Showing papers on "Polymer nanocomposite published in 2021"
TL;DR: Recent progress on graphene/polymer nanocomposites is summarized with emphasis on strengthening/toughening, electrical conduction, thermal transportation, and photothermal energy conversion.
Abstract: Nanocomposites, multiphase solid materials with at least one nanoscaled component, have been attracting ever-increasing attention because of their unique properties. Graphene is an ideal filler for high-performance multifunctional nanocomposites in light of its superior mechanical, electrical, thermal, and optical properties. However, the 2D nature of graphene usually gives rise to highly anisotropic features, which brings new opportunities to tailor nanocomposites by making full use of its excellent in-plane properties. Here, recent progress on graphene/polymer nanocomposites is summarized with emphasis on strengthening/toughening, electrical conduction, thermal transportation, and photothermal energy conversion. The influence of the graphene configuration, including layer number, defects, and lateral size, on its intrinsic properties and the properties of graphene/polymer nanocomposites is systematically analyzed. Meanwhile, the role of the interfacial interaction between graphene and polymer in affecting the properties of nanocomposites is also explored. The correlation between the graphene distribution in the matrix and the properties of the nanocomposite is discussed in detail. The key challenges and possible solutions are also addressed. This review may provide a constructive guidance for preparing high-performance graphene/polymer nanocomposite in the future.
169 citations
TL;DR: As-designed functionalized MXenes can be effectively applied in PS to formulate multifunctional polymer nanocomposites attractive for wide potential applications.
148 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present an overview of recent advances empowering the development of 2D nanofiller/polymer composites in the context of novel synthesis and assembly techniques, multiscale structural characteristics, multifunctional properties and emergent applications.
114 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated polymer nanocomposites containing a series of Al@Al2O3 nanofillers with different shell thicknesses and showed that the high dielectric constant of percolative composites is contributed by a fast intra-particle polarization and a slow interparticle polarization.
113 citations
TL;DR: Even at low loadings, nanocellulose offers an unprecedented level of control as a property modifier for a range of emulsion and polymer applications, influencing, for example, emulsion type, stability, and stimuli-responsive behavior.
Abstract: Nanocelluloses (i.e., bacterial nanocellulose, cellulose nanocrystals, and cellulose nanofibrils) are cellulose-based materials with at least one dimension in the nanoscale. These materials have unique and useful properties and have been shown to assemble at oil-water interfaces and impart new functionality to emulsion and latex systems. Herein, the use of nanocellulose in both emulsions and heterogeneous water-based polymers is reviewed, including dispersion, suspension, and emulsion polymerization. Comprehensive tables describe past work employing nanocellulose as stabilizers or additives and the properties that can be tailored through the use of nanocellulose are highlighted. Even at low loadings, nanocellulose offers an unprecedented level of control as a property modifier for a range of emulsion and polymer applications, influencing, for example, emulsion type, stability, and stimuli-responsive behavior. Nanocellulose can tune polymer particle properties such as size, surface charge, and morphology, or be used to produce capsules and polymer nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical, thermal, and adhesive properties. The role of nanocellulose is discussed, and a perspective for future direction is presented.
112 citations
TL;DR: As a new member of the group of promising 2D materials, MXene shows the advantages including metallic conductivity, high charge carrier mobility, tunable band gap, flexibility and diverse surface c as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: As a new member of the group of promising 2D materials, MXene shows the advantages including metallic conductivity, high charge carrier mobility, tunable band gap, flexibility and diverse surface c
110 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the most important methods for polymer nanocomposites synthesis, such as in situ polymerization, direct mixing of polymer and nanofillers (meltmixing and solution-mixing), sol-gel, and electrochemical methods are discussed.
Abstract: The human population is generally subjected to diverse pollutants and contaminants in the environment like those in the air, soil, foodstuffs, and drinking water. Therefore, the development of novel purification techniques and efficient detection devices for pollutants is an important challenge. To date, experts in the field have designed distinctive analytical procedures for the detection of pollutants including gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and atomic absorption spectroscopy. While the mentioned procedures enjoy high sensitivity, they suffer from being laborious, expensive, require advanced skills for operation, and are inconvenient to deploy as a result of their massive size. Therefore, in response to the above-mentioned limitations, electrochemical sensors are being developed that enjoy robustness, selectivity, sensitivity, and real-time measurements. Considerable advancements in nanomaterials-based electrochemical sensor platforms have helped to generate new technologies to ensure environmental and human safety. Recently, investigators have expanded considerable effort to utilize polymer nanocomposites for building the electrochemical sensors in view of their promising features such as very good electrocatalytic activities, higher electrical conductivity, and effective surface area in comparison to the traditional polymers. Herein, the first section of this review briefly discusses the most important methods for polymer nanocomposites synthesis, such as in situ polymerization, direct mixing of polymer and nanofillers (melt-mixing and solution-mixing), sol–gel, and electrochemical methods. It then summarizes the current utilization of polymer nanocomposites for the preparation of electrochemical sensors as a novel approach for monitoring and detecting environmental pollutants which include heavy metal ions, pesticides, phenolic compounds, nitroaromatic compounds, nitrite, and hydrazine in different mediums. Finally, the current challenges and future directions for the polymer nanocomposites-based electrochemical sensing of environmental pollutants are outlined.
