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Good Dispersion (good + dispersion)
Selected AbstractsNovel Nanoparticle-Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites with Enhanced Mechanical PropertiesADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 8 2007C. Tjong Abstract This paper summarizes and reviews the state-of-the-art processing methods, structures and mechanical properties of the metal matrix composites reinforced with ceramic nanoparticles. The metal matrices of nanocomposites involved include aluminum and magnesium. The processing approaches for nanocomposites can be classified into ex-situ and in-situ synthesis routes. The ex-situ ceramic nanoparticles are prone to cluster during composite processing and the properties of materials are lower than the theoretical values. Despite the fact of clustering, ex-situ nanocomposites reinforced with very low loading levels of nanoparticles exhibit higher yield strength and creep resistance than their microcomposite counterparts filled with much higher particulate content. Better dispersion of ceramic nanoparticles in metal matrix can be achieved by using appropriate processing techniques. Consequently, improvements in both the mechanical strength and ductility can be obtained readily in aluminum or magnesium by adding ceramic nanoparticles. Similar beneficial enhancements in mechanical properties are observed for the nanocomposites reinforced with in-situ nanoparticles. [source] Morphology and mechanical and viscoelastic properties of rubbery epoxy/organoclay montmorillonite nanocompositesJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2007Amar Boukerrou Abstract The morphology and mechanical and viscoelastic properties of rubbery epoxy/organoclay montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites were investigated with wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), tensile testing, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. An ultrasonicator was used to apply external shearing forces to disperse the silicate clay layers in the epoxy matrix. The first step of the nanocomposite preparation consisted of swelling MMT in a curing agent, that is, an aliphatic diamine based on a polyoxypropylene backbone with a low viscosity for better diffusion into the intragalleries. Then, the epoxy prepolymer was added to the mixture. Better dispersion and intercalation of the nanoclay in the matrix were expected. The organic modification of MMT with octadecylammonium ions led to an increase in the initial d -spacing (the [d001] peak) from 14.4 to 28.5 Å, as determined by WAXS; this indicated the occurrence of an intercalation. The addition of 5 phr MMTC18 (MMT after the modification) to the epoxy matrix resulted in a finer dispersion, as evidenced by the disappearance of the diffraction peak in the WAXS pattern and TEM images. The mechanical and viscoelastic properties were improved for both MMT and MMTC18 nanocomposites, but they were more pronounced for the modified ones. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 103: 3547,3552, 2007 [source] Effect of particle size of an amorphous calcium phosphate filler on the mechanical strength and ion release of polymeric composites,JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 1 2007Soo-Young Lee Abstract The random clustering of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) particles within resin matrices is thought to diminish the strength of their polymerized composites. The objective of this study was to elucidate the effect of ball-milling on the particle size distribution (PSD) of ACP fillers and assess if improved dispersion of milled ACP in methacrylate resin sufficiently enhanced filler/matrix interactions to result in improved biaxial flexure strength (BFS), without compromising the remineralizing potential of the composites. Unmilled and wet-milled zirconia-hybridized ACP (Zr-ACP) fillers were characterized by PSD analysis, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric and chemical analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Composite specimens made from a photoactivated, ternary methacrylate resin admixed with a mass fraction of 40% of un-milled or milled Zr-ACP were evaluated for the BFS (dry and wet) and for the release of calcium and phosphate ions into saline solutions. While having no apparent effect on the structure, composition, and morphology/topology of the fillers, milling significantly reduced the average size of Zr-ACP particulates (median diameter, dm = 0.9 ± 0.2 ,m) and the spread of their PSD. Better dispersion of milled Zr-ACP in the resins resulted in the improved BFS of the composites, even after aqueous soaking, and also gave a satisfactory ion release profile. The demonstrated improvement in the mechanical stability of anti-demineralizing/remineralizing ACP composites based on milled Zr-ACP filler may be beneficial in potentially extending their dental utility. