Effects of acid- and diamine-modified MWNTs on the mechanical properties and crystallization behavior of polyamide 6

Synthesis of transparent thermal insulation coating for efficient solar cells

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the simple synthesis process of thermal-insulation coating by using three different nanoparticles, namely, nano-zinc oxide (ZnO), nano-tin dioxide (SnO2) and nano-titanium dioxide (TiO2), which can reduce the temperature of solar cells.

Design/methodology/approach

The thermal-insulation coating is designed using sol-gel process. The aminopropyltriethoxysilane/methyltrimethoxysilane binder system improves the cross-linking between the hydroxyl groups, -OH of nanoparticles. The isopropyl alcohol is used as a solvent medium. The fabrication method is a dip-coating method.

Findings

The prepared S1B1 coating (20 Wt.% of SnO2) exhibits high transparency and great thermal insulation property where the surface temperature of solar cells has been reduced by 13°C under 1,000 W/m2 irradiation after 1 h. Meanwhile, the Z1B2 coating (20 Wt.% of ZnO) reduced the temperature of solar cells by 7°C. On the other hand, the embedded nanoparticles have improved the fill factor of solar cells by 0.2 or 33.33%.

Research limitations/implications

Findings provide a significant method for the development of thermal-insulation coating by a simple synthesis process and low-cost materials.

Practical implications

The thermal-insulation coating is proposed to prevent exterior heat energy to the inside solar panel glass. At the same time, it can prevent excessive heating on the solar cell’s surface, later improves the efficiency of solar cell.

Originality/value

This study presents a the novel method to develop and compare the thermal-insulation coating by using various nanoparticles, namely, nano-TiO2, nano-SnO2 and nano-ZnO at different weight percentage.

Attaining Toughness and Reduced Electrical Percolation Thresholds in Bio-Based PA410 by Combined Addition of Bio-Based Thermoplastic Elastomers and CNTs

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were added to provide electrical conductivity to bio-based polymer blends with improved toughness (based on commercially available Pebax thermoplastic elastomers and bio-based polyamide 4,10). A preliminary study including three different Pebax grades was carried out to select the grade and the composition that would best improve the impact properties of PA410. Thus, tough multiphasic PA/Pebax/CNT nanocomposites (NCs) with enhanced electrical conductivity were obtained. The CNTs were added either: (1) in the form of pristine nanotubes or (2) in the form of a PA6-based masterbatch. Hence, PA410/Pebax/CNT ternary NCs and PA410/PA6/Pebax/CNT quaternary NCs were obtained, respectively, up to a CNT content of 1 wt%. The ternary and quaternary NCs both showed similar mechanical and electrical properties. The electrical percolation threshold decreased with respect to previously studied corresponding NCs without Pebax, i.e., PA410/CNT and PA410/PA6/CNT, due to the partial volume exclusion effect of Pebax over the CNTs that were dispersed mainly in the PA matrix; materials with percolation concentrations as low as 0.38 wt% were obtained. With respect to mechanical properties, contrary to the NCs without Pebax, all the PA/Pebax/CNT NCs showed a ductile behavior and impact strength values that were from three to five-fold higher than that of the pure PA410.

Flame Retardancy and Dispersion of Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes in Thiol-Ene Nanocomposites

A polysilicone flame retardant (PA) was synthesized and covalently grafted onto the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via amide linkages to obtain modified CNTs (CNTs-PA). The grafting reaction was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the resultant CNTs-PA was soluble and stable in polar solvents Chloroform. Thiol-ene (TE)/CNTs-PA nanocomposites were prepared via Ultraviolet curing. The flame retardancy of thiol-ene nanocomposites was improved, especially for the heat release rate. Moreover, the results from Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) showed that the CNTs-PA improved the dispersion of CNTs in thiol-ene and enhanced the interfacial interaction between CNTs-PA and thiol-ene matrix.

