Reasons and remedies for the agglomeration of multilayered graphene and carbon nanotubes in polymers

One of the main issues in the production of polymer nanocomposites is the dispersion state of filler as multilayered graphene (MLG) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) tend to agglomerate due to van der Waals forces. The agglomeration can be avoided by using organic solvents, selecting suitable dispersion and production methods, and functionalizing the fillers. Another proposed method is the use of hybrid fillers as synergistic effects can cause an improvement in the dispersion state of the fillers. In this review article, various aspects of each process that can help avoid filler agglomeration and improve dispersion state are discussed in detail. This review article would be helpful for both current and prospective researchers in the field of MLG- and CNT-based polymer nanocomposites to achieve maximum enhancement in mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of produced polymer nanocomposites

Fractography analysis of 1.0 wt% nanoclay/multi-layer graphene reinforced epoxy nanocomposites

The topographical features of fractured tensile, flexural, K1C, and impact specimens of 1.0 wt% multi-layered graphene/nanoclay-epoxy nanocomposites have been investigated. The topographical features studied include maximum roughness height (Rmax or Rz), root mean square value (Rq), roughness average (Ra), and waviness (Wa). Due to deflection and bifurcation of the cracks by nanofillers, specific fracture patterns are observed. Although these fracture patterns seem aesthetically appealing, however, if delved deeper, they can further be used to estimate the influence of nanofiller on the mechanical properties. By a meticulous examination of topographical features of fractured patterns, various important aspects related to fillers can be approximated such as dispersion state, interfacial interactions, presence of agglomerates, and overall influence of the incorporation of filler on the mechanical properties of nanocomposites. In addition, treating the nanocomposites with surfaces of specific topography can help improve the mechanical properties of nanocomposites

Fractography analysis of monolithic epoxy with tailored topography

The topographical features of fractured tensile, flexural, K1C, and impact specimens of monolithic epoxy have been studied and correlated with mechanical properties and surface features of samples before fracture. The topographical features studied include waviness (Wa), roughness average (Ra), root mean square value (Rq), and maximum roughness height (Rmax or Rz). As surface notches generate triaxial state of stress, therefore, the crack propagation is precipitated resulting in catastrophic failure. Although surfaces can be examined before fracture for any deleterious topographical elements, however, fractured surfaces can reveal finer details about the topography. It is because, as discussed in this article, surfaces with specific topography produce fracture patterns of peculiar aesthetics, and if delved deeper, they can further be used to estimate about the topography of surfaces before fracture. In addition, treating the samples with surfaces of specific topography can help improve the mechanical properties of monolithic epoxy

Fractography analysis with topographical features of multi-layer graphene reinforced epoxy nanocomposites

The stiff and fragile structure of thermosetting polymers, such as epoxy, accomplices the innate cracks to cause fracture and therefore the applications of monolithic epoxy are not ubiquitous. However, it is well established that when reinforced especially by nano-fillers, its ability to withstand crack propagation is propitiously improved. The crack is either deflected or bifurcated when interacting with strong nano-filler such as Multi-Layer Graphene (MLG). Due to the deflection and bifurcation of cracks, specific fracture patterns are observed. Although these fracture patterns seem aesthetically appealing, however, if delved deeper, they can further be used to estimate the influence of nano-filler on the mechanical properties. Here we show that, by a meticulous examination of topographical features of fractured patterns, various important aspects related to fillers can be approximated such as dispersion state, interfacial interactions, presence of agglomerates, and overall influence of the incorporation of filler on the mechanical properties of nanocomposites

Influence of macro-topography on mechanical performance of 0.5 wt% nanoclay/multi-layer graphene-epoxy nanocomposites

Influence of topography on the variation in mechanical performance of 0.5 wt% multi-layer graphene (MLG)/nanoclay-epoxy nanocomposites has been studied. Three different systems were produced: 0.5 wt% MLG-EP, 0.5 wt% nanoclay-EP, and 0.25 wt% MLG-0.25 wt% nanoclay-EP. The influence of synergistic effect on mechanical performance in case of hybrid nanocomposites is also studied. Various topography parameters studied include maximum roughness height (Rz or Rmax),root mean square value (Rq),roughness average (Ra), and surface waviness (Wa).The Rz of as-cast 0.5 wt% MLG, nanoclay, and 0.25 wt% MLG-0.25 wt% nanoclay-EP nanocomposites were 41.43 μm, 43.54 μm, and 40.28 μm, respectively. The 1200P abrasive paper and the velvet cloth decreased the Rzvalue of samples compared with as-cast samples. In contrary, the 60P and 320P abrasive papers increased the Rz values. Due to the removal of material from the samples by erosion, the dimensions of samples decreased. The weight loss due to erosion was commensurate with the coarseness of abrasive papers. It was observed that MLG is more influential in enhancing the mechanical performance of epoxy nanocomposites than nanoclay. In addition, it was observed that mechanical performance of hybrid nanocomposites did not show a marked difference suggesting that synergistic effects are not strong enough in MLG and nanoclay

Effect of short-term water exposure on the mechanical properties of halloysite nanotube-multi layer graphene reinforced polyester nanocomposites.

