Submit to Polymers Review for Polymers Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Synthesis–Processing–Structure–Property Interrelationship of Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites II

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Related Special Issues
Published Papers

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2020) | Viewed by 33722

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mohammad Arjmand

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
Interests: nanomaterials synthesis; carbon nanotube; graphene; metal-organic framework; MXene; polymer processing; multifunctional polymer nanocomposites; gas sensors; additive manufacturing/3D printing; wastewater treatment; electromagnetic interference shielding
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Amir Ameli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Plastics Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 1 University Avenue, Ball Hall, Room 202A, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
Interests: multifunctional polymer nanocomposites; additive manufacturing; bioproducts; smart materials and structures; advanced polymer-based foams; mechanics of materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymers offer remarkable physical properties such as their light weight, low cost, easy processability, corrosion resistance, improved design options, etc. These properties distinguish polymers from their traditional rivals such as ceramics and metals. Nonetheless, in order to employ polymers as the next generation of advanced materials, their physical properties must be significantly improved. This can be carried out via incorporating multifunctional nanomaterials into the polymer matrices.

Despite the outstanding physical properties of different types of nanomaterials, the full exploitation of their physical properties toward the development of multifunctional polymer nanocomposites is still a challenge, due to their synthesis challenges, agglomeration, poor affinity toward polymers, nanofiller-polymer processing challenges, etc. This Special Issue aims to address partial or full coverage of the diamond of Synthesis–Processing–Structure–Property toward the development of multifunctional polymer nanocomposites containing various types of nanomaterials. Covering the diamond will generate a platform to achieve a better understanding of the physical properties of polymer nanocomposites and their relationship with nanofiller synthesis, nanofiller structure, nanofiller–polymer processing, and nanocomposite morphology.

In this regard, this Special Issue aims to create an interdisciplinary forum of discussion on applications and advancements in the area of the development of multifunctional polymer nanocomposites holding various types of nanomaterials. This Issue accepts high-quality research articles as well as review articles that will illustrate and stimulate the continuing effort to understand the area of multifunctional nanomaterial/polymer nanocomposites.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

Design and Engineering of Various Types of Multifunctional Nanomaterials
Synthesis;
Surface modification and functionalization;
Characterization of physical and structural properties.
Fabrication of Nanocomposites
Melt mixing and solution mixing;
Injection molding;
Extrusion;
Compression molding;
Electrospinning;
Foaming;
3D Printing.
Structure of Nanocomposites
Characterization (microscopy, spectroscopy, etc.);
Hybrid nanocomposites and blends;
Nanofiller localization.
Properties of Nanocomposites
Electrical conductivity;
Electromagnetic interference shielding;
Dielectric;
Thermoelectric;
Piezoresistive and piezoelectric;
Thermal;
Mechanical;
Rheological;
Tribological;
Barrier.

Dr. Mohammad Arjmand
Dr. Amir Ameli
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. 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

Multifunctional nanomaterials
Synthesis
Polymer processing
Structure
Polymer nanocomposites
Electrical conductivity
Electromagnetic interference shielding
Mechanical properties
Thermal properties
Dielectric properties
Thermoelectric
Piezoelectric
Piezoresistive
Tribological properties
Barrier

Related Special Issues

Synthesis–Processing–Structure–Property Interrelationship of Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites in Polymers (10 articles)
Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites in Polymers (26 articles)

Published Papers (11 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

14 pages, 5822 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Antimony Oxide on Epoxy Based Intumescent Flame Retardation Coating System

by Riyazuddin, Samrin Bano, Fohad Mabood Husain, Rais Ahmad Khan, Ali Alsalme and Jamal Akhter Siddique

Polymers 2020, 12(11), 2721; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12112721 - 17 Nov 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2280

