Covalently bonded interface in polymer/boron nitride nanosheet composite toward enhanced mechanical and thermal behaviour

This experimental study aimed to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of BN (hexagonal boron nitride) nanosheet-reinforced high-density polyethylene by functionalizing its interface. The challenges associated with this nanocomposites are its poor dispersion and weak interface. Accordingly, to improve the load transfer at the interface, BN nanosheets were chemically modified with silane functional groups ((3-aminopropyl)tri-ethoxy silane), making it possible to form covalent bonds between the maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene and nanosheet. Consequently, three different types of nanocomposite samples were fabricated based on the covalently bonded or non-bonded interface. Two nanocomposite configurations featured a non-bonded interface between the nanofiller and PE matrix (p-BN/PE and (silane functionalized) s-BN/PE). In contrast, the third configuration had a covalently bonded interface (silane-functionalized h-BN + maleic anhydride-grafted PE, i.e., PE-g-BN). According to the zeta potential analysis, the silane-functionalized BN nanosheets were stable suspensions and uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix. The tensile and flexure strength of the nanocomposites showed over 100% improvement due to the covalently bonded interface. The lamellae structure of PE in the bonded interface samples was responsible for achieving higher mechanical strength in the nanocomposites. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity of the nanocomposites was significantly affected by the type of interfacial bonding, BN wt%, and operating temperature.

Photooxidative Behavior of Polystyrene Nanocomposites Filled with Two-Dimensional Molybdenum Disulfide

This study aimed to investigate how an ultralow content of a molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) two-dimensional particle affects the photodegradation mechanism of polystyrene (PS). Here, an accelerated weathering study was presented on neat polystyrene and its nanocomposites produced with 0.001, 0.002, 0.003 and 0.005 wt% of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) exposed for various irradiation intervals (up to 8 weeks). The polymer photo-transformations were monitored using size exclusion chromatography (SEC), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The FTIR and UV/Vis results indicate that the PS degradation mechanism was not altered by the presence of MoS₂ particles; however, the degradation reactions were slowed down at higher MoS₂ contents (>0.003%). The SEC results proved the stabilizer effect due to MoS₂ particles, where M¯n, M¯w, and M¯w/M¯n values after 8 weeks were less modified when compared with the neat PS results. The MoS₂ acted as a UV stabilizer, and these two-dimensional particles acted by deactivating the free radicals generated by the PS matrix, even considering the low amount of the filler (<0.005 wt%).

Graphene/Polymer Nanocomposites: Preparation, Mechanical Properties, and Application

Although polymers are very important and vastly used materials, their physical properties are limited. Therefore, they are reinforced with fillers to relieve diverse restrictions and expand their application areas. The exceptional properties of graphene make it an interesting material with huge potential for application in various industries and devices. The interfacial interaction between graphene and the polymer matrix improved the uniform graphene dispersion in the polymer matrix, enhancing the general nanocomposite performance. Therefore, graphene functionalization is essential to enhance the interfacial interaction, maintain excellent properties, and obstruct graphene agglomeration. Many studies have reported that graphene/polymer nanocomposites have exceptional properties that enable diverse applications. The use of graphene/polymer nanocomposites is expected to increase sustainably and to transform from a basic to an advanced material to offer optimum solutions to industry and consumers.

Multidisciplinary Optimization for Weight Saving in a Variable Tapered Span-Morphing Wing Using Composite Materials—Application to the UAS-S4

This paper is a follow-up to earlier work on applying multidisciplinary numerical optimization to develop a morphing variable span of a tapered wing (MVSTW) to reduce its weight by using composite materials. This study creates a numerical environment of multidisciplinary optimization by integrating material selection, structural sizing, and topological optimization following aerodynamic optimization results with the aim to assess whether morphing wing optimization is feasible. This sophisticated technology is suggested for developing MVSTWs. As a first step, a problem-specific optimization approach is described for specifying the weight-saving structure of wing components using composite materials. The optimization was performed using several approaches; for example, aerodynamic optimization was performed with CFD and XFLR5 codes, the material selection was conducted using MATLAB code, and sizing and topology optimization was carried out using Altair’s OptiStruct and SolidThinking Inspire solvers. The goal of this research is to achieve the MVSTW’s structural rigidity standards by minimizing wing components’ weight while maximizing stiffness. According to the results of this optimization, the weight of the MVSTW was reduced significantly to 5.5 kg in comparison to the original UAS-S4 wing weight of 6.5kg. The optimization and Finite Element Method results also indicate that the developedmorphing variable span of a tapered wing can complete specified flight missions perfectly and without any mechanical breakdown.

