Polyurethane Composite Foams in High-Performance Applications: A Review

Polyurethane foam is a polymeric material having cellular structure. Multifunctional polyurethane foams reinforced with nanofiller have combined enhanced specific properties with density reduction. This article primarily considers important aspects of various foam processing techniques. Numerous nanofillers such as graphite, graphene, graphene oxide, carbon black, carbon nanotube, nanoclay, and inorganic nanoparticle have been reinforced in polyurethane foam. Particular attention is given to various categories of polymer/carbon nanofiller and polymer/inorganic nanofiller composite foams. Applications of polyurethane composite foams have been focused with relevance to aerospace and automotive industry, radar absorbing and electromagnetic interference shielding, oil absorbants, sensors, fire proof, shape memory, and biomedical materials.     

Polyacrylonitrile nanocomposite with carbon nanostructures: a review

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is one of the versatile commercially important acrylic polymers. It is a well-known polymer due to its enhanced mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. Various nanofillers have been incorporated in PAN to significantly improve the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of resulting nanocomposite. This review comprehends efforts devoted to PAN-based nanocomposite reinforced with carbon nanotube, graphene, and graphene oxide. The interaction between PAN and carbon nanostructure has been concentrated to develop high-performance nanocomposite. The scientific and technological development in the field of PAN/carbon nanofiller nanocomposite particularly in membranes, biosensor, lithium–sulfur batteries, supercapacitor, and photocatalysts has also been expressed. Moreover, future prospects in scientific and technological disciplines have been addressed.     

Current Research Status and Application of Polymer/Carbon Nanofiller Buckypaper: A Review

With recent development in the field of polymer-based composite paper, buckypaper technology has gained considerable research attention. Conventionally, polymeric composites have been fabricated using carbon nanofiller (carbon nanotube, graphene, and graphene oxide) reinforcement in polymer matrix. In buckypaper technology, freestanding thin porous nanofiller network is formed using various papermaking techniques, which may further improve physical properties of polymer/carbon nanofiller buckypaper composite. This review also aims to report technical aspects of polymer/carbon nanotube, polymer/graphene, and polymer/graphene oxide-based composite paper. Special emphasis is given to the application of polymer/carbon nanofiller buckypaper in fuel cell, batteries, sensor, artificial muscles, fire retardant materials, and liquid crystal cells.     

Exploitation of Nanobifiller in Polymer/Graphene Oxide–Carbon Nanotube,Polymer/Graphene Oxide–Nanodiamond,and Polymer/Graphene Oxide–Montmorillonite Composite: A Review

In this article, a comprehensive review is presented regarding structure, synthesis, and properties of nanofillers such as graphene oxide, nanobifiller of graphene oxide, and their polymeric nanocomposite. The information about hybrid properties and synthesis of graphene oxide–carbon nanotube, graphene oxide–montmorillonite, and graphene oxide–nanodiamond is presented. Use of nanobifiller in polymer/graphene oxide–carbon nanotube, polymer/graphene oxide–montmorillonite, and polymer/graphene oxide–nanodiamond composites was summarized. Area of polymer and graphene oxide-based nanobifiller composites is less studied in literature. Therefore, nanobifiller technology limitations and research challenges must be focused. Polymer/graphene oxide nanobifiller composites have a wide range of unexplored potential in technological areas such as automobile, aerospace, energy, and medical industries.     

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.     

Progression from Graphene and Graphene Oxide to High Performance Polymer-Based Nanocomposite: A Review

In this article, various types of carbon nanofiller and modification of graphene oxide and graphene for the preparation of polymer-based nanocomposites are reviewed. Recently, polymer/graphene and graphene oxide-based materials have attracted tremendous interest due to high performance even at low filler content. The property enhancement is due to the high aspect ratio, high surface area and excellent electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of nanofiller. Different techniques have been employed to fabricate polymer/graphene and graphene oxide nanocomposite with uniform dispersion due to fine matrix/nanofiller interaction. Here we discuss the structure, properties and preparation of these nanocomposites.     

Poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposite reinforced with graphene,graphene oxide,and graphite: a review

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is an important transparent thermoplastic polymer having appropriate strength, chemical, weathering, heat, and UV resistance. However, essential properties of this versatile polymer need to be enhanced for high-tech applications. Graphene has opened up a new vista for developing functional polymeric nanocomposite. Therefore, reinforcement of PMMA with graphene and related nanofiller has been focused in literature. This review basically highlights the fundamentals and characteristics of the significant classes of PMMA/graphene, PMMA/graphene oxide, and PMMA/graphite nanocomposite. Recent developments in the applications of PMMA/graphene-based nanofiller nanocomposite in biomedical, sensor, supercapacitor, flame retardant, and electromagnetic interference shielding materials were also comprehended.     

