Advances in Multifunctional Nanocomposites

A special issue of Crystals (ISSN 2073-4352). This special issue belongs to the section "Hybrid and Composite Crystalline Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2023) | Viewed by 12991

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur 208002, Uttar Pradesh, India
Interests: composites; tribology; energy; manufacturing

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Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur 208002, Uttar Pradesh, India
Interests: manufacturing; modeling; nanoparticles; biofuels

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Parit Raja, Batu Pahat 86400, Johor, Malaysia
Interests: machining of aerospace materials; sustainable machining; precision machining

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Multifunctional Nanocomposites are materials having two or more components with distinct physical and chemical characteristics. In both the academic and industrial areas, the resulting nanocomposites have achieved great success due to their exceptional qualities. Critical technological advancements in the manufacturing industries are made possible by multifunctional nanocomposites with diverse sizes, shapes, surface charges, and morphologies. In order to manufacture multifunctional nanocomposites and to achieve precise control over their shape, size, composition, and functionality, there is still a great need for progress in tackling the major technical, scientific, and engineering obstacles. In light of this, we would like to use this opportunity to solicit articles that may cover, but are not limited to, the following fields:

  • Processing of nanocomposites and their routes;
  • Effect of shape, size, and morphology of nanocomposites;
  • Application of nanocomposites in manufacturing, automotive, and energy sectors;
  • Hybrid multifunctional nanocomposites and nanomaterials applications;
  • Characterization of multifunctional nanocomposites.

Dr. Yashvir Singh
Dr. Nishant Kumar Singh
Prof. Dr. Erween Abd Rahim
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Crystals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • energy
  • manufacturing
  • nanomaterials
  • nanocomposites
  • synthesis
  • characterization

