Synthesis and characterization of optically transparent epoxy matrix nanocomposites

Transport Properties of Natural and Artificial Smart Fabrics Impregnated by Graphite Nanomaterial Stacks

In this work, we studied the transport properties (thermal and electrical conductivity) of smart fabric materials treated with graphite nanomaterial stacks–acetone suspensions. An innovative and easy method to produce graphite nanomaterial stacks–acetone-based formulations, starting from a low-cost expandable graphite, is proposed. An original, economical, fast, and easy method to increase the thermal and electrical conductivity of textile materials was also employed for the first time. The proposed method allows the impregnation of smart fabric materials, avoiding pre-coating of the fibers, thus reducing costs and processing time, while obtaining a great increase in the transport properties. Two kinds of textiles, cotton and Lycra^®, were selected as they represent the most used natural and artificial fabrics, respectively. The impact of the dimensions of the produced graphite nanomaterial stacks–acetone-based suspensions on both the uniformity of the treatment and the transport properties of the selected textile materials was accurately evaluated using several experimental techniques. An empirical relationship between the two transport properties was also successfully identified. Finally, several theoretical models were applied to predict the transport properties of the developed smart fabric materials, evidencing a good agreement with the experimental data.

Characterization of Nanocomposites by Thermal Analysis

In materials research, the development of polymer nanocomposites (PN) is rapidly emerging as a multidisciplinary research field with results that could broaden the applications of polymers to many different industries. PN are polymer matrices (thermoplastics, thermosets or elastomers) that have been reinforced with small quantities of nano-sized particles, preferably characterized by high aspect ratios, such as layered silicates and carbon nanotubes. Thermal analysis (TA) is a useful tool to investigate a wide variety of properties of polymers and it can be also applied to PN in order to gain further insight into their structure. This review illustrates the versatile applications of TA methods in the emerging field of polymer nanomaterial research, presenting some examples of applications of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and thermal mechanical analysis (TMA) for the characterization of nanocomposite materials.

Development and Characterization of Amorphous Thermoplastic Matrix Graphene Nanocomposites

The aim of the present work is the development of amorphous thermoplastic matrix nanocomposites based on graphite nanoparticles. Different types of graphite were used, including unmodified graphite, graphene nanoplatelets and graphite intercalation compounds. Graphite intercalation compounds were subjected to thermal treatment to attain exfoliation of the nanofiller. The exfoliation process was studied by means of thermal analysis. The nanofillers and nanocomposites were characterized by means of X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis. The nanocomposites were further characterized by means of mechanical and dielectric analysis. The flammability of the nanocomposites was also analyzed. Results obtained indicate that addition of the nanofiller allows improving the proprieties of the amorphous thermoplastic matrix. The effect of the degree of dispersion of the nanofiller is particularly relevant for the dielectric properties of the nanocomposites, whereas no direct correlation between degree of dispersion and mechanical properties can be observed.