Article
Materials Science, Composites
Elham Rashidi, Hamidreza Rezaie, Hossein Ghassai
Summary: This study investigates the influence of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube dispersion on the mechanical properties of PEEK-HAP-CNTs nanocomposites for biomedical applications. The addition of CNTs increased the effective contact area between components, resulting in improved elastic modulus and compressive strength. Furthermore, the inclusion of CNTs enhanced cell functions in the composite.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Juan Li, Bo Li, Shaowen Huang, Shanshan Luo, Shengbao He, Chengtao Gao, Shan Liu
Summary: The surface-grafting modification of nano clay, specifically using epoxy chain extender ADR-4468 to modify pyrophyllite, has yielded ADR-4468-modified pyrophyllite (A-Prl) which has shown to improve the properties of PET and PET/PETG composites. The A-Prl successfully synthesized in this study did not alter the crystal structure of pyrophyllite. Its addition improved the dispersion and crystallization properties of the composites, ultimately enhancing the mechanical performance. The impact toughness of the A-Prl/PET/PETG composite increased by 120% compared to pure PET. This functional additive has the potential to be utilized in the production of high-performance and recyclable PET composites.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhanxin Jing, Xiaolan Huang, Xinqi Liu, Mingneng Liao, Zhaoxia Zhang, Yong Li
Summary: In this study, PLLA/PCL multi-block copolymers with different compositions were synthesized and introduced into a sc-PLA matrix to accelerate the stereocomplexation of PLA enantiomers and improve its brittleness. The results showed that the introduction of PLLA/PCL multi-block copolymers promoted the stereocomplexation of PLA enantiomers, but the presence of the PCL block decreased the melting temperature and hindered homogeneous nucleation. The blends exhibited significantly improved elongation at break and slightly reduced tensile strength compared to sc-PLA. The thermal stability and mechanical properties of the blends could be adjusted by controlling the content and composition of PCL/PLLA multi-block copolymers.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Junguo Gao, Huicheng Ju, Ziheng Yao, Guangwei Zhang, Yanli Liu, Jicheng Niu
Summary: In this study, PP-based composites were prepared using surface-modified SiO2, organized montmorillonite (OMMT), and polyolefin elastomer (POE) as fillers. The dispersion state of the fillers in PP and their effect on PP crystallization were investigated. The composites exhibited excellent mechanical and dielectric properties, with the addition of POE significantly improving toughness. The homogeneous dispersion of SiO2 and OMMT acted as nucleation sites, reducing grain size and improving dielectric properties, volume resistivity, and breakdown field strength.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Srinivasan Shanmugam, Omkumar Meenakshisundaram
Summary: This study focuses on the preparation and fabrication of graphene hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer composites and investigates the effect of graphene on the microhardness and wear behavior of the composites. The addition of graphene significantly improves the thermal stability, microhardness, and tribological performance of the composites. Surface features were examined using a scanning electron microscope, and the results show that the inclusion of 0.6 wt% graphene decreases the friction coefficient by 35% and reduces the wear rate under abrasive conditions. The use of graphene in wear-resistant materials and high-performance applications in automotive and aerospace industries shows promising potential.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
An Truong Thanh, Cuong Huynh Le Huy
Summary: This study investigates the effects of zinc borate (ZB) and nano silica (NS) on the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites and coatings. The addition of 5 wt % ZB to the epoxy resin resulted in a 50% increase in impact strength and an increase in glass transition temperature (Tg) from 52 to 71 degrees C. The combination of 5 wt % ZB and 1 wt % NS further enhanced the impact strength of the nanocomposites by 137.5% and increased Tg to 82 degrees C. The results demonstrate that ZB, NS, and hardener T31 improve the toughness and mechanical properties of epoxy materials.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Dimitra Kourtidou, Maria-Eirini Grigora, Lazaros Papadopoulos, Dimitrios Tzetzis, Dimitrios N. Bikiaris, Konstantinos Chrissafis
Summary: In this study, PEF nanocomposites containing various loadings of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesized, and their crystallization kinetics and mechanical properties were evaluated. The results showed that the presence of CNTs influenced the crystallization rate and nanomechanical properties of PEF.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wei Gao, Yufeng Li, Jitao Zhao, Zhe Zhang, Weiwei Tang