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 2439 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Sintering Process Parameters by Taguchi Method for Developing Al-CNT-Reinforced Powder Composites
by Navin Kumar, Shatrughan Soren, Rakesh Prasad, Yashvir Singh, Hemant Nautiyal, Abhishek Sharma, Sew Sun Tiang and Wei Hong Lim
Crystals 2023, 13(9), 1352; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst13091352 - 06 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 897
Abstract
In powder metallurgy, the sintering process is a high-power consuming and critical process for better mechanical properties of composites due to proper diffusion of atoms. In this context, different sintering processes were investigated along with their sintering condition. The present work focused on [...] Read more.
In powder metallurgy, the sintering process is a high-power consuming and critical process for better mechanical properties of composites due to proper diffusion of atoms. In this context, different sintering processes were investigated along with their sintering condition. The present work focused on optimizing conventional sintering process parameters for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced aluminum composites using Taguchi optimization methods. The Taguchi L9 orthogonal array (OA) experiment was considered for the investigation. CNT’s wt.%, sintering temperature, and time were chosen as process parameters in the sintering process, while macro-hardness and relative density were evaluated as performance evaluation characteristics. The signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) and ANOVA statistical procedures were utilized to evaluate the effect of sintering parameters/levels on the micro-hardness and relative density of the Al/CNTs composite sintered. ANOVA statistical analyses revealed that the CNTs wt.% significantly influences relative density (83.58%), followed by temperature (14.58%), whereas CNTs wt.% significantly influenced micro-hardness (77.75%), followed by temperature (13.64%). The sintering of Al/CNTs composites using these optimum conditions is recommended to reduce power consumption and enhance the quality of the sintered composite. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Multifunctional Nanocomposites)
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15 pages, 10493 KiB  
Article
Sonoelectrochemical Nanoarchitectonics of Crystalline Mesoporous Magnetite @ Manganese Oxide Nanocomposite as an Alternate Anode Material for Energy-Storage Applications
by Jayaraman Kalidass, Sambandam Anandan and Thirugnanasambandam Sivasankar
Crystals 2023, 13(4), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst13040557 - 23 Mar 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1245
Abstract
In this report, the synergetic sonoelectrochemical method was utilized to produce magnetite nanoparticles was doped with MnO2 with the assistance of ultrasound to form nanoarchitectonic magnetic crystals with a mesoporous magnetite @ manganese dioxide (m-Fe3O4@MnO2) hybrid [...] Read more.
In this report, the synergetic sonoelectrochemical method was utilized to produce magnetite nanoparticles was doped with MnO2 with the assistance of ultrasound to form nanoarchitectonic magnetic crystals with a mesoporous magnetite @ manganese dioxide (m-Fe3O4@MnO2) hybrid nanostructure. The hybrid nanocomposite was rapidly produced based on the nucleation and growth of pure iron-oxide nanocrystals in the electrochemical system. The nanocomposite was pure, highly amorphous, and mesoporous in nature; the magnetite was spherical in shape, with an average diameter of 45 ± 10 nm and a MnO2-plane length of 420 ± 30 nm. The stability of the pure m-Fe3O4 was enhanced from 89.61 to 94.04% with negligible weight loss after adding manganese dioxide and the stable formation of the hybrid nanostructure. Based on the superior results of the material, it was utilized as an anode material in Li-ion batteries. The m-Fe3O4@MnO2 hybrid nanostructure had a highly active surface area, which enhanced the interfacial interaction between the Li-ion and the metal surface; it delivered 1513 mAh g−1 and 1290 mAh g−1 as the first specific discharge and charge capacity, respectively, with 85% coulombic efficiency, and it showed an excellent cyclic reversibility of 660 mAh g−1 with a coulombic efficiency of almost 99% at current density of 1.0 A g−1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Multifunctional Nanocomposites)
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27 pages, 5194 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Ammonium Fluoride on Structural, Absorbance Edge, and the Dielectric Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol Films: Towards a Novel Analysis of the Optical Refractive Index, and CUT-OFF Laser Filters
by Samer H. Zyoud, Wissal Jilani, Abdelfatteh Bouzidi, Thekrayat H. AlAbdulaal, Farid A. Harraz, Mohammad S. Al-Assiri, Ibrahim S. Yahia, Heba Y. Zahran, Medhat A. Ibrahim and Mohamed Sh. Abdel-wahab
Crystals 2023, 13(3), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst13030376 - 22 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1844
Abstract
The new proton-conducting composite electrolyte films (PCCEFs) consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with varying ammonium fluoride salt concentrations were created using an expanded liquid casting process. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) study confirms the composite electrolyte films (CEFs) formation. The improvement in AMF02 salt [...] Read more.
The new proton-conducting composite electrolyte films (PCCEFs) consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with varying ammonium fluoride salt concentrations were created using an expanded liquid casting process. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) study confirms the composite electrolyte films (CEFs) formation. The improvement in AMF02 salt doping compared to the PVA matrix film approach resulted in decreased variation in the crystalline size values, thus explaining how [NH4+] and polymer PVA matrix films interact. The band gaps decrease when the AMF02 salt filler concentration increases due to increased crystallite size. The suggested composites evaluated successful CUT-OFF laser filters and attenuation, as well as limiting laser power systems. For the 11.11 wt% AMF02 doping salt, the highest DC conductivity was 73.205 × 10−9 (siemens/m) at ambient temperature. Our dielectric results demonstrate that the CEFs are usually suitable for optoelectronic systems. There is a huge need to develop low dielectric permittivity composite electrolyte films (CEFs) for microelectronic devices and the high-frequency region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Multifunctional Nanocomposites)
