Glass transition temperature and thermal stability of ZnS/PMMA nanocomposites

In this article, ZnS nanoparticles were prepared by wet chemical precipitation method using zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄), sodium sulphide (Na₂S) and thio-glycerol. These nanoparticles were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) measurements. The solution-based processing was used to prepare Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) nanocomposites with different weight percents (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8) of ZnS nanoparticles. The obtained ZnS/PMMA nanocomposites were characterized through XRD, scanning electron microscope and TEM measurements. The dynamic mechanical analyzer was used to obtain the storage modulus and glass transition temperature (T _g) of the nanocomposites. The apparent activation energy of the glass transition region was also determined using the Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann equation. The results indicated that the thermal stability of ZnS/PMMA nanocomposites was higher than PMMA and 6 wt. % of ZnS nanoparticles in PMMA matrix showed the maximum activation energy, which indicated that this nanocomposite had higher thermal stability than other composites.     

Fast fabrication of epoxy-functionalized magnetic polymer core-shell microspheres using glycidyl methacrylate as monomer via photo-initiated miniemulsion polymerization

Epoxy-functionalized magnetic polymer microspheres with high magnetic responsiveness were prepared through a one-step photo-initiated miniemulsion polymerization. This kind of core-shell particle can be synthesized successfully with hydrophilic monomer, glycidyl methacrylate, as a single monomer by a 10 min ultraviolet irradiation, and phase separation induced eccentric cores. The morphology of the particles was examined with a transmission electron microscope and a scanning electron microscope. The incorporation of magnetic particles was characterized with X-ray diffraction. The magnetic content of the microspheres was detected by both vibrating sample magnetometer and thermo-gravimetric analyzer.     

Morphology and properties of poly(methyl methacrylate)/clay nanocomposites by in-situ solution polymerization

Poly(methyl metacrylate)/montmorillonite (PMMA)/(MMT) nanocomposites were prepared by in-situ solution polymerization of methyl methacrylate monomer in the presence of the organic modified MMT-clay. After the organic modification by ionic exchanging with amine salts, the organoclay becomes more hydrophobic and compatible then pristine clay with methyl methacrylate monomer. The modified clays are characterized by wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXRD). The powdered X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques were employed to study the morphology of the PMMA/clay nanocomposites which indicate that the modified clays are dispersed in PMMA matrix to form both exfoliated and intercalated PMMA/modified clay nanocomposites. The thermo-mechanical properties were measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Gas permeability analyzer (GPA) shows the excellent gas barrier property of the PMMA nanocomposites which is in good agreement with the morphology. The optical property was measured by UV-vis spectroscopy which shows that these materials have good optical clarity, and UV resistance.     

Effect of surface treatment of magnetic particles on the preparation of magnetic polymer microspheres by miniemulsion polymerization

Surface treated magnetic particles were used to prepare well encapsulated submicron polystyrene/magnetic (PS/Fe₃O₄) composite microspheres via miniemulsion polymerization. The effects of the different surface treatment agents Disperbyk-106, Disperbyk-111, KH550, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and oleic acid were investigated on the encapsulation of polymer via miniemulsion polymerization. The interface interactions between magnetic particles, dispersants and coupling agents were analyzed from their IR spectra. It was found that Disperbyk-106 was the best dispersant in terms of preparing magnetic polymer microspheres with high encapsulation efficiency. The effect of wet or dry magnetic particles on encapsulation was also discussed.     

Enhancement of thermal and mechanical properties of poly(MMA-co-BA)/Cloisite 30B nanocomposites by ultrasound-assisted in-situ emulsion polymerization

