The level of matrix-filler interfacial adhesion in metal and polymer nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotubes

In this paper, the interfacial adhesion between metal matrix and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is determined in various metal/CNT nanocomposites by several models. The models apply the experimental data to calculate the interfacial parameters. A good correlation is acquired between theoretical and experimental results which validates the current analysis. The calculated parameters reveal the formation of a perfect adhesion at the interface between the metal matrix and CNT in all reported samples. In addition, the calculations are compared with similar results for polymer nanocomposites which show a stronger adhesion at metal–CNT interface in comparison to polymer–filler interfacial adhesion in polymer nanocomposites.     

聚吡咯/无机粒子纳米复合材料的研究进展

综述了聚吡咯（PPy）与无机磁性粒子、金属氧化物、碳系无机物（炭黑、碳纳米管、纳米石墨微片）等无机粒子组成的功能性纳米复合材料的制备方法及其力学、光学、电学、磁学等性能,并介绍了近年来各类纳米PPy/无机粒子功能性复合材料在电磁屏蔽、隐身材料、抗静电材料、导电高分子电容器、二次电池以及传感器等领域的研究现状及发展趋势。     

Preparation of ultra-high temperature SiC–TiB2 nanocomposites from a single-source polymer precursor

SiC–TiB₂ ceramic nanocomposites are valuable ultra-high temperature materials, which are rarely prepared from preceramic polymers. In this work, we synthesized SiC–TiB₂ nanocomposites from a new preceramic polymer called titanium- and boron-modified polycarbosilane (TB–PCS). The polymer structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The structure, composition, and morphology of the resulting ceramic products were investigated by FT-IR, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The elements of titanium and boron were incorporated into the preceramic polymer, and nanoscale TiB₂ and β-SiC grains generated in situ were detected in the pyrolyzed ceramic products at temperatures higher than 1400 °C. The new preceramic polymer presents a novel approach to preparing SiC–TiB₂ nanocomposites.     

Flame retardancy and thermal stability of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nanocomposites

The flame retardancy and thermal stability of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanocomposites are reviewed. Results are summarized and compared on the basis of structure–property relationships. Because of the variability of groups attached on POSS, they exhibit different performance in polymer nanocomposites: metal‐containing POSS show good catalytic charring ability; vinyl‐containing and phenyl‐containing POSS promote the strength of char. Improvements in the cone calorimeter (such as reduced peak heat release rate) are advantages of POSS as preceramics for fire retardancy compared with traditional flame retardants, and it will pave the way to the design of inorganic–organic hybrid polymer nanocomposites with enhanced flame retardancy and thermal stability. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Efficient Dispersion of Magnetite Nanoparticles in the Polyurethane Matrix Through Solution Mixing and Investigation of the Nanocomposite Properties

Recent studies on inorganic/polymer nanocomposites have shown enhancements in thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties over the neat polymer without compromising density, toughness, and processibility. When nanoparticles are incorporated into the polymer matrix, significant enhancements in thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite are observed. The present study is focused on the preparation and characterization of nanosize magnetite-reinforced PU composites, which induces magnetic properties to a specific thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer. The nanocomposites are prepared and the effects of magnetite content on thermal, mechanical, and magnetic properties of the nanocomposites are evaluated. Ultrasonication was used to disperse the nanoparticles and break up any large clumps and aggregates and followed by mechanical mixing. The magnetic nanocomposites were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Characterization of the magnetic nanocomposite by FT-IR showed a successful incorporation of magnetite nanoparticles into the polymeric matrix. TGA and magnetometry of the magnetic nanocomposites revealed the amount of magnetite that was incorporated into the polymeric phase. Finally, the corresponding magnetization behavior of the nanocomposites was studied.     

Electrical properties of polymer nanocomposites containing rod-like nanofillers

We present an in-depth critical review of major experimental, simulation, and theoretical work in the field of conducting polymer nanocomposites containing rod-like particles such as carbon nanotubes and metal nanowires. These are a versatile class of materials that are of interest for a wide range of applications. Commercialization of various classes of conducting polymer nanocomposites is growing, yet achieving their full technological potential will hinge on the ability to engineer composites with controllable and well-defined properties, as well as aggressive exploration of new application areas. Thus, the focus of this review is to clarify key structure–property relationships, and to discuss the major gaps and greatest opportunities in the field.     