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14 pages, 2680 KiB  
Article
Successive Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue by ZnO, CuO and ZnO/CuO Synthesized from Coriandrum sativum Plant Extract via Green Synthesis Technique
by Raja Abdul Basit, Zeeshan Abbasi, Muhammad Hafeez, Pervaiz Ahmad, Jahanzeb Khan, Mayeen Uddin Khandaker, Kholoud Saad Al-Mugren and Awais Khalid
Crystals 2023, 13(2), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst13020281 - 07 Feb 2023
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2905
Abstract
In this study, successful synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), CuO NPs, and ZnO/CuO nanocomposite through an eco-friendly method using Corriandrum sativum leaf extract as a capping agent is reported. Using XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis, and SEM techniques, the synthesized materials were characterized for structural [...] Read more.
In this study, successful synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), CuO NPs, and ZnO/CuO nanocomposite through an eco-friendly method using Corriandrum sativum leaf extract as a capping agent is reported. Using XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis, and SEM techniques, the synthesized materials were characterized for structural analysis, functional groups identification, spectroscopic measurements, and morphological analysis. The percentage composition and purity of the samples were determined by using Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), which showed the synthesis of materials. Morphological analysis was done by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) which reflected that the CuO NPs, ZnO NPs and ZnO/CuO nanocomposite were spherical, and the average size calculated by using Image J software was around 25 nm, 55 nm, and 11 nm, respectively. FTIR and UV-Vis analyses were used for synthetic confirmation through characteristic peaks of materials. The synthesized (ZnO, CuO, and CuO/ZnO) nanomaterials were evaluated for photocatalytic activity using methylene blue (MB) dye. Among all three photocatalysts, the composite showed maximum photodegradation compared to the other two materials. The present work could lead to a pathway for the decontamination of harmful dyes of wastewater released from different industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Multifunctional Nanocomposites)
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16 pages, 2236 KiB  
Article
Nanocomposite-Based Electrode Structures for EEG Signal Acquisition
by Ashok Vajravelu, Muhammad Mahadi Bin Abdul Jamil, Mohd Helmy Bin Abd Wahab, Wan Suhaimizan Bin Wan Zaki, Vibin Mammen Vinod, Karthik Ramasamy Palanisamy and Gousineyah Nageswara Rao
Crystals 2022, 12(11), 1526; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst12111526 - 27 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1585
Abstract
Objective: To fabricate a lightweight, breathable, comfortable, and able to contour to the curvilinear body shape, electrodes built on a flexible substrate are a significant growth in wearable health monitoring. This research aims to create a GNP/FE electrode-based EEG signal acquisition system that [...] Read more.
Objective: To fabricate a lightweight, breathable, comfortable, and able to contour to the curvilinear body shape, electrodes built on a flexible substrate are a significant growth in wearable health monitoring. This research aims to create a GNP/FE electrode-based EEG signal acquisition system that is both efficient and inexpensive. Methodology: Three distinct electrode concentrations were developed for EEG signal acquisition, three distinct electrode concentrations (1.5:1.5, 2:1, and 3:0). The high strength-to-weight ratio to form the tribofilm in the fabrication of the electrode will provide good efficiency. The EEG signal is first subjected to a wavelet transform, which serves as a preliminary analysis. The use of biopotential signals in wearable systems as biofeedback or control commands is expected to substantially impact point-of-care health monitoring systems, rehabilitation devices, human–computer/machine interfaces (HCI/HMI), and brain–computer interfaces (BCIs). The graphene oxide (GO), glycerol (GL), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) GO/GL/PVA plastic electrodes were measured and compared to that of a commercially available electrode using the biopic equipment. The GO/GL/PVA plastic electrode was able to detect EEG signals satisfactorily after being used for two months, demonstrating good conductivity and lower noise than the commercial electrode. The GO/GL/PVA nanocomposite mixture was put into the electrode mold as soon as it was ready and then rapidly chilled. Results: The quality of an acquired EEG signal could be measured in several ways including by its error percentage, correlation coefficient, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The fabricated electrode yield detection ranged from 0.81 kPa−1 % to 34.90 kPa−1%. The performance was estimated up to the response of 54 ms. Linear heating at the rate of 40 °C per minute was implemented on the sample ranges from 0 °C to 240 °C. During the sample electrode testing in EEG signal analysis, it obtained low impedance with a good quality of signal acquisition when compared to a conventional wet type of electrode. Conclusions: A large database was frequently built from all of the simulated signals in MATLAB code. Through the experiment, all of the required data were collected, checked against all other signals, and proven that they were accurate representations of the intended database. Evidence suggests that graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) hematite (FE2O3) polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) GNP/FE2O3@PVDF electrodes with a 3:0 concentration yielded the best outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Multifunctional Nanocomposites)
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Review

