Characterization
Utkarsh A. Patil; Pravin Ramchandra Kubade
Abstract
The growing need for enhanced materials has led to the development of nanocomposites, which have shown great potential in various industries. However, optimizing the composition of these materials to achieve the best mechanical performance and cost-effectiveness remains a challenge. This research addresses ...
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The growing need for enhanced materials has led to the development of nanocomposites, which have shown great potential in various industries. However, optimizing the composition of these materials to achieve the best mechanical performance and cost-effectiveness remains a challenge. This research addresses this challenge by employing a virtual experimental approach, utilizing Digimat for material modeling and CATIA for Design and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). This approach allows for the simulation and analysis of different nanocomposite compositions without the need for costly and time-consuming physical experiments. The study focuses on Polypropylene (PP) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) based nanocomposites with graphene and carbon black reinforcements. The research investigates the impact of varying the weight percentages of these nanofillers on the mechanical properties of the composites. The PP/PVC blends are created in different weight ratios to provide further compositional control. The material preparation is carried out in Digimat, where the properties of the composites are defined using a micromechanical model. The FEA is then conducted in CATIA, where a standard ASTM D638 tensile specimen is simulated under controlled conditions. The results are validated by varying mesh sizes to optimize deflection and Von Mises stress predictions. Furthermore, an economic analysis is conducted to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the different nanocomposite compositions. The study highlights the importance of virtual experimentation in material science, as it allows for efficient exploration of various material compositions and reduces the need for physical prototyping. This approach accelerates the material development process and enables the optimization of material design for specific applications. The virtual trials explored alternatives to PVC using PP-based composites reinforced with graphene/carbon black. PP/PVC 40/60 reinforced with 1.5% wt. graphene (P4V6G15) and reinforced with 7.5% wt. carbon black (P4V6C75) showed 31.6% and 31.2% deflection reductions compared to pure PP, respectively. These results show that P4V6 blends, especially those with graphene or high carbon black concentrations, serve as promising alternatives to conventional PVC. Among them, P4V6C75 stands out by offering the best overall mechanical performance. It also provides the lowest production cost. In terms of economic favorability, P4V6C75 is approximately 2.55 times more cost-effective than the graphene-based blend P4V6G15. This combination of high performance and low cost makes P4V6C75 the most suitable candidate for PVC replacement.
Structure and property relationship
Igor Chmutin; Ludmila Novokshonova; Petr Brevnov; Guzel Yukhayeva; Natalia Ryvkina
Abstract
There are described nanocomposites based on ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and graphite nanoplates prepared by in-situ polymerization method. It is carried out a comprehensive study of electric properties of these composites, including direct current (dc) and alternating current (ac) properties. ...
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There are described nanocomposites based on ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and graphite nanoplates prepared by in-situ polymerization method. It is carried out a comprehensive study of electric properties of these composites, including direct current (dc) and alternating current (ac) properties. There is explored dependence of the conductivity and dielectric permeability on filler concentration, temperature, deformation and frequency of electric field. These relationships are compared with those for composites based on other carbon fillers including both nanoscale (carbon nanotubes, carbon black) and micron-sized (graphite, schungite) fillers. More specific electrical properties of investigated materials such as lower percolation threshold and higher dielectric permittivity compared to those for composites based on other carbon fillers are attributed to the plate-like shape of graphite nanoplates. These materials are distinguished also by their high electrical stability against temperature and deformation. Therefore, it makes graphite nanoplates the most preferable conductive filler for some practical applications. Some possible application areas for UHMWPE/graphite nanoplates nanocomposites will be also discussed.
Catalysis
He-Xin Zhang; Seung-Ri Lee; Dong-Ho Lee; Xue-Quan Zhang; Keun-Byoung Yoon
Abstract
Despite the great potential of graphene as a nanofiller, achieving homogeneous dispersion remains the key challenge for effectively reinforcing polyolefin (such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP)) nanocomposites. Therefore, in this research, we report a facile combined in situ polymerization ...
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Despite the great potential of graphene as a nanofiller, achieving homogeneous dispersion remains the key challenge for effectively reinforcing polyolefin (such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP)) nanocomposites. Therefore, in this research, we report a facile combined in situ polymerization and masterbatch method for fabricating PP/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites. In the polymerization stage, the synthesized catalyst exhibited a very high activity toward propylene polymerization, while the resultant PP/rGO with a very high isotactic index (I.I. = 99.3), broad molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn = 14.9), and thermal stability was produced. After meltblending with commercial PP, a significantly increased modulus along with no observable change in tensile strength and elongation-at-break were achieved via the addition of a very small amount of rGO; these properties resulted from the suitable dispersion and good interface adhesion of the graphene sheet and PP matrix. Thus, this work provides a method for production of high performance PP.