99 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the state-of-the-art methods for fabricating polymer foams and carbon foams, aerogels, and sponges for electromagnetic interference shielding are discussed.
Abstract: Electromagnetic interference has become a serious pollution concern in modern society, which has significantly driven the development of lightweight electromagnetic interference shielding materials based on porous carbon/polymer nanocomposites. This work discusses the state-of-the-art methods for fabricating polymer foams and carbon foams, aerogels, and sponges for electromagnetic interference shielding. In order to obtain an ideal electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness, it is crucial to create carbon/polymer nanocomposites with effective conductive networks at low filler loadings. To this end, there have been three design strategies, including the use of carbon foams with polymer backfilling, the use of carbon-based hybrid fillers, and the formation of segregated structures in conductive polymer composite. This review also discusses electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference shielding performances as well as associated mechanisms behind of lightweight carbon-polymer nanocomposites, and their potential applications are summarized. Some key challenges on lightweight polymer-carbon nanocomposites as electromagnetic interference shielding materials are presented followed by some future perspectives.
96 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a graphene-derived flame retardant (Mo5/PN-rGO) was designed by introducing the functional elements (phosphorus, nitrogen and molybdate) onto the graphene oxides nanosheets.
96 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors elucidate various interactions between PNCs components, aspects of polymer/fiber interface in GBCs, and GPNCs, their modes of enhancements, methods of measuring various interactions, and influence of interfacial interactions on selected properties of PNC, GPNC, and GBC.
81 citations
01 Mar 2021
TL;DR: In this article, the authors review how MXene processing methods, their volume fraction, and their incorporation into polymer hosts impact the properties and performance of a wide variety of nanocomposites.
Abstract: MXenes are a relatively new and exciting class of two-dimensional materials, which offer a wide range of compositions and excellent properties including ease of dispersibility and metallic conductivity. These properties render them promising candidates for use as fillers in polymer nanocomposites. Herein, we review how MXene processing methods, their volume fraction, and their incorporation into polymer hosts impact the properties and performance of a wide variety of nanocomposites. Several challenges and barriers that remain are discussed.
TL;DR: The metal-halide perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) have recently garnered tremendous research interest due to their unique optoelectronic properties and promising applications in photovoltaics and optical fiber.
Abstract: Metal halide perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) have recently garnered tremendous research interest due to their unique optoelectronic properties and promising applications in photovoltaics and optoelectronics. Metal halide PNCs can be combined with polymers to create nanocomposites that carry an array of advantageous characteristics. The polymer matrix can bestow stability, stretchability, and solution-processability while the PNCs maintain their size-, shape- and composition-dependent optoelectronic properties. As such, these nanocomposites possess great promise for next-generation displays, lighting, sensing, biomedical technologies, and energy conversion. The recent advances in metal halide PNC/polymer nanocomposites are summarized here. First, a variety of synthetic strategies for crafting PNC/polymer nanocomposites are discussed. Second, their array of intriguing properties is examined. Third, the broad range of applications of PNC/polymer nanocomposites is highlighted, including light-emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers, and scintillators. Finally, an outlook on future research directions and challenges in this rapidly evolving field are presented.
17 May 2021
TL;DR: In this paper, the fundamental parameters that control the molecular interactions of hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets with polymer matrices are systematically reviewed, and the surface modification of BNNSs, as well as size, dispersion, and alignment of these nanoSheets have a profound effect on polymer chain dynamics, mass barrier properties, and stress-transfer efficiency of the nanocomposites.