Predictions of micromechanics models for interfacial/interphase parameters in polymer/metal nanocomposites

In this paper, the polymer-metal interfacial/interphase parameters (PMIP) in polymer/metal nanocomposites are studied by modeling the mechanical properties. In this regard, the experimental results of yield strength, Young's modulus and elongation at break can be compared with the micromechanical models to evaluate the PMIP. The good agreement obtained between the experimental data of samples and the predictions confirms the applicability of models for polymer/metal nanocomposites. Many calculated parameters show the existence of a strong interphase in the reported samples. It is concluded that the fine morphology of nanoparticles and the strong interaction/adhesion at the polymer-metal interface can produce the significant PMIP in the polymer/metal nanocomposites.     

Synthesis and characterization of hybrid clay/poly (N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) nanocomposites

Four quaternary ammonium salt monomers (2a–d) were synthesized from N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and subsequently polymerized to afford cationic polymers (3a–d). The synthesized monomers and polymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectroscopy. Molecular weights of the synthesized polymers were determined using gel permeation chromatography. Polymer/clay nanocomposites (4a–d) were prepared using solution‐intercalation method and characterized by FTIR, X‐ray diffraction, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray, and thermogravimetric analysis. Data analysis showed that polymer/clay nanocomposites have intercalated structure. The dielectric properties of the polymer/clay nanocomposites were studied as a function of both temperature and frequency. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:2950–2959, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Preparation of metal-polymer nanocomposites by chemical reduction of metal ions: functions of polymer matrices

This review summarizes the latest advances in the preparation of metal-polymer nanocomposites by chemical reduction of metal ions in polymer matrices that are classified according to their functions as stabilizing agents, templates and reducing agents. Particular attention is paid to various factors affecting the size and morphology of particles, the composition and structure of metal-polymer nanocomposites. Problems and prospects of development of metal-polymer nanocomposites obtained by chemical reduction of metal ions are considered.     

Preparation and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles embedded in hydrogels for protein purification and metal extraction

The present work involves the development of hydrogel magnetic nanocomposites for protein purification and heavy metal extraction applications. The magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were prepared in situ in poly(acrylamide)-gum acacia (PAM-GA) hydrogels. The formation of magnetic nanoparticles in the hydrogel networks was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Scanning electron (SEM) microscopy studies revealed the formation of MNPs throughout the hydrogel networks. The average size of MNPs formed in the hydrogel networks was 3–5 nm as determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The thermal properties of the hydrogel magnetic nanocomposites were evaluated by dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The magnetic properties of the developed hydrogel magnetic nanocomposites were determined by a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The swelling properties of the hydrogel and the hydrogel magnetic nanocomposites were studied in detail. The hydrogel magnetic nanocomposites are utilized for the removal of toxic metal ions such as Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) and for protein purification. The results confirm that the hydrogel magnetic nanocomposites exhibit superior extraction properties to hydrogels.     

Structure–properties investigations in hydrophilic nanocomposites based on polyurethane/poly(2–hydroxyethyl methacrylate) semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks and nanofiller densil for biomedical application

Nanocomposites based on sequential semi–interpenetrating polymer networks (semi–IPNs) of crosslinked polyurethane and linear poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) filled with 1–15 wt % of nanofiller densil were prepared and investigated. Nanofiller densil used in an attempt to control the microphase separation of the polymer matrix by polymer–filler interactions. The morphology (SAXS, AFM), mechanical properties (stress–strain), thermal transitions (DSC) and polymer dynamics (DRS, TSDC) of the nanocomposites were investigated. Special attention has been paid to the raising of the hydration properties and the dynamics of water molecules in the nanocomposites in the perspective of biomedical applications. Nanoparticles were found to aggregate partially for higher than 3 and 5 wt % filler loading in semi–IPNs with 17 and 37 wt % PHEMA, respectively. The results show that the good hydration properties of the semi–IPN matrix are preserved in the nanocomposites, which in combination with results of thermal and dielectric techniques revealed also the existence of polymer–polymer and polymer–filler interactions. These interactions results also in the improvement of physical and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites in compare with the neat matrix. The improvement of mechanical properties in combination with hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of nanocomposites are promising for use these materials for biomedical application namely as surgical films for wound treatment and as material for producing the medical devises. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43122.     

