Single- and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes with Phosphorus Based Flame Retardants for Textiles

Due to growing popularity of composites, modification methods to obtain the best properties are searched for. The aim of the study is to reduce the flammability of textile materials using nanocomposite polymer back-coating. Different types of carbon nanotubes (single- and multiwalled) and different phosphorus flame retardants (ammonium polyphosphates and melamine polyphosphate) were introduced into the resin and then the fabrics were covered by the obtained composites. Homogeneous dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in the polyurethane resin was obtained by sonification, which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Flammability tests of fabrics coated by modified polyurethane resin were carried out using pyrolysis combustion flow calorimeter (PCFC) and thermal stability of textiles was evaluated. Also, organoleptic estimation of coatings was conducted (flexibility and fragility). The use of polymer nanocomposites with phophorus flame retardants as a back-coating for textiles effectively reduces flammability and improves thermal stability of the fabric. Furthermore, the synergistic effect beetwen carbon nanotubes and phosphorous compound occurs. The resulting coatings are flexible and do not crack or change the feel of fabrics

Properties of nanofibres modified with ionic liquid

Celem opisywanych badań była ocena wpływu cieczy jonowej należącej do grupy czwartorzędowych soli amoniowych, na właściwości biobójcze nanowłókien z polimeru PLA [poli(kwas mlekowy)] oraz PHB [poli(3-hydroksymaślan)]. Nanowłókna w postaci włókniny wytworzono za pomocą elektroprzędzenia z roztworu. Oba zaproponowane polimery termoplastyczne są nietoksyczne, biodegradowalne oraz biokompatybilne, ale nie wykazują aktywności biologicznej. Właściwość tę zaplanowano nadać nanowłóknom wykorzystując w tym celu ciecz jonową – azotan didecylodimetyloamoniowy [DDA][NO3], którą wprowadzono do roztworów poszczególnych polimerów przed procesem elektroprzędzenia. Przeanalizowano wpływ dodatku czwartorzędowej soli, zarówno na przebieg procesu elektroprzędzenia jak i na właściwości otrzymanych nanowłókien. Wykonano ocenę podatności otrzymanych nanowłókien na działanie grzybów pleśniowych poprzez ocenę stopnia wzrostu mikroorganizmów na badanych próbkach. Otrzymane nanowłókna poddano również ocenie mikroskopowej pod kątem ewentualnych zmian w strukturze włókien elementarnych z wykorzystaniem skaningowego mikroskopu elektronowego (SEM). Zbadano też parametry termiczne modyfikowanych nanowłókien, wyznaczając szybkość wydzielania ciepła w zależności od temperatury za pomocą mikrokalorymetru (PCFC), oraz oceniono możliwości zastosowania otrzymanych nanowłókien w procesie filtracji, wyznaczając parametry efektywności filtracji, spadku ciśnienia oraz współczynnik jakości otrzymanych filtrów.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the ionic liquid belongs to quaternary ammonium salts on biocidal properties of PLA [poly(lactid acid)] and PHB [poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)] nanofibres. Nanofibres in non-woven form were prepared by electrospinning process. Both of these polyesters are non-toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible thermoplastics with high potential applications but they do not possess their own biological activity. The study was included the achievement of this activity by incorporating substances with antimicrobial properties. For this purpose the ionic liquid was selected. Didecyldimethylammonium nitrate [DDA][NO3] was added to the electrospinning solution of several polymers before electrospinning process. The influence of the quaternary salt addition on the course of electrospinning process and the nanofibres properties were observed. The evaluation of susceptibility of obtained nanofibres to mould fungi was made by assessing the degree of microbial growth on the samples surface. The morphology of the obtained nanofibres was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the nanofibre structure. The thermal parameters of modified nanofibers were also studied, setting the heat release rate depending on the temperature using microcalorimeter (PCFC). Also evaluated the applicability of the obtained nanofiber in the filtration process, setting the parameters of the filtration efficiency, pressure drop and the quality factor of the obtained filters

The effect of the surface modification of carbon nanotubes on their dispersion in the epoxy matrix

Functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has an effect on the dispersion of MWCNT in the epoxy matrix. Samples based on two kinds of epoxy resin and different weight percentage of MWCNTs (functionalized and non-functionalized) were prepared. Epoxy/carbon nanotubes composites were prepared by different mixing methods (ultrasounds and a combination of ultrasounds and mechanical mixing). CNTs modified with different functional groups were investigated. Surfactants were used to lower the surface tension of the liquid, which enabled easier spreading and reducing the interfacial tension. Solvents were also used to reduce the liquid viscosity. Some of them facilitate homogeneous dispersion of nanotubes in the resin. The properties of epoxy/nanotubes composites strongly depend on a uniform distribution of carbon nanotubes in the epoxy matrix. The type of epoxy resin, solvent, surfactant and mixing method for homogeneous dispersion of CNTs in the epoxy matrix was evaluated. The effect of CNTs functionalization type on their dispersion in the epoxy resins was evaluated on the basis of viscosity and microstructure studies

The effect of the surface modification of carbon nanotubes on their dispersion in the epoxy matrix

Functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has an effect on the dispersion of MWCNT in the epoxy matrix. Samples based on two kinds of epoxy resin and different weight percentage of MWCNTs (functionalized and non-functionalized) were prepared. Epoxy/carbon nanotubes composites were prepared by different mixing methods (ultrasounds and a combination of ultrasounds and mechanical mixing). CNTs modified with different functional groups were investigated. Surfactants were used to lower the surface tension of the liquid, which enabled easier spreading and reducing the interfacial tension. Solvents were also used to reduce the liquid viscosity. Some of them facilitate homogeneous dispersion of nanotubes in the resin. The properties of epoxy/nanotubes composites strongly depend on a uniform distribution of carbon nanotubes in the epoxy matrix. The type of epoxy resin, solvent, surfactant and mixing method for homogeneous dispersion of CNTs in the epoxy matrix was evaluated. The effect of CNTs functionalization type on their dispersion in the epoxy resins was evaluated on the basis of viscosity and microstructure studies