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15 pages, 2165 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride-co-Hexafluoropropylene) Nanocomposite Membrane on Reduction in Microbial Load and Heavy Metals in Surface Water Samples

by Lutendo Evelyn Macevele, Kgabo Lydia Maureen Moganedi and Takalani Magadzu

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8040119 - 23 Mar 2024

Viewed by 729

Abstract

In this work, nanocomposite membranes were prepared using silver nanoparticles (Ag) attached to poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (P)-functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) blended with poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropene) (PVDF-HFP) polymeric membranes (i.e., AgP-CNT/PVDF-HFP) via the phase inversion method. The nanocomposites were characterised and analysed via transmission electron [...] Read more.

In this work, nanocomposite membranes were prepared using silver nanoparticles (Ag) attached to poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (P)-functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) blended with poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropene) (PVDF-HFP) polymeric membranes (i.e., AgP-CNT/PVDF-HFP) via the phase inversion method. The nanocomposites were characterised and analysed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. The TEM and EDX analyses confirmed the presence of Ag nanoparticles on the nanocomposites, while the SEM and BET data showed the spongy morphology of the nanocomposite membranes with improved surface areas. The sample analysis of surface water collected from the Sekhukhune district, Limpopo Province, South Africa indicated that the water could not be used for human consumption without being treated. The nanocomposite membranes significantly reduced the physicochemical parameters of the sampled water, such as turbidity, TSS, TDS and carbonate hardness, to 4 NTU, 7 mg/L, 7.69 mg/L and 5.9 mg/L, respectively. Significant improvements in microbial load (0 CFU/mL) and BOD (3.0 mg/L) reduction were noted after membrane treatment. Furthermore, toxic heavy metals such as chromium, cadmium and nickel were remarkably reduced to 0.0138, 0.0012 and 0.015 mg/L, respectively. The results clearly suggest that the AgP-CNT/PVDF-HFP nanocomposite membrane can be used for surface water treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites)

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17 pages, 5538 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comprehensive Study of Structural, Thermal, and Dielectric Properties of Melt-Processed Polypropylene/Ni_0.9Zn_0.1Fe₂O₄ Nanocomposites

by Taha Abdel Mohaymen Taha, Mohamed Tharwat and Ali Ismael

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8040117 - 22 Mar 2024

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Abstract

This article explores the processing of structural, thermal, and dielectric properties of polypropylene (PP) polymer nanocomposites modified with Ni_0.9Zn_0.1Fe₂O₄. The PP/Ni_0.9Zn_0.1Fe₂O₄ nanocomposites are manufactured by the melt-processing method [...] Read more.

This article explores the processing of structural, thermal, and dielectric properties of polypropylene (PP) polymer nanocomposites modified with Ni_0.9Zn_0.1Fe₂O₄. The PP/Ni_0.9Zn_0.1Fe₂O₄ nanocomposites are manufactured by the melt-processing method using a Brabender Polyspeed B. The XRD and FTIR structural investigations assure good incorporation of Ni_0.9Zn_0.1Fe₂O₄ into the PP matrix. It should be noted that adding Ni_0.9Zn_0.1Fe₂O₄ NPs to the PP polymer matrix enhances the polymer’s thermal stability. Utilizing the Coats–Redfern model, kinetic thermodynamic parameters such as activation energy (Ea), enthalpy (ΔH), entropy (ΔS), and Gibbs free energy (ΔG*) are deduced from TGA data. The dielectric results showed an increase in ε′ with the introduction of nanoparticles into the PP matrix. As the content of Ni_0.9Zn_0.1Fe₂O₄ NPs in these nanocomposite films increases, the loss tangent values decrease at higher frequencies while increasing at lower frequencies. The estimated ε_s and ε_∞ of PP nanocomposites using Cole–Cole plots reveal an improvement when NPs are added to PP. We believe that the proposed work suggests a relevant step towards the practical application of PP/Ni_0.9Zn_0.1Fe₂O₄ nanocomposites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites)

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13 pages, 2376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient and Rapid Removal of Nickel Ions from Electroplating Wastewater Using Micro-/Nanostructured Biogenic Manganese Oxide Composite

by Jiaoqing Li, Li Li, Yongxuan Liu, Jin Liu and Lin Li

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(2), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8020063 - 07 Feb 2024

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Abstract

Manganese oxides reportedly exhibit pronounced adsorption capacities for numerous heavy-metal ions owing to their unique structural properties. Herein, a biogenic manganese oxide (BMO) composite was developed and used to remove Ni ions from Ni²⁺-containing electroplating wastewater. The formation of BMO and [...] Read more.