Abstract

Ethylenediamine modified Ammonium polyphosphate (EDA-MAPP), and Charring-Foaming Agents (CFA) was prepared via a simple chemical approach and further utilizes for the preparation of Epoxy resin based intumescent flame retardation coatings. The ratio belongs to MAPP and CFA was fixed at 2:1 ratio. Comparative thermo gravimetric analysis TGA study of Modified Ammonium polyphosphate (MAPP) and Ammonium polyphosphate (APP) investigated. Sb₂O₃ was introduced into flame retardation coating formulation at various amounts to evaluate the synergistic action of Sb₂O₃ along with flame retardant coating system. The synergistic action of Sb₂O₃ on flame retardation coating formulation was studied by vertical burning test (UL-94V), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), Limited Oxygen Index (LOI), and Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy (FTIR). The UL-94V results indicated that adding Sb₂O₃ effectively increased flame retardancy and meets V-0 ratings at each concentration. The TGA results revealed that the amalgamation of Sb₂O₃ at each concentration effectively increased the thermal stability of the flame retardant coating system. Cone-calorimeter study results that Sb₂O₃ successfully minimized the combustion parameters like, Peak Heat Release Rate (PHRR), and Total Heat Release (THR). The FTIR result shows that Sb₂O₃ can react with MAPP and generates the dense-charred layer which prevents the transfer of heat and oxygen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis–Processing–Structure–Property Interrelationship of Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 6496 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrophobic Shape-Memory Biocomposites from Tung-Oil-Based Bioresin and Onion-Skin-Derived Nanocellulose Networks

by Sunanda Sain, Dan Åkesson, Mikael Skrifvars and Souvik Roy

Polymers 2020, 12(11), 2470; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12112470 - 25 Oct 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2941

Abstract

The fabrication of smart biocomposites from sustainable resources that could replace today’s petroleum-derived polymer materials is a growing field of research. Here, we report preparation of novel biocomposites using nanocellulose networks extracted from food residue (onion skin) and a vegetable oil-based bioresin. The resin was synthesized via the Diels-Alder reaction between furfuryl methacrylate and tung oil at various ratios of the components. The onion-skin-extracted cellulose nanofiber and cellulose nanocrystal networks were then impregnated with the resins yielding biocomposites that exhibited improved mechanical strength and higher storage modulus values. The properties of the resins, as well as biocomposites, were affected by the resin compositions. A 190–240-fold increase in mechanical strength was observed in the cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-reinforced biocomposites with low furfuryl methacrylate content. The biocomposites exhibited interesting shape-memory behavior with 80–96% shape recovery being observed after 7 creep cycles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis–Processing–Structure–Property Interrelationship of Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites II)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 7596 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Radiation Processing and Characterization of Some Ethylene-propylene-diene Terpolymer/Butyl (Halobutyl) Rubber/Nanosilica Composites

by Elena Manaila, Anton Airinei, Maria Daniela Stelescu, Maria Sonmez, Laurentia Alexandrescu, Gabriela Craciun, Daniela Pamfil, Nicusor Fifere, Cristian-Dragos Varganici, Florica Doroftei and Adrian Bele

Polymers 2020, 12(10), 2431; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12102431 - 21 Oct 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2416

Abstract

Composites based on ethylene–propylene–diene terpolymer (EPDM), butyl/halobutyl rubber and nanosilica were prepared by melt mixing and subjected to different doses of electron beam irradiation. The effect of irradiation dose on the mechanical properties, morphology, glass transition temperature, thermal stability and water uptake was investigated. The efficiency of the crosslinking by electron beam irradiation was analyzed by Charlesby–Pinner parameter evaluation and crosslink density measurements. The scanning electron microscopy data showed a good dispersion of nanosilica in the rubber matrix. An improvement in hardness and 100% modulus was revealed by increasing irradiation dose up to 150 kGy. The interaction between polymer matrix and nanosilica was analyzed using the Kraus equation. Additionally, these results indicated that the mechanical properties, surface characteristics, and water uptake were dependent on crosslink characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis–Processing–Structure–Property Interrelationship of Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 4815 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polyvinyl Alcohol/Calcium Carbonate Nanocomposites as Efficient and Cost-Effective Cationic Dye Adsorbents

by Davoud Jahani, Amin Nazari, Jaber Ghourbanpour and Amir Ameli

Polymers 2020, 12(10), 2179; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12102179 - 24 Sep 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4124

