Preparation and characterization of Nylon-6/exfoliated graphite composite via a combination method of in situ polymerization and thermal expansion

Nylon-6/exfoliated graphite (Nylon-6/EG) composite was prepared via a combination method of in situ polymerization and thermal expansion and characterized via scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Otherwise, the resistivity value of Nylon-6/EG composite was measured, and the volume resistivity value was calculated as well as. The characterization showed that Nylon-6/EG composite had the morphology of the graphite worm and was structured by EG and Nylon-6, which covered on the surface of EG. The result exhibited that the volume resistivity of Nylon-6/EG composite would decrease when the dosage of EG increased. When the mass percent of EG was 1%, the the volume resistivity value of Nylon-6/EG composite could reach 2.3 × 10⁶ Ω cm. This shows that the combination method not only is very effective and reliable but also can play an important role in preparing antistatic Nylon-6 composite.     

Preparation,morphology and properties of acid and amine modified multiwalled carbon nanotube/polyimide composite

The precursor of polyimide, polyamic acid, was prepared by reacting 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA) with 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA). Unmodified, acid-modified and amine-modified multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were separately added to the polyamic acid and heated to 300 °C to produce polyimide/carbon nanotube composite. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) microphotographs reveal that acid-modified MWCNT and amine-modified MWCNT were dispersed uniformly in the polyimide matrix. The effect of the acid and amine-modified MWCNTs on the surface and volume electrical resistivities of MWCNT/polyimide composites were investigated . The surface electrical resistivity of the nanocomposites decreased from 1.28 × 10¹⁵ Ω/cm² (neat polyimide) to 7.59 × 10⁶ Ω/cm² (6.98 wt% unmodified MWCNT content). Adding MWCNTs influenced the glass transition temperatures of the nanocomposites. Modified MWCNTs significance enhanced the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. The tensile strength of the MWCNT/polyimide composite was increased from 102 MPa (neat polyimide) 134 MPa (6.98 wt% acid modified MWCNT/polyimide composites).     

High performance cellulose acetate propionate composites reinforced with exfoliated graphene

This paper deals with the preparation, structural characterization, and physical performances of composites composed of biomass-based cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) and exfoliated graphene (EG). As a reinforcing nanofiller, EG is thus prepared by an oxidation/thermal expansion process of natural graphite flakes and it is characterized to consist of disordered graphene platelets. Structural features, thermal stability, mechanical modulus, and electrical resistivity of CAP/EG composites are investigated as a function of EG content. SEM and X-ray diffraction data demonstrate that graphene platelets of EG are well dispersed and exfoliated in the CAP matrix for the composites with up to ～1 wt.% EG, although they are partially aggregated in the composites with higher EG contents above ～3 wt.%. Thermo-oxidative stability of CAP/EG composites under active oxygen gas condition is improved substantially due to the gas barrier effect of graphene platelets of EG dispersed in the CAP matrix. Dynamic mechanical modulus of the composites is also enhanced significantly with increasing the EG content. This mechanical enhancement of CAP/EG composites is analyzed by adopting the Halpin–Tsai model. The electrical volume resistivity of CAP/EG composites prepared by melt-compounding is decreased dramatically from ～10¹⁵ to ～10⁶ Ω cm by forming the electrical conduction path at a certain EG content between 5 and 7 wt.%.     

High performance cellulose acetate propionate composites reinforced with exfoliated graphene

This paper deals with the preparation, structural characterization, and physical performances of composites composed of biomass-based cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) and exfoliated graphene (EG). As a reinforcing nanofiller, EG is thus prepared by an oxidation/thermal expansion process of natural graphite flakes and it is characterized to consist of disordered graphene platelets. Structural features, thermal stability, mechanical modulus, and electrical resistivity of CAP/EG composites are investigated as a function of EG content. SEM and X-ray diffraction data demonstrate that graphene platelets of EG are well dispersed and exfoliated in the CAP matrix for the composites with up to ∼1 wt.% EG, although they are partially aggregated in the composites with higher EG contents above ∼3 wt.%. Thermo-oxidative stability of CAP/EG composites under active oxygen gas condition is improved substantially due to the gas barrier effect of graphene platelets of EG dispersed in the CAP matrix. Dynamic mechanical modulus of the composites is also enhanced significantly with increasing the EG content. This mechanical enhancement of CAP/EG composites is analyzed by adopting the Halpin–Tsai model. The electrical volume resistivity of CAP/EG composites prepared by melt-compounding is decreased dramatically from ∼10¹⁵ to ∼10⁶ Ω cm by forming the electrical conduction path at a certain EG content between 5 and 7 wt.%.     