High-performance green electronic substrate employing flexible and transparent cellulose films

Today's widely used and rapidly updated electronic substrates are composed of petroleum-based polymers, but the resulting electronic waste (such as Dioxin, oxole, PCBs, etc.) will cause massive harm to the environment and human body. Therefore, we report an effective approach for fabricating recyclable and high-performance cellulose films as green electronic substrates by calendering. The crosslinking between CH and CHCH in cellulose modified by maleic anhydride led to the in-situ formation of a chemical crosslinking network, and hydrogen bonds acted as a sacrificial physical crosslinking network. The dual crosslinked cellulose film exhibits high strength (120.56 MPa), improved elongation (increased by 263%), and outstanding thermal stability (thermal decomposition temperature is 311 °C). Further, the film has been successfully used as a substrate for biomass sensor and realized apparent responses to changes. The scientific strategy paves the way for the large-scale fabrication of high-performance cellulose films and simultaneously promotes green electronic substrates' industrialization.

Development of Flexible and Conductive Immiscible Thermoplastic/Elastomer Monofilament for Smart Textiles Applications Using 3D Printing

3D printing utilized as a direct deposition of conductive polymeric materials onto textiles reveals to be an attractive technique in the development of functional textiles. However, the conductive fillers—filled thermoplastic polymers commonly used in the development of functional textiles through 3D printing technology and most specifically through Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) process—are not appropriate for textile applications as they are excessively brittle and fragile at room temperature. Indeed, a large amount of fillers is incorporated into the polymers to attain the percolation threshold increasing their viscosity and stiffness. For this reason, this study focuses on enhancing the flexibility, stress and strain at rupture and electrical conductivity of 3D-printed conductive polymer onto textiles by developing various immiscible polymer blends. A phase is composed of a conductive polymer composite (CPC) made of a carbon nanotubes (CNT) and highly structured carbon black (KB)- filled low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and another one of propylene-based elastomer (PBE) blends. Two requirements are essential to create flexible and highly conductive monofilaments for 3D-printed polymers onto textile materials applications. First, the co-continuity of both the thermoplastic and the elastomer phases and the location of the conductive fillers in the thermoplastic phase or at the interface of the two immiscible polymers are necessary to preserve the flexibility of the elastomer while decreasing the global amount of charges in the blends. In the present work based on theoretical models, when using a two-step melt process, the KB and CNT particles are found to be both preferentially located at the LDPE/PBE interface. Moreover, in the case of the two-step extrusion, SEM characterization showed that the KB particles were located in the LDPE while the CNT were mainly at the LDPE/PBE interface and TEM analysis demonstrated that KB and CNT nanoparticles were in LDPE and at the interface. For one-step extrusion, it was found that both KB and CNT are in the PBE and LDPE phases. These selective locations play a key role in extending the co-continuity of the LDPE and PBE phases over a much larger composition range. Therefore, the melt flow index and the electrical conductivity of monofilament, the deformation under compression, the strain and stress and the electrical conductivity of the 3D-printed conducting polymer composite onto textiles were significantly improved with KB and CNT-filled LDPE/PBE blends compared to KB and CNT-filled LDPE separately. The two-step extrusion processed 60%(LDPE16.7% KB + 4.2% CNT)/40 PBE blends presented the best properties and almost similar to the ones of the textile materials and henceforth, could be a better material for functional textile development through 3D printing onto textiles.

The Effect of the Preparation Method and the Dispersion and Aspect Ratio of CNTs on the Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Bio-Based Polyamide-4,10/CNT Nanocomposites

Bio-based polymeric nanocomposites (NCs) with enhanced electrical conductivity and rigidity were obtained by adding multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to a commercial bio-based polyamide 4,10 (PA410). Two different types of commercial CNTs (Cheap Tubes and Nanocyl NC7000^TM) and two different preparation methods (using CNTs in powder form and a PA6-based masterbatch, respectively) were used to obtain melt-mixed PA410/CNT NCs. The effect of the preparation method as well as the degree of dispersion and aspect ratio of the CNTs on the electrical and mechanical properties of the processed NCs was studied. Superior electrical and mechanical behavior was observed in the Nanocyl CNTs-based NCs due to the enhanced dispersion and higher aspect ratio of the nanotubes. A much more significant reduction in aspect ratio was observed in the Cheap Tubes CNTs than in the Nanocyl CNTs. This was attributed to the fact that the shear stress applied during melt processing reduced the length of the CNTs to similar lengths in all cases, which pointed to the diameter of the CNTs as the key factor determing the properties of the NCs. The PA6 in the ternary PA410/PA6/CNT system led to improved Young’s modulus values because the reinforcing effect of CNTs was greater in PA6 than in PA410.

