Manufacturing and physico-mechanical characterization of carbon nanohorns/polyacrylonitrile nanocomposites

The use of carbon nanohorns (SWCNHs) as a modifying filler in a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) matrix is studied with the goal of elaborating nanocomposites. The study deals with assessment of the dispersity of SWCNHs in a PAN polymer suspension. The SWCNHs were introduced into the PAN-based suspension using different methods, including mechanical stirring, ultrasonification and the combination of ultrasonification with addition of a surfactant. Agglomeration and dispersion processes of SWCNH in the polymer suspensions were studied using DLS technique and turbidimetry. The resulting properties of nanocomposite foils after solidification in water ambient were verified in various tests. The mechanical tensile properties (tensile strength, modulus and strain to fracture) of the nanocomposites before and after the dispersion process were compared. The nanocomposites obtained under optimally prepared suspension perform the highest strain to fracture in tensile test. Electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity of nanocomposites samples after appropriate dispersion of SWCNHs in the PAN suspension were also determined. The presence of SWCNH in the PAN suspension affects the structure of nanocomposites after solidification through changing structural ordering of the polymer. The study revealed that the polymeric suspensions prepared in optimum processing conditions contain the carbon aggregates the size of which correspond almost to the mean size of a dahlia flower-like structured particle, i.e., 50–250 nm and it was not possible to separate such particles into a single form of carbon nanohorn by the techniques used.     

Energy harvesting performance of BaTiO3/poly(vinylidene fluoride–trifluoroethylene) spin coated nanocomposites

The energy harvesting efficiency of poly(vinylidene fluoride–trifluoroethylene) spin coated films and its nanocomposites with piezoelectric BaTiO₃ have been investigated as a function of ceramic filler size and content. It is found that the best energy harvesting performance of ∼0.28 μW is obtained for the nanocomposite samples with 20% filler content of 10 nm size particles and for 5% filler content for the 100 and 500 nm size fillers. For the larger filler average sizes, the power decreases for filler contents above 5% due to increase of the mechanical stiffness of the samples. Due to the similar dielectric characteristics of the samples, the performance is mainly governed by the mechanical response. The obtained power values, easy processing and the low cost and robustness of the polymer, allow the implementation of the material for micro and nanogenerator applications.     

Enhancing tensile/compressive response of magnesium alloy AZ31 by integrating with Al2O3 nanoparticles

AZ31 nanocomposite containing Al₂O₃ nanoparticle reinforcement was fabricated using solidification processing followed by hot extrusion. The Al₂O₃ nanoparticle reinforcement was isolated prior to melting by wrapping in Al foil of minimal weight (<0.50 wt% with respect to AZ31 matrix weight). The AZ31 nanocomposite exhibited slightly smaller grain and intermetallic particle sizes than monolithic AZ31, reasonable Al₂O₃ nanoparticle distribution, non-dominant (0 0 0 2) texture in the longitudinal direction unlike monolithic AZ31, and 30% higher hardness than monolithic AZ31. Compared to monolithic AZ31, the AZ31 nanocomposite exhibited higher 0.2%TYS, UTS, failure strain and work of fracture (WOF) (+19%, +21%, +113% and +162%, respectively). Also, compared to monolithic AZ31, the AZ31 nanocomposite exhibited higher 0.2%CYS and UCS, similar failure strain, and higher WOF (+5%, +5%, −4% and +11%, respectively). Inclusive of crystallographic texture changes, the effect of Al₂O₃ nanoparticle integration on the enhancement of tensile and compressive properties of AZ31 is investigated in this paper.     

The Improvement in Mechanical and Barrier Properties of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/Graphene Oxide Packaging Films