Experimental Investigation and Numerical Simulation of a Self-Wiping Corotating Parallel Octa-Screw Extruder

An octa-screw extruder (OSE) is equipment for pelletizing, blending, and mixing polymers and composites. In this study, the degree of resin filling, residence time distribution (RTD) of molten resin, and temperature profile in the octa-screw extruder were evaluated both experimentally and numerically. An intermeshing corotating parallel octa-screw kneading extruder was used for the experiments. For the comparison study, the results obtained from this extruder were compared with the twin-screw extruder. High-density polyethylene was selected as the material for extrusion. Meanwhile, a numerical code, based on a 2.5 D finite element method derived from the Hele–Shaw flow model, was developed to simulate the octa-screw extrusion process. The empirical outcomes suggest that octa-screw extrusion exhibited a narrower RTD of the molten resin compared with the twin-screw extrusion, suggesting better extrudate quality. The octa-screw extrusion also showed a lower temperature profile than twin-screw extrusion. The results of the simulation were also found to be in good agreement with experimental measurements. Experimental and numerical investigations of an OSE enable detailed comprehension and visualization of resin distribution in the entire length of the OSE, thus providing advantages in terms of process optimization.

Fabrication of PLA/PCL/Graphene Nanoplatelet (GNP) Electrically Conductive Circuit Using the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D Printing Technique

For the purpose of fabricating electrically conductive composites via the fused filament fabrication (FFF) technique whose properties were compared with injection-moulded properties, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) were mixed with different contents of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP). The wettability, morphological, rheological, thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of the 3D-printed samples were investigated. The microstructural images showed the selective localization of the GNPs in the PCL nodules that are dispersed in the PLA phase. The electrical resistivity results using the four-probes method revealed that the injection-moulded samples are insulators, whereas the 3D-printed samples featuring the same graphene content are semiconductors. Varying the printing raster angles also exerted an influence on the electrical conductivity results. The electrical percolation threshold was found to be lower than 15 wt.%, whereas the rheological percolation threshold was found to be lower than 10 wt.%. Furthermore, the 20 wt.% and 25 wt.% GNP composites were able to connect an electrical circuit. An increase in the Young’s modulus was shown with the percentage of graphene. As a result, this work exhibited the potential of the FFF technique to fabricate biodegradable electrically conductive PLA-PCL-GNP composites that can be applicable in the electronic domain.

Valorization Strategy for Leather Waste as Filler for High-Density Polyethylene Composites: Analysis of the Thermal Stability, Insulation Properties and Chromium Leaching

Leather waste (BF) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) were compounded in a lab scale internal mixer and processed by means of injection molding. In this study, leather waste and HDPE composites were characterized by instrumental techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermo-gravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Physical integrity of composites against chemical exposure and chromium-leaching properties of the composites were also investigated. This study shows that the incorporation of 30% leather waste fiber into HDPE composites decreases the thermal conductivity of the composite samples by 17% in comparison to that of neat HDPE samples. Composites showed no thermal degradation during processing cycle. Strong interfacial bonding between leather waste and polymer results in comparable low-leachate levels to maximum allowed concentration for nonhazardous waste, and good chemical resistance properties. The BF/HDPE composites could be a promising low-cost alternative in industrial application areas of HDPE, where high-mechanical strength and low-thermal conductivity is required.

Structure and Mechanical Properties of High-Density Polyethylene Composites Reinforced with Glassy Carbon

In this paper, we investigated theimpact of glassy carbon (GC) reinforcement oncrystal structure and the mechanical performance of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). We made composite samples by mixing HDPE granules with powder in ethanol followed bymelt mixing in a laboratory extruder. Along with the investigated composite, we also prepared samples with carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene (GNP) and graphite (Gr) to compare GC impact with already used carbon fillers. To evaluate crystal structure and crystallinity, we used X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). We supported the XRD results with a residual stress analysis (RSA) according to the EN15305 standard. Analysis showed that reinforcing with GC leads to significant crystallite size reduction and low residual stress values. We evaluated the mechanical properties of composites with hardness and tensile testing. The addition of glassy carbon results inincreased mechanical strength incomposites with CNT and GNP.

