Electric-field-induced strain in Mn-doped KNbO3 ferroelectric ceramics

Potassium niobate, KNbO₃ (KN), ceramics doped with manganese (Mn) were prepared by a modified conventional ceramic fabrication process to characterize their dielectric, ferroelectric and electrostrain properties. In this study, 0.22% of a large electric-field-induced strain was obtained at 80 kV/cm under unipolar driving for 1.2 wt% MnCO₃-doped KN ceramics. Basically, it is difficult to obtain dense and nondeliquescent KN ceramics by the conventional method because of potassium ions. The key factor in obtaining dense and nondeliquescent KN ceramics is the calcination process control. Thus, the two-step calcination pattern is proposed for this purpose. Dense, nondeliquescent and high-resistivity Mn-doped KN ceramics were obtained, resulting in a large electric-field-induced strain under a high electric field.     

Influence of sintering conditions on piezoelectric properties of KNbO3 ceramics

A homogeneous KNbO₃ (KN) phase was formed in specimens that were sintered at 1020 °C and 1040 °C, without formation of the K₂O-deficient secondary phase, indicating that the amount of evaporation of K₂O during sintering was very small. However, the KN liquid phase was formed during sintering and assisted the densification of the KN ceramics. A dense microstructure was developed in the specimen sintered at 1020 °C for 6 h and abnormal grain growth occurred in this specimen. A similar microstructure was observed in the specimens sintered at 1040 °C for 1.0 h. The dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the KN ceramics were considerably influenced by the relative density. The KN ceramics sintered at 1020 °C for 6 h, which showed a large relative density that was 95% of the theoretical density, exhibited promising electrical properties: ɛ^T₃₃/ɛ_o of 540, d₃₃ of 109 pC/N, k_p of 0.29, and Q_m of 197.     

Ferroelectric Properties of Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3–RNbO3(R=Na, K) Ceramics

We investigate the ferroelectric properties of Pb(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃–PbTiO₃(PZN–PT)-based ceramics, which are stabilized by adding a small amount of NaNbO₃ (NN) and KNbO₃ (KN). As the content of alkali niobate increased, the ferroelectric properties of Pb(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃–PbTiO₃–RNbO₃ (PZN–PT–RN; R=Na, K) became softer, which was more pronounced in PZN–PT–KN. The difference in the piezoelectric properties between PZN–PT–KN and PZN–PT–NN was explained by the cation size effect. Because the ionic size of Na is smaller than that of K, the Na ion can retain the ferroelectricity of the solid solution more effectively. The field-induced strain of 85PZN–5PT–10NN under 10 kV/cm was as high as 0.1%. Also, the addition of NN increased the tunability of dielectric constant significantly. At a composition of 85PZN–5PT–20NN, the tunability was 90% and no hysteresis was observed. In contrast to RN, the increase in the content of PT caused the transition from relaxor to normal ferroelectrics, which were accompanied by the structural change from the rhombohedral to tetragonal phase.     

聚丙烯/碳纳米管复合材料的研究进展

聚丙烯（PP）作为通用型热塑性塑料,具有物理性能优异、成型加工简单、密度小以及原料来源丰富等优点,广泛应用于电器、汽车和包装等行业。但是PP具有韧性差、低温脆性突出、抗冲击性能不佳、介电常数低、制品尺寸稳定性差等诸多缺点。碳纳米管（CNT）不仅具有独特的管状结构,还具有优异的力学、导电、导热以及耐磨等性能。将CNT和PP进行复合并制备出具有导电、导热、耐磨等高性能复合材料具有广阔的应用前景。因此,本文重点综述PP和CNT复合材料的新进展,主要包括结晶行为、力学性能、电学性能、摩擦性能、导热性能以及其他性能。针对现阶段PP/CNT复合材料研究和开发过程中存在的问题提出意见和建议,并对PP/CNT复合材料的未来发展做出展望。     