The influence of short-term water absorption on the mechanical properties of halloysite nanotubes-multi layer graphene reinforced polyester hybrid nanocomposites has been investigated. The addition of nano-fillers significantly increased the flexural strength, tensile strength, and impact strength in dry and wet conditions. After short-term water exposure, the maximum microhardness, tensile, flexural and impact toughness values were observed at 0.1 wt % multi-layer graphene (MLG). The microhardness increased up to 50.3%, tensile strength increased up to 40% and flexural strength increased up to 44%. Compared to dry samples, the fracture toughness and surface roughness of all types of produced nanocomposites were increased that may be attributed to the plasticization effect. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the main failure mechanism is caused by the weakening of the nano-filler-matrix interface induced by water absorption. It was further observed that synergistic effects were not effective at a concentration of 0.1 wt % to produce considerable improvement in the mechanical properties of the produced hybrid nanocomposites

Effect of short term water exposure on the mechanical properties of halloysite nanotubes-multi layer graphene reinforced polyester nanocomposites.

The influence of short term water absorption on the mechanical properties of halloysite nanotubes-multi layer graphene reinforced polyester hybrid nanocomposites has been investigated. The addition of nano-fillers significantly increased the flexural strength; tensile strength and impact strength in dry and wet conditions. After short term water exposure; the maximum microhardness; tensile; flexural and impact toughness values were observed at 0.1 wt% MLG. The microhardness increased up to 50.3%; tensile strength increased up to 40% and flexural strength increased up to 44%. Compared to dry samples; the fracture toughness and surface roughness of all types of produced nanocomposites were increased that may be attributed to plasticization effect. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the main failure mechanism is caused by the weakening of nano-filler-matrix interface induced by water absorption. It was further observed that synergistic effects were not effective at concentration of 0.1 wt% to produce considerable improvement in mechanical properties of produced hybrid nanocomposites

Complications in Intracranial Aneurysms without Assisted Technique Coiling

Objective: To report an experience of complications occurring during endovascular coiling (without assisted technique) in intracranial aneurysms.Materials and Methods: This study was conducted from January 2010 to December 2013at the department of Neuroradiology, PGMI Lahore General Hospital, Lahore. A total of 300 patients were included in this study of both gender (male and female) and in the age range of 25 – 65 years. In our study all the patients with ruptured and un-ruptured aneurysms had undergone coiling.Results: Out of 300 patients, there were 123 (41%) males and 167 (59%) females’ patients. Their age ranged from 30 – 65 years. In this study the overall mean age is 48.36 years. The maximum numbers of patients were in their fifth and sixth decades of life. Coiling was successfully performed in all patients with very low complication rate (1%).Complications: There were only 3 complication which were recurrence / recondition 1 (0.3%) case detachment of coil 1 (0.3%) case of small rebleed from aneurysm (0.3%) 1 case each.Conclusion: Coiling is a safe and less invasive procedure for bothruptured and un-ruptured intracranial aneurysms with very less complications and low morbidity and mortality rate as compared to other invasive procedures

Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Properties of Graphene-Epoxy Nanocomposites—A Review

Monolithic epoxy, because of its brittleness, cannot prevent crack propagation and is vulnerable to fracture. However, it is well established that when reinforced—especially by nano-fillers, such as metallic oxides, clays, carbon nanotubes, and other carbonaceous materials—its ability to withstand crack propagation is propitiously improved. Among various nano-fillers, graphene has recently been employed as reinforcement in epoxy to enhance the fracture related properties of the produced epoxy–graphene nanocomposites. In this review, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of graphene reinforced epoxy nanocomposites will be correlated with the topographical features, morphology, weight fraction, dispersion state, and surface functionalization of graphene. The factors in which contrasting results were reported in the literature are highlighted, such as the influence of graphene on the mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites. Furthermore, the challenges to achieving the desired performance of polymer nanocomposites are also suggested throughout the article

A numerical study to assess the effect of heterogeneity on CO2 storage potential of saline aquifers

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