Manganese oxides reportedly exhibit pronounced adsorption capacities for numerous heavy-metal ions owing to their unique structural properties. Herein, a biogenic manganese oxide (BMO) composite was developed and used to remove Ni ions from Ni²⁺-containing electroplating wastewater. The formation of BMO and the micro-/nanoscale fine microstructure were characterized via scanning/high-resolution transmission electron microscopies and X-ray diffraction assays. Under the optimized conditions, with an adsorption temperature of 50 °C, pH 6, the BMO composite showed a 100% removal efficiency within a rapid equilibrium reaction time of 20 min towards an initial Ni²⁺ concentration of 10 mg L⁻¹ and a remarkable removal capacity of 416.2 mg g⁻¹ towards an initial Ni²⁺ concentration of 600 mg L⁻¹ in Ni-electroplating wastewater. The pseudo-second-order equation was applicable to sorption data at low initial Ni²⁺ concentrations of 10–50 mg L⁻¹ over the time course. Moreover, Freundlich isotherm models fitted the biosorption equilibrium data well. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic analysis validated that the removal capacity of the BMO composite was closely associated with structural groups. In five continuous cycles of adsorption/desorption, the BMO composite exhibited high Ni²⁺ removal and recovery capacities, thereby showing an efficient and continuous performance potential in treating Ni²⁺-containing industrial wastewater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites)

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11 pages, 4752 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nanocomposite Material Based on Polyvinyl Alcohol Modified with Carbon Nanotubes: Mechanism of Formation and Electronic Energy Structure

by Lusine Elbakyan, Irina Zaporotskova and David Hayrapetyan

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(2), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8020054 - 30 Jan 2024

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Abstract

The physical chemistry of surface phenomena in polymers is an important issue when studying the interaction of polymers with solid surfaces. This is due to the fact that most of the modern polymer materials are heterogeneous systems with highly developed phase separation surfaces. [...] Read more.

The physical chemistry of surface phenomena in polymers is an important issue when studying the interaction of polymers with solid surfaces. This is due to the fact that most of the modern polymer materials are heterogeneous systems with highly developed phase separation surfaces. An example of such materials can be reinforced plastic, filled thermoplastics, reinforced rubber, paint coatings, etc. Polymer adsorption at the boundary of the phase separation process in solids plays an important role in the reinforcing effect of fillers, adhesion, gluing and obtaining composite materials with high strength properties. Compositions based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) modified with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be used as an interesting and informative system for studying the structure and properties of polymer nanocomposites, especially in a highly oriented state. PVA has one of the simplest chemical structure among the polymers, containing a functional (hydroxyl) group capable of participating in interphase interactions. In turn, carbon nanotubes with unique strength properties are currently products of industrial production, which makes it possible to control and modify their properties. To prove the possibility of creating new composite materials with improved strength characteristics, the mechanisms of interaction between PVA and CNTs are studied by modeling the adsorption processes of a polymer fragment on the outer surface of single-layer carbon nanotubes of different chirality, performed within the framework of the modern DFT calculation method. The main adsorption characteristics of the process and the features of the electron energy structure of the resulting composite systems are determined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites)

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14 pages, 3837 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Polystyrene (PS)/Untreated SWCNT Nanocomposite Films

by Pooyan Parnian and Alberto D’Amore

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(2), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8020049 - 29 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1219

Abstract

This paper presents a study of the electrical and mechanical properties of polystyrene (PS)/carbon nanotube (CNT) composites prepared using the doctor blade technique. The nanocomposite films of PS/CNT were prepared by casting a composite solution of PS/CNT in tetrahydrofuran (THF) on a glass [...] Read more.

This paper presents a study of the electrical and mechanical properties of polystyrene (PS)/carbon nanotube (CNT) composites prepared using the doctor blade technique. The nanocomposite films of PS/CNT were prepared by casting a composite solution of PS/CNT in tetrahydrofuran (THF) on a glass substrate using a doctor blade and drying in an oven. The nanocomposite films were then characterized using a tensile test and the four-point probe method to evaluate their mechanical properties and electrical conductivity. The experimental results were used to analyze the unpredicted behavior of the nanocomposite films. The experimental results showed that the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite films became almost insensitive or unmeasurable with increasing CNT content for very dilute PS–THF solutions. In contrast, at higher PS concentrations, film conductivity increased to a given CNT threshold and then decreased. Based on PS–THF viscosity–concentration data, a discussion is elaborated that partially justifies the experimental results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites)

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16 pages, 2903 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of CoFe₂O₄ Magnetic Nanoparticles on the Physical and Mechanical Properties and Shape Memory Effect of Polylactide

by Anna Zimina, Aleksey Nikitin, Vladislav Lvov, Inna Bulygina, Polina Kovaleva, Stepan Vodopyanov, Mikhail Zadorozhnyy, Elizaveta Peshkina, Saida Karshieva, Rajan Choudhary, Maxim Abakumov and Fedor Senatov

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(2), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8020048 - 27 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1357

Abstract

The acceleration in advancements of smart materials and non-contact controlled devices in the field of 4D printing is facilitated by the use of magnetically responsive shape memory polymer (SMP) composites. This study is dedicated to the development of promising shape memory materials based [...] Read more.

The acceleration in advancements of smart materials and non-contact controlled devices in the field of 4D printing is facilitated by the use of magnetically responsive shape memory polymer (SMP) composites. This study is dedicated to the development of promising shape memory materials based on polylactic acid (PLA) and cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄) nanoparticles. The activation of the shape memory effect (SME) in magnetic nanoparticle composites was achieved by applying a high-frequency alternating magnetic field (HFAMF). The PLA/CoFe₂O₄ composites exhibited a remarkable shape recovery ratio (>84%) and underwent rapid heating when exposed to HFAMF. The interaction of these composites with mouse adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells demonstrated adequate cytocompatibility. The rapid magnetosensitive behavior and high shape recovery characteristics of PLA/CoFe₂O₄ composites make them promising candidates for biomedical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites)

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17 pages, 8700 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Characterization of Composites Based on Butadiene Rubber and Expanded Perlite

by Nada Edres, Irada Buniyat-zadeh, Sinan Mehmet Turp, Mustafa Soylak, Solmaz Aliyeva, Nurlana Binnetova, Naila Guliyeva, Sevinj Mammadyarova and Rasim Alosmanov

J. Compos. Sci. 2023, 7(12), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs7120487 - 24 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1568

Abstract

The article presents a method for obtaining new composites using the well-known mineral expanded perlite (EP), and the industrial polymer butadiene rubber (BR). For the design of composites, a joint oxidative chlorophosphorylation reaction of BR and EP (as well as BR and modified [...] Read more.

The article presents a method for obtaining new composites using the well-known mineral expanded perlite (EP), and the industrial polymer butadiene rubber (BR). For the design of composites, a joint oxidative chlorophosphorylation reaction of BR and EP (as well as BR and modified EP) was carried out, and the modifications resulting from these reactions were further hydrolyzed. The structure and morphology of the obtained samples were characterized in detail using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, as well as scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. EP and BR were separately modified with a similar reaction and characterized for data interpretation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites)

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Review

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35 pages, 4795 KiB

Open AccessReview

Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Nano-Carbon-Reinforced Polymeric Nanocomposites: A Review

by Zeeshan Latif, Mumtaz Ali, Eui-Jong Lee, Zakariya Zubair and Kang Hoon Lee

J. Compos. Sci. 2023, 7(10), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs7100441 - 17 Oct 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1916

Abstract

Carbon nanomaterials are an emerging class of nano-reinforcements to substitute for metal-based nanomaterials in polymer matrices. These metal-free nano-reinforcement materials exhibit a high surface area, thermal stability, and a sustainable nature. Compared to conventional reinforcements, nano-carbon-reinforced polymer composites provide enhanced mechanical and thermal [...] Read more.

Carbon nanomaterials are an emerging class of nano-reinforcements to substitute for metal-based nanomaterials in polymer matrices. These metal-free nano-reinforcement materials exhibit a high surface area, thermal stability, and a sustainable nature. Compared to conventional reinforcements, nano-carbon-reinforced polymer composites provide enhanced mechanical and thermal properties. While previous reviews summarized the functionality of nanocomposites, here, we focus on the thermomechanical properties of nano-carbon-reinforced nanocomposites. The role of carbon nanomaterials, including graphene, MXenes, carbon nanotubes, carbon black, carbon quantum dots, fullerene, and metal–organic frameworks, in polymer matrices for the enhancement of thermal and mechanical properties are discussed. Different from metal-based nanomaterials, carbon nanomaterials offer high specific strength, abundance, and sustainability, which are of considerable importance for commercial-scale applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites)

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