Thermoset/graphene polymer composites—A review of processing and properties

Polymer-carbon nanocomposites incorporate the exceptional properties of both the polymer matrices, such as low cost and simple processing, with the distinctive features of the carbon-based fillers, such as high electrical and thermal conductivities, and excellent mechanical properties. Various fillers like carbon black (CB), graphite, expanded graphite (EG), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are being used to produce materials with advanced properties. However, at high filler loading, these filler materials have some major challenges such as filler agglomeration. Recently, graphene has gained increased interest as an alternative filler to produce polymer nanocomposites with advanced characteristics. Thermosetting polymer composites with graphene fillers are being considered for multiple applications and are a subject of interest for researchers because of enhanced properties like excellent corrosion resistance and low density. This review outlines studies to improve the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of thermoset/graphene composites.     

Microstructure and Electrical Properties of MnO-Doped (Na0.5Bi0.5)0.92Ba0.08TiO3 Lead-Free Piezoceramics

Microstructure and electrical properties of manganese oxide (MnO)-doped (Na_0.5Bi_0.5)_0.92Ba_0.08TiO₃ (NBBT) piezoceramics were investigated in this work. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the suitable substitution of Mn ion into the B site induces the lattice distortion of perovskite NBBT: the solution limit is at 0.3 wt% MnO. Besides, it is observed that the sintering properties can be improved by adding a small amount of MnO, thus increasing the grain size and the relative density. Further, the temperature dependence of the dielectric permittivity of NBBT ceramics indicates that the MnO addition reconstructs the disorder array destroyed by joining BaTiO₃ in the Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃ system due to the sizable radius of the B-site cations. Combining these effects of MnO addition, the optimal electrical properties were acquired for NBBT ceramic with addition of 0.30 wt% MnO. The excellent electrical properties of MnO-doped NBBT ceramics indicate its promising application in large displacement actuators.     

Preparation and characterization of high‐density polyethylene/expanded graphite conducting masterbatch

High level of expanded graphite (EG) was melt‐blended with high‐density polyethylene to prepare electrical conducting masterbatch. Some factors such as processing temperature, EG contents, treating time were discussed for the effect on electrical and mechanical properties of composites. Results showed that EG tends to reunite while the content of EG is higher than 60% because of the large aspect ratio and surface area of EG nanosheets. In addition, increasing processing temperature and mixing time appropriately could enhance the dispersion of EG, leading to improvement in electrical and mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements were used as an assistant analysis to study the microstructure of composites. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

The Role of Selectively Located Commercial Graphene Nanoplatelets in the Electrical Properties,Morphology, and Stability of EVA/LLDPE Blends

Graphene nanoplatelets (GN) produced on a large scale by mechanochemical exfoliation of graphite are incorporated in a co‐continuous ethylene‐vinyl acetate/linear low‐density polyethylene (EVA/LLDPE) blend. Two different processing routes are chosen to selectively place GN in the EVA phase or force its migration to the EVA/LLDPE interface. The results show a drastic decrease in the electrical percolation threshold when the blends are compared to the respective single‐polymer composites. Even with the presence of agglomerates, GN particles are able to migrate to the blend interface and stabilize the morphology and hence the electrical properties. Annealing the insulating samples at processing temperatures causes a drastic increase in conductivity due to continued GN migration and blend morphology coarsening. Semi‐conductive samples, in which a more robust GN network is already established during processing, present no change in morphology but a slight increase in conductivity during annealing. The mechanical performance of the materials is also evaluated and some of the blends with GN present similar elongation at break as pure EVA, but with increased tensile modulus and tensile strength. The electrical performance at different working temperatures shows that the EVA/LLDPE/GN composites are good candidates to act as a semi‐conductive screen material in power cables or as anti‐static materials in electronic devices.     

