Biocomposites reinforced with natural fibers: 2000–2010

There have been a number of review papers on layered silicate and carbon nanotube reinforced polymer nanocomposites, in which the fillers have high aspect ratios. Particulate–polymer nanocomposites containing fillers with small aspect ratios are also an important class of polymer composites. However, they have been apparently overlooked. Thus, in this paper, detailed discussions on the effects of particle size, particle/matrix interface adhesion and particle loading on the stiffness, strength and toughness of such particulate–polymer composites are reviewed. To develop high performance particulate composites, it is necessary to have some basic understanding of the stiffening, strengthening and toughening mechanisms of these composites. A critical evaluation of published experimental results in comparison with theoretical models is given.

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Effects of particle size, particle/matrix interface adhesion and particle loading on mechanical properties of particulate–polymer composites

Electrolytes have been identified as some of the most influential components in the performance of electrochemical supercapacitors (ESs), which include: electrical double-layer capacitors, pseudocapacitors and hybrid supercapacitors. This paper reviews recent progress in the research and development of ES electrolytes. The electrolytes are classified into several categories, including: aqueous, organic, ionic liquids, solid-state or quasi-solid-state, as well as redox-active electrolytes. Effects of electrolyte properties on ES performance are discussed in detail. The principles and methods of designing and optimizing electrolytes for ES performance and application are highlighted through a comprehensive analysis of the literature. Interaction among the electrolytes, electro-active materials and inactive components (current collectors, binders, and separators) is discussed. The challenges in producing high-performing electrolytes are analyzed. Several possible research directions to overcome these challenges are proposed for future efforts, with the main aim of improving ESs' energy density without sacrificing existing advantages (e.g., a high power density and a long cycle-life) (507 references).

A review of electrolyte materials and compositions for electrochemical supercapacitors

Studies on the use of natural fibers as replacement to man-made fiber in fiber-reinforced composites have increased and opened up further industrial possibilities. Natural fibers have the advantages of low density, low cost, and biodegradability. However, the main disadvantages of natural fibers in composites are the poor compatibility between fiber and matrix and the relative high moisture sorption. Therefore, chemical treatments are considered in modifying the fiber surface properties. In this paper, the different chemical modifications on natural fibers for use in natural fiber-reinforced composites are reviewed. Chemical treatments including alkali, silane, acetylation, benzoylation, acrylation, maleated coupling agents, isocyanates, permanganate and others are discussed. The chemical treatment of fiber aimed at improving the adhesion between the fiber surface and the polymer matrix may not only modify the fiber surface but also increase fiber strength. Water absorption of composites is reduced and their mechanical properties are improved.

Chemical Treatments of Natural Fiber for Use in Natural Fiber-Reinforced Composites: A Review

This paper provides an overview of recent progress made in the area of cellulose nanofibre-based nanocomposites. An introduction into the methods used to isolate cellulose nanofibres (nanowhiskers, nanofibrils) is given, with details of their structure. Following this, the article is split into sections dealing with processing and characterisation of cellulose nanocomposites and new developments in the area, with particular emphasis on applications. The types of cellulose nanofibres covered are those extracted from plants by acid hydrolysis (nanowhiskers), mechanical treatment and those that occur naturally (tunicate nanowhiskers) or under culturing conditions (bacterial cellulose nanofibrils). Research highlighted in the article are the use of cellulose nanowhiskers for shape memory nanocomposites, analysis of the interfacial properties of cellulose nanowhisker and nanofibril-based composites using Raman spectroscopy, switchable interfaces that mimic sea cucumbers, polymerisation from the surface of cellulose nanowhiskers by atom transfer radical polymerisation and ring opening polymerisation, and methods to analyse the dispersion of nanowhiskers. The applications and new advances covered in this review are the use of cellulose nanofibres to reinforce adhesives, to make optically transparent paper for electronic displays, to create DNA-hybrid materials, to generate hierarchical composites and for use in foams, aerogels and starch nanocomposites and the use of all-cellulose nanocomposites for enhanced coupling between matrix and fibre. A comprehensive coverage of the literature is given and some suggestions on where the field is likely to advance in the future are discussed.

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Review: current international research into cellulose nanofibres and nanocomposites

Self-healing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) based on microencapsulated nucleophilic thiol-click chemistry

Successful retardation or arrest of fatigue crack is observed in self-healing epoxy composite containing dual encapsulated healant, i.e. two types of microcapsules that respectively include epoxy prepolymer and mercaptan/tertiary amine hardener. Fast curing of the released healing agent from the broken capsules leads to rapid development of its bond- ing strength and fracture toughness at room temperature. It is found that the effects of microcapsules induced-toughening, hydrodynamic pressure crack tip shielding, polymeric wedge and adhesive bonding of the healing agent are responsible for the extension of fatigue life. Depending on the applied stress intensity range, !KI, and the competition between polymeriza- tion kinetics of the healing agent and crack growth rate, the above mechanisms exert different influences on crack retarda- tion. The results might serve as a reference for further improving the performance of the healant system under fatigue circumstances.

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Self-healing of fatigue crack in epoxy materials with epoxy/mercaptan system

Electrical conductivity and positive temperature coefficient (PTC) behavior of carbon black (CB) filled incompatible polyblends of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer/low density polyethylene (EVA/LDPE) were investigated. In comparison with single polymer systems, more possibilities for tailoring composite performance were brought about with the employment of polymer blends as matrix resins in conductive composites. Based on the concepts of double percolation and two-step percolation, PTC-type composites with balanced performance, improved processability, and reproducibility can be made. Thermodynamical and kinetic factors including interfacial energy, melt viscosity, blending ratio, melt mixing time, sequence of blending as well as CB concentration were shown to be closely related to the ultimate properties obtained.

Conductive polymer blends filled with carbon black: Positive temperature coefficient behavior

Percolation transition and hydrostatic piezoresistance for carbon black filled poly(methylvinylsilioxane) vulcanizates

Polyurethanes consisting of tri-functional homopolymer of hexamethylene diisocyanate (tri-HDI) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) are synthesized, in which photo-reversible coumarin moieties act as pendant groups Accordingly, the polyurethanes can be repeatedly self-healed under UV lights at room temperature by taking advantages of the photodimerization and photocleavage habits of coumarin Molecular weight of the soft segment, PEG, is found to be closely related to the healing performance of the polyurethanes Lower molecular weight PEG that corresponds to higher initial coumarin concentration in the polymer is critical for obtaining higher healing efficiency in the case of the first healing action Nevertheless, it does not guarantee high reversibility of the photo-remendability during the repeated healing events In contrast, the polyurethane with moderate molecular weight PEG has achieved balanced performance Reaction kinetics is less important for the healing effect

Ming Qiu Zhang

Papers

Self-healing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) based on microencapsulated nucleophilic thiol-click chemistry

Self-healing of fatigue crack in epoxy materials with epoxy/mercaptan system

Conductive polymer blends filled with carbon black: Positive temperature coefficient behavior

Percolation transition and hydrostatic piezoresistance for carbon black filled poly(methylvinylsilioxane) vulcanizates

Effect of molecular weight of PEG soft segments on photo-stimulated self-healing performance of coumarin functionalized polyurethanes