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007 [source] In-line analysis of the influence of monomeric and oligomeric hindered amine on the hydrolysis of polycarbonate in a PC/ABS blendJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2010Vipin V. Rajan Abstract The polycarbonate/polyacrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) blends lose mechanical properties when exposed to outdoor conditions. This is due to the ultraviolet (UV) induced photo-oxidation of the PC phase and the polybutadiene portion of the ABS. It is known that ABS can be stabilised against terrestrial light by the use of hindered amine in combination with a UV absorber. However, such hindered amine cannot be used when PC is present in a multi component polymer blend. The hydrolysis of PC is accelerated when a small amount of hindered amine light stabilisers (HALS) is incorporated in the resin and is exposed to elevated temperature. In this article the effect of monomeric and oligomeric hindered amine on the hydrolysis of PC during the compounding of PC/ABS blend in a twin screw extruder at 240°C is observed by means of in-line UV-vis spectroscopy. Tinuvin 765 was used as monomeric hindered amine and Tinuvin 622 as oligomeric hindered amine. The molecular weight of the compounded sample was determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and the rheological properties were observed using an online viscometer. It was found that the extent of hydrolysis induced by the oligomeric hindered amine is less compared to monomeric amine. It was also observed that polymeric hindered amine imparts better dispersion of the ABS phase into the polymer blend. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source] Influence of processing conditions and physicochemical interactions on morphology and fracture behavior of a clay/thermoplastic/thermosetting ternary blendJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2010M. Hernandez Abstract This study provides information on the mechanical behavior of epoxy-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-clay ternary composites, which have been prepared using the phase separation phenomenon of PMMA and the introduction of organophilic-modified montmorillonites (MMTs), the continuous matrix being the epoxy network. Two dispersion processing methods are used: a melt processing without any solvent and an ultrasonic technique with solvent and a high-speed stirrer. TEM analysis shows that phase separation between PMMA and the epoxy network was obtained in the shape of spherical nodules in the presence of the clay in both process methods used. Nanoclay particles were finely dispersed inside thermosetting matrix predominantly delaminated when ultrasonic blending was used; whereas micrometer-sized aggregates were formed when melt blending was used. The mechanical behavior of the ternary nanocomposites was characterized using three-point bending test, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and linear elastic fracture mechanics. The corresponding fracture surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy to identify the relevant fracture mechanisms involved. It was evidenced that the better dispersion does not give the highest toughness because ternary nanocomposites obtained by melt blending present the highest fracture parameters (KIc). Some remaining disordered clay tactoids seem necessary to promote some specific toughening mechanisms. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source] Preparation and investigation of ethylene,vinyl acetate copolymer/silicone rubber/clay nanocompositesJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 3 2009Shoulin Fang Abstract In this article, the combination of silicone rubber (SR) elastomer with synthetic iron montmorillonite (Fe-MMT) to form a kind of new flame-retardant system based on an ethylene,vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer is first reported. Also, the flame retardancy of the EVA/SR/Fe-MMT hybrid are compared with that of EVA/SR/natural sodium montmorillonite. The structures of the nanocomposites were characterized with X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Cone calorimeter tests and thermogravimetric analysis were used to evaluate the flame-retardant properties and thermal stability of the composites, respectively. In addition, tensile tests were carried out with a universal testing machine, and the morphology of the fracture surface was observed with environmental scanning electron microscopy. We found that SR/organophilic montmorillonite (Fe-OMT) was more effective in reducing the primary peak heat release rate of the nanocomposite, and the EVA/SR/Fe-OMT hybrid had a higher thermal stability in the deacetylated polymer than EVA/SR/sodium organophilic montmorillonite. Moreover, the exfoliated EVA/SR/Fe-OMT nanocomposite displayed excellent mechanical properties because of a better dispersion of Fe-OMT in the polymer matrix, and a possible mechanism is discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009 [source] Evaluation of polymethacrylic ionomer as compatibilizers for MCPA6/clay compositesJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 5 2008Tongfei Wu Abstract The compatibilization effects provided by polymethacrylic ionomer (PMMA ionomer) on monomer-casting polyamide6 (MCPA6)/clay (pristine sodium montmorillonite) composites were studied in this work. The PMMA ionomer used in this study was sodium polymethacrylate ionomer (PMMA Na+ -ionomer), which is a copolymer of methyl methacrylate and sodium methacrylate, prepared using emulsion polymerization. MCPA6/clay/PMMA Na+ -ionomer composites were prepared by in situ anionic ring-opening polymerization (AROP) of ,-caprolactam (CLA). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) plus rheological measurement were used to characterize those composites. The results indicated that PMMA Na+ -ionomer is a good compatibilizer for this system. With increasing PMMA Na+ -ionomer content, a better dispersion of clay layers was successfully achieved in the MCPA6 matrix. Furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and XRD results indicated that well dispersed silicate layers limit the mobility of the MCPA6 molecule chains to crystallize, reduce the degree crystalline, and favor the formation of the ,-crystalline form of the MCPA6 matrix. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] Thermal stability and molecular interaction of polyurethane nanocomposites prepared by in situ polymerization with functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubesJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 5 2008R. N. Jana Abstract Polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites were prepared through conventional and in situ methods with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) functionalized with poly(,-caprolactone). The thermal degradation and stability of PU,MWNT nanocomposites were investigated with nonisothermal thermogravimetry and were explained in terms of the interaction between MWNTs and PU molecules with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The difference in thermal stability between the conventional and in situ nanocomposites was also compared. The thermal degradation of all the nanocomposite samples took place in two stages and followed a first-order reaction. The degradation temperature of the in situ nanocomposites was higher than that of the conventional nanocomposites with the same loading of MWNTs. The activation energy at 10% degradation and the half-life period were also higher in the in situ nanocomposites compared to the conventional nanocomposites. Such higher thermal stability of the in situ nanocomposites was ascribed to covalent bond formation between MWNTs and PU chains, which could result in better dispersion of MWNTs in the PU matrix for the in situ nanocomposites than for the conventional nanocomposites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] Use of perfluorocarbon (fluorinert) to enhance reporter gene expression following intratracheal instillation into the lungs of Balb/c mice: Implications for nebulized delivery of plasmidsJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 9 2001Aditya Das Abstract Perfluorocarbons combine high respiratory gas dissolving capabilities with extreme chemical and biological inertness and therefore offer an attractive option as an excipient in the area of pulmonary therapeutics. Perfluorocarbons have also been shown to ,float' mucus, because of their high densities (1.9,2.5 g/mL), which may hold potential in gene delivery for cystic fibrosis patients, in terms of enhancing penetration through highly viscous mucus and thereby providing access to target epithelial cells to correct the gene defect. Additionally, their low surface tension allows for better dispersion. A commonly available perflurocarbon, heptacosafluorotributylamine (Fluorinert), was used to deliver either plasmid DNA (pDNA) alone or cationic-lipid-complexed plasmid DNA to the lungs of Balb/c mice by direct intratracheal instillation. The complexes consisted of supercoiled (SC) plasmid DNA (4.7 Kb, 0.625 mg/mL) and lipid (ethyldimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine [EDMPC]/cholesterol [1:1 mole ratio], with pDNA (3:1 mg pDNA/mM EDMPC in 20 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.0) expressing chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) or ,-galactosidase (,-Gal). pDNA alone was supplemented with 14% w/v Fluorinert. Cationic lipid/pDNA complexes were supplemented with 3, 8, and 14% w/v Fluorinert. Results showed that the CAT expression from pDNA alone was enhanced 24,× using 14% w/v Fluorinert, whereas that from the cationic-lipid-formulated pDNA was enhanced 7,× using 14% w/v Fluorinert. Immunohistochemistry showed that ,-Gal expression was primarily from epithelial cells and not from F4/80 or MAC3 antigen-stained cells (predominantly macrophages), indicating efficient delivery. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmaceutical Association J Pharm Sci 90:1336,1344, 2001 [source] Morphological, mechanical, and rheological studies of PVC/ABS blends in the presence of maleic anhydrideJOURNAL OF VINYL & ADDITIVE TECHNOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Pegah Mohammad Hosseinpour A novel method of enhancing compatibility in PVC/ABS blends is the use of ABS-grafted-(maleic anhydride) (ABS- g -MAH) as a compatibilizer. In this study, maleic anhydride was grafted onto ABS (initiated by peroxide) in an internal mixer. Grafting degree was determined by a back-titration method, and certain amounts of the resultant ABS- g -MAH were added to PVC/ABS blends during their melt blending in the mixer. The weight ratio of PVC to ABS was kept at 70:30. Evaluation of compatibilization was accomplished via tensile and notched Izod impact tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and rheological studies. According to the SEM micrographs, better dispersion of the rubber phase and its finer size in properly compatibilized blends were indications of better compatibility. Besides, in the presence of a proper amount [5 parts per hundred parts of PVC (php)] of ABS- g -MAH, PVC/ABS blends showed significantly higher impact strengths than uncompatibilized blends. This result, in turn, would be an indication of better compatibility. In the presence of 5 php of compatibilizer, the higher complex viscosity and storage modulus, as well as a lower loss modulus and loss factor in the range of frequency studied, indicated stronger interfacial adhesion as a result of interaction between maleic anhydride and the PVC-SAN matrix. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] Synthesis and Characterization of Nanocomposites Based on Functional Regioregular Poly(3-hexylthiophene) and Multiwall Carbon NanotubesMACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS, Issue 16 2010Florian Boon Abstract New functionalized poly(3-hexylthiophene)s (P3HT) have been designed and synthesized with the aim of increasing the dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNT) in solutions and in thin films of semiconducting polymers. Dispersion in solution has been assessed by sedimentation tests while the thin film morphology has been analyzed by TEM and AFM. Both the physisorption of P3HT chains (via pyrene end-groups) or their chemical grafting (onto amine functions generated on the CNT surface) lead to a much better dispersion in solution and in the solid. In thin films, P3HT fibrils are observed to arrange perpendicular to the CNT surface, which can be understood on the basis of molecular modeling simulations. Finally, the effect of dispersing those P3HT/CNT nanocomposites in bulk-heterojunction P3HT-based photovoltaic devices has been evaluated. [source] Nanocomposite systems based on unsaturated polyester and organo-clayPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 2 2005I. Mironi-Harpaz Unsaturated polyester (UP) systems give rise to numerous possible approaches in synthesizing nanocomposites. A simultaneous mixing method was used to synthesize UP-resin/organo-clay nanocomposites. The effects of various mixing processes, using several organically-modified clay types, were investigated. The incorporation of these organo-clays resulted in an intercalated structure, the extent of which depended mainly on the type of the clay organic treatment. Organo-clays that exhibited the highest intercalation levels were further studied using a sequential mixing method. The UP-alkyd (without styrene) was mixed with different organo-clays. Processing parameters such as mixing modes, applied shearing levels, clay contents, and mixing-temperatures were investigated. Prolonged high shear levels promoted the intercalation and exfoliation of the silicate layers, resulting in a better dispersion of clay particles. The high shear levels effects were achieved by vigorous mechanical mixing and were intensified by using large amounts of clay and optimized matrix viscosity. Rheological studies of the nanocomposites were found complementary and in correlation with morphological and thermal characterization. This methodological approach provides a basis for understanding the structuring processes involving the formation of the UP/clay nanocomposites and establishing materials-processing-structure interrelations. Polym. Eng. Sci. 45:174,186, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers. [source] Some important aspects in designing high molecular weight poly(L -lactic acid),clay nanocomposites with desired propertiesPOLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 12 2008Subhendu Ray Chowdhury Abstract BACKGROUND: The main aim of the work reported here was to investigate the effect of clay aspect ratio and functional edge group on the dispersion, degree of order of clays and interfacial strength of high molecular weight poly(L -lactic acid) (PLLA),clay amorphous nanocomposites and consequently their properties. Three kinds of clays (two montmorillonites (SMMTC18 and NMMTC18) and one fluoro-mica (MC18) with the same surfactant) were used to synthesize three amorphous nanocomposites. Thermomechanical properties, permeability, etc., were compared among composites and with pure PLLA. RESULTS: From X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, both MMTs with lower aspect ratio showed better dispersion and greater degree of disorder, which led to stronger interfacial strength and consequently higher storage modulus than MC18-based composites. All composites showed better properties than pure PLLA. The oxygen barrier efficiencies of SMMTC18- and NMMTC18-based composites were higher than that of the MC18-based composites. Due to the highest exposed area and probably stronger interactions, SMMTC18 had the highest nucleating efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Along with aspect ratio, dispersion and degree of intercalation, the interfacial strength of composites and degree of order of clays are also important issues for property development. Compared to reported results in the literature, our amorphous composites showed less of an improvement of thermomechanical properties as real reinforcement was solely from clays. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Effect of the type of nylon chain-end on the compatibilization of PP/PP-GMA/nylon 6 blendsPOLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2002Adriana Tedesco Abstract Polyamide and polypropylene (PP) are two important classes of commercial polymers; however, their direct mixing leads to incompatible blends with poor properties. Polypropylene functionalized with glycidyl methacrylate (PP-GMA) was used as a compatibilizer in blends of PP and nylon 6, because of the possible reaction of NH2 and COOH groups with the epoxide group of GMA. Two types of nylon 6 with different ratios between NH2 and COOH groups were used. The one with higher concentration of COOH groups was less compatible with PP in a binary blend. When PP-GMA was used as a compatibilizer, a better dispersion of nylon in the PP matrix was obtained together with better mechanical properties for both nylons used in this work. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry [source] The effect of shear on mechanical properties and orientation of HDPE/mica composites obtained via dynamic packing injection molding (DPIM)POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 1 2010Yufang Xiang Abstract The interfacial interaction and orientation of filler play important roles in the enhancement of mechanical performances for polymer/inorganic filler composites. Shear has been found to be a very effective way for the enhancement of interfacial interaction and orientation. In this work, we will report our recent efforts on exploring the development of microstructure of high density polyethylene (HDPE)/mica composites in the injection-molded bars obtained by so-called dynamic packing injection molding (DPIM), which imposed oscillatory shear on the melt during the solidification stage. The mechanical properties were evaluated by tensile testing and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and the crystal morphology, orientation, and the dispersion of mica were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and two-dimensional wide-angle X-ray scattering. Compared with conventional injection molding, DPIM caused an obvious increase in orientation for both HDPE and mica. More importantly, better dispersion and epitaxial crystallization of HDPE was observed on the edge of the mica in the injection-molded bar. As a result, increased tensile strength and modulus were obtained, accompanied with a decrease of elongation at break. The obtained data were treated by Halpin,Tsai model, and it turned out that this model could be also used to predict the stiffness of oriented polymer/filler composites. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The Ever-Surprising Chemistry of Boron: Enhanced Acidity of Phosphine,BoranesCHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 18 2009Marcela Hurtado Dr. Abstract The acidity-enhancing effect of BH3 in gas-phase phosphine,boranes compared to the corresponding free phosphines is enormous, between 13 and 18 orders of magnitude in terms of ionization constants. Thus, the enhancement of the acidity of protic acids by Lewis acids usually observed in solution is also observed in the gas phase. For example, the gas-phase acidities (GA) of MePH2 and MePH2,BH3 differ by about 118,kJ,mol,1 (see picture). The gas-phase acidity of a series of phosphines and their corresponding phosphine,borane derivatives was measured by FT-ICR techniques. BH3 attachment leads to a substantial increase of the intrinsic acidity of the system (from 80 to 110,kJ,mol,1). This acidity-enhancing effect of BH3 is enormous, between 13 and 18 orders of magnitude in terms of ionization constants. This indicates that the enhancement of the acidity of protic acids by Lewis acids usually observed in solution also occurs in the gas phase. High-level DFT calculations reveal that this acidity enhancement is essentially due to stronger stabilization of the anion with respect to the neutral species on BH3 association, due to a stronger electron donor ability of P in the anion and better dispersion of the negative charge in the system when the BH3 group is present. Our study also shows that deprotonation of ClCH2PH2 and ClCH2PH2,BH3 is followed by chloride departure. For the latter compound deprotonation at the BH3 group is found to be more favorable than PH2 deprotonation, and the subsequent loss of Cl, is kinetically favored with respect to loss of Cl, in a typical SN2 process. Hence, ClCH2PH2,BH3 is the only phosphine,borane adduct included in this study which behaves as a boron acid rather than as a phosphorus acid. [source] Nanogold-Loaded Sharp-Edged Carbon Bullets as Plant-Gene CarriersADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 15 2010Periyasamy S. Vijayakumar Abstract The higher DNA delivery efficiency into plants by gold nanoparticles embedded in sharp carbonaceous carriers is demonstrated. These nanogold-embedded carbon matrices are prepared by heat treatment of biogenic intracellular gold nanoparticles. The DNA-delivery efficiency is tested on a model plant, Nicotiana tabacum, and is further extended to the monocot, Oryza sativa, and a hard dicot tree species, Leucaena leucocephala. These materials reveal good dispersion of the transport material, producing a greater number of GUS foci per unit area. The added advantages of the composite carrier are the lower plasmid and gold requirements. Plant-cell damage with the carbon-supported particles is very minimal and can be gauged from the increased plant regeneration and transformation efficiency compared with that of the commercial micrometer-sized gold particles. This is ascribed to the sharp edges that the carbon supports possess, which lead to better piercing capabilities with minimum damage. [source] [Ru(0)]@SiO2 and [RuO2]@SiO2 Hybrid Nanomaterials: From Their Synthesis to Their Application as Catalytic Filters for Gas SensorsADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 23 2009Victor Matsura Abstract [Ru(0)]@SiO2 and [RuO2]@SiO2 hybrid nanomaterials are produced following a facile method consisting of the synthesis of size-controlled ruthenium nanoparticles as elemental bricks. This route takes advantage of the organometallic approach and the use of a bifunctional ligand for the synthesis of ruthenium nanoparticles from [Ru(COD)(COT)](COD,=,1,3-cyclooctadiene, COT,=,1,3,5-cyclooctatriene) as metal precursor and (PhCH2)2N(CH2)11O(CH2)3Si(OEt)3 (benzenemethanamine) as stabilizer. Hydrolysis and polycondensation steps via a sol,gel approach lead to the formation of the silica materials