Studies on Impact Toughening and Thermal Properties of Nylon-6/LDPE-g-MAH Blends

Polyamide (PA)-6 is an engineering thermoplastic. It finds its application in electrical, mechanical, and automotive parts due to its very high processing and excellent barrier properties to oils. Unfortunately, Nylon-6 (Ny6) is relatively high priced, has poor impact strength, particularly when notched, and poor dimensional stability as well as poor barrier properties to moisture, which limits its applicability. On the other hand, due to low cost, low coefficient of friction, lightweight, high strength, high barrier properties to moisture, good optical properties, and ease of processing, low density polyethylene (LDPE) is an ideal material to incorporate with Polyamide-6 for film, container, and many engineering applications. The present study deals with the preparation of Nylon-6 and modified LDPE (MLDPE) blends, varying the MLDPE concentration from 0 to 50 wt%. The objective of this study is to find the effect of maleic-anhydride grafted low-density polyethylaene on various mechanical properties such as tensile, impact, and flexural properties of Nylon-6. There is a decrease in tensile and flexural properties, the notched Izod impact strength increased greatly when the MLDPE content was 20%. It includes the study the effect of MLDPE on thermal properties and morphological properties of Nylon-6. The morphology of PA/MLDPE blends showed dispersed particle in the polymeric matrix.     

Effects of Thermal and UV-induced Grafting of Bismaleimide on Mechanical Performance of Reclaimed Rubber/Natural Rubber Blends

The scrap rubber powder (SRP) could be compression moulded to form elastomer via in situ interfacial reactions. In this study, SRP/NR (85/15) blends with good performance could be prepared by incorporating a little amount (lower than 5 phr of SRP and NR) of m-phenyl bismaleimide (BMI) in the compositions. The mechanical properties and the interface of SRP/NR (85/15, w/w) blends (base blend) were investigated. The results showed that the processing temperature, time, and BMI content have significant effects on the mechanical properties of the blends. The optimum BMI content and processing condition were determined as 5 wt.% and 180 ^○C/10 min. The mechanical properties, especially the elongation at break, of the elastomers could be improved further by ultraviolet (UV) exposure. With UV exposure, the tensile strength, elongation at break and tear strength of the modified base blend were determined as 10.4 MPa, 260% and 24 KN/m respectively. The FTIR results indicated that the BMI could be grafted onto the SRP surface under UV exposure. The composition with UV exposure had more uniform dispersion of the BMI and improved interfacial adhesion. The glass transition temperature (T_g) of the blends was increased by increasing the processing temperature, processing time or the introduction of UV exposure.     

A Review on Composite Papers of Graphene Oxide,Carbon Nanotube,Polymer/GO,and Polymer/CNT: Processing Strategies,Properties, and Relevance

In this review, particular importance is given to the fabrication and properties of carbon nanotube and graphene oxide-based paper-like materials (buckypapers). Different strategies for the reduction and functionalization of graphene oxide were also discussed. The chemistry of buckypapers is conversed with special emphasis on structure and essential characteristics of buckypaper. Various techniques for buckypaper processing have been critically reviewed including significance of each method. Moreover, importance of polymer/graphene oxide and polymer/carbon nanotube composite papers has been highlighted. Due to outstanding physical, thermal, and electrical properties, polymer-based buckypapers are potentially important as nanofilters, fuel cell components, and miniaturization of electrical connections.     

A review of vapor grown carbon nanofiber/polymer conductive composites

Vapor grown carbon nanofiber (VGCNF)/polymer conductive composites are elegant materials that exhibit superior electrical, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) and thermal properties compared to conventional conductive polymer composites. This article reviews recent developments in VGCNF/polymer conductive composites. The article starts with a concise and general background about VGCNF production, applications, structure, dimension, and electrical, thermal and mechanical properties. Next composites of VGCNF/polymer are discussed. Composite electrical, EMI SE and thermal properties are elaborated in terms of nanofibers dispersion, distribution and aspect ratio. Special emphasis is paid to dispersion of nanofibers by melt mixing. Influence of other processing methods such as in-situ polymerization, spinning, and solution processing on final properties of VGCNF/polymer composite is also reviewed. We present properties of CNTs and CFs, which are competitive fillers to VGCNFs, and the most significant properties of their composites compared to those of VGCNF/polymer composites. At the conclusion of the article, we summarize the most significant achievements and address the future challenges and tasks in the area related to characterizing VGCNF aspect ratio and dispersion, determining the influence of processing methods and conditions on VGCNF/polymer composites and understanding the structure/property relationship in VGCNF/polymer composites.     

