1st UK-China Symposium on Polymer Nanocomposites · 1st UK-China Symposium on Polymer...

1st UK-China Symposium on Polymer NanocompositesBook of Abstracts

1st - 3rd December 2014, WMG, University of Warwick, UKhosted by the International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing

Getting in [email protected]+44 (0)24 765 73256

In association with the University’s Department of Chemistry, International Office, Materials Global Research Priority

WMG International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing University of WarwickCoventry, CV4 7AL, UK

WMG is a world-leading global provider of innovative solutions to industry and business. At the forefront of innovative technology, we work collaboratively with partners through interdisciplinary research in the fields of energy efficiency, lightweighting, sustainability, healthcare, innovative manufacturing and new business models. We address major real-world challenges, making a significant impact both on economic growth and society.

WMG_PolymerSymposiumAbstract-cover.indd 1 25/11/2014 15:28

3

Session 1

Chair: Professor Tony McNally

14.00-14.25: S1.1 - Preparation and bio-application of inorganic/organic hybrid nanocomposites using hyper-branched polymers as templates (Professor Xinyuan Zhu ([email protected]), Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU))

14.25-14.50: S1.2 - Developments in the synthesis of functional polymers from living radical polymerisation for nanocomposite applications(Professor David Haddleton ([email protected]), University of Warwick)

14.50-15.15: S1.3 - Hybridization of carbon nanomaterials and their polymer composites(Professor TianXi Liu ([email protected]), Fudan University)

15.15-15.40: S1.4 - Hierarchical Composite Materials: Routes and chemistry(Professor Milo Shaffer ([email protected]), Imperial College London)

15.40-16.00: Coffee Break

Session 2

Chair: Professor Xinyuan Zhu

16.00-16.25: S2.1- Cellulose and Carbon based Nanocomposites(Professor Steve Eichhorn ([email protected]), University of Exeter)

16.25-16.50: S2.2. - Stress trigged super tough and stretchable uniform network structure of physical nanocomposite hydrogels(Professor Xuming Xie ([email protected]), Tsinghua University)

16.50-17.15: S2.3 - Nanocomposites for engineering and biomedical applications(Dr Sameer Rahateker ([email protected]), University of Bristol)

19.00: Dinner (Scarman)

Technical Programme

(All Technical Sessions in the International Digital Laboratory Boardroom, IDL Building)

Day 1: Monday December 1st

12.45-13.30: Registration and Lunch

13.30-14.00: Group Photograph and Welcome – Professor Lord Bhattacharyya FREng FRS

WMG_PolymerSymposiumAbstract-inners2.indd 3 25/11/2014 16:16

4

Day 2: Tuesday December 2nd

Session 3

Chair: Professor Dave Haddleton

09.00-09.25: S3.1 - Macroscopic Assembled Graphene: Fibres, Films, and Aerogels(Professor Chao Gao ([email protected]), Zhejiang University)

09.25-9.50: S3.2 - Nano-carbon-polymer composites: from fundamental science to bulk materials(Professor Ian Kinloch ([email protected]), University of Manchester)

9.50-10.15: S3.3 - Graphene and 2D Nanohybrids: New Generation of Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion(Professor Dr. Xinliang Feng ([email protected]), c/o Technische Universitaet Dresden)

10.15-10.40: S3.4 - Intramolecular Cyclization is a Simple Way to Tune the Polymer Properties(Professor Zi-Chen Li ([email protected]), Peking University)


Session 4

Chair: Professor Xinliang Feng

11.00:11.25: S4.1 - PU-CNT composites with electrical conductivity and shape memory behaviour(Professor Phil Coates FREng ([email protected]), University of Bradford)

11.25-11.50: S4.2 - Molecular dynamics simulation of polymer nanocomposites: current achievements and future opportunities(Dr Jun Liu ([email protected]), Beijing University of Chemical Engineering)

11.50-12.15: S4.3 - Multi-scale computational modelling for performance enhancement of polymer nanocomposites (Dr Lukasz Figiel ([email protected]), WMG, University of Warwick)

12.15-12.40: S4.4 - Multicomponent click reaction for polymer-carbon nanotube composites(Dr Lei Tao ([email protected]), Tsinghua University)

12.40-13.15: Lunch


5

Session 5

Chair: Professor Ton Peijs

13.15-13.40: S5.1 - Analysis of graphene and graphene oxide for nanocomposites(Dr Neil Wilson ([email protected]), University of Warwick)

13.40-14.05: S5.2 - Hollow carbon microspheres from self-assemble polyphosphazene materials(Dr Xiaobin Huang, ([email protected]), Shanghai JiaoTong University)

14.05-14.30: S5.3 - Thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposites(Dr Chaoying Wan ([email protected]), University of Warwick)

14.30-14.55: S5.4 - Graphene based polymer nanocomposites used as electrolyte for electric double layer capacitors(Professor Wenhong Ruan ([email protected]), Sun Yat-sen University)


Session 6

Chair: Professor Yongfeng Men

15.15-15.40: S6.1 - Bio-inspired polymer nanocomposites with water-activated shape-memory behaviour(Dr Biqiong Chen, ([email protected]), University of Sheffield

15.40-16.05: S6.2 - Towards strain sensing conductive polymer composites(Dr Deng Hua ([email protected]), Sichuan University)

16.05-16.30: S6.3 - Primary and secondary processing of composites of polymers and nanoparticles(Professor Tony McNally ([email protected]), University of Warwick)

18.30: Drinks Reception and Gala Dinner (Scarman) – Dress Code Business

Day 2: Tuesday December 2nd


6

Day 3: Wednesday December 3rd

Session 7

Chair: Dr Chaoying Wan

09.00-09.25: S7.1 - Process, structure, property relationships in polymer nanocomposites(Professor Eileen Harkin-Jones OBE FREng ([email protected]), University of Ulster)

09.25-09.50: S7.2 - Nano-structural evolution during tensile deformation of semi-crystalline polymers(Professor Yongfeng Men, ([email protected]), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS, Chuangchun Institute of Applied Materials Science)

09.50-10.15: S7.3 - Processing nanocomposites for multifunctional properties(Professor Ton Peijs ([email protected]), Queen Mary, University of London)


10.30-11.45: Tour of WMG

Session 8

Chair: Professor Tony McNally

11.45-12.05: EPSRC: International Opportunities (Ellie Gilvin)

12.05-12.25: Royal Society(Dr Donna Lammie)

12.25-12.45: Royal Academy of Engineering

12.45-13.00: Closing Remarks

13.00-13.30: Lunch/Depart


7

S1.1

Preparation and bio-application of inorganic/organic hybrid nanocomposites using hyperbranched polymers as templates

Xinyuan ZhuSchool of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University,

800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China ([email protected])

Abstract

Inorganic nanocrystals exhibit unique size- and shape-dependent properties and are of great interest in many applications. During the past decades, significant progress has been made in the synthesis, characterization, shape control, and self-assembly of nanocrystals. To further improve their properties, especially the solubility and processability, nanocrystals are frequently modified, or coated by different polymers. The resultant inorganic/organic hybrid nanocomposites integrate the characteristic properties of nanocrystals and polymers together, illustrating potential applications.

