The Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) method was used to deposit multilayers of polyaniline (PANI)- and mercaptoethanesulfonate (MES)-stabilized Au nanoparticles. The electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged nanoparticles in the subphase and the positively charged PANI at the air-water interface assisted the deposition of the nanocomposite film onto a solid support. These PANI/Au-NPs films were characterized using cyclic voltammetry, copper under potential deposition, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We found that the nanocomposite layers were uniform and reproducible. The density of Au-NPs in the monolayer depended on the acidity of the subphase as well as on the nanoparticles concentration. Moreover, the Au-NPs extrude above the PANI and therefore could be used as nanoelectrodes for the underpotential deposition (UPD) of copper.

This study looks at the effects of imposed confinement on morphology related properties in vapor grown carbon nanofibers (VGCF) polypropylene nanocomposite filaments. Different levels of imposed confinement are achieved through varying the content of the VGCF and the dimensions of the nanocomposite filaments. The resulting molecular confinement is apparent through a sharp increase (termed the inversion point) in a number of properties at low filament diameters, which is associated with a formation of a 'shish kebab' structure and a transition from a skin/core morphology to an axially oriented lamellar structure.

In this study, a method for making an orientated polymer nanocomposite film was developed. Melt‐drawn nanocomposite monofilaments of isotactic polypropylene and acicular nanofillers, i.e. carbon nanotubes (CNT) or vapor grown carbon nanofibers (VGCF), were prepared and characterized from the aspect of polymer chain orientation, mechanical properties, and overall morphology. A marked improvement in mechanical properties was observed as a function of the addition of CNT, increasing draw down ratio (DDR) and annealing. Nanocomposite films were prepared from drawn monofilaments by hot‐pressing under low pressure in order to maintain the orientation of the monofilaments. Wide angle X‐ray diffraction showed a high degree of residual orientation in the films. Electron microscopy (high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy) unexpectedly revealed that the CNT‐matrix interface is amorphous. However, differential scanning calorimetry found no measurable influence of the CNT on the overall crystallinity as determined by the enthalpy of melting of the matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers

Nanocomposites of VGCF reinforced polypropylene monofilaments were created using melt compounding extrusion. The monofilament diameter and VGCF loading were varied to characterize the effects of spinline stress and imposed confinement on material properties, including crystalline structure and thermodynamic behavior. A correlation was found between spinline stress, degree of confinement, depression of the melting temperature, and changes in crystallite dimensions and orientation. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1641–1649, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers