Enhanced dielectric and electrorheological properties of needle‐like TiO2/polyrhodanine core/shell hybrid nanostructure

In this study, antisedimentation, dielectric, electrorheological (ER) and creep–recovery properties of needle‐like TiO₂/polyrhodanine (PRh) nanocomposite were investigated. Antisedimentation ratio of needle‐like TiO₂/PRh was determined to be 45% after 30 days in silicone oil (SO). Polarizability and relaxation time of needle‐like TiO₂/PRh/SO system were determined to be 0.18 and 2.9 × 10^?5 s, respectively by the dielectric spectroscopy which was further used to evaluate the ER performance of the dispersion, and the data obtained were in good agreement with the overall ER results. ER properties of needle‐like TiO₂/PRh/SO system were determined by taking the effects of shear rate, shear stress, electric field strength, and temperature into account using a torque electrorheometer. Non‐Newtonian shear thinning behaviors were observed for the samples. Vibration damping capabilities of the dispersions were investigated by measuring their elastic and viscous moduli as functions of frequency, time, and electric field strengths. Enhanced and reversible viscoelastic deformations were recorded for needle‐like TiO₂/SO system from creep–recovery tests with 88% recovery under E = 3.5 kV mm^?1 condition; thus, the system was classified as a smart one and suitable for potential vibration damping applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43240.     

聚吡咯/纳米氧化钇复合材料的结构与性能研究

用在位分散聚合法制得具有核壳结构的聚吡咯/纳米氧化钇复合材料,红外光谱和拉曼散射分析表明纳米氧化钇与聚吡咯之间存在化学作用,红外光谱有明显的蓝移现象,它们的反应发生在氮原子上。而随着Y2O3的加入,电导率呈下降的趋势。     

The electrorheological properties of polyaniline nanofiber/kaolinite hybrid nanocomposite

A novel polyaniline nanofiber/kaolinite nanoplatelet hybrid nanocomposite was synthesized by means of rapidly mixed in situ polymerization. The resultant polyaniline/kaolinite hybrid nanocomposite was characterized via different techniques, such as X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that 2D clay nanoplatelets are coated by the 1D polyaniline nanofibers. The nanoclay platelets can improve the thermal stability of polyaniline nanofibers. An electrorheological effect is found with the suspension of polyaniline nanofiber/kaolinite nanoplatelet hybrid nanocomposite dispersed in silicone oil. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1104‐1113, 2013     

Mechanical and dielectric properties of polyimide/silica nanocomposite films

Polyimide/silica (PI/silica) nanocomposite films were successfully prepared via in situ dispersive polymerisation and thermal imidisation. In order to obtain homogeneous nanoscale dispersibility and good compatibility with the PI matrix, hydrophobic aerosil was selected as the nanosilica precursor. 4,4-Bis(3-aminophenoxy)biphenyl (4,3-BAPOBP) was used as diamine to improve the processability of PI. The PI/silica nanocomposite films were characterised using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The mechanical and dielectric properties of the films were also measured. The results demonstrate that the tensile strength and breakdown strength of films can be markedly improved by the addition of appropriate amounts of silica to the PI matrix. At a silica content of 4.0?wt-%, the tensile strength and the breakdown strength of the films increased by 21 and 13%, respectively, compared with the neat PI. Thus, it is feasible to use nanosilica to improve the properties of PI.     

Enhanced electrooxidation of methanol,ethylene glycol,glycerol, and xylitol over a polypyrrole/manganese oxyhydroxide/palladium nanocomposite electrode

