Article
Materials Science, Composites
Hiran Chathuranga, Kimal Chandula Wasalathilake, Ifra Marriam, Jennifer MacLeod, Zhanying Zhang, Ruixiang Bai, Zhenkun Lei, Yan Li, Yinong Liu, Hong Yang, Cheng Yan
Summary: The study fabricated a nacre-inspired GO-PMMA nanocomposite with excellent mechanical properties and stability, providing a convenient method for producing novel nanocomposites with improved mechanical properties.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Esmail Sharifzadeh, Neda Azimi, Reza Mohammadi
Summary: This study investigates the impact of homogeneously modified (HM) and Janus silica nanoparticles on the thermostimulative shape memory effect in high-density polyethylene/poly(ethylene terephthalate) blend-based polymer nanocomposites. The results demonstrate that the physical/mechanical characteristics of the polymer/polymer interface play a crucial role in defining the shape memory effect. The Janus nanoparticles are synthesized through a two-step desymmetrization process, while a single-step modification procedure is used for homogenous modification. The samples containing Janus nanoparticles exhibit the strongest shape memory effect.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Christos Pavlou, Maria Giovanna Pastore Carbone, Anastasios C. Manikas, George Trakakis, Can Koral, Gianpaolo Papari, Antonello Andreone, Costas Galiotis
Summary: A new fabrication method was used to produce continuous cm-scale graphene/polymer nanolaminates, which showed enhanced electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness, conductivity, and mechanical properties.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Bozhong Zhuang, Shiyun Li, Siyang Li, Jun Yin
Summary: This review summarizes current methods to reduce PMMA residues and systematically discusses the mechanisms behind them.
Article
Polymer Science
Luis-Francisco Minguez-Enkovaara, Francisco-Jose Carrion-Vilches, Maria-Dolores Aviles, Maria-Dolores Bermudez
Summary: New PMMA nanocomposites containing GO or GOIL were studied. The additives were found to align differently on the exterior surfaces and core regions. GO showed negligible wear on both section surfaces, while the performance of PMMA+GOIL depended on the sliding direction. Both GO and GOIL reduced residual depth values and increased the viscoelastic recovery of PMMA under multiple scratching. PMMA+GOIL exhibited the highest viscoelastic recovery and the lowest complex viscosity values. The wear mechanisms were discussed in relation to materials properties, nanofiller type, and orientation and sliding direction.
EXPRESS POLYMER LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Mingchao Ma, Wenzhi Cui, Yunlong Guo, Wei Yu
Summary: In this study, the adsorption-desorption of polymer chains on the surface of silica nanoparticles in PMMA-silica nanocomposite was investigated. The results showed that the adsorption-desorption process is dynamic and influenced by temperature and time. The adsorption condition can be altered through annealing, and the physical aging behavior under different adsorption conditions was analyzed.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Fatema Tarannum, Rajmohan Muthaiah, Swapneel Danayat, Kayla Foley, Roshan S. Annam, Keisha B. Walters, Jivtesh Garg
Summary: In this work, it is demonstrated that edge oxidation of graphene can significantly enhance the thermal conductivity of graphene nanoplatelet/polyetherimide composites. The edge oxidation preserves the high in-plane thermal conductivity of graphene while improving the interfacial thermal conductance through hydrogen bonding with polymer matrix. In contrast, basal plane oxidation dramatically decreases the intrinsic thermal conductivity of graphene, leading to a lower composite thermal conductivity.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
B. Hajduk, H. Bednarski, P. Jarka, H. Janeczek, M. Godzierz, T. Taiiski
Summary: The article explores the thermal and physical properties of PMMA composite films with the addition of Nb2O5 nanoparticles, highlighting the impact on optical transmission, glass transition temperature, and polymer structure. The results of ellipsometric, differential scanning calorimetry tests, X-ray studies, and scanning electron microscopy show the influence of nanoparticles on the properties of the composite films.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chong Cheen Ong, Rajan Jose, Mohamed Shuaib Mohamed Saheed
Summary: This study establishes the relationship between defects in CNT/3DG heterostructure and its surface wetting property, leading to the development of a superhydrophobic surface through polymer matrix encapsulation. The superhydrophobic surface's effectiveness in oil absorption and reusability has been evaluated, showing potential for designing suitable absorbents for water remediation.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
M. T. Aranda, I. G. Garcia, J. Reinoso, V. Mantic
Summary: This investigation compares the interface fracture energy in adhesive joints with different configurations. The results show a high level of similarity in the fracture energy prediction for the two configurations, with the largest differences observed for the largest fracture mode-mixity angles. Finite element models suggest that different process zones in the two configurations may contribute to the small discrepancy found in the experimental results.
