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Advanced Polymer Matrix Nanocomposite Materials (2nd Edition)

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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Advanced Composites".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2025 | Viewed by 10589

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Dr. Michał Strankowski

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Department of Polymer Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, G. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
Interests: polyurethanes; nanocomposites; thermal analysis
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Prof. Dr. Józef Tadeusz Haponiuk

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Department of Polymer Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, G. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
Interests: polyurethanes; polymer blends; recycling
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will focus on polymer nanocomposites in the context of comparing the properties of different types of graphene, graphene derivatives and other nanofillers (carbon nanotubes (CNT), montmorillonites (MMT), etc.) introduced into the polymer matrix. In particular, the aim is to present a comparison of various types of nanomodifiers and their influences on the properties of this group of polymer materials.

These new nanocomposites, based on the polymer matrix, exhibit special properties, including strong mechnical properties, thermal stability, and permeability, in comparison to non-modified polymers. This group of materials provides a wide range of application possibilities, being of particular importance in those applications which require materials with higher thermal or mechanical properties.

This Special Issue, entitled “Advanced Polymer Matrix Nanocomposite Materials (2nd Edition)”, will be focused on the most recent advances in nanocomposite polymer materials, from the synthesis of polymer nanocomposites and their characterization to the potential application of these materials.

In this Special Issue of Materials, I would like to invite authors to submit original papers and reviews on polymer nanocomposites.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

Polymer /graphene nanocomposites;
Polymer/CNT nanocomposites;
Polymer/MMT nanocomposites;
Thermal analysis of the polymer nanocomposite materials;
Theory of polymer nanocomposite material characterization;
Application of polymer nanocomposites.

Dr. Michał Strankowski
Prof. Dr. Józef Tadeusz Haponiuk
Guest Editors

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. Materials 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 2600 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

polymers
nanocomposites
graphene
carbon nanotubes
montmorillonites
thermal analysis

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Advanced Polymer Matrix Nanocomposite Materials in Materials (12 articles)

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 3743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Approach of Manufacturing High-Molecular-Weight CNT-Filled Epoxy Composite

by Florence Acha, Talya Scheff, Nathalia Diaz Armas, Joey Mead, Stephen Johnston and Jinde Zhang

Materials 2025, 18(2), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020264 - 9 Jan 2025

Viewed by 683

Abstract

Epoxy nanocomposites are widely used in various applications because of their excellent properties. Different types of manufacturing techniques are used to produce epoxy composites based on various fillers, molecular weight, and applications required. The physical properties and chemical structure of epoxy resin help in determining the method for its manufacturing. Coatings and adhesive formulations are prepared using high- molecular-weight epoxies, whereas epoxy nanocomposites require low-molecular-weight epoxies due to ease of manufacturing. A low-molecular-weight epoxy can provide high crosslink density to the epoxy but may also cause inherent brittleness in epoxy nanocomposites. Further, the addition of CNTs may also cause more brittleness in the final product. In this work, the authors have developed a method to process composites based on high-molecular-weight epoxy reinforced with high loading of CNTs (15 wt.%). The high molecular weight will bring lots of challenges during manufacturing. In this paper, a novel manufacturing technique based on separate molding and curing conditions to produce highly concentrated CNT-filled epoxy with high-molecular-weight epoxy resin is described, achieving excellent mechanical properties, good toughness, and high electrical conductivity in an efficient, low-cost, environmentally friendly, and high-volume way. The findings demonstrated improvements in these mechanical properties compared to conventional systems. They also highlight the potential of the novel method to develop advanced composite materials which can revolutionize industrial sectors such as aerospace, automotives, and electronics where structural integrity and thermal stability are important. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Matrix Nanocomposite Materials (2nd Edition))

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18 pages, 11582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Properties of Polysiloxane/Ag Nanocomposites with Different Network Structures and Distributions of Si–H Groups

by Monika Wójcik-Bania and Edyta Stochmal

Materials 2024, 17(23), 5809; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17235809 - 27 Nov 2024

Viewed by 756

Abstract

Polysiloxanes with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have garnered attention for their distinctive physicochemical properties, which make them promising candidates for advanced material applications. This study presents a systematic investigation into the thermal properties and degradation mechanisms of polysiloxane/Ag nanocomposites, emphasising the innovative incorporation of Ag NPs directly into polysiloxane networks via in situ reduction of Ag⁺ ions by Si-H groups. Six polysiloxane matrices were synthesised by hydrosilylation of poly(methylhydrosiloxane) (PMHS) or poly(vinylsiloxane) (polymer V₃) with three cross-linking agents of varying molecular structures and functionality. Thermogravimetric analysis combined with mass spectrometry revealed that the introduction of Ag NPs alters the thermal properties of polysiloxane networks, primarily affecting the redistribution of Si bonds that occurs during the pyrolysis of these systems. Monitoring the pyrolysis process using FTIR spectroscopy allowed us to investigate the effect of the presence of Ag NPs on the degradation mechanism of the studied nanocomposites. The presence of the free-carbon phase and metallic silver phase in the Ag-containing silicon oxycarbide materials obtained was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and XRD analyses, respectively. These findings demonstrate the possibility of fabricating Ag/SiOC materials with ceramic residues in the range of 43 to 84%. This work provides new insights into the thermal behaviour of polysiloxane/Ag nanocomposites and underscores their potential for high-performance applications in thermally demanding environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Matrix Nanocomposite Materials (2nd Edition))