This study reports synthesis and characterization of poly(MMA-co-BA)/Cloisite 30B (organo-modified montmorillonite clay) nanocomposites by ultrasound-assisted in-situ emulsion polymerization. Copolymers have been synthesized with MMA:BA monomer ratio of 4:1, and varying clay loading (1–5 wt% monomer). The poly(MMA-co-BA)/Cloisite 30B nanocomposites have been characterized for their thermal and mechanical properties. Ultrasonically synthesized nanocomposites have been revealed to possess higher thermal degradation resistance and mechanical strength than the nanocomposites synthesized using conventional techniques. These properties, however, show an optimum (or maxima) with clay loading. The maximum values of thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites with optimum clay loading are as follows. Thermal degradation temperatures: T_10% = 320 °C (4 wt%), T₅₀ = 373 °C (4 wt%), maximum degradation temperature = 384 °C (4 wt%); glass transition temperature = 64.8 °C (4 wt%); tensile strength = 20 MPa (2 wt%), Young’s modulus = 1.31 GPa (2 wt%), Percentage elongation = 17.5% (1 wt%). Enhanced properties of poly(MMA-co-BA)/Cloisite 30B nanocomposites are attributed to effective exfoliation and dispersion of clay nanoparticles in copolymer matrix due to intense micro-convection induced by ultrasound and cavitation. Clay platelets help in effective heat absorption with maximum surface interaction/adhesion that results in increased thermal resistivity of nanocomposites. Hindered motion of the copolymer chains due to clay platelets results in enhancement of tensile strength and Young’s modulus of nanocomposite. Rheological (liquid) study of the nanocomposites reveals that nanocomposites have higher yield stress and infinite shear viscosity than neat copolymer. Nonetheless, nanocomposites still display shear thinning behavior – which is typical of the neat copolymer.     

Morphology and dynamic mechanical properties of poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene)/polycarbonate/clay nanocomposites prepared by melt mixing

The morphology and dynamic mechanical properties of poly(acrylonitrile-butadienestyrene) (ABS)/polycarbonate (PC)/clay nanocomposites were investigated. From the studies of the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of the ABS/PC (70/30 wt%) nanocomposites with clay, it was observed that most of the clay existed in the ABS phase and the interface of the ABS and PC. From the studies of the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), droplet size of the PC in the ABS/PC/clay nanocomposites did not change significantly with the clay and has been found to be from 1.0 to 1.5 μm when the clay was added up to 5 phr. The small difference of the droplet size of the PC was maybe due to the similar values of the viscosities of the dispersed phase (PC) and continuous phase (ABS). From the dynamic mechanical properties of the ABS/PC/clay nanocomposites, the storage modulus was increased by the addition of the clay at the rubbery state between 120 and 150°C. From the studies of the tan δ of the ABS/PC/clay nanocomposites, it was shown that double tan δ peaks were observed. The height of the lower temperature tan δpeak was decreased from 4.5 to 3.3 when the clay was increased up to 5 phr. The decrease of the height of the lower tan δ peak in the ABS/PC/clay nanocomposites suggested that the ABS chain motion was restricted by the clay in the ABS phase.     

Polymer Dynamics in Polyurethane/clay Nanocomposites Studied by Dielectric and Thermal Techniques

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), broadband dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (DRS), and thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) techniques were employed to investigate glass transition and polymer dynamics in nanocomposites of polyurethane (PU) and organically modified montmorillonite (MMT) (weight fraction 0%–15%) prepared by solution casting. The PU matrix was obtained from oligo(oxytetramethylene glycol) of molar mass 1000 g/mol, 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and 1,1-dimethylhydrazine as chain extender. Wide-angle X-ray scattering confirmed the formation of partly exfoliated structures at low MMT content. DSC, DRS, and TSDC show, in agreement with each other, that a fraction of polymer makes no contribution to the glass transition and to the corresponding α relaxation, whereas the rest exhibits similar glass transition dynamics as the pure matrix. This fraction of immobilized polymer reaches a maximum at about 5 wt% MMT. Effects of MMT on the microphase-separated structure of PU are negligible, as indicated by the study of glass transition and interfacial dielectric polarization/relaxation. No effects of MMT on the local, secondary γ and β relaxations were observed. Mechanical properties show a maximum improvement at about 5 wt% MMT, in good correlation with morphology and dynamics.     

Morphology,texture, and properties of products obtained by annealing of porous silver-polyacrylate nanocomposites

The methods of thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy are used to study phenomena taking place at thermal decomposition of porous polyacrylate composites filled with silver nanoparticles that are synthesized in situ by UV reduction. Self-organization processes showing up in the redistribution of the silver nanoparticles in the polymer melt followed by their sintering into agglomerates are revealed. The morphology of the agglomerates is found to depend on the structure of the porous polymeric matrix. Using X-ray diffraction, it is shown that annealing produces silver crystallites 70–90 nm across, which are partially textured in “sheetlike” {110} planes and are stable against dissolution in nitric acid.     

