possible applications. Currently, intensive research is underway, in matters of obtaining memory shape materials that can be actuated via inductive methods, for example with help of magnetic [...] Read more.
Intelligent materials, such as memory shape polymers, have attracted considerable attention due to wide range of possible applications. Currently, intensive research is underway, in matters of obtaining memory shape materials that can be actuated via inductive methods, for example with help of magnetic field. In this work, an attempt was made to develop a new polymer composite—polyurethane modified with graphene nanoplates and ferromagnetic iron oxides—with improved mechanical properties and introduced magnetic and memory shape properties. Based on the conducted literature review, gathered data were compared to the results of similar materials. Obtained materials were tested for their thermal, rheological, mechanical and shape memory properties. Structure of both fillers and composites were also analyzed using various spectroscopic methods. The addition of fillers to the polyurethane matrix improved the mechanical and shape memory properties, without having a noticeable impact on thermal properties. As it was expected, the high content of fillers caused a significant change in viscosity of filled prepolymers (during the synthesis stage). Each of the studied composites showed better mechanical properties than the unmodified polyurethanes. The addition of magnetic particles introduced additional properties to the composite, which could significantly expand the functionality of the materials developed in this work. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Performance of Nanocomposite Materials)
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16662 KiB  
Article
Effect of Multi-Pass Friction Stir Processing on Mechanical Properties for AA2024/Al2O3 Nanocomposites
by Essam Moustafa
Materials 2017, 10(9), 1053; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10091053 - 08 Sep 2017
Cited by 75 | Viewed by 6329
Abstract
In the present work, an aluminum metal matrix reinforced with (Al2O3) nanoparticles was fabricated as a surface composite sheet using friction stir processing (FSP). The effects of processing parameters on mechanical properties, hardness, and microstructure grain were investigated. The [...] Read more.
In the present work, an aluminum metal matrix reinforced with (Al2O3) nanoparticles was fabricated as a surface composite sheet using friction stir processing (FSP). The effects of processing parameters on mechanical properties, hardness, and microstructure grain were investigated. The results revealed that multi-pass FSP causes a homogeneous distribution and good dispersion of Al2O3 in the metal matrix, and consequently an increase in the hardness of the matrix composites. A finer grain is observed in the microstructure examination in specimens subjected to second and third passes of FSP. The improvement in the grain refinement is 80% compared to base metal. The processing parameters, particularly rotational tool speed and pass number in FSP, have a major effect on strength properties and surface hardness. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and the average hardness are improved by 25% and 46%, respectively, due to presence of reinforcement Al2O3 nanoparticles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Performance of Nanocomposite Materials)
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3991 KiB  
Article
Nano-Charged Polypropylene Application: Realistic Perspectives for Enhancing Durability
by Carlo Naddeo, Luigi Vertuccio, Giuseppina Barra and Liberata Guadagno
Materials 2017, 10(8), 943; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10080943 - 14 Aug 2017
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 5382
Abstract
Isotactic polypropylene/multi-walled carbon nanotube (iPP/MWCNTs) films have been exposed to accelerated weathering in a UV device for increasing times. The effect of UV irradiation on the structural and chemical changes has been investigated. The resistance to accelerated photooxidation of (iPP/MWCNTs) films has been [...] Read more.
Isotactic polypropylene/multi-walled carbon nanotube (iPP/MWCNTs) films have been exposed to accelerated weathering in a UV device for increasing times. The effect of UV irradiation on the structural and chemical changes has been investigated. The resistance to accelerated photooxidation of (iPP/MWCNTs) films has been compared to the photooxidation behaviour of unfilled polypropylene films with the same structural organization. The chemical and structural modifications resulting from photooxidation have been followed using infrared spectroscopy, calorimetric and diffractometric analysis. MWCNTs embedded in the polymeric matrix are able to strongly contrast the degradation mechanisms and the structural and morphological rearrangements caused by the UV treatment on the unfilled polymer. MWCNTs determine an induction period (IP) before the increase of the carbonyl and hydroxyl groups. The extent of the IP is strictly correlated to the amount of MWCNTs. The low electrical percolation threshold (EPT) and the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites, together with their excellent thermal and photooxidative stability, make them promising candidates to fulfill many industrial requirements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Performance of Nanocomposite Materials)
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5810 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of Nanosized Island-Like CdO Crystallites-Decorated TiO2 Rod Nanocomposites via a Combinational Methodology and Their Low-Concentration NO2 Gas-Sensing Behavior
by Yuan-Chang Liang, Nian-Cih Xu, Chein-Chung Wang and Da-Hua Wei
Materials 2017, 10(7), 778; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10070778 - 10 Jul 2017
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3653
Abstract
TiO2–CdO composite rods were synthesized through a hydrothermal method and sputtering thin-film deposition. The hydrothermally derived TiO2 rods exhibited a rectangular cross-sectional crystal feature with a smooth surface, and the as-synthesized CdO thin film exhibited a rounded granular surface feature. [...] Read more.
TiO2–CdO composite rods were synthesized through a hydrothermal method and sputtering thin-film deposition. The hydrothermally derived TiO2 rods exhibited a rectangular cross-sectional crystal feature with a smooth surface, and the as-synthesized CdO thin film exhibited a rounded granular surface feature. Structural analyses revealed that the CdO thin film sputtered onto the surfaces of the TiO2 rods formed a discontinuous shell layer comprising many island-like CdO crystallites. The TiO2–CdO composite rods were highly crystalline, and their surfaces were rugged. A comparison of the NO2 gas-sensing properties of the CdO thin film, TiO2 rods, and TiO2–CdO composite rods revealed that the composite rods exhibited superior gas-sensing responses to NO2 gas than did the CdO thin film and TiO2 rods, which can be attributed to the microstructural differences and the formation of heterojunctions between the TiO2 core and CdO crystallites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Performance of Nanocomposite Materials)
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4239 KiB  
Article
Biosynthesis and Characterization of AgNPs–Silk/PVA Film for Potential Packaging Application
by Gang Tao, Rui Cai, Yejing Wang, Kai Song, Pengchao Guo, Ping Zhao, Hua Zuo and Huawei He
Materials 2017, 10(6), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10060667 - 17 Jun 2017
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 6759
Abstract
Bionanocomposite packaging materials have a bright future for a broad range of applications in the food and biomedical industries. Antimicrobial packaging is one of the bionanocomposite packaging materials. Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) is one of the most attractive antimicrobial agents for its broad spectrum [...] Read more.
Bionanocomposite packaging materials have a bright future for a broad range of applications in the food and biomedical industries. Antimicrobial packaging is one of the bionanocomposite packaging materials. Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) is one of the most attractive antimicrobial agents for its broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity against microorganisms. However, the traditional method of preparing AgNPs-functionalized packaging material is cumbersome and not environmentally friendly. To develop an efficient and convenient biosynthesis method to prepare AgNPs-modified bionanocomposite material for packaging applications, we synthesized AgNPs in situ in a silk fibroin solution via the reduction of Ag+ by the tyrosine residue of fibroin, and then prepared AgNPs–silk/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composite film by blending with PVA. AgNPs were synthesized evenly on the surface or embedded in the interior of silk/PVA film. The prepared AgNPs–silk/PVA film exhibited excellent mechanical performance and stability, as well as good antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. AgNPs–silk/PVA film offers more choices to be potentially applied in the active packaging field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Performance of Nanocomposite Materials)
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5145 KiB  
Article
Nanoscaled Mechanical Properties of Cement Composites Reinforced with Carbon Nanofibers
by Salim Barbhuiya and PengLoy Chow
Materials 2017, 10(6), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10060662 - 16 Jun 2017
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3953
Abstract
This paper reports the effects of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on nanoscaled mechanical properties of cement composites. CNFs were added to cement composites at the filler loading of 0.2 wt % (by wt. of cement). Micrographs based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) show that [...] Read more.
This paper reports the effects of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on nanoscaled mechanical properties of cement composites. CNFs were added to cement composites at the filler loading of 0.2 wt % (by wt. of cement). Micrographs based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) show that CNFs are capable of forming strong interfacial bonding with cement matrices. Experimental results using nanoindentation reveal that the addition of CNFs in cement composites increases the proportions of high-density calcium-silicate-hydrate gel (HD-CSH) compared to low-density CSH gel. It was also found that the inclusion of CNFs increases the compressive strength of cement composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Performance of Nanocomposite Materials)
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8223 KiB  
Article
A Fast Humidity Sensor Based on Li+-Doped SnO2 One-Dimensional Porous Nanofibers
by Min Yin, Fang Yang, Zhaojie Wang, Miao Zhu, Ming Liu, Xiuru Xu and Zhenyu Li
Materials 2017, 10(5), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10050535 - 16 May 2017
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5222
Abstract
One-dimensional SnO2- and Li+-doped SnO2 porous nanofibers were easily fabricated via electrospinning and a subsequent calcination procedure for ultrafast humidity sensing. Different Li dopant concentrations were introduced to investigate the dopant’s role in sensing performance. The response properties [...] Read more.