Hyperbranched polymers are one important subclass of dendritic polymers. Benefiting from their three-dimensional globular architecture, numerous cavities, and plenty of peripheral functional groups, hyperbranched polymers offer a capability of in-situ preparing nanocrystals with controlled size, which provides a simple surface coating approach for nanocrystals. The precursor ions can be readily bound in the interior nanocavities of hyperbranched polymers, further reacting gives the inorganic/organic hybrid nanocomposites. Recently, a variety of hyperbranched polymers, including cationic hyperbranched polymers, multiarm hyperbranched polymers, supramolecular multiarm hyperbranched polymers, and dynamic hyperbranched polymers, have been prepared in our research group. By utilization of these functional hyperbranched polymers as nanoreactors, various polymer-coated nanocrystals are obtained. The nanocrystals prepared within hyperbranched polymers exhibit the potential applications in biodetection, antimicrobial, gene transfection, and drug delivery. Acknowledgements: This work is sponsored by China National Funds for Distinguished Young Scientists (21025417).

References1. Y. F. Zhou, W. Huang, J. Y. Liu, X. Y. Zhu, D. Y. Yan, Adv. Mater. 2010, 22, 4567-4580.2. R. J. Dong, Y. F. Zhou,; X. Y. Zhu, Acc. Chem. Res. 2014, 47, 2006-2016.3. D. L. Wang, T. Y. Zhao, X. Y. Zhu, D. Y. Yan, W. X. Wang, Chem. Soc. Rev. 2014, DOI: 10.1039/C4CS00229F.


8

Short Biography

Xinyuan Zhu received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees at Donghua University, and obtained his Ph.D. degree at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in the group of Prof. Deyue Yan. Following academic appointments at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering in Shanghai Jiao Tong University (1997-2003), he joined the BASF research laboratory at the ISIS in Strasbourg as a post-doctoral researcher. He came back to China in 2005, and became a full professor for Polymer Science and Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in the same year. His major interests focus on the controlled preparation and biomedical applications of functional polymers with special architectures, such as dendritic polymers and supramolecular polymers.


9

S1.2

Photoactivation with copper(II) and disproportionation of copper(I) of acrylamides and acrylates for compatabilsers

David M Haddleton, Q Zhang, Athina Anastasaki, Paul Wilson, Kristian Kempe

Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick ([email protected])

Abstract

End functional and block copolymers where the end group/a-block is designed to interact with one substrate and the B-polymer designed to interact with a continuous phase are a main stay of compatibilisation. In order to achieve this as efficiently as possible, effective living polymerisation methods are required. The use of radical based chemistry allows for many functional groups to be used without laborious purification and protecting group chemistry. This is essential for making these new materials in an economically viable way. Two new methods of using copper complexes at ambient and sub ambient temperature will be presented 1) using visible light with copper(II) complexes and 2) utilising rapid disproportionation of copper(I) in water and aqueous media. Photo-activated living radical polymerization of acrylates, in the absence of conventional photo-initiators or dye sensitizers upon irradiation with UV radiation (λmax ~ 360 nm) will be described. In the presence of low concentrations of copper(II) bromide and an aliphatic tertiary amine ligand (Me6-Tren), near-quantitative monomer conversion (> 95%) is obtained within 80 minutes yielding poly(acrylates) with dispersities as low as 1.05 and excellent end group fidelity (>99%). The control retained during polymerization is confirmed by MALDI-ToF-MS and exemplified by in situ chain extension upon sequential monomer addition furnishing higher molecular weight polymers with an observed reduction in dispersity (Ð = 1.03). Similarly, efficient one-pot block copolymerization by sequential addition of PEGA480- to a poly(methyl) acrylate (PMA) macroinitiator without prior work-up or purification is also reported. Minimal polymerisation in the absence of light confers temporal control and alludes to potential application at one of the frontiers of materials chemistry whereby precise spatiotemporal “on/off” control and resolution achieved.

A new approach to perform single-electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET-LRP) in water will be also described. The key step in this process is to allow full disproportionation of CuBr/Me6TREN to Cu(0) powder and CuBr2 in water prior to addition of both monomer and initiator. This provides an extremely powerful tool for the synthesis of functional water-soluble polymers with controlled chain length and narrow molecular weight distributions (PDI approx. 1.10), including poly- NIPAM, DMA, acrylamide, zwiterionic monomers, PEG acrylate, HEA and an acrylamido glyco monomer. (1, 2)


10

Acknowledgements: We appreciate financial support from the University of Warwick and China Scholarship Council (QZ). Equipment used in this research were supported by the Innovative Uses for Advanced Materials in the Modern World (AM2), with support from Advantage West Midlands (AWM) and partially funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). D.M.H is a Royal Society/Wolfson Fellow.

References Zhang, Q.; Wilson, P.; Li, Z.; McHale, R.; Godfrey, J.; Anastasaki, A.; Waldron, C.; Haddleton, D. M. Journal of the American Chemical Society 2013, 135, 7355. Zhang, Q.; Li, Z.; Wilson, P.; Haddleton, D. M. Chemical Communications 2013, 49, 6608.

Short Biography

David Haddleton has been working in the area of controlled polymer synthesis for over 25 years since being employed at ICI. His PhD “Photochemistry of some organometallic ethene compounds” was under the supervision of Robin Perutz at the University of York in 1986. He spent one year at the University of Toronto as a PDRA working with Geoff Ozin on metal vapour synthesis and intra zeolite encapsulation of organometallics. He joined ICI in 1988 and spent one year at the University of Southern Mississippi working with polymer liquid crystals. Moving back to the UK in 1988 he spent 5 years working on GTP and anionic polymerisation prior to moving to Warwick in 1993 and was promoted to full Professor in 1998. He has published over 300 papers and has a google h-index = 61 with over 12000 citations. Current work in the group is in different aspects of developing new polymerisation methodology and using this for novel polymers for industrial applications, polymers for personal care applications, (hair and skin care) and for biomedical and nano medicinal applications (new and targeted peptide and protein conjugation). Recent work includes new conjugation strategy, glycopolymers, monomer sequence control and polymerisation in biological media. He was, and remains, the founding Editor in Chief of the RSC journal Polymer Chemistry and is an adjunct Professor and a Chair Professor at Soochow University.


11

S1.3

Hybridization of Carbon Nanomaterials and Their Polymer Composites

T.X. Liu, C. Zhang, M.K. LiuState Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular

Science, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, P. R. China ([email protected])

Abstract

Homogeneous dispersion or full exfoliation of nanoparticles in polymer matrices is one of the most important factors to achieve high-performance and multifunctional polymer nanocomposites. In the past years, our research group is making efforts to realize homogeneous and stable dispersion and high orientation of carbon nanomaterials (e.g., graphene, carbon nanotubes) in aqueous and organic media as well as polymer matrices by using physical “hybridization” approach via effective combination (via hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, electrostatic interaction, etc) among different kinds of nanoscale building blocks (e.g., carbon nanomaterials, clay). The hybrid nanofillers thus prepared are prone to be homogeneously and stably dispersed in different media or polymer matrices, which are beneficial for fabricating high-performance polymer nanocomposites. In this presentation, some recent work progress on achieving co-exfoliation or synergistic dispersion and stabilization of carbon nanomaterials in aqueous and organic media and polymer matrices are discussed.