Summary: The study focuses on the synthesis and performance improvement of HDPE/ZnO nanocomposites. The hydrophobic ZnO nanoparticles modified by oleic acid were successfully dispersed in HDPE matrix. The addition of modified ZnO nanoparticles significantly enhanced the thermal stability, crystallization and mechanical properties of HDPE. These improvements greatly enhance the potential of HDPE in various applications.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Subhankar Das, Sudipta Halder, Bappi Paul, Nazrul Islam Khan, M. S. Goyat
Summary: Graphene oxide (GO) or reduced graphene oxides (RGO) have shown great potential as reinforcements in epoxy composites for enhancing their mechanical and thermal properties. However, the preparation of GO and RGO is challenging. This study proposes the use of milled graphite nanoparticles (GrNPs) as an alternative reinforcement due to their porous structure and ease of oxidation. The use of economical silanized milled GrNPs significantly improves the thermo-mechanical behavior of the epoxy nanocomposites without sacrificing other important properties.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Liang Li, Hui Yang, Xiufang Li, Shuqin Yan, Anchang Xu, Renchuan You, Qiang Zhang
Summary: Nanofibrils derived from natural biopolymers, such as silk, have been used to fabricate biocompatible chitosan nanocomposites with improved mechanical properties. The silk nanofibrils can be uniformly dispersed in chitosan solution to form multi-dimensional nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical strength and thermal stability. These bionanocomposites offer new opportunities for biomaterial applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and controllable mesoscopic structure.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Mohammad Razavi-Nouri, Masoud Salavati
Summary: The influence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the thermal, mechanical, wetting properties, and rheological behavior of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA)/acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber nanocomposites was investigated. It was found that the addition of MWCNTs improved the solid surface free energy, work of adhesion, spreading coefficient, and Girifalco-Good's interaction parameter, while reducing the contact angle and interfacial free energy. The nanocomposite with 1 wt% nanofillers exhibited the highest tensile strength and toughness. Furthermore, the relaxation ratio and relaxation rate index decreased with increasing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) concentration. The increment in MWCNTs loading led to an increase in the yield stress of the molten materials according to a quadratic equation. The analysis also showed that the crystallization process was triggered at a slightly higher temperature with the introduction of CNTs, while the melting point and nucleation rate decreased noticeably with the increase in nanofillers content.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Dan Xing, Chao Chang, Xiong-Yu Xi, Bin Hao, Qingbin Zheng, Sergey Gutnikov, Bogdan Lazoryak, Peng-Cheng Ma
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different temperature treatments in air atmosphere on the morphology and properties of basalt fibre (BF). It was found that heat treatment led to the formation of crystals on the fibre surface, changing the properties of BF. The reduction in tensile strength of BF occurred in three temperature ranges: 100-400 degrees C, where the decomposition of organic sizing on the fibre surface exposed more defect structures; 500-600 degrees C, where the amorphous matrix in the fibre experienced phase separation and structural relaxation; and 700-1000 degrees C, where the formation of various crystals caused structural modification.
JOURNAL OF NON-CRYSTALLINE SOLIDS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
L. S. De Bortoli, R. de Farias, D. Z. Mezalira, L. M. Schabbach, M. C. Fredel
Summary: In this study, functionalized carbon nanotubes (f-CNT) were used as additives in 3D-printed PLA/CNT nanocomposites to improve their thermal and mechanical properties. The functionalization of CNTs improved their dispersion in the PLA matrix and acted as effective nucleating agents for PLA crystallization, resulting in increased mechanical strength and better interfacial adhesion between printed layers. The addition of as little as 0.5 wt% of f-CNT significantly improved the mechanical properties and maintained the thermal stability of the nanocomposites.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Dalia E. Abulyazied, Antoaneta Ene
Summary: This review focuses on nanoclay-reinforced polymers, discussing the structure of layered silicate clay, methods for clay material modification, general characterization techniques, synthesis methods, properties of polymer-clay nanocomposites (PCNs), and specific applications in various industries. Examples from scientific literature are provided to illustrate the discussion. The primary goal is to provide an up-to-date survey of polymer-clay nanocomposites and their specific applications.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Fei Lin, Fanghui Jia, Mengyuan Ren, Jun Wang, Ming Yang, Zhixin Chen, Zhengyi Jiang
