Submit to Nanomaterials Review for Nanomaterials Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

Fiber Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanocomposite Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 29853

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. R.A. Ilyas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Johor, Malaysia
Interests: polymer engineering; material engineering; natural fibers; bio-composites; nanocomposites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. N. M. Nurazzi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant

Centre for Defence Foundation Studies, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
Interests: polymer technology and processing; polymer chemistry and structure; materials engineering; material characterization; composite materials; natural fibre composites; bio products; hybrid composites; nanocomposite; carbon nanotubes; sensor

Dr. M. N. F. Norrrahim

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant

Research Centre for Chemical Defence, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
Interests: biomaterials; composites; nanotechnology; nanocellulose; biorefinery

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The continuous development and appearance on the market of new high-performance reinforcing nanomaterials in polymer composites has constituted a strong challenge for researchers to design and adapt new functional composites for numerous applications. Of these, fiber reinforced polymer nanocomposites have been the subject of investigation in recent years. The aim of this Special Issue is to gain deep insights into the reinforcing effects of various nanofillers on the mechanical and physical properties of polymer nanocomposites.

Nanofillers can be classified into natural and synthetic-based. Nanocellulose, nanoclay, graphene and MXene, carbon nanofibers and nanotubes, silica nanoparticles, and ZnO quantum dots are examples of common nanofillers used in polymer composites. Most have several interesting features, such as large specific surface area, renewability, high crystallinity, and surface functionalization capability.

Interestingly, the research in the field of fiber reinforced polymer nanocomposites has generated many findings which have positively contributed in terms of their many applications, such in packaging, biomedical science, automotives, electronics, structural materials, aerospace, textile, the military, and more. Despite the great achievements, the overall performance of fiber reinforced polymer composites is sometimes insufficient for emerging industrial applications. Thus, more studies on properties such as their electrical, thermal, fire-resistant, and electromagnetic shielding properties are urgently needed.

In this Special Issue, recent advances on the three basic aspects of processing, characterization and properties will be covered. Submissions describing both synthetic and natural nanofiller-based composites are welcome. Moreover, several important aspects, such as the production of nanofillers, characterization of surface and interfacial properties, as well as economic feasibility and future perspectives are welcomed.

Considering the great importance of this fascinating area of research, the goal of this Special Issue is to present a selection of reference papers, reviews, or communications representing the latest results in the field of polymer nanocomposites, which will enrich current and future literature data.

Dr. R.A. Ilyas
Guest Editor

Dr. N. M. Nurazzi
Dr. M. N. F. Norrrahim
Guest Editor Assistants

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. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2900 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

nanofillers
natural nanofillers
synthetic nanofillers
polymer composites
nanocomposite characterization
performance evaluation
nanofiller production
nanocomposite applications
economy feasibility
challenges and future perspectives

Published Papers (9 papers)

Download All Papers

Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 1042 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites

by R. A. Ilyas, N. M. Nurazzi and M. N. F. Norrrahim

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(17), 3045; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12173045 - 02 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1538

Abstract

“Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites” is a newly open Special Issue of Nanomaterials, which aims to publish original and review papers on new scientific and applied research and make boundless contributions to the finding and understanding of the reinforcing effects of various nanomaterials on [...] Read more.

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

10 pages, 2758 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aramid Nanofiber/XNBR Nanocomposite with High Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Performance

by Jingyi Wang, Xumin Zhang, Yanwei Wen, Yang Chen, Quansheng Fu, Jing Wang and Hongbing Jia

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(2), 335; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano13020335 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1450

