Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Polymer nanocomposites processed via self-assembly through introduction of nanoparticles, nanosheets, and nanofibers

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Journal of Materials Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Nanocomposites offer the theoretical potential to achieve mechanical properties surpassing those of conventional (micro-scale) composites. The underlying reasons for the high potential of nanocomposites include the uniquely high mechanical attributes of nano-scale reinforcement, effective control of defect size and growth by nano-spaced interfaces, and interactions between the polymer matrix and the large surface areas of nanomaterials. Attempts to produce nanocomposites via conventional processing techniques have encountered challenges associated with thorough dispersion and effective interfacial interactions of nano-scale reinforcement with the polymer matrix. In order to address these challenges, materials were processed into polymer nanocomposites via electrostatically driven layer-by-layer self-assembly. Electrostatically dispersed nanomaterials and oppositely charged polyelectrolytes were sequentially built upon a substrate (cellular scaffold). The self-assembled nanocomposites, after complementary cross-linking, provided a unique balance of strength and ductility, which surpassed those of conventional (micro-scale) composites. Self-assembly was found to be an effective approach to producing nanocomposites embodying uniformly dispersed nanomaterials with controlled interfacial interactions. This approach is highly versatile and enables introduction of diverse nanomaterials into polymer nanocomposites. The work reported herein evaluated introduction of diverse categories of nanomaterials incorporating nanoparticles, nanosheets, nanotubes, and nanofibers. This investigation also evaluated the potential for a biomimetic approach to processing of light-weight structural systems by self-assembly of polymer nanocomposites onto cellular scaffolds.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Peyvandi A, Soroushian P, Abdol N, Balachandra AM (2013) Surface-modified graphite nanomaterials for improved reinforcement efficiency in cementitious paste. Carbon 63:175–186

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Peyvandi A, Soroushian P, Balachandra AM, Sobolev K (2013) Enhancement of the durability characteristics of concrete nanocomposite pipes with modified graphite nanoplatelets. Constr Build Mater 47:111–117

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Peyvandi A, Harsini I, Sbia LA, Rankothge RW, Abideen SU, Balachandra AM, Soroushian P (2016) Performance evaluation of precast concrete beams reinforced with multifunctional graphite nanomaterials. PCI J 61:29–39

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Balachandra AM, Soroushian P, Sayyar Bidgoli M (2015) Joining via nano-scale reinforced bonding media: materials, procedures and applications thereof. US Patent US9227274B1, 5 Jan 2016

  5. Sadiq MM, Balachandra AM, Soroushian P (2015) Ultra high performance concrete reinforced with low-cost graphite nanomaterials and microfibers, and method for production thereof. US Patent US 8951343 B2, 15 Feb 2015

  6. Balachandra AM, Soroushian P, Sayyar Bidgoli M (2015) Nano-engineered structural joints: materials, procedures and applications thereof. US Patent US 9387655 B2, 12 July 2016

  7. Bertrand P, Jonas A, Laschewsky A, Legras R (2000) Ultrathin polymer coatings by complexation of polyelectrolytes at interfaces: suitable materials, structure and properties. Macromol Rapid Commun 21(7):319–348

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Peyvandi A, Soroushian P, Lu J, Balachandra AM (2014) Enhancement of ultrahigh performance concrete material properties with carbon nanofiber. Adv Civ Eng. doi:10.1155/2014/854729

    Google Scholar 

  9. Parviz S, Anagi MB, Amirpasha P (2014) Reinforcement efficiency of modified carbon nanofiber in high-performance concrete nanocomposite. Adv Civ Eng Mater 3(1):540–553

    Google Scholar 

  10. Sbia LA, Peyvandi A, Soroushian P, Balachandra AM, Sobolev K (2015) Evaluation of modified-graphite nanomaterials in concrete nanocomposite based on packing density principles. Constr Build Mater 76:413–422

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Jiang Z, Hornsby P, McCool R, Murphy A (2012) Mechanical and thermal properties of polyphenylene sulfide/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites. J Appl Polym Sci 123(5):2676–2683

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Yu S, Kang Juay Y, Shyan Young M (2008) Fabrication and characterization of carbon nanotube reinforced poly (methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites. J Nanosci Nanotechnol 8(4):1852–1857

    Google Scholar 

  13. Meincke O, Kaempfer D, Weickmann H, Friedrich C, Vathauer M, Warth H (2004) Mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of carbon-nanotube filled polyamide-6 and its blends with acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene. Polymer 45(3):739–748