Thermally conducting polymer/nanocarbon and polymer/inorganic nanoparticle nanocomposite: a review

ABSTRACT

This review addresses fundamentals and progress in field of thermally conducting polymer/nanocarbon nanocomposite. Upsurge in thermal conductivity of materials may lead to rapid heat diffusion, which in turn may prevent degradation. Thermally conductive nanofillers (carbon nanotube, graphene, nanodiamond, inorganics) have been effectively employed to form desired nanocomposite. In polymer/nanocarbon nanocomposites, thermal conductivity depends on nanofiller type, dispersion, loading level, polymer nature, morphology, and crystallinity. Thermal conductivity parameter has been significantly considered in aerospace, automotive, electronics, and energy-related industries, where thermal dissipation has become a challenging problem. In future, it is desired to design high performance nanocomposites with manageable thermal conduction.     

A Review on Polymeric Nanocomposites of Nanodiamond,Carbon Nanotube,and Nanobifiller: Structure,Preparation and Properties

In this review, an overview of various types of nanofillers is presented with special emphasis on structure, synthesis and properties of carbon nanotube, nanodiamond, and nanobifiller of carbon nanotube/nanodiamond, carbon nanotube/graphene oxide and carbon nanotube/graphene. In addition, polymer/carbon nanotube, polymer/nanodiamond, and polymer/nanobifiller composites have been discussed. The efficacy of different fabrication techniques for nanocomposites (solution casting, in-situ, and melt blending method) and their properties were also discussed in detail. Finally, we have summarized the challenges and future prospects of polymer nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanofillers hoping to facilitate progress in the emerging area of nanobifiller technology.     

Polymer and Graphite-Derived Nanofiller Composite: An Overview of Functional Applications

In this article, applications of polymer and graphite-derived nanofiller composite have been presented with special emphasis on epoxy composite. Various types of graphitic nanofillers such as graphite, graphene oxide, graphene, and graphene nanoplatelets are reviewed. Recently, polymer/graphite, polymer/graphene oxide, polymer/graphene, and polymer/graphene nanoplatelet-based materials have gained interest due to high performance. Property enhancement is due to high aspect ratio; high surface area; excellent electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of nanofillers. The filler dispersion depends upon selection of suitable fabrication technique. We also reported on applications of epoxy/graphite-based filler composites in technical fields such as Li-ion batteries, sensors, and solar cells.     

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.     

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.     

Interpenetrating polymer network and nanocomposite IPN of polyurethane/epoxy: a review on fundamentals and advancements

This article presents state-of-the-art review on interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) formation by polyurethane/epoxy (PU/EP). PU is thermoplastic polymer with fine mechanical strength, chemical resistance, processability, and thermal stability. EP resins also possess unique chemical and physical properties, though it is rigid and brittle. Amalgamation of two polymers have resulted in improved mechanical, thermal, damping, and glass transition behavior. PU/EP IPN and nanocomposite containing carbon nanotube, graphene oxide, nanodiamond, nanoclay, and various other nanoparticles have been discussed. Commercial implication and future prospects of PU/EP-crosslinked network and nanocomposite IPN are foreseen in high-performance engineering materials, automotive and aerospace, and biomedical devices.     

Electromagnetic Interference Shielding of Polymer/Nanodiamond,Polymer/Carbon Nanotube,and Polymer/Nanodiamond–Carbon Nanotube Nanobifiller Composite: A Review

In this review, properties and potential of carbon nanotube, nanodiamond, and nanodiamond–carbon nanotube hybrid nanobifiller have been discussed with reference to electromagnetic interference shielding materials. The nanodiamond and carbon nanotube nanofiller and nanodiamond–carbon nanotube nanobifiller have outstanding electrical, thermal, and mechanical features. Main focus of review was electromagnetic interference shielding phenomenon and its implication in polymer/nanodiamond, polymer/carbon nanotube, and polymer/nanodiamond–carbon nanotube nanobifiller composite. The epoxy/nanodiamond, epoxy/carbon nanotube, and epoxy/nanodiamond–carbon nanotube composites have been discussed with electromagnetic interference shielding shielding features. Thus, considerable enhancement in electromagnetic interference shielding shielding features was observed using higher nanodiamond, carbon nanotube, and nanodiamond–carbon nanotube loadings. Significance and future potential of these polymeric composite are specified.     