Abstract: Hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) are promising two-dimensional materials to boost the mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical properties of polymer nanocomposites. Yet, BNNS-polymer composites face many challenges to meet the desired properties owing to agglomeration of BNNSs, incompatibility, and weak interactions of BNNSs with the host polymers. This work systematically reviews the fundamental parameters that control the molecular interactions of BNNSs with polymer matrices. The surface modification of BNNSs, as well as size, dispersion, and alignment of these nanosheets have a profound effect on polymer chain dynamics, mass barrier properties, and stress-transfer efficiency of the nanocomposites.
TL;DR: Melamine-mediated graphene/black phosphorous nanohybrids (GNS/MA/BP) were fabricated through electrostatic-driving self-assembly process and introduced into polyether thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
TL;DR: In this article, the incorporation of ultralow ratios (<1 vol%) of low-K Cd1-x Znx Se1- y Sy nanodots into a ferroelectric polymer is reported.
Abstract: Polymer dielectrics with excellent processability and high breakdown strength (Eb ) enable the development of high-energy-density capacitors. Although the improvement of dielectric constant (K) of polymer dielectric has been realized by adding high-K inorganic fillers with high contents (>10 vol%), this approach faces significant challenges in scalable film processing. Here, the incorporation of ultralow ratios (<1 vol%) of low-K Cd1- x Znx Se1- y Sy nanodots into a ferroelectric polymer is reported. The polymer composites exhibit substantial and concurrent increase in both K and Eb , yielding a discharged energy density of 26.0 J cm-3 , outperforming the current dielectric polymers and nanocomposites measured at ≤600 MV m-1 . The observed unconventional dielectric enhancement is attributed to the structural changes induced by the nanodot fillers, including transformation of polymer chain conformation and induced interfacial dipoles, which have been confirmed by density function theory calculations. The dielectric model established in this work addresses the limitations of the current volume-average models on the polymer composites with low filler contents and gives excellent agreement to the experimental results. This work provides a new experimental route to scalable high-energy-density polymer dielectrics and also advances the fundamental understanding of the dielectric behavior of polymer nanocomposites at atomistic scales.
TL;DR: In this article, a review of 2D filler-reinforced polymer nanocomposite dielectrics (PNDs) is presented, including carbon materials, MXenes, oxide ceramics, clays, boron nitride and so on.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of hybrid carbon nanofillers on electrical percolation threshold, electrical conductivities and piezoresistive sensitivity of PNCs are systematically discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, a layered polymer composites consisting of the boron nitride nanosheet/polyetherimide and TiO2 nanorod arrays/polyhetimide layers are reported.
Abstract: To reach the full potential of polymer dielectrics in advanced electronics and electrified transportation, it calls for efficient operation of high-energy-density dielectric polymers under high voltages over a wide temperature range. Here, the polymer composites consisting of the boron nitride nanosheet/polyetherimide and TiO2 nanorod arrays/polyetherimide layers are reported. The layered composite exhibits a much higher dielectric constant than the current high-temperature dielectric polymers and composites, while simultaneously retaining low dielectric loss at elevated temperatures and high applied fields. Consequently, the layered polymer composite presents much improved capacitive performance than the current dielectric polymers and composites over a temperature range of 25-150 °C. Moreover, the excellent capacitive performance of the layered composite is achieved at an applied field that is about 40% lower than the typical field strength of the current polymer composites with the discharged energy densities of >3 J cm-3 at 150 °C. Remarkable cyclability and dielectric stability are established in the layered polymer nanocomposites. This work addresses the current challenge in the enhancement of the energy densities of high-temperature dielectric polymers and demonstrates an efficient route to dielectric polymeric materials with high energy densities and low loss over a broad temperature range.
TL;DR: In this paper, a study of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix and wide energy bandgap semiconductor nanocrystallite fillers viz. zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO2), and titanium dioxide (TiO2) was conducted.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a review of the properties of polymeric nanocomposites and their applications in chemical, materials, electrical, environmental, mechanical, and biomedical engineering as well as medicine.
Abstract: MXene/polymer nanocomposites simultaneously benefit from the attractive properties of MXenes and the flexibility and facile processability of polymers. These composites have shown superior properties such as high light-to-heat conversion, excellent electromagnetic interference shielding, and high charge storage, compared to other nanocomposites. They have applications in chemical, materials, electrical, environmental, mechanical, and biomedical engineering as well as medicine. This property-based review on MXene/polymer nanocomposites critically describes findings and achievements in these areas and puts future research directions into perspective. It surveys novel reported applications of MXene-based polymeric nanocomposites. It also covers surface modification approaches that expand the applications of MXenes in nanocomposites.
