A Review on Polymeric Nanocomposites of Nanodiamond, Carbon Nanotube, and Nanobifiller: Structure, Preparation and Properties

Abstract

In this review, an overview of various types of nanofillers is presented with special emphasis on structure, synthesis and properties of carbon nanotube (CNT), nanodiamond (ND) and nanobifiller of CNT/ND, CNT/GO and CNT/graphene. In addition, polymer/CNT, polymer/ND and polymer/nanobifiller composites have been discussed.The efficacy of different fabrication techniques for nanocomposites (solution casting, insitu and melt blending method) and their properties were also discussed in detail. Finally, we have summarized the challenges and future prospects of polymer nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanofillers hoping to facilitate progress in the emerging area of nanobifiller technology. INTRODUCTIONAmong the unique properties of polymer/nanomaterials, large surface to volume ratios and mechanical properties are noteworthy. These properties offer several exciting areas of research. The ultra high stiffness and hardness exhibited by nanomaterials make them important in reinforcing polymer matrices. According to recent research small additions of nanomaterials (~ 1 wt. %) may remarkably increase the mechanical properties (upto100%) although the precise mechanism responsible for the dramatic enhancement is not clearly understood [1,2]. It is generally believed that nanomaterials and polymer matrices develop molecular interactions which play a major role in enhancement. The key which hold true for the enhancement in mechanical properties is large surface area available for such interactions.In recent years variety of nanomaterials were synthesized and characterized, among them nanocarbons are of particular interest with different dimensionalities e.g. graphene, nanotubes and nanodiamond with dimensionalities two, one, and zero respectively [3,4].The mechanical properties of the polymer matrices reinforced with one type of nanocarbons have been extensively investigated [5]. Nature of interaction of nanocarbons constituents with polymer matrix depends on the dimensionality of filler constituent. For example the nanodiamond (ND) may interact with polymer at a point Downloaded by [New York University] at 14:08 04 August 2015 3 whereas carbon nanotubes (CNT) may interact over the length of polymer chain. However mechanical properties of polymer matrix have been known to improve by different type of nanocarbons. The synergistic effect in properties of final composite may be achieved by the incorporation of two types of nanocarbons, where each of them interacts differently with the matrix. CNT offers venues of exciting areas of research since Iijima initially identified CNT structure in 1991. CNT have unique thermal, electrical, mechanical and magnetic properties, high surface area, low density and high chemical stability. The diameter of the CNT usually ranges from 0.4-4 nm. The length of the nanotubes can vary from 100 nm to several micrometers depending on the preparation and purification methods used. Their uses are being extensively investigated for polymer composites, field emission displays, fabrication of reinforc...

PMMA nanocomposites with graphene oxide hybrid nanofillers

“…Polymer/carbon nanofiller nanocomposites are receiving increasing attention [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] in the expectation of improving the stability and mechanical, tribological or degradation resistance of polymer matrices by the addition of dispersed carbon nanotubes or graphene nanofillers as neat, modified or functionalized nanomaterials [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. The unique characteristics of carbon nanostructures may considerably enhance the performance of the composite materials with respect to polymer matrices.…”

Влияние Малых Добавок Углеродных Нанотрубок На Механические Свойства Эпоксидных Полимеров При Статических И Динамических Нагрузках

“…Композиты с содержанием УНТ менее 0.01 wt.% (< 100 g/t) могут оказаться вполне доступ-ными как с точки зрения технологичности, так и по стоимости, поэтому исследования их свойств в этом интервале концентраций является перспективными не только в плане лучшего понимания природы взаимодей-ствий в системе полимерная матрица/нанонаполнитель, но и для широкого практического применения. Следует отметить, что, несмотря на огромное количество пуб-ликаций, посвященных модифицированию эпоксидных смол УНТ (см., например, обзоры [2][3][4]), практиче-ски нет работ, где исследуется влияние сверхмалых добавок наноматериалов на свойства композитов на их основе.…”

Investigation on Nanocomposite Membrane of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Polycarbonate Blend for Gas Separation

“…In multiwalled nanotube, there is a collection of several concentric graphene cylinders bound together by weak forces to form a Russian doll-like structure. In polymeric nanocomposite, carbon nanotube has been used as a nanofiller to form ultralight structural materials with enhanced thermal, mechanical, electrical, and optical characteristics [3][4][5]. Initially, nanotube production and employment in polymeric materials were not cost-effective due to expensive production procedures.…”