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21 pages, 7563 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Silanized Halloysite Nanotubes on the Structure of Polyethylene–Based Composite

by Martina Wieczorek, Tetiana Tatarchuk, Katarzyna Skórczewska, Joanna Szulc and Jolanta Tomaszewska

Materials 2024, 17(13), 3260; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17133260 - 2 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1549

Abstract

Chemical modification of the surface of halloysite nanotubes (HNT) by alkalization (with sodium hydroxide (NaOH)) and grafting with silanes (bis(trimethylsilyl)amine (HMDS)) was carried out. The efficiency of the alkalization and grafting process was evaluated by X–ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier–transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the nitrogen adsorption method were used. XRD and FTIR analysis confirmed the formation of bonds of trimethylsilyl groups to the HNT surface which changed the nature of the surface from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. In addition, it was noted that grafting with silanes decreases by 7.2% the specific surface area of the halloysite compared to the alkalized material. High–density polyethylene (HDPE) composites with halloysite (HNT), alkalized halloysite (alk–HNT), and HMDS–modified halloysite (m–HNT) were processed in the molten state in a Brabender mixer chamber. On SEM/EDS micrographs of HDPE composites with silanized HNT, a change in surface characteristics from smooth to ductile was observed. Higher melting point values based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis of HDPE composites with 5%wt silanized halloysite in comparison with HNT and alk–HNT of, respectively, 2.2% and 1.4% were found, which indicates a slight beneficial influence of the filler on the quality of ordering of the crystalline phase of the matrix. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Matrix Nanocomposite Materials (2nd Edition))

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20 pages, 3950 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PHB+aPHA Blends: From Polymer Bacterial Synthesis through Blend Preparation to Final Processing by Extrusion for Sustainable Materials Design

by Tomasz M. Majka, Konstantinos N. Raftopoulos, Edyta Hebda, Adam Szeligowski, Olga Zastawny, Maciej Guzik and Krzysztof Pielichowski

Materials 2024, 17(13), 3105; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17133105 - 25 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1711

Abstract

The inherent brittleness of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a well-studied polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), limits its applicability in flexible and impact-resistant applications. This study explores the potential of blending PHB with a different PHA to overcome brittleness. The synthesis of PHA polymers, including PHB and an amorphous medium-chain-length PHA (aPHA) consisting of various monomers, was achieved in previous works through canola oil fermentation. Detailed characterization of aPHA revealed its amorphous nature, as well as good thermal stability and shear thinning behavior. The blending process was carried out at different mass ratios of aPHA and PHB, and the resulting blends were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The blends exhibited complex DSC curves, indicating the presence of multiple crystalline forms of PHB. SEM images revealed the morphology of the blends, with PHB particles dispersed within the aPHA matrix. TGA showed similar thermal degradation patterns for the blends, with the residue content decreasing as the PHB content increased. The crystallinity of the blends was influenced by the PHB content, with higher PHB ratios resulting in an increased degree of crystallinity. XRD confirmed the presence of both α and β crystals of PHB in the blends. Overall, the results demonstrate the potential of PHB+aPHA blends to enhance the mechanical properties of biopolymer materials, without com-promising the thermal stability, paving the way for sustainable material design and novel application areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Matrix Nanocomposite Materials (2nd Edition))

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17 pages, 8489 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analytical Modeling of Wave Absorption Performance in Gradient Graphene/Polymer Nanocomposites

by Qin Zhao, Fang Li and Jili Liu

Materials 2024, 17(12), 2946; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17122946 - 16 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1048

Abstract

Due to the low impedance matching caused by the high dielectric permittivity of graphene, the strong absorption of electromagnetic waves by graphene/polymer nanocomposites is challenging. In this paper, an analytical model for microwave absorption based on Maxwell’s equation and the effective medium theory, considering the interface effect, was constructed to explore the effect of the gradient distribution of graphene in the polymer matrix on its microwave absorption performance. The outcome indicated that the impedance of the composites matched well with the air, and its attenuation ability for electromagnetic waves was obviously improved as the graphene concentration was distributed in a gradient form. For instance, when the thickness of the material is 10 mm, based on the optimal concentration of the homogeneous composites being 0.7 wt%, the graphene concentration range of the gradient composites is set to 0.7–0.9 wt% and distributed in three gradient forms of linear, parabolic, and 0.5 power. The results show that the microwave absorption performance is significantly improved compared with the homogeneous composites. Among them, the effective bandwidth on the 0.5 power distribution is 5.2 GHz, 0.5 GHz higher than that of the homogeneous composites. The minimum reflection loss (RL) is as low as −54.7 dB, which is 26.26 dB lower than that of the homogeneous composites. This paper contributes to the design and application of gradient absorbing structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Matrix Nanocomposite Materials (2nd Edition))

