Search Results (42)

This work investigates the effect of nanoclay addition—specifically natural montmorillonite (MMT) and organo-modified montmorillonite (O-MMT)—on the elastocaloric performance of natural rubber (NR), a promising material for solid-state cooling due to its non-toxicity, low cost, and ability to exhibit large adiabatic temperature changes under moderate stress (~a few MPa). Despite these advantages, the cooling efficiency of NR remains lower than that of conventional vapor-compression systems. Therefore, improving the cooling capacity of NR is essential for the development of solid-state cooling technologies competitive with existing ones. To address this, two series of NR-based nanocomposites, containing 1, 3, and 5 phr nanofiller, were prepared by melt compounding and hot pressing and characterized in terms of morphology, thermal, mechanical, and elastocaloric properties. The results highlighted that the better dispersion of the organoclays within the rubber matrix promoted not only a better mechanical behavior (in terms of stiffness and strength), but also a significantly enhanced cooling performance compared to MMT nanofilled systems. Moreover, NR/O-MMT samples demonstrated up to a ~45% increase in heat extracted per refrigeration cycle compared to the unfilled NR, with a coefficient of performance (COP) up to 3, approaching the COP of conventional vapor-compression systems, typically ranging between 3 and 6. The heat extracted per refrigeration cycle of NR/O-MMT systems resulted in approx. 16 J/cm³, higher with respect to the values reported in the literature for NR-based systems (ranging between 5 and 12 J/cm³). These findings emphasize the potential of organoclays in enhancing the refrigeration potential of NR for novel state cooling applications. Full article

This study investigates the hydrogen permeability of injection-molded polyamide 6 (PA6) nanocomposites reinforced with organo-modified montmorillonite (OMMT) at varying concentrations (1, 2.5, 5, and 10 wt. %) for potential use as Type IV composite-overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV) liners. While previous work examined their mechanical properties, this study focuses on their crystallinity, morphology, and gas barrier performance. The precise inorganic content was determined using thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA), while differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the structural and morphological changes induced by varying filler content. The results showed that generally higher OMMT concentrations promoted γ-phase formation but also led to increased agglomeration and reduced crystallinity. The PA6/OMMT-1 wt. % sample stood out with higher crystallinity, well-dispersed clay, and low hydrogen permeability. In contrast, the PA6/OMMT-2.5 and -5 wt. % samples showed increased permeability, which corresponded to WAXD and SEM evidence of agglomeration and DSC results indicating a lower degree of crystallinity. PA6/OMMT-10 wt. % showed the most-reduced hydrogen permeability compared to all other samples. This improvement, however, is attributed to a tortuous path effect created by the high filler loading rather than optimal crystallinity or dispersion. SEM images revealed significant OMMT agglomeration, and DSC analysis confirmed reduced crystallinity, indicating that despite the excellent barrier performance, the compromised microstructure may negatively impact mechanical reliability, showing PA6/OMMT-1 wt. % to be the most balanced candidate combining both mechanical integrity and hydrogen impermeability for Type IV COPV liners. Full article

This study focused on hybrid nanobiocomposite polymers produced with the use of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), P3HB and aliphatic polyurethane (PU) as a matrix, including variable quantities of organomodified montmorillonite (Cloisite^®30B). Mechanical, thermal, and biodegradability tests were conducted to evaluate their properties. The nanobiocomposites were tested using monotonic tensile tests, which revealed that the addition of PU and organomodified montmorillonite reduced the stiffness and strain at break compared to native P3HB. The material’s yield strength was higher for P3HB, while the PU-modified composites exhibited lower stiffness and increased ductility, especially with lower amounts of clay. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that cracks in the samples propagated more rapidly as the clay content increased. The bending test showed that the P3HB–PU composites and the nanobiocomposites exhibited lower bending strength and elongation at break compared to pure polyester. However, the composites with lower clay content showed better performance, suggesting that clay promotes ductility to some extent. The Charpy impact tests indicated an increase in impact strength for the composites with the addition of PU and montmorillonite, especially for the samples with 1 wt.% clay. Biodegradability testing showed that P3HB has a biodegradability of 63.21%. However, the addition of clay reduced biodegradability, with a notable decrease as the clay content increased. The biodegradation of composites with 1 and 2% by mass clay was higher than that of P3HB. Thermal analysis indicates an improvement in the thermal stability of the nanomaterials, with the 1% by mass clay sample showing the highest decomposition onset temperature (263 °C). Overall, the study demonstrated that the presence of PU and montmorillonite moderated the mechanical and thermal properties and biodegradation of P3HB, with the optimal performance observed in the composites with 1% by mass clay. Full article