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20 pages, 6918 KiB  
Review
Nanocomposite Foams of Polyurethane with Carbon Nanoparticles—Design and Competence towards Shape Memory, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding, and Biomedical Fields
by Ayesha Kausar, Ishaq Ahmad, Tingkai Zhao, Osamah Aldaghri, Khalid H. Ibnaouf and M. H. Eisa
Crystals 2023, 13(8), 1189; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst13081189 - 31 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1719
Abstract
Polyurethane is a multipurpose polymer with indispensable physical characteristics and technical uses, such as films/coatings, fibers, and foams. The inclusion of nanoparticles in the polyurethane matrix has further enhanced the properties and potential of this important polymer. Research in this field has led [...] Read more.
Polyurethane is a multipurpose polymer with indispensable physical characteristics and technical uses, such as films/coatings, fibers, and foams. The inclusion of nanoparticles in the polyurethane matrix has further enhanced the properties and potential of this important polymer. Research in this field has led to the design and exploration of polyurethane foams and polyurethane nanocomposite foams. This review article reflects vital aspects related to the fabrication, features, and applications of polyurethane nanocomposite foams. High-performance nanocellular polyurethanes have been produced using carbon nanoparticles such as graphene and carbon nanotubes. Enhancing the amounts of nanofillers led to overall improved nanocomposite foam features and performances. Subsequently, polyurethane nanocomposite foams showed exceptional morphology, electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, thermal stability, and other physical properties. Consequently, multifunctional applications of polyurethane nanocomposite foams have been observed in shape memory, electromagnetic interference shielding, and biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Multifunctional Nanocomposites)
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20 pages, 4586 KiB  
Review
Multifunctional Polymeric Nanocomposites for Sensing Applications—Design, Features, and Technical Advancements
by Ayesha Kausar, Ishaq Ahmad, Tingkai Zhao, Osamah Aldaghri, Khalid H. Ibnaouf and M. H. Eisa
Crystals 2023, 13(7), 1144; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst13071144 - 22 Jul 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2038
Abstract
Among nanocomposite materials, multifunctional polymer nanocomposites have prompted important innovations in the field of sensing technology. Polymer-based nanocomposites have been successfully utilized to design high-tech sensors. Thus, conductive, thermoplast, or elastomeric, as well as natural polymers have been applied. Carbon nanoparticles as well [...] Read more.
Among nanocomposite materials, multifunctional polymer nanocomposites have prompted important innovations in the field of sensing technology. Polymer-based nanocomposites have been successfully utilized to design high-tech sensors. Thus, conductive, thermoplast, or elastomeric, as well as natural polymers have been applied. Carbon nanoparticles as well as inorganic nanoparticles, such as metal nanoparticles or metal oxides, have reinforced polymer matrices for sensor fabrication. The sensing features and performances rely on the interactions between the nanocomposites and analytes like gases, ions, chemicals, biological species, and others. The multifunctional nanocomposite-derived sensors possess superior durability, electrical conductivity, sensitivity, selectivity, and responsiveness, compared with neat polymers and other nanomaterials. Due to the importance of polymeric nanocomposite for sensors, this novel overview has been expanded, focusing on nanocomposites based on conductive/non-conductive polymers filled with the nanocarbon/inorganic nanofillers. To the best of our knowledge, this article is innovative in its framework and the literature covered regarding the design, features, physical properties, and the sensing potential of multifunctional nanomaterials. Explicitly, the nanocomposites have been assessed for their strain-sensing, gas-sensing, bio-sensing, and chemical-sensing applications. Here, analyte recognition by nanocomposite sensors have been found to rely on factors such as nanocomposite design, polymer type, nanofiller type, nanofiller content, matrix–nanofiller interactions, interface effects, and processing method used. In addition, the interactions between a nanocomposite and analyte molecules are defined by high sensitivity, selectivity, and response time, as well as the sensing mechanism of the sensors. All these factors have led to the high-tech sensing applications of advanced nanocomposite-based sensors. In the future, comprehensive attempts regarding the innovative design, sensing mechanism, and the performance of progressive multifunctional nanocomposites may lead to better the strain-sensing, gas/ion-sensing, and chemical-sensing of analyte species for technical purposes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Multifunctional Nanocomposites)
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