Short Biography

Prof. Tianxi Liu received his Ph.D. in 1998 on Polymer Chemistry and Physics in Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He was an Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellow in University of Dortmund, Germany (1998-2000), Research Associate at Institute of Materials Research & Engineering (IMRE), Singapore (2000-2001), Research Scientist at IMRE (2002-2004), and full professor (since 2004) in Fudan University. His research interests include polymer nanocomposites, organic-inorganic hybrid materials, new energy materials & devices, electro-spun nan-fibers and composites.


12

S1.4

Hierarchical Composite Materials: Routes and chemistry

M.S.P. Shaffer1, E.S. Greenhalgh2, A. Bismarck3

1Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London ([email protected])2Department of Aeronautics, Imperial College London

3Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London

Abstract

Many studies have reported the production and characterisation of carbon nanotube (CNT) and now graphene-based polymer composites. Although promising results have been obtained, progress has been limited by several factors, including nanocarbon synthesis (quality), dispersion, alignment and interfacial bonding. On the other hand, traditional fibre-reinforced composites are currently used in a wide range of fields; although they have excellent in-plane properties, the relatively weak compression and transverse properties remain a major issue. One desirable possibility is to introduce nanocarbons into conventional composites to form a hierarchical or multiscale structure. The approach aims to exploit the nanocarbon performance to address the critical (matrix-dominated) failure modes of conventional fibre composites, notably the longitudinal compression and interlaminar performance. The presence of nanocarbons at the fibre surface is likely to enhance the fibre/matrix interfacial strength, thus improving the delamination resistance. Reinforcement radial to the fibres, extending into the surrounding matrix, will inhibit fibre microbuckling, which is the critical failure mode under compressive loading.

The nanocarbon can be dispersed throughout the matrix or grown directly onto the surface of the primary dry fibres. The first route is relatively simple at low loadings; for higher loadings (up to 20wt% CNT in resin), we have developed a powder technique that avoids self-filtration and problems with high viscosities. We have also developed a route for directly grafting CNTs onto carbon fibre, using a continuous process which does not damage the fibres. This route simplifies composite processing and in principle can provide an optimised radial geometry. Lastly, have also developed a new hierarchical composite structure by embedding structural carbon fabric into nanostructured carbon aerogels to produce a bicontinuous monolithic nanocarbon reinforced matrix.


13

Short Biography

Milo Shaffer is Professor of Materials Chemistry at Imperial College London, and co-Director of the London Centre for Nanotechnology. He has extensive experience of carbon and inorganic nanomaterials synthesis, modification, characterisation, and application, particularly for nanocomposite and hierarchical systems. Key applications are structural composites, electrochemical electrodes, and functional thin films. MS has previously spent time working as a materials technology consultant in the areas of new technology development and exploitation, and has filed around twenty patents/applications, eight of which have been licensed commercially. He has published well over 100 peer-reviewed papers with a total of over 8000 citations, h-Index 43. He was awarded the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Meldola medal in 2005, a prestigious EPSRC Leadership Fellowship in 2008, and RSC Corday-Morgan medal in 2014. He sits on the RSC Materials Chemistry Division Council, and the editorial boards of Chemical Physics Letters & International Materials Reviews. He has helped to organise a number of international nano-related meetings, including several of the Nanotube series, and a Faraday Discussion on Advanced Carbon.


14

S2.1

Cellulose and Carbon-Based Nanocomposites

Stephen J. EichhornCollege of Engineering, Maths & Physical Sciences, Physics Building, University of Exeter, Stocker

Road, Exeter, EX4 4QL; [email protected]

Abstract

This talk will cover some work done in my laboratory to try and understand the structure property relationships of cellulose and carbon nanofibres and nanocomposites. Using a Raman spectroscopic technique we have been able to map local stress states in nanocomposites comprising cellulose nanocrystals (or nanowhiskers), nanofibrils from both plant and bacterial sources and also most recently in carbonized and hybrid nanocomposite structures. The effects of moisture and local environment on the properties of cellulose nanocomposites will be highlighted, with some opportunities to develop hybrid nanocomposite fibres for high tech applications.

Short Biography

Professor Steve Eichhorn graduated in Physics from the University of Leeds in 1993 and subsequently completed a Masters degree in Paper and Forestry Industries Technology at Bangor and UMIST in 1994/5. He then went on to do a PhD degree, graduating in 1999 on the subject of the “Deformation Micromechanics of Regenerated Cellulose Fibres”. His academic appointments have been as a temporary Lecturer in the Department of Paper Science (then separate from the School of Materials) in 1997-8 and as a Visiting Research Scientist from 1998-1999. After this period he went to work under the supervision of Professor Bob Young FREng FRS as a postdoctoral research associate (1999-2002) and was appointed as a Lecturer in the Materials Science Centre in 2002. He was subsequently promoted to Senior Lecturer and Reader and took up a full-Professor position at the University of Exeter in 2011. His research interests are the interface between natural and biomaterials research with particular emphasis on cellulosic materials and composites. In terms of techniques, Professor Eichhorn has particular expertise in the use of Raman spectroscopy, synchrotron x-ray diffraction and molecular dynamics/mechanics modelling of polymeric materials. He is a member of the ACS Cellulose and Renewable Materials division, the Institute of Physics a Fellow of Institute of Materials and of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Professor Eichhorn was the winner of the 2012 Rosenhain Medal and Award from the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining for his distinguished contributions to ‘Materials Science’.


15

S2.2

Stress trigged super tough and stretchable uniform network structure of nanocomposite physical hydrogels

Xu-Ming Xie*, Ming Zhong, and Fu-Kuan Shi

Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials (MOE), Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China

E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Hydrogel is a network composed of hydrophilic polymer chains and a large amount of water. It offers promising opportunities for applications in many fields such as in tissue engineering, drug delivery system, sensor and actuators. However, conventional chemically crosslinked hydrogels have several significant limitations, especially weak mechanical properties, due to their inhomogeneous network structure. So the scope of hydrogel applications is severely limited by their mechanical weakness. To date, many attempts have been made to prepare hydrogels with excellent mechanical properties, such as optimizing network structures, and crosslinking by multifunctional crosslinker. The outstanding representatives of these prepared hydrogels, such as double network (DN) gel, topological (TP) gel, nanocomposite (NC) gel and hybrid gel show great improvement in mechanical properties. Some researchers made hybrid hydrogels which can dissipate mechanical energy and achieve tough hydrogels. However, all these hydrogels are chemically crosslinked hydrogels in nature.

