Processing And Characterization Of Nanocomposite Fibers And Nanofibers For Structural And Biomedical Applications

Author's abstract: In this work, investigations regarding the synthesis and fabrication of novel structural nanocomposite fibers and biocompatible nanofibers were performed. Characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis were utilized to analyze the morphological structure of the fibers at the micro and nanoscale. Hybrid nanocomposite fibers from a blend of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), with Nylon-6 as a secondary polymer phase, combined with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) were fabricated using a solution spinning process. Polyethylene-graft-Maleic Anhydride (PE-g-MAH) was used as a compatibilizer to modify the interaction of the immiscible polymer phases. Comparative characterization studies of fibers produced both with and without the inclusion of PE-g-MAH were performed to observe the effect of compatibilization on the morphological development of the fiber microstructure. SEM observations of compatibilized hybrid fibers showed rough and indistinct interfacial separation of the polymer phases. Coating of SWCNTs with polymer phase was observed, which were aligned along the direction of extrusion. DSC results indicated reduction of crystallinity, crystallization rate and lamellar size of the compatibilized blends. Comparative FTIR analysis showed the presence of absorbance peaks related to imide linkages between the UHMWPE backbone and Nylon-6 chains. The DSC and FTIR results indicated the formation of a coupling bond between the polymer phases combined with PE-g-MAH. For fabrication of biocompatible nanofibers as drug delivery systems, electrospinning techniques were utilized to produce neat and drug-loaded nanofibers from biocompatible polymers of cellulose, cellulose Acetate (CA) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). Loading of model anti-cancer drugs, Cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil into CA and PEO was performed using coaxial electrospinning. Morphological analysis of produced microstructures and fibers were performed using SEM and EDS. Cellulose nanofibers loaded with Cisplatin showed blends of polymer-drug particles attached to the surface of fibers. CA-Cisplatin fibers exhibited drug encapsulation within diverse morphological conformations: straw-sheaf microparticles, dendritic branched nanofibers and swollen fibers with large beads. PEO fibers loaded with Cisplatin and Fluorouracil showed encapsulation of drugs within repeating dumb-bell shaped reservoirs formed along the length of the nanofibers.

These days, advanced multiscale hybrid materials are being produced in the industry, studied by universities, and used in several applications. Unlike for macromaterials, it is difficult to obtain the physical, mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of nanomaterials because of the scale. Designers, however, must have knowledge of these properties to perform any finite element analysis or durability and damage tolerance analysis. This is the book that brings this knowledge within easy reach. What makes the book unique is the fact that its approach that combines multiscale multiphysics and statistical analysis with multiscale progressive failure analysis. The combination gives a very powerful tool for minimizing tests, improving accuracy, and understanding the effect of the statistical nature of materials, in addition to the mechanics of advanced multiscale materials, all the way to failure. The book focuses on obtaining valid mechanical properties of nanocomposite materials by accurate prediction and observed physical tests, as well as by evaluation of test anomalies of advanced multiscale nanocomposites containing nanoparticles of different shapes, such as chopped fiber, spherical, and platelet, in polymeric, ceramic, and metallic materials. The prediction capability covers delamination, fracture toughness, impact resistance, conductivity, and fire resistance of nanocomposites. The methodology employs a high-fidelity procedure backed with comparison of predictions with test data for various types of static, fatigue, dynamic, and crack growth problems. Using the proposed approach, a good correlation between the simulation and experimental data is established.

