Influence of Compatibilizer-Type and Processing Approach on the Dispersion of OMMT in High-Density Polyethylene Matrix

High-density polyethylene/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared via melt intercalation in an internal mixer using both a direct mixing and master batching method. Two types of maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene, high-density polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride, and linear low-density polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride, (HDPE-g-MA, LLDPE-g-MA) were used as compatibilizers to enhance the dispersibility of nanoclay in HDPE. Dispersion of organoclay in the nanocomposites was characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and rheological mechanical spectroscopy (RMS). Effects of clay content and degree of clay dispersion on the rheological and tensile properties were also investigated. Furthermore, the effect of order of mixing on the dispersion and distribution of the clay layers was studied. The obtained results showed that organoclay in the nanocomposites were dispersed homogeneously and exfoliated better when HDPE-g-MA and the direct mixing route were used. Although in the master batching method clay intercalated better, clay layers chiefly remain in compatibilizer rich areas. On the other hand, direct mixing was observed to lead to clay particles being dispersed in the HDPE matrix or at the interface of the matrix and compatibilizer and, consequently, better improvement in the tensile modulus was achieved. It was determined that the compatibilizer with the higher miscibility with the matrix was the key factor for achieving better exfoliation of clay sheets.     

One Dimensional Organic Superconductivity in (TMTSF)2PF6 and (TMTSF)2C104 Detected Via Tunnel Spectroscopy

Electron tunnelling data in (TMTSF)₂ X-GaSb Schottky barriers support the idea that strong superconducting fluctuations exist in quasi-one-dimensional (TMTSF)₂X up to temperatures which are about one order or magnitude higher than the 3-D ordering critical temperature. Other tunnelling data tend to indicate that stabilization of superconductivity is possible at high temperature via chain cross-linking.     

Solid State Intercalation of 4,4′-Bipyridine into the Interlayer Space of Montmorillonites

Abstract

Intercalation of 4,4′-bipyridine into the interlayer spaces of cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II)-montmorillonites by solid-solid reactions was investigated. The successful intercalation of 4,4′-bipyridine and the complex formation in the interlayer spaces of montmorillonites was confirmed by powder XRD (the change in the basal spacings) as well as IR and the thermal analysis of the products.     

Transport and Electrochemical Properties of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 Superconductors

Abstract

Electrical conductivity and thermoelectric power measurements (77–300K) of both the pure and electrochemically doped with lithium Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O₈ system, are presented. Clear correlation between transport and electrochemical properties of Li_xBi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O₈ was shown.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Ml2-Intercalated Bi-2212 Cuprates (M=Mn,Fe, Co,Cu, Zn)

Abstract

A series of new layered cuprates with the composition MI_2+xBi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_8+y (x=0.6–0.9; M=Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn) have been synthesized by the reaction of Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O₈ with each transition metal under an atmosphere of iodine at 400°C. The new cuprates, lamellar in shape, are crystallized in a tetragonal unit cell with the lattice parameters of a = 5.393–5.402 Å and c = 43.32–43.96 Å. A structure model for these cuprates are proposed in which the monoiodide anions are intercalated in the Bi₂O₂ layer to form a bilayer accompanying 3d metal cations. All of the intercalated cuprates are non-superconducting to be as high as 0.74–2.52 MΩ · cm in resistivity at room temperature.     

Three Types of Behaviour of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes in Reactions with Intercalating Agents

Abstract

Interaction between multiwall nanotubes and intercalating agents (K or FeCl₃) was studied using seven different nanotube materials. SEM, TEM, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and other techniques were employed to study the reaction products. It was found that the reaction way is determined by nanotube structural type and that nanotubes may exhibit three types of reaction behaviour: intershell intercalation: no-reaction; and intercalation-assisted break-up.     

Potassium Doped Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes: Resistance under Pressure

Abstract

We report in situ measurements of four-probe de resistance (R) of K-doped purified single wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) “buckypaper” as a function of quasi-hydrostatic pressure. Doped samples show completely different behavior compared to that of pristine nanotubes in the pressure range up to 90 kbar. The characteristic increase in the resistance of pristine buckypaper above 10 kbar, associated with the formation of kinks or/and twists of tubes, is not observed in K-doped samples. This may originate from 1) a substantial change in electronic band structure of donor intercalated nanotubes, 2) completely different transport properties of defect structures, or 3) higher stiffness of doped SWNT's which prevents formation of kinks and twists in this pressure range. On deintercalation, the pristine behavior of R(P) is restored, establishing the reversibility of potassium vapor-transport doping.