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Molecules
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Investigation of Polymer Nanocomposites' Performance
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Investigation of Polymer Nanocomposites' Performance

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Macromolecular Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 28315

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Andrea Dorigato

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
Interests: polymer; nanocomposites; composites; mechanical properties; thermal properties; thermal energy storage; LCA analysis
Dr. Giulia Fredi

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Department of Industrial Engineering and INSTM Research Unit, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
Interests: biopolymers; bioplastics; polymer characterization; thermal energy storage; anionic polyamide 6; thermoplastic composites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanotechnology represents one of the most promising areas of current research and development in several technical disciplines. These also include polymer science and technology, with investigations covering a broad range of topics: nanoelectronics, polymer-based biomaterials, nanoparticle drug delivery, miniemulsion particles, layer-by-layer self-assembled polymer films, electrospun nanofibers, imprint lithography, polymer blends, and nanocomposites. In the field of nanocomposites, great attention has been so far devoted to issues regarding composite reinforcement, but other aspects should also be considered, like barrier properties, flammability resistance, electrical/electronic properties, and polymer blend compatibilization. The increasing interest in polymer nanocomposites is related to the possibility of improving the properties of polymer matrices with reduced filler contents and of obtaining materials with peculiar features, not achievable with traditional micrometric fillers. In this framework, the use of innovative experimental approaches to investigating the physical behavior of nanofilled matrices is of utmost importance. Therefore, the main aim of the Special Issue entitled "Investigation of Polymer Nanocomposites' Performance” is to create an open forum where researchers may present innovative techniques to characterize and model the multifunctional properties of polymer nanocomposites. Contributions to this Special Issue, in the form of both original research and review articles, may cover characterization and modeling of the most important physical properties of these materials, e.g., microstructural features, rheological, mechanical and viscoelastic behavior, thermal properties and degradation stability, electrical, optical, and magnetic behavior. Studies with multidisciplinary input, presenting new methodologies or insights, are particularly welcome.

Prof. Dr. Andrea Dorigato
Dr. Giulia Fredi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • polymer
  • nanocomposites
  • nanofillers
  • multifunctional materials
  • physical properties

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 171 KiB  
Editorial
Special Issue “Investigation of Polymer Nanocomposites’ Performance”
by Andrea Dorigato and Giulia Fredi
Molecules 2022, 27(4), 1180; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27041180 - 10 Feb 2022
Viewed by 1446
Abstract
Through this editorial, we aim to present the main aspects related to the scientific contributions that can be found in the Special Issue dedicated to the topic “Investigation of Polymer Nanocomposites’ Performance” [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation of Polymer Nanocomposites' Performance)

