scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question
Journal ArticleDOI

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

01 Nov 2003-Progress in Polymer Science (PROGRESS IN POLYMER SCIENCE)-Vol. 28, Iss: 11, pp 1539-1641
TL;DR: A review of the academic and industrial aspects of the preparation, characterization, materials properties, crystallization behavior, melt rheology, and processing of polymer/layered silicate nanocomposites is given in this article.
About: This article is published in Progress in Polymer Science.The article was published on 2003-11-01. It has received 6343 citations till now. The article focuses on the topics: Polymer clay & Organoclay.
Citations
More filters
Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Modulus, ultimate strength and thermal stability follow a similar trend, with values for functionalized graphene sheet- poly(methyl methacrylate) rivaling those for single-walled carbon nanotube-poly(methyl methamphetamine) composites.
Abstract: Polymer-based composites were heralded in the 1960s as a new paradigm for materials. By dispersing strong, highly stiff fibres in a polymer matrix, high-performance lightweight composites could be developed and tailored to individual applications. Today we stand at a similar threshold in the realm of polymer nanocomposites with the promise of strong, durable, multifunctional materials with low nanofiller content. However, the cost of nanoparticles, their availability and the challenges that remain to achieve good dispersion pose significant obstacles to these goals. Here, we report the creation of polymer nanocomposites with functionalized graphene sheets, which overcome these obstacles and provide superb polymer-particle interactions. An unprecedented shift in glass transition temperature of over 40 degrees C is obtained for poly(acrylonitrile) at 1 wt% functionalized graphene sheet, and with only 0.05 wt% functionalized graphene sheet in poly(methyl methacrylate) there is an improvement of nearly 30 degrees C. Modulus, ultimate strength and thermal stability follow a similar trend, with values for functionalized graphene sheet- poly(methyl methacrylate) rivaling those for single-walled carbon nanotube-poly(methyl methacrylate) composites.

3,245 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
21 Jun 2013-Science
TL;DR: A number of methods have been developed to exfoliate layered materials in order to produce monolayer nanosheets, which are ideal for applications that require surface activity.
Abstract: Background Since at least 400 C.E., when the Mayans first used layered clays to make dyes, people have been harnessing the properties of layered materials. This gradually developed into scientific research, leading to the elucidation of the laminar structure of layered materials, detailed understanding of their properties, and eventually experiments to exfoliate or delaminate them into individual, atomically thin nanosheets. This culminated in the discovery of graphene, resulting in a new explosion of interest in two-dimensional materials. Layered materials consist of two-dimensional platelets weakly stacked to form three-dimensional structures. The archetypal example is graphite, which consists of stacked graphene monolayers. However, there are many others: from MoS 2 and layered clays to more exotic examples such as MoO 3 , GaTe, and Bi 2 Se 3 . These materials display a wide range of electronic, optical, mechanical, and electrochemical properties. Over the past decade, a number of methods have been developed to exfoliate layered materials in order to produce monolayer nanosheets. Such exfoliation creates extremely high-aspect-ratio nanosheets with enormous surface area, which are ideal for applications that require surface activity. More importantly, however, the two-dimensional confinement of electrons upon exfoliation leads to unprecedented optical and electrical properties. Liquid exfoliation of layered crystals allows the production of suspensions of two-dimensional nanosheets, which can be formed into a range of structures. (A) MoS 2 powder. (B) WS 2 dispersed in surfactant solution. (C) An exfoliated MoS 2 nanosheet. (D) A hybrid material consisting of WS 2 nanosheets embedded in a network of carbon nanotubes. Advances An important advance has been the discovery that layered crystals can be exfoliated in liquids. There are a number of methods to do this that involve oxidation, ion intercalation/exchange, or surface passivation by solvents. However, all result in liquid dispersions containing large quantities of nanosheets. This brings considerable advantages: Liquid exfoliation allows the formation of thin films and composites, is potentially scaleable, and may facilitate processing by using standard technologies such as reel-to-reel manufacturing. Although much work has focused on liquid exfoliation of graphene, such processes have also been demonstrated for a host of other materials, including MoS 2 and related structures, layered oxides, and clays. The resultant liquid dispersions have been formed into films, hybrids, and composites for a range of applications. Outlook There is little doubt that the main advances are in the future. Multifunctional composites based on metal and polymer matrices will be developed that will result in enhanced mechanical, electrical, and barrier properties. Applications in energy generation and storage will abound, with layered materials appearing as electrodes or active elements in devices such as displays, solar cells, and batteries. Particularly important will be the use of MoS 2 for water splitting and metal oxides as hydrogen evolution catalysts. In addition, two-dimensional materials will find important roles in printed electronics as dielectrics, optoelectronic devices, and transistors. To achieve this, much needs to be done. Production rates need to be increased dramatically, the degree of exfoliation improved, and methods to control nanosheet properties developed. The range of layered materials that can be exfoliated must be expanded, even as methods for chemical modification must be developed. Success in these areas will lead to a family of materials that will dominate nanomaterials science in the 21st century.

3,127 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the structure, preparation and properties of polymer/graphene nanocomposites are discussed in general along with detailed examples drawn from the scientific literature, and the percolation threshold can be achieved at a very lower filler loading.

2,999 citations


Cites background from "Polymer/layered silicate nanocompos..."

  • ...Thus far, the majority of research has focused on polymer nanocomposites based on layered materials of a natural origin, such as a montmorillonite type of layered silicate compounds or synthetic clay (layered double hydroxide) [5–17]....

    [...]

  • ...In particular, the use of inorganic nanomaterials as fillers in the preparation of polymer/inorganic composites has attracted increasing interest owing to their unique properties and numerous potential applications in the automotive, aerospace, construction and electronic industries [4–11]....

    [...]

Journal ArticleDOI
07 Jul 2008-Polymer
TL;DR: In this paper, the technology involved with exfoliated clay-based nanocomposites and also include other important areas including barrier properties, flammability resistance, biomedical applications, electrical/electronic/optoelectronic applications and fuel cell interests.

2,917 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
07 Jan 2011-Polymer
TL;DR: A survey of the literature on polymer nanocomposites with graphene-based fillers including recent work using graphite nanoplatelet fillers is presented in this article, along with methods for dispersing these materials in various polymer matrices.

2,782 citations

References
More filters
Book
01 Jan 1961

8,649 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a review of polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites is presented, where the polymer chains are sandwiched in between silicate layers and exfoliated layers are more or less uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix.
Abstract: This review aims at reporting on very recent developments in syntheses, properties and (future) applications of polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites. This new type of materials, based on smectite clays usually rendered hydrophobic through ionic exchange of the sodium interlayer cation with an onium cation, may be prepared via various synthetic routes comprising exfoliation adsorption, in situ intercalative polymerization and melt intercalation. The whole range of polymer matrices is covered, i.e. thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers. Two types of structure may be obtained, namely intercalated nanocomposites where the polymer chains are sandwiched in between silicate layers and exfoliated nanocomposites where the separated, individual silicate layers are more or less uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix. This new family of materials exhibits enhanced properties at very low filler level, usually inferior to 5 wt.%, such as increased Young’s modulus and storage modulus, increase in thermal stability and gas barrier properties and good flame retardancy.

5,901 citations


"Polymer/layered silicate nanocompos..." refers background or methods in this paper

  • ...Recently, there have been many reports concerned with the improved thermal stability of nanocomposites prepared with various types of OMLS and polymer matrices [6,7,14,141]....

    [...]

  • ...Like PVA, various other polymers also show optical transparency after nanocomposite preparation with OMLS [141,305]....

    [...]

  • ...Dependence of tensile modulus ðEÞ on clay content measured at 120 8C [141]....

    [...]

  • ...Generally, the degradation of PCL fits a two-step mechanism [141,171]; first random chain scission through Fig....

    [...]

  • ...DMA has been used to study temperature dependence of the storage modulus of PMMA upon nanocomposite formation under different experimental conditions [141]....

    [...]

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a new, versatile and environmentally benign synthesis approach by polymer melt intercalation is discussed. But, unlike in-situ polymerization and solution inter-calation, melt interalation involves mixing the layered silicates with the polymer and heating the mixture above the softening point of the polymer.
Abstract: Polymer nanocomposites with layered silicates as the inorganic phase (reinforcement) are discussed. The materials design and synthesis rely on the ability of layered silicates to intercalate in the galleries between their layers a wide range of monomers and polymers. Special emphasis is placed on a new, versatile and environmentally benign synthesis approach by polymer melt intercalation. In contrast to in-situ polymerization and solution intercalation, melt intercalation involves mixing the layered silicate with the polymer and heating the mixture above the softening point of the polymer. Compatibility with various polymers is accomplished by derivatizing the silicates with alkyl ammonium cations via an ion exchange reaction. By fine-tuning the surface characteristics nanodispersion (i. e. intercalation or delamination) can be accomplished. The resulting polymer layered silicate (PLS) nanocomposites exhibit properties dramatically different from their more conventional counterparts. For example, PLS nanocomposites can attain a particular degree of stiffness, strength and barrier properties with far less inorganic content than comparable glass- or mineral reinforced polymers and, therefore, they are far lighter in weight. In addition, PLS nanocomposites exhibit significant increase in thermal stability as well as self-extinguishing characteristics. The combination of improved properties, convenient processing and low cost has already led to a few commercial applications with more currently under development.

3,468 citations

Book
01 Aug 1991
TL;DR: Menard et al. as mentioned in this paper discuss the use of dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) as a tool for thermal analysis, rheology, and materials science in the analytical laboratory.
Abstract: Dynamic Mechanical Analysis-Kevin P. Menard 2002-01-01 Although dynamical mechanical analysis or spectroscopy has left the domain of the rheologist and has become a prevalent tool in the analytical laboratory, it is still common to hear, "What is DMA, and what will it tell me?" or "I think I could use a DMA, but I cannot justify its cost." Previously, the novice in the field had to sort through texts on thermal analysis, rheology, and materials science just to find basic information — until now.

2,756 citations


"Polymer/layered silicate nanocompos..." refers background in this paper

  • ...McCrum and colleagues [425] have demonstrated that the tan d curve of PP exhibits three relaxations localized in the vicinity of 280 8C ðgÞ; 10 8C ðTgÞ and 100 8C ðaÞ: The dominant relaxation at ca....

    [...]

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The Halpin-Tsai equations are based upon the self-consistent micromechanics method developed by Hill as discussed by the authors. But they are not suitable for semi-crystalline polymers.
Abstract: The Halpin-Tsai equations are based upon the “self-consistent micromechanics method” developed by Hill. Hermans employed this model to obtain a solution in terms of Hill's “reduced moduli”. Halpin and Tsai have reduced Hermans' solution to a simpler analytical form and extended its use for a variety of filament geometries. The development of these micromechanic's relationships, which form the operational bases for the coniposite analogy of Halpin and Kardos for semi-crystalline polymers, are reviewed herein.

2,609 citations