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Biswas A, Bayer IS, Biris AS, Wang T, Dervishi E, Faupel F (2012) Advances in top–down and bottom–up surface nanofabrication: techniques, applications & future prospects. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 170(1):2–27

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Decher G, Lvov Y, Schmitt J (1994) Proof of multilayer structural organization in self-assembled polycation-polyanion molecular films. Thin Solid Films 244(1):772–777

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Decher G, Hong J (1991) Buildup of ultrathin multilayer films by a self-assembly process: II. Consecutive adsorption of anionic and cationic bipolar amphiphiles and polyelectrolytes on charged surfaces. Ber Bunsenges Phys Chem 95(11):1430–1434

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Decher G, Hong JD (1991) Buildup of ultrathin multilayer films by a self‐assembly process, 1 consecutive adsorption of anionic and cationic bipolar amphiphiles on charged surfaces. Makromolekulare Chemie. Macromolecular Symposia, vol 1. Wiley, New York, pp 321–327

    Google Scholar 

  18. Iost RM, Crespilho FN (2012) Layer-by-layer self-assembly and electrochemistry: applications in biosensing and bioelectronics. Biosens Bioelectron 31(1):1–10

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Xu Y, Wu Q, Sun Y, Bai H, Shi G (2010) Three-dimensional self-assembly of graphene oxide and DNA into multifunctional hydrogels. ACS Nano 4(12):7358–7362

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Ariga K, McShane M, Lvov YM, Ji Q, Hill JP (2011) Layer-by-layer assembly for drug delivery and related applications. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 8(5):633–644

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Olek M, Ostrander J, Jurga S, Möhwald H, Kotov N, Kempa K, Giersig M (2004) Layer-by-layer assembled composites from multiwall carbon nanotubes with different morphologies. Nano Lett 4(10):1889–1895

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Taylor AD, Michel M, Sekol RC, Kizuka JM, Kotov NA, Thompson LT (2008) Fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies fabricated by layer-by-layer electrostatic self-assembly techniques. Adv Funct Mater 18(19):3003–3009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Liu J, Chen M, Qian D-J (2012) Copper (II)-mediated layer-by-layer assembly of viologenthiol-functionalized carbon nanotube hybrid multilayers: preparation, characterization, morphology, and electrochemical properties. Langmuir 28(25):9496–9505

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Oh Y, Suh D, Kim Y-J, Han C-S, Baik S (2011) Transparent conductive film fabrication using intercalating silver nanoparticles within carbon nanotube layers. J Nanosci Nanotechnol 11(1):489–493

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Mamedov AA, Kotov NA, Prato M, Guldi DM, Wicksted JP, Hirsch A (2002) Molecular design of strong single-wall carbon nanotube/polyelectrolyte multilayer composites. Nat Mater 1(3):190–194

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Shim BS, Zhu J, Jan E, Critchley K, Ho S, Podsiadlo P, Sun K, Kotov NA (2009) Multiparameter structural optimization of single-walled carbon nanotube composites: toward record strength, stiffness, and toughness. ACS Nano 3(7):1711–1722

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Lu J, Do I, Fukushima H, Lee I, Drzal LT (2010) Stable aqueous suspension and self-assembly of graphite nanoplatelets coated with various polyelectrolytes. J Nanomater 2:181–188

    Google Scholar 

  28. Podsiadlo P, Sui L, Elkasabi Y, Burgardt P, Lee J, Miryala A, Kusumaatmaja W, Carman MR, Shtein M, Kieffer J (2007) Layer-by-layer assembled films of cellulose nanowires with antireflective properties. Langmuir 23(15):7901–7906

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Podsiadlo P, Michel M, Lee J, Verploegen E, Wong Shi Kam N, Ball V, Lee J, Qi Y, Hart AJ, Hammond PT (2008) Exponential growth of LBL films with incorporated inorganic sheets. Nano Lett 8(6):1762–1770

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Correa-Duarte MA, Giersig M, Kotov NA, Liz-Marzán LM (1998) Control of packing order of self-assembled monolayers of magnetite nanoparticles with and without SiO2 coating by microwave irradiation. Langmuir 14(22):6430–6435

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Kotov NA, Dekany I, Fendler JH (1995) Layer-by-layer self-assembly of polyelectrolyte-semiconductor nanoparticle composite films. J Phys Chem 99(35):13065–13069

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Srivastava S, Ball V, Podsiadlo P, Lee J, Ho P, Kotov NA (2008) Reversible loading and unloading of nanoparticles in “exponentially” growing polyelectrolyte LBL films. J Am Chem Soc 130(12):3748–3749