Review of Applications of Polymer/Carbon Nanotubes and Epoxy/CNT Composites

In this review, an overview of polymer and carbon nanotube composite is presented with special emphasis on their applications in technical fields. The general applications of polymer/carbon nanotube nanocomposite in actuators, sensors, sporting goods, and so on have been discussed. In addition, special features of epoxy and epoxy/carbon nanotube composites were discussed in detail. Enhancement in the characteristic features of epoxy matrix with the incorporation of carbon nanotube has been observed. Consequently, the main focus of the review is on applications of epoxy/carbon nanotube composites in different fields such as aerospace, automobiles, fuel cells, radar-absorbing material, wind turbine blades, and electromagnetic interface shielding.     

Overview of Nonflammability Characteristics of Graphene and Graphene Oxide-Based Polymeric Composite and Essential Flame Retardancy Techniques

The carbonaceous nanofillers such as graphene and graphene oxide play competent role due to fine structural and functional properties having wide range of technical applications. This paper reviews structure and flame-retardant properties of graphene and graphene oxide. These nanofillers form promising nanomaterials for next generation high-performance structural and multifunctional composite structures. One of the major difficulties to produce strong and thermally conductive graphene/graphene oxide composites is fine dispersion of carbon nanomaterials. Consequently main focus of review is on flame retardancy of organic filler-based nanocomposite. To the end, techniques for nonflammability property measurement of polymer/graphene and polymer/graphene oxide have been discussed.     

Holistic insights on polyimide nanocomposite nanofiber

ABSTRACT

Polyimides form an important class of high-performance polymers. Polyamides with aromatic macromolecular architecture have revealed excellent conducting, mechanical, and thermal properties for aerospace, automotive, electronics, and other technical industries. Recently, polyimide nanofiber and polyimide nanocomposite nanofiber have been focused for fabrication, essential physical features, and subsequent performance. Due to diversity of dianhydrides, diamines, and reinforced nanoparticles, various polyimide nanocomposite nanofibers have been judiciously designed. This comprehensive review highlights indispensable perspectives of polyimide nanocomposite nanofiber particularly polyimide/graphene, polyimide/carbon nanotube, and polyimide/inorganic nanoparticle-based nanofibers. It is envisioned that nanocomposite nanofibers have various high-value applications such as membranes, battery separators, electrodes, etc.     

A Review Featuring Fabrication,Properties, and Application of Polymeric Mixed Matrix Membrane Reinforced with Different Fillers

Mixed matrix membrane is composed of polymer matrix reinforced with organic or inorganic particles to improve its performance. This review presents comprehensive study on fabrication, properties, and application of polymeric composite-based mixed matrix membrane. Inorganic fillers (silica, alumina, and zeolite) are extensively used in mixed matrix membrane due to low cost, abundance, and simplistic surface treatment. Organic fillers (graphene and carbon nanotube) are also preferred due to low specific gravity, and high thermal, flame, and chemical resistance. Reinforcement of these nanofiller during membrane provides flux enhancement and low fouling. Various applications of mixed matrix membrane such as in tissue engineering, catalysis, and electrochemistry have also been discussed.     

Perspectives of Polystyrene Composite with Fullerene,Carbon Black,Graphene, and Carbon Nanotube: A Review

The use of polystyrene-based materials has become very important due to a wide range of industrial applications. Different types of nanofillers such as fullerene, carbon black, graphite, graphene, and carbon nanotube have been used with polystyrene to attain high-performance materials. Fabrication and unique properties of composites are considered here. Use of fullerene to improve thermal stability of polystyrene/fullerene composite has been explored. Polystyrene /carbon black composite have found to improve thermal, electrical, and rheological properties. Polystyrene/graphite nanosheet composite have been used in different applications due to mechanical and electrical properties. Polystyrene/carbon nanotube composite have been studied for enhanced tribological properties.     

Graphene nanoribbon: fundamental aspects in polymeric nanocomposite

This paper presents an overview of unique carbon nanostructure graphene nanoribbon (GNR). GNR is a thin elongated strip of sp²-bonded carbon atoms with a narrow width of ≤10 nm. The electronic, mechanical, thermal, chemical, and magnetic properties of GNR make it an attractive nanofiller in polymeric nanocomposite. Polyaniline, poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(vinylidene fluoride), poly(vinyl alcohol), polystyrene, polyethylene, epoxy, and polyamide have been explored with GNR so far. Despite of outstanding potential of polymer/GNR nanocomposite, not much research is found in this area. Few application areas of polymer/GNR nanocomposite discovered till now are related to sensor, supercapacitor, fuel cell, and electromagnetic interference shielding materials.