PVDF／炭黑导电复合材料研究

研究PVDF/炭黑复合材料中炭黑种类、用量、不同种炭黑并用及非导电填料对PVDF/炭黑复合材料电学及力学性能的影响。结果表明,HG-4炭黑填充的复合材料电性能和力学性能最好;HG-4炭黑与N339炭黑并用可得到既有良好电性能和力学性能,又有较好加工性能的复合材料;氧化锌能改善导电复合材料的电性能;炭黑种类影响导电复合材料的PTC特性。     

Low percolation threshold in single-walled carbon nanotube/high density polyethylene composites prepared by melt processing technique

A new method was developed to disperse carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a matrix polymer and then to prepare composites by melt processing technique. Due to high surface energy and strong adsorptive states of nano-materials, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were adsorbed onto the surface of polymer powders by spraying SWNT aqueous suspected solution onto fine high density polyethylene (HDPE) powders. The dried SWNTs/powders were blended in a twin-screw mixture, and the resulting composites exhibited a uniformly dispersion of SWNTs in the matrix polymer. The electrical conductivity and the rheological behavior of these composites were investigated. At low frequencies, complex viscosities become almost independent of the frequency as nanotubes loading being more than 1.5 wt%, suggesting an onset of solid-like behavior and hence a rheological percolation threshold at the loading level. However, the electrical percolation threshold is ∼4 wt% of nanotube loading. This difference in the percolation thresholds is understood in terms of the smaller nanotube-nanotube distance required for electrical conductivity as compared to that required to impede polymer mobility. The measurements of mechanical properties indicate that this processing method can obviously improve the tensile strength and the modulus of the composites.     

Low‐Temperature Sintering and Piezoelectric Properties of CuO‐Added KNbO3 Ceramics

Dielectric and piezoelectric properties of CuO‐added KNbO₃ (KN) ceramics were investigated. The CuO reacted with the Nb₂O₅, formed a CuO–Nb₂O₅‐related liquid phase during the sintering, and assisted the densification of the KN ceramics at low temperatures. Moreover, some of the Cu²⁺ ions replaced the Nb⁵⁺ ions in the matrix and behaved as a hardener. The dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the KN ceramics were considerably influenced by the relative density. The 1.0 mol% CuO‐added KN ceramic sintered at 960°C for 1.0 h, which showed a maximum relative density, exhibited a high phase angle of 86.9°, P_r of 14.8 μC/cm², and E_c of 1.8 kV/mm. This specimen also exhibited good dielectric and piezoelectric properties: ε^T₃₃/ε_o of 364, d₃₃ of 122 pC/N, k_p of 0.29, and Q_m of 611.     

纳米碳管在聚合物复合材料领域的研究进展

在总结了纳米碳管/聚合物复合材料制备方法的基础之上,对其在力学性能、电学性能和光学性能方面的最新研究进展情况进行了综述。从目前研究结果看,尽管纳米碳管的增强效果不如预期,但其可以在改进聚合物基体复合材料力学性能的同时赋予复合材料一定的功能性的特点,为功能型结构复合材料的设计提供了新的思路。     

Processing-structure-multi-functional property relationship in carbon nanotube/epoxy composites

The novel properties of carbon nanotubes have generated scientific and technical interest in the development of nanotube-reinforced polymer composites. In order to utilize nanotubes in multi-functional material systems it is crucial to develop processing techniques that are amenable to scale-up for high volume, high rate production. In this research we investigate a scalable calendering approach for achieving dispersion of CVD-grown multi-walled carbon nanotubes through intense shear mixing. Electron microscopy was utilized to study the micro and nanoscale structure evolution during the manufacturing process and optimize the processing conditions for producing highly-dispersed nanocomposites. After processing protocols were established, nanotube/epoxy composites were processed with varying reinforcement fractions and the fracture toughness and electrical/thermal transport properties were evaluated. The as-processed nanocomposites exhibited significantly enhanced fracture toughness at low nanotube concentrations. The high aspect ratios of the carbon nanotubes in the as-processed composites enabled the formation of a conductive percolating network at concentrations below 0.1% by weight. The thermal conductivity increased linearly with nanotube concentration to a maximum increase of 60% at 5 wt.% carbon nanotubes.     