In this study, in order to achieve superior stretchable and tough physical nano-composite hydrogels, several kinds of vinyl hybrid silica nanoparticles (VSNPs) with different diameters are firstly synthesized. Then Acrylic acid or Acrylic amide monomers are grafted from the surface of VSNPs and the grafted polymer chains formed, of which one side are attached to one VSNP and the other one side are free to form a gelator. Thus, a nano composite physical hydrogel(NCP gel) is achieved by intermolecular hydrogen bonds forming between the polymer chains in the gelators. Consequently the VSNP in the gelator could spontaneously work as chemical crosslinking point in the gels, i.e. an analogous crosslinking point. The obtained PNC gels have superior stretchability and high tensile strength simultaneously. The elongation at break and tensile strength of the gels are as high as 4000% and 1000 kPa respectively. The toughening mechanism should be attributed to the structure of physical and chemical bonds coupled the PNC gel. Under tensile condition, break of the physical bonds will dissipate mechanical energy, then the recombination of physical bonds could homogenize the network structure, finally the analogous crosslinking point of VSNPs should disperse and share the stress in the gels. Thus super tough physical nano-composite hydrogels could be achieved

Acknowledgment: This work was financially supported by NSF of China (No. 21474058)


16

Short Biography

Professor Xu-Ming Xie graduated with a B.Eng. degree from Shinshu University, Japan, in 1985. He received his M.Sc. and Ph.D. from the Department of Organic and Polymeric Materials, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan, in 1987 and 1990, respectively. He has worked at Tsinghua University since 1992, and has been a full professor since 1999. His current research areas cover structure and properties of multi-polymer systems; confined crystallization and phase separation of polymer systems; polymer-assisted assembly of low-dimensional nanomaterials and their nanocomposites; polymer grafting and modification; and polymer gels and super-absorbent polymers. He has published more than 190 papers in peer-reviewed journals, and owns 16 patents.


17

S2.3

Nanocomposites for Engineering and Biomedical Applications

Dr Sameer S Rahatekar

Advanced Composites Centre for Innovation & Science (ACCIS), Aerospace Engineering, University of Bristol

Abstract

In this presentation two very diverse applications of nanocomposites will be discussed. In the first part we will present engineering applications of cellulose nanocomposites as electrically conducting smart textiles and use of glass fibres/nanotube and epoxy multi-scale composites for improved fracture toughness.

In the second part we will present manufacturing of cellulose and chitin nanocomposites for biomedical applications. The cellulose and chitin nanotube composites were manufactured using ionic liquids as benign solvents. The neat chitin and electrically conducting chitin nanotube composite scaffolds show good bio-compatibility with mesenchymal stem cells. The electrically conducting chitin scaffolds can be good candidates for electrical stimulation of range of biological tissues.

Short Biography

Dr Sameer S Rahatekar is a lecturer in Advanced Composites Centre for Innovation and Science, Aerospace Engineering, University of Bristol from 2009. He is a member of the EPSRC sponsored Doctoral Training Centre in Composite Materials and Program Director for MSc program in Advanced Composites at Bristol. Dr Rahatekar earned his PhD from University of Cambridge and was a postdoctoral fellow at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, USA. His research is focused on polymer composites and nano-composites manufacturing, manufacturing of regenerated natural polymer nanocomposites fibres using ionic liquids and natural polymers based nanocomposites for tissue engineering.


18

S3.1

Macroscopic Assembled Graphene: Fibres, Films, and Aerogels

Chao Gao1

1MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, 38 Zheda Road, Hangzhou 310027, P. R. China

(E-mail: [email protected])

Abstract

Graphene has outstanding mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. But how to translate the properties of single sheet into macroscopic materials is a big challenge. My team tried several methods to assemble graphene into macroscopic ordered materials such as 1D graphene fibers, 2D membranes/films, 3D and aerogels. First, we prepared highly soluble graphene oxide (GO) by a green method. We found the liquid crystal (LC) of GO when it was dispersed in water and selected solvents. By wet-spinning of the GO LC dope, we achieved continuous graphene fibers which showed excellent properties such as high conductivity, strong mechanical strength, and fine flexibility. Through the LC-self templating approach, continuous nacre-mimetic composite fibers were also fabricated. Ultrathin graphene membranes for high performance nanofiltration and continuous graphene films for electrothermal application were made by solution-based processing technology. Finally, with a template-free strategy, we fabricated ultralight weight carbon aerogels with a density as low as 0.16 mg/cm3, around 1/7 of air. This so-called lightest solid material showed ultrahigh capability for oil-absorption up to 900 times own weight. Such graphene-based macroscopic materials promised wide range of real applications including flexible yarn supercapacitors and light weight cables.

Figure 1. Macroscopic assembled graphene fiber, nanofiltration membrane, ultralight weight aerogel, and flexible yarn supercapacitor.


19

Short Biography

Prof. Chao Gao received his Ph. D. in 2001 on Polymer Materials in Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Since Nov. 2003, he worked with Prof. Sir Harry Kroto as a visiting scholar and post-doc research fellow in University of Sussex, UK, and then moved to Prof. Axel H. E. Müller’s group at Bayreuth University, Germany in July 2005 as an Alexander von Humboldt research fellow. In 2008, he joined Zhejiang University, and was promoted as full professor.

His research interests include hyperbranched polymers and chemistry of nanocarbons. He co-edited a book on hyperbranched polymers and published more than 100 papers with citation of 5300 times and H-index 37. His research of graphene fiber knot has been selected by Nature as “Images of the Year” in 2011. He was awarded or funded with National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, the least dense solid Guinness World Records, and “Gold Kangaroo” World Innovation Award. He is the Regional Editor of Colloid and Polymer Science.


20

S3.2

Structural Graphene Composites: Applying the lessons of fundamental studies to bulk composites

I.A. Kinloch1, L. Gong1, Z.L. Li1, C. Valles1, A. Raju1, I. Riaz2, R. Jalil2, K.S. Novoselov2, R.J. Young1

1 School of Materials, University of Manchester, UK2 School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, UK

Abstract

The exception stiffness and strength of graphene makes it a promising reinforcement in structural polymer composite materials [1]. We have studied the micromechanics of such graphene composites using Raman spectroscopy to map the strain in model composite systems comprising of single graphene flakes [2,3,4]. We have previously shown that the graphene behavior can be modelled using conventional composite theory despite being an atomic layer. For example, graphene follows the shear lag theory for short fibers, with a critical minimum flake length of 3 microns being required for good reinforcement. We have also shown that the modulus of graphene flakes reduces with the thickness of the flake due to poor internal stress transfer between the graphene layers [5].

We have now transferred these design rules for graphene composites to bulk systems produced by solvent casting (PVOH-graphene composites, [6]), twin screw compounding (PMMA-graphene [7,8]) and hot curing (e.g. epoxy-graphene). We have explored the role of polymer-graphene interface on the properties of these composites through using different surface functionalities on the graphene flakes. The role of flake length has also been studied by using few layer graphene with controlled lengths from 100 nm to 20 micron. The 20 micron few layer flakes show particular promise as they are long enough to give good reinforcement, yet do not aggregate at high loadings (> 10 vol%).

