Novel nanocomposite of poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate) crosslinked with Jeffamine‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes as gel polymer electrolytes

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were functionalized with α,ω‐diamino poly(propylene oxide) (Jeffamine) of different molecular weights and crosslinked with poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate) [P(AN‐GMA)] to prepare a novel nanocomposite for applications in gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs). The synthesized copolymer was characterized by ¹H‐NMR, Fourier transform infrared, and thermal analysis. Scanning electron microscope observation revealed that the Jeffamine‐functionalized MWCNTs distributed uniformly in the nanocomposite membrane. The mechanical behaviors of the nanocomposite membranes were investigated. It was found that the crosslinked nanocomposite membranes of P(AN‐GMA) and Jeffamine‐functionalized MWCNTs exhibited much higher mechanical strength than the counterpart nanocomposite obtained by physical blending. Moreover, the weight content and molecular weights of Jeffamine had an effect on the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. Differential scanning calorimeter measurements showed that the crosslinked nanocomposite membranes were amorphous. GPEs based on the nanocomposite were prepared and characterized by complex impedance measurements. The GPE based on the nanocomposite of P(AN‐GMA) crosslinked with 6 wt % of MWCNTs functionalized by Jeffamine D400 showed an ionic conductivity of about 3.39 × 10^?4 S cm^?1 at 25°C, which is much higher than the counterpart nanocomposite of physically blended P(AN‐GMA) and MWCNTs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Studies on syntheses and morphology characteristic of chiral novel poly(ester-imide)/TiO2 bionanocomposites derived from l-phenylalanine based diacid

In this study, a new optically active poly(ester-imide) (PEI) was synthesized from the polymerization reaction of N,N′-(pyromellitoyl)-bis-l-phenylalanine diacid with 4,4′-thiobis(2-tert-butyl-5-methylphenol) using tosyl chloride, pyridine and N,N-dimethyl formamide as a condensing agent. The obtained polymer and inorganic metal oxide bionanocomposites composed of poly(ester-imide)/titanium dioxide were synthesized through ultrasonic irradiation. The formation of PEI was confirmed by ¹H NMR, fourier transform IR spectroscopy (FT-IR), specific rotation and elemental analysis. The resulting bionanocomposites were characterized by FT-IR, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy)AFM(, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The TEM, SEM and FE-SEM results indicated that the nanoparticles were dispersed homogeneously in PEI matrix on nanoscale. TGA confirmed that the heat stability of the nanocomposite was improved in the presence of TiO₂ nanoparticles.     

Synthesis and properties of poly(4,4′-oxybis(benzene)disulfide)/graphite nanocomposites via in situ ring-opening polymerization of macrocyclic oligomers

An effective method for the preparation of poly(4,4′-oxybis(benzene)disulfide)/graphite nanosheet composites via in situ ring-opening polymerization of macrocyclic oligomers were reported. Completely exfoliated graphite nanosheets were prepared under the microwave irradiation followed by sonication in solution. The nanocomposites were fabricated via in situ melt ring-opening polymerization of macrocyclic oligomers in the presence of graphite nanosheets. The graphite nanosheets and resulted poly(arylene disulfide)/graphite nanocomposites were characterized with field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), tensile tester and electrical conductivity measurements. Compared with pure polymer, the electrical conductivity of the poly(arylene disulfide)/graphite nanocomposites were dramatically increased and had a value of about 10⁻³ S/cm for the nanocomposite containing 5 wt% graphite. The nanocomposites exhibit as both high performance polymeric material and electrically conductive material. Therefore, they show potential applications as high temperature conducting materials.     

Synthesis and characterization of novel type poly (4-chloromethyl styrene-grft-4-vinylpyridine)/TiO2 nanocomposite via nitroxide-mediated radical polymerization

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of novel type poly (4-chloromethyl styrene-graft-4-vinylpyridine)/TiO₂ nanocomposite. Firstly, poly (4-chloromethyl styrene)/TiO₂ nanocomposite was synthesized by in situ free radical polymerizing of 4-chloromethyl styrene monomers in the presence of 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propylmethacrylate (MPS) modified nano-TiO₂. Thereafter, 1-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO-OH) was synthesized by the reduction of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO). This functional nitroxyl compound was covalently attached to the poly (4-chloromethyl styrene)/TiO₂ with replacement of chlorine atoms in the poly (4-chloromethyl styrene) chains. The controlled graft copolymerization of 4-vinylpyridine was initiated by poly (4-chloromethyl styrene)/TiO₂ nanocomposite carrying TEMPO groups as a macroinitiators. The coupling of TEMPO with poly (4-chloromethyl styrene)/TiO₂ was verified using ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The obtained nanocomposites were studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the optical properties of the nanocomposites were studied using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy.     