One-dimensional SnO2- and Li+-doped SnO2 porous nanofibers were easily fabricated via electrospinning and a subsequent calcination procedure for ultrafast humidity sensing. Different Li dopant concentrations were introduced to investigate the dopant’s role in sensing performance. The response properties were studied under different relative humidity levels by both statistic and dynamic tests. The best response was obtained with respect to the optimal doping of Li+ into SnO2 porous nanofibers with a maximum 15 times higher response than that of pristine SnO2 porous nanofibers, at a relative humidity level of 85%. Most importantly, the ultrafast response and recovery time within 1 s was also obtained with the 1.0 wt % doping of Li+ into SnO2 porous nanofibers at 5 V and at room temperature, benefiting from the co-contributions of Li-doping and the one-dimensional porous structure. This work provides an effective method of developing ultrafast sensors for practical applications—especially fast breathing sensors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Performance of Nanocomposite Materials)
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11023 KiB  
Article
Direct Growth of CuO Nanorods on Graphitic Carbon Nitride with Synergistic Effect on Thermal Decomposition of Ammonium Perchlorate
by Linghua Tan, Jianhua Xu, Shiying Li, Dongnan Li, Yuming Dai, Bo Kou and Yu Chen
Materials 2017, 10(5), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10050484 - 02 May 2017
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 5797
Abstract
Novel graphitic carbon nitride/CuO (g-C3N4/CuO) nanocomposite was synthesized through a facile precipitation method. Due to the strong ion-dipole interaction between copper ions and nitrogen atoms of g-C3N4, CuO nanorods (length 200–300 nm, diameter 5–10 nm) [...] Read more.
Novel graphitic carbon nitride/CuO (g-C3N4/CuO) nanocomposite was synthesized through a facile precipitation method. Due to the strong ion-dipole interaction between copper ions and nitrogen atoms of g-C3N4, CuO nanorods (length 200–300 nm, diameter 5–10 nm) were directly grown on g-C3N4, forming a g-C3N4/CuO nanocomposite, which was confirmed via X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Finally, thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) in the absence and presence of the prepared g-C3N4/CuO nanocomposite was examined by differential thermal analysis (DTA), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The g-C3N4/CuO nanocomposite showed promising catalytic effects for the thermal decomposition of AP. Upon addition of 2 wt % nanocomposite with the best catalytic performance (g-C3N4/20 wt % CuO), the decomposition temperature of AP was decreased by up to 105.5 °C and only one decomposition step was found instead of the two steps commonly reported in other examples, demonstrating the synergistic catalytic activity of the as-synthesized nanocomposite. This study demonstrated a successful example regarding the direct growth of metal oxide on g-C3N4 by ion-dipole interaction between metallic ions, and the lone pair electrons on nitrogen atoms, which could provide a novel strategy for the preparation of g-C3N4-based nanocomposite. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Performance of Nanocomposite Materials)
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10551 KiB  
Article
Effect of Surface-Modified TiO2 Nanoparticles on the Anti-Ultraviolet Aging Performance of Foamed Wheat Straw Fiber/Polypropylene Composites
by Lihui Xuan, Guangping Han, Dong Wang, Wanli Cheng, Xun Gao, Feng Chen and Qingde Li
Materials 2017, 10(5), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10050456 - 26 Apr 2017
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 5764
Abstract
Surface modification and characterization of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and their roles in thermal, mechanical, and accelerated aging behavior of foamed wheat straw fiber/polypropylene (PP) composites are investigated. To improve the dispersion of nanoparticles and increase the possible interactions between wheat [...] Read more.
Surface modification and characterization of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and their roles in thermal, mechanical, and accelerated aging behavior of foamed wheat straw fiber/polypropylene (PP) composites are investigated. To improve the dispersion of nanoparticles and increase the possible interactions between wheat straw fiber and the PP matrix, the surface of the TiO2 nanoparticles was modified with ethenyltrimethoxy silane (A171), a silane coupling agent. The grafting of A171 on the TiO2 nanoparticles’ surface was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The wheat straw fibers treated with A171 and modified TiO2 nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). FTIR spectra confirmed that the organic functional groups of A171 were successfully grafted onto the TiO2 nanoparticles and wheat straw fibers, and the modified TiO2 nanoparticles were adsorbed onto the wheat straw fibers. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that a higher thermal stability of the wheat straw fiber was obtained with the modified TiO2 nanoparticles. The flexural, tensile, and impact properties were improved. A higher ultraviolet (UV) stability of the samples treated with modified TiO2 nanoparticles was exhibited by the study of the color change and loss in mechanical properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Performance of Nanocomposite Materials)
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Review

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5142 KiB  
Review
Nanocomposites for Machining Tools
by Daria Sidorenko, Pavel Loginov, Leon Mishnaevsky and Evgeny Levashov
Materials 2017, 10(10), 1171; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10101171 - 13 Oct 2017
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4539
Abstract
Machining tools are used in many areas of production. To a considerable extent, the performance characteristics of the tools determine the quality and cost of obtained products. The main materials used for producing machining tools are steel, cemented carbides, ceramics and superhard materials. [...] Read more.
Machining tools are used in many areas of production. To a considerable extent, the performance characteristics of the tools determine the quality and cost of obtained products. The main materials used for producing machining tools are steel, cemented carbides, ceramics and superhard materials. A promising way to improve the performance characteristics of these materials is to design new nanocomposites based on them. The application of micromechanical modeling during the elaboration of composite materials for machining tools can reduce the financial and time costs for development of new tools, with enhanced performance. This article reviews the main groups of nanocomposites for machining tools and their performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Performance of Nanocomposite Materials)
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