石墨烯/聚合物纳米复合材料制备与微波吸收性能研究进展

二维片状的石墨烯不仅具有优异的力学、热学和电学性能,而且还具有较好的微波吸收特性。自它被发现以来,一直受到科学界的广泛关注,目前已有学者将其与聚合物复合,制备了石墨烯/聚合物纳米复合材料,这种新型微波吸收材料不仅吸波效果好而且密度小、易加工。目前石墨烯/聚合物纳米复合材料用于微波吸收的报道还比较少,该研究基本处于起步阶段。本文首先概述了石墨烯独特的物理结构和优异的力学、热学、电学性能,然后综述了石墨烯/聚合物纳米复合材料的制备方法,并分析了其微波吸收机理,最后结合国内外研究现状展望了石墨烯/聚合物纳米复合材料制备与微波吸收性能研究的发展方向,指出调控复合材料的微观形貌,对石墨烯进行磁性掺杂,探索石墨烯与聚合物微波吸收的协同效应将成为今后研究的重点和热点。     

Supercritical carbon dioxide–assisted synthesis of stimuli-responsive magnetic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)–ferrite biocompatible nanocomposites for targeted and controlled drug delivery

Supercritical carbon dioxide–assisted synthesis of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)–ferrite nanocomposites was carried out by polymerization reaction of N-isopropyl acrylamide monomer in the presence of ferrite nanoparticles. They were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry analysis. Drug loading and release profiles were studied. Nanomaterials showed pH-dependent drug release profile. Polymer nanocomposites in comparison to ferrite nanoparticles showed impressive drug release activity, with a release percent of 20.98–76.54%, and greater biocompatibility in breast cancer cells, with a cell viability of 81–93%. This pH-dependent drug release activity and magnetic property of polymer nanocomposites can be used for controlled and targeted drug delivery.     

Modeling of isochronal complex magnetic susceptibility of polymer–magnetic nanocomposites using fractional calculus

In this work, we report on the application of fractional calculus to the modeling of the isochronal behavior of complex magnetic susceptibility obtained from polymer–magnetic nanocomposites composed of cobalt‐ferrite nanoparticles embedded into a chitosan matrix. From the isochronal measurements of real and imaginary parts of the complex magnetic susceptibility and temperature‐dependent static measurements, performed at different applied dc‐fields, it was observed that the spins' response is mainly leaded by three contributions, which are attributed to the intrinsic magnetic anisotropy of the particles, the surface‐to‐core spins exchange within particles and to the dipole‐dipole interactions among particles. Accounting these contributions, the proposed magnetic model was capable to describe, in very precise way, the experimental behavior of both, real and imaginary, parts of the complex magnetic susceptibility, at temperatures below to that related to the transition of the polymer–magnetic nanocomposite into the superparamagnetic regime. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Synthesis of hybrid materials in polyelectrolyte matrixes: Control over sizes and spatial organization of metallic nanostructures

This review is concerned with the synthesis of hybrid materials in solutions, suspensions, and gels of polyelectrolytes with emphasis being placed on the role of interaction between functional groups of macromolecules and ions/surfaces of metals in the control over the processes of nucleation and growth of nanoparticles. The use of several macromolecules carrying nonionogenic groups for the effective control over the sizes and shapes of nanoparticles is exemplified. As the main method for the synthesis of metal nanostructures in colloidal systems, a method based on the reduction of metal ions is discussed. Mechanisms and conditions determining the assembly of metal–polymer nanocomposites of various architectures in polyelectrolyte matrixes and organized polymer systems are considered.     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(glycidyl methacrylate)/Na‐montmorillonite nanocomposites

Poly(glycidyl methacrylate)/Na–montmorillonite nanocomposites were synthesized by free‐radical polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate containing dispersed montmorillonite. By changing the concentration of glycidyl methacrylate several polymer–clay nanocomposites were prepared and the resulting nanocomposites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results indicated that the properties of the composite were significantly improved. The thermogravimetric analysis results revealed that the degradation temperatures of nanocomposites were higher than that of pure polymer and the thermal degradation rates decreased. Examination of these materials by scanning electron microscopy showed that the clay layers are dispersed homogenously in the polymer matrix and the formation of intercalation nanostructure. Furthermore, adsorptive, moisture regain, and water uptake properties of nanocomposites were also investigated. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1532–1538, 2004     

