Synergetic Dispersion Effect of Graphene Nanohybrid on the Thermal Stability and Mechanical Properties of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer Nanocomposite

Synergistic Flame Retardant Effect between Ionic Liquid-Functionalized Imogolite Nanotubes and Ammonium Polyphosphate in Unsaturated Polyester Resin

Imogolite nanotubes (INTs) were synthesized from tetraethoxysilane, aluminum nitrate nonahydrate, and ammonia solution by the method of Arancibia-Miranda, and their dispersion was modified by 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM]PF₆) to obtain ionic liquid (IL)-functionalized INTs (INTs-PF₆-ILs). Then, the flame retardant INTs-PF₆-ILs was complexed with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and applied to unsaturated polyester resin (UPR). The limiting oxygen index value and the UL-94 level of the UPR/APP/INTs-PF₆-ILs composites reached 28 and V-0, respectively. The residual carbon of the composites in thermogravimetric analysis increased by 19.47%, compared with that of pure UPR. The cone calorimeter test result showed that the peak of heat release rate and total heat rate values of the UPR/APP/INTs-PF₆-ILs composites were lowered by 41 and 34% than those of the pure UPR, respectively. The effect of heat combustion and the maximum mass loss rate of UPR/APP/INTs-PF₆-ILs composites were also greatly decreased. There were no holes or folds observed on the surface of the UPR/APP/INTs-PF₆-ILs composites' residual carbon in scanning electron microscopy images. The intact residual carbon could have effectively insulated the heat and oxygen to improve the flame retardant performance.

Surface Properties of Graphene Functionalized TiO2/nHA Hybrid Coatings Made on Ti6Al7Nb Alloys via Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO)

Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA)-matrix coatings containing graphene nanosheets (GNS)-nHA were coated on Ti6Al7Nb alloys by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) treatment for the improvement of their surface properties. Crystallographic properties, functional groups, and elemental analysis of coatings were characterized by XRD, ATR-FTIR, and EDS analysis. Surface morphological changes of the coated surfaces were investigated by AFM and SEM. The electrochemical corrosion behavior of the coatings was examined by using the potentiodynamic scanning (PDS) tests under in-vitro conditions in simulated body fluid (SBF). The results showed that the GNS was successfully deposited in ceramic matrix coatings on Ti6Al7Nb alloys. Also, the microstructural observations revealed that the coatings have a porous and rough structure. The XRD and ATR-FTIR quantitative analysis have proved the appearance of HA and GNS in the coating layers. An increase in the coating thickness, surface hardness, and anatase/rutile transformation rate was determined, while the GNS ratio in the coating layers was increased. The microhardness of the nHA coating reinforced with 1.5 wt% GNS was measured at 862 HV, which was significantly higher than that of GNS-free (only nHA) coating (584 HV). The best in-vitro resistance to corrosion in SBF was observed in the nHA/1.5GNS wt% coating.

Size effect of hybrid carbon nanofillers on the synergetic enhancement of the properties of HDPE-based nanocomposites

High-density polyethylene (HDPE)-based hybrid nanocomposites containing graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were fabricated using melt mixing followed by compression molding. The influences of size and weight ratio of both carbon-based nanofillers on the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of hybrid nanocomposites were evaluated. This study proves that the size and weight ratio of carbon-based nanofillers play a critical role in determining these properties. The optimum size and weight ratio of GnPs and MWCNTs are determined at the maximum achieved enhancement for each property. The HDPE-based nanocomposites containing GnPs with larger surface area and MWCNTs with higher aspect ratio display the highest electrical conductivity at GnPs/MWCNTs weight ratio of 2/3. The combination of GnPs with larger surface area and MWCNTs with lower aspect ratio provides the maximum Young's modulus enhancement of hybrid nanocomposites at 1/4 weight ratio of GnPs and MWCNTs. The nanocomposite containing GnPs with the largest lateral size and MWCNTs with a higher aspect ratio at a 3/2 weight ratio exhibits the highest thermal conductivity. Also, at around the percolation threshold of GnPs, the incorporation of MWCNTs with larger aspect ratio into the HDPE-based nanocomposites containing GnPs with the largest lateral size shows a distinct synergic effect on the thermal conductivity and Young's modulus, while an additive effect on the electrical conductivity and thermal stability.

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.

Improved Flame-Retardant and Ceramifiable Properties of EVA Composites by Combination of Ammonium Polyphosphate and Aluminum Hydroxide

Ceramifiable flame-retardant ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer composites for wire and cable sheathing materials were prepared through melt compounding with ammonium polyphosphate (APP), aluminum hydroxide (ATH) and fluorophlogopite mica as the addition agents. The effects of ammonium polyphosphate, alumina trihydrate, and APP/ATH hybrid on the flame retardant, as well as on the thermal and ceramifiable properties of EVA composites, were investigated. The results demonstrated that the composites with the ratio of APP:ATH = 1:1 displayed the best flame retardancy and the greatest char residues among the various EVA composites. The tensile strength of the composites was 6.8 MPa, and the residue strength sintered at 1000 °C reached 5.2 MPa. The effect of sintering temperature on the ceramifiable properties, microstructures, and crystalline phases of the sintered specimen was subsequently investigated through X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, and scanning electron microscopy. The XRD and FTIR results demonstrated that the crystal structure of mica was disintegrated, while magnesium orthophosphate (Mg₃(PO₄)₂) was simultaneously produced at an elevated temperature, indicating that the ceramization of EVA composites had occurred. The SEM results demonstrated that a more continuous and compact microstructure was produced with the rise in the sintering temperature. This contributed to the flexural strength improvement of the ceramics.