Summary: An Al2024/1 wt% TiC/1 wt% GNPs nanocomposite with improved mechanical properties and stable thermal conductivity was fabricated through powder metallurgy.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING A-STRUCTURAL MATERIALS PROPERTIES MICROSTRUCTURE AND PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Izabela Zaborniak, Pawel Chmielarz, Karol Wolski, Gabriela Grzes, Zongyu Wang, Anna Gorska, Kinga Pielichowska, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski
Summary: Self-healing polymers with complementary functional groups were developed using a simplified electrochemically mediated ATRP method. The star-like block copolymers, derived from maltotriose, exhibited self-repair behavior and could repair damage without external intervention within 30 minutes under ambient conditions.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Piotr Krol, Monika Szlachta, Kinga Pielichowska
Summary: Polyurethane cationomers thin films with surface functionalized TiO2 as ecological water dispersions were obtained, showing considerable changes in thermal, mechanical, and surface properties. Films made with MDI isocyanate surface-modified TiO2 were hydrophobic, while those with unmodified TiO2 were hydrophilic. The enhanced thermal and mechanical properties make these cationomers promising for modern coating materials.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Natalia Paprota, Piotr Szatkowski, Monika Szlachta, Wojciech Piekarczyk, Kinga Pielichowska
Summary: Modified polyurethane scaffolds were synthesized using starch and magnetite for potential orthopedic applications. The addition of magnetic particles did not significantly affect the properties of the materials compared to starch. The prepared polyurethanes have the potential to be used in orthopedics for filling or replacing bone defects and undergoing hyperthermia treatment.
ADVANCES IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Beata Zygmunt-Kowalska, Kinga Pielichowska, Patrycja Trestka, Magdalena Ziabka, Monika Kuznia
Summary: According to the European Union's assumptions, achieving climate neutrality is planned by 2050. To accomplish this, a document called the European Green Deal was established, which includes a set of policies by the European Commission. One of these policies involves a circular economy that considers the use of waste in subsequent production cycles. In this study, composites of rigid polyurethane foam with 10 wt.% of modified fly ash as a filler were produced to meet the latest trends in environmentally friendly materials and waste utilization in building material production. The modified fly ash showed good results in various tests, particularly the samples modified with 1% and 2% silane solution. The use of modified fly ash in polyurethane foams can be a viable method of waste disposal and can enhance the usability of these composites.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kinga Pielichowska, Paula Szuba, Joanna Maciocha, Beata Macherzynsk, Katarzyna Nowicka, Piotr Szatkowski
Summary: In this study, nanohydroxyapatite (HAp) functionalized with poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) was incorporated into a polyoxymethylene copolymer (POM) matrix. The introduction of HAp-g-PCL had limited effect on the phase transitions and crystallinity of POM. However, it significantly increased the thermal stability of POM and acted as a nucleating agent for POM crystallization. Although it slightly decreased the mechanical properties of POM composites, it improved the in vitro bioactivity.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kinga Pielichowska
Article
Thermodynamics
Klaudia Krol-Morkisz, Lukasz Byczynski, Tomasz M. Majka, Krzysztof Pielichowski, Kinga Pielichowska
Summary: This study investigates the effect of functionalized hydroxyapatite (HAp-g-PEG) on the thermal degradation behavior and flammability of polyoxymethylene copolymer (POM_C). The results show that incorporating HAp-g-PEG into POM_C significantly improves the thermal stability of the polymer matrix without affecting the composition of the degradation products.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sheng Zhang, Pawel Oclon, Jiri Jaromir Klemes, Piotr Michorczyk, Kinga Pielichowska, Krzysztof Pielichowski
Summary: This paper introduces the recent developments in Renewable Energy Systems for building heating, cooling and electricity production with thermal energy storage. The buildings contribute about 40% of total energy consumption, with significant potential for primary energy savings. The application of various Renewable Energy based systems is discussed including: the presentation of Hybrid Renewable Energy bases systems, methodology for their design and methods for the optimisation of Buildings RES.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ewelina Radomska, Lukasz Mika, Karol Sztekler, Wojciech Kalawa, Lukasz Lis, Kinga Pielichowska, Magdalena Szumera, Pawel Rutkowski
Summary: Many attempts have been made worldwide to create cheap, efficient, and eco-friendly water desalination systems, and passive solar stills (SS) are considered to be a solution. This paper presents the results of experimental and theoretical investigations into the effects of using phase-change materials (PCM) on the performance of SS. The experiments validate a mathematical model based on energy balance equations, and a novel dependence on water evaporation rate is determined.