Effects of poly(oxyethylene)-block structure in polyetheramines on the modified carbon nanotube/poly(lactic acid) composites

The hybrids of multi-walled carbon nanotube and poly(lactic acid) (MWCNT/PLA) were prepared by a melt-blending method. In order to enhance the compatibility between the PLA and MWCNTs, the surface of the MWCNTs was covalently modified by Jeffamine® polyetheramines by functionalizing MWCNTs with carboxylic groups. Different molecular weights and hydrophilicity of the polyethermaines were grafted onto MWCNTs with the assistance of a dehydrating agent. The results showed that low-molecular-weight Jeffamine® polyetheramine modified MWCNTs can effectively improve the thermal properties of PLA composites. On the other hand, high-molecular-weight and poly(oxyethylene)-segmented polyetheramine could render the modified MWCNTs of well dispersion in PLA, and consequently affecting the improvements of mechanical properties and conductivity of composite materials. With the addition of 3.0 wt% MWCNTs, the increment of E′ of the composite at 40 °C was 79%. For conductivity, the surface resistivity decreased from 1.27 × 10¹² Ω/sq for neat PLA to 8.30 × 10⁻³ Ω/sq for the composites.     

Thermal,mechanical and electrical properties of polyurethane/(3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane functionalized graphene/epoxy resin interpenetrating shape memory polymer composites

Functionalized graphene (FG) was successfully synthesized by treating graphene oxide with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (KH-550) and then reduced by hydrazine hydrate. Subsequently, significant reinforcement of polyurethane/epoxy resin (PU/EP) composites in situ synthesized on the FG is prepared. Morphologic study shows that, due to the formation of chemical bonding, the FG was dispersed well in the PU/EP matrix and the mechanical performance is improved. Meanwhile, the thermal degradation temperature was enhanced almost 50 °C higher than that of PU/EP. The conductivity of PU/FG/EP nanocomposites was 82.713 × 10⁻⁶ S/m at 2.0 wt% loadings. The resulting composites exhibited 96% shape fixity, 94% shape recovery, enhanced shape recovery force to realize thermo-electric dual-responsive property. Comparing with the results in literature, the composites used in this study have shown a progress between electrical conductivity and shape memory property.     

A capric–palmitic–stearic acid ternary eutectic mixture/expanded graphite composite phase change material for thermal energy storage

This paper demonstrated a capric acid–palmitic acid–stearic acid ternary eutectic mixture/expanded graphite (CA–PA–SA/EG) composite phase change material (PCM) for low-temperature heat storage. The CA–PA–SA ternary eutectic mixture with a mass ratio of CA:PA:SA = 79.3:14.7:6.0 was prepared firstly, and its mass ratio in the CA–PA–SA/EG composite can reach as high as 90%. The melting and freezing temperatures of CA–PA–SA/EG composite were 21.33 °C and 19.01 °C, and the corresponding latent heat were 131.7 kJ kg⁻¹ and 127.2 kJ kg⁻¹. The CA–PA–SA/EG composite powders can be formed into round blocks by dry pressing easily, with much higher thermal conductivity than CA–PA–SA. Thermal performance test showed that the increasing thermal conductivity of CA–PA–SA could obviously decrease the melting/cooling time. Thermal property characterizations after 500 heating/cooling cycles test indicated that CA–PA–SA/EG composite PCM had excellent thermal reliability. Based on all these results, CA–PA–SA/EG composite PCM is a promising material for low-temperature thermal energy storage applications.     