Surface properties of polypropylene/organoclay nanocomposites

Influence of nanoclay amount on surface properties of the nanocomposites was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission spectroscopy (TS). Polypropylene based nanocomposites containing various loads of nanoclay were prepared by melt compounding. X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterized the dispersion of nanoclay in polymer matrix. AFM and SEM studies have shown increase in surface roughness by raising the amount of nanoclay. Contact angle measurements of the resultant nanocomposites have also shown improvement in wettability related to disperse part of surface tension. POM images illustrated an increase in the number of spherulite simultaneously with a decrease in their size; this result was also supported by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).     

Effect of clay silylation on curing and mechanical and thermal properties of unsaturated polyester/montmorillonite nanocomposites

This work focuses on the chemical modification of montmorillonite (MMT) (Cloisite® Na) with compatible silanes, vinyltriethoxysilane (CVTES) and γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (CMPS) in order to prevent agglomeration and to improve montmorillonite interaction with an unsaturated polyester resin matrix seeking to achieve a multifunctional composite. Clays were dispersed in the resin by mechanical stirring and sonication and the nanocomposites were prepared by resin transfer into a mold. The mechanical, morphological, thermal and flammability properties of the obtained composites were compared with those prepared using commercial Cloisite® 30B (C30B) and Cloisite® 15A (C15A) clays. Advantages of using silane-modified clays (CVTES and CMPS) as compared with organic-modified clays (C30B and C15A) can be summarized as similar flexural strength and linear burning rate but higher storage modulus and improved adhesion to the polyester resin with consequent higher thermal deflection temperature and reinforcement effectiveness at higher temperatures. However, organic modified clays showed better dispersion (tendency to exfoliate) and consequently delayed thermal volatilization due to the clay barrier effect.     

Influence of covalent and non-covalent modification of graphene on the mechanical,thermal and electrical properties of epoxy/graphene nanocomposites: a review

Abstract

Graphene is emerged as a highly sought after reinforcing filler for epoxy matrix in view of its superior electrical, mechanical and thermal properties. Dispersion of low concentration of graphene can significantly enhance the epoxy/graphene nanocomposites properties. Dispersion of graphene in epoxy matrix depends on processing protocols used, and interfacial interaction between epoxy matrix and graphene. Interfacial interaction between epoxy matrix and graphene can be achieved by covalent and non-covalent modification of graphene. This paper comprehensively review the influence of different processing protocols adopted for the processing of epoxy/graphene nanocomposites, and its effect on mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. In addition, covalent and non-covalent strategies adopted for modification of graphene, and its influence on mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of epoxy/graphene nanocomposites are extensively discussed. The future challenges associated with graphene reinforced epoxy nanocomposites processing have been discussed.     

Morphology,miscibility and mechanical properties of PMMA/PC blends

This study deals with some results on morphology, miscibility and mechanical properties for polymethyl methacrylate/polycarbonate (PMMA/PC) polymer blends prepared by solution casting method at different concentration between 0 and 100 wt%. Dynamic storage modulus and tan δ were measured in a temperature range from 30 to 180°C using dynamical mechanical analyzer (DMA). The value of the storage modulus was found to increase with the addition of the PC in the matrix. Transition temperature of pure PMMA and pure PC is found to be 83.8 and 150°C, respectively. The result shows that the two polymers are miscible for whole concentration of PC in PMMA. The distribution of the phases in the blends was studied through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Also the mechanical properties like elongation at break and fracture energy of the PMMA/PC blends increase with the increase in concentration of PC in PMMA.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of neoprene-montmorillonite nanocomposites

To investigate the microstructure and mechanical properties of neoprene-montmorillonite nanocomposite, three modified montmorillonite are used. An X-ray diffractometer is used to measure the corresponding change in d-spacing. Scanning electron microscopy is employed to investigate the morphology of the various composites. Transmission electron microscopy is employed to investigate the composite of montmorillonite and neoprene. The results indicate that the addition of montmorillonite enhances the mechanical properties of neoprene significantly.     

Synthesis and magnetic properties of Co-Cr2O3 nanocomposites

Co:Cr₂O₃ nanocomposites were prepared with phase separated metallic Co clusters in a wide range of concentrations namely 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt% Co. Samples were annealed at different temperatures to study the effects of crystallization of Cr₂O₃ and the growth of Co metal clusters on the magnetic behavior of nanocomposites. Enhanced crystallinity of antiferromagnetic (Cr₂O₃) matrix and growth of Co clusters with higher annealing temperatures strongly affects the coercivity, saturation and magnetic viscosity in these hybrid materials. Amorphous Cr₂O₃ acts as a paramagnetic matrix for Co particles. Exchange anisotropy stabilizes magnetic moments of Co embedded in Cr₂O₃ only if Cr₂O₃ is crystalline. This exchange anisotropy leads to the enhancement of coercivity. Relaxation measurements confirm that exchange anisotropy is higher for samples with lower Co content.     

