Nanocomposite particles with core–shell morphology III: preparation and characterization of nano Al2O3–poly(styrene–methyl methacrylate) particles via miniemulsion polymerization

Emulsion and miniemulsion techniques in preparation of polymer nanoparticles with versatile characteristics

In recent years, polymer nanoparticles (PNPs) have found their ways into numerous applications extending from electronics to photonics, conducting materials to sensors and medicine to biotechnology. Physical properties and surface morphology of PNPs are the most important parameters that significantly affect on their exploitations and can be controlled through the synthesis process. Emulsion and miniemulsion techniques are among the most efficient and wide-spread methods for preparation of PNPs. The objective of this review is to present and highlight the recent developments in the advanced PNPs with specific properties that are produced through emulsion and miniemulsion processes.

Novel poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) nanocomposites containing poly(amide–imide)/aluminum oxide nanostructure hybrid as a filler

In this work, the physicochemical properties of poly( N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP) reinforced with the poly(amide–imide)/alumina nanocomposite (PAN) under sonochemical treatment were studied. In the process of manufacturing PAN, the surface of alumina nanoparticles was grafted with 15 wt% of the bioactive dicarboxylic acid based on amino acid, and an amount of 10 wt% of this modified nanoparticle was loaded into the poly(amide–imide) using some powerful ultrasound irradiation. Subsequently, in order to prepare the PVP-PAN, various contents (2, 4, and 6 wt%) of the PANs were incorporated into the PVP matrix. The structure morphology and the physical properties of the obtained PVP/PANs were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The data obtained from the thermal analysis of PVP/PANs indicated their noteworthy thermal stability, thereby implying the complete miscibility between PVP and the PAN hybrid.

Recent advances in the preparation of hybrid nanoparticles in miniemulsions

In this review, we summarize recent advances in the synthesis of hybrid nanoparticles in miniemulsions since 2009. These hybrid nanoparticles include organic-inorganic, polymeric, and natural macromolecule/synthetic polymer hybrid nanoparticles. They may be prepared through encapsulation of inorganic components or natural macromolecules by miniemulsion (co)polymerization, simultaneous polymerization of vinyl monomers and vinyl-containing inorganic precursors, precipitation of preformed polymers in the presence of inorganic constituents through solvent displacement techniques, and grafting polymerization onto, from or through natural macromolecules. Characterization, properties, and applications of hybrid nanoparticles are also discussed.

A green route for the synthesis of novel optically active poly(amide–imide) nanocomposites containing N-trimellitylimido-l-phenylalanine segments and modified alumina nanoparticles

In the present study, novel optically active poly(amide–imide)/alumina nanocomposites (PAI/Al2O3 NCs) containing different amounts of modified α-Al2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using the ultrasonic-assisted technique. To improve NPs dispersion and increase the possible interaction between NPs and PAI matrix, the surface of α-Al2O3 NP was modified with bioactive diacid coupling agent. The PAI chains were formed from the polycondensation of N-trimellitylimido-l-phenylalanine diacid with 1,5-diamino naphthalene under green conditions. The obtained polymer and inorganic metal oxide NPs were used to prepare chiral PAI/Al2O3 NCs through the ultrasonic irradiation. PAI/Al2O3 NCs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra, x-ray diffraction patterns, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis). TGA results confirmed that the heat stability of the prepared NP-reinforced composites was improved compared with the pure polymer. In addition, TEM and FESEM images showed that NPs were dispersed into the polymer matrix at nanoscale.

Polymer-Nanoparticle Composites: From Synthesis to Modern Applications

The addition of inorganic spherical nanoparticles to polymers allows the modification of the polymers physical properties as well as the implementation of new features in the polymer matrix. This review article covers considerations on special features of inorganic nanoparticles, the most important synthesis methods for ceramic nanoparticles and nanocomposites, nanoparticle surface modification, and composite formation, including drawbacks. Classical nanocomposite properties, as thermomechanical, dielectric, conductive, magnetic, as well as optical properties, will be summarized. Finally, typical existing and potential applications will be shown with the focus on new and innovative applications, like in energy storage systems.