Research

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17 pages, 5535 KiB  
Article
Physical-Mechanical Behavior and Water-Barrier Properties of Biopolymers-Clay Nanocomposites
by Heidy Lorena Calambas, Abril Fonseca, Dayana Adames, Yaneli Aguirre-Loredo and Carolina Caicedo
Molecules 2021, 26(21), 6734; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26216734 - 7 Nov 2021
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 3175
Abstract
The preparation and characterization of biodegradable films based on starch-PVA-nanoclay by solvent casting are reported in this study. The films were prepared with a relation of 3:2 of starch:PVA and nanoclay (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% w/v), and glycerol as plasticizer. [...] Read more.
The preparation and characterization of biodegradable films based on starch-PVA-nanoclay by solvent casting are reported in this study. The films were prepared with a relation of 3:2 of starch:PVA and nanoclay (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% w/v), and glycerol as plasticizer. The nanoclays before being incorporated in the filmogenic solution of starch-PVA were dispersed in two ways: by magnetic stirring and by sonication. The SEM results suggest that the sonication of nanoclay is necessary to reach a good dispersion along the polymeric matrix. FTIR results of films with 1.0 and 1.5% w/v of sonicated nanoclay suggest a strong interaction of hydrogen bond with the polymeric matrix of starch-PVA. However, the properties of WVP, tensile strength, percentage of elongation at break, and Young’s modulus improved to the film with sonicated nanoclay at 0.5% w/v, while in films with 1.0 and 1.5% w/w these properties were even worse than in film without nanoclay. Nanoclay concentrations higher than 1.0 w/v saturate the polymer matrix, affecting the physicochemical properties. Accordingly, the successful incorporation of nanoclays at 0.5% w/v into the matrix starch-PVA suggests that this film is a good candidate for use as biodegradable packaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation of Polymer Nanocomposites' Performance)
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24 pages, 4244 KiB  
Article
Improving the Antimicrobial and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Resins via Nanomodification: An Overview
by Roberta Bertani, Alessandra Bartolozzi, Alessandro Pontefisso, Marino Quaresimin and Michele Zappalorto
Molecules 2021, 26(17), 5426; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26175426 - 6 Sep 2021
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4287
Abstract
The main purpose of this work is to provide a comprehensive overview on the preparation of multifunctional epoxies, with improved antimicrobial activity and enhanced mechanical properties through nanomodification. In the first section, we focus on the approaches to achieve antimicrobial activity, as well [...] Read more.
The main purpose of this work is to provide a comprehensive overview on the preparation of multifunctional epoxies, with improved antimicrobial activity and enhanced mechanical properties through nanomodification. In the first section, we focus on the approaches to achieve antimicrobial activity, as well as on the methods used to evaluate their efficacy against bacteria and fungi. Relevant application examples are also discussed, with particular reference to antifouling and anticorrosion coatings for marine environments, dental applications, antimicrobial fibers and fabrics, and others. Subsequently, we discuss the mechanical behaviors of nanomodified epoxies with improved antimicrobial properties, analyzing the typical damage mechanisms leading to the significant toughening effect of nanomodification. Some examples of mechanical properties of nanomodified polymers are provided. Eventually, the possibility of achieving, at the same time, antimicrobial and mechanical improvement capabilities by nanomodification with nanoclay is discussed, with reference to both nanomodified epoxies and glass/epoxy composite laminates. According to the literature, a nanomodified epoxy can successfully exhibit antibacterial properties, while increasing its fracture toughness, even though its tensile strength may decrease. As for laminates—obtaining antibacterial properties is not followed by improved interlaminar properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation of Polymer Nanocomposites' Performance)
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12 pages, 2313 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Effects of Crosslinking and Reinforcement Agents on the Performance and Durability of Biopolymer Films for Cultural Heritage Protection
by Giulia Infurna, Giuseppe Cavallaro, Giuseppe Lazzara, Stefana Milioto and Nadka Tzankova Dintcheva
Molecules 2021, 26(11), 3468; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26113468 - 7 Jun 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2884
Abstract
In the last two decades, the naturally occurring polysaccharides, such as chitosan and pectin, have gained great attention having potential applications in different sectors, from biomedical to new generation packaging. Currently, the chitosan and pectic have been proposed as suitable materials also for [...] Read more.
In the last two decades, the naturally occurring polysaccharides, such as chitosan and pectin, have gained great attention having potential applications in different sectors, from biomedical to new generation packaging. Currently, the chitosan and pectic have been proposed as suitable materials also for the formulation of films and coatings for cultural heritage protection, as well as packaging films. Therefore, the formulation of biopolymer films, considering only naturally occurring polymers and additives, is a current challenging trend. This work reports on the formulation of chitosan (CS), pectin (PC), and chitosan:pectin (CS:PC) films, also containing natural crosslinking and reinforcement agents, such as citric acid (CA) and halloysite nanotubes (HNT), through the solvent casting technique. The produced films are characterized through water contact angle measurements, infrared and UV–visible spectroscopy and tensile test, while the durability of the CS:PC films is evaluated subjecting the film to accelerated UVB exposure and monitoring the photo-oxidation degradation in time though infrared spectroscopy. All obtained results suggest that both crosslinking and reinforcement agents have beneficial effects on the wettability, rigidity, and photo-oxidation resistance of biopolymer films. Therefore, these biopolymer films, also containing naturally occurring additives, have good properties and performance and they are suitable as coverage films for cultural heritage protection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation of Polymer Nanocomposites' Performance)
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27 pages, 4359 KiB  
Article
Multifunctionality of Reduced Graphene Oxide in Bioderived Polylactide/Poly(Dodecylene Furanoate) Nanocomposite Films
by Giulia Fredi, Mahdi Karimi Jafari, Andrea Dorigato, Dimitrios N. Bikiaris, Riccardo Checchetto, Matteo Favaro, Roberto Sennen Brusa and Alessandro Pegoretti
Molecules 2021, 26(10), 2938; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26102938 - 15 May 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3795
Abstract
This work reports on the first attempt to prepare bioderived polymer films by blending polylactic acid (PLA) and poly(dodecylene furanoate) (PDoF). This blend, containing 10 wt% PDoF, was filled with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in variable weight fractions (from 0.25 to 2 phr), [...] Read more.
This work reports on the first attempt to prepare bioderived polymer films by blending polylactic acid (PLA) and poly(dodecylene furanoate) (PDoF). This blend, containing 10 wt% PDoF, was filled with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in variable weight fractions (from 0.25 to 2 phr), and the resulting nanocomposites were characterized to assess their microstructural, thermal, mechanical, optical, electrical, and gas barrier properties. The PLA/PDoF blend resulted as immiscible, and the addition of rGO, which preferentially segregated in the PDoF phase, resulted in smaller (from 2.6 to 1.6 µm) and more irregularly shaped PDoF domains and in a higher PLA/PDoF interfacial interaction, which suggests the role of rGO as a blend compatibilizer. rGO also increased PLA crystallinity, and this phenomenon was more pronounced when PDoF was also present, thus evidencing a synergism between PDoF and rGO in accelerating the crystallization kinetics of PLA. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) showed that the glass transition of PDoF, observed at approx. 5 °C, shifted to a higher temperature upon rGO addition. The addition of 10 wt% PDoF in PLA increased the strain at break from 5.3% to 13.0% (+145%), and the addition of 0.25 phr of rGO increased the tensile strength from 35.6 MPa to 40.2 MPa (+13%), without significantly modifying the strain at break. Moreover, rGO decreased the electrical resistivity of the films, and the relatively high percolation threshold (between 1 and 2 phr) was probably linked to the low aspect ratio of rGO nanosheets and their preferential distribution inside PDoF domains. PDoF and rGO also modified the optical transparency of PLA, resulting in a continuous decrease in transmittance in the visible/NIR range. Finally, rGO strongly modified the gas barrier properties, with a remarkable decrease in diffusivity and permeability to gases such as O2, N2, and CO2. Overall, the presented results highlighted the positive and sometimes synergistic role of PDoF and rGO in tuning the thermomechanical and functional properties of PLA, with simultaneous enhancement of ductility, crystallization kinetics, and gas barrier performance, and these novel polymer nanocomposites could thus be promising for packaging applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation of Polymer Nanocomposites' Performance)
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Review

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31 pages, 1744 KiB  
Review
Polymer Nanocomposites of Selenium Biofabricated Using Fungi
by Olga Tsivileva, Alexander Pozdnyakov and Anastasiya Ivanova
Molecules 2021, 26(12), 3657; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26123657 - 15 Jun 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4689
Abstract
Nanoparticle-reinforced polymer-based materials effectively combine the functional properties of polymers and unique characteristic features of NPs. Biopolymers have attained great attention, with perspective multifunctional and high-performance nanocomposites exhibiting a low environmental impact with unique properties, being abundantly available, renewable, and eco-friendly. Nanocomposites of [...] Read more.
Nanoparticle-reinforced polymer-based materials effectively combine the functional properties of polymers and unique characteristic features of NPs. Biopolymers have attained great attention, with perspective multifunctional and high-performance nanocomposites exhibiting a low environmental impact with unique properties, being abundantly available, renewable, and eco-friendly. Nanocomposites of biopolymers are termed green biocomposites. Different biocomposites are reported with numerous inorganic nanofillers, which include selenium. Selenium is a micronutrient that can potentially be used in the prevention and treatment of diseases and has been extensively studied for its biological activity. SeNPs have attracted increasing attention due to their high bioavailability, low toxicity, and novel therapeutic properties. One of the best routes to take advantage of SeNPs’ properties is by mixing these NPs with polymers to obtain nanocomposites with functionalities associated with the NPs together with the main characteristics of the polymer matrix. These nanocomposite materials have markedly improved properties achieved at low SeNP concentrations. Composites based on polysaccharides, including fungal beta-glucans, are bioactive, biocompatible, biodegradable, and have exhibited an innovative potential. Mushrooms meet certain obvious requirements for the green entity applied to the SeNP manufacturing. Fungal-matrixed selenium nanoparticles are a new promising biocomposite material. This review aims to give a summary of what is known by now about the mycosynthesized selenium polymeric nanocomposites with the impact on fungal-assisted manufactured ones, the mechanisms of the involved processes at the chemical reaction level, and problems and challenges posed in this area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation of Polymer Nanocomposites' Performance)
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35 pages, 12932 KiB  
Review
Tailoring the Thermal Conductivity of Rubber Nanocomposites by Inorganic Systems: Opportunities and Challenges for Their Application in Tires Formulation
by Lorenzo Mirizzi, Mattia Carnevale, Massimiliano D’Arienzo, Chiara Milanese, Barbara Di Credico, Silvia Mostoni and Roberto Scotti
Molecules 2021, 26(12), 3555; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26123555 - 10 Jun 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6936
Abstract
The development of effective thermally conductive rubber nanocomposites for heat management represents a tricky point for several modern technologies, ranging from electronic devices to the tire industry. Since rubber materials generally exhibit poor thermal transfer, the addition of high loadings of different carbon-based [...] Read more.
The development of effective thermally conductive rubber nanocomposites for heat management represents a tricky point for several modern technologies, ranging from electronic devices to the tire industry. Since rubber materials generally exhibit poor thermal transfer, the addition of high loadings of different carbon-based or inorganic thermally conductive fillers is mandatory to achieve satisfactory heat dissipation performance. However, this dramatically alters the mechanical behavior of the final materials, representing a real limitation to their application. Moreover, upon fillers’ incorporation into the polymer matrix, interfacial thermal resistance arises due to differences between the phonon spectra and scattering at the hybrid interface between the phases. Thus, a suitable filler functionalization is required to avoid discontinuities in the thermal transfer. In this challenging scenario, the present review aims at summarizing the most recent efforts to improve the thermal conductivity of rubber nanocomposites by exploiting, in particular, inorganic and hybrid filler systems, focusing on those that may guarantee a viable transfer of lab-scale formulations to technological applicable solutions. The intrinsic relationship among the filler’s loading, structure, morphology, and interfacial features and the heat transfer in the rubber matrix will be explored in depth, with the ambition of providing some methodological tools for a more profitable design of thermally conductive rubber nanocomposites, especially those for the formulation of tires. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation of Polymer Nanocomposites' Performance)
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