Introduction to cellulose nanocomposites; strategies for preparation of cellulose wiskers from microcrystalline cellulose as reinforcement in nanocomposites; self-assembly of cellulose nanocrystals: parabolic focal conic films; cellulose fibrils: isolation, characterization, and capability for technical applications; morphology of cellulose and its nanocomposites; useful insights into cellulose nanocomposites using raman spectroscopy; novel methods for interfacial modification of cellulose - reinforced composites; cellulose nanocrystals for thermoplastic reinforcement: effect of filler surface chemistry on composite properties; the structure and mechanical properties of cellulose nanocomposites prepared by twin screw extrusion; preparation and properties of biopolymer-based nanocomposites films using microcrystalline cellulose; nanocompusites based on cellulose microfibril; cellulose microfibers as reinforcing agents for structural materials; dispersion of soybean stock-based nanofiber in plastic matrix; polysulfone-cellulose nanocomposites; bacterial cellulose and its nanocomposites for biomedical applications.

Polymer Nanocomposites: Fabrication to Applications offers readers an up-to-date interpretation of various polymeric nanocomposite materials and technologies via critical reviews. It covers developments and advancements in various nanomaterials, polymeric materials, biopolymers, and processes. It initiates from nanomaterial synthesis, fabrication, and characterization to the manufacturing aspect and feasible product applications of polymer-based nanocomposites. The prime focus is on polymer matrix nanocomposites and their future trends in the engineering sector. Features: Explores synthesis, characterization, properties, fabrication/processing, and applications of polymer nanocomposite materials Elaborates on polymer manufacturing phase challenges using various control methods and statistical tools and modules Includes machining and micro (μ) machining investigation on the polymer nanocomposites Discusses modeling, simulation, and optimization of process parameters during the machining processes and applications of additive manufacturing Comprehends the significance of nanomaterials functionalizing synthetic fibrous and biocompatible composites This book is aimed at researchers and graduate students in mechanical engineering, materials science, polymers, composites, and nanomaterials.

Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites: Characterization, Processing, and Applications discusses the most recent research in nanomaterials and nanocomposites for a range of applications as well as modern characterization tools and techniques. It deals with nanocomposites that are dispersed with nanosized particulates and carbon nanotubes in their matrices (polymer, metal, and ceramic). In addition, the work: Describes different nanomaterials, such as metal and metal oxides, clay and POSS, carbon nanotubes, cellulose, and biobased polymers in a structured manner Examines the processing of carbon nanotube-based nanocomposites, layered double hydroxides, and cellulose nanoparticles as functional fillers and reinforcement materials Covers size effect on thermal, mechanical, optical, magnetic, and electrical properties Details machining and joining aspects of nanocomposites Discusses the development of smart nanotextiles (intelligent textiles), self-cleaning glass, sensors, actuators, ferrofluids, and wear-resistant nanocoatings. This book enables an efficient comparison of properties and capabilities of these advanced materials, making it relevant for materials scientists and chemical engineers conducting academic research and industrial R&D into nanomaterial processing and applications.

Nanocrystals research has been an area of significant interest lately, due to the wide variety of potential applications in semiconductor, optical and biomedical fields. This book consists of a collection of research work on nanocrystals processing and characterization of their structural, optical, electronic, magnetic and mechanical properties. Various methods for nanocrystals synthesis are discussed in the book. Size-dependent properties such as quantum confinement, superparamagnetism have been observed in semiconductor and magnetic nanoparticles. Nanocrystals incorporated into different material systems have proven to possess improved properties. A review of the exciting outcomes nanoparticles study has provided indicates further accomplishments in the near future.

Presenting the latest coverage of the fundamentals and applications of nanofibrous materials and their structures for graduate students and researchers, this book bridges the communication gap between fiber technologists and materials scientists and engineers. Featuring intensive coverage of electroactive, bioactive and structural nanofibers, it provides a comprehensive collection of processing conditions for electrospinning and includes recent advances in nanoparticle-/nanotube-based nanofibers. The book also covers mechanical properties of fibers and fibrous assemblies, as well as characterization methods.

Manufacturing of Nanocomposites with Engineering Plastics collates recent research findings on the manufacturing, properties, and applications of nanocomposites with engineering plastics in one comprehensive volume. The book specifically examines topics of engineering plastics, rheology, thermo-mechanical properties, wear, flame retardancy, modeling, filler surface modification, and more. It represents a ready reference for managers and scholars working in the areas of polymer and nanocomposite materials science, both in industry and academia, and provides introductory information for people new to the field. Provides a comprehensive review of the most recent research findings A single one-stop ready reference that assimilates knowledge on the development of nanocomposites with engineering plastics Contributions from leading experts in the field Provides examples of applications that will help with material selection Chapters are designed to provide not only introductory information, but also to lead the reader to more advanced characterization tools

This unique multidisciplinary 8-volume set focuses on the emerging issues concerning synthesis, characterization, design, manufacturing and various other aspects of composite materials from renewable materials and provides a shared platform for both researcher and industry. The Handbook of Composites from Renewable Materials comprises a set of 8 individual volumes that brings an interdisciplinary perspective to accomplish a more detailed understanding of the interplay between the synthesis, structure, characterization, processing, applications and performance of these advanced materials. The Handbook comprises 169 chapters from world renowned experts covering a multitude of natural polymers/ reinforcement/ fillers and biodegradable materials. Volume 8 is solely focused on the Nanocomposites: Advanced Applications. Some of the important topics include but not limited to: Virgin and recycled polymers applied to advanced nanocomposites; biodegradable polymer–carbon nanotube composites for water and wastewater treatment; eco-friendly nanocomposites of chitosan with natural extracts, antimicrobial agents, and nanometals; controllable generation of renewable nanofibrils from green materials and their application in nanocomposites; nanocellulose and nanocellulose composites; poly(lactic acid) biopolymer composites and nanocomposites for biomedical and biopackaging applications; impact of nanotechnology in water treatment: carbon nanotube and graphene; nanomaterials in energy generation; sustainable green nanocomposites from bacterial bioplastics for food-packaging applications; PLA nanocomposites: a promising material for future from renewable resources; biocomposites from renewable resources: preparation and applications of chitosan–clay nanocomposites; nanomaterials: an advanced and versatile nanoadditive for kraft and paper industries; composites and nanocomposites based on polylactic acid obtaining; cellulose-containing scaffolds fabricated by electrospinning: applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery; biopolymer-based nanocomposites for environmental applications; calcium phosphate nanocomposites for biomedical and dental applications: recent developments; chitosan–metal nanocomposites: synthesis, characterization, and applications; multi-carboxyl functionalized nanocellulose/nanobentonite composite for the effective removal and recovery of metal ions; biomimetic gelatin nanocomposite as a scaffold for bone tissue repair; natural starches-blended ionotropically gelled microparticles/beads for sustained drug release and ferrogels: smart materials for biomedical and remediation applications.

Cellulose-Reinforced Nanofibre Composites: Production, Properties and Applications presents recent developments in, and applications of, nanocellulose as reinforcement in composite and nanocomposite materials. Written by leading experts, the book covers properties and applications of nanocellulose, including the production of nanocellulose from different biomass resources, the usefulness of nanocellulose as a reinforcement for polymer and paper, and major challenges for successful scale-up production in the future. The chapters draw on cutting-edge research on the use of nanosized cellulose reinforcements in polymer composites that result in advanced material characteristics and significant enhancements in physical, mechanical and thermal properties. The book presents an up-to-date review of the major innovations in the field of nanocellulose and provides a reference material for future research in biomass based composite materials, which is timely due to the sustainable, recyclable and eco-friendly demand for highly innovative materials made from biomass. This book is an ideal source of information for scientific and industrial researchers working in materials science. Gathers together a broad spectrum of research on nanocellulose, with emphasis on the outstanding reinforcing potential when nanocellulose is included into a polymer matrix or as an additive to paper Demonstrates systematic approaches and investigations from processing, design, characterization and applications of nanocellulose Presents a useful reference and technical guide for nanocomposite materials R&D sectors, university academics and postgraduate students (Masters and PhD) and industrialists working in material commercialization