Search

In this communication an extended "in-out" polymerization method is presented, which leads to the synthesis of novel heteroarm star block terpolymers of the type A(n)(B-b-C)(n). A four step/one-pot synthetic procedure is pursued using anionic polymerization under an inert atmosphere. The resulted star-shaped terpolymer consists of a divinyl benzene nodule bearing pure polystyrene and poly(hexyl methacrylate)-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) diblock copolymer arms. It is shown that this kind of star terpolymers can self-assemble in the bulk forming lamellae mesophase by arm and block segregation. The mechanical properties of the terpolymer have been examined in detail. Finally, the proposed synthetic procedure can be easily employed in other controlled polymerization methods., (Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

The use of graphene in a form of discontinuous flakes in polymer composites limits the full exploitation of the unique properties of graphene, thus requiring high filler loadings for achieving- for example- satisfactory electrical and mechanical properties. Herein centimetre-scale CVD graphene/polymer nanolaminates have been produced by using an iterative 'lift-off/float-on' process and have been found to outperform, for the same graphene content, state-of-the-art flake-based graphene polymer composites in terms of mechanical reinforcement and electrical properties. Most importantly these thin laminate materials show a high electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness, reaching 60 dB for a small thickness of 33 μm, and an absolute EMI shielding effectiveness close to 3·105 dB cm2 g−1 which is amongst the highest values for synthetic, non-metallic materials produced to date. The properties of graphene/polymer composites are usually limited by the use of discontinuous graphene flakes. Here, the authors report a fabrication method to realise continuous cm-scale graphene/polymer nanolaminates with enhanced electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness, conductivity and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exfoliated monolayer graphene flakes were embedded in a polymer matrix and loaded under axial compression. By monitoring the shifts of the 2D Raman phonons of rectangular flakes of various sizes under load, the critical strain to failure was determined. Prior to loading care was taken for the examined area of the flake to be free of residual stresses. The critical strain values for first failure were found to be independent of flake size at a mean value of -0.60% corresponding to a yield stress up to -6 GPa. By combining Euler mechanics with a Winkler approach, we show that unlike buckling in air, the presence of the polymer constraint results in graphene buckling at a fixed value of strain with an estimated wrinkle wavelength of the order of 1-2 nm. These results were compared with DFT computations performed on analogue coronene/ PMMA oligomers and a reasonable agreement was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Strong polymer–MWCNT interactions in millimeter-high MWCNT/poly(vinyl alcohol) composite mats of vertically aligned tubes are reported. SEM and TEM imaging revealed extensive polymer sheathing to have occurred homogeneously over the nanotubes in the mats without influencing their morphology, alignment or physical characteristics. A 7- to 10-fold increase in the apparent nanotube diameter due to poly(vinyl alcohol) sheathing was measured. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the composite mats were thermally more stable than the pure polymer. Differential scanning calorimetry results were compatible with a crystallinity increase of the polymer phase due to the presence of CNTs of the order of 18%. Potential applications of the produced composites include filters, components for sandwich panels and sensors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The initial mode of damage in multidirectional composites is the accumulation of matrix cracks in the off-axis plies. Remote laser Raman spectroscopy, using aramid (Kevlar 49®) fibers as Raman strain sensors, has been employed to monitor the local strains in cracked crossply composites. The strain magnification in the 0° ply caused by 90° matrix cracking are measured at different levels of loading. A relationship between the values of strain magnification and the distance between the position of the fibers sensors vis-à-vis the crack front has been established. The effect of damage progression within the 0° plies on the remaining/surviving glass fibers is modeled satisfactorily and verified against predictions on the basis of a generalized plane strain model by assuming that the 90° ply “expands” in relative size against the 0° ply thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes have long been recognized as the stiffest and strongest man-made material known to date. In addition, their high electrical conductivity has roused interest in the area of electrical appliances and communication related applications. However, due to their miniscule size, the excellent properties of these nanostructures can only be exploited if they are homogeneously embedded into light-weight matrices as those offered by a whole series of engineering polymers. We review the present state of polymer nanocomposites research in which the fillers are carbon nanotubes. In order to enhance their chemical affinity to engineering polymer matrices, chemical modification of the graphitic sidewalls and tips is necessary. In this review, an extended account of the various chemical strategies for grafting polymers onto carbon nanotubes and the manufacturing of carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposites is given. The mechanical and electrical properties to date of a whole range of nanocomposites of various carbon nanotube contents are also reviewed in an attempt to facilitate progress in this emerging area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Graphene wetting by polymers is a critical issue to both the success of polymer-aided transfer of large size sheets onto specific substrates and to the development of well performing nanocomposites. Here we show for the first time that high temperature contact angle measurements can be performed to investigate the wettability of CVD graphene by molten polymers. In particular, poly(methyl methacrylate), a widely used polymer support for CVD graphene transfer, has been adopted herein for this proof-of-concept study and the values of contact angle and work of adhesion have been provided in the temperature range 170–200 °C. Image 1 • We show that high temperature contact angle measurements can be performed to investigate the wettability of CVD graphene by molten polymers. • As proof-of-concept, the system molten PMMA on CVD graphene has been investigated in the temperature range 170 – 200 ° C. • Kinetics of wetting were studied and the duration of the transient is consistent with the characteristic time for interfacial-tension-driven motions. • The work of adhesion between graphene and PMMA has been calculated in the investigated temperature range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]