In this study, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)‐graphite oxide and PVA‐graphene oxide (XGO) films were prepared by simple and environmentally friendly method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope revealed the strong hydrogen‐bonding interactions between XGO and PVA matrix and the layered structure of tensile fracture surfaces of exfoliated PVA‐XGO films. These resulted in a remarkable improvement on mechanical and barrier properties of XGO/PVA nanocomposite films. The addition of 0.3 and 2.0 wt.% XGO showed an increase in tensile strength (49%) and failure stain (13–22%), in comparison with the neat PVA films. The dramatic improvement of 144% in elastic modulus was observed in PVA/2.0 wt.% XGO. Both O₂ and water vapour permeability coefficients of PVA film decreased by about 76% and 21% at an XGO loading of 2.0 wt.%, respectively. Preliminary test was performed to determine the use of nanocomposite films to extend the shelf life of bananas. It was found that bananas packaged in nanocomposite films were ripened slower than those unpackaged or packaged in PVA films. These results demonstrate that such films could dramatically promote the application of PVA‐based films in the packaging industry. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fluorinated graphene reinforced polyimide films with the improved thermal and mechanical properties

In order to explore the addition effect of fluorinated graphene (FG) on the mechanical and thermal performances of polyimide (PI) matrix, FG sheets are first prepared and employed as the nanofillers to construct PI/FG nanocomposite films. The prepared film is optically transparent at low content of FG and experimental results demonstrate that the addition of FG can effectively enhance the properties of PI matrix. Especially, compared with pure PI matrix, the addition of 0.5 wt% FG in PI can endow 30.4% increase in tensile stress and 115.2% increase in elongation at break. Experimental analyses considering the morphology and microstructure are also conducted, and the results indicate that the improved mechanical properties of the PI/FG nanocomposite films are mainly attributed to the good dispersibility of FG sheets in PI host, and the effective stress transfer between the polymer and the FG.     

Polyimide/sepiolite nanocomposite films: Preparation, morphology and properties

Polyimide/sepiolite nanocomposite films have been prepared via an in situ polymerization method. The process involves the dispersion of sepioite in N,N-dimethylacetamide, polycondensation of 2,2′-bis [4-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy) phenyl] propane dianhydride and 4,4′-oxydianiline in the presence of sepiolite suspension to form poly(amic acid), and the thermal imidization of poly(amic acid)/sepiolite nanocomposite. The morphology, thermal and mechanical performance, and water absorption of nanocomposite films were systematically studied with various sepiolite contents. The results indicated that sepiolite was dispersed homogeneously at a nanometer scale in polyimide matrix. Owing to such nanodispersion of sepiolite, the polyimide/sepiolite nanocomposite films exhibit dramatic improvements on the mechanical properties and the coefficient of thermal expansion while fine thermal stability and low water absorption capacity were also maintained. When the sepiolite content increased to 16% the polyimide/sepiolite nanocomposite film achieved as much as 41% and 94% increase on the tensile strength and modulus respectively, and 50% decreased in coefficient of thermal expansion.     

Biopolymer-based nanocomposites: effect of lignin acetylation in cellulose triacetate films

Abstract

We have prepared all-biopolymer nanocomposite films using lignin as a filler and cellulose triacetate (CTA) as a polymer matrix, and characterized them by several analytical methods. Three types of lignin were tested: organosolv, hydrolytic and kraft, with or without acetylation. They were used in the form of nanoparticles incorporated at 1 wt% in CTA. Self-supported films were prepared by vapor-induced phase separation at controlled temperature (35–55 °C) and relative humidity (10–70%). The efficiency of acetylation of each type of lignin was studied and discussed, as well as its effects on film structure, homogeneity and mechanical properties. The obtained results are explained in terms of intermolecular filler-matrix interaction at the nanometer scale, for which the highest mechanical resistance was reached using hydrolytic lignin in the nanocomposite.     

Tailoring the tensile/compressive response of magnesium alloy ZK60A using Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanoparticles

ZK60A nanocomposites containing Al₂O₃ nanoparticle reinforcement were fabricated using solidification processing followed by hot extrusion and T5 heat treatment. Agglomeration of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles was observed in the nanocomposites. However, in the case of ZK60A/1.0 vol%Al₂O₃ nanocomposite (compared to monolithic ZK60A), increase in tensile strength (up to 14%) without significant decrease in ductility and simultaneous increase in compressive strength (up to 12%) and ductility (+23%) were observed. Here, the strength of ZK60A was increased without significant decrease in ductility. On the other hand, in the case of ZK60A/1.5 vol%Al₂O₃ nanocomposite (compared to monolithic ZK60A), simultaneous increase in tensile strength (up to 6%) and ductility (+26%), but decrease in compressive strength (up to 40%) with increase in ductility (+43%) were observed. Here, the ductility of ZK60A was significantly increased without significant increase in strength. This tailoring of tensile and compressive properties of ZK60A via integration with Al₂O₃ nanoparticles are investigated in this article.     

