Advances in Epoxy/Graphene Nanoplatelet Composite with Enhanced Physical Properties: A Review

In this review, development from graphene nanoplatelet, that is, comprised of short bulk of single layer graphene, into modified-polymer/graphene nanoplatelet composite is presented. Preparation methods of graphite, graphene, and graphene nanoplatelets have also been discussed. Graphene nanoplatelet and modified graphene nanoplatelet commend unique properties to composites such as excellent thermal and electrical conductivity as well as mechanical and barrier properties. Graphene nanoplatelet fabrication techniques by solution mixing, melt blending, and in situ polymerization are also discussed. Excellent dispersion of nanoplatelets in polymer/graphene nanoplatelet depends upon the selection of suitable fabrication technique. Moreover, the corresponding significance, exploitation, challenges, and future aspect of polymer/graphene nanoplatelet-based material is overviewed.     

Epoxy Resin Composite Reinforced with Carbon Fiber and Inorganic Filler: Overview on Preparation and Properties

Among carbon fillers, carbon fiber is considered to be an ideal reinforcement for epoxy because of its outstanding electrical, mechanical, and thermal features. Several inorganic fillers such as zinc oxide, titania, and silica are also used in epoxy matrix for property enhancement. The review initially focuses the preparation methods and physical characteristics of epoxy/carbon fiber composite. Afterward, fabrication and properties of epoxy/zinc oxide/titania/silica composites are also conversed. Moreover, the effect of filler dispersion on polymer properties’ improvement is also highlighted. Epoxy/carbon fiber composites are employed more frequently and effectively in defense-related applications compared with epoxy/inorganic nanofiller composite.     

Recent Developments in Epoxy/Graphite,Epoxy/Graphene,and Epoxy/Graphene Nanoplatelet Composites: A Comparative Review

Development in graphite, graphene, and graphene nanoplatelet composites with epoxy matrix is presented here. Graphite and its modified forms propose exclusive properties to composites. Graphene has developed as subject of huge scientific attention due to excellent electron transport, mechanical properties, and high surface area. When combined appropriately with epoxy, these atomically thin carbon sheets can expressively progress physical properties even at very small loading. Epoxy/graphene nanoplatelet nanocomposite with enhanced properties was also reported. We summarized and compared electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of epoxy composites derived from these three nanofillers. Potential of carbon fillers with epoxy matrix is also discussed.     

Progress on Epoxy/Polyamide and Inorganic Nanofiller-Based Hybrids: Introduction,Application, and Future Potential

An efficient method to obtain better properties of epoxy-based nanocomposites is to introduce thermoplastic polymer such as polyamide into thermosetting resin. Combined effect of both polymers provides extra-bonding sites for nanofiller dispersion. This review mainly covers inorganic nanofiller dispersed epoxy/polyamide nanocomposite and their applications. To understand interaction between thermoset epoxy and thermoplastic polyamide, knowledge of structure, synthesis, and categorization is worth important. Addition of inorganic nanofiller such as layered silicate and metal oxide results in enhanced thermomechanical, physiochemical, and anticorrosive properties of resultant nanocomposite. These nanocomposites have applications as protective coatings, adhesives, insulators in electrical devices, and in aerospace industries.     

Technical Relevance of Epoxy/Clay Nanocomposite with Organically Modified Montmorillonite: A Review

This review covers almost all known categories of compounds used for nanoclay surface modification with special emphasis on organic modification of layered silicate montmorillonite. Commonly used organic modifiers include quaternary ammonium ions, quaternary phosphonium ions, and amino acids. Dispersion of organomodified nanoclays in epoxy is particularly focused upon in this article. Epoxy-based materials are used as convenient matrices for montmorillonite dispersion since years due to superior properties of resulting polymeric nanocomposites, such as mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, flammability, and thermal stability. Owing to their high performance epoxy nanocomposites have endless applications in aerospace, automotives, construction, electrical, adhesives, and coating industries.     

Research Advancement in High-Performance Polyamides and Polyamide Blends Loaded with Layered Silicate

Polyamide comprises one of the major classes of polymers. Layered silicates (nanofiller) may enhance properties of polyamide-based hybrids even at very low content. Aliphatic polyamides (nylons) have often been chosen for commercial applications because of excellent physical and chemical properties. Aromatic polyamides (aramids) and aliphatic-aromatic polyamides have been predominantly useful as high-performance materials due to stiffness, low density, and low cost. Recently polyamide blends have become an important route to high-performance materials. Binary blends of polyamide/polypropylene, polyamide/polystyrene, polyamide/polymethyl methacrylate, polyamide/polyurethane, and others have been reported for nanocomposite formation with organoclay. However, ternary blend nanocomposite with nanoclays (PA6/mSEBS, PA6/EPDM-g-MA/H-HDPE) is rarely explored.     

Recent Developments in Different Types of Flame Retardants and Effect on Fire Retardancy of Epoxy Composite

In this review, main focus is on the different types of fire retardants, their properties, and pertinent potential. Both inorganic (titania, silica, and zinc oxide) and organic (graphite, graphene, and graphene nanoplatelet) compounds have been discussed as flame inhibitors. Among various sorts of fire retardants, halogen-based flame inhibitors possess outstanding features. Consequently influence of fire retardant on the performance of epoxy composite has been discussed. It was noted that significant enhancement occurs by addition of organic and inorganic fillers in epoxy matrix. However, halogen additives impart better flame resistance to epoxy composite. Toward the end of this review, potential of halogen-containing fire retardant is discussed.     

Perspectives on Polyvinyl Chloride and Carbon Nanofiller Composite: A Review

This review mainly concentrates on polyvinyl chloride/carbon nanofiller-based composites. The present study focused upon synthetic strategies and relevance of polyvinyl chloride/graphite, polyvinyl chloride/graphene, polyvinyl chloride/graphene oxide, and polyvinyl chloride/carbon nanotube nanocomposite. Among carbon-based reinforcement, graphene oxide nanofiller depicted better dispersion in polyvinyl chloride matrix. The electrical, mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of these nanocomposites are also discussed. Moreover, future potential of these materials are elucidated. There is relatively little literature available regarding polyvinyl chloride-based nanocomposite. The main aim of this article is to therefore particularize the polyvinyl chloride-based nanocomposites and expose their concealed properties to enable better use of these new materials in different technical fields.     

Overview on Polystyrene/Nanoclay Composite: Physical Properties and Application

This article reviews the research and progress on polystyrene and nanoclay-based nanocomposite. Polystyrene is one of the most extensively used commercial polymers in the world. This review is designed to be an expansive source for polystyrene–clay nanocomposite research, including synthesis, characterization, structure/property relationship, manufacturing techniques, and applications considering thermal, mechanical, barrier, electrical conductivity, non-flammability, and biodegradability. The frequently used clays with polystyrene are montmorillonite, bentonite, hectorite, and kaolinite. The polystyrene–clay nanocomposite has several interesting commercial significances in packaging, automotive, fuel cell, construction, and electrical materials. Finally, future challenges toward the technical applications of these advance materials have been discussed.