Polymer Composites with Carbonaceous Nanofillers

Written by an expert in the field of nanomaterials, composites, and polymers, this book provides up-to-date information on recent advances in various aspects of polymer composites reinforced by carbonaceous nanofillers, including their fabrication and their electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. It also extensively covers applications of these nanocomposites in fuel cells, sensors, electromagnetic interference shielding, human implants and scaffolds.

S.C. Tjong is currently a professor at the Department of Physics and Materials Science of the City University of Hong Kong. He received his M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from The University of Manchester (U.K.) in 1974 and 1976, respectively. Professor Tjong specializes in nanomaterials, ceramics, and in physical and mechanical properties of metal- and polymer matrix composites. He has published over 300 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, edited two previous books and authored twelve book chapters. He is a chartered engineer (U.K.), a chartered scientist (U.K.), a Fellow of The Institute of Materials, Mining and Minerals (U.K.), and a member of The American Chemical Society. He also serves as a member of the editorial boards of the Journal of Applied Polymer Science, of Materials Chemistry and Physics, and of eXPRESS Polymer Letters.

PrefaceXI

AbbreviationsXIII

1 Introduction1

1.1 Graphene-Based Nanomaterials1

1.2 Carbon Nanotubes10

1.3 Carbon Nanofibers (CNFs)28

1.4 Physical Properties of Graphene30

1.5 Properties of Carbon Nanotubes35

1.6 Properties of Carbon Nanofibers40

1.7 Current Availability of Carbonaceous Nanomaterials41

1.8 Multifunctional Composite Materials41

Nomenclature46

References46

2 Preparation of Polymer Nanocomposites53

2.1 Overview53

2.2 Dispersion of Nanofillers54

2.3 Solution Mixing66

2.4 Melt Mixing78

2.5In situPolymerization84

2.6 Patent Processes98

References98

3 Thermal Properties of Polymer Nanocomposites103

3.1 Crystallization103

3.2 Characterization Techniques for Crystallization104

3.3 Thermal Stability120

3.4 Thermal Conductivity127

Nomenclature139

References139

4 Mechanical Properties of Polymer Nanocomposites143

4.1 Background143

4.2 General Mechanical Behavior144

4.3 Fracture Toughness146

4.4 Strengthening and Toughening Mechanisms148

4.5 Nanocomposites with Graphene Fillers153

4.6 Nanocomposites with EG and GNP Fillers169

4.7 Nanocomposites with CNT and CNF Fillers172

4.8 Composites with Hybrid Fillers186

Nomenclature189

References190

5 Electrical Properties of Polymer Nanocomposites193

5.1 Background193

5.2 Percolation Concentration193

5.3 Electrical Conductivity and Permittivity197

5.4 Current-Voltage Relationship229

5.5 Positive Temperature Coefficient Effect234

5.6 Hybrid Nanocomposites238

References243

6 Carbonaceous Nanomaterials and Polymer Nanocomposites for Fuel Cell Applications247

6.1 Overview247

6.2 Polymer Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell248

6.3 Conventional Bipolar Plates249

6.4 Polymer Nanocomposite Bipolar Plates252

6.5 Electrical Characteristics of Nanocomposite Bipolar Plates259

6.6 Mechanical Properties of Nanocomposite Bipolar Plates269

6.7 Electrocatalyst Supports274

Nomenclature282

References282

7 Polymer Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications285

7.1 Overview285

7.2 Bone Implants286

7.3 Biocompatibility of Carbon Nanotubes290

7.4 CNT/Polymer Nanocomposites for Load-Bearing Implants306

7.5 CNT/Polymer Nanocomposite Scaffolds310

7.6 Nervous System Remedial Applications320

7.7 Biocompatibility of Graphene Oxide and Its Nanocomposites323

References326

8 Polymer Nanocomposites for Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding331

8.1 Introduction331

8.2 EMI Shielding Efficiency332

8.3 Nanocomposites with Graphene Fillers335

8.4 Nanocomposites with GNPs335

8.5 Nanocomposites with CNTs and CNFs338

8.6 Foamed Nanocomposites for EMI Applications343

Nomenclature349

References349

9 Polymer Nanocomposites for Sensor Applications351

9.1 Introduction351

9.2 Pressure/Strain Sensors352

9.3 Gas and Humidity Sensors359

9.4 Organic Vapor Sensors361

Nomenclature377

References377

Index381