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Nanomaterials
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Polymer Nanocomposites: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications
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Polymer Nanocomposites: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanocomposite Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (18 November 2021) | Viewed by 19316

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Rosario Gerhardt

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0245, United States
Interests: nanomaterial synthesis; nanocomposite fabrication; polymer composites; carbon nanotube films; ITO films; porosity effects; impedance and dielectric spectroscopy; small angle scattering; optical properties

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,


Polymer composites have been at the forefront of science and technology in the last couple of decades because of advances in the synthesis and control of nanomaterial characteristics used as reinforcing or electroactive fillers. In this Special Issue, we aim to focus on the fabrication methods used to make the nanocomposites and their effect on the resultant properties. We are especially interested in research articles that focus on using the same starting materials so that a comparison between methods can be made and the effect of specific nanomaterials can be highlighted. We are also interested in articles that evaluate the effect of changing the structure of the matrix polymer and its effect on the composite properties while keeping the filler characteristics constant. Articles focused on demonstrating the sensitivity and accuracy of characterization methods and their analysis are desired, as are computer simulation methods that shed light on the trends seen in the properties of the nanocomposites. Finally, investigations that demonstrate the advantages of using a particular processing method to generate the desired properties for a specific application will also be welcome.


Prof. Dr. Rosario Gerhardt
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.

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 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

  • polymer matrix
  • nanomaterial filler
  • composite processing methods
  • mixing methods
  • consolidation methods
  • chemical structure
  • functionalization
  • surfactants
  • electrical properties
  • optical properties
  • magnetic properties
  • mechanical properties
  • thermal properties