Article
Polymer Science
Klaudia Krol-Morkisz, Monika Kuznia, Zbigniew Olejniczak, Malgorzata Lekka, Kinga Pielichowska
Summary: In this study, hydroxyapatite (HAp) was functionalized using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and diisocyanates as linkers, and then incorporated into the polyoxymethylene (POM) matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG), elemental analysis, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods were used to analyze the effectiveness of the functionalization process and the chemical structure of the hybrid systems. The POM crystallization kinetic parameters in the presence of the hybrid filler were calculated, and various tests were conducted to investigate the effect of the HAp-g-PEG hybrid filler on the crystallization kinetics and crystallinity of the POM composites. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the uniform distribution of the HAp-g-PEG hybrid additives, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests showed no significant effect on the key processing parameters.
EXPRESS POLYMER LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Ranjit K. Verma, Imre Miklos Szilagyi, Kinga Pielichowska, Konstantinos N. Raftopoulos, Peter Simon, Alexey P. Melnikov, Dimitri A. Ivanov
Summary: During ICTAC2020, a workshop on Good laboratory practice in thermal analysis and calorimetry was held for young researchers and beginners. The workshop discussed the relationship between sample properties and temperature, and various techniques for different properties in thermal analysis. This article reviews the workshop and provides useful qualitative and quantitative information about the effects of heat treatments on materials. It also covers recent trends in DSC, TG-FTIR, TG-MS, DMA, kinetics and nanocalorimetry.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Kinga Pielichowska, Natalia Paprota, Krzysztof Pielichowski
Summary: The accumulation of thermal energy in the form of latent heat using phase change materials (PCMs) has great application potential in both passive and active technical systems. Organic PCMs, including paraffins, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and polymers, are the most important group of PCMs for low-temperature applications. However, their flammability is a major disadvantage. In the past decade, extensive research has been conducted to reduce the flammability of organic PCMs without compromising their thermal performance. This review describes the main groups of flame retardants, flame retardation methods for PCMs, and examples of flame-retarded PCMs and their applications.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Dorota Glowacz-Czerwonka, Patrycja Zakrzewska, Mariusz Oleksy, Kinga Pielichowska, Monika Kuznia, Tadeusz Telejko
Summary: Increasing attention to the circular economy is driving the development of environmentally friendly rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs). This study investigated the effects of adding bio-fillers (sunflower husks, rice husks, and buckwheat hulls) on the structure, mechanical properties, thermal properties, dimensional stability, water absorption, and apparent density of RPUFs. The results showed that the foam modified with these fillers had higher apparent density, lower water absorption, and higher compressive strength compared to the reference foam. Furthermore, the foam containing 5 wt% of rice husks exhibited the highest fire resistance. These findings suggest that bio-fillers can enhance the properties of polyurethane materials.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Klaudia Ordon, Piotr Szatkowski, Wojciech Piekarczyk, Elzbieta Pamula, Kinga Pielichowska
Summary: Novel polyurethane-based materials were synthesized using a two-step process with poly(epsilon-caprolactone) diol (PCL) and 1,3-propanediol/starch (PDO/ST) systems as chain extenders/cross-linkers. Poly(ethylene glycol)/starch (PEG/ST) system as a phase change material (PCM) decreased the maximum setting temperature, and hydroxyapatite (HAp) was used as a bioactive nanofiller. The synthesized polyurethanes showed good energy storage effect and potential application for bone cements.
Article
Polymer Science
Martyna Gawel, Patrycja Domalik-Pyzik, Timothy E. L. Douglas, Katarzyna Reczynska-Kolman, Elzbieta Pamula, Kinga Pielichowska
Summary: This study proposes and investigates new scaffolds based on whey protein isolate (WPI) and chitosan (CS) for osteochondral tissue repair. The optimal WPI/CS hydrogels were chosen based on various evaluation criteria, and it was found that the hydrogels with CS incorporated in powder form exhibited superior mechanical properties and those with CS incorporated after dissolution showed enhanced wettability. The introduction of CS powder promoted apatite formation and the CS powder modified WPI hydrogels showed good cytocompatibility, indicating their potential for osteochondral tissue repair.