Characterization and Properties of Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Graphene,Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Graphene Oxide and Poly(methyl methacrylate)/p-Phenylenediamine-Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites

In this study, poly(methyl methacrylate)/p-phenylenediamine-graphene oxide, poly(methyl methacrylate)/graphene, and poly(methyl methacrylate)/graphene oxide nanocomposite series were prepared using simple solution blending technique. In poly(methyl methacrylate)/p-phenylenediamine-graphene oxide series, graphene oxide modified with p-phenylenediamine was used to improve its dispersion and interfacial strength with matrix. Morphology study of poly(methyl methacrylate)/p-phenylenediamine-graphene oxide nanocomposite revealed better dispersion of p-phenylenediamine-graphene oxide flakes and gyroid patterning of poly(methyl methacrylate) over the filler surface. Due to nonconducting nature of graphene oxide, there was no significant variation in the thermal or electrical conductivity of these nanocomposites. Thermal conductivity of poly(methyl methacrylate)/p-phenylenediamine-graphene oxide 1.5 was 1.16 W/mK, while the electrical conductivity was found to be 2.3 × 10^?3 S/cm.     

In Situ Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles in Novel L-Phenylalanine Based Poly(Amide-Benzimidazole-imide) Matrix Through Metal Complexation Method Using N,N′-Dimethylformamide as a Reaction Medium and Reducing Agent

Silver nanoparticles were obtained in novel optically active poly(amide-benzimidazole-imide) (PABI) matrix through an in situ procedure. Chiral PABI was prepared by polycondensation of amino acid based diacid and benzimidazole containing diamine in the presence of molten tetrabutylammonium bromide. Synthesized PABI was characterized by several techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectra, ¹H-NMR, elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Then, PABI/Ag nanocomposite was fabricated based on metal complexation route for preparing silver nanoparticles in the PABI matrix and was characterized by various techniques. Microscopic images revealed good dispersion of Ag nanoparticles in the polymer matrix.     

Morphology,mechanical properties and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of poly(styrene‐b‐ethylene‐ran‐butylene‐b‐styrene)/carbon nanotube nanocomposites: effects of maleic anhydride,carbon nanotube loading and processing method

Nanocomposites based on poly(styrene‐b‐ethylene‐ran‐butylene‐b‐styrene) (SEBS) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (SEBS/CNT) as well as SEBS grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBS‐MA)/CNT were successfully prepared for electromagnetic shielding applications. Both SEBS/CNT and SEBS‐MA/CNT nanocomposites were prepared by melt compounding and were post‐processed using two different techniques: tape extrusion and compression moulding. The different nanocomposites were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and rheological analysis. Their mechanical properties, electrical properties (10^-2–10⁵ Hz) and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (8.2–12.4 GHz) were also evaluated. The results showed that the CNT loading amount, the presence of MA in the matrix and the shaping technique used strongly influence the final morphologies and properties of the nanocomposites. Whilst the nanocomposite containing 8 wt% CNTs prepared by compression moulding presented the highest electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (with a value of 56.73 dB, which corresponds to an attenuation of 99.9996% of the incident radiation), the nanocomposite containing 5 wt% CNTs prepared by tape extrusion presented the best balance between electromagnetic and mechanical properties and was a good candidate to be used as an efficient flexible electromagnetic interference shielding material. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis and antifungal activities of polymer/montmorillonite–terbinafine hydrochloride nanocomposite films

The poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)/montmorillonite–terbinafine hydrochloride (PDMS/OMMT) nanocomposite films were obtained by solution intercalation. Organo-montmorillonite (OMMT) with antifungal activity was prepared from Na⁺-montmorillonite (Na⁺-MMT) and terbinafine hydrochloride (Ter-HCl) by ion exchange. The microstructure of these nanocomposite films were characterized by TEM and XRD. The effect of OMMT on the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the nanocomposites was investigated. When the OMMT content was < 1 mass %, the nanocomposites showed excellent mechanical properties. The polymers were tested for antifungal activity against Candida albicans. The PDMS/OMMT nanocomposite films strongly inhibited the C. albicans.     

