Polymer Nanocomposites

Dr.S.S.M.Abdul Majeed Professor & Head Department of Polymer Technology B.S.Abdur Rahman University Vandalur, Chennai.

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Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers. A nanometer is one billionth of a meter (10-9 m), about four times the diameter of an atom.

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Nanomaterials

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Nanophase and nanostructured Materials

Potential applications in areas Electronics Optics Catalysis Ceramics Magnetic Data storage and Polymer nanocomposites.

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Polymer Nanocomposites
Polymer nanocomposites consist of a polymeric material and a reinforcing nanoscalematerial (nanoparticle). Polymer nanocomposites show major improvements in Mechanical properties Gas barrier properties, Thermal stability, Fire retardancy etc.
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Factors Influencing Properties

Synthesis methods Polymer nanocomposite morphology

Types of nanoparticles and their surface treatments

Polymer matrix whether thermoplastic or thermosetting

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Types of Nanoparticles
Montmorillonite organoclays (MMT) Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) Carbon nanotubes Nanosilica (N-silica) Nanoaluminum oxide Nanotitanium oxide, etc.
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Types of Nanoparticles
Montmorillonite organoclays (MMT) Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) Carbon nanotubes Nanosilica (N-silica) Nanoaluminum oxide Nanotitanium oxide, etc.
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Montmorillonite organoclays (MMT)

Silica is the dominant constituent of the montmorillonite clays, with alumina being essential.

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Carbon Nanotubes
Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are a form of vapor-grown carbon fiber which is a discontinuous graphitic filament produced in the gasphase from the pyrolysis of hydrocarbons.

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Polymer Matrix
Challenges in developing polymer nanocomposites.

The choice of nanoparticles requires an interfacial Interaction and/or compatibility with the polymer matrix.
Proper selection of process to uniformly disperse and distribute the nanoparticles within the polymer matrix.

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Properties of Polymer Nanocomposites

Thermal: increased thermal resistance, higher glass transition temperature (Tg) or heat deflection temperature (HDT), reduced coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Mechanical: increased modulus, strength, toughness, elongation Chemical: improved solvent resistance, improved moisture resistance
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Properties of Polymer Nanocomposites

Electrical: improved thermal conductivity, lower resistivity (depends on the nanoparticles) Barrier: reduced oxygen, moisture transmission

Optical: clear, transparency provided in selective systems Others: abrasion resistance, etc.reduced shrinkage

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Thermoplastics Matrix
Polyethylene Polypropylene Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Nylon Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Polycarbonate etc.
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Thermoset Matrix
Unsaturated polyester resin

Vinyl ester resine

Phenolic resins

Epoxy resin
Silicone resin

Polyimide etc.
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Processing of Nanomaterials
Processing methods for solid polymers

Solution intercalation Melt intercalation Roll milling Processing methods for liquid polymers In-situ polymerization Emulsion polymerization High-shear mixing

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Dispersion of Nanomaterials

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Dispersion of Nanomaterials...

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Dispersion of Nanomaterials...

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Characterization Methods
Wide-angle x-ray diffraction (WAXD) Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and spectroscopy Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) Small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) Thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA) Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) Dynamic mechanical thermal analyses (DMTA) Mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and compressive strength and modulus, and Izod impact) Flammability (cone calorimeter and UL 94)
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Characterization Methods
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM)atomic force microscopy (AFM)

and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) Neutron scattering Optical microscopy

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Characterization Methods
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) Atomic force microscopy (AFM)

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) Neutron scattering Optical microscopy

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Applications
Structural composites

Nanocoatings High temperature resisting composites

Polyelectrolytes Body implants Drug release agents etc.

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Thank You

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