ENGINEERING FRACTURE MECHANICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Raina Aman Qazi, Rozina Khattak, Luqman Ali Shah, Rizwan Ullah, Muhammad Sufaid Khan, Muhammad Sadiq, Mahmoud M. Hessien, Zeinhom M. El-Bahy
Summary: Biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymer nanocomposites were synthesized by incorporating multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) (PMMA). The modified MWCNTs exhibited improved dispersion in the polymer matrix. The nanocomposites showed enhanced thermal properties, electrical conductivity, and ammonia-sensing capabilities, with the PHB/f-MWCNTs/PMMA blend system demonstrating the best overall performance.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Duwage C. Perera, Jayendran C. Rasaiah
Summary: Graphene and graphene oxide (GO)-based metal oxides can enhance the photocatalytic performance of zinc oxide (ZnO) as a water-splitting photocatalyst. The adsorption of (ZnO) nanoparticles on GO promotes hydrogen production during water splitting, with hydrogen formation preceding oxygen formation. However, this phenomenon is not observed when (ZnO) nanoparticles are adsorbed on graphene.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Manisa Das, Pujashree Priyadarshini Sethy, Udai Pratap Singh, Bibekananda Sundaray
Summary: This study prepared graphene-based polyaniline-polystyrene polymer composite films using the solution cast method, and characterized them through various techniques. The results showed that the nanocomposite films exhibited high electrical conductivity and carrier mobility, with a low percolation threshold and a lower optical band gap.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Maziyar Sabet, Hassan Soleimani
Summary: This study demonstrates the possibility of creating poly(methyl methacrylate)/graphene oxide (PMMA/GO) composites and shows that the inclusion of GO can greatly improve the thermal stability, mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and flame retardant of PMMA.
POLYMER SCIENCE SERIES A
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Rachit Ranjan, Vivek Bajpai
Summary: This study investigates the potential of nitrogen-doped graphene nanosheets (NDG) as a reinforcing material in aluminum metal matrix composites. The NDG was synthesized through a mechanochemical process involving solid-state dry ball milling of graphite with melamine. The properties of NDG were evaluated using various characterization techniques, and it was found that adding NDG as a reinforcement significantly improved the wettability and strength of the composites.
ADVANCED POWDER TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Qingshi Meng, Yuanyuan Feng, Sensen Han, Fei Yang, Murat Demiral, Fanze Meng, Sherif Araby
Summary: The development of eco-friendly polymer composites using green chemistry has attracted much attention in recent years. In this study, functional epoxy/graphene nanocomposites were prepared using a mechanochemical approach. Graphene platelets (GnPs) were modified with a long-chain surfactant through high-energy ball milling, resulting in improved dispersion and interface strength with the epoxy matrix. At 2.0 vol% m-GnPs, the elastic modulus, tensile strength, and thermal conductivity of the epoxy were significantly enhanced by 889%, 163%, and 105%, respectively. The study also showed that the epoxy/m-GnP film exhibited high sensitivity to mechanical strains and impact loads. The use of mechanochemistry in the production of functional epoxy/graphene composites represents a significant advancement.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Qingshi Meng, Daiqiang Liu, Yi Zhou, Rui Cai, Yuanyuan Feng, Zonghao Hu, Sensen Han
