Solution combustion is an exciting phenomenon, which involves propagation of self-sustained exothermic reactions along an aqueous or sol–gel media. This process allows for the synthesis of a variety of nanoscale materials, including oxides, metals, alloys, and sulfides. This Review focuses on the analysis of new approaches and results in the field of solution combustion synthesis (SCS) obtained during recent years. Thermodynamics and kinetics of reactive solutions used in different chemical routes are considered, and the role of process parameters is discussed, emphasizing the chemical mechanisms that are responsible for rapid self-sustained combustion reactions. The basic principles for controlling the composition, structure, and nanostructure of SCS products, and routes to regulate the size and morphology of the nanoscale materials are also reviewed. Recently developed systems that lead to the formation of novel materials and unique structures (e.g., thin films and two-dimensional crystals) with unusual...

Solution Combustion Synthesis of Nanoscale Materials

Effects of various fillers on the sliding wear of polymer composites

Many different polymers and polymer composites are used for engineering applications in which friction and wear are critical issues. This article briefs (a) the importance of polymer tribology in general, (b) the special design principles of polymer composites for low friction and wear under sliding against smooth metallic counterparts, and (c) synergistic effects of nano-particles and traditional fillers and fibers for an optimal tribological performance. Based on these fundamental aspects, the article reviews traditional applications of polymeric tribo-components in mechanical and automotive engineering, including slide elements in textile machines, filament wound bushings for harsh environments, cages of high-precision ball bearings in dental turbines, and hybrid bushings in Diesel fuel injection pumps. A following chapter on special developments of tribo-components outlines (a) ways to achieve electrical conductivity of polymer bearings, (b) the enhancement of self-lubrication and self-healing potential by the incorporation of micro-capsules into the polymer matrix, (c) modern additive manufacturing methods for friction and wear loaded polymer parts, (d) the application and properties of high temperature polymer coatings, and (e) the composition and use of polymer composites under friction at cryogenic temperature conditions.

Polymer composites for tribological applications

Polymer nanocomposites are polymer matrix composites in which the fillers are less than 100 nm in at least one dimension. These composites have exhibited extraordinarily interesting properties. A defining feature of polymer nanocomposites is that the small size of the fillers leads to a dramatic increase in interfacial area as compared to traditional composites. This interfacial area creates a significant volume fraction of interfacial polymer with properties different from the bulk polymer even at low loadings. The properties and structure of this interfacial region are not yet known quantitatively, presenting a challenge both for controlling and predicting the properties of polymer nanocomposites. This paper provides a brief overview of polymer nanocomposites with emphasis on the impact of the interfacial region.

Polymer nanocomposites: A small part of the story

http://research.me.udel.edu/~dlburris/papers/JA9.pdf

Kevin D. Freudenberg

Papers

A study on the friction and wear behavior of PTFE filled with alumina nanoparticles