Functional and Structural Properties of Polymeric Nanocomposites

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanocomposite Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2025) | Viewed by 1547

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
Interests: physico–chemical properties, structure, morphology and durability of macromolecular systems; design and development of smart and/or nanostructured materials; synthesis of self-healing microcapsules; multifunctional carbon-based hybrid materials for aircraft lightning strike protection; thermosetting composites with self-restoration function capable at very low temperatures; conductive and flame retardant nanofilled aeronautic composites; self-responsive materials; 3D printing; FTIR spectroscopy; morphological analysis by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and tunneling atomic force microscopy (TUNA) techniques
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Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
Interests: thermosetting resins; thermoplastic polymers; carbonaceous nanofillers; nanocomposites; Joule heating; Joule heating curing; self-sensing; smart materials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since the discovery of nanomaterials, it has been proved that their dispersion into polymeric matrices sensitively affects the material properties or can allow the obtaining of completely new functionalities.

This Special Issue aims to collect cutting-edge research on using nanoparticles in polymeric matrices with enhanced properties and performance of the resulting nanocomposites. By selecting appropriate nanomaterials, it is possible to tailor the properties of the polymer nanocomposite to meet specific requirements, making them very versatile for a wide range of applications in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, packaging, and biomedical. To achieve this goal, different types of nanoparticles can be used: carbonaceous filler (e.g., carbon nanotubes, graphene, expanded graphite, etc.), nanoclays, and metallic nanoparticles.

When included in polymeric matrices, the distinctive features of nanomaterials can lead to the production of multifunctional systems. Nanoparticles with peculiar morphologies can affect bulk and surface properties. Conductive nanofillers can allow the obtaining of smart polymers (sensors/ actuators, self-healing, self-healing polymers, etc.). The interface properties between nanofillers and polymeric matrices are fascinating to study, especially in understanding the direction to follow for enhancing the performance in the manifestation of intelligent functions.

This Special Issue strongly encourages original paper submissions from researchers working in the field of nanocomposite designed to achieve functional properties for specific applications.

Dr. Marialuigia Raimondo
Guest Editor

Dr. Raffaele Longo
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

  • nanocomposites
  • thermosetting materials
  • thermoplastic materials
  • smart materials
  • self-sensing
  • self-heating
  • de-icing
  • Joule heating
  • self-healing
  • Joule heating curing
  • aeronautics
  • automotive
  • flame retardance composites
  • electronic devices
  • packaging
  • biomedical field

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 4058 KB  
Article
Thermal, Mechanical, Morphological, and Piezoresistive Properties of Poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) (EMAA) with Carbon Nanotubes and Expanded Graphite
by Francesca Aliberti, Luigi Vertuccio, Raffaele Longo, Andrea Sorrentino, Roberto Pantani, Liberata Guadagno and Marialuigia Raimondo
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(13), 994; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15130994 - 26 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 449
Abstract
This paper presents a comparative study examining the effects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and expanded graphite (EG) on the thermal, mechanical, morphological, electrical, and piezoresistive properties of poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) (EMAA) nanocomposites. To this end, different amounts of carbonaceous fillers (EG and CNTs separately) [...] Read more.
This paper presents a comparative study examining the effects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and expanded graphite (EG) on the thermal, mechanical, morphological, electrical, and piezoresistive properties of poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) (EMAA) nanocomposites. To this end, different amounts of carbonaceous fillers (EG and CNTs separately) were added to the EMAA thermoplastic matrix, and the relative electrical percolation thresholds (EPTs) were determined. The effect of filler concentration on thermo-oxidative degradation and the EMAA crystallinity was investigated via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) demonstrated that both fillers enhance the Young’s and storage moduli, as well as the glass transition temperature, with a greater improvement for the bidimensional nanofiller, most likely due to the cumulative effect of more extensive EG-matrix interactions. In tensile tests, a very relevant difference was detected in the Gauge Factor (G.F.) and the elongation at break of the two typologies of nanocomposites. The G.F. of EMAA 10% CNT and EMAA 15% EG were found to be 0.5 ± 0.08 and 165 ± 14, respectively, while elongation at break was about 68% for EMAA 10% CNT and 8% for EMAA 15% EG. Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Tunneling Atomic Force Microscopy (TUNA) have contributed to explaining the differences between EG- and CNT-based nanocomposites from a morphological point of view, underlying the pivotal role of the filler aspect ratio and its structural features in determining different mechanical and piezoresistive performance. The comprehensive analysis of EMAA-EG and EMAA-CNT nanocomposites provides a guide for selecting the best self-sensing system for the specific application. More specifically, EMAA-CNT nanocomposites with high elongation at break and lower sensitivity to small strains are suitable for movement sensors in the soft robotic field, where high deformation has to be detected. On the other hand, the high sensitivity at a low strain of EMAA-EG systems makes them suitable for integrated sensors in more rigid composite structures, such as aeronautical and automotive components or wind turbines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional and Structural Properties of Polymeric Nanocomposites)
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Review

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32 pages, 4464 KB  
Review
Multifunctional Polyimide for Packaging and Thermal Management of Electronics: Design, Synthesis, Molecular Structure, and Composite Engineering
by Xi Chen, Xin Fu, Zhansheng Chen, Zaiteng Zhai, Hongkang Miu and Peng Tao
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(15), 1148; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15151148 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 757
Abstract
Polyimide, a class of high-performance polymers, is renowned for its exceptional thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance. However, in the context of high-integration and high-frequency electronic packaging, polyimides face critical challenges including relatively high dielectric constants, inadequate thermal conductivity, and mechanical brittleness. [...] Read more.
Polyimide, a class of high-performance polymers, is renowned for its exceptional thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance. However, in the context of high-integration and high-frequency electronic packaging, polyimides face critical challenges including relatively high dielectric constants, inadequate thermal conductivity, and mechanical brittleness. Recent advances have focused on molecular design and composite engineering strategies to address these limitations. This review first summarizes the intrinsic properties of polyimides, followed by a systematic discussion of chemical synthesis, surface modification approaches, molecular design principles, and composite fabrication methods. We comprehensively examine both conventional polymerization synthetic routes and emerging techniques such as microwave-assisted thermal imidization and chemical vapor deposition. Special emphasis is placed on porous structure engineering via solid-template and liquid-template methods. Three key modification strategies are highlighted: (1) surface modifications for enhanced hydrophobicity, chemical stability, and tribological properties; (2) molecular design for optimized dielectric performance and thermal stability; and (3) composite engineering for developing high-thermal-conductivity materials with improved mechanical strength and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding capabilities. The dielectric constant of polyimide is reduced while chemical stability and wear resistance can be enhanced through the introduction of fluorine groups. Ultra-low dielectric constant and high-temperature resistance can be achieved by employing rigid monomers and porous structures. Furthermore, the incorporation of fillers such as graphene and boron nitride can endow the composite materials with high thermal conductivity, excellent EMI shielding efficiency, and improved mechanical properties. Finally, we discuss representative applications of polyimide and composites in electronic device packaging, EMI shielding, and thermal management systems, providing insights into future development directions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional and Structural Properties of Polymeric Nanocomposites)
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