containing the metal nanoparticles. A final calcination step in air at 400,°C yields the [RuO2]@SiO2 nanocomposites. Such hybrid nanomaterials display a good dispersion of the nanoparticles inside the silica matrix and interesting porosity properties making them attractive materials for catalytic applications. This is shown by using [RuO2]@SiO2 hybrid nanomaterials as catalytic filters for gas sensors. [source] High Mechanical Performance Composite Conductor: Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Sheet/Bismaleimide NanocompositesADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 20 2009Qunfeng Cheng Abstract Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT)-sheet-reinforced bismaleimide (BMI) resin nanocomposites with high concentrations (,60,wt%) of aligned MWNTs are successfully fabricated. Applying simple mechanical stretching and prepregging (pre-resin impregnation) processes on initially randomly dispersed, commercially available sheets of millimeter-long MWNTs leads to substantial alignment enhancement, good dispersion, and high packing density of nanotubes in the resultant nanocomposites. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of the nanocomposites reaches 2,088,MPa and 169,GPa, respectively, which are very high experimental results and comparable to the state-of-the-art unidirectional IM7 carbon-fiber-reinforced composites for high-performance structural applications. The nanocomposites demonstrate unprecedentedly high electrical conductivity of 5,500,S cm,1 along the alignment direction. Such unique integration of high mechanical properties and electrical conductance opens the door for developing polymeric composite conductors and eventually structural composites with multifunctionalities. New fracture morphology and failure modes due to self-assembly and spreading of MWNT bundles are also observed. [source] Polymer Photovoltaic Cells Based on Solution-Processable Graphene and P3HTADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 6 2009Qian Liu Abstract A soluble graphene, which has a one-atom thickness and a two-dimensional structure, is blended with poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and used as the active layer in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) polymer photovoltaic cells. Adding graphene to the P3HT induces a great quenching of the photoluminescence of the P3HT, indicating a strong electron/energy transfer from the P3HT to the graphene. In the photovoltaic devices with an ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:graphene/LiF/Al structure, the device efficiency increases first and then decreases with the increase in the graphene content. The device containing only 10,wt % of graphene shows the best performance with a power conversion efficiency of 1.1%, an open-circuit voltage of 0.72,V, a short-circuit current density of 4.0,mA cm,2, and a fill factor of 0.38 under simulated AM1.5G conditions at 100,mW cm,2 after an annealing treatment at 160,°C for 10,min. The annealing treatment at the appropriate temperature (160,°C, for example) greatly improves the device performance; however, an annealing at overgenerous conditions such as at 210,°C results in a decrease in the device efficiency (0.57%). The morphology investigation shows that better performance can be obtained with a moderate content of graphene, which keeps good dispersion and interconnection. The functionalized graphene, which is cheap, easily prepared, stable, and inert against the ambient conditions, is expected to be a competitive candidate for the acceptor material in organic photovoltaic applications. [source] High Dielectric Permittivity and Low Percolation Threshold in Nanocomposites Based on Poly(vinylidene fluoride) and Exfoliated Graphite NanoplatesADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 6 2009Fuan He A novel nanocomposite, based on poly-(vinylidene fluoride) and exfoliated graphite nanoplates (PVDF/xGnPs), exhibits high dielectric constant with a low percolation threshold, which can be attributed to the good dispersion of xGnP in the PVDF matrix and the formation of a large number of parallel-board microcapacitors. [source] Thermal stability of surfactants with amino and imido groups in poly(ethylene terephthalate)/clay compositesJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2008Xuepei Yuan Abstract Effects of thermal stability of surfactants with amino and imido groups on thermal properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/clay composites were studied. The imidosilane surfactant was synthesized successfully from the imide reaction between amino silane and phthalic anhydride. TGA shows that imidosilane decomposition behaviors have two major stages according to the degradations of different functional groups. After melt extrusion, the decomposition of amino functional groups in amino surfactants decreases the thermal stability of organoclay and accelerates the degradation behaviors of PET composites. Because of the enhanced thermal stability of imidosilane surfactants, PET/imido-palygorskite (PT) composites represent enhanced thermal stability, good dispersion and low thermal expansion. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] Influence of different functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes on the mechanical properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibersJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 5 2008Liming Shen Abstract Master batches with four different kinds of functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCTs) were prepared through the mixing of MWCTs with poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) (0.01 : 0.99 w/w) in trifluoroacetic acid/dichloromethane mixed solvents (0.7 : 0.3 v/v) followed by the removal of the solvents in the mixture by flocculation. The results of scanning electron microscopy showed that a good dispersion of MWCTs in PET was achieved. The reinforced fibers were fabricated by the melt spinning of PET chips with small amounts of the master batch and then further postdrawing. The optimal spinning conditions for the reinforcement of fibers were a 0.6-mm spinneret hole and a 250 m/min wind-up speed. Among the four master batches, the fibers obtained from PET/master batch B made by acid-treatment had the highest enhancement of mechanical properties. For a 0.02 wt % loading of acid-treated MWCT, the breaking strength of the PET/master batch B composite fibers increased by 36.9% (from 4.45 to 6.09 cN/dtex), and the initial modulus increased by 41.2% (from 80.7 to 113.9 cN/dtex). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] Effect of Oligosaccharide Alcohol Addition to Alumina Slurry and Translucent Alumina Produced by Slip CastingJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 5 2003Yuji Hotta A slurry used to produce dense green compacts by slip casting should exhibit low viscosity, high solids content, and good dispersion. Slurries with good characteristics were produced in the present study by adding oligosaccharide alcohol to an Al2O3 slurry with an NH4+ salt of poly(methacrylic acid) (NH4+ -PMA). The role of NH4+ -PMA and oligosaccharide alcohol in the Al2O3 slurry was examined by DTA, ,-potential measurement, high-pressure liquid chromatography, and viscometry. The viscosity of the slurry with NH4+ -PMA and oligosaccharide alcohol was lower than that of the slurry with NH4+ -PMA at a high solids content. Oligosaccharide alcohol did not interact with the Al2O3 surface. However, the Al2O3 slurry with NH4+ -PMA was influenced by the addition of oligosaccharide alcohol. We found that the dispersibility of the slurry was greatly improved by adding oligosaccharide alcohol. The transmittance of the Al2O3 ceramics produced by slip casting using the slurry with both NH4+ -PMA and oligosaccharide alcohol was higher than that of ceramics produced by slip casting using the slurry with NH4+ -PMA alone. The increased optical property resulted from low viscosity, which was attributed to the addition of oligosaccharide alcohol, at a high solids content. [source] The Effect of Nanofiller on the Thermomechanical Properties of Polyimide/Clay NanocompositesMACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, Issue 6 2008Khine Yi Mya Abstract The interaction between PI and partially exfoliated clay nanofillers is investigated by studying the thermomechanical properties of the resulting nanocomposites by NMR, XPS, XRD, TEM, TGA, TMA, and DMA. XRD and TEM showed more exfoliated structure at ,2.5 wt.-% clay and a macrophase separation above 2.5 wt.-% clay. Td and the storage modulus increased with increasing clay content. A decrease in CTE was observed for clay content ,2.5 wt.-% because of the good dispersion of the clay in the polymer and the reduced segmental motion of polymer matrix. NMR confirmed the quality of clay dispersion, and XPS exhibited that the interaction in PI/2.5 wt.-% clay is much stronger than that in PI/5 wt.-% clay. [source] Evaluation of the Effectiveness of New Compatibilizers Based on EBAGMA-LDPE and EBAGMA-PET Masterbatches for LDPE/PET BlendsMACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 3 2010Aida Benhamida Abstract The present paper is aimed to evaluate the efficiency of two masterbatches, i.e., EBAGMA/LDPE (MB1) and EBAGMA/PET (MB2) with 50/50 w/w composition, prepared by melt mixing and used as new compatibilizers for blends of LDPE/PET. The morphology, the mechanical and the thermal properties of LDPE/PET/MB1 and LDPE/PET/MB2 ternary blends have been investigated. Morphological investigation by SEM of LDPE/PET/MB1 ternary blends showed a finer dispersion of PET in LDPE matrix with a better interfacial adhesion compared to those of both LDPE/PET/MB2 and binary LDPE/PET blends. The results also indicated a substantial improvement in both elongation at break and impact strength, while the Young's modulus decreased. Moreover, the thermal properties showed a decrease of the crystallization phenomena of PET in LDPE/PET/MB1 blend, thus confirming the good dispersion of PET particles into the continuous phase of LDPE matrix, leading to the conclusion that MB1 could be an efficient compatibilizer for LDPE/PET system. [source] Thermomechanical properties of virgin and recycled polypropylene impact copolymer/CaCO3 nanocompositesPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 10 2010A. Elloumi The effect of successive injection moldings on the thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of a polypropylene impact copolymer (PP) was investigated. The crystal content decreased as the molecular weight decreased due to chain scission with repeated injection molding. The Young modulus and the yield stress remained constant, despite a drop in the strain to break. Virgin and recycled PP matrix were filled with nanosized calcium carbonate (CaCO3) particles. The effect of morphology on the thermal and mechanical properties of nanocomposites of virgin and recycled PP filled with nanosized CaCO3 particles was also studied. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were strongly influenced by the intrinsic toughness of the matrix and the concentration and dispersion of the filler. The yield strength and strain of virgin PP decreased gradually, while its Young's modulus increased slightly with increasing CaCO3 loading. These phenomena were less pronounced for the recycled matrix. Incorporation of nanoparticles to virgin matrix produced an increase in tensile stiffness and ductility, when good dispersion of the filler was achieved. However, the impact strength dropped dramatically for high filler contents. A significant increase in impact strength was observed for the recycled PP. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1904,1913, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] Single-walled carbon nanotube/ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene composites with percolation at low nanotube contentsPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 12 2009Brian P. Grady To mix single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with a polymer and to achieve low percolation thresholds, a low-viscosity liquid has been required in order to achieve sufficiently good dispersion. In this article, data are presented which show that percolation occurs at ,0.14 wt % carbon nanotubes and the dispersion procedure does not involve dispersing the SWCNTs in a low-viscosity liquid. Specifically, ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene powder was mixed with a powder containing nanotubes and catalyst support, e.g., the powder contains 93% silica and 7% SWCNTs. The powder blend is compression molded into sheets using high pressure and temperature. Because of the very high viscosity of the resin, the nanotube/silica mixture largely stays segregated at the interface as shown by scanning electron microscopy. A significant drop in tensile properties (modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break) occurs with filler incorporation. Non isothermal crystallization measurements indicate that this filler does not nucleate crystallinity when mixed in this manner; although there is a definite sharpening of the melt endotherm indicating that crystallites with smaller lamellar thicknesses are reduced significantly with filler addition. The addition of filler also slightly reduces the overall fractional crystallinity measured after a constant cooling rate. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] Synthesis and characterization of polyaniline derivative and silver nanoparticle compositesPOLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 10 2008Gururaj M Neelgund Abstract BACKGROUND: There has been a recent surge of interest in the synthesis and applications of electroactive polymers with incorporated metal nanoparticles. These hybrid systems are expected to display synergistic properties between the conjugated polymers and the metal nanoparticles, making them potential candidates for applications in sensors and electronic devices. RESULTS: Composites of polyaniline derivatives,polyaniline, poly(2,5-dimethoxyaniline) and poly(aniline-2,5-dimethoxyaniline),and silver nanoparticles were prepared through simultaneous polymerization of aniline derivative and reduction of AgNO3 in the presence of poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PSS). We used AgNO3 as one of the initial components (1) to form the silver nanoparticles and (2) as an oxidizing agent for initiation of the polymerization reaction. UV-visible spectra of the synthesized nanocomposites reveal the synchronized formation of silver nanoparticles and polymer matrix. The morphology of the silver nanoparticles and degree of their dispersion in the nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry results indicate an enhancement of the thermal stability of the nanocomposites compared to the pure polymers. The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites is in the range 10,4 to 10,2 S cm,1. CONCLUSION: A single-step process for the synthesis of silver nanoparticle,polyaniline derivative nanocomposites doped with PSS has been demonstrated. The approach in which silver nanoparticles are formed simultaneously during the polymerization process results in a good dispersion of the nanoparticles in the conductive polymer matrix. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Synthesis and Properties of Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Synthetic F-montmorillonite NanocompositesCHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY, Issue 8 2009Junhao ZHANG Abstract F-montmorillonite (F-MMT) was synthesized by a hydrothermal method at 493 K for 72 h, in which a little of hydroxyl radical is replaced by fluoride ion in the silicate structure. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/F-MMT nanocomposites were prepared using the synthetic F-MMT by a solution-intercalation method. The F-MMT and PVA/ F-MMT nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicate that the flake structured F-MMT is homogeneously dispersed in PVA, forming an exfoliated nanocomposite structure. Thermogravimetric analysis, mechanical performance and UV-visible spectroscopy were applied to test the properties of PVA nanocomposites, which indicate that the thermal stability and mechanical performance are enhanced distinctly, without a sacrifice in optical clarity. The improvement of mechanical and thermal properties was attributed to the homogeneous and good dispersion of F-MMT in polymeric matrix and the strong hydrogen bonding between O,,H of PVA and F,, of F-MMT. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||