Synthesis of Oligomeric and Monomeric Functionalized Graphene Oxides and a Comparison of Their Abilities to Perform as Protein Ligands and Enzyme Inhibitors

Graphene oxide (GO) is a versatile, monomolecular layered nanomaterial that possesses various oxygen-containing functionality on its large surface. These characteristics allow GO to interact with a variety of materials and to be applied towards a number of areas. The strength and selectivity of these interactions can be improved significantly through further functionalization. In this paper, we describe the functionalization of GO and its application as a protein ligand and an enzyme inhibitor. The work reported in this paper details how chymotrypsin inhibition can be improved using GO functionalized with a monomeric and oligomer layer of tyrosine. The results indicated that the mono- and oligo-functionalized systems performed extremely well, with Ki values nearly four times better than GO alone. Our original premise was that the oligomeric system would bind better because of the length of the oligomeric arms and potential for a high degree of flexibility. However, the results clearly showed that the shorter monomeric system was the better ligand/inhibitor. This was due to weaker intramolecular interactions between the aromatic side chains of tyrosine and the aromatic surface of GO. Although these are possible for both systems, they are cooperative and therefore stronger for the oligomeric functionalized GO. As such, the protein must compete and overcome these cooperative intramolecular interactions before it can bind to the functionalized GO, whereas the tyrosines on the surface of the monomeric system interact with the surface of GO through a significantly weaker monovalent interaction, but interact cooperatively with the protein surface.

Alkaline Stability of Anion-Conductive Ionomer Coated on a Carbon Surface

Anion-exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) are promising technologies that allow the use of nonprecious metals as catalysts because the oxidation reduction reaction at the cathode occurs readily at the high pH of AEMFCs. However, the insufficient chemical stability of the anion-conductive materials in AEMFCs currently limits their development. We studied the chemical stability of the electrolyte in the catalyst layer of AEMFCs containing cationic dimethyl polybenzimidazole (mPBI). Although degradation was observed in an mPBI membrane under alkaline conditions, mPBI coated on a carbon support showed excellent alkaline stability. Because no glass transition temperature was observed for mPBI after coating on the support, the increase of chemical stability was probably associated with the decrease of polymer flexibility.

Facile Fabrication of PA66/GO/MWNTs-COOH Nanocomposites and Their Fibers

Good dispersion and interfacial compatibility are the key issues to realize the full potential of the physical–mechanical properties of nanocarbon-materials reinforced composites. Styrene–maleic-anhydride-copolymer (SMA)-treated graphene oxide (GO), carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs-COOH), and solid-state shear milling (S3M) were applied to further improve the physical–mechanical properties of the nanocomposite fibers. The results show that a mixture of GO/MWNTs-COOH exhibits good dispersion and interfacial compatibility in polyamide-66 (PA66) matrix. Consequently, the physical–mechanical properties of the fibers, which were spun from the nanocomposite of GO/MWNTs-COOH treated using SMA and S3M methods, show a significant enhancement compared to the untreated fibers as well as better crystallization and thermal properties. In particular, the tensile strength of the PA66/GO/MWNTs-COOH nanocomposite fibers with a loading of 0.3 wt % GO/MWNTs-COOH reaches a maximum (979 MPa), which is the highest among all of the reported literature values. Moreover, the fibers were fabricated by a facile process with efficiency, holding great potential for industrial applications.

Polymer nanocomposites having a high filler content: synthesis, structures, properties, and applications

The recent development of nanoscale fillers, such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and nanocellulose, allows the functionality of polymer nanocomposites to be controlled and enhanced. However, conventional synthesis methods of polymer nanocomposites cannot maximise the reinforcement of these nanofillers at high filler content. Approaches for the synthesis of high content filler polymer nanocomposites are suggested to facilitate future applications. The fabrication methods address the design of the polymer nanocomposite architecture, which encompasses one, two, and three dimensional morphologies. Factors that hamper the reinforcement of nanostructures, such as alignment, dispersion of the filler and interfacial bonding between the filler and polymer, are outlined. Using suitable approaches, maximum potential reinforcement of nanoscale fillers can be anticipated without limitations in orientation, dispersion, and the integrity of the filler particle-matrix interface. High filler content polymer composites containing emerging materials such as 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides (MXenes) are expected in the future.

