The critical role of inorganic nanofillers in solid polymer composite electrolyte for Li+transportation

Compared with commercial lithium batteries with liquid electrolytes,all-solidstate lithium batteries(ASSLBs)possess the advantages of higher safety,better electrochemical stability,higher energy density,and longer cycle life;therefore,ASSLBs have been identified as promising candidates for next-generation safe and stable high-energy-storage devices.The design and fabrication of solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)are vital for the future commercialization of ASSLBs.Among various SSEs,solid polymer composite electrolytes(SPCEs)consisting of inorganic nanofillers and polymer matrix have shown great application prospects in the practice of ASSLBs.The incorporation of inorganic nanofillers into the polymer matrix has been considered as a crucial method to achieve high ionic conductivity for SPCE.In this review,the mechanisms of Li+transport variation caused by incorporating inorganic nanofillers into the polymer matrix are discussed in detail.On the basis of the recent progress,the respective contributions of polymer chains,passive ceramic nanofillers,and active ceramic nanofillers in affecting the Li+transport process of SPCE are reviewed systematically.The inherent relationship between the morphological characteristics of inorganic nanofillers and the ionic conductivity of the resultant SPCE is discussed.Finally,the challenges and future perspectives for developing high-performance SPCE are put forward.This review aims to provide possible strategies for the further improvement of ionic conductivity in inorganic nanoscale filler-reinforced SPCE and highlight their inspiration for future research directions.

Microwave Absorption Properties of Polyester Composites Incorporated with Heterostructure Nanofillers with Carbon Nanotubes as Carriers

Carbonaceous nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes （CNTs）, magnetic metal nanomaterials and semicon- ductor nanomaterials are superior candidates for microwave absorbers. Taking full advantage of the features of CNTs, nanophase cobalt and nanophase zinc oxide, whose main microwave absorption mechanisms are based on resistance loss, magnetic loss and dielectric loss, we fabricate CNT/Co and CNT/ZnO heterostructure nanocom- posites, respectively. By using the CNTs, CNT/Co nanocomposites and CNT/ZnO nanocomposites as nanofillers, composites with polyester as matrix are prepared by in situ polymerization, and their microwave absorption per- formance is studied. It is indicated that the synergetic effects of the physic properties of different components in nano-heterostructures result in greatly enhanced microwave absorption performance in a wide frequency range. The absorption peak is increased, the absorption bandwidth is broadened, and the maximum peak shifts to a lower frequency.

Role of Metallic Nanofillers on Mechanical and Tribological Behaviour of Carbon Fabric Reinforced Epoxy Composites

In this study, hybrid composites based on carbon fabric and epoxy (C/Ep) were fabricated by hand lay-up method followed by compression moulding. The C/Ep with optimum carbon fiber (60 wt%) was chosen as a reference material, and to it, the metallic nanoparticles like aluminum (Al) and zinc (Zn) of different wt% (0.5 and 1.0) were included as secondary fillers. To understand the synergism effect of these hybrid reinforcements, mechanical properties and tribological behavior of composites were studied. From the test results, it was proved that hybridization improved the mechanical and tribological properties. The C/Ep consisting of 0.5 wt% Zn and Al showed higher tensile properties in comparison with all other fabricated composites. Increase in flexural strength and flexural modulus also observed as the filler content increased in C/Ep composite. Higher impact strength is noted at 1 wt% Zn filled C/Ep composite. Wear test data revealed that 0.5 wt% Zn in C/Ep has got superior wear resistance. Wear mechanisms were discussed using scanning electron micrographs of selected worn surfaces of the composites.

The Influence of Creep on the Mechanical Properties of Calcium Carbonate Nanofiller Reinforced Polypropylene

The study focused on experimental and classical data to establish some mechanical properties for optimum design of new polypropylene components to serve under creep environment. The creep studies recorded stress limits that never exceeded 24.19MPa and maximum creep modulus that never exceeded 1.49GPa as against the predictions of classical equations that gave 2.0GPa for PPC0 and 2.46GPa for PPC2 at ambient conditions. The shear modulus and shear strength of the PPC0 and the PPC2 are predicted as 0.75GPa and 120MPa respectively and 0.92GPa and 150MPa respectively while the yield strengths found to be about 13.19MPa and 13.20MPa respectively for PPC0 and PPC2 at elastic strains 0.008 and 0.009 respectively. Further found are that as the material deforms the stiffness or modulus decrease, at low strains there is an elastic region, as temperature and applied stress increase the material becomes more flexible characterized with reduction in moduli. Plastic deformation at strains above 0.01 resulted to strain- hardening or strain-strengthening that manifested as the increasing area ratios and associated creep cold work. Also established by this study is a computational model for evaluating the elastic modulus of polypropylene matrix based material as expressed in equation (6). Both the Halphin-Tsai and the Birintrup equations for elastic modulus of unidirectional fibre composites were confirmed to be appropriate for prediction of elastic modulus of nanofiller composites with polymer matrix.

Effect of Nanofillers on Abrasion Resistance of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Phenolic Friction Composites

The present study focuses on the development of polymeric friction composites with short carbon fiber, micron and nano-sized fillers, additives with varying weight% in phenol formaldehyde (PF) matrix using hot compression moulding process. The composites prepared with fillers viz. Molybdenum disulfide or Molykote (MK) and multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in carbon fiber reinforced PF matrix is designated as Set-I composites. Inclusion of graphite and nano-clay in carbon fiber reinforced PF matrix is designated as Set-II composites. The prepared composites are tested in Dry sand rubber wheel abrasion wear test rig, following ASTM standards for evaluating the abrasive wear behaviour. From the routine experiments, it was observed that the presence of combined micro and nanofillers i.e. 11.5 wt% MK + 0.5 wt% MWCNTs of Set-I, has shown superior abrasion resistance among the study group. The test results of the Set-I and Set-II composites are analyzed using Taguchi experimental design followed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) to understand the contributions of wear control factors affecting the abrasive wear characteristics. Further, worn surface of selected samples is analyzed using scanning electron micrographs.

Flame Retardants Nanocomposites-Synergistic Effect of Combination Conventional Retardants with Nanofillers of the Flammability of Thermoset Resins

The consumption ofthermoset resins as building polymers is approximately over one million tone word wide. The thermoset resins are proven construction materials for the technical and highly demanding applications of the transportation, electrical and building part industry. Heat stability, high thermal, low shrinkage, excellent mechanical properties are typical for their type of polymers. Above applications in addition to the mechanical properties also require good flame retardants of the materials. Undertaken activities refer to official draft, laws and legal recommendations in UE states. This paper presents positive effect of reduced flammability of thermoset resins （unsaturated polyester and epoxy resins） thanks to the use of nanocomposites containing multi-ingredient halogen-flee flame retardants which combine conventional phosphorus/nitrogen modifiers interacting with nanofillers （oMMT （organomodified montmorillonite）, EG （expandable graphite）, graphene, GO （graphene oxide）, nSi （nanosilica））.

Assessment of the Erosive Wear Kinetics of Epoxy Coatings Modified with Nanofillers

The paper presents results of investigation on the erosive wear kinetics of epoxy coatings modified with alumina or silica nanoparticles. Natural weathering caused a decrease of their erosive wear resistance. After a 3-year natural weathering, highest erosive wear resistance showed the epoxy coating modified with alumina nanoparticles.