Synthesis and thermal behavior of poly(methyl methacrylate)/Maghnia bentonite nanocomposite prepared at room temperature via in situ polymerization initiated by a new Ni(II)α‐benzoinoxime complex

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(methyl methacrylate)/clay nanocomposite (PMMA/OBT) were successfully prepared in dioxan at room temperature via in situ radical polymerization initiated by a new Ni(II)α‐ Benzoinoxime complex as a single component in presence of 3% by weight of an organically modified bentonite (OBT) (originated from Maghnia, Algeria) and characterized by FTIR, ¹H‐NMR and viscometry. Mainly intercalated and partially exfoliated PMMA/OBT nanocomposite was elaborated and evidenced by X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The intrinsic viscosity of PMMA/OBT nanocomposite is much higher than the one of pure PMMA prepared under the same conditions. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) displayed an increase of 10°C in the glass transition temperature of the elaborated PMMA/OBT nanocomposite relative to the one of pure PMMA. Moreover, the TGA analysis confirms a significant improvement of the thermal stability of PMMA/OBT nanocomposite compared to virgin PMMA: the onset degradation temperature of the nanocomposite, carried out under nitrogen atmosphere, increased by more than 45°C. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Synthesis and characterization of novel aromatic poly(benzimidazole-amide)/Ag and Cu nanocomposites through transition metal complexation

A new thermally stable aromatic poly(benzimidazole-amide)s PBIAs was synthesized by low-temperature polycondensation of bis-benzimidazole diamines; 1,4-bis(5-amino-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)benzene (3a) and 1,3-bis(5-amino-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)benzene (3b) with two different diacid chlorides. Diamines 3a and 3b were prepared via direct condensation of 1,2-phenylene diamine and terephthalic or isophthalic acid in polyphosphoric acid in high yield. Chemical structures of synthesized monomers were confirmed by elemental analyses and spectroscopic methods. The structures of synthetized polymers were confirmed by FT-IR, ¹H-NMR, elemental and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Thermal stability of the polymers was ascertained via 10 % weight loss temperatures in the range of 315–380 °C (inert atmosphere). Existence of benzimidazole moieties in polymer’s structure makes them suitable for easy coordination to Lewis acids or metallic ions, whereas the substitution of C–H or N–H protons allows for the synthesis of complex derivatives. As a result, a series of novel nanocomposites, via metal complexation of PBIA6a due to their great solubility with Ag⁺ or Cu²⁺ cations followed by reduction to metals by sodium borohydride (NaBH₄), was prepared. The resulting nanocomposites’ structures were confirmed by FT-IR, XRD, TGA, UV/vis, FE-SEM, TEM and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX). The FE-SEM, TEM and SEM–EDX results indicated that Cu and Ag particles were dispersed homogenously in nano scale in the polymer matrix.     

Syntheses,characterization, and antibacterial activity of chitosan grafted hydrogels and associated mica‐containing nanocomposite hydrogels

Chitosan (CS) grafted poly[(acrylic acid)‐co‐(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)] (CS‐g‐poly(AA‐co‐HEMA)) at different molar ratios of AA and HEMA, and the associated nanocomposite hydrogels of CS‐g‐poly(AA‐co‐HEMA)/mica were synthesized by radical copolymerization. The grafting positions at the amino or hydroxyl groups in the CS were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. CS‐g‐poly(AA‐co‐HEMA) hydrogels were intercalated in the mica and the amount of hydrogel insertion did not affect the spacing of the silicate layers in mica. The higher mica loadings produced a rougher surface of the nanocomposite hydrogel. The water absorbency of the CS‐g‐poly(AA‐co‐HEMA)/mica nanocomposite hydrogels decreased with increasing levels of mica loading to a lower level than those of the CS‐g‐poly(AA‐co‐HEMA) hydrogels. Both CS‐g‐poly(AA) and CS‐g‐poly(AA‐co‐HEMA)/mica nanocomposite hydrogels exhibited a higher antiproliferative activity against Staphylococcus aureus than did the neat CS hydrogel with CS‐g‐poly(AA) revealing a very pronounced minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of 1.56 mg mL^?1. The extent of mica loading in the CS‐g‐poly(AA‐co‐HEMA) nanocomposite hydrogels did not affect the MIC (12.5 mg mL^?1). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

