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Polymers
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Applications of Graphene and Fullerene Nanocomposites
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Applications of Graphene and Fullerene Nanocomposites

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 February 2019) | Viewed by 22879

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Fawad Inam

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Engineering & Construction, School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, University of East London, London E16 2RD, United Kingdom
Interests: graphene; carbon nanotube; ceramics; polymers; nanocomposite; smart materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A significant rise in the number of innovative applications and devices related to advanced carbon-polymer composites (micro, nano and hybrids) is currently being experienced. Fullerenes are the novel forms of super carbonaceous materials consisting of hollow molecular cages, balls or tubes of strongly bonded carbon atoms. Over the past two decades, they are subject of significant and impactful research for their utilization in an increasing number of applications like petrochemical, energy, biomedical, automotive, aerospace, defence, sporting goods and infrastructure development. In particular, carbon nanotubes and graphene are being intensively explored as they impart unique combinations of superlative chemical, physical and mechanical properties, when mixed with thermoplastic and thermoset polymers and their composites (i.e. multi-scale hybrids). Such composites have already proven their extraordinary characteristics both for structural, as well as functional applications. 

This Special Issue will focus on the preparation, development and application of various fullerene-filled polymers. The open access issue intends to cover the radical step-change in the capabilities and application of carbon-polymer composites (micro, nano and hybrids), brought about by advances in fullerenes and the related hybridization/ composite processing technologies. Original articles and reviews are welcome. However, research articles, which include practical experimental results and critical theory, are particularly encouraged, as are papers, which set fullerene-filled polymers in the wider context of, for example, society, economics, energy and environment.

Prof. Dr. Fawad Inam
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Carbon nanotubes-polymer composites
  • Fullerene-polymer composites
  • Graphene-polymer composites
  • Mechanical properties
  • Smart materials and devices
  • Functional materials
  • Electrical properties
  • Engineering applications
  • Biomedical applications