A small quantity of palladium metal (Pd, 5 wt%) nanoparticles supported by a polypyrrole/manganese oxyhydroxide (PPy/MOH) nanocomposite was developed and investigated as an electrocatalyst for the alcohol electrooxidation reaction in alkaline media. In voltammetric studies, the PPy/MOH/Pd catalyst, compared to C/Pd, exhibited improved electrocatalytic activity for methanol electrooxidation. The peak current density ratios (j ^f/j ^b) for the C/Pd and PPy/MOH/Pd nanocomposite electrodes were 0.67 and 2.43, respectively, indicating that the PPy/MOH/Pd nanocomposite electrode was much more resistant to catalytic poisoning. The electrooxidation of ethylene glycol (EG), glycerol, and xylitol was also tested using the PPy/MOH/Pd nanocomposite electrode. Among these alcohol electrooxidations, that of EG exhibited the maximum power density of 430 mA cm^?2. The intermediates formed during the electrooxidation reactions were removed by increasing the upper sweep potential from +0.2 to +1.0 V. The catalytic performance of the PPy/MOH nanocomposite is discussed in detail. The study results demonstrate that PPy/MOH acts as a superior catalytic supporting material for alcohol electrooxidation reactions in alkaline media.     

LDPE/Bi2O3 nanocomposites: Enhanced mechanical,dielectric, and optical properties

This study is focused on investigating the role of bismuth oxide (Bi₂O₃) nanoparticles to improve structural, optical, electrical, and mechanical properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). For this purpose, Bi₂O₃ nanoparticles were synthesized by using the solvothermal method and examined by transmission electron microscopes (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) light absorption methods. LDPE-based nanocomposites were prepared by changing the nanoparticle additive ratio in the composite from 0% to 2% by weight. The composites were analyzed in the context of their FTIR spectra, atomic force microscope (AFM) images, UV–Vis light absorption spectra, stress–strain curves, and energy storage abilities. While the AFM findings indicate a smoother surface for the composites, the optical band gap analysis reveals a slightly decreased direct optical band gap energy. The analyses based on dielectric spectroscopy also highlight the LDPE/0.5% n-Bi₂O₃ composite in terms of the best energy storage capability. Additionally, the highest Young's modulus, toughness, stress at break, and percentage of strain at break were also recorded for the LDPE/0.5% n-Bi₂O₃ composite. In this context, the LDPE/0.5% n-Bi₂O₃ composite with improved dielectric and mechanical properties can be suggested as a new promising LDPE-based nanocomposite with better properties for industrial purposes.     

Synthesis and characterization of montmorillonite/polypyrrole nanocomposite

A novel montmorillonite (MMT)/polypyrrole (PPy) nanocomposite (MPN) with high electrical conductivity and thermal stability has been synthesized via in‐situ polymerization. The surface morphology, characterization, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity have been tested by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and four‐probe methods, respectively. SEM results show that the antenna‐like PPy deposits on the layer surface of MMT. FTIR and XRD analyses show that there is interaction between MMT and PPy. The nanocomposite has high electrical conductivity (4 S/cm), eight orders of magnitude higher than that of pristine MMT. The thermal stability of MPN is higher than the pure PPy as well as the mixture of MMT and PPy (MMP). POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Mechanical,dielectric, and thermal properties of polydimethylsiloxane/polysilsesquioxane nanocomposite for sealant application

Polysilsesquioxanes (PS) powder was synthesized from methyltrimethoxysilane and vinyltrimethoxysilane by hydrolytic condensation method in aqueous phase. The prepared PS powder was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, particle size, and polydispersity of the powders was determined using dynamic light scattering technique. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanocomposites and the sealant were synthesized using different weight percentage (1–4 wt %) of PS powder and hydrophobic fumed silica. Tensile strength and thermal stability of the nanocomposites showed perceptible enhancement on increasing the filler ratio when compared to pristine PDMS composites. The surface morphology and the extent of filler dispersion were visualized from the scanning electron microscopy images. Dielectric strength of the composites also showed significant improvement on increasing the filler loading. Poly(methyl/vinyl)silsesquioxane (PMVS) (4 wt %) reinforced composites showed a considerable enrichment in properties when compared to other formulations. Adhesive strength of silicone sealant on both the alumina and mild steel substrate was studied by conducting lap shear test. PMVS-loaded nanocomposites exhibited more adhesive strength on both the substrates and hence it can be used as a sealant in electronic assemblies. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47228.     

Electrosynthesis and characterization of polypyrrole/Au nanocomposite

Polypyrrole films containing gold nanoparticles (PPy/Au) were electrosynthesized on a glassy carbon electrode. This was done by applying a constant current of 1.43 mA cm⁻² in solutions containing colloidal Au particles and pyrrole monomer. A chloroaurate medium with a citrate/tannic acid reducing/protection agent was employed for generating the Au colloids. The PPy/Au films were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy. Also, electrochemical behaviors of the PPy/Au films were characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and AC impedance measurements. Experimental results demonstrate that PPy/Au has greater conductivity and better stability than PPy. The effect of incorporated Au nanoparticles in PPy matrix was studied and the mechanism was suggested.     

Enhanced dielectric constant and suppressed electrical conductivity in polymer nanocomposite films via loading MXene/TiO2/MoS2 nanosheets

Conductor/polymer nanocomposites can achieve high dielectric constant with low filler loading, but conductive fillers come into contact with each other easily, resulting in the formation of conductive paths. In this work, MXene/TiO₂/MoS₂ nanosheets were prepared by one-step hydrothermal method, and MXene/TiO₂/MoS₂/poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (P(VDF-HFP)) nanocomposite films were prepared by solution casting method. At 1 kHz, with an optimized MXene/TiO₂/MoS₂ nanosheets loading of 8.0 wt%, MXene/TiO₂/MoS₂/P(VDF-HFP) nanocomposite films achieve a high dielectric constant of 944 and maintain a low dielectric loss of 0.19. TiO₂ and MoS₂ semiconductive layers on the surface of MXene nanosheets can prevent the formation of conductive paths, and therefore, nanocomposite films possess suppressed electrical conductivity. Moreover, MXene/TiO₂/MoS₂ nanosheets can build more microcapacitor structures in nanocomposite films with higher filler loading, which further improves the dielectric constant of nanocomposite films. Finite element simulation shows that TiO₂ and MoS₂ semiconductive layers can lower the electric field intensity and polarization intensity at the interface between conductive fillers and polymer matrix. Herein, MXene/TiO₂/MoS₂/P(VDF-HFP) nanocomposite films possess not only excellent dielectric properties, but also excellent mechanical properties, which can be used as flexible dielectric materials in electronic packaging technology.     

Microstructural,wetting, and dielectric properties of plasma polymerized polypyrrole thin films

Polypyrrole (PPy) thin films were synthesized by plasma polymerization technique and investigated the influence of discharge power on microstructural, optical, surface wettability, and dielectric properties of grown films. As deposited PPy films were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Atomic force microscopy, UV‐VIS spectroscopy and dielectric spectroscopy. The broad XRD peak present at 2θ = 23.5° revealed the amorphous nature of grown PPy films. The FTIR spectra displayed characteristic peaks in the wavenumbers regions 3300–3400 cm^?1 and 1635–1700 cm^?1 and respective peaks intensities decreased slightly as a function of discharge powers. Significant modifications in surface morphology of the films were observed as a function of discharge powers and PPy films synthesized at higher discharge power of 50 W demonstrated characteristic surface morphology composed of characteristic vertical cone shaped clusters provided with rms roughness of 3.42 nm. The UV‐VIS absorption spectra evidenced that the optical density values varied as a function of discharge power. The evaluated band gap energies decreased with an increase of discharge power and found to be 2.53 eV for PPy films prepared at higher discharge power of 50 W. The surface wettability studies evidenced that as prepared PPy films were found to be hydrophilic in nature. The dielectric measurements were carried out for “ITO/polymer/ITO” structures in the frequency range 10 mHz to 100 kHz. As evidenced from dielectric spectroscopic measurements, PPy films synthesized at 50 W were demonstrated conductivity value of 6.0 × 10^?12 S/m. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43982.     

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of graphene oxide/nanosulfur/polypyrrole ternary nanocomposite hydrogel for supercapacitors

A method for synthesizing Graphene oxide (GO)/nano‐sulfur/polypyrrole (PPy) ternary nanocomposite hydrogel is depicted. The higher surface area of GO, PPy porous structure and their excellent conductivity are utilized, and the GO hydrogel can be made easily. The products are characterized by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, and electrochemical workstation. The results demonstrated that GO/nano‐S/PPy ternary nanocomposite hydrogel is successfully synthesized. The electrochemical properties are investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements, and cycling life in a three‐electrode system in 1M Li₂SO₄ electrolyte solution. The GO/nano‐S/PPy ternary nanocomposite hydrogel exhibit a high specific capacitance of 892.5 F g^?1 at scan rates of 5 mV s^?1 and the capacitance retain about 81.2% (594.8 F g^?1) of initial capacitance (732.5 F g^?1) after 500 cycles at a current density of 1 A g^?1. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40814.     

