The synthesis of poly(vinyl chloride) nanocomposite films containing ZrO2 nanoparticles modified with vitamin B1 with the aim of improving the mechanical, thermal and optical properties

In the present investigation, solution casting method was used for the preparation of nanocomposite (NC) films. At first, the surface of ZrO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) was modified with vitamin B₁ (VB₁) as a bioactive coupling agent to achieve a better dispersion and compatibility of NPs within the poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) matrix. The grafting of modifier on the surface of ZrO₂ was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Finally, the resulting modified ZrO₂ (ZrO₂–VB₁), was used as a nano-filler and incorporated into the PVC matrix to improve its mechanical and thermal properties. These processes were carried out under ultrasonic irradiation conditions, which is an economical and eco-friendly method. The effect of ZrO₂–VB₁ on the properties and morphology of the PVC matrix was characterized by various techniques. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses showed a good dispersion of fillers into the PVC matrix with the average diameter of 37–40 nm. UV–Vis spectroscopy was used to study optical behavior of the obtained NC films. TGA analysis has confirmed the presence of about 7 wt% VB₁ on the surface of ZrO₂. Also, the data indicated that the thermal and mechanical properties of the NC films were enhanced.

Synthesis of a New Titanate Coupling Agent for the Modification of Calcium Sulfate Whisker in Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Composite

A new titanate coupling agent synthesized from polyethylene glycol (PEG), isooctyl alcohol, and phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅) was used for the modification of calcium sulfate whiskers (CSWs) and the preparation of high-performance CSW/poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) composites. The titanate coupling agent (sTi) and the modified CSWs (sTi-CSW) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and the mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and heat resistant properties and thermostability of sTi-CSW/PVC and CSW/PVC composites were compared. The results show that sTi-CSW/PVC composite with 10 wt. % whisker content has the best performance, and its tensile strength, Young's modulus, elongation at break, break strength, and impact strength are 67.2 MPa, 1926 MPa, 233%, 51.1 MPa, and 12.75 KJ·m-2, with an increase of 20.9%, 11.5%, 145.3%, 24.6%, and 65.4% compared to that of CSW/PVC composite at the same whisker content. As the whisker content increases, the storage modulus increases, the Vicat softening temperature decreases slightly, and the glass transition temperature increases at first and then decreases.

Functionalization of MWCNTs with silver nanoparticles decorated polypyrrole and their application in antistatic and thermal conductive epoxy matrix nanocomposite

Excellent antistatic and thermal conductive properties of nanocomposites acquired through introducing terephthalic acid-doped MWCNTs with a silver nanoparticle decorated polypyrrole functional coating (MWCNTs@Ag-PPy@COOH).

Self-assembly of miscible homopolymer/quasi-block copolymer blends/MWNT composites: a strategy to obtain ultralow electrical percolation threshold and mechanism

We utilized self-assembly of miscible polymer blends/CNTs composites to obtain ultralow electrical percolation threshold, with different results of both miscibility and glass transition temperature variations from antecedent works.

A simple strategy to enhance electrical conductivity of nanotube-conjugate polymer composites via iodine-doping

Only the conductivities of iodine-doped CNT–polymer composites containing heteroatoms show a sharp increase.