Search

In this work, a method to increase the dispersion of graphene (GN) in the matrix of rigid poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) by using a natural plant extract from Curcuma longa L. (CE) is proposed. Currently, despite the increasing number of reports on the improvement of GN dispersion in PVC blends, still there is a need to find environmentally friendly and economical dispersion stabilizers. We proposed a stabilizer that can be easily obtained from a plant offering thermal stability and high effectiveness. PVC/GN nanocomposites stabilized with the proposed extract were investigated by SEM, AFM (structure), TGA, and Congo red test (thermal properties). Additionally, static and dynamic mechanical properties and electrical resistivity were measured. The use of CE as a graphene dispersant improved its dispersion in the PVC matrix, influenced tensile properties, increased the storage modulus and glass transition temperature, and extended the thermal stability time of nanocomposites. In this work, a CE extract is proposed as an efficient eco-friendly additive for the production of nanocomposites with an improved homogeneity of a nanofiller in the matrix and promising characteristics.

This study investigates the effects of the addition of tungsten on the structure, phase composition, textural properties and activities of β-SiC-based catalysts in the aqueous phase hydrogenation of furfural. Carbothermal reduction of SiO₂ in the presence of WO₃ at 1550 °C in argon resulted in the formation of W x C-β-SiC nanocomposite powders with significant variations in particle morphology and content of W x C-tipped β-SiC nano-whiskers, as revealed by TEM and SEM-EDS. The specific surface area (SSA) of the nanocomposite strongly depended on the amount of tungsten and had a notable impact on its catalytic properties for the production of furfuryl alcohol (FA) and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA). Nanocomposite W x C-β-SiC catalysts with 10 wt % W in the starting mixture had the highest SSA and the smallest W x C crystallites. Some 10 wt % W nanocomposite catalysts demonstrated up to 90% yield of THFA, in particular in the reduction of furfural derived from biomass, although the reproducible performance of such catalysts has yet to be achieved.

Copyright of Polimery is the property of Industrial Chemistry Research Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The preparation of nanocomposites by incorporation of nanoparticles, in particular the carbon nanotubes in a molten polymeric matrix could find potential application in industry technologies as a method of the manufacturing of new engineering materials. Considering the complex transformations of PVC grains during processing as well as weak dispersibility of nanotubes caused by their high tendency to agglomeration are crucial to investigate the influence of MWCNT content on PVC processability. For this purpose the plastographmetric analysis of processing of PVC/MWCNT blends are carried out. The results of the research show that the presence of nanotubes causes an increase in shearing stress, which leads to PVC grains disintegration and faster gelation compared to the unmodified PVC blend. At the same time, the carbon nanotubes dispersed in the molten PVC blend lead to intensification of the process, which occurs at a lower temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poly(vinyl chloride) was modified by polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane with 3-chloropropyl groups (CP–POSS) by POSS concentration between 0.5 and 5 wt%. Two methods of POSS incorporation were applied, i.e. direct solid powders mixing or addition of POSS to PVC solution in THF. The final samples were produced by melt mixing in the Brabender mixer chamber. By means of the glass transition temperature (T g ) determination the influence of a low contain of CP–POSS on the effect of plasticization of the PVC compounds was investigated. Depending on the measurements method (dynamic mechanical analysis DMA and differential scanning calorimetry DSC) and on the DMA measurement frequency various values of the T g were observed. It was found that CP–POSS may act as a plasticizer, leading to certain lowering of the glass transition temperature of poly(vinyl chloride). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the study was to prepare a graphene (GN) dispersion in a poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) solution with enhanced stability of the nanofiller thanks to the application of curcuma extract (CE). The stable dispersion was used to obtain PVC/GN nanocomposites with more homogeneous graphene by the solvent evaporation method. The CE effectiveness was compared with two commercially available dispersants in the form of oleic acid (OA) and polysorbate 80 (P80). The chemical composition of the CE was examined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The dispersion stability was tested by the multiple light scattering method (Turbiscan Lab) and evaluated visually over a period of 40 days. The homogeneity of the filler's dispersion in the PVC matrix was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The application of the dispersing agents led to improved stability of the graphene dispersion in PVC solution. CE was the agent that most effectively improved the homogeneity of graphene dispersion, both in dispersions in a PVC solution and in PVC/GN nanocomposite films. Image 1 • PVC nanocomposites with graphene were prepared by solution casting method with the use of dispersing agents. • The dispersion stability of graphene in PVC solution was tested by turbidimetric method.. • Structure and graphene dispersion level in PVC matrix were investigated by SEM and Raman spectroscopy. • The use of Curcuma longa L. rhizome extract has significantly improved GN dispersion in poly (vinyl chloride) matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the paper was to investigate the influence of graphene (GN) on properties and structure of suspensive poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). PVC/GN nanocomposites were obtained by the solvent evaporation method, and their structures were evaluated using optical microscopy, SEM, FT-IR, XRD and Raman spectroscopy methods. Thermal properties of the obtained materials were studied by TGA. Electrical properties and swelling behaviour were also determined. The microscopic observations confirm a uniform distribution of graphene in the PVC matrix. The investigations carried out indicated an effect of graphene on a decrease in resistivity to a value which enabled to include the PVC/GN nanocomposites into anti-static materials group. On the basis of swelling studies, it has been found that the PVC/GN nanocomposites have a higher chemical resistance against acetone while compared to pure poly(vinyl chloride). The properties of the obtained materials depend significantly on content and dispersion level of graphene in the PVC matrix. An impact of GN on the acceleration of the PVC degradation process was found. • Poly(vinyl chloride) nanocomposites with different contents of graphene (GN) were prepared by solution casting method. • Structure and graphene dispersion level in PVC matrix by optical, SEM microscopy and XRD method were studied. • Thermal stability, swelling degree and electrical resistivity of the PVC/GN nanocomposites were studied. • The addition of graphene causes an increase in chemical resistance of poly(vinyl chloride) against acetone. • The obtained electrical properties of PVC/5% GN nanocomposite allow for including it into anti-static materials group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]