A novel lithium/sulfur battery based on sulfur/graphene nanosheet composite cathode and gel polymer electrolyte

A novel sulfur/graphene nanosheet (S/GNS) composite was prepared via a simple ball milling of sulfur with commercial multi-layer graphene nanosheet, followed by a heat treatment. High-resolution transmission and scanning electronic microscopy observations showed the formation of irregularly interlaced nanosheet-like structure consisting of graphene with uniform sulfur coating on its surface. The electrochemical properties of the resulting composite cathode were investigated in a lithium cell with a gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) prepared by trapping 1 mol dm⁻³ solution of lithium bistrifluoromethanesulfonamide in tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether in a polymer matrix composed of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)/poly(methylmethacrylate)/silicon dioxide (PVDF-HFP/PMMA/SiO₂). The GPE battery delivered reversible discharge capacities of 809 and 413 mAh g⁻¹ at the 1st and 50th cycles at 0.2C, respectively, along with a high coulombic efficiency over 50 cycles. This performance enhancement of the cell was attributed to the suppression of the polysulfide shuttle effect by a collective effect of S/GNS composite cathode and GPE, providing a higher sulfur utilization.     

Synthesis and characteristics of poly(methyl methacrylate)/expanded graphite nanocomposites

In this work, we synthesized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/expanded graphite (EG) nanocomposites by a new polymerization method. The volume electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite prepared by this way is very high (when the content of EG is about 8 wt %, the conductivity could reach 60 S/cm). The structure of the nanocomposite was investigated by SEM, TEM, IR, and XRD. And we found temperature and voltage were important parameters of governing the electrical conductivity of PMMA/EG nanocomposites. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 1427–1431, 2006     

Preparation,characterization, and metal ion retention capacity of Co(II) and Ni(II) from poly(p‐HO‐ and p‐Cl‐phenylmaleimide‐co‐2‐hydroxypropylmethacrylate) using the ultra filtration technique

p‐Chlorophenylmaleimide and p‐hydroxyphenylmaleimide with 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate were synthesized by radical polymerization, and the metal ion retention capacity and thermal behavior of the copolymers were evaluated. The copolymers were obtained by solution radical polymerization with a 0.50 : 0.50 feed monomer ratio. The maximum retention capacity (MRC) for the removal of two metal ions, Co(II) and Ni(II) in aqueous phase were determined using the liquid‐phase polymer based retention technique. Inorganic ion interactions with the hydrophilic polymer were determined as a function of pH. The metal ion retention capacity does not depend strongly on the pH. Metal ion retention increased with an increase of pH for a copolymer composition 0.50 : 0.50. At different pH, the MRC of the poly(p‐chlorophenylmaleimide‐co‐2‐hydroxypropylmethacrylate) for Co(II) and Ni(II) ions varied from 44.1 to 48.6 mg/g and from 41.5 mg/g to 46.0 mg/g, respectively; while the MRC of poly(p‐hydroxyphenylmaleimide‐co‐2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate) for Co(II) and Ni(II) ions varied from 28.4 to 35.6 mg/g and from 27.2 to 30.8 mg/g, respectively. The copolymers and copolymer–metal complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and thermal behavior. The thermal behavior of the copolymer and polymer–metal complexes were studied using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry techniques under nitrogen atmosphere. The thermal decomposition temperature and T_g were influenced by the binding‐metal ion on the copolymer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

Preparation and properties of PET/PA6 copolymer/montmorillonite hybrid nanocomposite

From in situ polycondensation, a poly(ethylene terephthalate)/Polyamide 6 copolymer/montmorillonite nanocomposite was prepared, after the treatment of montmorillonite (MMT) with a water soluble polymer. The resulting nanocomposites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results of DSC, ¹H NMR, and DMA proved that the nanocomposite synthesized was PET/PA6 copolymer/MMT nanocomposite, not the PET/PA6 blend/MMT nanocomposite. The results of XRD and TEM proved that the dispersion of MMT was improved observably after the introduction of PA6 molecular chain into PET. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 2512–2517, 2006     

