Reinforcement of polymer

Aspect ratio. Aspect ratio is the length of the particle divided by its diameter. A high aspect ratio (typically provided by fibres) provides reinforcement of polymers. The majority of fillers have a low aspect ratio (below 10). 

Reinforcement of polymer matrices using various types of nanofillers is being extensively studied nowadays. The reinforcement mechanisms as well as enhancement of properties are different with different types of fillers. This field is quite green and many more developments are yet to come to enrich our science and technology in the near future. 

Fiber reinforcement of polymers allows us to use them in engineering applications that were previously off limits, We use fiber reinforced injection moldings in many under-the-hood automotive applications, such as rocker box covers and front end modules, which support the radiator, cooling fan, and hood latch, that are subjected to a wide range of temperatures. 

Coleman JN, Khan U, Gun ko YK. Mechanical reinforcement of polymers using carbon nanotubes. AdvMater. 2006 Mar 17 18(6) 689-706. 

Glass fibres are used in various forms for the reinforcement of polymers ... 

Exfoliating layered particles such as the clays, mica, or graphite is being used to provide very effective reinforcement of polymers at loading levels much smaller than in the case of solid particles such as carbon black and silica.77 81 Other properties can also be substantially improved, including increased resistance to solvents, and reduced permeability and flammability. A number of such studies specifically address the effects of introducing layered fillers into polysiloxanes 42,82 88... 

Precise three-dimensional structure for molecular level reinforcement of polymer segments and coils... 

Interesting thermal response of the polystyrene nanocomposites was reported when untreated and polystyrene grafted nanotubes were used for the reinforcement of polymer (49). The glass transition temperature of the pure polystyrene matrix was observed to be 99 °C. Similar transition temperature of 98 °C was observed for the composites containing 2.5 vol% of the untreated nanotubes. The nanocomposites containing polymer functionalized nanotubes... 

We first describe the characteristic drawability feature of glasses which stems from their viscoelastic nature and then describe the fabrication processes for the glass fiber for insulation and reinforcement of polymers and for optical communication purposes, both of which exploit the ability of glass to be drawn... 

The desirable mechanical properties of CNTs have been exploited in recent years for the structural reinforcement of polymers.This is a natural extension of traditional composite materials used for applications that require both high-strength... 

Boron fibers can be utilized for the reinforcing of polymers or, due to their thermal and chemical resistance. 

Polymer nanocomposites are being investigated with regard to their application as substitute of metals in motor industry, for the reinforcement of polymer fibers and tires, as scratch-resistant and inflammable coatings, and as biocompatible materials for prosthetic use. 

REINFORCEMENT OF POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITES VARIETY OF STRUCTURAL FORMS AND APPLICATIONS... 

Research on the fiber reinforcement of polymer-modified mortar and concrete [28-29]... 

Fibers have been widely used in polymeric composites to improve mechanical properties. Cellulose is the major substance obtained from vegetable fibers, and applications for cellulose fiber-reinforced polymers have again come to the forefront with the focus on renewable raw materials. Hydrophilic cellulose fibers are very compatible with most natural polymers. The reinforcement of starch with ceUulose fibers is a perfect example of a polymer from renewable recourses (PFRR). The reinforcement of polymers using rigid fillers is another common method in the production and processing of polymeric composites. The interest in new nanoscale fillers has rapidly grown in the last two decades, since it was discovered that a nanostructure could be built from a polymer and layered nanoclay. This new nanocomposite showed dramatic improvement in mechanical properties with low filler content. Various starch-based nano-composites have been developed. 

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