References1. RJ Young et al., Compos. Sci. Technol., 12, 1459-1476 (2012)2. L Gong et al., Adv. Mat., 24, 2694- (2010) 3. RJ Young et al., ACS Nano, 4, 3079-3084 (2011)4. A. Raju et al., Adv. Functional Mat., 10.1002/adfm.201302869 (2014)5. L Gong et al., ACS Nano, 6, 2086-2095 (2012)6. ZL Li, RJ Young, IA Kinloch, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2, 456-463 (2013)7. C Valles et al., Compos. Sci. Technol., 88, 158-164 (2013)8. C Valles et al, Faraday Discussion, In press


21

Short Biography

Professor Ian Kinloch is Professor of Materials Science in the Department of Materials at The University of Manchester. His research focuses on polymeric and carbon (graphene and nanotubes) and related nanomaterials. The research takes the science from the controlled growth of the nanomaterials through to their processing and applications. His research on applications is on polymer-nanocarbon composites, electrodes and the bio-nano interface. He currently holds an EPSRC Challenging Engineering Fellowship and previously held an EPSRC/RAEng Research Fellowship.


22

S3.3

Graphene and 2D Nanohybrids: New Generation of Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion

Xinliang Feng1Dresden University of Technology ([email protected])

2Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Abstract

Recent progress of graphene research has triggered wide interest in 2D nanomaterials and related porous nanocomposites other than carbons. Here we will firstly present efficient exfoliation of graphene, aiming at the large-scale production of high-quality, thin layers, solution-processable graphene sheet materials. We will further demonstrate a bottom-up assembly approach to the fabrication of porous nanosandwiches based on chemically derived graphene. Different graphene-based porous nanosheets such as carbon, metal, metal oxide, and nanohybrides will be produced to possess the intriguing features such as thin thickness, large aspect ratio, high monodispersity and large surface area. Further, nanosandwiches based on graphene coupled with organic porous materials will be produced. The porous features of such graphene/organic porous materials can be tailored at the molecular level. Finally, 3D macroporous architectures will be built up based on the assembly of graphene sheets and nanosandwiches. These materials show hierarchical porous structures with high surface areas which can facilitate the diffusion of guest ions or molecules in many electrochemical systems. As the consequence, graphene-based 2D nanohybrid materials may hold great potential in the areas of catalysis, sensors, supercapacitors and batteries.

Short Biography

Xinliang Feng is a full professor at the Technical University of Dresden and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. His current scientific interests include graphene, two-dimensional nanomaterials, organic conjugated materials, and carbon-rich molecules and materials for electronic and energy-related applications. He has published over 200 research articles. He has been awarded several prestigious prizes including IUPAC Prize for Young Chemists (2009), European Research Council Starting Grant Award (2012), Journal of Materials Chemistry Lectureship Award (2013), and ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship (2014). He is an Advisory Board Member for Advanced Materials, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, and Chemistry -An Asian Journal.


23

S3.4

Intramolecular Cyclization is a Simple Way to Tune the Polymer Properties

Zi-Long Li, Li-Jing Zhang, Zi-Chen Li*Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education,

Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, College of Chemistry,Peking University, Beijing 100871, China. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Microstructure control in polymer chain including sequence regulation has attracted much attention and is definitely a significant parameter in polymer design that leads to polymers with complex structures and sophisticated functions. Many types of polymers with controlled microstructure have been designed and synthesized in recent years. Then, the next question is how these microstructure variations can affect the polymer properties. In this talk, I will focus on the sequence-dependent intra-chain cyclization that leads to the change of polymer properties. It contains the following examples: (1) The tandem reaction between the sequence-defined adjacent monomer units within a single polymer chain was realized upon post-modification of the internal alkenes of periodic vinyl copolymers from ADMET polymerization. The formed cyclic structures by the tandem reaction could increase the rigidity of the polymer chain and thus greatly increase the Tg of the final polymer. (2) intramolecular cyclization of a specific moiety in the polymer main chain can be an effective way to tune the degradation profile of aliphatic esters based on itaconic acid. (3) Passerini multicomponent polymerization was developed as a new method to synthesize functional poly(4-hydroxybutyrate)s. These polyesters exhibited unique degradation behavior in solution which was driven by the consecutive intramolecular cyclization to form stable neutral γ-butyrolactone derivative.

Short Biography

Zi-Chen Li was born in 1968. He received his B.Sc. degree from Shandong University in 1987, and his M.Sc. degree from Institute of Chemistry, CAS, in 1990. He got his D. Sci. degree from PKU in Jan. 1995. He has been a professor of Polymer Chemistry in the College of Chemistry, PKU since 2002. Currently, he serves as the Executive Associate Editor of Chinese J. Polym. Sci. and also Editorial Board Member of Polymer, J. Mater. Chem. B, Polym. Inter. Prof. Li’s research interests include (1) Controlled synthesis of new polymers by living radical polymerization, (2) Development of new multicomponent polymerization methods, (3) Responsive and degradable polymers synthesis and their applications in drug delivery.


24

S4.1

Polymer Nanocomposites for Enhanced Electrical and Shape Memory Functionality

P D Coates1, B R Whiteside1, C Tuinea-Bobe1, P Spencer1, G Fei2, D Li2, G Li2 & H Xia2

1Polymer IRC, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK, and 2State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.

Abstract

Microinjection molding has emerged as an efficient way to manufacture devices which contain surface micro-features using a wide range of polymers with high accuracy. In our initial research [1], polyurethane -carbon nanotube (CNT) composites were micromoulded, and the electrical conductivity studied, including the use of post-moulding annealing to optimize conductivity. Quantification of the structures obtained, including in-situ TEM with detailed statistical analysis of the images, and computer modeling of conductivity have been undertaken. It has been found that the electrical conductivity of microinjection molded parts is relatively low due to the high shear rates prevalent in the process. An annealing treatment improves the electrical conductivity by several orders of magnitude, although there are only nanoscale changes in the CNTs network (most probable nearest neighbour distance only decreases by several nanometres on annealing). A mechanism of residual stress release in the polymer at the CNT interface is proposed, and supported by Raman band shifts (the G+ band, 1590 cm-1, is sensitive to strain) [2, 3].

Secondly, shape memory polyurethane-carbon nanotube composites were prepared by twin-screw melt extrusion and subsequently processed using microinjection molding to obtain components with surface micropatterns (a circular Fresnel lens). An electro-activated surface micropattern tuning system was developed which could recover the original micropatterned surface of the components after a thermal deformation had been imposed. This was achieved by applying a current which heats the component by resistive heating. In order to optimize the technique, three key areas were investigated in this work: conductivity of the microinjection molded microparts, the retention of shape memory micropatterns on the surface of microparts during annealing treatment, and the macroscopic area shrinkage of microparts after thermal treatment.

The required annealing treatment to improve electrical conductivity can be detrimental to the dimensional stability of the micropatterns, which depends significantly on particular micro-injection molding parameters, especially the mould temperature. Increasing the mould temperature, melt temperature, injection speed and injection pressure all result in better retention of the micropattern and improved dimensional stability after annealing [4].


25

Our research demonstrates the potential of electro-activated surface micropattern control for microinjection molded electrically conductive shape memory polymer composites, which could be a promising technology for a range of application areas including: electro-adjustable adherence, information storage, and anti-counterfeiting technology.

