Polymer/layered silicate nanocomposites: a review from preparation to processing

http://staff.ulsu.ru/moliver/ref/polymers/pott11.pdf

Graphene-based polymer nanocomposites

A review on polymer–layered silicate nanocomposites

https://cyberleninka.org/article/n/768408.pdf

Mechanical properties of graphene and graphene-based nanocomposites

Recently, polymer nanocomposites reinforced with lower volume fraction of nanoceramics and carbon nanotubes have attracted steadily growing interest due to their peculiar and fascinating properties as well as their unique applications in commercial sectors. The incorporation of nanoceramics such as layered silicate clays, calcium carbonate or silica nanoparticles arranged on the nanometer scale with a high aspect ratio and/or an extremely large surface area into polymers improves their mechanical performances significantly. The properties of nanocomposites depend greatly on the chemistry of polymer matrices, nature of nanofillers, and the way in which they are prepared. The uniform dispersion of nanofillers in the polymer matrices is a general prerequisite for achieving desired mechanical and physical characteristics. In this review article, current development on the processing, structure, and mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites reinforced with respective layered silicates, ceramic nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes will be addressed. Particular attention is paid on the structure–property relationship of such novel high-performance polymer nanocomposites.

Structural and mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites

Current issues in research on structure–property relationships in polymer nanocomposites

Intercalated nanocomposites of modified montmorillonite clays in a glassy epoxy were prepared by crosslinking with commercially available aliphatic diamine curing agents. These materials are shown to have improved Young's modulus but corresponding reductions in ultimate strength and strain to failure. The results were consistent with most particulate-filled systems. The macroscopic compressive behavior was unchanged, although the failure mechanisms in compression varied from the unmodified samples. The fracture toughness of these materials was investigated and improvements in toughness values of 100% over unmodified resin were demonstrated. The fracture-surface topology was examined using scanning electron and tapping-mode atomic force microscopies and shown to be related to the clay morphology of the system. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 39: 1137–1146, 2001

Intercalated clay nanocomposites: Morphology, mechanics, and fracture behavior

The effects of crosslink functionality (fc), molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc), and chain stiffness display on the thermal and mechanical behavior of epoxy networks are determined. Both fc and Mc are controlled by blending different functionality amines with a difunctional epoxy resin. Chain stiffness is controlled by changing the chemical structure of the various amines. In agreement with rubber elasticity theory, the rubbery moduli are dependent on fc and Mc, but independent of chain stiffness. The glassy moduli and secondary relaxations of these networks are relatively independent of fc, Mc, and chain stiffness. However, the glass transition temperatures (Tg) of these networks are dependent on all three structural variables. This trend is consistent with free volume theory and entropic theories of Tg. fc, Mc, and chain stiffness control the yield strength of these networks in a manner similar to that of Tg and is the result that both properties involve flow or relaxation processes. Fracture toughness, as measured by the critical stress intensity factor (KIc), revealed that fc and Mc are both critical parameters. The fracture behavior is the result of the fracture toughness being controlled by the ability of the network to yield in front of the crack tip. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 36: 1371–1382, 1998

The effect of network architecture on the thermal and mechanical behavior of epoxy resins

Microcellular polystyrene foams have been prepared using supercritical carbon dioxide as the foaming agent. The cellular structures resulting from this process have been shown to have a significant effect on the corresponding mechanical properties of the foams. Compression tests were performed on highly expanded foams having oriented, anisotropic cells. For these materials an anisotropic foam model can be used to predict the effect of cell size and shape on the compressive yield stress. Beyond yield, the foams deformed heterogeneously under a constant stress. Microstructural investigations of the heterogeneous deformation indicate that the dominant mechanisms are progressive microcellular collapse followed by foam densification. The phenomenon is compared to the development of a stable neck commonly observed in polymers subjected to uniaxial tension, and a model that describes the densification process is formulated from simple energy balance considerations.

Compressive behavior of microcellular polystyrene foams processed in supercritical carbon dioxide

PMMA-layered silicate intercalated nanocomposites are synthesized using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) to produce ordered materials with significant levels of reinforcement. The scCO2 is used to homogeneously distribute monomer as well as act as a low-viscosity solvent for MMA polymerization. This route allows for synthesis of nanocomposites containing significant levels of organically modified layered silicates (OMLS). Below 40 wt % OMLS, the intercalated nanocomposites exhibit a d spacing commensurate with dimensions of the fully extended surfactant chains. Above 40 wt % OMLS, the composite volume is saturated with inorganic material, and the d spacing decreases to homogeneously distribute the polymer volume. A model for estimating this transition concentration is presented. At concentrations approaching the homogeneously intercalated morphology, the basic mechanical and physical properties of the composite are investigated.

Alan J. Lesser

Papers

Current issues in research on structure–property relationships in polymer nanocomposites

Intercalated clay nanocomposites: Morphology, mechanics, and fracture behavior

The effect of network architecture on the thermal and mechanical behavior of epoxy resins

Compressive behavior of microcellular polystyrene foams processed in supercritical carbon dioxide

Highly concentrated, intercalated silicate nanocomposites: Synthesis and characterization