Polymer Nanocomposites

Abstract

The development of polymer nanocomposites has advanced, especially due to their new properties after nanoparticle incorporation. Many nanocomposites composed of synthetic polymers and/or biopolymers have been studied after incorporation of a diversity of nanoparticles, which differ in form, shape, surface area and chemical organization.In this chapter, some examples of nanocomposites based on poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA); polycarbonate (PC) and matrixes of dental resins are presented. These nanocomposites could be obtained by three basic methods: in situ polymerization, solution casting and melt extrusion. The best method is determined by the relation and route to the polymernanoparticle pair. The dispersion and distribution of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix is the key to obtaining new materials with synergism of compounds properties. This synergism depends on how strong is the intermolecular interaction between the polymer matrix and nanoparticles. The evaluation of new nano systems can be done by different techniques, usually microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and so on. Low-field NMR relaxometry has been used to evaluate polymer nanocomposites. This technique provides valuable information related to the interaction of the nanoparticles with the polymer matrix, and it also indicates the dispersion and distribution of these nanoparticles in the matrix.

Biomaterials Based on Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites of Poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene): The Effect of Nanotube Content on the Mechanical Properties, Biocompatibility and Hemocompatibility

“…The TEM images obtained in the present study indicate a change in the CNT structure and the distribution of DDA at the edges of the tubes and on the outer side of the CNT wall ( Figure 1 c). The chloroform used in this study dissolves SIBS very well and was easily removed by evaporation, which is useful for films prepared by polymer solution casting and for medical application as well [ 52 ]. It should be noted that optical microscopy indicates the significant improvement in the distribution of modified particles (CNT-DDA) in comparison with unmodified ones (CNT) ( Figure 2 a).…”

Advances in Polymer Nanocomposite Materials for Photocatalytic Degradation of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Environmental Matrices: A Review

“…The most known methods for synthesizing PNMs are solution mixing or dispersion, in-situ polymerization, direct compounding, melt extrusion or melt blending and intercalation method (Tavares, da Silva, da Silva, & de Menezes, 2017;Jawaid, & Khan, 2018;Das et al, 2020). Other several techniques are self-assembly, electrospinning, emulsion polymerization, phase separation, and template synthesis (Olatunji et al, 2018;Jawaid, & Khan, 2018;Sekar et al, 2018).…”

“…However, the most widely used method is in-situ polymerization, which is normally suitable for polymers that cannot be produced safely or economically by solution methods because the solvents used to dissolve them are highly toxic. This method promotes good distribution and dispersion of the nanoparticles in the polymer matrix (Kickelbick, 2007;Tavares, da Silva, da Silva, & de Menezes, 2017). Some important aspects of this method should be pointed out.…”

“…They can also be characterized using atomic force microscope and small-angle X-ray scattering (Gestranius et al, 2020), Rheometric technique, Raman spectroscopy (Solano et al, 2021), thermomechanical, dynamic modulus analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) (Ray, & Okamoto, 2003), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (Abinaya et al, 2019). A low-field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance relaxometry, a characterization tool that can efficiently evaluate nanoparticles' distribution and dispersion in the polymer matrix, according to the preparation method has also been used (Tavares, da Silva, da Silva, & de Menezes, 2017).…”

An effective polymer nanocomposite based on tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and SiO2-Al2O3 nanoparticles for super protection of damaged ancient Egyptian wall paintings

“…Effectively, many factors control the properties of the manufactured polymer-nanocomposites. These factors can be summarized as the polymer chemical formula and its solubility, the size and surface area of the nanoparticles and the dispersion behavior of the nanoparticles (Tavares et al , 2017). Several technical studies proved that composites based on nano silica and titania together with siloxane-alkoxysilane polymers fulfilled a number of super properties such as good adhesion, high stability, resistance to cracking and hydrophobic actions (Azadi et al , 2020).…”