Titanate Nanotubes Decorated Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites: Preparation, Flame Retardancy, and Photodegradation

Most polymers exhibit high flammability and poor degradability, which restrict their applications and causes serious environmental problem like "white pollution." Thus, titanate nanotubes (TNTs) were adopted to decorate graphene oxide (GO) by a facile solution method to afford TNTs/GO nanocomposites with potential in improving the flame retardancy and photodegradability of flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Results show that the as-prepared TNTs/GO can effectively improve the thermal stability and flame retardancy than TNTs and GO, especially, the peak heat release rate and total heat release were reduced by 20 and 29% with only 2.5 wt.% loading. And more, the TNTs/GO also improve the photodegradability of PVC compared with the neat PVC. The reasons can be attributed to synergistic flame-retardant and photocatalytic effects between TNTs and GO. The present research could contribute to paving a feasible pathway to constructing polymer-matrix composites with desired flame retardancy and photodegradability, thereby adding to the elimination of white pollution caused by polymers.

Morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of poly (ε-caprolactone) biocomposites reinforced with nano-hydroxyapatite decorated graphene

In this work, hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanorods decorated on graphene nanosheets (HAP-Gs) was synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The structure, elemental composition and morphology of the HAP-Gs hybrids were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared and Transmission electron microscopy. Subsequently, the hybrids were incorporated into poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) via a solution blending method. Optical images and scanning electron microscopy observation revealed not only a well dispersion of HAP-Gs hybrids but also a strong interfacial interaction between hybrids and PCL matrix. The influence of HAP-Gs hybrids on the crystallization behavior, crystal structure, thermal stability, mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the PCL nanocomposites was investigated in detail. The results showed that the crystallization temperature of PCL was enhanced obviously, but the crystal structure was not affected by the incorporation of HAP-Gs hybrids. The mechanical properties of PCL bionanocomposites were improved obviously.

Property and performance of red mud-based catalysts for the complete oxidation of volatile organic compounds

Red mud (RM) was assessed as a catalyst for the complete oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The catalytic activity of RM was influenced by an acid treatment and the calcination temperature. Acid-treated RM (HRM) catalysts with a platinum loading (Pt/HRM) were prepared using a conventional impregnation method. Platinum catalysts supported on γ-Al2O3 (Pt/Al) were prepared for comparison. The physicochemical properties of the RM, HRM and Pt/HRM catalysts were characterized by BET analysis, ICP-AES, H2-TPD, XRD, FTIR, SEM, and FE-TEM. The acid treatment increased the BET surface area of the RM significantly, resulting in an increase in catalytic activity. Increasing the calcination temperature from 400°C to 600°C caused a decrease in its catalytic activity. Increasing the platinum loading on HRM(400) from 0.1 wt.% to 1 wt.% led to an increase in the toluene conversion, which was attributed to the better redox properties. The catalytic activities of the Pt/HRM(400) catalysts were superior to those of the Pt/Al catalysts. Benzene, toluene, o-xylene, and hexane were oxidized completely over the 1 wt.% Pt/HRM(400) catalyst at reaction temperatures less than 280°C. The presence of water vapor in the feed had a negative effect on the activity of the 1 wt.% Pt/HRM(400) catalyst.

Novel CuCo2O4/graphitic carbon nitride nanohybrids: Highly effective catalysts for reducing CO generation and fire hazards of thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites

Novel spinel copper cobaltate (CuCo2O4)/graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) (named C-CuCo2O4) nanohybrids with different weight ratios of g-C3N4 to CuCo2O4 were successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. Then the nanohybrids were added into the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrix to prepare TPU nanocomposites using a master batch-melt compounding approach. Morphological analysis indicated that CuCo2O4 nanoparticles were uniformly distributed on g-C3N4 nanosheets. Thermal analysis revealed that C-CuCo2O4-7 (proportion of g-C3N4 to CuCo2O4 of 93/7) was an optimal nanohybrid for the properties improvement of TPU. Incorporation of C-CuCo2O4-7 into TPU led to significant improvements in the onset decomposition temperature, temperature at maximal mass loss rate and char yields. The heat release rate and total heat release of TPU/C-CuCo2O4-7 decreased by 37% and 31.3%, respectively, compared with those of pure TPU. Furthermore, the amounts of pyrolysis gaseous products, including combustible volatiles and carbon monoxide (CO), were remarkably reduced, whereas, non-flammable gas (carbon dioxide) increased. Excellent dispersion of C-CuCo2O4-7 in TPU host was achieved, due to the synergistic effect between g-C3N4 and CuCo2O4. Enhancements in the thermal stability and flame retardancy were attributed to the explanations that g-C3N4 nanosheets showed the physical barrier effect and catalytic nitrogen monoxide (NO) decomposition, and that CuCo2O4 catalyzes the reaction of CO with NO and increased char residues.