Silica-Based Composites with Enhanced Rheological Properties Thanks to a Nanosized Graphite Functionalized with Serinol Pyrrole

Silica-based rubber composites have tremendous importance, as they allow the reduction in hysteresis in demanding dynamic-mechanical applications such as tire compounds and hence have a lower environmental impact. However, they also present drawbacks such as poor rheological behavior. In this work, an innovative silica-based hybrid filler system was developed, obtaining a rubber composite with an improved set of properties. A nanosized high surface area graphite (HSAG) was functionalized with 2-(2,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)propane-1,3-diol, serinol pyrrole (SP), through a simple process characterized by a high carbon efficiency. The HSAG-SP adduct, with about nine parts of SP per hundred parts of carbon filler, was used to form a hybrid filler system with silica. An elastomeric composite, with poly(styrene-co-butadiene) from anionic polymerization and poly(1,4-cis-isoprene) from Hevea brasiliensis was prepared with 50 parts of silica, which was replaced in a minor amount (15%) by either pristine HSAG or HSAG-SP. The best set of composite properties was obtained with HSAG-SP: the same dynamic rigidity and hysteresis and tensile properties of the silica-based material and appreciably better rheological properties, particularly in terms of flowability. This work paves the way for a new generation of silica-based composites, with improved properties, based on a hybrid filler system with a nanosized edge functionalized graphite.

Thermal, Morphological, Electrical Properties and Touch-Sensor Application of Conductive Carbon Black-Filled Polyamide Composites

Polyamide 66 (PA66) is a well-known engineering thermoplastic polymer, primarily employed in polymer composites with fillers and additives of different nature and dimensionality (1D, 2D and 3D) used as alternatives to metals in various technological applications. In this work, carbon black (CB), a conductive nanofiller, was used to reinforce the PA66 polymer in the 9–27 wt. % CB loading range. The reason for choosing CB was intrinsically associated with its nature: a nanostructured carbon filler, whose agglomeration characteristics affect the electrical properties of the polymer composites. Crystallinity, phase composition, thermal behaviour, morphology, microstructure, and electrical conductivity, which are all properties engendered by nanofiller dispersion in the polymer, were investigated using thermal analyses (thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry), microscopies (scanning electron and atomic force microscopies), and electrical conductivity measurements. Interestingly, direct current (DC) electrical measurements and conductive-AFM mapping through the samples enable visualization of the percolation paths and the ability of CB nanoparticles to form aggregates that work as conductive electrical pathways beyond the electrical percolation threshold. This finding provides the opportunities to investigate the degree of filler dispersion occurring during the transformation processes, while the results of the electrical properties also contribute to enabling the use of such conductive composites in sensor and device applications. In this regard, the results presented in this paper provide evidence that conductive carbon-filled polymer composites can work as touch sensors when they are connected with conventional low-power electronics and controlled by inexpensive and commercially available microcontrollers.

The method of obtaining polymer masterbatches based on polylactide with carbon filler

The method of obtaining polymer composites with a graphite filler using a kneading mixer was presented. The best mixing parameters (rotational speed and temperature) were determined, allowing to obtain composites with the best filler dispersion in the polymer matrix. A series of graphite/polylactide (PLA) masterbatches were made. The following composites tests were performed: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The value of the mass melt flow rate (MFR) was also determined. It was observed that the best homogenization were obtained for samples mixed at a speed of 40-50 rpm and at a temperature of 180-190°C.

Polycarbonate/Poly(vinylidene fluoride)-Blend-Based Nanocomposites—Effect of Adding Different Carbon Nanofillers/Organoclay

Carbon black (CB), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) individually or doubly served as reinforcing fillers in polycarbonate (PC)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-blend (designated CF)-based nanocomposites. Additionally, organo-montmorillonite (15A) was incorporated simultaneously with the individual carbon fillers to form hybrid filler nanocomposites. Microscopic images confirmed the selective localization of carbon fillers, mainly in the continuous PC phase, while 15A located in the PVDF domains. Differential scanning calorimetry results showed that blending PVDF with PC or forming single/double carbon filler composites resulted in lower PVDF crystallization temperature during cooling. However, PVDF crystallization was promoted by the inclusion of 15A, and the growth of β-form crystals was induced. The rigidity of the CF blend increased after the formation of nanocomposites. Among the three individually added carbon fillers, GnPs improved the CF moduli the most; the simultaneous loading of CNT/GnP resulted in the highest moduli by up to 33%/46% increases in tensile/flexural moduli, respectively, compared with those of the CF blend. Rheological viscosity results showed that adding CNTs increased the complex viscosity of the blend to a greater extent than did adding CB or GnPs, and the viscosity further increased after adding 15A. The electrical resistivity of the blend decreased with the inclusion of carbon fillers, particularly with CNT loading.

