UV Irradiated Graphene-Based Nanocomposites: Change in the Mechanical Properties by Local HarmoniX Atomic Force Microscopy Detection

Abstract

Epoxy based coatings are susceptible to ultra violet (UV) damage and their durability can be significantly reduced in outdoor environments. This paper highlights a relevant property of graphene-based nanoparticles: Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs) incorporated in an epoxy-based free-standing film determine a strong decrease of the mechanical damages caused by UV irradiation. The effects of UV light on the morphology and mechanical properties of the solidified nanocharged epoxy films are investigated by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), in the acquisition mode “HarmoniX.” Nanometric-resolved maps of the mechanical properties of the multi-phase material evidence that the incorporation of low percentages, between 0.1% and 1.0% by weight, of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in the polymeric film causes a relevant enhancement in the mechanical stability of the irradiated films. The beneficial effect progressively increases with increasing GNP percentage. The paper also highlights the potentiality of AFM microscopy, in the acquisition mode “HarmoniX” for studying multiphase polymeric systems.

Nanometric Mechanical Behavior of Electrospun Membranes Loaded with Magnetic Nanoparticles

“…The elastic modulus was measured with an accuracy of 10 MPa and positioned on the sample surface with a precision of 10 nm. The Derjaguin-Muller-Toporov (DMT) model was used to process the height and local mechanical data using the procedure reported previously in the literature [ 59 , 60 ], which were processed along the fibres using NanoScope Analysis 1.40 Software (Bruker Corporation, Billerica, MA, USA) and via OriginPro 2018 64-bit software (OriginLab Corporation, Northampton, MA, USA). The modulus values assessed were taken along the nanofiber’s spine, in line with earlier research reports.…”

Recent Trends in Magnetic Polymer Nanocomposites for Aerospace Applications: A Review

“…In this mode, the measurements of the topography and frictorsional deflection at different frequencies allow one to separate the two signals and achieve complete and contemporary characterization of mechanical and morphological properties in real time [ 101 ]. Using this technique, Guadagno et al used AFM to analyze the effect of UV radiation on epoxy-based coatings properties that have incorporated Graphene Nanoplatelets [ 102 ]. For this, they used the acquisition mode “HarmoniX” to obtain nanometric-resolved maps of the mechanical properties.…”

“…Furthermore, the researchers point out that this beneficial effect increases with increasing nanoplatelets. Finally, they highlight the versatility of “HarmoniX” to study multiphase polymeric systems [ 102 ].…”

Electrical Investigation by Tunneling Atomic Force Microscopy of Carbon Fiber‐Reinforced Panels Manufactured by Modified Resin Film Infusion

“…[7,8] In this sense, the carbon nanostructured forms, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), constitute a valuable aid. [9,10] In particular, the extraordinary properties of the CNTs can be exploited to obtain a further improvement in the electrical performance of the resulting materials, when, for example, CNTs are incorporated into aeronautical resins providing fitting formulations for the impregnation of carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRCs). In fact, as a result of this, a significant increase in electrical conductivity up to 10 S m −1 which currently represents the aircraft's value for the aircraft primary structural parts, such as wings and fuselage, can be obtained.…”