About Book

Nanocomposite is a multiphase solid material where one of the phases has one, two or three dimensions of less than 100 nanometers, or structures having nano-scale repeat distance between the different phases that make up the material. A polymer is a large molecule, or macromolecule, composed of many repeated subunits. Polymer nanocomposites represent a new alternative to conventionally filled polymers. Because of their nanometer sizes, filler dispersion nanocomposites exhibit markedly improved properties when compared to the pure polymers or their traditional composites. These include increased modulus and strength, outstanding barrier properties, improved solvent and heat resistance and decreased flammability. Nanocomposites are an emerging class of polymeric materials exhibiting excellent mechanical properties, enhanced modulus and dimensional stability, flame retardancy, improved scratch and mar resistance, superior thermal and processing properties, reduced warpage of components and enhanced impact resistance making them suitable to replace metals in automotive and other applications. This book attempts to understand the multiple branches that fall under the discipline of nanocomposites and how such concepts have practical applications. It deals with polymer nanocomposites, antistatic applications and intercalated nanocomposites. It also explores functional graded structures, energy storage applications and flame retardant polymer nanocomposites. The various applications along with technological progress that have future implications are glanced at in it. Most of the topics introduced in this book cover new techniques and the applications of nanocomposites. Different approaches, evaluations and methodologies and advanced studies have been included in it. This book is meant for students who are looking for a detailed explanation of the technologies related to nanocomposites.

Preface............................................................................................................v

Chapter 1 Flame Retardant Polymer Nanocomposites and Interfaces..............1

Abstract...................................................................................................1

1. Introduction............................................................................................1

2. Singular polymer matrix......................................................................3

3. Binary polymer system......................................................................12

4. Physical properties..............................................................................13

5. Conclusion............................................................................................22

Chapter 2 High-k Polymer Nanocomposites for Energy Storage Applications...............................................................................................28

Abstract.................................................................................................28

1. Introduction..........................................................................................28

2. Electrical properties............................................................................30

3. Filler materials/polymers...................................................................33

4. Interfacial chemistry...........................................................................36

5. Processing strategies...........................................................................38

6. Future trends........................................................................................40

7. Conclusions..........................................................................................41

Chapter 3 Laser-Assisted 3D Printing of Functional Graded Structures from Polymer Covered Nanocomposites: A Self-Review..........................48

Abstract.................................................................................................48

1. Introduction..........................................................................................48

2. Inkjet 3D printing of optical nanostructures.................................50

3. 3D-printing of polymer nanocomposites, characterized by a

tailored viscosity and biodegradability..........................................53

4. FG nanostructures with different connectivity types, obtained by

5. SLS/M formation of local zones of given configuration possessing

magnetic properties............................................................................... 58

6. Osteoconductive bioresorbable implants, fabricated via 3D

printing with nanoadditives.............................................................60

7. 3D printing of magnetic polymer nanocomposites for medical

applications...........................................................................................62

8. Conclusions..........................................................................................68

Acknowledgements.............................................................................69

Chapter 4 Compostable Polymers and Nanocomposites — A Big Chance for

Planet Earth................................................................................................76

1. Introduction..........................................................................................76

2. Compost [11, 23].................................................................................87

3. Applications of compost [2]..............................................................88

4. Biodegradation [1, 6, 16]....................................................................93

5. The composting process and methods [26-29]..............................98

6. Compostable polymers.....................................................................101

7. Biocompostables................................................................................104

8. Testing methods for evaluation of biodegradation....................107

9. Regulation and voluntary standards.............................................113

10. Conclusion..........................................................................................119

Chapter 5 Conducting Polymers/Layered Double Hydroxides Intercalated

Nanocomposites.......................................................................................124

1. Introduction........................................................................................124

2. Synthetic strategies for the preparation of conducting polymers/

layered double hydroxides intercalated nanocomposites.........138

3. Characterization methods................................................................140

4. Conclusion..........................................................................................151

Acknowledgements...........................................................................152

Chapter 6 Conducting Polymer Nanocomposites for Anticorrosive and

Antistatic Applications..........................................................................159

1. Introduction........................................................................................159

2. Corrosion study.................................................................................161

3. Synthesis of the SiO2 nanoparticles...............................................163

4. Preparation of PANI/SiO2 composites:..........................................164

5. Preparation of PANI/SiO2 composites coated mild steel..........164

6. Characterization of PANI-SiO2 nanocomposites.........................165

7. Anticorrosive properties of PANI and PSC coated mild steel in

1.0 M HCl medium...........................................................................169

8. Characterization of hydrophobic PANI - SiO2 Nanocomposites

(HPSC).................................................................................................176

9. Anticorrosive properties of HPSC coated mild steel in 3.5 % NaCl

solution................................................................................................179

10. Antistatic performance of the conducting polymers

nanocomposites based on nanotubes of poly (aniline-co-1-amino-

2-naphthol-4-sulphonic acid)/LDPE composites.........................187

11. Antistatic measurements..................................................................188

12. Synthesis of poly(aniline-co-1-amino-2-naphthol-4-sulphonic

acid) ....................................................................................................190

13. Preparation of LDPE-Conducting Copolymer Film...................190

14. Characterization.................................................................................190

15. Antistatic Behaviour of LDPE/Copolymer Film.........................197

16. Conclusions........................................................................................199

Chapter 7 Carbon Nanotube Embedded Multi-Functional Polymer Nanocomposites.......................................................................................207

1. Introduction........................................................................................207

2. Backgrownd........................................................................................209

3. Experimental......................................................................................210

4. Results and discussion.....................................................................213

5. Conclusions........................................................................................222

Acknowledgements...........................................................................223

Citation......................................................................................................231

Index...........................................................................................................233

About Author

Colt Rowen pursued his Ph.D. in Nanotechnology from Public University, Da Nang. He is actively engaged in the researches focused on hybrid materials and nanomaterials. He is an Associate Professor at State Open Research University, Nanyang. His books and research papers in the field of nanotechnology have been published worldwide. Rowen has also won an “Outstanding Professor Award” for his outstanding contribution towards the researcher community especially in the higher education programs. He is also an active member of several scientific & technical societies.