A Review on Graphene’s Light Stabilizing Effects for Reduced Photodegradation of Polymers

Graphene, the newest member of the carbon’s family, has proven its efficiency in improving polymers’ resistance against photodegradation, even at low loadings equal to 1 wt% or lower. This protective role involves a multitude of complementary mechanisms associated with graphene’s unique geometry and chemistry. In this review, these mechanisms, taking place during both the initiation and propagation steps of photodegradation, are discussed concerning graphene and graphene derivatives, i.e., graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). In particular, graphene displays important UV absorption, free radical scavenging, and quenching capabilities thanks to the abundant π-bonds and sp2 carbon sites in its hexagonal lattice structure. The free radical scavenging effect is also partially linked with functional hydroxyl groups on the surface. However, the sp2 sites remain the predominant player, which makes graphene’s antioxidant effect potentially stronger than rGO and GO. Besides, UV screening and oxygen barriers are active protective mechanisms attributed to graphene’s high surface area and 2D geometry. Moreover, the way that graphene, as a nucleating agent, can improve the photostability of polymers, have been explored as well. These include the potential effect of graphene on increasing polymer’s glass transition temperature and crystallinity.

Development of Reinforced Polyester/Graphene Nanocomposite Showing Tailored Electrical Conductivity

Production process was chosen in order to be readily scalable at the industrial level. The resin/graphene mixture was prepared through high shear mixing at six different weight concentrations between 0% and 10%. Samples were subsequently produced by compression molding. The electrical properties were measured both in-the-plane and across-the-plane using, respectively, a four-point probe and a two-electrode system. The two-electrode system was a dielectric spectrometer, and accordingly, the across-the-plane measurements were conducted in the frequency-domain. Mechanical measurements were conducted using conventional three-point bending and impact setups. The percolation threshold was found to be in the range of 3-5 wt.% concentration, for which the conductivity showed a 7 orders of magnitude increase. These results were quite similar to the samples containing around 50 wt.% of glass fibers. Surprisingly, the in-the-plane conductivity was found to be lower than the bulk conductivity, contrary to what was found with the same filler for thermoplastic composites prepared by melt compounding. No significant increase in mechanical properties as a function of filler loading was observed, except maybe a slight increase in the material toughness.

Influence of Graphene Platelet Aspect Ratio on the Mechanical Properties of HDPE Nanocomposites: Microscopic Observation and Micromechanical Modeling

A series of high-density polyethylene nanocomposites filled with different diameter sizes (5, 15, and 25 μm) of graphene nanoplatelets at various amounts (0.5-5 wt.%) are prepared by the melt-mixing method. The effect of diameter size and filler content on the mechanical properties is reported, and the results are discussed in terms of morphology and the state of dispersion within the polymer matrix. The measured stiffness and strength of the nanocomposites were found to be mainly influenced by the filler aspect ratio and the filler-matrix adhesion. Fractography was utilized to study the embrittleness of the nanocomposites, and the observations revealed that a ductile to brittle transition is caused by a micro-deformation mechanism change in the nanocomposites. Several micromechanical models for the prediction of mechanical properties of nanocomposites, taking into consideration filler aspect ratio, percolation effect, and interphase regions, are considered. The three-phase model proposed by Ji accurately predicts the stiffness of graphene nanoplatelets with a higher diameter size, while Takayanagi modified model II was found to show good agreement with the experimental results of smaller ones at low filler content. This study demonstrates that the diameter size of the filler plays a central role in determining the mechanical properties.

Barrier Properties of GnP-PA-Extruded Films

It is generally known that significant improvements in the properties of nanocomposites can be achieved with graphene types currently commercially available. However, so far this is only possible on a laboratory scale. Thus, the aim of this study was to transfer results from laboratory scale experiments to industrial processes. Therefore, nanocomposites based on polyamide (PA) and graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) were prepared in order to produce membranes with improved gas barrier properties, which are characterized by reduced permeation rates of helium. First, nanocomposites were prepared with different amounts of commercial availably graphene nanoplatelets using a semi-industrial-scale compounder. Subsequently, films were produced by compression molding at different temperatures, as well as by flat film extrusion. The extruded films were annealed at different temperatures and durations. In order to investigate the effect of thermal treatment on barrier properties in correlation to thermal, structural, and morphological properties, the films were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), optical microscopy (OM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), melt rheology measurements, and permeation measurements. In addition to structural characterization, mechanical properties were investigated. The results demonstrate that the permeation rate is strongly influenced by the processing conditions and the filler content. If the filler content is increased, the permeation rate is reduced. The annealing process can further enhance this effect.