We use molecular dynamics simulations to characterize multilayer graphene reinforced epoxy composites. We focus on two configurations, one where the graphene layers are parallel to polymer/graphene interface and a perpendicular case, and characterize the in situ curing process of the resin and the thermo-mechanical response of the composites. The yield stress of the composites under uniaxial lo...

There have been a number of review papers on layered silicate and carbon nanotube reinforced polymer nanocomposites, in which the fillers have high aspect ratios. Particulate–polymer nanocomposites containing fillers with small aspect ratios are also an important class of polymer composites. However, they have been apparently overlooked. Thus, in this paper, detailed discussions on the effects ...

Polymer composites are among the most rapidly growing research fields in material science. Polymer composites are adding a great deal of material that is more durable and useful as compared to the conventional material. Properties of composite materials greatly depend on the nature, proportion and compatibility of the components of the composite materials. In this paper we have conducted an ana...

The special topic ‘‘Metaland Polymer-Matrix Composites’’ is intended to capture the state of the art in the research and practice of functional composites. The current set of articles related to metal-matrix composites includes reviews on functionalities such as self-healing, self-lubricating, and selfcleaning capabilities; research results on a variety of aluminum-matrix composites; and invest...

Using PVDF and ZrO2, polymer composites were prepared by sol gel method. Various measurements such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were used to characterize the composites. Thermal and electrical properties of the composite samples were studied. The conductivity of composites was found to increase with increase in temper...

It is well known that the addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can strongly affect the thermomechanical and electrical properties of the polymer into which they are dispersed. The common solvent mixing dispersion method of functionalized CNTs and polymer composites can improve thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties. In this study, functionalized single-walled CNTs (COOH-SWCNTs) and poly(...

Film forming, stable hybrid latexes made of methyl metacrylate (MMA), butyl acrylate (BA) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) copolymer reinforced with modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized by in situ miniemulsion polymerization. The MWCNTs were pretreated by an air sonication process and stabilized by polyvinylpyrrolidone. The presence of the MWCNTs had no signific...

In this study, we show the effect of various nanoparticle additives on phase separation behavior of a lattice-patterned liquid crystal [LC]-polymer composite system and on interfacial properties between the LC and polymer. Lattice-patterned LC-polymer composites were fabricated by exposing to UV light a mixture of a prepolymer, an LC, and SiO2 nanoparticles positioned under a patterned photomas...

We have prepared composites of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) reinforced with solution exfoliated graphene. We observe a 50% increase in stiffness and a 100% increase in tensile strength on addition of 0.1 vol % graphene compared to the pristine polymer. As PVAc is commonly used commercially as a glue, we have tested such composites as adhesives. The adhesive strength and toughness of the composites ...

This review provides a comparison of submicron-diameter carbon filaments and conventional carbon fibers as fillers in composite materials. Carbon filaments (0.1 mm diameter, catalytically grown) are superior to conventional carbon fibers (discontinuous) as a filler in providing polymer–matrix and cement–matrix composites for electromagnetic performance, but are inferior to the fibers as a fille...