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12 pages, 8208 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Saccharomyces cerevisiae-Loaded Polyvinylpyrrolidone/SiO₂ Nanofiber for Wound Dressing Prepared Using Electrospinning Method

by Yeon Seo Cho, Hongjun Yoon and Sung Giu Jin

Materials 2024, 17(12), 2903; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17122903 - 13 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1142

Abstract

Electrospun nanofibers have been used as wound dressings to protect skin from infection and promote wound healing. In this study, we developed polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/silicon dioxide (SD) composite nanofibers for the delivery of probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC), which potentially aids in wound healing. PVP/SD composite nanofibers were optimized through electrospinning, and bead-free nanofibers with an average diameter of 624.7 ± 99.6 nm were fabricated. Next, SC, a wound-healing material, was loaded onto the PVP/SD composite nanofibers. SC was encapsulated in nanofibers, and nanofibers were prepared using SC, PVP, SD, water, and ethanol in a ratio of 3:4:0.1:4.8:1.2. The formation of smooth nanofibers with protrusions around SC was confirmed using SEM. Nanofiber dressing properties were physicochemically and mechanically characterized by evaluating SEM, DSC, XRD, and FTIR images, tensile strength, and elongation at break. Additionally, a release test of active substances was performed. The absence of interactions between SC, PVP, and SD was confirmed through physicochemical evaluation, and SEM images showed that the nanofiber dressing contained SC and had a porous structure. It also showed a 100% release of SC within 30 min. Overall, our study showed that SC-loaded PVP/SD composite nanofibers prepared using the electrospinning method are promising wound dressings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Matrix Nanocomposite Materials (2nd Edition))

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17 pages, 9158 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of SiO₂ Particle Size on Crystallization Behavior and Space Charge Properties for SiO₂/MMT/LDPE Composites

by Hongtao Jiang, Hong Yuan, Qunguang Yu and Jing Xie

Materials 2024, 17(7), 1605; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17071605 - 31 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1349

Abstract

The matrix material used in this paper was low-density polyethene (LDPE), and the added particles selected were silicon oxide (SiO₂) particles and montmorillonite (MMT) particles. The sizes of the SiO₂ particles were 1 µm, 30 nm, and 100 nm, respectively; three kinds of SiO₂/MMT/LDPE multi-component composites were prepared based on MMT/LDPE composites doped with MMT particles. The effect of the SiO₂ particle size on the crystallization behavior and space charge properties of SiO₂/MMT/LDPE composites was studied. The crystalline behaviors and crystallinity of the materials were analyzed. At the same time, the changes in the relative dielectric constant ε_r and loss factor tanδ for each material with the influence of frequency were studied, and the space charge accumulation, residual characteristics, and apparent charge mobility of each material were explored. The results show that the smaller the size of the added particles, the smaller the grain size and the clearer the grain outline for the multi-composite material. After adding 30 nm SiO₂ particles, the crystallinity of the material increases significantly. The microstructure formed by the addition of 100 nm SiO₂ particles effectively restricts molecular chain movement and makes it difficult to establish the polarization of the composite. The incorporation of large-size particles can reduce the proportion of the crystalline structure for the material as a whole, resulting in the formation of a new structure to promote charge transfer. Among the three kinds of SiO₂ particles, the addition of 30 nm SiO₂ particles can effectively suppress the space charge, and the composite material has the lowest residual space charge after depolarization. The addition of 100 nm SiO₂ particles can cause the accumulation of many homopolar charges near the anode. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Matrix Nanocomposite Materials (2nd Edition))

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20 pages, 4207 KiB

Open AccessReview

3D-Networks Based Polymer Composites for Multifunctional Thermal Management and Electromagnetic Protection: A Mini Review

by Houbao Liu, Xiaohu Ji, Wei Wang and Lihua Zhou

Materials 2024, 17(10), 2400; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102400 - 16 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1473

Abstract

The rapid development of miniaturized, high-frequency, and highly integrated microelectronic devices has brought about critical issues in electromagnetic compatibility and thermal management. In recent years, there has been significant interest in lightweight polymer-based composites that offer both electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and thermal conductivity. One promising approach involves constructing three-dimensional (3D) interconnection networks using functional fillers in the polymer matrix. These networks have been proven effective in enhancing the thermal and electrical conductivity of the composites. This mini-review focuses on the preparation and properties of 3D network-reinforced polymer composites, specifically those incorporating metal, carbon, ceramic, and hybrid networks. By comparing the effects of different filler types and distribution on the composite materials, the advantages of 3D interconnected conductive networks in polymer composites are highlighted. Additionally, this review addresses the challenges faced in the field of multifunctional thermal management and electromagnetic protection materials and provides insights into future development trends and application prospects of 3D structured composites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Matrix Nanocomposite Materials (2nd Edition))

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