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Polymer Nanocomposites: State of the Art and Future Prospects

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science and Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2025 | Viewed by 1525

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School of Engineering and Science (FEC–UNESP), São Paulo State University, Rosana 19274-000, SP, Brazil
Interests: nanocomposites; material characterization; polymer composites; natural pol; polymers; materials science; biocomposites; biopolymers

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Engineering and Science (FEC–UNESP), São Paulo State University, Rosana 19274-000, SP, Brazil
Interests: nanocomposite; polymers; natural rubber; material characterization; materials science

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Engineering and Science (FEC–UNESP), São Paulo State University, Rosana 19274-000, SP, Brazil
Interests: nanocomposites; materials for energy applications; composite materials; sensors; electroanalytical methods

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recently, a revolutionary new class of materials, known as polymer nanocomposites, has emerged. These combine the desirable properties of polymers with the exceptional properties of nanomaterials. Significant advances have been made in synthesizing and modifying nanomaterials, as well as a deeper understanding of how polymers and nanofillers interact. Polymeric nanocomposites are hybrid materials in which a polymer matrix is reinforced with nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanofibers, or other nanomaterials. In addition to improving the mechanical, thermal, electrical, and barrier properties of polymers, these nanofillers can also overcome conventional composites' limitations. Due to their unique characteristics, nanofillers can manipulate material properties on a molecular level, resulting in materials with superior performance and innovative features. The purpose of this Special Issue, Polymer Nanocomposites: State of the Art and Future Prospects, is to provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art polymer nanocomposites research and development, addressing scientific advancements and prospects. A wide range of topics will be discussed, including nanocomposite synthesis and characterization and their applications in packaging, electronics, sensors, biomedicine, energy, and others.

Dr. Michael Jones Silva
Dr. Renivaldo José Dos Santos
Prof. Dr. Leonardo Paim
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • polymer nanocomposites
  • synthesis and characterization
  • properties
  • applications
  • technological innovations
  • sustainability and environmental impact

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

21 pages, 3829 KiB  
Article
Analyzing the Reinforcement of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes in Vulcanized Natural Rubber Nanocomposites Using the Lorenz–Park Method
by Diego Silva Melo, Carlos Toshiyuki Hiranobe, Gabrieli Roefero Tolosa, José Antônio Malmonge, Cicero Rafael Cena, Aldo Eloizo Job, Renivaldo José Santos and Michael Jones Silva
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 8973; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198973 - 5 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1211
Abstract
In this study, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were incorporated into vulcanized natural rubber (VNR) matrixes to create nanocomposites with improved mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. The interfacial interaction of the MWCNTs with the VNR matrix was quantitatively evaluated based on the crosslink density [...] Read more.
In this study, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were incorporated into vulcanized natural rubber (VNR) matrixes to create nanocomposites with improved mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. The interfacial interaction of the MWCNTs with the VNR matrix was quantitatively evaluated based on the crosslink density value calculated using the Flory–Rehner methodology. Various rheometric parameters were influenced by the addition of the MWCNTs, including minimum torque (ML), maximum torque (MH), and scorch time (tS1). The MWCNTs significantly enhanced the vulcanization of the composites based on the VNR matrix. This study highlights the impact of MWCNTs on crosslink density, improving mechanical properties and reducing swelling in the VNR matrix. We discovered that the MWCNTs and the VNR matrix interact strongly, which improved the mechanical properties of the matrix. The MWCNTs improved the hardness, tensile strength, and abrasion resistance of the VNR/MWCNT nanocomposites. Based on dynamic mechanical analysis, MWCNT incorporation improved stiffness as indicated by a change in storage modulus and glass transition temperatures. The addition of MWCNTs to the VNR/MWCNT nanocomposites significantly improved their electrical properties, reaching a percolation threshold where conductive pathways were formed, enhancing their overall conductivity. Overall, this study demonstrates the versatility and functionality of VNR/MWCNT nanocomposites for a variety of applications, including sensors, electromagnetic shielding, and antistatic blankets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Nanocomposites: State of the Art and Future Prospects)
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