Carbon fiber polymer–matrix structural composites exhibiting greatly enhanced through-thickness thermoelectric figure of merit

The through-thickness thermoelectric behavior of continuous carbon fiber epoxy-matrix composites is greatly improved by adding tellurium particles (13 vol.%), bismuth telluride particles (2 vol.%) and carbon black (2 vol.%). The thermoelectric power is increased from 8 to 163 μV/K, the electrical resistivity is decreased from 0.17 to 0.02.Ω.cm, the thermal conductivity is decreased from 1.31 to 0.51 W/m.K, and the dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit ZT at 70 °C is increased from 9 × 10⁻⁶ to 9 × 10⁻². Tellurium increases the thermoelectric power greatly. Bismuth telluride decreases the electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity. Carbon black decreases the electrical resistivity.     

Enhanced conductivity behavior of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) hybrid composites containing exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets and carbon nanotubes

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) hybrid composites consisting of exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnPs) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes functionalized with hydroxyl groups (MWCNTs-OH) were fabricated, and the effects of the xGnP/MWCNT-OH ratio on the thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) hybrid composites were investigated. With the total filler content fixed at 4 wt%, a hybrid composite consisting of 75% × GnP/25% MWCNT-OH showed the highest thermal conductivity (0.392 W/m K) and electrical conductivity (1.24 × 10⁻³ S/m), which significantly exceeded the values shown by either of the respective single filler composites. The increased thermal and electrical conductivity found when both fillers are used in combination is attributed to the synergistic effect between the fillers that forms an interconnected hybrid network. In contrast, the various different combinations of the fillers only showed a modest effect on the mechanical behavior, thermal stability, and thermal expansion of the PDMS composite.     

Manufacture of a polymer-based carbon nanocomposite as bipolar plate of proton exchange membrane fuel cells

The aim of this paper is to prepare a polymer-based carbon nanocomposite reinforced by carbon fiber cloth (CF) to be utilized as bipolar plate of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. For this purpose, some single, double, and triple-filler composites were manufactured by using phenolic resin as polymer (P) and graphite (G), carbon fiber (CF) and expanded graphite (EG) as fillers. The production method was compression-molding technique. The electrical conductivity, flexural strength, toughness, hardness, porosity, and hydrogen permeability tests were then measured to determine the mechanical and physical properties. A triple-filler composite containing 45 wt.% G, 10 wt.% CF, 5 wt.% EG, reinforced by a layer of CF cloth, was selected as composite bipolar plate. The electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and flexural strength of this composite were 74 S/cm, 9.6 W/m K, and 74 MPa, respectively, which are higher than the specified value by department of energy in USA (DOE). The composite bipolar plate used in the single fuel cell assembly showed a maximum power density 810 mW/cm². In this paper, a material selection was performed on the different materials of bipolar plates. It can be concluded that the composite bipolar plates are more suitable for high life time stationary applications.     

A review of the fabrication and properties of vapor-grown carbon nanofiber/polymer composites

Several varieties of vapor-grown carbon nanofiber with diameters under 200 nm and conically shaped graphene planes canted with respect to the longitudinal fiber axis are available. Because of the strong inter-fiber bonding, compounding these fibers with polymeric resins demands some care. Therefore, fabrication of nanofiber composites has led to variable and occasionally disappointing electrical conductivity and tensile strength. In the following paper we review the published data for vapor-grown carbon nanofiber (VGCNF) composites and show that the best results, achieved with satisfactory dispersion, are consistent with each other and with calculation. With careful preparation techniques, composite tensile strength and modulus of more than triple that of the neat resin can be achieved with 15 vol% fibers. Electrical conductivity can be achieved with less than 1/2 vol% fiber loading, while above 15 vol% loading resistivities near 0.1 Ω cm are possible. Excellent compressive strength and thermal conductivity can also be achieved.     

Thermally reduced graphene oxide acting as a trap for multiwall carbon nanotubes in bi-filler epoxy composites

The effect of thermally reduced graphene oxide (TRGO) on the electrical percolation threshold of multi wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/epoxy cured composites is studied along with their combined rheological/electrical behavior in their suspension state. In contrast to MWCNT and carbon black (CB) based epoxy composites, there is no prominent percolation threshold for the bi-filler (TRGO–MWCNT/epoxy) composite. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity of the bi-filler composite is two orders of magnitude lower (∼1 × 10⁻⁵ S/m) than the pristine MWCNT/epoxy composites (∼1 × 10⁻³ S/m). This result is primarily due to the strong interaction between TRGO and MWCNTs. Optical micrographs of the suspension and scanning electron micrographs of the cured composites indicate trapping of MWCNTs onto TRGO sheets. A morphological model describing this interaction is presented.     

Advanced multifunctional properties of aligned carbon nanotube-epoxy thin film composites

Carbon nanotube (CNT)/epoxy composite films were successfully developed by a combination of layer-by-layer and vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding methods using directly chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-spun CNT plies. CNT fractions in the composite films were found to be dramatically enhanced as the number of CNT plies increased. The as-prepared CNT/epoxy composite films with 24.4 wt.% CNTs exhibited ~ 10 and ~ 5 times enhancements in their strength and Young's modulus, respectively, and high toughness of up to 6.39 × 10³ kJ/m³. Electrical conductivity reached 252.8 S/cm for the 20-ply CNT/epoxy films, which was 20 times higher over those of the CNT/epoxy composites obtained by conventional dispersion methods. This work proposed a route to fabricate high-CNT-fraction CNT/epoxy composites on a large scale. The high toughness of these CNT/epoxy composite films also makes them promising candidates as protective materials.     

Formation of nanotubes in Cz Si wafers using He+ implantation and subsequent O+- or N+-plasma treatment

Standard 4.5 Ω cm n-type and 12 Ω cm p-type Cz Si wafers were implanted with helium ions of 300 keV energy and the fluences of 1 × 10¹⁵, 5 × 10¹⁵, 1 × 10¹⁶ or 2 × 10¹⁶ at/cm² at room temperature. The implanted wafers were then annealed in vacuum at 650, 700, 750 or 800 °C. Then oxygen or nitrogen ions of the fluence of 2 × 10¹⁷ cm^?2 were introduced to the silicon wafers from a plasma source followed by annealing the samples in vacuum at 900 °C.The structural properties of the samples were investigated using SEM. To control the treatment's influence on the electrical properties of the wafers, the measurements of charge carriers' lifetime were carried out.1D defects (nanotubes) normal to the sample surface with defect's length equal to the projected range of the implanted ions were formed in the Cz Si wafers following He⁺ implantation with subsequent vacuum annealing and plasma treatment. The surfaces of wafers contained a small density of defects.     

Preparation and characterization of polyaniline/exfoliated graphite composite via a combination method of in situ polymerization and thermal expansion

Polyaniline/exfoliated graphite (PANI/EG) composite was prepared via a combination method of in situ polymerization and thermal expansion and characterized, using scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In the in situ polymerization, PANI/graphite intercalation compounds (GIC) composite was synthesized by GIC and aniline. In the thermal expansion, PANI/EG composite was prepared by PANI/GIC composite. The characterization showed that the morphology of PANI/EG composite was analogous to foam and the surface of PANI/EG composite had many micro-apertures. When PANI/GIC composite was synthesized by 0.80 g of GIC and 2.00 g of aniline, PANI/GIC composite would be exfoliated to PANI/EG composite at 200 °C, which had 75.00 mL·g⁻¹ of the expansion volume and 0.01Ω⁻¹ cm⁻¹of the conductivity.     

Silicon,flake graphite and phenolic resin-pyrolyzed carbon based Si/C composites as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Si/C composites, based on nano-Si, flake graphite and phenolic resin-pyrolyzed amorphous carbon, were synthesized by liquid solidification and subsequent pyrolysis. The performances of the prepared Si/C composites are investigated by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TG–DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and galvanostatic cell cycling, as well as cyclic voltammograms. The results indicate that the initial charge capacity of the composites is 640.51 mA h g^?1 at a current density of 100 mA g^?1 and the initial coulombic efficiency is 73.82%. The Si/C composites also exhibit excellent cycling performances when cycled at different discharge/charge rates.     

Preparation of high k expanded graphite/CaCuTi4O12/cyanate ester composites with low dielectric loss through controlling the interfacial action between conductors and ceramics

New composites with high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss, based on expanded graphite (EG), CaCuTi₄O₁₂ (sCCTO) and cyanate ester (CE) resin, were developed by controlling the interaction between EG and sCCTO. Difference from EG, surface modified EG (mEG) has an additional strong chemical interaction with sCCTO, this not only improves the dispersion of fillers, but also enhances the filler-matrix interfacial adhesion, leading to different micro-structures and dielectric properties. Specifically, the percolation thresholds of mEG/sCCTO/CE and EG/sCCTO/CE composites are 3.45 vol% and 2.86 vol%, respectively. When the loading of conductors approaches the percolation threshold, mEG/sCCTO/CE composite has much higher dielectric constant and lower dielectric loss than EG/sCCTO/CE composite. The nature behind these attractive data was revealed by building an equivalent circuit.     

Friction and wear behavior of polytetrafluoroethene composites filled with Ti3SiC2

In this work, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites filled with Ti₃SiC₂ or graphite were prepared through powder metallurgy. The effects of different filling components, loads and sliding velocities on the friction performance of Ti₃SiC₂/PTFE composites were studied. Ti₃SiC₂/PTFE composites exhibit better wear resistance than graphite/PTFE composites due to the better mechanical properties of Ti₃SiC₂. The wear resistance was found to improve around 100× over unfilled PTFE with the addition of 1 wt.% Ti₃SiC₂. In addition, the 10 wt.% sample had the lowest wear rate of K = 2.1 × 10⁻⁶ mm³/Nm and the lowest steady friction coefficient with μ = 0.155 at the condition of 90 N–0.4 m/s. Ti₃SiC₂ was proved to promote the formation of a thin and uniform transfer film on counterpart surface and a protection oxide film on worn surface, which are the key roles for improving wear resistance.     

Effect of metalloid silicon addition on densification,microstructure and thermal–physical properties of Al/diamond composites consolidated by spark plasma sintering

Aluminum matrix composites reinforced with diamond particles were consolidated by spark plasma sintering. Metalloid silicon was added (Al–Si/diamond composites) to investigate the effect. Silicon addition promotes the formation of molten metal during the sintering to facilitate the densification and enhance the interfacial bonding. Meanwhile, the alloying metal matrix precipitates the eutectic-Si on the diamond surfaces acting as the transitional part to protect the improved interface during the cooling stage. The improved interface and precipitating eutectic-Si phase are mutually responsible for the optimized properties of the composites. In this study, for the Al–Si/diamond composite with 55 vol.% diamonds of 75 μm diameter, the thermal conductivity increased from 200 to 412 Wm⁻¹ K⁻¹, and the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) decreased from 8.9 to 7.3 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹, compared to the Al/diamond composites. Accordingly, the residual plastic strain was 0.10 × 10⁻³ during the first cycle and rapidly became negligible during the second. Additionally, the measured CTE of the Al–Si/diamond composites was more conform to the Schapery’s model.     

Synthesis of expanded graphite filled polyaniline composites and evaluation of their electrical and electrochemical properties

A series of conducting polyaniline/expanded graphite (PA/EG) composite was synthesized by in situ polymerization of aniline in acid medium followed by the addition of expanded graphite in various proportions (1, 2 and 3 wt%). The synthesized samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, ultraviolet–visible absorption, X-ray diffraction and by electrical conductivity measurements. The dc electrical conductivities of the composites were dramatically increased compared with pure polyaniline and found to be 0.50 × 10² S/cm to 6.11 × 10² S/cm. The PA/EG composites showed a reversible electrochemical response up to 150th repeated cycles as revealed by the cyclic voltametry study.