References1. H. S. Xia, P. Coates, D. X. Li, G. X. Fei and Q. C. Gong, 2012, Parts. WO 2012/089998 A2.2. Lucas M, Young RJ. Effect of residual stresses upon the Raman radial breathing modes of nanotubes in epoxy

composites. Composites Science and Technology 2007;67(5):840-3.3. Tishkova V, Raynal P-I, Puech P, Lonjon A, Fournier ML, Demont P, et al. Electrical conductivity and Raman imaging

of double wall carbon nanotubes in a polymer matrix. Composites Science and Technology 2011;71(10):1326-30 4. G Fei, C Tuinea-Bobe, D Li, G Li, B Whiteside, P Coates, H Xia, RSC Adv., 2013, 3, 24132–24139.

Keywords: conductivity, shape memory, polymer nanocomposite, micromoulding

Short Biography

Professor Phil Coates FREng is Professor of Polymer Engineering at the University of Bradford, UK and Associate Director of the internationally recognised Interdisciplinary Research Centre (IRC) in Polymer Science and Technology, with some 30 researchers. He has published extensively - some 300 papers, in scientific journals and international conferences, co-authored 5 books, and edited 11 books. His research is internationally recognised, with many keynote addresses and worldwide collaborations (particularly Europe, N America, China, Australia and Japan), and he has developed the UK centre for in-process measurements. His research interests include; (i) analysis/modelling of polymer processing mechanics, involving experimental characterisations of the solid and fluid phase rheology of polymers, with novel rheo-optical, ultrasound techniques and in-process spectroscopy; (ii) processing machinery design and control of processing, especially in the fields of injection moulding, extrusion and reactive processing - encompassing determination of process dynamic responses to the de-convolution of machine and raw material variables for real time closed loop process control; (iii) computer modelling of solid and melt phase processing - used in process design and control (with a licensed polymer orientation process), and for insight into deformation and flow mechanisms - his new computer modelling research centre adjoins the experimental laboratory. He holds honorary Professor positions at Sichuan University and Beijing University of Chemical Technology.


26

S4.2

Molecular dynamics simulation of polymer nanocomposites: current achievements and future opportunities

Jun Liu1, Jianxiang Shen1, Yangyang Gao1, Liqun Zhang1,2

1Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials and 2State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical

Technology, Beijing 100029, People’s Republic of China.Abstract

Besides experiment and theory, computer modeling and simulation has already become the third important research approach, because of its unique advantages such as convenience and intuition. In this talk I will systematically introduce research achievements of polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) through molecular dynamics simulation, carried out in our research group. First, we studied the dispersion and aggregation behavior of bare nanoparticles(NPs) with different geometries such as spherical, sheet-like and rod-like under quiescent and shear cases. To model small ligands used in experiments to realize better dispersion, we investigated the dispersion of NPs end-grafted with polymer chains by varying the grafted chain length and grafting density. Second, we probed the translational and relaxation dynamics at the chain and segmental length scales of the interfacial regions, hoping to elucidate whether “glassy layers” exist around NPs. Third, we simulated the enhancement of the Young’s modulus, stress-strain and fracture toughness induced by NPs, providing a molecular reinforcing mechanism. Fourth, the famous “Payne effect”, namely the decrease of the storage modulus as a function of the strain amplitude was examined, uncovering the underlying reason responsible for this non-linear behavior, and how the introduced carbon nano-springs can effectively reduce the dynamic hysteresis of PNCs is as well illustrated. Fifth, we also simulated the formation of conductive network. Lastly, future simulation challenges and opportunities of PNCs are presented. In general, computer modeling and simulation is shown to have the capability to obtain some fundamental understanding of PNCs at the molecular level, in hopes of providing some design basis and principles for synthesizing and preparing multi-functional and high performance PNCs.

References1. Jun Liu, Yong-Lai Lu, Ming Tian, Fen Li, Jianxiang Shen, yangyang Gao, Liqun Zhang*; The Interesting Adjusting

of “Nanospring” on the Viscoelasticity of Elastomeric Polymer Materials: Simulation and Experiment; Advanced Functional Materials; 23, 1156-1163(2013).

2. Jun Liu, Liqun Zhang*, Dapeng Cao, Jianxiang Shen, yangyang Gao; Computational simulation of elastomer nanocomposites: current progress and future challenges; Rubber Chemistry and Technology; 85, 450-481(2012). (An invited review)

3. Jianxiang Shen, Jun Liu, Yangyang Gao, Xiaolin Li, Liqun Zhang*; Elucidating and tuning the strain-induced non-linear behavior of polymer nanocomposites: a detailed molecular dynamics simulation study; Soft Matter, 10, 5099-5113(2014).

4. Zhenhua Wang, Jun Liu, Sizhu Wu, Wenchuan Wang and Liqun Zhang; Novel percolation phenomena and mechanism of strengthening Elastomers by nanofillers; Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 10, 3014-3030(2014).


27

Short Biography

Jun Liu is an associate professor in the department of Materials Science and Engineering of Beijing University of Chemical Technology, and he mainly focuses on simulating the structure, dynamics, static and dynamic mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites through molecular dynamics simulation. He has published over nearly twenty peer reviewed papers, such as Advanced Functional Materials, Macromolecules, Soft Matter, Langmuir and so on.


28

S4.3

Multi-scale computational modelling for performance enhancement of polymer nanocomposites

Ł. FigielInternational Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing, WMG,

University of Warwick, CV4 7AL ([email protected])

Abstract

Advanced computational models can assist experimental work in exploring and optimising the processing-morphology-property relationship for polymer nanocomposites. Particularly, they can provide optimum process parameters (e.g. temperature, strain rate) for primary and secondary processing, to improve nanoparticle dispersion and distribution, and thus enable enhancements of end-use performance of the nanocomposites.

This presentation will address development and application of a nonlinear multiscale computational model to predict morphology evolution and large strain macroscopic response in PET-organoclay nanocomposites, during their secondary, quasi-solid state processing near the glass transition. Particularly, the model combines Monte-Carlo based morphology reconstruction, physically-based constitutive models for the polymer, interphase and interface, and links the representative morphology and macroscopic length scales through the Representative Volume Element (RVE) concept, and nonlinear homogenization. All model components are integrated within the nonlinear Finite Element (FE) framework.

Model predicted: (1) enhanced stress-stiffening, and accelerated onset of the lock-up of viscous flow with the addition of nanoparticles, (2) significant nanoparticle reorientation, (3) intra-tactoid slippage, and (4) significant effect of the interphase on the forming stresses.

Short Biography

Dr. Figiel has been Assistant Professor in WMG since 2014. He received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Technische Universitaet Dresden. He conducted his post-doctoral research in the German Aerospace Centre and at the University of Oxford, and held Lectureships at Universities in Limerick and Portsmouth. His research is focused on the development of experimentally-validated multiscale computational models for exploring and optimizing processing-morphology-property relationships in polymer nanocomposites.