Summary: This study reports a method to prepare graphene nanosheets by ball milling and modification with APTES, which can reduce the thickness of the nanosheets and improve their dispersion and compatibility in the PDMS matrix. The resulting MGE/PDMS composite film shows significantly improved electrical conductivity, making it an ideal material for flexible electronic products.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yuyan Yu, Shuhua Peng, Mohammad Islam, Shuying Wu, Chun H. Wang
Summary: This study presents a new stretchable supercapacitive temperature sensor that achieves high temperature accuracy and sensitivity by using novel strategies to minimize interferences from mechanical stretching and pressure. The sensor demonstrates potential as an ideal choice for skin-interfaced health monitoring devices.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sensen Han, Fei Yang, Qingsong Li, Guoxin Sui, Gulnur Kalimuldina, Sherif Araby
Summary: A supramolecular self-assembly method was used to prepare MCA@alpha-ZrP nanosheets as a hybrid flame retardant for TPU. The hybrid exhibited a uniform dispersion and strong interfacial strength within the TPU matrix, resulting in improved mechanical and fire-safety properties. The MCA@alpha-ZrP hybrid reduced the peak heat release rate of TPU by 49.7% and significantly promoted its fire performance index by 90%.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
Shuo Wang, Mingyu Liu, Sherif Araby, Xiangming Wang, Amir A. Abdelsalam, Hongqian Xue, Qingshi Meng
Summary: In this study, graphene platelets (GnPs) were used to enhance the inter-laminar interface in carbon fiber (CF) metal laminates (FMLs) for improved mechanical properties. The addition of 0.5 wt% GnPs increased the flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength of FMLs by 39.7% and 53.2%, respectively. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirmed that the low content of GnPs improved the elastic modulus of the matrix and increased resin adsorption on the surface of carbon fiber and Al sheets. Both experimental and MD simulation results demonstrated the effectiveness of adding GnPs in improving the interlaminar mechanical properties of FMLs. This research method can be applied to studying FMLs with other nanomaterials.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mingtao Zhang, Meng Su, Yijing Qin, Chuntai Liu, Changyu Shen, Jun Ma, Xianhu Liu
Summary: The development of a photothermal ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene/MXene composite aerogel with high light absorption and water repellency is introduced. The composite aerogel exhibits durable hydrophobicity, excellent photothermal performance, and a significantly reduced crude oil absorption time. Additionally, the designed solar evaporation device with the composite aerogel achieves high evaporation rates and efficiency. This composite aerogel provides a possible pathway for solar-powered crude oil adsorption applications.
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Qingshi Meng, Caiying Chen, Sherif Araby, Rui Cai, Xuanyi Yang, Pengxu Li, Wei Wang
Summary: Laser metal deposition (LMD) was used to add boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) to aluminum alloy (AlSi10Mg). The addition of BNNSs not only improved the hardness and mechanical properties of the Al-alloy, but also significantly enhanced its ductility. The BNNSs played a crucial role in grain refinement and the formation of a hard mesophase of aluminum nitride, reinforcing the Al-alloy. These results provide insights into microstructure changes and mechanical property improvements using LMD method.
JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
(2023)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Aliya Zhagiparova, Gulnur Kalimuldina, Abdullatif Lacina Diaby, Fethi Abbassi, Md Hazrat Ali, Sherif Araby
Summary: There is increasing demand for wearable electronic devices/strain sensors in various fields, such as soft robotics, body-health monitoring, human-machine interfaces, and human motion detection. These sensors possess fast and multistimuli sensitivity, high flexibility, ultrastretchability, and biocompatibility. However, challenges including reliability and reproducibility need to be overcome to move from the prototype phase into the industry phase. This review provides an in-depth understanding of the sensing mechanisms of flexible strain sensors based on polymeric nanocomposites and discusses key parameters and current challenges in relation to wearable strain sensors.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Sensen Han, Fei Yang, Qingshi Meng, Jun Li, Guoxin Sui, Xiao Su, Hsu-Chiang Kuan, Chun H. Wang, Jun Ma
Summary: This study presents a method to assemble renewable adenosine triphosphate (ATP), melamine, and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) into hybrid particles (ATP-melamine-GNPs) for flame-retarding polymer nanocomposites. These hybrid particles showed uniform dispersion and strong interfacial adhesion in an epoxy matrix. The addition of ATP-melamine-GNPs improved the mechanical properties and flame retardancy of the nanocomposites. The findings of this work provide a new platform for developing environmentally friendly and mechanically resilient polymer nanocomposites with flame-retardant properties.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoying Luo, Xin He, Hui Zhao, Jun Ma, Jie Tao, Songjiao Zhao, Yan Yan, Yao Li, Shenmin Zhu
Summary: Currently, donor tissue is required for treating corneal diseases caused by corneal endothelium injury. However, there is a severe shortage of available corneas. Therefore, researchers are exploring alternative approaches, such as tissue-engineered scaffolds, which can support the transplantation of corneal endothelial cells. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in using polymer biomaterials as scaffolds for corneal endothelium tissue engineering. It analyzes the key properties required for an effective corneal endothelial implant using polymer biomaterials, discusses various emerging biomaterials as scaffolds, and highlights the challenges and prospects of these materials in corneal endothelium tissue engineering.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sheyda Mirjalali, Roohollah Bagherzadeh, Arezo Mahdavi Varposhti, Mohsen Asadnia, Shujuan Huang, Wenkai Chang, Shuhua Peng, Chun-Hui Wang, Shuying Wu
Summary: In recent decades, flexible piezoelectric devices have gained significant attention for their applications in wearable sensors and energy harvesters. Poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE), a type of piezoelectric polymer, has attracted considerable interest due to its flexibility, thermal stability, and biocompatibility. However, its limited piezoelectricity hinders its broader applications. In this study, a new approach was proposed to enhance the piezoelectricity of PVDF-TrFE nanofibers by integrating barium titanate (BTO) nanoparticles. The results showed a significant improvement in piezoelectric output when BTO was sandwiched between the PVDF-TrFE nanofibers compared to when it was uniformly dispersed, with a maximum enhancement of approximately 457%. Simulation results suggested that the enhanced piezoelectricity is attributed to the larger strain induced in the BTO nanoparticles in the sandwich structure. The study also demonstrated the potential of the piezoelectric nanofiber mats as sensors for measuring biting force and as a sensor array for pressure mapping.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Chi Cong Nguyen, Timotius Teh, Mai Thanh Thai, Phuoc Thien Phan, Trung Thien Hoang, James Davies, Hoang-Phuong Phan, Chun H. Wang, Nigel H. Lovell, Thanh Nho Do
Summary: Minimally invasive surgery has been effective for cardiovascular diseases and gastrointestinal cancers. Soft robotic catheters using soft materials have gained attention for their ability to navigate complex anatomical structures. However, current systems have limitations due to rigid mechanisms and insufficient forces. New soft robotic catheters with bidirectional bending motion and spiral shapes have been introduced to address these challenges. They offer quicker and more accurate manipulation for cardiac and GI interventions, enhancing patient outcomes.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MEDICAL ROBOTICS AND BIONICS
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
Wenmu Yang, Wenkai Chang, Jin Zhang, Guan Heng Yeoh, Cyrille Boyer, Chun H. Wang
Summary: This study presents a novel method of functionalizing ammonium polyphosphate (APP) to simultaneously improve structural strength and flame retardancy. Experimental results demonstrate that this method maintains the polymer's structural strength while meeting the flame-retardant requirements for railway vehicle applications. The study provides new design possibilities for industries such as construction and transportation.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Youzhe Yang, Jun Ma, Jie Yang, Yingyan Zhang
Summary: Two-dimensional nanomaterials like graphene and h-BN have high mechanical strength and thermal conductivity, making them ideal reinforcing fillers for impact protection materials, phase change materials, and thermal interface materials. However, the mechanical properties of graphene/h-BN heterostructures have not been widely explored. This study used molecular dynamics simulations and finite element analysis to investigate the mechanical properties, fracture mechanisms, and manipulation techniques of graphene/h-BN heterostructures. The results show that heterogeneous GBN has excellent performance in resisting bending deformation, and its size-dependent performance can be manipulated through hydrogenation and layer number.
THIN-WALLED STRUCTURES
(2024)