Novel Biobased Polyamide 410/Polyamide 6/CNT Nanocomposites

Biobased polyamide 410 (PA410)/multiwall carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites (NCs) were obtained by melt-mixing in a twin screw extruder a Polyamide 6 (PA6)-based masterbatch (with 15 wt % CNT content) with neat PA410. Directly mixed PA410/CNT NCs were also obtained for comparison purposes. Transmision Electronic Microscopy (TEM) observation and conductivity measurements demonstrated that a good dispersion of CNTs was obtained, which was probably induced by the full miscibility between PA410 and PA6 (in the concentration range employed here), as ascertained by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) tests. As a result, the PA410/PA6/CNT NCs showed superior mechanical behaviour (≈10% Young’s modulus increase with a 4 wt % CNT content) than the binary PA410/CNT NCs (≈5% Young’s modulus increase with a 6 wt % CNT content), as well as superior electrical behaviour, with maximum conductivity values of approximately three orders of magnitude higher than in the binary PA410/CNT system, and lower percolation threshold values (0.65 wt % CNT content vs. 3.98 wt % CNT). The good dispersion and enhanced mechanical and electrical properties of these novel biobased nanocomposites, broadens their potential applications, such as electrical and electronics (E&E) or automotive industries.

Properties and Fabrication of PA66/Surface-Modified Multi-Walled Nanotubes Composite Fibers by Ball Milling and Melt-Spinning

PA66/surface-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) composite fibers with a better dispersion and a stronger interfacial interaction between MWNTs and polyamide 66 (PA66) matrix were fabricated via the method of ball milling and melt-spinning. The effects of unmodified (U-MWNTs), acid-modified (MWNTs-COOH) and sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate-modified MWNTs (MWNTs-SDBS) on the physical mechanical and thermal properties of PA66 were investigated. The results show that, the surface modified nanotube can provide homogeneous dispersion and there is a strong interfacial bonding between PA66 and MWNTs-COOH. A homogeneous dispersion of MWNTs in PA66 matrices without agglomeration is obtained by a facile ball milling method, which can increase the utilization ratio of MWNTs, reduce the required amount of MWNTs and ultimately improve the mechanical properties at a lower filler loading. The tensile strength of composite fibers reaches a maximum which respectively improved by 27% and 24% than that of PA66 fibers, when the mass fraction of MWNTs-SDBS and MWNTs-COOH is 0.1%. It is helpful for decrease the producing cost of the composite fibers. Moreover, the incorporation of MWNTs into PA66 improves the crystallizing temperature, crystallinity and thermal stability. The research shows that a novel facile method is developed for the fabrication of polymer composite fiber.

Improving the mechanical properties of Fe3O4/carbon nanotube reinforced nanocomposites by a low-magnetic-field induced alignment

The aim of the paper is to develop a novel nanocomposite with high mechanical properties. The mechanical properties are improved by aligning the Fe3O4/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into a highly oriented manner in epoxy resin (EP) via a low magnetic field. Fe3O4 nanoparticles were tethered onto the surface of MWCNTs by a novel water-in-oil (W/O) method without heating at high temperatures or the protection of inert gas. Then, the modified magnetic MWCNTs (m-MWCNTs) were added into EP and aligned in a low magnetic field (100 mT). A method was presented to estimate the minimum magnetic field strength for aligning the m-MWCNTs. Besides, the morphology and microstructures of the fabricated m-MWCNTs and m-MWCNTs/EP highly ordered nanocomposites were characterized. Finally, the mechanical properties measurements were performed. The results of the experiments showed that this method was very efficient in aligning m-MWCNTs embedded in polymer matrix leading to a highly ordered composite for improving mechanical properties.