Study on the thermo-optic properties of DR1/PMMA composite

This paper reports that the thermo-optic coefficient (\dd n / \dd T) as well as thermal expansion coefficients (\beta) of DR1/PMMA polymer film are measured for both TE (transversal electric) and TM (transversal magnetic) polarizations by using an attenuated total reflection configuration at the wavelengths of 832nm. The thermo-optic coefficients of DR1/PMMA are negative and as high as the order of 10^-4/℃. The influences of dopant concentration, poling process and photobleaching process on the thermo-optic properties of DR1/PMMA are also investigated.     

Morphology,mechanical, rheological,and thermal properties study on the PTT/ABS/SCF composites

In order to improve the mechanical properties of the poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT), both maleinized acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) and short carbon fiber (SCF) were melt-blended with PTT to prepare the composites and their morphology and properties were investigated in detail. When ABS content is fixed at 5?wt.% in composites, SCF can significantly improve the tensile and flexural strength as well as the impact strength of the matrix. The SCF has good interface adherence with the matrix. At glassy state, the storage modulus increases much with increasing SCF content. At rubbery state, the composites have larger cold-crystallization rate. At molten state, SCF first serves as lubricants and then as viscosity reinforcing agent for the matrix with increasing SCF. The composites melt exhibits increasing elastic behaviors with SCF. The composites have larger crystallization rate, but this accelerating effect decreases with excessive SCF content. The crystals formed in different composites are quite different in size or perfection.     

Improvement of the mechanical and rheological properties of HDPE/PET/MWCNT nanocomposites

High density polyethylene (HDPE)/poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) (90/10 wt.%) blends and HDPE/PET/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites were prepared by melt mixing process, and the influence of MWCNTs on the mechanical and rheological properties of the nanocomposites was investigated. MWCNTs were added up to 5 wt.% in the HDPE/PET matrix. Transmission electron microscopy images reveal that the MWCNTs were homogeneously dispersed in the HDPE/PET matrix. Improvement of mechanical properties was observed by the addition of MWCNTs compared with HDPE/PET blends. Prominent increases in the complex viscosity and storage modulus of the nanocomposites were found with increasing MWCNT content.     

Resonant Raman spectroscopy and spectroelectrochemistry characterization of carbon nanotubes/polyaniline thin film obtained through interfacial polymerization

Thin, transparent, and self‐assembled films of neat polyaniline and polyaniline/carbon nanotube nanocomposites were deposited over glass substrates by interfacial polymerization. The effect of the carbon nanotubes on the structure and conformation of the polyaniline, and the type of interaction between the polymer and the nanotubes, have been studied by resonant Raman spectroscopy and UV–Vis and Raman spectroelectrochemistry. The results indicate clearly that the carbon nanotubes induce important changes in the electronic structure of the polymer, resulting in a more polaronic organization. Additionally, an effective interaction between the polymer and the nanotube, based on a polyaniline‐to‐nanotube charge transfer, is proposed in this work. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and characterization of thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester/multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites

Thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester (TLCP) was synthesized via low-temperature solution polycondensation from 1,4-Bis(4-Hydroxybenzoyloxy)butane and terephthaloyl dichloride. Polymer nanocomposites based on a small quantity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were prepared by in situ polymerization method. The wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) results suggested that the addition of MWNTs to TLCP matrix did not significantly change the crystal structure of TLCP. The interactions between the molecules of the TLCP host phase and the carbon nanotubes were investigated through Raman spectroscopy investigations. We detected a distinct wave number shift of the radial breathing modes, confirming the carbon nanotubes interacted with the surrounding liquid crystal molecules, most likely through aromatic interactions (π-stacking). The interactions between liquid crystal host and nanotube guests were also evident from a polarizing microscopy (POM) study of the liquid crystal-isotropic phase transition in the proximity of nanotubes. The thermal properties and the morphological properties of the TLCP/MWNTs nanocomposites were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). TGA data demonstrated the addition of a small amount of MWNTs into TLCP matrix could improve the thermal stability of TLCP matrix. DSC results revealed that melt transition temperatures and isotropic transition temperatures of the hybrids were enhanced.