29

S4.4

Multicomponent Click Reaction for Carbon Nanotube/Polymer Complex

L. Tao, B. Yang, Y. ZhaoDepartment of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China

Email: [email protected]

Abstract

Looking at ‘old’ reactions from different perspective can sometimes bring new break-through in ‘new’ research fields. Recently, our group reassessed multicomponent reactions (MCRs) from the angle of click reaction, and developed a new type click reaction: multicomponent click (MCC) reaction, i.e. some highly efficient and atom economy MCRs can also be considered as click reaction1,2,3. Same as traditional two components click reactions, MCC reactions can also be used as efficient coupling tools. Moveover, it is easy to introduce new functional groups through MCC reactions due to their multicomponent nature. Therefore, some thorny synthetic problems, such as synthesis of multifunctional PEGylation agents for protein conjugation4 and preparation of middle functional copolymer and miktoarm copolymer3, etc., can be simply solved by MCC reactions. In current research, MCC reaction, the Ugi reaction for example, has been utilized to prepare carbon nanotube-(co)polymer compex. The conventional ‘graft to’ and ‘graft from’ approaches has been combined together to achieve middle functional copolymer conjugated carbon nanotube. The obtained complex can be well dispersed in normal organic solvents and water. Meanwhile, the conjugated polymers transfer their specific features to the complex, indicating the unique superiority of MCC reactions.

Short Biography

Dr. Lei Tao got his Bachelor and Master degrees from University of Science and Technology of China in 1999 and 2002, respectively. Then he joined Prof. David Haddleton group and got his PhD degree in 2006. After two post-doc experiences in University of Califonia, Los angeles (UCLA, Prof. Heather Maynard, 2006-2008) and University of New South Wales (UNSW, Prof. Thomas Davis, 2008-2010), Dr. Tao joined the Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University as an associate professor.

Dr. Tao’s research interests include multicomponent click (MCC) reactions for functional polymers; multicomponent polymerization system for new functional polymers, and self-healing hydrogel for bio-application. Dr. Tao published more than 90 papers and the citation is more than 2600, the h-index of Dr. Tao is 30 by now.

References:1. Zhu, C., Yang, B., Zhao, Y., Fu, C., Tao, L., Wei, Y. Polym. Chem. 2013, 4, 5395-5400.2. Zhao, Y., Yang, B., Zhu, C., Zhang, Y., Wang, S., Fu, C., Wei, Y., Tao, L. Polym. Chem. 2014, 5, 2695-2699. 3. Yang, B., Zhao, Y., Fu, C., Zhu, C., Zhang, Y., Wang, S., Wei, Y., Tao, L. Polym. Chem. 2014, 5, 2704-2708. 4. Yang, B., Zhao, Y., Wang, S., Zhang, Y., Fu, C., Wei, Y., Tao, L. Macromolecules 2014, 47, 5607-5612.5. Yang, B., Zhao, Y., Ren, X., Zhang, X., Fu, C., Zhang, Y., Wei, Y., Tao, L. Polym. Chem. Accepted


30

S5.1

Analysis of graphene and graphene oxide for nanocomposites

N.R. Wilson1, J.P. Rourke2, A.J. Marsden1, H. R. Thomas2, M. S. Skilbeck1, G. R. Bell1, R.J. Young3, Z. Li3

and I. A. Kinloch3

1Department of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK ([email protected])2Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK

2School of Materials, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.

Abstract

Due to the superlative physical properties intrinsic to graphene, there is considerable interest in its incorporation into high performance nanocomposites. Pristine graphene has been shown to have a Young’s modulus of order 1 TPa, is claimed to be the strongest material ever measured, has exceptional thermal and electrical conductivity and is impermeable to gases. This combination of properties makes it of interest for multifunctional nanocomposites, using graphene for mechanical reinforcement but also to improve conductivity and barrier properties. Fabricating such nanocomposites requires bulk quantities of graphene, the developments of methodologies for dispersing them, and techniques for characterizing the starting material and the nanocomposites.Many of the techniques developed for producing bulk quantities of graphene introduce defects or changes to the homogeneous sp2 structure of graphene, either through intentional covalent functionalization, as is the case for graphene oxide, or inadvertently as part of the processing. We will address the question of how this alteration to the covalent structure effects the physical properties of graphene, at what point is graphene no longer graphene like? Through controlled functionalization we will show how the electronic, mechanical and chemical properties change as the level of functionalization is increased, starting with pristine graphene and ending with graphene oxide.

Graphene oxide is a fascinating material in itself. Despite over 100 years of research, the structure and chemistry of graphene oxide are still under debate. We will show how, through increased understanding of the physical and chemical structure of graphene oxide, the oxygen functionalities can be used as the starting point for further chemical modification, of particular interest for increasing solubility and improving interface properties.

Finally, we will show how the orientation of graphene flakes within a nanocomposite can be determined by polarized Raman spectroscopy and directly related to the degree of mechanical reinforcement through direct calculation of the Krenchel factor.


31

Short Biography

Dr Neil Wilson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Warwick. He is a member of the Microscopy Group (www.warwick.ac.uk/go/microscopy), with interests in the synthesis, characterization and application of low dimensional materials and in the development and application of microscopy techniques for this purpose. Over the 10 years since finishing his PhD in 2004, he has authored or coauthored more than 50 papers, including as first or corresponding author in journals such as Nature Nanotechnology, Nano Letters, ACS Nano and Angewandte Chemie.


32

S5.2

Carbon Materials Based on Polyphosphazenes, Preparation and Electrochemical Applications

Xiaobin Huang1, Kuiyong Chen2

1School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University ([email protected])2School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Abstract

Heteroatoms doped mesoporous carbon nanotubes are produced via facile carbonization of highly cross-linked polyphosphazene nanotubes under inert atmospheres. Tubular structure of the polymeric nanotubes can be easily maintained through carbonization due to the highly cross-linked structure. High level of heteroatoms and uniform mesopores are incorporated into the carbon nanotubes. Via introduction cobaltous acetate to the polyphosphazene nanotubes, followed by a carbonization process, cobalt phosphide nanoparticles decorated heteroatoms doped mesoporous carbon nanotubes can be synthesized. Electrochemical tests manifest good oxygen reduction catalytic performance and supercapacitor performance of the carbon nanotubes. The doping structure can form active sites on the carbon nanotube surface. Synergetic effect between cobalt phosphide and heteroatoms doped structure could greatly enhance the oxygen reduction catalytic performance. Uniform mesoporous structure, and homogeneous tubular morphology provide the materials with high surface utilization efficiency and enhanced mass transfer ability, contributing to the high electrochemical performance of the novel carbon nanotubes.


33

Short Biography

Xiaobin Huang is an associate Professor in the school of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He obtained his Ph.D. from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2004. He has conducted intensive research in the field of synthesis and application of organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials since 2004. His group firstly discovered a facile and low cost technique for producing polyphosphazene (PZS) nano/micro materials in 2006, and successfully transforming them into mesoporous carbon nanomaterials. The high performance and low cost carbon materials show great potential in replacing CNTs or graphene in energy storage applications. He has published more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and 11 China patents.


