This work presents an insight into the effect of conductive filler content on both electrical and thermal properties of a polymer composite system. The electrical conductivity of an insulating polymer can be achieved by dispersing conducting fillers (e.g., metal, graphite powder, carbon black, carbon fiber) in the polymer matrix. The resulting materials are referred to as conducting polymer com...

The molecular deformation of cotton cellulose whisker/epoxy resin (CW/EP) and tunicate whisker/poly(vinyl) acetate (TW/PVAc) composites were investigated using Raman spectroscopy. A shift in the 1095 cm Raman peak position is recorded for samples deformed in both tension and compression, which corresponds to the molecular deformation of the cellulose chains within the whiskers. Cyclic molecular...

In this study three chemical agents Amino-propyl-triethoxy-silane (APS), sorbitol ended PLA oligomer (SPLA) and Hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) were identified to be used as coupling agents to react with the phosphate glass fibre (PGF) reinforcement and the polylactic acid (PLA) polymer matrix of the composite. Composites were prepared with short chopped strand fibres (l = 20 mm, ϕ = 20 µm) in...

Poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS)-based materials with improved photoactuation properties were prepared by the incorporation of polymer-grafted graphene oxide particles. The modification of the graphene oxide (GO) surface was achieved via a surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI ATRP) of methyl methacrylate and butyl methacrylate. The modification was confirmed by thermogravime...

In this paper the effect of various chemical treatments on the damping property of jute fiber reinforced green composite is discussed. The surface of the jute fiber was modified by alkali, permanganate, benzoyl chloride, malic anhydride and silane treatments. Several samples of unidirectional composites were prepared with treated jute fibers as well as untreated jute fibers. Matrix used is epox...

Unique properties of nanohybrid composites based on different types of porous polymer matrices doped with fluorescent nanoparticles (quantum dots, QDs) are determined by the combination of the mechanical properties of the host matrix (flexibility, chemical stability, etc.) and a high luminescence intensity and extreme stability of QDs. Here, we report on the preparation, optical and microstruct...

A coagulation method that provides better dispersion of SWNT in the polymer matrix has been used to produce single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites. Optical microscopy and SEM show improved dispersion of SWNT in the PMMA matrix, which is a key factor in composite performance. Aligned and unaligned composites were made with purified SWNT with different SW...

For over a decade our group has been designing, preparing and evaluating bioactive, remineralizing composites based on amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) fillers embedded in polymerized methacrylate resin matrices. In these studies a major focus has been on exploring structure-property relationships of the matrix phase of these composites on their anti-cariogenic potential. The main challenges w...

Conductive polymer composites require a three-dimensional 3D network to impart electrical conductivity. A general method that is applicable to most polymers for achieving a desirable graphene 3D network is still a challenge. We have developed a facile technique to fabricate highly electrical conductive composite using vacuum-assisted infusion of epoxy into graphene sponge GS scaffold. Macroscop...