Galactomannan/organomodified montmoriollonite (G₁M/OM-MMT) nanocomposites and G₂M/OM-MMT nanocomposites were biosynthesized using galactomannan (GM) and organomodified montmorillonite (OM-MMT) with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB, 10⁻² M) designed for antioxidant activities. Furthermore, galactomannan (GM) was isolated from fruit rind of Punica granatum grown in the Djelfa region, in Algeria, and the nanoclay used in this work was an Algerian montmorillonite. Two different types of nanocomposites were synthetized using different amounts of GM and OM-MMT (w/w) [GM₁/OM-MMT (0.5:1) and GM₂/OM-MMT (0.5:2)] via a solution interaction method. FTIR analysis confirmed the intercalation of GM in the interlayer of OM-MMT. Moreover, X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the interlayer space of OM-MMT was increased from 124.6 nm to 209.9 nm, and regarding the intercalation of GM in the OM-MMT interlayers, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (DEX) confirmed the intercalated structure of the nanocomposites, while thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) improved the thermal stability of the synthesized bionanocomposites. The antioxidant activities of the GM₁/OM-MMT nanocomposites and GM₂/OM-MMT nanocomposites were evaluated with a spectrophotometer and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazine) radical scavenging assay. GM₁/OM-MMT nanocomposites and GM₂/OM-MMT nanocomposites gave good antioxidant activity. Indeed, GM₁/OM-MMT had an IC₅₀ of 0.19 mg/mL and GM₂/OM-MMT an IC₅₀ of 0.28 mg/mL. Full article

This research follows the principles of circular economy through the zero waste concept and cascade approach performed in two steps. Our paper focuses on the first step and explores the characteristics of developed biocomposite materials made from a biodegradable poly(lactic acid) polymer (PLA) reinforced with natural fibers isolated from the second generation of biomass (agricultural biomass and weeds). Two plants, Spartium junceum L. (SJL) and Sida hermaphrodita (SH), were applied. To enhance their mechanical, thermal, and antimicrobial properties, their modification was performed with environmentally friendly additives—linseed oil (LO), organo-modified montmorillonite nanoclay (MMT), milled cork (MC), and zinc oxide (ZnO). The results revealed that SH fibers exhibited 38.92% higher tensile strength than SJL fibers. Composites reinforced with SH fibers modified only with LO displayed a 27.33% increase in tensile strength compared to neat PLA. The addition of LO improved the thermal stability of both biocomposites by approximately 5–7 °C. Furthermore, the inclusion of MMT filler significantly reduced the flammability, lowering the heat release rate to 30.25%, and enabling the categorization of developed biocomposite in a group of flame retardants. In the second step, all waste streams generated during the fibers extraction process are repurposed into the production of solid biofuels (pellets, briquettes) or biogas (bio)methane. Full article

The growing demand for products made of polymeric materials, including the commonly used polypropylene (PP), is accompanied by the problem of storing and disposing of non-biodegradable waste, increasing greenhouse gas emissions, climate change and the creation of toxic products that constitute a health hazard of all living organisms. Moreover, most of the synthetic polymers used are made from petrochemical feedstocks from non-renewable resources. The use of petrochemical raw materials also causes degradation of the natural environment. A potential solution to these problems is the use of biopolymers. Biopolymers include biodegradable or biosynthesizable polymers, i.e., obtained from renewable sources or produced synthetically but from raw materials of natural origin. One of them is the poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) biopolymer, whose properties are comparable to PP. Unfortunately, it is necessary to modify its properties to improve its processing and operational properties. In the work, hybrid polymer nanobiocomposites based on P3HB, with the addition of chain, uncross-linked polyurethane (PU) and layered aluminosilicate modified with organic salts (Cloisite^®30B) were produced by extrusion process. The introduction of PU and Cloisite^®30B to the polymer matrix (P3HB) influenced the processing parameters beneficially and resulted in a decrease in the extrusion temperature of more than 10 °C. The influence of the simultaneous addition of a constant amount of PU (10 m/m%) and the different amounts of nanoadditives (1, 2 and 3 m/m%) on the compatibility, morphology and static mechanical properties of the resulted nanobiocomposites were examined. The component interactions by Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, nano- and microscale structure studies using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were carried out, and the hardness and tensile strength of the obtained polymer nanobiocomposites were determined. FTIR analysis identified the compatibility of the polyester matrix, PU, and organomodified montmorillonite, the greatest being 3 m/m% Cloisite30B content. The addition of PU to the polyester elasticizes the material and decreases the material’s strength and ductility. The presence of nanoclay enhanced the mechanical properties of nanobiocomposites. The resulting nanobiocomposites can be used in the production of short-life materials applied in gardening or agriculture. Full article