Indoor Formaldehyde Removal Techniques through Paints: Review

Due to its ability to cause illnesses and discomfort even at low concentrations, formaldehyde pollution of indoor air poses a significant risk to human health. Sources of formaldehyde in indoor environments include textiles, paints, wallpapers, glues, adhesives, varnishes, and lacquers;furniture and wooden products like particleboard, plywood, and medium-density fiberboard that contain formaldehyde-based resins;shoe products;cosmetics;electronic devices;and other consumer goods like paper products and insecticides. According to the World Health Organisation, indoor formaldehyde concentrations shouldn’t exceed 0.1 mg/m3. The methods include membrane separation, plasma, photocatalytic decomposition, physisorption, chemisorption, biological and botanical filtration, and catalytic oxidation. Materials based on metal oxides and supported noble metals work as oxidation catalysts. Consequently, a paint that passively eliminates aldehydes from buildings can be developed by adding absorbents and formaldehyde scavengers to the latex composition. It will be crucial to develop techniques for the careful detection and removal of formaldehyde in the future. Additionally, microbial decomposition is less expensive and produces fewer pollutants. The main goal of future research will be to develop a biological air quality control system that will boost the effectiveness of formaldehyde elimination. The various methods of removing formaldehyde through paints have been reviewed here, including the use of mixed metal oxides, formaldehyde-absorbing emulsions, nano titanium dioxide, catalytic oxidation, and aromatic formaldehyde abating materials that can improve indoor air quality.

The Impact of the Inclusion of MgO Nano-Fillers in a Polyethylene Matrix on Dielectric Strength and Resistance to Partial Discharges

One commonly used strategy to enhance polymers specific properties such as the resistance to partial discharges erosion is the incorporation into the polymeric matrix of inorganic micro or nanoparticles. This study focused on the dielectric properties of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) filled with nano-sized Magnesium Oxide (MgO) particles compounded by thermo-mechanical process and one of the purposes was to establish appropriate processing parameters in order to reach the desired dielectric properties. LDPE was used as a matrix and was reinforced by MgO particles having a nominal average size of 30 nm. The MgO nanoparticles were treated with a silane coupling agent (3-Glycidyloxypropyl Trimethoxysilane). The samples were initially prepared in a melt-mixing chamber with a MgO content of 1% wt. These pre-mixed samples were further treated by the means of thermo-mechanical mixing in a conical co-rotating twin-screw extruder in order to improve the dispersion and distribution of the MgO particles. In this report, both lifetime under a PD activity and AC dielectric strength of pure and nano-filled LDPE samples have been measured and compared. Nano-filled LDPE samples were found to exhibit an improve lifetime, without any detrimental impact on their short-term dielectric strength. This suggests that nano-filled LDPE may be for electric applications for which the dielectric materials may be exposed to partial discharge activities. This is significant result for the use of MgO-reinforced PE as an insulating material for HV cables since the resistance to PD is closely related to treeing resistance which is the main electrical degradation mechanism that leads to failure for shielded extruded power cables.

Nanofillers modification of Epocast 50-A1/946 epoxy for bonded joints

Epocast 50-A1/946 epoxy was primarily developed for joining and repairing of composite aircraft structural components. The objective of the present work is to modify the Epocast epoxy resin by different nanofillers infusion. The used nanofillers include multi-walled carbon nanotubes（MWCNTs）, SiC and Al2O3 nanoparticles. The nanofillers with different weight percentages are ultrasonically dispersed in the epoxy resin. The sonication time and amplitude for MWCNTs are reduced compared to Al2O3 and SiC nanoparticles to avoid the damage of MWCNTs during sonication processes. The fabricated neat epoxy and twelve nanocomposite panels were characterized via standard tension and in-plane shear tests. The experimental results show that the nanocomposites materials with 0.5wt% MWCNTs, 1.5wt% SiC and 1.5wt% Al2O3 nanoparticles have the highest improvement in the tensile properties compared to the other nanofiller loading percentages.The improvements in the shear properties of these nanocomposite materials were respectively equal to 5.5%, 4.9%, and 6.3% for shear strengths, and 10.3%, 16.0%, and 8.1% for shear moduli. The optimum nanofiller loading percentages will be used in the following papers concerning their effect on the bonded joints/repairs of carbon fiber reinforced composites.