Enhanced through-plane thermal conductive properties of Ag/rGO nanocomposite

High thermal conductivity of nanocomposite-based polymer matrix is one of the most important keys in developing many heat exchanger instruments. Here, we report a novel nanocomposite system based on silver-coated reduced graphene oxide (Ag/rGO) in silane cross-linked low-density polyethylene (XLPE) matrix with unprecedented through-plane thermal conductivity. Compared to the virgin rGO, Ag/rGO nanocomposite showed 67% higher thermal conductivity due to the Ag nanoparticles (NPs) decoration. The Ag NPs within the nanocomposites are believed to act as a thermal conductor among rGO nanosheets and eventually enhance the heat conduction in 3D manner.     

Synthesis,characterization, optical,and dielectric properties of polyvinyl chloride/cadmium oxide nanocomposite films

Nano‐sized cadmium oxide (CdO) was synthesized using a sol–gel method and mixed with poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). X‐ray diffraction and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements indicated that the average particle size of the CdO is about 70.18 nm. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed a good dispersion of CdO nanoparticles on the surface of the PVC films. The optical energy band gap (E_g) showed a decrease from 5.08 to 4.88 eV with increasing the CdO content. The refractive index dispersion of the nanocomposite films was found to obey the single oscillator model. The dispersion parameters were changed by CdO incorporation. According to the frequency and temperature dependence of the dielectric constant (ε′), the observed α_a‐relaxation peaks were assigned to the micro‐Brownian motion of the polymer main chains. The influence of CdO nanoparticles content on the ac conductivity and the activation energy of PVC nanocomposite films were discussed. It was found that both dielectric and optical properties were reinforced by the adding of CdO nanoparticles to the PVC matrix. Finally, the results of the present system are compared with those of similar materials. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1842–1851, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

聚吡咯/有机蒙脱土纳米复合材料的制备及其导电性

采用三氯化铁作氧化剂,对甲苯磺酸钠作掺杂剂,使插入十六烷基三甲基溴化铵改性的有机蒙脱土层间的吡咯发生氧化聚合,制备了导电性优异的聚吡咯／有机蒙脱土纳米复合材料。结果表明,试样的电导率最高可达到8．50S／cm。XRD测试表明,蒙脱土层间距由1．22nm增加到4．50nm。     

Enhanced dielectric properties of Ca2+ doped Li-Al-Si photoetchable glass

The Li-Al-Si photoetchable glass (PEG) easily forms a complex three-dimensional (3D) structure, which is promising as an interposer in 3D integrated microsystems. However, its dielectric loss is rather large (~10^?2@ 1?GHz), which inhibits the corresponding application in radio frequency (RF) microsystems. In this paper, the enhancement of dielectric properties caused by of Ca doping on the microstructure of the Li-Al-Si photoetchable glass system was investigated. The structure and performance were analyzed through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Mid-infrared spectroscopy analysis (MIR), Raman spectroscopy and impedance analysis. The results demonstrated that a significant modification in the dielectric properties were obtained with dielectric loss of 3 × 10^?3. The reason was attributed to the decreased number of the non-oxygen bridge, which makes the structure more stable. Using hydrofluoric (HF) etching, through glass vias with a diameter of 117?µm were obtained.     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(p-chloromethylstyrene) nanocomposite comprising covalently bonded carbon nanocapsules: Superiority of thermal properties to a physical blend