In the present work, hybrid nanobiocomposites based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), P3HB, with the use of aromatic linear polyurethane as modifier and organic nanoclay, Cloisite 30B, as a nanofiller were produced. The aromatic linear polyurethane (PU) was synthesized in a reaction of diphenylmethane 4,4′-diisocyanate and polyethylene glycol with a molecular mass of 1000 g/mole. The obtained nanobiocomposites were characterized by the small-angle X-ray scattering technique, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry, and moreover, their selected mechanical properties, biodegradability, and cytotoxicity were tested. The effect of the organomodified montmorillonite presence in the biocomposites on their properties was investigated and compared to those of the native P3HB and the P3HB-PU composition. The obtained hybrid nanobiocomposites have an exfoliated structure. The presence and content of Cloisite 30B influence the P3HB-PU composition’s properties, and 2 wt.% Cloisite 30B leads to the best improvement in the aforementioned properties. The obtained results indicate that the thermal stability and mechanical properties of P3HB were improved, particularly in terms of increasing the degradation temperature, reducing hardness, and increasing impact strength, which were also confirmed by the morphological analysis of these bionanocomposites. However, the presence of organomodified montmorillonite in the obtained polymer biocomposites decreased their biodegradability slightly. The produced hybrid polymer nanobiocomposites have tailored mechanical and thermal properties and processing conditions for their expected application in the production of biodegradable, short-lived products for agriculture. Moreover, in vitro studies on human skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes showed their satisfactory biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity, which make them safe when in contact with the human body, for instance, in biomedical applications. Full article

This study focuses on polyamide 6/organo-modified montmorillonite (PA6/OMMT) nanocomposites as potential liner materials, given the growing interest in enhancing the performance of type IV composite overwrapped hydrogen storage pressure vessels. The mechanical properties of PA6/OMMT composites with varying filler concentrations were investigated across a temperature range relevant to hydrogen storage conditions (−40 °C to +85 °C). Liner collapse, a critical issue caused by rapid gas discharge, was analyzed using an Ishikawa diagram to identify external and internal factors. Mechanical testing revealed that higher OMMT content generally increased stiffness, especially at elevated temperatures. The Young’s modulus and first yield strength exhibited non-linear temperature dependencies, with 1 wt. per cent OMMT content enhancing yield strength at all tested temperatures. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) indicated that OMMT improves the storage modulus, suggesting effective filler dispersion, but it also reduces the toughness and heat resistance, as evidenced by lower glass transition temperatures. This study underscores the importance of optimizing OMMT content to balance mechanical performance and thermal stability for the practical application of PA6/OMMT nanocomposites in hydrogen storage pressure vessels. Full article

Nanocomposites with a natural rubber (NR) matrix containing organomodified montmorillonite (MMT) as a precursor of nanoparticles were prepared using two different polyoxazolines as surface modifiers of the MMT. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electronic microscopy and ultimate mechanical properties, and parameters obtained by DMTA method (storage and loss moduli and loss tangent) were determined. It was found that the effect of nanofillers presence has a significant effect on tensile strength as well as elongation at break, which are higher for materials with higher viscosity due to the presence of carbon blacks compared to the composites without carbon blacks. From the two modifiers, poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) was identified as a prospective modifier for surface modification of MMT used as the possible additive for tyre treads exhibiting optimal balance between fuel consumption and safety of driving concerning breaking action and lateral breakaway. Full article

The unique nonparallel chain arrangement in the orthorhombic γ-form lamellae of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) results in the enhancement of the mechanical properties of γ-iPP. Our study aimed at the investigation of the mechanical properties of γ-iPP nanocomposites with 1–5 wt.% multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and 5 wt.% organo-modified montmorillonite prepared by melt-mixing and high-pressure crystallization. Neat iPP and the nanocomposites were crystallized under high pressures of 200 MPa and 300 MPa, and for comparison under 1.4 MPa, in a custom-built high-pressure cell. The structure of the materials was studied using WAXS, SAXS, DSC, and SEM, whereas their mechanical properties were tested in plane-strain compression. Under a small pressure of 1.4 MPa, polymer matrix in all materials crystallized predominantly in the α-form, the most common monoclinic form of iPP, whereas under high pressure it crystallized in the γ-form. This caused a significant increase in the elastic modulus, yield stress, and stress at break. Moreover, due to the presence of MWCNT, these parameters of the nanocomposites exceeded those of the neat polymer. As a result, a 60–70% increase in the elastic modulus, yield stress, and stress at break was achieved by filling of iPP with MWCNT and high-pressure crystallization. Full article

