Nano‐ and Microfibrillar Single‐Polymer Composites: A Review

Abstract

A new class of polymer materials is reviewed, the SPCs, in which the matrix and the reinforcement share the same chemical composition. In addition to their milder environmental impact as compared to traditional polymer composites, they show superior mechanical performance mainly due to the improved adhesion between matrix and reinforcement. Another advantage of SPCs is the missing dispersion step in their production, thus contrasting the common polymer nanocomposites. Definition, manufacturing, classification, and the application opportunities of SPCs are described. Special attention is paid on the very new members of the SPC family, the micro‐ and nanofibrillar SPCs, including the techniques for preparation of their starting neat micro‐ and nanofibrils using bulk polymers.

The influence of weave architecture on the mechanical properties of self-reinforced polypropylene

“…An overview of these production process can be found in [8,9]. The two most important processes are hot compaction and co-extrusion.…”

Development and characterization of insert injection moulded polypropylene single-polymer composites with sandwiched woven fabric

“…Different thermoplastic polymers, including polyethylene (PE) [1,2], polypropylene (PP) [3,4], polyethylene terephthalate (PET) [5,6], polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) [7,8], polylactic acid (PLA) [9,10], polyamide (PA) [11,12], polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) [13] and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) [14], were exploited to manufacture SPCs. Another advantage of SPCs is the missing dispersion step in their production contrasting the common polymer nanocomposites, so the new members of SPC family, the micro-and nanofibrillar SPCs, were developed [15]. Recent development of SPCs is supported by novel preform preparation, consolidation and production possibilities [16].…”

Cross‐Linkable Modified Nanocellulose/Polyester Resin‐Based Composites: Effect of Unsaturated Fatty Acid Nanocellulose Modification on Material Performances

“…The unique high crystalline and well‐defined NC structure with one dimension in nanometer range, as well as high aspect ratio, high mechanical properties, rigidity, tensile strength (0.3–22 GPa), and modulus (138–150 GPa), makes NC a valuable filler in reinforcing polymer . Unsaturated polyester (UPe) resins represent the most frequently used nonpolar thermosetting matrices for fiber‐reinforced composites, including NC‐reinforced polymer composites, due to high strength and modulus, high resistance to water, room temperature cure capability, and transparency . Moreover, UPe obtained from waste poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) can be mixed with the reactive vinyl monomer, and further used for production of composites reinforced with NC.…”