Fan-Long Jin

A review of the preparation and properties of carbon nanotubes-reinforced polymer compositess

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have high Young’s modulus, low density, and excellent electrical and thermal properties, which make them ideal fillers for polymer composites. Homogeneous dispersion of CNTs in a polymer matrix plays a crucial role in the preparation of polymer composites based on interfacial interactions between CNTs and the polymer matrix. The addition of a small amount of CNTs strongly improves the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the composites. This paper aims to review the processing technology and improvement of properties of CNT-reinforced polymer composites.

Recent Advances in Carbon-Nanotube-Based Epoxy Composites

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are increasingly attracting scientific and industrial interest because of their outstanding characteristics, such as a high Young’s modulus and tensile strength, low density, and excellent electrical and thermal properties. The incorporation of CNTs into polymer matrices greatly improves the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the materials. Surface modification of CNTs can improve their processibil ity and dispersion within the composites. This paper aims to review the surface modification of CNTs, processing technologies, and mechanical and electrical properties of CNT-based epoxy composites.

Preparation and characterization of carbon fiber-reinforced thermosetting composites: a review

Carbon fibers (CFs) have a unique combination of properties which allow them to be widely used as reinforcing materials in advanced polymer composites. The mechanical properties of CF-reinforced polymer composites are governed mainly by the quality of interfacial adhesion between the CFs and the polymer matrix. Surface treatments of CFs are generally carried out to introduce chemical functional groups on the fiber surfaces, which provide the ability to control the surface characteristics of CFs. In this study, we review recent experimental studies concerning various surface treatment methods for CFs. In addition, direct examples of the preparation and properties of CF-reinforced thermosetting composites are discussed.

Preparation and characterization of chlorinated cross-linked chitosan/cotton knit for biomedical applications

AbstractA new cross-linked chitosan/cotton knit was prepared by the chlorination of chitosan under acidic conditions, and its active chlorine content, mechanical and antimicrobial properties, and rechargeability were characterized. The active chlorine content of the chitosan/cotton knit increased with the concentration of chitosan or sodium hypochlorite used for the treatment and showed a slight decrease upon repeated laundering. The cross-linked chitosan/cotton knit displays lower stress and higher strain than pristine cotton knit. The chlorination of the chitosan/cotton knit resulted in powerful antimicrobial activity against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. For up to 30 days of storage the knit showed excellent rechargeability, taking up chlorine to nearly initial levels. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations indicated that chlorination did not cause the damage to the cross-linked chitosan/cotton knit.

Polymer matrices for carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites

Carbon fibers (CFs) have high service temperature, strength, and stiffness, and low weight. They are widely used as reinforcing materials in advanced polymer composites. The role of the polymer matrix in the composites is to provide bulk to the composite laminate and transfer load between the fibers. The interface between the CF and the resin matrix plays a critical role in controlling the overall properties of the composites. This paper aims to review the synthesis, properties, and applications of polymer matrices, such as thermosetting and thermoplastic resins.

Synthesis of poly(glycolide-caprolactone) copolymers for application as bioabsorbable suture materials

AbstractA novel bioabsorbable suture, poly(glycolide caprolactone) (PGLCL) copolymer, was synthesized by second step polymerization. The effect of the reaction parameters on the inherent viscosity of the PGLCL prepolymer was examined. The chemical structure of the copolymer was characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The thermal properties of the copolymer were examined by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. Both the straight strength and knot strength of the PGLCL copolymer monofilament in vivo decreased significantly with increasing implant time. The organism resolvability tests confirmed that the PGLCL copolymer monofilament suture had been absorbed within 91 days with recovery from the inflammatory response. The biocompatibility tests indicated that all items had passed.

Cure behaviors and thermal stabilities of tetrafunctional epoxy resin toughened by polyamideimide

The effect of polyamideimide (PAI) content on the cure behaviors and thermal stabilities of 4,4′-tetraglycidyl diaminodiphenyl methane (TGDDM) epoxy resin/polyamideimide (PAI) blends was investigated. The experimental results revealed that the main exothermic peak and cure activation energy (Ea) of the blends decreased with increasing PAI content, presumably because the curing reaction was accelerated by the presence of secondary amine groups of the PAI backbone. The decomposition activation energy (Ed) of the blends was maximized at 5 phr PAI and decreased above this content; this was attributed to the short-chain structural network in TGDDM/PAI blends, which was derived from etherification and chain-scission reactions caused by the secondary amine of PAI.

A novel drying process for oil adsorption of expanded graphite

Expanded graphite (EG) was prepared using a drying process for application as an oiladsorbent: the morphology, expansion volume, and oil absorption capacity of the EG were investigated. The expanded volume of the EG increased with an increasing reaction time and heat treatment temperature. The oil adsorption capacity of the EG was 45 g of n-dodecane per 1 g of EG. It is noted that the drying process of EG is a useful technique for a new oiladsorbent.

Fracture toughness improvement of poly(lactic acid) with silicon carbide whiskers

Abstract

Surface Modification of Carbon Nanotubes for High-Performance Polymer Composites

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are increasingly attracting scientific and industrial interest because of their outstanding characteristics, such as high Young’s modulus and tensile strength, low density, and excellent electrical and thermal properties, which make them ideal fillers for polymer composites. The incorporation of CNTs into polymer matrices greatly improves the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the materials. Surface modification of CNTs can be carried out in order to improve their processibility and dispersion within the composites. Homogeneous dispersion of CNTs in a polymer matrix plays a crucial role in the preparation of polymer composites based on interfacial interactions between CNTs and the polymer matrix. This chapter aims to review the surface modification of CNTs, the processing technology, and improvement of properties of CNT-reinforced polymer composites.