This work studied the effects of the addition of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) to a PLLA matrix. Two distinct methods of preparation were employed: a combination of a solvent/ mechanical stirring and a combination of a solvent/high energy sonication. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were determined by nanoindentation and by the Vickers hardness test. Thermal properties of the nanocomposites (Tg, Tc, Tm and crystallinity degree) were determined by DSC. The tribological properties of the nanocomposites were determined by using a pin-on-disc apparatus. Mechanical and thermal properties did not present significant alterations, although tribological properties presented significant changes caused by the method of preparation and different loads. SEM images indicated that the wear mechanism was changed by the addition of MWCNT.
#2Eleni Pavlidou(A.U.Th.: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki)H-Index: 38
Last. Dimitrios N. Bikiaris(A.U.Th.: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki)H-Index: 78
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Nanocomposites of poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) containing 2.5 wt% of fumed silica nanoparticles (SiO2) and organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) were prepared by solved evaporation method. From SEM micrographs it was observed that both nanoparticles were well dispersed into PLLA matrix. All nanocomposites exhibited higher mechanical properties compared to neat PLLA, except elongation at break, indicating that nanoparticles can act as efficient reinforcing agents. Nanoparticles affect, also, ...
Low-dimensional nanoparticles have a strong ability to induce the crystallization of polymer matrices. One-dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and two-dimensional graphene nanosheets (GNSs), both of which are both carbon-based nanoparticles, provide a good opportunity to investigate the effects of differently dimensional nanoparticles on the crystallization behavior of a polymer. For this purpose, respective nanocomposites of CNTs and GNSs with poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) as matrix were prepared by s...
Abstract Carbon nanotubes have long been recognized as the stiffest and strongest man-made material known to date. In addition, their high electrical conductivity has roused interest in the area of electrical appliances and communication related applications. However, due to their miniscule size, the excellent properties of these nanostructures can only be exploited if they are homogeneously embedded into light-weight matrices as those offered by a whole series of engineering polymers. We review...
#2Zhong-Zhen Yu(Huada: Beijing University of Chemical Technology)H-Index: 86
Last. Yiu-Wing Mai(USYD: University of Sydney)H-Index: 112
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It is realized that the addition of a small percentage of rigid nanoparticles to polymers significantly improves many of their mechanical properties, especially stiffness and strength. Such improvements are often attributed to the availability of large numbers of nanoparticles with huge interfacial areas compared to their macro- and micro-scale counterparts. In particular, from the tribological viewpoint, the small size of nanoparticles with homogenous dispersion in the matrix and good interfaci...
The superlative mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes make them the filler material of choice for composite reinforcement. In this paper we review the progress to date in the field of mechanical reinforcement of polymers using nanotubes. Initially, the basics of fibre reinforced composites are introduced and the prerequisites for successful reinforcement discussed. The effectiveness of different processing methods is compared and the state of the art demonstrated. In addition we discuss the ...
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes/epoxy resin (MWNTs/EP) nanocomposites with different MWNTs contents have been prepared successfully. The influence of MWNTs on the friction and wear behaviors of the nanocomposites was investigated by a friction and wear tester under dry-sliding contact conditions. The relative humidity of the air was about 50±10%. Contrast to pure EP, MWNTs/EP nanocomposites showed not only higher wear resistance but also smaller friction coefficient. MWNTs could dramatically reduc...
Abstract Polystyrene-carbon nanotubes (PS-CNTs) nanocomposites with 0–4.0 wt.% content have been prepared successfully by means of in situ polymerization process. The microhardness of PS-CNTs nanocomposites was measured. It was found that CNTs effectively increased the microhardness of the nanocomposites. The tribological behaviors of the nanocomposites were investigated by a friction and wear tester under dry conditions. Comparing with pure PS, PS-CNTs nanocomposites showed not only higher wear...
#1Xiaolin Xie(HUST: Huazhong University of Science and Technology)H-Index: 57
#1Xiaolin Xie(HUST: Huazhong University of Science and Technology)H-Index: 35
Last. Xingping Zhou(HUST: Huazhong University of Science and Technology)H-Index: 31
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Abstract Polymer/carbon nanotube (CNT) composites are expected to have good processability characteristics of the polymer and excellent functional properties of the CNTs. The critical challenge, however, is how to enhance dispersion and alignment of CNTs in the matrix. Here, we review recent progress and advances that have been made on: (a) dispersion of CNTs in a polymer matrix, including optimum blending, in situ polymerization and chemical functionalization; and (b) alignment of CNTs in the m...
#1Olga Probst(OU: University of Oklahoma)H-Index: 1
#2Eric M. Moore(OU: University of Oklahoma)H-Index: 4
Last. Brian P. Grady(OU: University of Oklahoma)H-Index: 35
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Non-isothermal crystallization experiments were performed on poly(vinyl alcohol) mixed with single-walled carbon nanotubes. Non-isothermal crystallization experiments showed that nanotubes nucleate crystallinity at weight fractions as low as 0.1%. An Ozawa model was applied to the non-isothermal crystallization data, and this approach confirmed the results deduced from the qualitative examination of the data: there was a clear difference in crystallization kinetics for the 0.1 and 1% sample vs. ...