Preparation of polysulfone-based block copolymer ultrafiltration membranes by selective swelling and sacrificing nanofillers

Selective swelling of block copolymers of polysulfone-b-poly(ethylene glycol)is an emerging strategy to prepare new types of polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes.Herein,we prepared nanoporous polysulfoneb-poly(ethylene glycol)ultrafiltration membranes by selective swelling and further promoted their porosity and ultrafiltration performances by using CaCO_(3) nanoparticles as the sacrificial nanofillers.Different contents of CaCO_(3) nanoparticles were doped into the solution of polysulfone-b-poly(ethylene glycol),and thus obtained suspensions were used to prepare both self-supported and bi-layered composite structures.Selective swelling was performed on the obtained block copolymer structures in the solvent pair of ethanol/acetone,producing nanoporous membranes with poly(ethylene glycol)lined along pore walls.The CaCO_(3) nanoparticles dispersed in polysulfoneb-poly(ethylene glycol)were subsequently etched away by hydrochloric acid and the spaces initially occupied by CaCO_(3) provided extra pores to the block copolymer layers.The porosity of the membranes was increased with increasing CaCO_(3) content up to 41%,but further increase in the CaCO_(3) content led to partial collapse of the membrane.The sacrificial CaCO_(3) particles provided extra pores and enhanced the connectivity between adjacent pores.Consequently,the membranes prepared under optimized conditions exhibited up to 80%increase in water permeance with slight decrease in rejection compared to neat membranes without the use of sacrificial CaCO_(3) particles.

Preparation of polymer nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties using hybrid of graphene and partially wrapped multi-wall carbon nanotube as nanofiller

Triblock copolymer of poly（p-dioxanone） and polyethylene glycol end-capped with pyrene moieties（（Py-PPDO）_2-b-PEG） was synthesized and used as modifier for multi-wall carbon nanotubes（MWCNTs）.Nano-aggregates（（Py-PPDO）_2-b-PEG@MWCNTs） with shish-kebab like partially wrapped morphology and very good stability were obtained by incorporating the copolymer with MWCNTs.The bare MWCNT sections of（Py-PPDO）_2-b-PEG@MWCNTs were able to induce n-n interactions with graphene（GE） and resulted in a novel GE/（Py-PPDO）_2-b-PEG@MWCNTs hybrid.The dispersity of GE in solution or polymer matrix was therefore greatly improved.The PCL nanocomposite films using GE/（Py-PPDO）_2-bPEG@MWCNTs as hybrid nanofiller exhibited obviously improved mechanical properties especially at very low hybrid nanofiller content.The influence of the nanofiller content and feed ratio of GE/MWCNTs on the mechanical properties of composites films was evaluated.When the feed ratio of GE to MWCNTs is 2：8 and the total loading of nanofiller is only 0.01 wt%,the tensile strength of the composite film increased by 163%and the elongation at break increased by 17% compared to those of neat PCL These results can be attributed to fine dispersion of the nanofillers in PCL matrix and the hybrid interactions between GE and MWCNTs.Therefore,this work provides a novel method for preparing polymer nanocomposites with high mechanical performance and low nanofiller loading.

Some basic aspects of polymer nanocomposites: A critical review

Polymer nanocomposites have been investigated for about three decades. To get deep insights into the modifying effects of various nanofillers on mechanical and physical properties of polymer nanocomposites, the three basic aspects of processing, characterization and properties are critically reviewed in this paper. Nanofillers can be classified into three major types of two-dimensional (2D) layered, one-dimensional (1D) fibrous and zerodimensional (0D) spherical ones and this review thus discusses in detail the processing, characterization and properties of the three types of polymer nanocomposites. It starts with an introduction of various nanoscale fillers such as two-dimensional (2D) nano-clay, graphene and MXene, one dimensional (1D) carbon nanofibers and nanotubes, zero dimensional (0D) silica nanoparticles and ZnO quantum dots as well as nanofiller-polymer interfaces. The processing of these polymer nanocomposites using different methods and the characterization of nanofillers and polymer nanocomposites using various techniques are described. Finally, the mechanical and physical properties of these polymer nanocomposites are discussed by considering the effects of nanofiller type, dispersion and contents;also, interface properties show significant effects on the mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites and are discussed in some details.

Strong and Tough PAm/SA Hydrogel with Highly Strain Sensitivity

The hydrogel is a preferred material for flexible wearable sensors.In practical application,it should have high-efficiency mechanical toughness and self-healing performance.Besides,hydrogel requires good affinity and adhe-sion because of its contact with the skin.In this experiment,we made an ultra-tough hydrogel with excellent cell affinity and adhesion.We used sodium alginate(SA)and polyacrylamide(PAm)mixture as a flexible base fluid.Polydopamine reduce graphene oxide(prGO)was used as conductive nanofiller,and then PAm-prGO-SA semi-interpenetrating network hydrogel was formed through Am radical polymerization.The presence of prGO endows the hydrogels with excellent electrical conductivity.Simultaneously,some non-reduced GO forms non-covalent cross-links with PAm,SA,and Polydopamine(PDA)in the hydrogel network.The stress of PAm-prGO-SA hydrogel can reach 750 KPa,and the strain is 900%.The hydrogel,combined with its excellent electrical,mechanical properties,and biocompatibility,is expected to be applied in portable,remote,and real-time health monitoring systems.

On mechanical properties of nanocomposite hydrogels:Searching for superior properties

Nanocomposite hydrogels are the combination of known components that are a hydrogel and nanometre-sized fillers,typically leading to improved mechanical properties or new functionalities.With simplicity of design and ease of synthesis,recent advances have highlighted that this family of hydrogels holds the significant promise of application in diverse biomedical and engineering fields.The elaborate design and investigation as well as suitable application of nanocomposite hydrogels require the synergy of mechanics,materials science,engineering,and biology.Despite similarities in design and fabrication,the data of mechanical properties for nanocomposite hydrogels scatter in a large space.It is worthwhile comparing various nanocomposite hydrogels for similarities and differences in mechanical properties to aid in designing novel hydrogels with extreme properties,and guide practical applications.This review aims to fill,in the literature,the missing gap of addressing mechanical measurement methods and comparison of mechanical properties in this ever-evolving broad area of research.Finally,the challenges and future research opportunities are highlighted.

Nanomechanical Characteristics of Interfacial Transition Zone in Nano-Engineered Concrete

This study investigates the effects of nanofillers on the interfacial transition zone(ITZ)between aggregate and cement paste by using nanoindentation and statistical nanoindentation techniques.Moreover,the underlying mechanisms are revealed through micromechanical modeling.The nanoindentation results indicate that incorporating nanofillers increases the degree of hydration in the ITZ,reduces the content of micropores and low-density calcium silicate hydrate(LD C-S-H),and increases the content of highdensity C-S-H(HD C-S-H)and ultra high-density C-S-H(UHD C-S-H).In particular,a new phase,namely nano-core-induced low-density C-S-H(NCILD C-S-H),with a superior hardness of 2.50 GPa and an indentation modulus similar to those of HD C-S-H or UHD C-S-H was identified in this study.The modeling results revealed that the presence of nanofillers increased the packing density of LD CS-H and significantly enhanced the interaction(adhesion and friction)among the basic building blocks of C-S-H gels owing to the formation of nano-core-shell elements,thereby facilitating the formation of NCILD C-S-H and further improving the performance of the ITZ.This study provides insight into the effects of nano fillers on the ITZ in concrete at the nanoscale.

