Journal of Nano Research Vol. 26

Abstract: In this work, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using the precipitation method at room temperature. The size of the silver nanoparticle was analyzed using transmission electron microscope and found to be in the range of 20 to 40 nm. The multi-functional transparent film on glass substrate was prepared using silver nanoparticle solutions and 3-Glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxy silane (GLYMO) by dip coating method. Ultraviolet visible spectroscopy measurement shows low absorbance thus confirming high transparency level. The critical load obtained from the micro-scratch test showed an increase from 3000 mN to 3319 mN.

Abstract: Carbon deposition forming a nanolayer on a light alloy substrate is a physico-chemical process of the discrete type in all of its aspects. Thus, use of cellular automata, intrinsic discrete, as a mathematical tool for modelling, is fully justified. We adopted two-dimensional (i.e. surface), two-layer automation with Moore vicinity of a cell, for modelling of the carbon deposition process, starting from bonding to the light alloy substrate, leading through layer growth and finishing at the phase transition process, converting graphite into diamond form. To achieve this, we related the transition probabilities of the automaton with the Lennard-Jones potentials for carbon and metal atoms, as well as the physico-chemical conditions in the reaction environment gaseous hydrocarbons density and their particles energy distribution (Maxwell). Taking it into account allowed us to establish an automation time scale of about 1s per calculations run, which has resulted in a simulated layer thickness growth rate well matched with observed results. Using of the two-layer automation allowed us to make some survey into the mechanism of the graphite/diamond transition in the real environmental conditions we met. This demanded further thorough investigations to properly model the spatial structure of mutually interleaved areas of the graphite and diamond type carbon, giving not only a flat-surface but also a vertical structure. The overall surface morphology of the simulated nanolayer we have compared with those of AFM survey performed on real samples, observing relatively good matching in terms of statistical parameters of the surface.

Abstract: The ability of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to consider as the strongest and stiffest elements in nanoscale composites remains a powerful motivation for the research in this area. This paper describes a finite element (FE) approach for prediction of the mechanical behavior of polypropylene (PP) matrix reinforced with single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). A representative volume element is proposed for modeling the tensile behavior of aligned CNTs/PP composites. The CNT is modeled with solid elements. Modified Morse potential is used for simulating the mechanical properties of an isolated carbon nanotube. The matrix is modeled as a continuum medium by utilizing an appropriate nonlinear material model. A cohesive zone model is assumed between the nanotube and the matrix with perfect bonding until the interfacial shear stress exceeds the bonding strength. Using the representative volume element, a unidirectional CNT/PP composite was modeled and the results were compared with corresponding rule-of-mixtures predictions. The effect of interfacial shear strength on the tensile behavior of the nanocomposite was also studied. The influence of the SWCNT within the polymer is clearly illustrated and discussed. The results showed that polymer's Young's modulus and tensile strength increase significantly in the presence of carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The use of carbon nanostructures for epoxy matrices modification has been widely studied, nevertheless there are several alternative methods for manufacturing that try to avoid difficulties related to their tendency to keep entangled. The use of the calendering approach and high shear mixing alternatives is common for dispersing these nanoreinforcements. The present article compares these two methods as well as possible synergies from the use of the two alternatives together. It has been found that the dispersion technique used modifies the final dispersion level reached as well as on the final properties of the different nanocomposites. Nevertheless, this effect depends on the type of nanoreinforcement (structure and functionalization) and the property measured. Results suggest that each carbon nanostructure requires an individual design of the dispersion stage to get the optimum properties. Thus, the optimum technique may be different depending on the final desired properties, and the dispersion cycle should be designed carefully depending of the final material aim and the nanostructure used. Nevertheless, typical dispersion cycles are currently applied for different type of nanoreinforcements.