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 5430 KiB  
Article
Lignin Nanoparticles and Alginate Gel Beads: Preparation, Characterization and Removal of Methylene Blue
by Tong Luo, Yanping Hao, Chao Wang, Weikun Jiang, Xingxiang Ji, Guihua Yang, Jiachuan Chen, Srinivas Janaswamy and Gaojin Lyu
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(1), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12010176 - 5 Jan 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4753
Abstract
A novel and effective green system consisting of deep eutectic solvent (DES) was proposed to prepare lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) without any lignin modification. The LNPs are obtained through the dialysis of the kraft lignin-DES solution. The particle size distribution, Zeta potential and morphology [...] Read more.
A novel and effective green system consisting of deep eutectic solvent (DES) was proposed to prepare lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) without any lignin modification. The LNPs are obtained through the dialysis of the kraft lignin-DES solution. The particle size distribution, Zeta potential and morphology of the LNPs are characterized by using dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The average diameter of LNPs is in the range 123.6 to 140.7 nm, and the LNPs show good stability and dispersibility in water. The composite beads composed of LNPs and sodium alginate (SA) are highly efficient (97.1%) at removing methylene blue (MB) from the aqueous solution compared to 82.9% and 77.4% by the SA/bulk kraft lignin composite and pure SA, respectively. Overall, the LNPs-SA bio-nanocomposite with high adsorption capacity (258.5 mg/g) could be useful in improving water quality and other related applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Nanocomposites: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)
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15 pages, 2969 KiB  
Article
Orientation of Polylactic Acid–Chitin Nanocomposite Films via Combined Calendering and Uniaxial Drawing: Effect on Structure, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties
by Shikha Singh, Mitul Kumar Patel, Shiyu Geng, Anita Teleman, Natalia Herrera, Daniel Schwendemann, Maria Lluisa Maspoch and Kristiina Oksman
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3308; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11123308 - 6 Dec 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2663
Abstract
The orientation of polymer composites is one way to increase the mechanical properties of the material in a desired direction. In this study, the aim was to orient chitin nanocrystal (ChNC)-reinforced poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposites by combining two techniques: calendering and solid-state drawing. [...] Read more.
The orientation of polymer composites is one way to increase the mechanical properties of the material in a desired direction. In this study, the aim was to orient chitin nanocrystal (ChNC)-reinforced poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposites by combining two techniques: calendering and solid-state drawing. The effect of orientation on thermal properties, crystallinity, degree of orientation, mechanical properties and microstructure was studied. The orientation affected the thermal and structural behavior of the nanocomposites. The degree of crystallinity increased from 8% for the isotropic compression-molded films to 53% for the nanocomposites drawn with the highest draw ratio. The wide-angle X-ray scattering results confirmed an orientation factor of 0.9 for the solid-state drawn nanocomposites. The mechanical properties of the oriented nanocomposite films were significantly improved by the orientation, and the pre-orientation achieved by film calendering showed very positive effects on solid-state drawn nanocomposites: The highest mechanical properties were achieved for pre-oriented nanocomposites. The stiffness increased from 2.3 to 4 GPa, the strength from 37 to 170 MPa, the elongation at break from 3 to 75%, and the work of fracture from 1 to 96 MJ/m3. This study demonstrates that the pre-orientation has positive effect on the orientation of the nanocomposites structure and that it is an extremely efficient means to produce films with high strength and toughness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Nanocomposites: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)
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14 pages, 56929 KiB  
Article
Thermal, Morphological, Electrical Properties and Touch-Sensor Application of Conductive Carbon Black-Filled Polyamide Composites
by Valentina Brunella, Beatrice Gaia Rossatto, Domenica Scarano and Federico Cesano
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(11), 3103; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11113103 - 17 Nov 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2096
Abstract
Polyamide 66 (PA66) is a well-known engineering thermoplastic polymer, primarily employed in polymer composites with fillers and additives of different nature and dimensionality (1D, 2D and 3D) used as alternatives to metals in various technological applications. In this work, carbon black (CB), a [...] Read more.
Polyamide 66 (PA66) is a well-known engineering thermoplastic polymer, primarily employed in polymer composites with fillers and additives of different nature and dimensionality (1D, 2D and 3D) used as alternatives to metals in various technological applications. In this work, carbon black (CB), a conductive nanofiller, was used to reinforce the PA66 polymer in the 9–27 wt. % CB loading range. The reason for choosing CB was intrinsically associated with its nature: a nanostructured carbon filler, whose agglomeration characteristics affect the electrical properties of the polymer composites. Crystallinity, phase composition, thermal behaviour, morphology, microstructure, and electrical conductivity, which are all properties engendered by nanofiller dispersion in the polymer, were investigated using thermal analyses (thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry), microscopies (scanning electron and atomic force microscopies), and electrical conductivity measurements. Interestingly, direct current (DC) electrical measurements and conductive-AFM mapping through the samples enable visualization of the percolation paths and the ability of CB nanoparticles to form aggregates that work as conductive electrical pathways beyond the electrical percolation threshold. This finding provides the opportunities to investigate the degree of filler dispersion occurring during the transformation processes, while the results of the electrical properties also contribute to enabling the use of such conductive composites in sensor and device applications. In this regard, the results presented in this paper provide evidence that conductive carbon-filled polymer composites can work as touch sensors when they are connected with conventional low-power electronics and controlled by inexpensive and commercially available microcontrollers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Nanocomposites: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)
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19 pages, 3189 KiB  
Article
Novel Biocompatible with Animal Cells Composite Material Based on Organosilicon Polymers and Fullerenes with Light-Induced Bacteriostatic Properties
by Sergey V. Gudkov, Alexander V. Simakin, Ruslan M. Sarimov, Alexander D. Kurilov and Denis N. Chausov
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(11), 2804; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11112804 - 22 Oct 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2160
Abstract