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Uğur ŞS, Sarııšık M, Aktaş AH (2011) Nano-TiO2 based multilayer film deposition on cotton fabrics for UV-protection. Fibers Polym 12(2):190–196

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Kim YS, Davis R (2014) Multi-walled carbon nanotube layer-by-layer coatings with a trilayer structure to reduce foam flammability. Thin Solid Films 550:184–189

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Pan H, Pan Y, Wang W, Song L, Hu Y, Liew KM (2014) Synergistic effect of layer-by-layer assembled thin films based on clay and carbon nanotubes to reduce the flammability of flexible polyurethane foam. Ind Eng Chem Res 53(37):14315–14321

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Kim YS, Davis R, Cain AA, Grunlan JC (2011) Development of layer-by-layer assembled carbon nanofiber-filled coatings to reduce polyurethane foam flammability. Polymer 52(13):2847–2855

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Sellinger A, Weiss PM, Nguyen A, Lu Y, Assink RA, Gong W, Brinker CJ (1998) Continuous self-assembly of organic-inorganic nanocomposite coatings that mimic nacre. Nature 394(6690):256–260

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Walther A, Bjurhager I, Malho J-M, Pere J, Ruokolainen J, Berglund LA, Ikkala O (2010) Large-area, lightweight and thick biomimetic composites with superior material properties via fast, economic, and green pathways. Nano Lett 10(8):2742–2748

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Sanchez C, Arribart H, Giraud Guille MM (2005) Biomimetism and bioinspiration as tools for the design of innovative materials and systems. Nat Mater 4(4):277–288

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Zhu B, Jasinski N, Benitez A, Noack M, Park D, Goldmann AS, Barner-Kowollik C, Walther A (2015) Hierarchical Nacre Mimetics with Synergistic Mechanical Properties by Control of Molecular Interactions in Self-Healing Polymers. Angew Chem Int Ed 54(30):8653–8657

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Balachandra AM, Dai J, Bruening ML (2002) Enhancing the anion-transport selectivity of multilayer polyelectrolyte membranes by templating with Cu2+. Macromolecules 35(8):3171–3178

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Sullivan DM, Bruening ML (2001) Ultrathin, ion-selective polyimide membranes prepared from layered polyelectrolytes. J Am Chem Soc 123(47):11805–11806

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Kuang P, Lee JH, Kim CH, Ho KM, Constant K (2010) Improved surface wettability of polyurethane films by ultraviolet ozone treatment. J Appl Polym Sci 118(5):3024–3033

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Singh R, Tomer NS, Bhadraiah SV (2001) Photo-oxidation studies on polyurethane coating: effect of additives on yellowing of polyurethane. Polym Degrad Stab 73(3):443–446

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Okuda K, Urabe I, Yamada Y, Okada H (1991) Reaction of glutaraldehyde with amino and thiol compounds. J Ferment Bioeng 71(2):100–105

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Balachandra AM (2003) Selective, ultrathin membrane skins prepared by deposition of novel polymer films on porous alumina supports. Ph.D., Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

  47. Miller MD, Bruening ML (2005) Correlation of the swelling and permeability of polyelectrolyte multilayer films. Chem Mater 17(21):5375–5381

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The research reported herein was sponsored by the U.S. Air Force Contract F33615-03-C-3312. The authors are thankful to Edwin E. Forester and Richard Holzwarth for their valuable guidance throughout the project. This work was conducted in cooperation with MKP Structural Design Associates, and the authors are thankful to Zheng-Dong Ma for his contributions.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, 3546 Engineering Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824-1226, USA

    Iman Harsini & Parviz Soroushian

  2. Structures Department, College of Civil Engineering, National University of Science and Technology, Risalpur Campus, Risalpur, 24080, Pakistan

    Muhammad Maqbool Sadiq

  3. Metna Co., 1926 Turner St., Lansing, MI, 48906, USA

    Anagi M. Balachandra

Authors
  1. Iman Harsini
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Muhammad Maqbool Sadiq
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Parviz Soroushian
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Anagi M. Balachandra
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Anagi M. Balachandra.

Electronic supplementary material

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary material 1 (DOCX 2403 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Harsini, I., Sadiq, M.M., Soroushian, P. et al. Polymer nanocomposites processed via self-assembly through introduction of nanoparticles, nanosheets, and nanofibers. J Mater Sci 52, 1969–1980 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-016-0485-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-016-0485-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation