Influence of using nanoobjects as filler on functionality-based energy use of nanocomposites

Abstract

The goal of our study was to investigate the potential benefits of reinforcing polymer matrices with nanoobjects for structural applications by looking at both the mechanical properties and environmental impacts. For determining the mechanical properties, we applied the material indices defined by Ashby for stiffness and strength. For the calculation of environmental impacts, we applied the life cycle assessment methodology, focusing on nonrenewable energy use (NREU). NREU has shown to be a good indicator also for other environmental impacts. We then divided the NREU by the appropriate Ashby index to obtain the 'functionality-based NREU'. We studied 23 different nanocomposites, based on thermoplastic and thermosetting polymer matrices and organophilic montmorillonite, silica, carbon nanotubes (single-walled and multiwalled) and calcium carbonate as filler. For 17 of these, we saw a decrease of the functionality-based NREU with increasing filler content. We draw the conclusion that the use of nanoobjects as filler can have benefits from both an environmental point of view and with respect to mechanical properties.

Accounting for the constrained availability of land: a comparison of bio‐based ethanol, polyethylene, and PLA with regard to non‐renewable energy use and land use

“…packaging film); this type of correction is key when comparing concrete final products, while it is our intention to make first general comparisons at the level of materials. Without going into the details of concrete final products, first‐order correction could be made for the quality of the material by application of the methodology proposed by Ashby7 (for example, see Roes et al 8). This would, however, require the availability of specific material data, which is currently not at our disposal ‡.…”

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“…81,82 The surface area for the interaction between nanofillers and matrix decreases and fractures in the agglomerate sites are initiated. 66,83 4. Decreased cross-section of the load-bearing matrix.…”

Our Experience of Using Thermally Recycled Silica Gel in a Teaching and Small Research Laboratory Setting

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