A technology for producing a nanocomposite based on the borsiloxane polymer and chemically unmodified fullerenes has been developed. Nanocomposites containing 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 wt% fullerene molecules have been created. It has been shown that the nanocomposite with any content of fullerene molecules [...] Read more.
A technology for producing a nanocomposite based on the borsiloxane polymer and chemically unmodified fullerenes has been developed. Nanocomposites containing 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 wt% fullerene molecules have been created. It has been shown that the nanocomposite with any content of fullerene molecules did not lose the main rheological properties of borsiloxane and is capable of structural self-healing. The resulting nanomaterial is capable of generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals in light. The rate of ROS generation increases with an increase in the concentration of fullerene molecules. In the absence of light, the nanocomposite exhibits antioxidant properties. The severity of antioxidant properties is also associated with the concentration of fullerene molecules in the polymer. It has been shown that the nanocomposite upon exposure to visible light leads to the formation of long-lived reactive protein species, and is also the reason for the appearance of such a key biomarker of oxidative stress as 8-oxoguanine in DNA. The intensity of the process increases with an increase in the concentration of fullerene molecules. In the dark, the polymer exhibits weak protective properties. It was found that under the action of light, the nanocomposite exhibits significant bacteriostatic properties, and the severity of these properties depends on the concentration of fullerene molecules. Moreover, it was found that bacterial cells adhere to the surfaces of the nanocomposite, and the nanocomposite can detach bacterial cells not only from the surfaces, but also from wetted substrates. The ability to capture bacterial cells is primarily associated with the properties of the polymer; they are weakly affected by both visible light and fullerene molecules. The nanocomposite is non-toxic to eukaryotic cells, the surface of the nanocomposite is suitable for eukaryotic cells for colonization. Due to the combination of self-healing properties, low cytotoxicity, and the presence of bacteriostatic properties, the nanocomposite can be used as a reusable dry disinfectant, as well as a material used in prosthetics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Nanocomposites: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)
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12 pages, 3597 KiB  
Article
Aerogels Based on Reduced Graphene Oxide/Cellulose Composites: Preparation and Vapour Sensing Abilities
by Yian Chen, Petra Pötschke, Jürgen Pionteck, Brigitte Voit and Haisong Qi
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(9), 1729; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10091729 - 31 Aug 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3398
Abstract
This paper reports on the preparation of cellulose/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) aerogels for use as chemical vapour sensors. Cellulose/rGO composite aerogels were prepared by dissolving cellulose and dispersing graphene oxide (GO) in aqueous NaOH/urea solution, followed by an in-situ reduction of GO to [...] Read more.
This paper reports on the preparation of cellulose/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) aerogels for use as chemical vapour sensors. Cellulose/rGO composite aerogels were prepared by dissolving cellulose and dispersing graphene oxide (GO) in aqueous NaOH/urea solution, followed by an in-situ reduction of GO to reduced GO (rGO) and lyophilisation. The vapour sensing properties of cellulose/rGO composite aerogels were investigated by measuring the change in electrical resistance during cyclic exposure to vapours with varying solubility parameters, namely water, methanol, ethanol, acetone, toluene, tetrahydrofuran (THF), and chloroform. The increase in resistance of aerogels on exposure to vapours is in the range of 7 to 40% with methanol giving the highest response. The sensing signal increases almost linearly with the vapour concentration, as tested for methanol. The resistance changes are caused by the destruction of the conductive filler network due to a combination of swelling of the cellulose matrix and adsorption of vapour molecules on the filler surfaces. This combined mechanism leads to an increased sensing response with increasing conductive filler content. Overall, fast reaction, good reproducibility, high sensitivity, and good differentiation ability between different vapours characterize the detection behaviour of the aerogels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Nanocomposites: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)
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16 pages, 3876 KiB  
Article
Non-Isothermal Crystallization Behavior and Thermal Properties of Polyethylene Tuned by Polypropylene and Reinforced with Reduced Graphene Oxide
by Antimo Graziano, Otavio Augusto Titton Dias, Christian Garcia, Shaffiq Jaffer, Jimi Tjong and Mohini Sain
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(8), 1428; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10081428 - 22 Jul 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2868
Abstract
This research work is the first to report thermal stability, heat deformation resistance, and crystallization behavior of a Polyethylene (PE)-based biphasic polyolefin system reinforced with Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO), which was obtained through Graphene Oxide (GO) chemical reduction. Polypropylene (PP) represented the polymeric [...] Read more.
This research work is the first to report thermal stability, heat deformation resistance, and crystallization behavior of a Polyethylene (PE)-based biphasic polyolefin system reinforced with Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO), which was obtained through Graphene Oxide (GO) chemical reduction. Polypropylene (PP) represented the polymeric dispersed phase. A strategic PE/PP/RGO manufacturing procedure was employed to thermodynamically localize RGO at the PE/PP interface, as confirmed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), bringing a uniform micro phase dispersion into the macro phase. In addition, studies of PE non-isothermal crystallization kinetics indicated that the morphology tunable micro phase and the nanolayered RGO promoted a nucleation-controlled PE crystallization, which was supported by Polarized Light Optical Microscopy (PLOM). This, together with fine morphology, justified the remarkable enhancement registered for the ternary system’s thermal stability and heat deformation resistance. Different filler loads were employed, with weight fractions of 2% and 4%. It was observed that the former, being better exfoliated and more homogeneously distributed at the PE/PP interface than the latter, led to a more improved PE crystallization, alongside a greater ternary system’s thermal properties. Moreover, the thermal stability of PE/PP reinforced with 2% of RGO was even higher than that of virgin PP, while their heat deformation resistance values were found to be similar. Therefore, this unique outcome provides industries, such as the energy and automotive sectors, with the opportunity to substitute PP-rich products with those mostly comprised of a cheaper, more abundant, yet performant PE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Nanocomposites: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)
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