TL;DR: In this paper, the synthesis and applications of polymer nanocomposites and its applications are discussed and discussed in detail, and a discussion of the synthesis of polymeric nanomaterials is presented.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on essential material issues for two types of polymer nanodielectrics, polymer/conductive nanoparticle and polymer/ceramic nanoparticle composites.
Abstract: With the modern development of power electrification, polymer nanocomposite dielectrics (or nanodielectrics) have attracted significant research attention. The idea is to combine the high dielectric constant of inorganic nanofillers and the high breakdown strength/low loss of a polymer matrix for higher energy density polymer film capacitors. Although impressively high energy density has been achieved at the laboratory scale, there is still a large gap from the eventual goal of polymer nanodielectric capacitors. In this review, we focus on essential material issues for two types of polymer nanodielectrics, polymer/conductive nanoparticle and polymer/ceramic nanoparticle composites. Various material design parameters, including dielectric constant, dielectric loss, breakdown strength, high temperature rating, and discharged energy density will be discussed from both fundamental science and high-voltage capacitor application points of view. The objective is to identify advantages and disadvantages of the polymer nanodielectric approach against other approaches utilizing neat dielectric polymers and ceramics. Given the state-of-the-art understanding, future research directions are outlined for the continued development of polymer nanodielectrics for electric energy storage applications.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a method to detect and repair cracks in polymer composites for structural applications, where detection is not easy and repairing almost not feasible. Materia...
Abstract: Polymer composites for structural applications are prone to damage emanating from cracks which are formed within the material, where detection is not easy and repairing almost not feasible. Materia...
TL;DR: In this paper, the influence of different types of nanofiller, such as carbon-based, silicon-based and metal oxide nanofillers, on the tribological performance of thermoplastic and thermoset nanocomposites is discussed.
Abstract: Polymer nanocomposites with enhanced performances are becoming a trend in the current research field, overcoming the limitations of bulk polymer and meeting the demands of market and society in tribological applications. Polytetrafluoroethylene, poly(ether ether ketone) and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene are the most popular polymers in recent research on tribology. Current work comprehensively reviews recent advancements of polymer nanocomposites in tribology. The influence of different types of nanofiller, such as carbon-based nanofiller, silicon-based nanofiller, metal oxide nanofiller and hybrid nanofiller, on the tribological performance of thermoplastic and thermoset nanocomposites is discussed. Since the tribological properties of polymer nanocomposites are not intrinsic but are dependent on sliding conditions, direct comparison between different types of nanofiller or the same nanofiller of different morphologies and structures is not feasible. Friction and wear rate are normalized to indicate relative improvement by different fillers. Emphasis is given to the effect of nanofiller content and surface modification of nanofillers on friction, wear resistance, wear mechanism and transfer film formation of its nanocomposites. Limitations from the previous works are addressed and future research on tribology of polymer nanocomposites is proposed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide specific guidelines on the correlations between the structures of TiO2 nanocomposites with polymeric matrix and their mechanical properties based on interfaces realized between the polymer matrix and inorganic filler.
Abstract: Nanocomposites with polymer matrix offer excellent opportunities to explore new functionalities beyond those of conventional materials. TiO2, as a reinforcement agent in polymeric nanocomposites, is a viable strategy that significantly enhanced their mechanical properties. The size of the filler plays an essential role in determining the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite. A defining feature of polymer nanocomposites is that the small size of the fillers leads to an increase in the interfacial area compared to traditional composites. The interfacial area generates a significant volume fraction of interfacial polymer, with properties different from the bulk polymer even at low loadings of the nanofiller. This review aims to provide specific guidelines on the correlations between the structures of TiO2 nanocomposites with polymeric matrix and their mechanical properties. The correlations will be established and explained based on interfaces realized between the polymer matrix and inorganic filler. The paper focuses on the influence of the composition parameters (type of polymeric matrix, TiO2 filler with surface modified/unmodified, additives) and technological parameters (processing methods, temperature, time, pressure) on the mechanical strength of TiO2 nanocomposites with the polymeric matrix.
TL;DR: In this paper, the BaxSr1-xTiO3 nanoparticles are chosen as inorganic nanofillers and filled into the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix.
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of enzymatic modification on the properties of nanocellulose reinforced polypropylene nanocomposites was investigated in detail using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a refractometric detector, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, and optical microscopy.
TL;DR: In this paper, a review summarizes recent progress regarding the green synthesis of CDs, the fundamental strategies for the construction of CD/polymer nanocomposites and the state-of-the-art applications of the CD and polymer composites in the realm of energy storage, environment and biomedicine.