Abstract

Aramid nanofibers (ANFs) were successfully produced by deprotonation of Kevlar fiber followed by grafting epichlorohydrin in dimethyl sulfoxide solution. The ANFs were then incorporated into carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR) by means of latex blending, followed by vulcanization. The interaction between ANFs and XNBR, and the effects of ANFs on the mechanical strength, dielectric properties, and thermal stability of ANF/XNBR nanocomposites were investigated. The results revealed that hydrogen bonding and covalent bonding interactions existed between ANFs and the XNBR matrix and played a critical role in the reinforcement of ANFs to XNBR nanocomposites. After adding 5 phr (parts per hundred rubber) of ANFs, the XNBR nanocomposite exhibited a significant improvement in mechanical properties, namely a 182% increase in tensile strength and a 101% increase in tear strength. In addition, the dielectric constant and thermal properties of ANF/XNBR also increased dramatically. ANFs may thus make an ideal candidate for high-performance rubber materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 6093 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Surface-Oxidised Carbon Nanofibre-Based Nanofluids: Structural, Morphological, Stability and Thermal Properties

by Norshafiqah Mohd Saidi, Norli Abdullah, Mohd Nurazzi Norizan, Nurjahirah Janudin, Noor Azilah Mohd Kasim, Mohd Junaedy Osman, Imran Syakir Mohamad and Mohd Afzanizam Mohd Rosli

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(21), 3922; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12213922 - 07 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1789

Abstract

The reputation of nanofluids as a convenient heat transfer media has grown in recent years. The synthesis of nanofluids is often challenging, particularly carbon-based nanofluids, due to the rapid agglomeration of the nanoparticles and the instability of the nanofluids. In this regard, surface modification and surfactant addition are potential approaches to improve the physical and thermal properties of carbon-based nanofluids that have been studied and the structural, morphological, and thermal characteristics of surface-oxidised carbon nanofibre (CNF)-based nanofluids has been characterised. Commercial CNF was first subjected to three different acid treatments to introduce surface oxygen functional groups on the CNF surface. Following the physical and thermal characterisation of the three surface-oxidised CNFs (CNF-MA, CNF-MB, and CNF-MC), including Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), the CNF-MB was selected as the best method to synthesise the surface-oxidised CNF-based nanofluid. A total of 40 mL of ultrapure water was used as a pure base fluid and mixed with the surface-oxidised CNF at a concentration range of 0.1–1.0 wt.%, with a fixed of 10 wt.% amount of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The thermal conductivity of CNF-based nanofluid was then characterised at different temperatures (6, 25, and 40 °C). Based on the results, surface oxidation via Method B significantly affected the extent of surface defects and effectively enhanced the group functionality on the CNF surface. Aside from the partially defective and rough surface of CNF-MB surfaces from the FESEM analysis, the presence of surface oxygen functional groups on the CNF wall was confirmed via the Raman analysis, TGA curve, and FTIR analysis. The visual sedimentation observation also showed that the surface-oxidised CNF particles remained dispersed in the nanofluid due to the weakened van der Waals interaction. The dispersion of CNF particles was improved by the presence of PVP, which further stabilised the CNF-based nanofluids. Ultimately, the thermal conductivity of the surface-oxidised CNF-based nanofluid with PVP was significantly improved with the highest enhancement percentage of 18.50, 16.84, and 19.83% at 6, 25, and 40 °C, respectively, at an optimum CNF concentration of 0.7 wt.%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 6860 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterizations of MWCNTs Nanofluids on the Effect of Surface Oxidative Treatments

by Norshafiqah Mohd Saidi, Mohd Nurazzi Norizan, Norli Abdullah, Nurjahirah Janudin, Noor Azilah Mohd Kasim, Mohd Junaedy Osman and Imran Syakir Mohamad

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(7), 1071; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12071071 - 24 Mar 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2610

Abstract

In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were chemically modified using three acid treatment methods to introduce the surface oxygen functional group (SOFG). The presence of SOFG on the MWCNTs has been characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Morphology, structural and thermal properties were performed using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Raman spectroscopy, and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. The result shows that the modification with acid treatment significantly affects the degree of defects and surface group functionality of surface oxidized MWCNTs from method B. The preparation of nanofluids using MWCNTs produced from method B (MWCNT-MB) was prepared using two different parameters: with and without polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as surfactant. The experiment was conducted by setting variable carbon particle concentration from 0.1 wt.% to 1.0 wt.%, and the amount of PVP is 10% of carbon particles at different temperatures (6 °C, 25 °C, 40 °C). Based on visual observation, the dispersion of carbon particles was enhanced by the presence of PVP as the stabilizing agent. The thermal conductivity performance of nanofluids revealed that the surface oxidized MWCNTs with PVP show enhanced thermal conductivity compared to the nanofluid containing MWCNTs without PVP. The improvement contributes to this in terms of stability and homogenization of nanoparticles. Hence the improved distribution of MWCNTs in water-based media improves thermal conductivity. These promising properties of MWCNTs in water-based fluids would enable the nanofluids to be used in heat transfer fluid and cooling applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 5626 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Improvement in Tensile Quasi-Static and Fatigue Properties of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Laminates with Matrices Modified by Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene Nanoplatelets Hybrid Nanofillers

