Polymer nanocomposites functionalisation

The uniformity and stability of nanotube dispersion in polymer matrices are most important parameters for the performance of composites. A good dispersion leads to efficient load transfer concentration centres in composites and to uniform stress distribution. Many scientists have reviewed the dispersion and functionalisation techniques of CNT for polymer-based nanocomposites, as well as their effects on the properties of CNT/polymer nanocomposites. They demonstrated that the control of these two factors led to uniform dispersion. Overall, the results showed that a proper dispersion enhanced a variety of mechanical properties of nanocomposites. 

CNTs are used to obtain high performance vegetable oil-based polymer nanocomposites. Oxidative, acid and amine functionalisations followed by grafting of CNTs are the most widely used methods for this purpose. 

Reports have been found on organoclay (Closite 30B) reinforced partially or fully exfoliated nanocomposites of functionalised triglycerides, including acrylated ESO, maleated ESO and soybean oil pentaerythritol maleates, copolymerised with styrene as the polymer matrices. MWCNT... 

I. Gofman, B. Zhang, W. Zang, Y. Zhang, G. Song, C. Chen, et al.. Specific features of creep and tribological behavior of polyimide-carbon nanotubes nanocomposite films Effect of the nanotubes functionalisation. Journal of Polymer Research, 20 (10), 1-9, 2013. 

With the objective of a successful and economical recycling process in which the recycled polymer has largely acceptable properties, considerable effort must be made to encompass all the aspects of recycling in future studies to enhance the competitiveness of these systems. The first step could be the improvement of interfacial adhesion in prepared nanocomposites to achieve better physical and mechanical properties from recycled polymer wastes. Many procedures such as compatibilisation, functionalisation and surface modification could be developed in the future. Furthermore, the addition of effective nanofillers including available nanofillers or a combination of nanofillers will provide further progress and new opportunities in these systems. In addition, the development of fabrication techniques and also, the optimisation of available methods such as melt mixing should be performed, due to its important role in the final properties of recycled products. 

Fina A., Abbenhuis H.C.L., Tabuani D., Frache A., Camino G., Polypropylene metal functionalised POSS nanocomposites a study by thermogravimetric analysis . Polymer Degradation and Stability, 2006 91 (5) 1064-1070. 

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