Polymer Nanocomposites: Towards Multi-Functionality

ISBN-13: 9781447168072 / Angielski / Twarda / 2016 / 305 str.

Aravind Dasari; Zhongzhen Yu; Yiu-Wing Mai

Opis

Polymer nanocomposites, a representative class of nanostructured materials have the potential to show superior multi-functional properties even at low filler loadings compared to conventional macro- and micro-composites. This is often attributed to the availability of large numbers of nanoparticles with huge interfacial areas and the confinement of polymer matrix chains at the nano-level. These characteristics of the nano-reinforcements, if fully exploited, will result in the achievement of multi-functional (that is, unique combinations of mechanical, physical, optical, electrical, magnetic and thermal) properties required for a spectrum of applications and are unachievable with traditional materials. However, despite some promising and inspiring results with clay/carbon nanotubes (and other nanoparticles) as fillers in polymers, there are several fundamental issues which need to be resolved to tailor a combination of physical, mechanical or other functional properties of the resultant nanocomposites required for specific applications. These include the processing of nanocomposites, dispersion/distribution of nanoparticles in a matrix, surface modification and compatibility among the different phases, and controlled micro- to nano-structures and their influence on various properties. This monograph presents the basics, as well as advanced and in-depth knowledge of polymer nanocomposites and their potential to exhibit multi-functional properties. The book also emphasizes the delineation of the parameters and mechanisms responsible for achieving multi-functionality. This monograph deals with the fundamentals and advances made in understanding the various facets of polymer nanocomposites including embrittlement/toughness, wear/scratch behaviour, thermal stability and flame retardancy, electrical and thermal conductivity, optical and magnetic properties. The significance of obtaining controlled micro- to nano-structures to achieve multi-functionality is underlined, and the book also provides an insight into and physical understanding of the mechanisms responsible for these required properties. The results, analyses and discussions presented in the book are expected to guide the development of a new class of multi-functional nanocomposites.

Spis treści

1. Introduction: A Multi-Functional Approach

2. Nanoparticles: Structures and Pros/Cons of Incorporating Them in Polymers

3. Processing and Resultant Micro-/Nano-Structures

4. Importance of Accurate Morphological Characterization

5. Interfaces in Polymer Nanocomposites: Lamellae Organization

6. Mechanical Properties

7. Toughening Mechanisms

8. Wear/Scratch Damage (Including Nanoindentation and Nano-Wear)

9. Thermal Stability

10. Flame Retardancy

11. Other Functional Properties: Conductivity (Electrical and Thermal); Permeability (and Barrier); Optical; Magnetic

12. Applications and Outlook

O autorze

Aravind obtained the first degree (B. Tech in Chemical Engineering) from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, India in 1999 and M.S. (Chemical Engineering) from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, USA in 2003. He then moved to University of Sydney, Australia where he obtained his PhD in 2007 from the Center for Advanced Materials Technology (CAMT). Upon completion of PhD, Dr Dasari continued to work as a post-doctoral fellow before moving to Madrid Institute of Advanced Studies of Materials (IMDEA Materials Institute) as a Research Scientist in early 2009 to lead the group on Multifunctional Nanocomposites. After a couple of years of exciting stint in Madrid, he joined NTU as an Assistant Professor in mid 2011. His research focuses on various aspects of hybrid polymer nanocomposites including combustion response, functional fabrics, food packaging and acoustic absorption in thin films.

Zhong-Zhen Yu received his PhD in process engineering from the National Polytechnic Institute of Lorraine, France in 2001 and then worked as a postdoctoral and research fellow at the Centre for Advanced Materials Technology, The University of Sydney, for six years. From 1992 to 1999 he was a research fellow in the State Key Laboratory of Engineering Plastics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He is now a professor of Polymer Engineering in the College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology. His research interests cover many aspects of polymer blends, composites and nanocomposites, including toughening and strengthening with rigid particles and fibers, fracture behaviour, flame retardancy, conductivity, tribology and polymer processing.  

Yiu-Wing Mai is an alumnus of the University of Hong Kong, having completed his BSc in 1969, his PhD in 1972 and his DSc in 1999. He also obtained a DEng from The University of Sydney in 1999. He previously worked in the US (Ann Arbor and NIST), the UK (Imperial College) and Hong Kong (HKUST and CityU). Professor Mai is currently University Chair and Professor of mechanical engineering at The University of Sydney. He is also Visiting Chair Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Professor Mai's major research interests are the basic understanding of processing-microstructure-property relationships, particularly the fracture and mechanical behaviours of a range of advanced materials, including polymer blends, ceramics, cementitious materials, hard surface coatings and fibre composites. His current projects are related to polymer and ceramic-based nanocomposites and fracture mechanics of smart materials.

Blurb

This highlights ongoing research efforts on different aspects of polymer nanocomposites and explores their potentials to exhibit multi-functional properties. In this context, it addresses both fundamental and advanced concepts, while delineating the parameters and mechanisms responsible for these potentials. Aspects considered include embrittlement/toughness; wear/scratch behaviour; thermal stability and flame retardancy; barrier, electrical and thermal conductivity; and optical and magnetic properties.

Further, the book was written as a coherent unit rather than a collection of chapters on different topics. As such, the results, analyses and discussions presented herein provide a guide for the development of a new class of multi-functional nanocomposites. Offering an invaluable resource for materials researchers and postgraduate students in the polymer composites field, they will also greatly benefit materials