Mechanical Properties Amelioration of Hybrid Composites by Concomitant Synergy Between Graphene Oxide and Silica Nanoparticles

Composite materials have attracted increasing attention to replace traditional materials such as metals for aerospace and automotive components due to their excellent mechanical and lightweight properties.By reinforcing with fillers,the material properties can be tailored to suit the needs of certain requirements.Nanofillers graphene oxide(GO) and silica(SiO_2) are incorporated into carbon fibre/epoxy(CF/E)composites to enhance epoxy resin properties by impregnating into the weak area of resin and boosting the interaction forces between resin and filler interfaces.The mechanical,thermal,and morphological properties of GO and SiO_2 fillers in the CF/E were investigated.Movever,after the exposure to distilled water and salt water,effect of moisture absorption on flexural and impact properties were investigated and the CF/E composite with hybrid nanofillers exhibited strong resistance to degradation in flexural and impact properties.FESEM images of the fracture surfaces indicated that the good performance of CF/E composite with bi-hybrid nanofillers originated from the synergistic GO and SiO_2 nanofillers,which limit the motion of epoxy polymer molecular chain and give sufficient stress transfer ability to the composite system.The overall results showed that GO and SiO_2 fillers can significantly enhance the mechanical properties as well as resistance to moisture environment.

Evaluation the Mechanical Properties of Nanofilled Composite Resin Restorative Material

This study was designed to evaluate the wear resistance, fracture toughness and flexural strength of a nanofilled composite resin restorative material in comparison with a conventional hybrid composite resin. A total of 60 specimens were prepared from both types composite resins. Specimens were cured with a light curing device according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wear resistance was evaluated through subjecting the specimens to wear testing at 0.1 bar wet pressure against carbide abrasive counter-body using wear testing machine under water as lubricant. The test conditions were;speed = 265 rpm, load = 0.1 bar, time = 5 min. Flexural strength and fracture toughness were tested using three-point bending test in universal testing machine at a cross head speed of 2 mm/min until failure occurred. The nanofilled composite resin material exhibited higher wear resistance than the hybrid composite resin material. On the other hand, there were no significant differences between the two materials in values of flexural strength and fracture toughness. It was concluded that the nanofilled composite resin was harder but it does not stronger than the conventional hybrid composite resin.

Microleakage of Nanofilled Composite Resin Restorative Material

The role of nanofillers in reducing the microleakage of dental composite resins has not been previously investigated. So this study was designed to evaluate microleakage of nanofilled composite resin in comparison to the conventional hybrid composite. Twenty extracted sound molars were selected. Class II cavities were prepared. All cavities were etched (enamel and dentin) with 37% phosphoric acid. Dentin bonding agents were applied to etched tooth surfaces and restored with nanofilled and hybrid composite restorative materials. The restored teeth were thermocycled. Specimens were immersed in 2% methylene blue dye, sectioned along the mesio-distal direction;dye penetration of occlusal and gingival margins of each section was evaluated using a stereo-microscope. No significant difference was found between the microleakage of nanofilled and hybrid composite restorations at occlusal / enamel and at gingival / dentin margins. Also, there were no significant differences for nanofilled composite restorations at occlusal / enamel margins and gingival / dentin margins. On the other hand, there were a significant differences for hybrid composite restorations at occlusal / enamel margins and gingival / dentin margins.

Esthetic and Functional Rehabilitation of Amelogenesis Imperfecta: Report of Four Cases with a One-Year Follow-Up

In this report, we describe the performance of a conservative and minimally invasive dental approach in four patients exhibiting Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI), a structural anomaly of the enamel. In each patient, approximately 0.5 mm of the most external, porous, and colored enamel layer was removed, and the teeth were restored using two different nanocomposites. Posterior restorations were completed with the same approach. As a result, this contemporary restorative system is a conservative and successful treatment option to restore the loss of oral esthetics and function due to AI. Rehabilitation with direct resin restorations is not only an inexpensive treatment choice, but also a more conservative technique that reduces the amount of preparation required for teeth that are already compromised.