Comparative Studies on Thermal, Mechanical, and Flame Retardant Properties of PBT Nanocomposites via Different Oxidation State Phosphorus-Containing Agents Modified Amino-CNTs

High-performance poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) (PBT) nanocomposites have been developed via the consideration of phosphorus-containing agents and amino-carbon nanotube (A-CNT). One-pot functionalization method has been adopted to prepare functionalized CNTs via the reaction between A-CNT and different oxidation state phosphorus-containing agents, including chlorodiphenylphosphine (DPP-Cl), diphenylphosphinic chloride (DPP(O)-Cl), and diphenyl phosphoryl chloride (DPP(O₃)-Cl). These functionalized CNTs, DPP(Ox)-A-CNTs (x = 0, 1, 3), were, respectively, mixed with PBT to obtain the CNT-based polymer nanocomposites through a melt blending method. Scanning electron microscope observations demonstrated that DPP(Ox)-A-CNT nanoadditives were homogeneously distributed within PBT matrix compared to A-CNT. The incorporation of DPP(Ox)-A-CNT improved the thermal stability of PBT. Moreover, PBT/DPP(O₃)-A-CNT showed the highest crystallization temperature and tensile strength, due to the superior dispersion and interfacial interactions between DPP(O₃)-A-CNT and PBT. PBT/DPP(O)-A-CNT exhibited the best flame retardancy resulting from the excellent carbonization effect. The radicals generated from decomposed polymer were effectively trapped by DPP(O)-A-CNT, leading to the reduction of heat release rate, smoke production rate, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide release during cone calorimeter tests.

Exploration of the modification of carbon-based substrate surfaces in aqueous rechargeable zinc ion batteries

The hydrophobic surfaces of carbon-based substrates lead to a huge interface impedance in aqueous rechargeable zinc ion batteries (ZIBs). Herein, we try to regulate the morphology and investigate the effects of polar groups on the substrate surface. With the treated substrate, the cyclic and rate performances of MnO₂ electrodes are improved by ∼42.5% and 97 mA h g⁻¹.

Oxygen-containing groups can be introduced to carbon paper surfaces by acidification. They improve the electrochemical performances and affect the charge-discharge behaviors of the MnO₂/CP cathode by reducing the interface resistance.

Morphology, Nucleation, and Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics of Poly(ε-caprolactone) Mixed with a Polycarbonate/MWCNTs Masterbatch

In this study, nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) with a (polycarbonate (PC)/multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)) masterbatch in a twin-screw extruder. The nanocomposites contained 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 wt % MWCNTs. Even though PCL and PC have been reported to be miscible, our DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry), SAXS (Small Angle X-ray Scattering), and WAXS (Wide Angle X-ray Scattering) results showed partial miscibility, where two phases were formed (PC-rich and PCL-rich phases). In the PC-rich phase, the small amount of PCL chains included within this phase plasticized the PC component and the PC-rich phase was therefore able to crystallize. In contrast, in the PCL-rich phase the amount of PC chains present generates changes in the glass transition temperature of the PCL phase that were much smaller than those predicted by the Fox equation. The presence of two phases was corroborated by SEM, TEM, and AFM observations where a fair number of MWCNTs diffused from the PC-rich phase to the PCL-rich phase, even though there were some MWCNTs agglomerates confined to PC-rich droplets. Standard DSC measurements demonstrated that the MWCNTs nucleation effects are saturated at a 1 wt % MWCNT concentration on the PCL-rich phase. This is consistent with the dielectric percolation threshold, which was found to be between 0.5 and 1 wt % MWCNTs. However, the nucleating efficiency was lower than literature reports for PCL/MWCNTs, due to limited phase mixing between the PC-rich and the PCL-rich phases. Isothermal crystallization experiments performed by DSC showed an increase in the overall crystallization kinetics of PCL with increases in MWCNTs as a result of their nucleating effect. Nevertheless, the crystallinity degree of the nanocomposite containing 4 wt % MWCNTs decreased by about 15% in comparison to neat PCL. This was attributed to the presence of the PC-rich phase, which was able to crystallize in view of the plasticization effect of the PCL component, since as the MWCNT content increases, the PC content in the blend also increases. The thermal conductivities (i.e., 4 wt % MWCNTs) were enhanced by 20% in comparison to the neat material. The nanocomposites prepared in this work could be employed in applications were electrical conductivity is required, as well as lightweight and tailored mechanical properties.

Dynamic mechanical analysis of carbon nanotube-reinforced nanocomposites

Background

To predict the mechanical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)–reinforced polymers, it is necessary to understand the role of the nanotube-polymer interface with regard to load transfer and the formation of the interphase region. The main objective of this study was to explore and attempt to clarify the reinforcement mechanisms of MWCNTs in epoxy matrix.