Flexible electroactive PVDF/ZnO nanocomposite with high output power and current density

In the present study, a lightweight and flexible polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposite was prepared using a low-temperature phase-inversion process. The synergetic effect of low-temperature, phase-inversion, and the integration of ZnO nanoparticles primes on enhancing the electroactive polar β-phase in the nanocomposite. The transformation of the electroactive phase and its quantification were carried out using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and wide-angle X-ray diffraction. The PVDF/ZnO piezoelectric polymer nanocomposite was utilized for energy harvesting application that showed a better electromechanical response of ca. 69 V (peak to peak) at ~1.6 N, 250 μW/cm² surface power density and 0.25 mA/cm² surface current density. The fabricated piezoelectric polymer nanocomposite is a possible candidate for superior energy scavenging applications for capturing human kinematics.     

Preparation of polyethylene‐octene elastomer/clay nanocomposite and microcellular foam processed in supercritical carbon dioxide

Polyethylene‐octene elastomer (POE)/organoclay nanocomposite was prepared by melt mixing of the POE with an organoclay (Cloisite 20A) in an internal mixer, using poly[ethylene‐co‐(methyl acrylate)‐co‐(glycidyl methacrylate)] copolymer (E‐MG‐GMA) as a compatibilizer. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that an intercalated nanocomposite was formed and the silicate layers of the clay were uniformly dispersed at a nanometre scale in the POE matrix. The nanocomposite exhibited greatly enhanced tensile and dynamic mechanical properties compared with the POE/clay composite without the compatibilizer. The POE/E‐MA‐GMA/clay nanocomposite was used to produce foams by a batch process in an autoclave, with supercritical carbon dioxide as a foaming agent. The nanocomposite produced a microcellular foam with average cell size as small as 3.4 µm and cell density as high as 2 × 10¹¹ cells cm^?3. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Functional Copolymer/Organo-MMT Nanoarchitectures: XXVI. Fabrication and Characterization of Electrospun Nanofibers from PCL/ODA-MMT and Copolymer-g-PLA/ Ag-MMT Blends

We synthesized poly(?-caprolactone)/octadecyl amine-montmorillonite clay nanocomposite as a matrix polymer by solution intercalative method and new amphiphilic poly(maleic anhydrde-alt-1-octadecene)-g-poly(L-lactic acid)/Ag⁺-montmorillonite clay nanocomposite as a partner polymer by interlamellar graft copolymerization of lactic acid onto anhydride copolymer in the presence of silver salt of montmorillonite clay as catalyst-nanofiller. Novel polymer nanofibers were fabricated by electrospinning of matrix/partner blends with different volume ratios. The nanocomposites and nanofibers were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis–differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscope–transmission electron microscope methods. The diameters, morphologies, and thermal behavior of fibers were strongly depended on the partner-polymer nanocomposites loadings. The fabricated biocompatible and biodegradable nanofibers can be utilized for biomedical and filtration applications.     

Poly(vinyl alcohol) Based pH Responsive Semi-IPN Hydrogels: A Comparative Swelling Investigation

The semi-interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and random copolymers of poly(acrylamide-co-sodium methacrylate), poly(AAm-co-NMA); poly(acrylamide-co-potassium methacrylate), poly(AAm-co-KMA); poly(acrylamide-co-maleic acid), poly(AAm-co-MA) were prepared by conventional co-polymerization employing ammonium persulphate (APS)/N,N,N¹,N¹-tetraethylmethylenediamine (TMEDA) as redox initiating system in presence of N,N¹-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker. The swelling behavior of these semi-IPN hydrogels were compared in detail in various swelling media, including different pH, salt, and biological fluids.     

Preparation and Characterization of Novel Poly(Urethane-Imide) Nanocomposite Based on Graphene,Graphene Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide

In this work in-situ preparation of novel poly(urethane-imide)/graphene, graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite is reported by the reaction of 4,4´-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polypropylene glycol, 3,3’,4,4′-benzophenone tetra carboxylic dianhydride and nanomaterials in the loadings levels of 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 pbw in propylene carbonate as an alternative green solvent. The synthesized poly(urethane-imide) nanocomposite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹HNMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), attenuated total reflection (ATR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. The resulting nanocomposite showed enhanced thermal stability when compared with pristine and unfilled poly(urethane-imide) sample.