Nanocomposite Materials

Synthesis, Properties and Applications

Jyotishkumar Parameswaranpillai, Nishar Hameed, Thomas Kurian, Yingfeng Yu, Jyotishkumar Parameswaranpillai, Nishar Hameed, Thomas Kurian, Yingfeng Yu

• Publisher: CRC Press
• Year: 2016
• Print ISBN: 9781482258073
• eBook ISBN: 9781315355078
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Physical Sciences
• Subtopic: Chemistry
• Index: Chemistry

This book provides a comprehensive collection of the latest information on nanomaterials and nanocomposites. It covers material synthesis, processing, structure characterization, properties and applications. It presents a coherent treatment of how composite properties depend on nanostructure, and covers cutting-edge topics like bionanocomposites for sustainable development. This book summarizes many developments in the field making it an ideal resource for researchers from industry, academia, government and private research institutions.

1	Introduction to Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites
	Jyotishkumar Parameswaranpillai, Nishar Hameed, Thomas Kurian, and Yingfeng Yu

CONTENTS

1.1 Introduction to Nanomaterials

1.2 Advantages of Nanomaterials

1.3 Challenges and Opportunities

1.4 Nanocomposites

1.5 Topics Covered by the Book

References

1.1 INTRODUCTION TO NANOMATERIALS

Recently, scientists are more interested in nanomaterials and nanocomposites because they form the foundation of nanotechnology. Nanomaterials and nanocomposites have a wide range of applications from toys to aircraft. Nanomaterials are diminutive and their size is measured in nanometers. By definition, they must have at least one dimension at the nanoscale. Nanoscale materials are too small to be seen with the naked eye and even with conventional optical microscopes. Therefore, we need highly sophisticated techniques for the characterization of nanomaterials. Because of their high surface area, most of the techniques are designed to analyze the surface. The techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), x-ray scattering, x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) rheometry, and electrical conductivity are used to identify size, composition, morphology, crystal structure, and orientation of nanoparticles. Nanomaterials should be carefully analyzed. Moreover, we should take care of the following: (1) specimen handling and (2) environmental conditions. It is important to mention that a multitechnique approach is required for the better characterization of nanomaterials.

Nanomaterials can be either natural or synthetic (engineered nanomaterials). Examples for naturally occurring nanomaterials are volcanic ash, soot from forest fires, etc. Engineered nanomaterials are produced with specific shape, size, and surface properties. Depending on the size and shape, nanomaterials are classified into 0-D (quantam dots, nanoparticles), 1-D (carbon nanotubes, nanorods, and nanowires), 2-D (nanofilms), and 3-D nanomaterials, where 0-D, 1-D, and 2-D nanomaterials are in close contact with each other to form interfaces (powders, fibrous, multilayer, and polycrystalline materials). Usually the performance of the nanomaterials depends more on the surface area than the material composition. The recent advances in nanotechnology enable us to develop nanomaterials to improve the quality of life. Examples for engineered nanomaterials are carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanofibers (CNFs), graphene, fullerenes, silica, clay, metal, and metal oxide nanomaterials.

1.2 ADVANTAGES OF NANOMATERIALS

Nanomaterials exhibit unique optical, magnetic, electrical, chemical, and other properties. These properties have great impact in electronics, sensors, energy devices, medicine, cosmetics, catalysis, and many other fields [1–9]. For example, a wide range of electronic products such as nanotransistors, organic light emitting diodes (OLED), and plasma displays are due to the invention of nanomaterials. High performance portable batteries, fuel cells, and solar cells are examples of the impact of nanomaterials in energy. Smart drugs can target specific organs or cells in the body and are very effective in healing. Nanomaterials can be added to polymers to make them stronger and lighter to develop smart uniforms, nonwetting fabrics, fire-retardant fabrics, self-cleaning fabrics, self-healing fabrics, decontaminating fabrics, lightweight high performance military aircrafts, automobiles, etc. [10,11].

Because of their large surface area, metallic-based nanomaterials are highly reactive with gases. This property of metallic-based nanomaterials can be used for applications such as gas sensors and hydrogen storage devices [12,13]. Nanopesticides, nanofertilizers, and nanoherbicides may have positive impact on crops [14]. The field of nanocatalysis is rapidly growing. The large surface area and effective surface activity make nanomaterials attractive candidates for use as catalysts. For example, for the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil aluminum dodeca-tungsto-phosphate (Al_0.9H_0.3 PW₁₂O₄₀) nanotubes are used as solid catalyst [15]. In cosmetics, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles are widely used [8].

1.3 CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Even though nanomaterials possess a wide range of applications, there are several issues to be resolved. The effect of nanoparticles on the human/animal body is still a concern. Since much about this regime is still unclear, careful analysis must be done to unravel the safety problems of nanoparticles. For example, inhaling of nanoparticles may cause irritation in the lungs and may lead to lung damage and cancer. The tendency of nanoparticles to agglomerate because of weak van der Waals forces is a concern. Technology should be developed to keep the nanoparticles apart so that their characteristic properties can be retained. Nanomaterials and products made of them are very expensive compared to traditional materials. It has been suggested that by increasing the use of nanomaterials in various new applications, their production rate can be increased and thereby their cost can be decreased. It is important to recognize that atomic weapons are possible to develop, which may be very destructive. Therefore, nanomaterials should be used for constructive applications. Another increasingly worrying fact is that widespread use of nanoparticles in agriculture may spread nanoparticles into the environment and may adversely affect the soil fertility, plant growth, and animals. Another prodigious task is to control the structure and chemistry of metallic-based nanomaterials, before using them in gas sensors and for the storage of hydrogen. The requirements of new materials, performance improvement, extended product life, and cost of the product are still challenges. All of these facts point toward the need for new improved technologies to enhance the performance of many products with reduced cost.