The motivations of the present work are to investigate the exfoliation of montmorillonite within a linear low-density polyethylene matrix and to control its orientation during the cast extrusion process. The first part is focused on the exfoliation of the montmorillonite through the melt extrusion process. The accuracy and relevance of each method used to determine the exfoliation state of montmorillonite have been examined, thanks to X-ray diffraction, transmission electronic microscopy, and rheology. All these methods have presented limitations, but the combination of all leads to a better estimation of the exfoliation state. Finally, the orientation of the montmorillonite is quantified systematically by X-ray texture analysis and correlated with process parameters to discern which one is affecting their orientation. The results have demonstrated an enhancement of the “in-plane” orientation of the montmorillonite with the exfoliation, especially at high concentration and when combined with cast extrusion. Finally, in the multi-nano-layer polymer film configuration, the reduction of the individual layers 29 nm thickness leads to some orientation improvements. However, these improvements are almost at the same level as the concentration effect in a monolayer system. This work gives an overview of all the parameters needed to achieve a significant organo-modified montmorillonite “in-plane” orientation. Full article

Nanoclays are layered mineral silicates, i.e., layered silicate nanosheets. Nanoclays such as montmorillonite, bentonite, kaolinite, etc., have been used as reinforcements in the nanofibers. Numerous polymers have been used to fabricate the nanofibers, including poly(vinylidene fluoride), poly(vinyl alcohol), polycaprolactone, nylon, polyurethane, poly(ethylene oxide), and others. To develop better compatibility with polymers, nanoclays have been organo-modified prior to reinforcement in the nanofiber matrices. This state-of-the-art review highlights the fundamentals, design, fabrication, and characteristics of the polymer/nanoclay nanofibers. The nanoclay filled nanocomposite nanofibers have been fabricated using electrospinning and other fiber processing techniques. The electrospinning technique has been preferred to form the nanoclay-filled nanofibers, owing to the better control of processing parameters and resulting nanofiber properties. The electrospun polymer/nanoclay nanofibers usually have fine nanoparticle dispersions, microstructures, smooth textures, and narrow diameters. The physical properties of the designed nanofibers depend upon the processing technology used, solvent, solution/melt concentration, flow rate, spinning speed, voltage, and other process parameters. Hence, this review attempts to assess a literature-driven consequence of embedding nanoclays in the polymeric nanofibers in a broad context of the application of these fibrous materials. Conclusively, to design the polymer/nanoclay nanofibers, montmorillonite nanoclay has been observed as a nanofiller in most of the studies, and, similarly, the electrospinning technique was preferred as a fabrication technique. Almost all the physical properties of the nanofibers studied revealed dependences upon the choice of the polymer matrix for nanofiber formation as well as the nanoclay contents, modification, and dispersion state. Accordingly, the nylon/nanoclay nanofibers have been investigated for nanofiller dispersion, mechanical properties, and thermal profiles. The antibacterial properties were among the prominent features of the poly(vinyl alcohol)/nanoclay nanofibers. The poly(vinylidene fluoride)/nanoclay systems were explored for the microstructure, crystallinity, and piezoelectric properties. The polycaprolactone/nanoclay nanofibers having fine microstructure were capable of forming tissue engineering scaffolds. The drug delivery and sound absorption properties were noticeable for the polyurethane/nanoclay nanofiber systems. Moreover, the poly(lactic acid)/nanoclay nanofibers were found to have prominent biodegradability and low gas permeability features. The resulting polymer/nanoclay nanocomposite nanofiber systems found potential for the technical applications of sensors, packaging, tissue engineering, and wound healing. However, thorough research efforts have been found to be desirable to find the worth of polymer/nanoclay nanofibers in several concealed technological sectors of energy, electronics, aerospace, automotives, and biomedical fields. Full article

Carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics are composite materials with record-high specific strength, which depends on the efficiency of stress redistribution between the reinforcing fibers by the polymer matrix. The problem is the accurate assessment of adhesion in the carbon fiber–polymer matrix system since it affects the overall strength of the composite. This paper provides a novel electrochemical method for determining adhesion by estimating the critical length of carbon fibers that protrude above the fracture surface of the fiber-reinforced composite using their electrical conductivity and insulating properties of the polymer matrix. The method has been successfully applied to evaluate adhesion in carbon plastics having an epoxy matrix filled with nanoparticles of different anisometry: carbon nanotubes, organomodified montmorillonite, or detonation nanodiamonds. In addition to adhesion measurements, the effect of nanoparticles on the viscosity of epoxy binder, its impregnation efficiency of carbon fibers, curing, glass transition, and tensile strength of fiber-reinforced composites was estimated. Nanodiamonds at a mass fraction of 0.1% proved to be the most effective for improving the quality of epoxy carbon plastics, increasing fiber–matrix adhesion by 2.5 times, tensile strength by 17%, and not decreasing the glass transition temperature. Full article

In the present work, direct incorporation of bioactive compounds onto the surface and interlayer of nanoclays before their incorporation into the final polymeric film was conducted, based on a green methodology developed by our group that is compatible with food packaging. This will lead to the higher thermal stability and the significant reduction of the loss of activity of the active ingredients during packaging configuration. On this basis, the essential oil (EO) components carvacrol (C), thymol (T) as well as olive leaf extract (OLE), which is used for the first time, were incorporated onto organo-modified montmorillonite (O) or inorganic bentonite (B) through the evaporation/adsorption method. The prepared bioactive nanocarriers were further mixed with low-density polyethylene (LDPE), via melt compounding, in order to prepare films for potential use as fresh fruit and vegetable packaging material. Characterization of the bioactive nanocarriers and films were performed through XRD, TGA, tensile, antimicrobial and antioxidant tests. Films with organically modified montmorillonite loaded with carvacrol (OC), thymol (OT) and olive leaf extract (OOLE) at 5% wt. showed better results in terms of mechanical properties. The films with polyethylene and organically modified montmorillonite loaded with carvacrol or thymol at 20% wt. (PE_OC20 and PE_OT20), as well as with olive leaf extract at 5 or 10 %wt., clay:bioactive substance ratio 1:0.5 and 10% compatibilizer (PE_OOLE5_MA10 and PE_OOLE10_MA10) exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. The resulting films displayed outstanding antimicrobial properties against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) with the best results appearing in the films with 10% OC and OT. Full article

This paper presents an attempt to improve the properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) using linear aliphatic polyurethane (PU400) and organomodified montmorillonite (MMT)—(Cloisite^®30B). The nanostructure of hybrid nanobiocomposites produced by extrusion was analyzed by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, and the morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. In addition, selected mechanical properties and thermal properties were studied by thermogravimetric analysis, TGA, and differential scanning calorimetry, DSC. The interactions of the composite ingredients were indicated by FT IR spectroscopy. The effect of the amount of nanofiller on the properties of prepared hybrid nanobiocomposites was noted. Moreover, the non-equilibrium and equilibrium thermal parameters of nanobiocomposites were established based on their thermal history. Based on equilibrium parameters (i.e., the heat of fusion for the fully crystalline materials and the change in the heat capacity at the glass transition temperature for the fully amorphous nanobiocomposites), the degree of crystallinity and the mobile and rigid amorphous fractions were estimated. The addition of Cloisite^®30B and aliphatic polyurethane to the P3HB matrix caused a decrease in the degree of crystallinity in reference to the unfilled P3HB. Simultaneously, an increase in the amorphous phase contents was noted. A rigid amorphous fraction was also denoted. Thermogravimetric analysis of the nanocomposites was also carried out and showed that the thermal stability of all nanocomposites was higher than that of the unfilled P3HB. An additional 1% mass of nanofiller increased the degradation temperature of the nanocomposites by about 30 °C in reference to the unfilled P3HB. Moreover, it was found that obtained hybrid nanobiocomposites containing 10 wt.% of aliphatic polyurethane (PU400) and the smallest amount of nanofiller (1 wt.% of Cloisite^®30B) showed the best mechanical properties. We observed a desirable decrease in hardness of 15%, an increase in the relative strain at break of 60% and in the impact strength of 15% of the newly prepared nanobiocomposites with respect to the unfiled P3HB. The produced hybrid nanobiocomposites combined the best features induced by the plasticizing effect of polyurethane and the formation of P3HB–montmorillonite–polyurethane (P3HB-PU-MMT) adducts, which resulted in the improvement of the thermal and mechanical properties. Full article