Electrophysical properties of composites based on epoxy resin and carbon fillers

Polymeric construction materials based on epoxy resin, carbon fillers, such as graphene nanoplates (GNP), carbon nanotubes (CNT) and fillers of inorganic nature – perlite, vermiculite, sand with improved electrophysical characteristics have been developed. The electrophysical propertieгs of composites obtained in various ways which differ according to the principle of injecting components have been investigated. GNP were obtained in two ways. Size distribution of GNP obtained by electrochemical method is 50 to 150 nm. The average particle size is up to 100 nm. It occurs that these particles tend to aggregate as it is shown by the method of dynamic light scattering. The GNP obtained by dispersing thermally expanded graphite in water in a rotary homogenizer have a particle size distribution of 400 to 800 nm if very small particles and large aggregates are absent. The second method of obtaining GNP is less energy consuming and requires fewer manufacturing cycles, so it is more cost-effective. Obtaining composites using aqueous suspensions of GNP is environmentally friendly. Due to the hydrophobic properties of its surface the electrical conductivity of the system which uses vermiculite is higher than one of that which uses perlite for composites with CNT and GNP. It has been found that the difference of electrophysical characteristics between two systems which contain the same amount of carbon filler is caused by the nature of the surface of dielectric components – sand. By changing the content of dielectric ingredients can expand the functionality of composites if use them for shielding from electromagnetic fields.

Investigation on fracture toughness of polytetrafluoroethylene with impact essential work of fracture method

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) polymer has a wide range of applications in various industries. Therefore, for designers it is essential to know the strength properties of the material under dynamic loads. In this study, pure-PTFE, bronze and carbon filled-PTFE are tested under dynamic load. In addition, pure and carbon filled specimens were used to determine the temperature effect of PTFE. All tests were carried out in the Charpy impact device according to impact essential work of fracture method. At 23°C, pure-PTFE showed the highest impact strengths, bronze filled-PTFE and carbon filled-PTFE showed lower respectively and it has been found that the carbon filler increases the fracture toughness approximately two times at high temperature (150°C). On fracture surfaces phase transitions effects of PTFE and behavior of fillers used were investigated with Scanning Electron Microscope.

Polyurethane Foams Loaded with Carbon Nanofibers for Oil Spill Recovery: Mechanical Properties under Fatigue Conditions and Selective Absorption in Oil/Water Mixtures

Marine pollution due to spillage of hydrocarbons represents a well-known current environmental problem. In order to recover the otherwise wasted oils and to prevent pollution damage, polyurethane foams are considered suitable materials for their ability to separate oils from sea-water and for their reusability. In this work we studied polyurethane foams filled with carbon nanofibers, in varying amounts, aimed at enhancing the selectivity of the material towards the oils and at improving the mechanical durability of the foam. Polyurethane-based foams were experimentally characterized by morphological, surface, and mechanical analyses (optical microscopy observation, contact angle measurement, absorption test according to ASTM F726-99 standard and compression fatigue tests according to ISO 24999 standard). Results indicated an increase in hydrophobic behavior and a good oleophilic character of the composite sponges besides an improved selective absorption of the foam toward oils in mixed water/oil media. The optimal filler amount was found to be around 1 wt% for the homogeneous distribution inside the polymeric foam. Finally, the fatigue test results showed an improvement of the mechanical properties of the foam with the growing carbon filler amount.

Interface design of carbon filler/polymer composites for electromagnetic interference shielding

The extensive use of electrical equipment and portable electronics has aroused major concerns about electromagnetic pollution. Carbon-based polymer composites are widely used in the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding field, motivated...

Use of carbon filler as a main component of multifunctional materials and coatings in rocket and space technolog

An informational and analytical review of modern multifunctional materials and coatings for space and aviation technology with fillers from various carbon nano- and microstructures is presented. The analysis of the composition of modern aerospace protective coatings for multifunctional purposes is carried out, as well as the world’s effective technical solutions for external protection of aircraft are studied. The research results will be useful in the development of new carbon-filled compounds for external protection of aircraft from external negative factors.