Abstract

A novel polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/calcium carbonate-based double-layer cationic dye adsorbent was developed. Polyvinyl alcohol (50 wt %) and calcium carbonate (50 wt %) were used together with borax as a cross-linking agent. The nanocomposite was prepared using only water, without the need for any toxic solvent or hazardous chemical. The final samples were obtained by the solvent casting method. The nanocomposite adsorbent was characterized using a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The adsorption performance on two cationic dyes, i.e., methylene blue and safranin was studied. Dye adsorption was quantified by measuring the nanocomposite swelling, contact time, and dye concentration. Pseudo first-order and pseudo second-order kinetic models as well as intraparticle diffusion model were used to model the adsorption kinetics. Moreover, the isotherm dye adsorption was investigated by Langmuir and Freundlich models. The results revealed that the developed nanocomposite has relatively high adsorption efficiency and short adsorption time and retains its performance after several successive absorption–desorption processes. The results also showed that the pseudo-second-order model best describes the adsorption kinetics, and the Freundlich isotherm model has a better compatibility with the experimental data. Finally, an adsorption mechanism was proposed for the dye removal process. The developed PVA/CaCO₃ nanocomposite can be potentially used for efficient dye removal in wastewater treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis–Processing–Structure–Property Interrelationship of Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites II)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 3448 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Alumina Nanowires on the Thermal Conductivity and Electrical Performance of Epoxy Composites

by Liangsong Huang, Xitao Lv, Yongzhe Tang, Guanghui Ge, Peng Zhang and Yuxia Li

Polymers 2020, 12(9), 2126; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12092126 - 17 Sep 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 2644

Abstract

Alumina nanowires (Al₂O₃-NWs)/epoxy resin composites have been thoroughly studied due to their excellent insulating and dielectric performance. In particular, understanding the effect of nano-alumina with different morphologies on the dielectric performance of composites is of great significance. In this study, Al₂O₃-NWs with lengths of approximately 100 nm and diameters of approximately 5 nm were prepared and blended with anepoxy resin to form composites, and the effect of the mass fraction of fillers on the thermal conductivity of the composites was investigated. Specifically, the effect of alumina fillers with ananowire structure on the insulating and dielectric performance and breakdown strength of the epoxy composites were analyzed. The influence principle of the interfacial effect and heat accumulation on the dielectric and insulating properties of the composites were described. The results demonstrated that the thermal conductivity of Al₂O₃-NWs/epoxy resin composites was higher than that of the bare epoxy resin. The thermal conductivity of Al₂O₃-NWs/epoxy resin composites increased with increasing mass fraction of fillers. When the mass fraction of fillers was 10%, the thermal conductivity of the composite was 134% higher than that of the epoxy resin matrix. The volume resistivity of the composites first increased and then decreased as the mass fraction of fillers increased, while the dielectric constant of the composites increased with increasing mass fraction of fillers and decreasing frequency. The dielectric loss of the composites decreased and then increased as the mass fraction of fillers increased, and it increased with increasing frequency. Additionally, the alternating current breakdown strength of the composites first increased and then decreased withincreasingmass fraction of fillers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis–Processing–Structure–Property Interrelationship of Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites II)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 2298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of a Monomer Composition on the Mechanical Properties and Glass Transition Temperature of a Waterborne Polyurethane/Graphene Oxide and Waterborne Polyurethane/MWCNT Nanocomposite

by Hyung Joong Kim, Jihye Han and Younggon Son

Polymers 2020, 12(9), 2013; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12092013 - 03 Sep 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2477

Abstract

Anionic waterborne polyurethane (aWPU) is not compatible with graphene oxide (GO) due to the repulsive force acting on identical ionic charges. In this study, we fabricated cationic surfactant treated GO and cationic surfactant treated carbon nanotube (CNT) to increase the compatibility with aWPU. Cationic waterborne polyurethane (WPU) and nanocomposites thereof were also prepared. On the basis of the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, glass transition temperature (T_g), and a stability test, it was found that the compatibility between WPU and a nanofiller (NF) was enhanced to a great extent when WPU and NF had opposite ionicity. The T_g and mechanical properties of WPU increased with the addition of NF, showed the maximum value and thereafter decreased with further addition. The effect of composition of ionic monomer in WPU was also investigated. As the composition of the ionic monomer increases, the concentration of NF for the maximum T_g and mechanical properties increases. This was attributed to the ionic association between the NF and WPU. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis–Processing–Structure–Property Interrelationship of Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites II)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 5803 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Carbonyl Iron Powder (CIP) Content on the Electromagnetic Wave Absorption and Mechanical Properties of CIP/ABS Composites

by Wenwen Lai, Yan Wang and Junkun He

Polymers 2020, 12(8), 1694; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12081694 - 29 Jul 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3388

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has proven to be a convenient and effective method to fabricate structural electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers with tunable EMW absorption properties. To obtain a functional material with strong EMW absorbing performance and excellent mechanical properties for fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing technology, in this work, carbonyl iron powder (CIP)/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) composites with different CIP contents were prepared by the melt-mixing process. The effects of the CIP content on the EMW absorption and mechanical properties of CIP/ABS composites were investigated. The CIP/ABS composite with a CIP content of 40 wt.% presented the lowest reflection loss (RL) of −48.71 dB for the optimal impedance matching. In addition, this composite exhibited optimal mechanical properties due to the good dispersion of the CIPs in the matrix ABS. Not only were the tensile and flexural strength similar to pure ABS, but the tensile and flexural modulus were 32% and 37% higher than those of pure ABS, respectively. With a CIP content of 40 wt.%, the CIP/ABS composite proved to be a novel functional material with excellent EMW absorbing and mechanical properties, providing great potential for the development of structural absorbers via FDM 3D printing technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis–Processing–Structure–Property Interrelationship of Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites II)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 2542 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Targeting Delivery System for Lactobacillus Plantarum Based on Functionalized Electrospun Nanofibers

by Hongliang Yu, Weihua Liu, Dongmei Li, Chunhong Liu, Zhibiao Feng and Bin Jiang

Polymers 2020, 12(7), 1565; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12071565 - 15 Jul 2020

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 3171

Abstract

With the increased interest in information on gut microbes, people are realizing the benefits of probiotics to health, and new technologies to improve the viability of probiotics are still explored. However, most probiotics have poor resistance to adverse environments. In order to improve the viability of lactic acid bacteria, polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibers were prepared by coaxial electrospinning. The electrospinning voltage was 16 kV, and the distance between spinneret and collector was 15 cm. The feed rates of the shell and core solutions were 1.0 and 0.25 mL/h, respectively. The lactic acid bacteria were encapsulated in the coaxial electrospun nanofibers with PLA and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) as the shell materials. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and laser scanning confocal microscopy showed that lactic acid bacteria were encapsulated in the coaxial electrospun nanofibers successfully. The water contact angle test indicated that coaxial electrospun nanofiber films had good hydrophobicity. An in vitro simulated digestion test exhibited that the survival rate of lactic acid bacteria encapsulated in coaxial electrospun nanofiber films was more than 72%. This study proved that the viability of probiotics can be improved through encapsulation within coaxial electrospun PLA nanofibers and provided a novel approach for encapsulating bioactive substances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis–Processing–Structure–Property Interrelationship of Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites II)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

22 pages, 7073 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Superior X-ray Radiation Shielding Effectiveness of Biocompatible Polyaniline Reinforced with Hybrid Graphene Oxide-Iron Tungsten Nitride Flakes

by Seyyed Alireza Hashemi, Seyyed Mojtaba Mousavi, Reza Faghihi, Mohammad Arjmand, Mansour Rahsepar, Sonia Bahrani, Seeram Ramakrishna and Chin Wei Lai

Polymers 2020, 12(6), 1407; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12061407 - 23 Jun 2020

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 3848

Abstract

X-ray radiation is a harmful carcinogenic electromagnetic source that can adversely affect the health of living species and deteriorate the DNA of cells, thus it’s vital to protect vulnerable sources from them. To address this flaw, the conductive polymeric structure of polyaniline (PANi) was reinforced with diverse filler loadings (i.e., 25 wt % and 50 wt %) of hybrid graphene oxide-iron tungsten nitride (ITN) flakes toward attenuation of X-ray beams and inhabitation of microorganisms’ growth. Primary characterizations confirmed the successful decoration of graphene oxide (GO) with interconnected and highly dense structure of iron tungsten nitride with a density of about 24.21 g·cm⁻³ and reinforcement of PANi with GO-ITN. Additionally, the outcome of evaluations showed the superior performance of developed shields, where a shield with 1.2 mm thickness containing 50 wt % GO-ITN showed 131.73% increase in the electrical conductivity (compared with neat PANi) along with 78.07%, 57.12%, and 44.99% decrease in the amplitude of the total irradiated X-ray waves at 30, 40, and 60 kVp tube voltages, respectively, compared with control X-ray dosage. More importantly, the developed shields not only showed non-toxic nature and improved the viability of cells, but also completely removed the selected microorganisms at a concentration of 1000 µg·mL⁻¹. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis–Processing–Structure–Property Interrelationship of Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites II)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