Methods

Nanocomposites were fabricated by adding different amounts of MWCNTs to epoxy resin. Tensile test and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were conducted to investigate the effect of MWCNT contents on the mechanical properties and thermal stability of nanocomposites.

Results

Compared with the neat epoxy, nanocomposite reinforced with 1 wt% of MWCNTs exhibited an increase of 152% and 54% in Young's modulus and tensile strength, respectively.

Conclusions

Dynamic mechanical analysis demonstrates that both the storage modulus and glass transition temperature tend to increase with the addition of MWCNTs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations reveal that uniform dispersion and strong interfacial adhesion between the MWCNTs and epoxy are achieved, resulting in the improvement of mechanical properties and thermal stability as compared with neat epoxy.

A novel method based on selective laser sintering for preparing high-performance carbon fibres/polyamide12/epoxy ternary composites

A novel method based on selective laser sintering (SLS) process is proposed for the first time to prepare complex and high-performance carbon fibres/polyamide12/epoxy (CF/PA12/EP) ternary composites. The procedures are briefly described as follows: prepare polyamide12 (PA12) coated carbon fibre (CF) composite powder; build porous green parts by SLS; infiltrate the green parts with high-performance thermosetting epoxy (EP) resin; and finally cure the resin at high temperature. The obtained composites are a ternary composite system consisting of the matrix of novolac EP resin, the reinforcement of CFs and the transition thin layer of PA12 with a thickness of 595 nm. The SEM images and micro-CT analysis prove that the ternary system is a three-dimensional co-continuous structure and the reinforcement of CFs are well dispersed in the matrix of EP with the volume fraction of 31%. Mechanical tests show that the composites fabricated by this method yield an ultimate tensile strength of 101.03 MPa and a flexural strength of 153.43 MPa, which are higher than those of most of the previously reported SLS materials. Therefore, the process proposed in this paper shows great potential for manufacturing complex, lightweight and high-performance CF reinforced composite components in aerospace, automotive industries and other areas.

Effect of functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes with aminated poly(ether sulfone) on thermal and mechanical properties of poly(ether ether ketone) nanocomposites

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were functionalized with aminated poly(ether sulfone) (PES) through the amidation reaction. Characterizations by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction corroborated the success of grafting reaction. Raman spectra reveal that no further damage occurred after the anchoring of PES to the carboxylated MWCNTs. Transmission electron microscopy shows that PES functionalization resulted in better dispersion of MWCNTs than acid oxidation. Poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK)/MWCNTs functionalized with PES (PES-MWCNTs) nanocomposites were fabricated by solution-mixing and compression-molding techniques. Thermogravimetric analysis indicates that PES-MWCNTs/PEEK nanocomposites have the highest degradation temperature and thermal stability. Furthermore, noticeable increases in the crystallization and melting temperature as well as in the degree of crystallinity were found from differential scanning calorimetry thermograms, attributed to the strong heterogeneous nucleating role of PES-MWCNTs. Tensile test presents that the attachment of PES to the surface of MWCNTs exceptionally improved the tensile strength and Young’s modulus, and obtained moderate elongation at break. Impact toughness test and dynamic mechanical analysis show that the addition of PES-MWCNTs greatly enhanced the toughness and storage modulus of PEEK, respectively. These results are attributed to improved dispersion of PES-MWCNTs and strong interfacial adhesion to matrix, which is evidenced by scanning electron microscopy.

Synergistic effects of filler-migration and moisture on the surface structure of polyamide 6 composites under an electric field

Polyamide 6 (PA6) and PA6 composites with 2 wt% of nanofillers (aminopropyl isobutyl POSS (AB-POSS) or polymer grade montmorillonite (PGN)) were synthesized by electric assisted phase inversion at different moistures.

Preparation and properties of nylon 6/sulfonated graphene composites by an in situ polymerization process

Nylon 6/sulfonated graphene composites with high thermal conductivity, good mechanical properties and excellent processability were prepared using sulfonated graphene as a precursor by an in situ polymerization process.

Peptide-based biomaterials. Linking l-tyrosine and poly l-tyrosine to graphene oxide nanoribbons

GONRs grafted to tyrosine and poly-tyrosine can be used as biophysical tools for studying the oxidability of proteins or as fluorescent probes for detecting molecular or physical events.