by Yi-Ming Jen and Yu-Ching Huang

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3459; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11123459 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2963

Abstract

The monotonic and cyclic properties of carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy (CFEP) laminate specimens with matrices modified by multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were experimentally studied. The laminate specimens were fabricated by the hand lay-up procedure and six MWCNT:GNP weight ratios, i.e., 0:0, 10:0, 0:10, 5:5, 9:1, and 1:9, were considered to prepare the nanoparticle-modified epoxy resin by using an ultrasonic homogenizer and a planetary centrifugal mixer. Then, these laminate specimens with their matrices modified under various nanofiller ratios were employed to investigate the influence of the number of nanofiller types and hybrid nanofiller ratios on the quasi-static strength, fatigue strength, and mode I fracture toughness. The experimental results show that adding individual types of nanoparticles has a slight influence on the quasi-static and fatigue strengths of the CFEP laminates. However, the remarkable synergistic effect of MWCNTs and GNPs on the studied mechanical properties of the CFEP laminates with matrices reinforced by hybrid nanoparticles has been observed. Examining the evolution of stiffness-based degradation indicates that adding hybrid nanoparticles to the matrix can reduce the degradation effectively. The high experimental data of the mode I fracture toughness of hybrid nano-CFEP laminates demonstrate that embedding hybrid nanoparticles in the matrix is beneficial to the interlaminar properties, further improving the fatigue strength. The pushout mechanism of the MWCNTs and the crack deflection effect of the GNPs suppress the growth and linkage of microcracks in the matrix. Furthermore, the bridging effect of the nanoparticles at the fiber/matrix interface retards the interfacial debonding, further improving the resistance to delamination propagation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

29 pages, 3803 KiB

Open AccessReview

Carbon and Cellulose-Based Nanoparticle-Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites: A Critical Review

by Gopal Yuvaraj, Manickam Ramesh and Lakshminarasimhan Rajeshkumar

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(11), 1803; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13111803 - 05 Jun 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2040

Abstract

Nanomaterials are currently used for different applications in several fields. Bringing the measurements of a material down to nanoscale size makes vital contributions to the improvement of the characteristics of materials. The polymer composites acquire various properties when added to nanoparticles, increasing characteristics such as bonding strength, physical property, fire retardance, energy storage capacity, etc. The objective of this review was to validate the major functionality of the carbon and cellulose-based nanoparticle-filled polymer nanocomposites (PNC), which include fabricating procedures, fundamental structural properties, characterization, morphological properties, and their applications. Subsequently, this review includes arrangement of nanoparticles, their influence, and the factors necessary to attain the required size, shape, and properties of the PNCs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

51 pages, 5897 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanocellulose-Based Nanocomposites for Sustainable Applications: A Review

by Mohd Nurazzi Norizan, Siti Shazra Shazleen, Aisyah Humaira Alias, Fatimah Atiyah Sabaruddin, Muhammad Rizal Muhammad Asyraf, Edi Syams Zainudin, Norli Abdullah, Mohd Saiful Samsudin, Siti Hasnah Kamarudin and Mohd Nor Faiz Norrrahim

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(19), 3483; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12193483 - 05 Oct 2022