10 pages, 1921 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dental Sealant Empowered by 1,3,5-Tri Acryloyl Hexahydro-1,3,5-Triazine and α-Tricalcium Phosphate for Anti-Caries Application

by Juliana Caletti Monteiro, Michele Stürmer, Isadora Martini Garcia, Mary Anne Melo, Salvatore Sauro, Vicente Castelo Branco Leitune and Fabrício Mezzomo Collares

Polymers 2020, 12(4), 895; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12040895 - 12 Apr 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2977

Abstract

: Quaternary ammonium compounds and calcium phosphates have been incorporated into dental materials to enhance their biointeractivity and preventive effects. This study aimed at evaluating the physical and chemical properties and effects against Streptococcus mutans of a dental sealant containing 1,3,5-tri acryloyl hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine (TAT) and α-tricalcium phosphate (α‐TCP). A methacrylate-based dental sealant was initially formulated. α‐TCP and TAT (G_α-TCPTAT) were added to the experimental sealant at 2 wt.% each. One group was formulated without α‐TCP and TAT and used as control (G_CTRL). All tested resins were analyzed for polymerization kinetics and degree of conversion (DC %), Knoop hardness (KHN), softening in solvent (∆KHN%), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), the contact angle with water or with α-bromonaphthalene, surface free energy (SFE) and antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans in biofilm and in planktonic cells. The polymerization kinetic was different between groups, but without statistical differences in the DC % (p<0.05). KHN and ΔKHN% did not change between groups (p>0.05), but G_α-TCPTAT presented greater UTS compared to G_CTRL (p<0.05). No differences were found for contact angle (p>0.05) or SFE (p>0.05). G_α-TCPTAT showed greater antibacterial activity in comparison to G_CTRL (p<0.05). The formulation of dental sealants containing TAT and α-TCP can be characterized by improved mechanical and antibacterial properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis–Processing–Structure–Property Interrelationship of Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3599 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Zirconium Modified Arylacetylene Resin: Preparation, Thermal Properties and Ceramifiable Mechanism

by Qilin Mei, Honghua Wang, Xiaocheng Chen, Ying Wang and Zhixiong Huang

Polymers 2020, 12(3), 684; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12030684 - 19 Mar 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2823

Abstract

With the rapid development of thermal protection systems for the aerospace industry and power electronics, polyarylacetylene (PAA) resin plays an important role because of its good mechanical properties, high glass transition temperature (T_g), low water absorption, high char yield (Y_c), and the fact that there is no byproduct released in the curing process. In order to further improve the thermal property of PAA based FRP for the thermal protection field, the introduction of a zirconium element into arylacetylene is promising. In this paper, zirconium modified arylacetylene (ZAA) resin was prepared by two-step synthesis. The FTIR analysis characterized its molecular structure and confirmed the products. The viscosity of ZAA was about 6.5 Pa·s when the temperature was above 120 °C. The DSC analysis showed that the ZAA had a low curing temperature, and its apparent activation energy was 103.86 kJ/mol in the Kissinger method and 106.46 kJ/mol in the Ozawa method. The dielectric constant at 1 MHz of poly(zirconium modified arylacetylene) (PZAA) was 3.4. The TG analysis showed that the temperatures of a weight loss of 5% (T_d5) and char yield (Y_c) at 800 °C of PZAA were 407.5 °C and 61.4%, respectively. The XRD results showed the presence of SiO₂ and ZrO₂ in the PZAA residue after ablation. The XRF results showed that the contents of SiO₂ and ZrO₂ in PZAA residual after ablation were, respectively, 15.3% and 12.4%. The SEM showed that the surface of PZAA after ablation had been covered with a dense and rigid ceramic phase composed of ZrO₂ and SiO₂. Therefore, the introduction of Zr into arylacetylene greatly improved the densification of the surface after ablation, and improved the heat resistant property. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis–Processing–Structure–Property Interrelationship of Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites II)

► Show Figures