1.4 NANOCOMPOSITES

Since nanomaterials possess exceptional properties, they are widely used to mix with the bulk polymeric material to improve their properties. By definition, nanocomposites are materials that are reinforced with nanoparticles. Based on the matrix material, nanocomposites are classified into polymer matrix composites, metal matrix composites, and ceramic matrix composites. In polymer matrix composites, the most important topic to be considered is the dispersion of the nanofillers in bulk polymer matrix. Homogeneous distribution of nanomaterials results in improved properties. But the tendency of particle agglomeration due to the weak van der Waals forces between the nanomaterials results in deterioration in properties. For example, homogeneous dispersion of CNTs, graphene, CNFs, and clay in the polymer matrix improved mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical, gas barrier, and flame retardancy properties of nanocomposites [16–21]. It is now well established that for better dispersion of the nanomaterials in a polymer matrix, the nanomaterials can be surface modified or functionalized [22–24]. Recently, it has been shown that addition of compatibilizer also improved dispersion of the nanomaterials in the polymer matrix [17]. Surface modification and functionalization of nanomaterials improve the interfacial interaction or compatibility between the filler and matrix, which results in better dispersion which in turn facilitates effective stress transfer of the matrix and filler to develop high performance lightweight composites for advanced applications. A number of techniques such as TEM, SEM, AFM, STM, XRD, and FTIR can be used to find the size and distribution of filler in polymer matrix.

1.5 TOPICS COVERED BY THE BOOK

The book outlines a comprehensive overview on nanomaterials and nanocomposites and their fundamental properties using a wide range of state-of-the-art techniques. Chapter 2 deals with the fundamentals of nanomaterials and their application in nanocomposites. An overview of 0-D, 1-D, and 2-D nanomaterials is given in this chapter. Further applications of 0-D, 1-D, and 2-D nanomaterials in thermoplastic, thermoset, and elastomeric composites are discussed in detail. In the last part of the chapter, the current trends in nanocomposites are described. Chapter 3 provides a comprehensive description on the synthesis of 0-D, 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D nanomaterials. A number of routes including microwave-assisted synthesis, sonochemical synthesis, chemical reduction method, biological method, sol–gel method, aerosol method, emulsion method, microfluidic method, laser ablation method, arc discharge method, and chemical bath technique for the synthesis of different nanomaterials are presented. In Chapter 4, optical properties of nanomaterials are discussed. Different techniques such as electronic absorption (UV–vis), photoluminescence (PL), infrared (IR) absorption, Raman scattering, dynamic light scattering, and x-ray-based techniques and their potential applications in the optical properties of nanomaterials are discussed. Chapter 5 focuses on one of the most important and powerful research techniques—“microscopy”—which provides valuable information regarding size, shape, and morphology of nanomaterials. The purpose, advantages, and limitations of different microscopic techniques such as SEM, TEM, scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), photoacoustic microscopy, and hyperspectral microscopy have been elaborated and pointed out the importance of using multimicroscopic techniques to open new horizons in the characterization of nanomaterials. In Chapter 6, the strength, hardness, toughness, fatigue, and creep of nanomaterials are presented. Chapter 7 discusses the various processing techniques such as solution mixing, melt compounding, and in situ polymerization for the preparation of different polymer-based nanocomposites. The preparation of CNTs and graphene sheets-based polymer nanocomposites are considered. The advantages and disadvantages of different processing techniques are discussed in detail. Chapter 8 focuses on the significance of thermal stability of polymer composites in many demanding practical applications. The applications of techniques like DSC, TGA, DTA, DMA, and TMA to analyze the thermal stability of polymers is presented in this chapter. Chapter 9 provides a comprehensive overview of the recent findings and advances on the investigation of linear and nonlinear optical properties of polymer nanocomposites. Chapter 10 presents the role of rheology in identifying the structure and processing characteristics of polymer nanocomposites. A comprehensive overview of...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Halftitle Page
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Contents
• Acknowledgments
• Editors
• Contributors
• Chapter 1 Introduction to Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites
• Chapter 2 Classification of Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites
• Chapter 3 Synthesis of Nanomaterials
• Chapter 4 Optical Properties of Nanomaterials
• Chapter 5 Microscopy of Nanomaterials
• Chapter 6 Mechanical Properties of Nanomaterials
• Chapter 7 Preparation of Nanocomposites
• Chapter 8 Thermal Properties of Novel Polymer Nanocomposites
• Chapter 9 Optical Properties of Nanocomposites
• Chapter 10 Rheological Behavior of Nanocomposites
• Chapter 11 Mechanical and Thermomechanical Properties of Nanocomposites
• Index