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 4852

Abstract

Nanocellulose has emerged in recent years as one of the most notable green materials available due to its numerous appealing factors, including its non-toxic nature, biodegradability, high aspect ratio, superior mechanical capabilities, remarkable optical properties, anisotropic shape, high mechanical strength, excellent biocompatibility and tailorable surface chemistry. It is proving to be a promising material in a range of applications pertinent to the material engineering to biomedical applications. In this review, recent advances in the preparation, modification, and emerging application of nanocellulose, especially cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), are described and discussed based on the analysis of the latest investigations. This review presents an overview of general concepts in nanocellulose-based nanocomposites for sustainable applications. Beginning with a brief introduction of cellulose, nanocellulose sources, structural characteristics and the extraction process for those new to the area, we go on to more in-depth content. Following that, the research on techniques used to modify the surface properties of nanocellulose by functionalizing surface hydroxyl groups to impart desirable hydrophilic–hydrophobic balance, as well as their characteristics and functionalization strategies, were explained. The usage of nanocellulose in nanocomposites in versatile fields, as well as novel and foreseen markets of nanocellulose products, are also discussed. Finally, the difficulties, challenges and prospects of materials based on nanocellulose are then discussed in the last section for readers searching for future high-end eco-friendly functional materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

37 pages, 4870 KiB

Open AccessReview

Heterojunctions of rGO/Metal Oxide Nanocomposites as Promising Gas-Sensing Materials—A Review

by Mohd Nurazzi Norizan, Norli Abdullah, Norhana Abdul Halim, Siti Zulaikha Ngah Demon and Imran Syakir Mohamad

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(13), 2278; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12132278 - 01 Jul 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3163

Abstract

Monitoring environmental hazards and pollution control is vital for the detection of harmful toxic gases from industrial activities and natural processes in the environment, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), ammonia (NH₃), hydrogen (H₂), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂). This is to ensure the preservation of public health and promote workplace safety. Graphene and its derivatives, especially reduced graphene oxide (rGO), have been designated as ideal materials in gas-sensing devices as their electronic properties highly influence the potential to adsorb specified toxic gas molecules. Despite its exceptional sensitivity at low gas concentrations, the sensor selectivity of pristine graphene is relatively weak, which limits its utility in many practical gas sensor applications. In view of this, the hybridization technique through heterojunction configurations of rGO with metal oxides has been explored, which showed promising improvement and a synergistic effect on the gas-sensing capacity, particularly at room temperature sensitivity and selectivity, even at low concentrations of the target gas. The unique features of graphene as a preferential gas sensor material are first highlighted, followed by a brief discussion on the basic working mechanism, fabrication, and performance of hybridized rGO/metal oxide-based gas sensors for various toxic gases, including NO₂, NH₃, H₂, H₂S, CO₂, and SO₂. The challenges and prospects of the graphene/metal oxide-based based gas sensors are presented at the end of the review. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2890 KiB

Open AccessReview

Rejection Mechanism of Ionic Solute Removal by Nanofiltration Membranes: An Overview

by Nur Syahirah Suhalim, Norherdawati Kasim, Ebrahim Mahmoudi, Intan Juliana Shamsudin, Abdul Wahab Mohammad, Fathiah Mohamed Zuki and Nor Laili-Azua Jamari

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(3), 437; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12030437 - 27 Jan 2022

Cited by 66 | Viewed by 7697

Abstract

The toxicity of heavy metals can cause water pollution and has harmful effects on human health and the environment. Various methods are used to overcome this pressing issue and each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Membrane filtration technology such as nanofiltration (NF) produces high quality water and has a very small footprint, which results in lower energy usage. Nanofiltration is a membrane-based separation technique based on the reverse osmosis separation process developed in the 1980s. NF membranes have a pore size of 1 nm and molecular weight cut off (MWCO) of 300 to 500 Da. The properties of NF membranes are unique since the surface charge of the membranes is dependent on the functional groups of the membrane. The rejection mechanism of NF membrane is unique as it is a combination of various rejection mechanisms such as steric hindrance, electric exclusion, dielectric effect, and hydration mechanism. However, these mechanisms have not been studied in-depth due to their complexity. There are also many factors contributing to the rejection of NF membrane. Many junior researchers would face difficulty in studying NF membrane. Therefore, this paper is designed for researchers new to the field, and will briefly review the rejection mechanisms of NF membrane by both sieving and non-sieving separation processes. This mini-review aims to provide new researchers with a general understanding of the concept of the separation process of charged membranes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Fiber Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (9 papers)

Editorial

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI