Recently emerging trends in thermal conductivity of polymer nanocomposites

Due to escalating power densities in electronics, information, communication, energy storage, aerospace, and automobile technologies, heat dissipation has become immensely essential for the efficient performance and reliability of photonic, electronics, optoelectronics, and other devices in order to proactively prevent premature failure due to overheating. The functionalization and synergistic inclusion of thermally conducting nanoparticles such as carbon derivatives and metallic and ceramic fillers into polymer matrices have resulted in development of thermally conducting polymer nanocomposites. This has enlarged the scope of application of these materials in areas hitherto restricted due to poor thermal conductivity and, therefore, opened broad windows of opportunities for polymer nanocomposites as emerging alternative replacements for metal components in various applications where effective heat dissipation is compulsory for device performance. Thus, this paper critically discusses globally emerging technologies applied in the development of thermally conductive polymer nanocomposites for various industrial applications

Hibiscus cannabinus fiber/PP based nano-biocomposites reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets

The essence of the present research is based on reinforcement mechanism of hibiscus cannabinus fiber (KF) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) on mechanical and thermal properties of hybrid hibiscus cannabinus fiber/polypropylene (PKMG 1–5 phr) nano-biocomposites. TGA results revealed inclusion of KF and GNP enhanced charring and thermal stability of the bio-nanocomposites. DSC analysis revealed improved melting and crystallization temperatures of the materials. Flexural modulus significantly increased on inclusion of 20 wt.% kenaf fiber and 5 phr GNP. XRD studies confirmed KF and GNP induced nucleation of β-crystals of PP which improved toughness and impact properties of the nano-biocomposites especially at 3 phr

Influence of exfoliated graphene nanoplatelets on flame retardancy of kenaf flour polypropylene hybrid nanocomposites

In this study, we report influence of exfoliated graphene nanoplatelets on the flame retardancy and thermal properties of hybrid kenaf flour graphene nanoplatelets polypropylene nanocomposites. Mass loss calorimeter, Limiting oxygen index and Universal laboratories-94-V fire test instruments were employed for flammability investigations. Fire results revealed improved flame retardancy of composites through enhanced fire performance index, prolonged time to ignition and reduced fire growth index. Heat release rate, peak heat release rate, time to peak heat release rate, mass loss rate and total heat release rate essential for the protection of human lives and properties during actual fire scenario were enhanced. Incorporation of graphene nanoplatelets improved flame retardancy of the materials. The GNP char structure improved flame retardancy by acting as heat shield and protective layering on surface of the materials thereby hindering transfer of oxygen and heat from the fire region to the underlying matrix while simultaneously inhibiting the penetration of flammable gases from underlying matrix to the combustion zone thereby cutting-off the fire track

The Vibrant Interplay of Light and Self‐Reporting Macromolecular Architectures

Inspired by nature, notable efforts have been made towards the exploration of self-reporting polymers within the last decades. Whereas the majority of the previously reported self-reporting polymers deliberately relies on a diverse set of mechanisms triggered via different stimuli (e.g., mechanical, thermal, pH, solvation, light, and chemical amongst others), light plays a ubiquitous role not only as a remote trigger, but also as non-destructive readout signal for the practical applications of self-reporting polymers. Due to the ever-growing interest within the respective field (e.g., load bearing materials, nanotechnology, biomedicine, or theranostics), herein a synthetic overview is presented with the aim to provide an informative perspective on challenges facing the vibrant interplay of light and self-reporting macromolecular architectures