Papers by Keyword: Nanoclay

Abstract: Nanoclays in 2D layered silicate materials are versatile and dynamic materials with tremendous potential for advanced functional applications. Small particle size, large surface area, and high porosity are the prominent factors that support the use of nanoclays in many different industrial applications. Apart from these well-known features, with their development capabilities such as mechanical strength, thermal and dimension stability, and permeability, nowadays, nanoclays are the most desired material especially in the production of composite materials and products due to their performance-enhancing effects. This paper provides an overview of the latest applications and improvements of polymer/nanoclay composites. Structures, chemical compositions, surface modification methods before use, synthesis techniques of nanoclay composites, and their usage for innovative applications in various fields regarding the latest developments are briefly summarized.

Abstract: Stereolithography (SLA) is a 3D printing technology that stands out because of its high dimensional accuracy and resolution, excellent surface finish, versatile modification of feedstock chemistry, and low cost of its printers. SLA uses an ultraviolet laser to trace and illuminate a light pattern onto a layer of photocurable resin. However, its disadvantages are the requirement of support structures, use of hazardous resins, the feedstock is limited to curable materials, and the need for a faster curing time. This study aims to improve the curing time of acrylate-based photopolymer resin by adding nanoclay as an additive. Different concentrations of nanoclay, 1wt%, 3wt%, and 5wt%, were added to urethane dimethacrylate, and their curing behavior and mechanical properties were determined. In this study, 3wt% was the ideal concentration since it had better mechanical properties than the control and exhibited the best curing characteristic. This further confirmed that nanoclay is a favorable additive in the 3D printing of acrylate-based photopolymers, solving the concern for fabrication speed and enhancing the mechanical properties of the photopolymer.

Abstract: This paper aims to investigate the effects of adding and increasing the concentration of halloysite nanotube (HNT) to a cellulose acetate (CA) membrane which is produced through non-solvent-induced phase separation via hand casting. Different characterization tests are performed on the nanocomposite samples: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The addition of the filler itself increases the presence of peaks and valleys on the surface of the nanocomposite membrane. The 5% HNT nanocomposite membrane has the largest peaks and valleys-both in size and number. Using the following contact times: 2, 4, and 6 hours, the adsorption capacity of the CA-HNT membranes is obtained with the aid of AAS results. The 5% HNT sample leads to a nanocomposite membrane with a higher adsorption capacity relative to that of a pure CA membrane.

Abstract: Growing environmental conservation concerns have led researchers to seek the means to treat and recover wastewater. The textile industry dumps vast quantities of wastewater from textile dyes. By means of clays, dye waste can be separated and reused for other industrial processes. Clay absorption varies depending on the type of dye employed because factors like the reactivity of the dye molecule and its size are very important during the absorption process. The absorption capacity of calcined hydrotalcite at several concentrations was compared in a 0.05 g • L^-1 solution of four distinct dyes: Direct Blue 199, Direct Red 23, Direct Blue 71 and Reactive Yellow. Dyes have different molecular weights because the weight of reactive dyes is considerably lighter than that of direct dyes, which is why the Lambert-Beer lines of each dye are previously considered. We worked with a 5 g • L^-1 clay concentration to introduce the dye into the clay by stirring for 24 h in 100 ml of each dye solution before filtering it and leaving it to dry. In all cases, the dye absorption by nanoclay was nearly absolute and the initial solution was very clean, which are excellent results from the wastewater treatment point of view. Color measurement was performed by a Jasco V-670, double-beam spectrophotometre between 190-2700 nm. Differences in color were calculated and represented in CIE-Lab* color space diagrams. Finally, thermogravimetric (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were carried out to ensure both nanoclay-dye interactions and hydrotalcite structure recovery. No large differences were observed under these conditions, which reinforces the idea of using low nanoclay concentrations.

Abstract: Natural fibres have gained huge attention of researchers in the field of composite manufacturing due to its low cost, biodegradability, availability and high performance. However, due to its high hydroxyl content of cellulose, natural fibre is susceptible to water absorption which invariably adversely affects properties of the composite. Researchers have proved that nano-materials such as nanoclay mixed with the polymer composites can overcome the problem. This study investigates tensile strength and microstructural property of tigernut fibres reinforced polymer composites tailored to automotive application. Tigernut fibres mixed with nanoclay of size 50≤µm, were used to reinforce epoxy in three levels of loading 2, 4, 6 % respectively. The composite was prepared by shear mixing of polymer and the reinforcements, followed by lamination and curing of the composite. The tensile strength and microstructural property of the composites produced were examined. The results show that tensile strength increases as the percentage weight fraction of the reinforcement increases. The microstructures show good interfacial adhesion between reinforcement and polymer matrix. Tigernut fibre show a sustainable material useful for automotive applications.