Enhanced mechanical response of hybrid alloy AZ31/AZ91 based on the addition of Si3N4 nanoparticles

The main aim of this study was to simultaneously increase tensile strength and ductility of AZ31/AZ91 hybrid magnesium alloy with Si₃N₄ nanoparticles. AZ31/AZ91 hybrid alloy nanocomposite containing Si₃N₄ nanoparticle reinforcement was fabricated using solidification processing followed by hot extrusion. The nanocomposite exhibited similar grain size to the monolithic hybrid alloy, reasonable Si₃N₄ nanoparticle distribution, non-dominant (0 0 0 2) texture in the longitudinal direction, and 13% higher hardness than the monolithic hybrid alloy. Compared to the monolithic hybrid alloy (in tension), the nanocomposite simultaneously exhibited higher yield strength, ultimate strength, failure strain and work of fracture (+12%, +5%, +64% and +71%, respectively). Compared to the monolithic hybrid alloy (in compression), the nanocomposite exhibited higher yield strength and ultimate strength, lower failure strain and higher work of fracture (+35%, +4%, −6% and +6%, respectively). The beneficial effects of Si₃N₄ nanoparticle addition on the enhancement of tensile and compressive properties of AZ31/AZ91 hybrid alloy are investigated in this paper.     

Preparation of the acidic PVA/MMT nanocomposite polymer membrane for the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC)

A novel nanocomposite polymer electrolyte membrane composed of PVA polymer matrix and nanosized Montmorillonite (MMT) filler, was prepared by a solution casting method. The characteristic properties of the PVA/MMT nanocomposite polymer membrane were investigated using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), atomic force microscopy (AFM), micro-Raman spectroscopy, and the AC impedance method. The PVA polymer directly blended with nanosized MMT filler (2-20 wt.%) showed good ionic conductivity, thermal, and mechanical properties. The highest ionic conductivity value for the acidic PVA/10 wt.%MMT nanocomposite polymer membrane was around 0.0368 S cm^− 1 at 30 °C. The methanol permeability (P) value was 3-4 × 10^− 6 cm² s^− 1. It was revealed that the addition of nanosized MMT fillers into the PVA matrix could markedly improve the electrochemical properties of the PVA/MMT nanocomposite membrane. In fact, the PVA/MMT nanocomposite polymer membrane appears to be a good candidate for the DMFC applications.     

Influence of reduced graphene oxide on mechanical behaviors of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose/reduced graphene oxide (NaCMC/rGO) nanocomposite films were prepared by a simple solution mixing-evaporation method. The NaCMC/rGO nanocomposite films were characterized and compared with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose/graphene oxide (NaCMC/GO) nanocomposite films. The stability of the rGO dispersion, and the structural and mechanical properties of the composite films were investigated by UV–Vis spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and using a universal testing machine (UTM). The results revealed that CMC and rGO were able to form a homogenous mixture. Compared with pure CMC, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the CMC/rGO nanocomposite films were considerably enhanced (by 72.52% and 131.79%, respectively) upon incorporation of 2 wt% rGO.     

Controlled growth and investigations on the morphology and mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite/titania nanocomposite thin films

In this paper, the focus is on understanding the properties of nanocomposite hydroxyapatite (HAp)/titania (TiO₂) thin films with respect to TiO₂ concentration. HAp/TiO₂ nanostructured composite thin films with different TiO₂ concentrations were successfully fabricated by a simple sol–gel dip coating method. Highly stable HAp and TiO₂ sols were prepared prior to the formation of nanocomposite thin films. The coatings were performed under controlled dipping and heat treatment processes. Phase pure HAp and TiO₂ were well developed in the nanocomposite after the heat treatment and this was confirmed by XRD. The SEM and AFM analyses of HAp/TiO₂ nanocomposite coatings show the variation in the morphology as a consequence different TiO₂ concentration. This shows a reduction in the particle size to nanoscale due to the addition of TiO₂. The mechanical strength of the coating also increased upon the addition of TiO₂ as determined by nanoindentation. The composite thin films with 50 and 80 vol.% of TiO₂ show good mechanical strength when compared to other concentrations of TiO₂.     

Preparation and characterization of transparent/conductive nano-composites films

Polymer-embedding of nano-sized indium tin oxide (SnO·In₂O₃, ITO) produces electrically conductive materials transparent to the visible light at filling factors higher than the percolation threshold. ITO powders are commercially available in an aggregated form and a disaggregation technique was required. Here, aggregated ITO nanoparticles were transformed to colloidal suspension by high-speed stirring. This finely dispersed ceramic suspension was stabilized by addition of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) and the obtained colloidal system was cast on an optical-grade substrate (PET) to produce electrically conductive-transparent nanocomposite films. Preliminary mechanical and electrical characterization of these films showed good conductivity and interfacial properties.     

Study on the effects of nanoparticulates of SiC,Al2O3, and ZnO on the mechanical and tribological performance of epoxy-based nanocomposites

In this research work, mechanical and tribological characteristics of ortho cresol novalac epoxy (OCNE)-based nanocomposites filled with nanoparticulates of SiC, Al₂O_3, and ZnO have been investigated. Also, in these investigations, the influence of wear parameters such as applied normal load, sliding velocity, filler contents, and sliding distance have been explored. The experimental plan for four factors at three levels using face centered composite design (CCD) has been employed by the response surface methodology (RSM) technique. The friction and wear tests were carried out using a pin on disc wear test apparatus under dry sliding conditions. The hardness and flexural strength of nano ortho cresol novalac epoxy composites filled with nano (SiC, Al₂O_3, and ZnO) particulates increases with an increase in the filler contents. Whereas, the tensile strength of these nanocomposites increases with an increase in the filler contents from 1 to 2 wt%, and with a further increase in filler contents the tensile strength decreases. The results of the study also showed that (2 wt%) filler contents bring superior mechanical and tribological properties. The lowest coefficient of friction and specific wear rate were found with nano Al₂O₃-filled composites. Also, the wear mechanisms of these nanocomposites were studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an EDS analyzer.     

MGH956合金TIG焊原位合金化对其组织性能的影响

采用TIG焊对氧化物弥散强化(ODS)高温合金MGH956进行原位合金化焊接.在相同的焊接条件下,填加两种不同的填充材料:与母材化学成分相似的基体填充材料,以及在基体填充材料基础上加入了合金元素Al和Fe2O3的Al-Fe2O3填充材料.通过对比分析两组试样在焊接过程中发生的原位合金化反应机理,及其对焊缝微观组织和力学性能的影响,研究原位合金化反应对ODS合金TIG焊接头组织与性能的影响.结果表明:在填充材料中加入Al和Fe2O3合金元素时,焊缝处的气孔数量明显减少,气孔尺寸也较为减小;焊缝中原位生成了新的增强相颗粒Al2O3、TiC以及YAlO3,同时,基体中的纳米级增强相Al-Y复合氧化物团聚倾向降低.力学性能试验结果表明,填加Al-Fe2O3填充材料时焊缝显微硬度值明显提高,接头抗拉强度达到了578 MPa,为母材强度的80.3%.     

Enhancement of tensile and thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites through chemical hybridization of carbon nanotubes and alumina

This paper presents the properties of epoxy nanocomposites, prepared using a synthesized hybrid carbon nanotube–alumina (CNT–Al₂O₃) filler, via chemical vapour deposition and a physically mixed CNT–Al₂O₃ filler, at various filler loadings (i.e., 1–5%). The tensile and thermal properties of both nanocomposites were investigated at different weight percentages of filler loading. The CNT–Al₂O₃ hybrid epoxy composites showed higher tensile and thermal properties than the CNT–Al₂O₃ physically mixed epoxy composites. This increase was associated with the homogenous dispersion of CNT–Al₂O₃ particle filler; as observed under a field emission scanning electron microscope. It was demonstrated that the CNT–Al₂O₃ hybrid epoxy composites are capable of increasing tensile strength by up to 30%, giving a tensile modulus of 39%, thermal conductivity of 20%, and a glass transition temperature value of 25%, when compared to a neat epoxy composite.     

Preparation and characterization of an epoxy nanocomposite toughened by a combination of thermoplastic,layered and particulate nano-fillers

This paper reports the development of an epoxy-based nanocomposite toughened by the combination of thermoplastic, layered and particulate nano-fillers. The main objective of this work is to incorporate poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene-co-styrene) (ABS), clay (layered nano-filler) and nano-TiO₂ (particulate nano-filler) into epoxy matrix with the aim of obtaining the quaternary nanocomposite with higher impact strength and lower cost without attenuating the other desired mechanical properties such as tensile strength. Taguchi methodology was applied for the optimization and statistical determination of the significant factors influencing the mechanical properties of the quaternary nanocomposite. Impact and tensile strengths of the quaternary nanocomposite with optimum composition increased by 168% and 64% compared to neat epoxy, respectively. Furthermore, synergistic effect was observed with the addition of three type modifiers. It was found that ABS content has the most significant effect on mechanical properties of the obtained quaternary nanocomposite. Also correlation between morphological and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite was investigated. A dispersion of nano-size ABS and TiO₂ particles along with exfoliated clay nano-platelets in epoxy matrix was achieved as main morphological property of the quaternary nanocomposite. A new morphology was obtained for ABS phase in epoxy rich matrix.     

Morphological and mechanical properties of bile salt modified multi-walled carbon nanotube/poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposites

Non-covalently functionalized carbon nanotubes are more attractive for multifunction composites because they preserve nearly all the nanotubes’ intrinsic properties and enhance the electroconductivity of polymer composites. However, It is seldom reported that they make dramatic improvement in mechanical properties. In this paper we have successfully prepared a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposite with a non-covalently functionalized carbon nanotube (DOC-MWNTs) using a simple method, which achieve a significant enhancement in mechanical properties. The tensile modulus and tensile yield strength of the PVA composite film containing 5 wt% DOC-MWNTs increased by 140% and 65%, respectively, comparing to the pure PVA film. FT-IR, TEM, SEM, and DSC were used to investigate the MWNTs and PVA/MWNTs nanocomposites. The results show that the separately dispersed DOC-MWNTs filler throughout the PVA matrix and the strong adhesion between the DOC-MWNTs filler and the PVA matrix are responsible for the significant reinforcement of the mechanical properties of the composite prepared.     

Preparation and characterization of poly(methyl methacrylate)-clay nanocomposites via melt intercalation: Effect of organoclay on thermal, mechanical and flammability properties

The PMMA nanocomposites were prepared by melt processing method. The influence of organoclay loading on extent of intercalation, thermal, mechanical and flammability properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-clay nanocomposites were studied. Three different organoclay modifiers with varying hydrophobicity (single tallow vs. ditallow) were investigated. The nanocomposites were characterized by using wide angle X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and tensile tests. The intercalation of polymer chain within the silicate galleries was confirmed by WAXD and TEM. Mechanical properties such as tensile modulus (E), tensile strength, percentage elongation at break and impact strength were determined for nanocomposites at various clay loadings. Overall thermal stability of nanocomposites increased by 16-17 °C. The enhancement in T_g of nanocomposite is merely by 2-4 °C. The incorporation of maleic anhydride as compatibilizer further enhanced all the properties indicating improved interface between PMMA and clay. The flammability characteristics were studied by determining the rate of burning and LOI.     

Barium titanate as a filler for improving the dielectric property of cyanoethyl cellulose/antimony tin oxide nanocomposite films

CEC/ATO and CEC/BTO/ATO nanocomposite films were fabricated by introducing barium titanate (BTO) and antimony tin oxide (ATO) in cyanoethyl cellulose (CEC) via simple solution blending technique. The morphology, microstructure, thermal stability, mechanical, optical and dielectric properties of the nanocomposite films were investigated. The results indicated that CEC/BTO/ATO nanocomposite films possessed better dielectric property and mechanical property compared with CEC/ATO nanocomposite films. This could be ascribed to the homogeneous dispersion of ATO in CEC matrix due to the introduction of BTO. The nanocomposite films with only ATO nanoparticles had a certain optical transmissibility. In addition, all the nanocomposite films possessed better thermal stability than CEC polymer.