Crystal structures and electrical properties of Sr/Fe-modified KNbO3 ferroelectric semiconductors with narrow bandgap

In the process of exploring ferroelectric semiconductors, a new system of (1−x) KNbO₃–xSrFeO_3−δ (x = 0.00-0.20) was successfully synthesized via solid-state reaction. The crystal structures, ferroelectric, dielectric, optical, and electrical properties were systematically characterized. The orthorhombic phase with Amm2 space group is detected in all the ceramics. In addition, the orthorhombic and tetragonal phases coexist in 0.80KNbO₃-0.20SrFeO_3-δ ceramic. The decrease in oxygen octahedron distortion induces a weak ferroelectric polarization. The existence of long-range ferroelectric polarization order in all the ceramics is verified and the bandgap of the ceramics can be tuned to ~2.18 eV. The improved short-circuit photocurrent density (J_sc) and open-circuit voltage (V_oc) of the poled 0.95KNbO₃-0.05SrFeO_3−δ ceramic at 30 kV/cm are ~6.90 nA/cm² and 0.04 V, respectively. The activation energies for electrical conductivity of the grains and grain boundaries from 0.90KN–0.10SF ceramic are 0.67 and 0.77 eV, respectively, which indicate the doubly ionized oxygen vacancies. This work provides a new way to tune the optical bandgap/ferroelectric properties of KNbO₃-based ceramics for potential application in ferroelectric photovoltaic and energy fields.     

Normal Sintering of (K,Na)NbO3-Based Ceramics: Influence of Sintering Temperature on Densification, Microstructure, and Electrical Properties

Normal sintering of Li-doped and Li/Ta-codoped potassium sodium niobate (KNbO₃–NaNbO₃, KNN)-based ceramics was investigated to clarify the optimal sintering condition for densification, microstructure, and electrical properties. It was found that density increased greatly within a narrow temperature range but tended to decrease when the sintering temperature slightly exceeded the optimal one, accompanied by the appearance of abnormal grain growth, which was considered to be due to the intensified volatilization of alkali metal oxides. Piezoelectric and dielectric properties also showed a similar relationship between the density and sintering temperature, but the highest piezoelectric strain coefficients were obtained at the temperatures lower than that for the highest density, because both densification and composition affect the electrical properties. The highest d ₃₃ value of 206 pC/N was obtained for the Li- and Ta-codoped KNN ceramics prepared at 1090°C.     

Microstructures and ferroelectric properties of PbTiO3/PbZrO3 superlattices deposited by pulse laser deposition

In general, the strain effect and the electrostatic effect are important factors influencing the electrical properties of ferroelectric superlattices. However, the interfacial diffusion may also greatly influence the electrical properties of ferroelectric superlattices. Here, we deposited PbTiO₃/PbZrO₃ (PTO/PZO) superlattices on Nb-doped SrTiO₃ (NSTO) single-crystal substrates by pulse laser deposition with the same deposition processes but different cooling processes to explore the effects of interface diffusion on the structural and electrical properties of the superlattices. The experimental results showed that with increasing the holding time in the cooling process after deposition, the ferroelectric and dielectric properties were enhanced, meanwhile, the leakage current density was reduced. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) results showed that the PTO/PZO interfaces became blurred with increasing cooling time. Therefore, the increase in ferroelectric and dielectric properties and the decrease in leakage current density may be due to the interdiffusion of Ti and Zr ions at the PTO/PZO interfaces resulting in the formation of Pb(Zr_xTi_1-x)O₃ (PZT) and the decrease of interface defects at the PTO/PZO interfaces. Our results demonstrate that besides the strain and electrostatic effects, the interdiffusion of the elements at the interfaces is also an important factor that influences the electrical properties of ferroelectric superlattices.