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 8022 KiB  
Article
Thermal Degradation and Combustion Behaviors of Polyethylene/Alumina Trihydrate/Graphene Nanoplatelets
by Chunfeng Wang, Jihua Wang, Zhenlong Men, Yongliang Wang and Zhidong Han
Polymers 2019, 11(5), 772; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11050772 - 01 May 2019
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3125
Abstract
Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were prepared from expanded graphite (EG) with fully exfoliated structure via ball milling coupled with ultrasonication. The structure of multi-layered GNPs was characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and [...] Read more.
Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were prepared from expanded graphite (EG) with fully exfoliated structure via ball milling coupled with ultrasonication. The structure of multi-layered GNPs was characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy. By compounding alumina trihydrate (ATH) with GNPs, the well dispersed mixture of ATH/GNP was obtained, and it showed high flame retardant effectiveness in polyethylene (PE). The peak heat release rate (peak-HRR) decreased by 20% was proven by a cone calorimeter with the addition of GNPs as low as 0.2 wt % in PE/ATH. The results of thermogravimetric analysis (TG) illustrated the improved thermal stability and lower weight loss rate of PE/ATH/GNP than PE/ATH. A protective char with GNPs was evidenced by SEM and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The well exfoliated structure and good dispersion of GNPs accounted for the formation of effective barrier, which made a profound contribution to the enhanced flame retardancy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Graphene and Fullerene Nanocomposites)
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13 pages, 2753 KiB  
Article
Preparation of Xylan-g-/P(AA-co-AM)/GO Nanocomposite Hydrogel and its Adsorption for Heavy Metal Ions
by Weiqing Kong, Minmin Chang, Chunhui Zhang, Xinxin Liu, Bei He and Junli Ren
Polymers 2019, 11(4), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11040621 - 04 Apr 2019
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4167
Abstract
Xylan-g-/P(AA-co-AM)/Graphene oxide (GO) hydrogels were prepared and used in the removal of heavy mental ions. Acrylamide (AM), acrylic acid (AA), and xylan were used as the raw materials to prepare the hydrogels with ammonium persulfate (APS) as the initiator. [...] Read more.
Xylan-g-/P(AA-co-AM)/Graphene oxide (GO) hydrogels were prepared and used in the removal of heavy mental ions. Acrylamide (AM), acrylic acid (AA), and xylan were used as the raw materials to prepare the hydrogels with ammonium persulfate (APS) as the initiator. The prepared hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). Some important properties of nanocomposite hydrogels such as swelling behavior, mechanical property, and adsorption capacity were also examined as well as the regeneration of the hydrogels. The results showed that the prepared hydrogels reached the equilibrium state of swelling after 12 h, and the compressive strength of the hydrogel with 30 mg of GO could reach up to 203 kPa. Compared with traditional hydrogel, the mechanical properties of the hydrogels with GO were obviously improved. The maximum adsorption capacity of hydrogels for Pb2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+ could reach up to 683 mg/g, 281 mg/g, and 135 mg/g, respectively. After five cycles of adsorption and desorption, the recovery rate of the hydrogels on Pb2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+ was still up to 87%, 80%, and 80%, respectively—all above 80%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Graphene and Fullerene Nanocomposites)
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19 pages, 11329 KiB  
Article
High-Performance PEDOT:PSS/Hexamethylene Diisocyanate-Functionalized Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites: Preparation and Properties
by José Antonio Luceño Sánchez, Rafael Peña Capilla and Ana Maria Díez-Pascual
Polymers 2018, 10(10), 1169; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10101169 - 20 Oct 2018
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 5484
Abstract
Graphene oxide (GO) has emerged as an ideal filler to reinforce polymeric matrices owing to its large specific surface area, transparency, flexibility, and very high mechanical strength. Nonetheless, functionalization is required to improve its solubility in common solvents and expand its practical uses. [...] Read more.
Graphene oxide (GO) has emerged as an ideal filler to reinforce polymeric matrices owing to its large specific surface area, transparency, flexibility, and very high mechanical strength. Nonetheless, functionalization is required to improve its solubility in common solvents and expand its practical uses. In this work, hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI)-functionalized GO (HDI-GO) has been used as filler of a conductive polymer matrix, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). The nanocomposites have been prepared via a simple solution casting method, and have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–Vis and Raman spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile tests, and four-point probe measurements to get information about how the HDI-GO functionalization degree (FD) and the HDI-GO concentration in the nanocomposite influence the final properties. SEM analysis showed a very homogenous dispersion of the HDI-GO nanosheets with the highest FD within the matrix, and the Raman spectra revealed the existence of very strong HDI-GO-PEDOT:PSS interactions. A gradual improvement in thermal stability was found with increasing HDI-GO concentration, with only a small loss in transparency. A reduction in the sheet resistance of PEDOT:PSS was found at low HDI-GO contents, whilst increasing moderately at the highest loading tested. The nanocomposites showed a good combination of stiffness, strength, ductility, and toughness. The optimum balance of properties was attained for samples incorporating 2 and 5 wt % HDI-GO with the highest FD. These solution-processed nanocomposites show considerably improved performance compared to conventional PEDOT:PSS nanocomposites filled with raw GO, and are highly suitable for applications in various fields, including flexible electronics, thermoelectric devices, and solar energy applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Graphene and Fullerene Nanocomposites)
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17 pages, 8430 KiB  
Article
Effect of Graphene Nano-Additives on the Local Mechanical Behavior of Derived Polymer Nanocomposites
by Mostapha Tarfaoui, Khalid Lafdi, Imane Beloufa, Debora Daloia and Ali Muhsan
Polymers 2018, 10(6), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10060667 - 15 Jun 2018
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4456
Abstract
In this study, indentation tests of graphene-based polymer nanocomposites were carried out to determine the local elastic mechanical properties. The samples consist of epoxy matrix with graphene additives. Additives were added at levels of 0% as a control, 0.5%, 1%, 2.5%, 5% and [...] Read more.
In this study, indentation tests of graphene-based polymer nanocomposites were carried out to determine the local elastic mechanical properties. The samples consist of epoxy matrix with graphene additives. Additives were added at levels of 0% as a control, 0.5%, 1%, 2.5%, 5% and 10% by weight. The local elastic properties such as moduli and hardness were calculated. After each indentation, the prints were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It seems that the local mechanical properties of nanocomposite samples were improved as the amount of nano-additives increased. Based on the curve displacement and surface imaging, we can conclude that the nano-additives influenced the overall plastic mechanical behavior of the samples. For simulating micro-indentation test, a finite element analysis model was developed using ABAQUS software and compared to experimental tests. Good correlation was observed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Graphene and Fullerene Nanocomposites)
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12 pages, 11746 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Properties and Wear Resistance of Sulfonated Graphene/Waterborne Polyurethane Composites Prepared by In Situ Method
by Jianyan Feng, Xuechuan Wang, Peiying Guo, Yujie Wang and Xiaomin Luo
Polymers 2018, 10(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10010075 - 15 Jan 2018
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4621
Abstract
In order to improve the dispensability of graphene oxide (GO) in waterborne polyurethane (WPU), sulfonated graphene (SGO) with superior dispersity was prepared by modifying graphene oxide with sodium 2-chloroethane sulfonate to introduce hydrophilic sulfonic groups into the structure. SGO/WPU composites were prepared using [...] Read more.
In order to improve the dispensability of graphene oxide (GO) in waterborne polyurethane (WPU), sulfonated graphene (SGO) with superior dispersity was prepared by modifying graphene oxide with sodium 2-chloroethane sulfonate to introduce hydrophilic sulfonic groups into the structure. SGO/WPU composites were prepared using isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG 2000), dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA) and SGO as raw materials. The influence of SGO content on composite properties were investigated. The structure and morphology of SGO and SGO/WPU composites were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy etc. Their mechanical properties and wear resistance were analyzed as well. The experimental results showed that SGO was successfully grafted onto polyurethane macromolecule by an in situ method and, with the introduction of sulfonic groups, the interfacial compatibility of GO and PU was improved significantly so that SGO evenly dispersed into WPU. The SGO that was grafted onto WPU macromolecules exhibited layered morphology with nanometers in the WPU matrix. With increasing SGO content, the tensile strength and the wear resistance of the film increased, but the addition of more than 0.8 wt % SGO yielded unfavorable results. When the added amount of SGO was 0.8 wt % of WPU, the tensile strength of the composite film was 46.53% higher than that of the blank group, and the wear resistance of the film was remarkably improved, which was due to a strong interaction between the SGO and WPU phases. Thus, the conclusion can be drawn that appropriate amount of SGO addition can enhance the mechanical properties of SGO/WPU composite film. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Graphene and Fullerene Nanocomposites)
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