Abstract: This paper reviews the functionalization of nanomaterial especially nanoclay and nanosilica as commonly used material, process, and effect from both material to mechanical properties of the asphalt pavement. On the other sight, discussion about laboratories scale development on road site of engineer application and cost of nanomaterial functionalization are discussed then. In recent years, nanomaterial developed broadly in various applications. One of that application is asphalt pavement mixtures. Its nanoscale allow modification with its promise properties like specific surface area and spatial confinement. These promising properties lead to improve mechanical properties of nanomaterial asphalt mixture, the compressive strengths and heat resistance of the composite, the tear, and also shows good dispersion. Nanosilica and nanoclay are the common nanomaterial applied in asphalt pavement mixtures. Some studies reported that both materials could decrease asphalt road damage and failure due to poor drainage, or layer composition weakness. Nanomaterial play as filler or may be as the binder to improve the drainage or layer composition weakness. However, upcoming challenge appears as contrast different between nanoscale of nanomaterial and large scale of asphalt mixture in ton. This case lead to the high cost of nanomaterial in high purity and particle size. Furthermore, nanomaterial require to high skilled technician in preparation and modification. Therefore, engineer should modify the desired nanomaterial in those requirements which then low-cost mixture asphalt pavement modification can be achieved.

Abstract: The utilization of nanoparticle filled composite materials in many different engineering fields has undergone a tremendous increase. Accordingly, the need for accurate machining of composites has increased enormously. In the present study, an attempt has been made to assess the factors influencing surface roughness on the machining of nanocomposites and base composites. The Taguchi L16 experimental design concept has been used for experimentation. The drilling experiments were conducted considering spindle speed, drill tool diameter, and feed rate as machining parameters. The empirical model was developed based on the input parameters. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) established the relation between predicted and experimental values. The regression model was found to be within the level of confidence with greater accuracy indicated by R² value. The addition of Nanoclay and Graphene as fillers in the matrix improved the surface roughness of the hole. Feed rate and spindle speed were found to be the significant factors of machining and Graphene reinforced composites had better surface finish.

Abstract: Investigating the influence of process parameters is vital to improve the mechanical properties of nanoparticle reinforced polymer nanocomposites. In this effort, nanocomposites of polypropylene/nanoclay are prepared by the extrusion method. In order to characterize the mechanical behavior of nanocomposites over different compounding ratios, samples are prepared with 5 and 10 wt%. Effect of re-extrusion and PP-g-MA compatibilizer on the tensile performance of nanocomposites is evaluated at different strain rates. XRD evaluation of compounds indicated that re-extrusion is an important factor in increasing the exfoliation degree.

Abstract: The addition of nanoclay within polymer matrix is anticipate to enhance the properties of the polymer system. Nonetheless, one of the key elements in property enhancements of a polymer nanocomposites is the surface modifications of the nanoclay. This is due to the affinity between polymer matrix and nanoclay is of important factors should be considered. In this study, amorphous polyamide were melt blended with different nanoclay grades with different surface modifications in order to evaluate the best clay grade for the polymer system. The thermal analysis carried out on the amorphous polyamide nanocomposites were carried out by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) whereas the mechanical properties were investigated using tensile testing. It was observed that there were changes in the glass transition temperature (T_g) of the nanocomposites due to clay additions. Further, the storage modulus was found to increase as a result of nanoclay incorporation. The type of clay grades significantly affects the mechanical properties of the amorphous polyamide nanocomposites.

Abstract: The usage of biopolymers in developing biodegradable food packaging films that are sustainable and safe towards environment has been restricted because of the poor mechanical and barrier properties of the biopolymers. This study aims to enhance the limited properties of biopolymers particularly polylactic acid (PLA) for food packaging applications by investigating the effects of incorporating different types (montmorillonite (MMT) and halloysite) and concentrations (0–9 wt.%) of nanoclays on the mechanical, oxygen barrier, and transparency properties of the films. PLA with 3 wt.% concentration of nanoclays resulted in the optimum mechanical and oxygen barrier properties due to the strong interaction between nanoclays and torturous path length created by nanoclays respectively. Nevertheless, these properties reduced as more nanoclays (≥5 wt.%) was added into the films due to agglomeration of nanoclays. PLA incorporated with MMT nanoclay exhibited better properties compared to halloysite nanoclay due to the nanoclay structure in nature. Addition of 3 wt.% nanoclays into virtually transparent PLA film have only small effects on the transparency of the film whereby the reduction in light transmittance was only around 10%. This study is crucial to improve the feasibility of biopolymers usage for food packaging applications.