The present study demonstrates the synthesis of poly(p-chloromethylstyrene) (PCMS) nanocomposite containing well-dispersed carbon nanocapsules (CNC) covalently bonded to the polymer molecules and for the first time enables a comparison between this material (PCMS–CNC) and a physical blend of PCMS and CNC (PCMS/CNC). Firstly, the pristine CNC underwent a ligand-exchange reaction with ferrocene, having an exchange frequency of one Cp-Fe- for every 40–50 hexagon on the CNC surface. These Cp-Fe-CNCs were next monolithiated by sec-butyllithium and went through a nucleophilic substitution reaction with PCMS, thus forming successfully a PCMC–CNC nanocomposite with all CNCs covalently bonded to PCMS. Direct evidence for the covalent bonding of PCMS to CNC has been obtained by FTIR, Raman and NMR spectra. Morphology of PCMS–CNC nanocomposite and individual PCMS–CNC particle have been examined by AFM and TEM imagings. Having an average particle size of 45 nm, each CNC has been bonded with multiple coil-shaped PCMS and each PCMS could have been bonded only to one CNC. Covalent bonding of PCMS with CNC does not affect the photoluminescence and PCMS–CNC would provide the same optical properties as PCMS/CNC. At an identical weight composition, DSC thermograms clearly indicate that while T_g of PCMS/CNC blend is only slightly higher than pristine PCMS, T_g of PCMS–CNC is significantly higher due to the slower chain mobility caused by the tethering of PCMS to CNC.     

Synthesis,characterization, and electrorheological properties of polyindene/calcium carbonate composites

In this study, synthesis, characterization, and electrorheological (ER) properties of polyindene (PIn) and PIn/calcium carbonate (PIn/CaCO₃) conducting composites were carried out by free radical polymerization. In the experiments, FeCl₃ was used as oxidizing agent and the ratio of salt:monomer was 2:1. First, PIn was synthesized and obtained with 70% yield. Then, PIn/CaCO₃ composites containing various amounts of PIn were prepared. PIn and PIn/CaCO₃ composites were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) methods, Gouy Balance, and dielectric measurements. Suspensions of PIn and PIn/CaCO₃ composites were prepared in silicone oil (SO), at a series of concentrations (c = 10–25%, m/m) and their sedimentation stabilities were determined. The effects of dispersed particle concentration, particle size, shear rate, external electric field strength, frequency, and temperature onto ER activities of suspensions were investigated. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Biocompatible graphene/chitosan hybrid aerogel reinforced polydimethylsiloxane nanocomposite with excellent dielectric properties

A longstanding challenge in fabricating high-dielectric polymer composite is how to rationalize structure design to improve dielectric constant while minimizing dielectric loss. In this work, we provide a critical material design concept for high-performance flexible dielectric nanocomposite (PCGA) based on backfilling polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix into the pre-constructed chitosan-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) aerogel with 3D conductive network. Herein, the 3D conductive network enables PCGA to achieve the percolation threshold with a small amount of rGO, which improving the dielectric constant. Simultaneously, the chitosan insulating barrier layer prevents the generation of leakage current between conductive fillers interfaces, which suppressing the losses of the PCGA, thus ensuring the balance between dielectric constant and loss. The results demonstrated that the PCGA (0.06 g rGO) exhibited a dielectric constant as high as 297.3 and a loss tangent as low as 1.91. Subsequently, the as-obtained PCGA composites as a dielectric interlayer was employed for preparing capacitive sensor. The results demonstrated that the sensor possesses a desirable integration of high sensitivity (5.8% kPa⁻¹ in the pressure range 0–7 kPa) and wide work range (0–140 kPa) due to the synergistic effect of the excellent mechanical performance along with high-dielectric constant and suppressed loss.     

Study of structural,electrical, and dielectric properties of polystyrene/foliated graphite nanocomposite developed via in situ polymerization

Present article reports the investigations of the electrical and dielectric properties of polystyrene/foliated graphite (PS/FG) nanocomposites. The homogenous embedded structure of FG within the polymer matrix has been confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrical conductivity of the composite was found to exhibit insulator–conductor transition at a very low percolation threshold of FG. A nonlinear to linear transition in the current–voltage characteristics of the composites was observed when the composite undergoes insulator–conductor transition. The frequency dependence of dielectric constant, dissipation factor, and ac conductivity has also been analyzed using percolation theory. D ‐shore hardness of the nanocomposite was also tested to observe the strength of the composites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008