Polyethylene Nanocomposites with Ni,Co, and Fe Carbon-Based Magnetic Fillers

In the present study, the effect of Ni, Co, and Fe carbon-based magnetic fillers (Ni-C, Co-C, and Fe-C) was investigated on the magnetic, mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of polyethylene nanocomposites. The in situ polymerization technique was used to prepare nanocomposites of polyethylene from the ethylene monomer introducing small amounts of filler ranging from 1 to 2 wt.%. The metal-carbonized fillers were obtained by pyrolysis of wood sawdust activated by Ni, Co, or Fe salts. X-ray diffraction showed that the fillers were of nanometric size. Thermogravimetric analysis was executed to investigate the thermal strength of the materials as well as to calculate the metal content in the carbon-based fillers. The onset degradation temperature showed an enhancement of 17°C, whereas the maximum degradation temperatures increased 4°C with the introduction of the filler. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated an improvement of 3°C in crystallization temperature, whereas the melting temperature remained unchanged compared to neat polyethylene. The filler was shown to increase the modulus of elasticity of the nanocomposites. The addition of 1.0 wt.% of the metal-carbonized material in the diamagnetic polymer matrix resulted in a thermoplastic nanocomposite with ferromagnetic behavior. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:988–995, 2020. © 2020 Society of Plastics Engineers     

One-dimensional conducting polymer nanocomposites: Synthesis, properties and applications

Intrinsically conducting polymers have been studied extensively due to their intriguing electronic and redox properties and numerous potential applications in many fields since their discovery in 1970s. To improve and extend their functions, the fabrication of multi-functionalized conducting polymer nanocomposites has attracted a great deal of attention because of the emergence of nanotechnology. This article presents an overview of the synthesis of one-dimensional (1D) conducting polymer nanocomposites and their properties and applications. Nanocomposites consist of conducting polymers and one or more components, which can be carbon nanotubes, metals, oxide nanomaterials, chalcogenides, insulating or conducting polymers, biological materials, metal phthalocyanines and porphyrins, etc. The properties of 1D conducting polymer nanocomposites will be widely discussed. Special attention is paid to the difference in the properties between 1D conducting polymer nanocomposites and bulk conducting polymers. Applications of 1D conducting polymer nanocomposites described include electronic nanodevices, chemical and biological sensors, catalysis and electrocatalysis, energy, microwave absorption and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, electrorheological (ER) fluids, and biomedicine. The advantages of 1D conducting polymer nanocomposites over the parent conducting polymers are highlighted. Combined with the intrinsic properties and synergistic effect of each component, it is anticipated that 1D conducting polymer nanocomposites will play an important role in various fields of nanotechnology.     

Synthesis,characterization, and properties of new conducting polyaniline/copper sulfide nanocomposites

This article reports the facile synthesis of copper sulfide (CuS)/polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposites by in situ polymerization. The composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–visible and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). SEM analysis showed that the metal sulfide nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix. The characteristic peaks in FTIR and UV–vis spectra of PANI were found to be shifted to higher wave numbers in PANI/CuS composite, which is attributed to the interaction of CuS nanoparticles with PANI chain. XRD pattern revealed the structurally ordered arrangement of polymer composite and this regularity increases with increase in concentration of nanoparticles. Glass transition temperature of the nanocomposite increased with increase in the concentration of nanoparticles and it indicated the ordered arrangement of the polymer composite than PANI. TGA studies indicated excellent thermal stability of polymer nanocomposite. The electrical properties of nanocomposites were studied from direct current and alternating current resistivity measurement. Conductivity, dielectric constant, and dissipation factor of the nanocomposite were significantly increased with the increase in CuS content in the nanocomposite. The enhancement of these properties suggests that the proposed PANI/CuS nanocomposites can be used as multifunctional materials for nanoelectronic devices. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:438–445, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Ultrasound assisted in situ emulsion polymerization for polymer nanocomposite: A review

This review covers an ultrasound assisted synthesis of polymer nanocomposites using in situ emulsion polymerization. First of all, surface modification of core nanoparticles with a coupling agent and surfactant has been employed for the synthesis of core–shell polymer nanocomposites. In addition to application of ultrasound for the synthesis of core–shell polymer nanocomposites, due to its influential efficiency, sonochemistry has been extensively used not only as an aid of dispersion for inorganic nanoparticles and organo-clay, but also acts as an initiator to enhance polymerization rate for synthesis of polymer nanocomposites. In situ emulsion polymerization of hydrophobic monomers, such as methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, aniline, vinyl monomers and styrene, using surfactant and water soluble initiator were carried out for a synthesis of core–shell polymer nanocomposite. This technique assists in preparation of stable and finely dispersed polymer nanocomposite with the loading of inorganic particles up to 5 wt.%. Recent developments in the preparation of core–shell polymer nanocomposites using an ultrasound assisted method with their physical characteristics such as morphology, thermal, and rheological properties and their potential engineering applications have been discussed in this review.