34

S5.3

Thermoplastic Elastomeric Nanocomposites prepared via in situ dynamic vulcanization and chain-exchange reactions

Chaoying Wan1, Wenjing Wu2, Yong Zhang2

1International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing, WMG, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL, UK 2School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240, China

([email protected])

Abstract

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) combining good mechanical properties, heat/oil resistance and chemical stability of both thermoplastics and elastomers have found wide applications in the fields of automobile, sports and electronic appliances. In this study, polyamide/ethylene-vinyl acetate rubber (PA/EVM) based TPEs in the presence of graphene oxide (GO) were prepared via dynamic vulcanization and chain-exchange reactions. The reaction mechanisms of a sequential ring-opening ester-amide exchange reaction between caprolactam (CL) monomer and acetate groups of EVM with and without GO were proposed and investigated. Under the reaction conditions, the yield of the copolymer out of the CL/EVM (60/40) mixture was 26.4 wt% at 15% of the conversion of CL. The graft PA6 content was determined to be 4~6 wt%, and the grafting efficiency was further enhanced up to 13.1 wt% with the incorporation of 0.7 wt% of GO. This suggested that GO accelerated the polymerization reaction of CL, and also acted as a crosslinking agent to bridge homopolymerised PA6 with EVM-g-PA6 copolymer. In addition, GO was thermally reduced in situ during the reaction process, thus significantly enhanced both the volume conductivity and permittivity of the copolymers. With the addition of 2.3 wt% of GO, the stress at 100% extension of the copolymer was further enhanced by 190%, and Young’s modulus was improved by 109%. The EVM-g-PA6 copolymer and the GO reinforced copolymeric nanocomposites show a great potential as engineering thermoplastic elastomers.

References1) W Wu, C Wan, S Wang, Y Zhang. Physical properties and crystallization behavior of ethylene-vinyl acetate

rubber/polyamide/graphene oxide thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposites. RSC Adv, 2013, 3, 26166-261762) W Wu, C Wan, Y Zhang. EVM-g-PA6 thermoplastic elastomeric nanocomposites with graphene oxide as a

covalent-crosslink agent, submitted, Polymer, 2014.

Short Biography

Dr Chaoying Wan is Assistant Professor in Nanocomposites in WMG since 2012. She gained a PhD degree in Materials Science in 2004, and conducted postdoctoral research at Loughborough University UK from 2006 to 2008. She was a Marie Curie Fellow at Trinity College Dublin during 2009 and 2011. Her research interest is in the chemistry and physics of nanomaterials, manufacturing functional polymer nanocomposites for energy storage.


35

S5.4

Graphene based polymer nanocomposites used as electrolyte for electric double layer capacitors

W. H. Ruan1, Y. F. Huang1,2, M. Q. Zhang1, P. F. Wu1,2

1Materials Science Institute, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China ([email protected])

2Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, DSAPM Lab, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China

Abstract

To develop a new type of polymer electrolyte for energy storage device, cross-linked graphene oxide/polyvinyl alcohol (GO-B-PVA) nanocomposite were prepared by freeze-thaw/boron cross-linking method. Structure, thermal properties and mechanical properties of GO-B-PVA were explored. Then the gel electrolytes saturated with KOH solution were assembled into electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs). The electrochemical properties of EDLCs using GO-B-PVA/KOH were investigated, and compared with those using non-cross-linked GO-PVA/KOH gel or KOH solution electrolyte. FTIR shows that boron cross-links are introduced into GO-PVA, while the boronic structure inserted into agglomerated GO sheets is demonstrated by DMA analysis. The synergy effect of the GO and the boron crosslinking benefits for ionic conductivity due to unblocking of the ion channels, and for improvement of thermal stability and mechanical properties of the electrolytes. Higher specific capacitance and better cycle stability of EDLCs are obtained by using the GO-B-PVA/KOH electrolyte, especially the one at higher GO content. The nanocomposite gel electrolytes with excellent electrochemical properties and solid-like character are candidates for the industrial application in high-performance flexible solid-state EDLCs.

Keywords: Polymer nanocomposite; Graphene oxide; Electrolyte; Electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs)

Short Biography

Professor Wenhong Ruan received her PhD degree from Sichuan University, China and now works in Zhongshan University, China. Professor Ruan is mainly interested in polymer blending and modification, polymer nanocomposites and polymeric functional materials. She has published over 100 journal papers and holds 30 patents. Including works about reinforcing and toughening effects on polymer nanocomposites, such as “Keys to Toughening of Non-layered Nanoparticles/Polymer Composites” published in “Advanced Materials” and “A strategy for significant improvement of strength of semi-crystalline polymers with the aid of nanoparticles” published in “Journal of Materials Chemistry”. Among her many professional accolades, Professor Ruan won the 2007 and 2009 prize for her works on polymer nanocomposites awarded by the Ministry of Education of China and Guangdong province, respectively .


36

S6.1

Bio-inspired polymer nanocomposites with water-activated shape-memory behaviour

B. ChenDepartment of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield

S1 3JD, U.K. ([email protected])

Abstract

Materials with water-activated shape-memory effects are highly attractive in actuation and biomedical applications. In this talk, I shall review our recent developments on polymer nanocomposites, inspired by the dermis of sea cucumbers, which possess excellent mechanically adaptive behaviour and water-activated shape-memory effects. Surface-modified clay, cellulose or poly (vinyl alcohol) nanoparticles were employed as the water-responsive phase, while hydrophobic thermoplastic polyurethane or biodegradable poly(glycerol sebacate) derivative was used as the resilience source. The resultant elastomer nanocomposites show interesting shape-memory behaviour, with a shape fixing ratio and a shape recovery ratio of up to 98% and 99%, respectively, owing to the formation of a strong, yet hydrophilic network in the matrix. The surface of the nanoparticles can be tailored to accommodate activating sources (i.e., water solutions) of a variety of pH values. The potential applications of these stimuli-responsive materials will also be discussed.

Short Biography

Biqiong Chen is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield. She has been working on polymer nanocomposites for 13 years since the start of her PhD at Queen Mary, University of London. Following her PhD, she worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher in London and then a Lecturer at Trinity College Dublin before taking up her present position in 2012. Her research is mainly focused on polymer-graphene and polymer-clay nanocomposites, with the aim to manipulate the structure and properties of the nanocomposites (in the forms of monolith, foam and hydrogel) for both engineering and biomedical applications.


37

S6.2

Towards strain sensing conductive polymer composites

Hua Deng, Linyan Duan, Mizhi Ji, Qiang Fu,*College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Polymer

Materials Engineering, P.R. China ([email protected])

Abstract

The use of conductive polymer composites (CPCs) for strain sensing applications has attracted intense interest lately. The stability and sensitivity of resistivity–strain behaviour are thought to be important issues, but systematic investigations are missing. Herein, the resistivity–strain behavior in terms of stability and sensitivity of CPCs based on poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) (SBS) containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are studied. It is demonstrated that the preparation method has an important influence on the resistivity–strain behavior of these CPCs. Under linear uniaxial strain, the sensitivity increases with decreasing filler content for both composites, showing higher strain sensitivity near the percolation threshold. Moreover, a higher and wider range of sensitivities is obtained for SBS/MWCNT composites from melt mixing. Under dynamic strain, resistivity downward drifting and shoulder peaks are shown for composites from melt mixing, while linear relationships and reversible resistivity in every cycle are observed for composites from solution mixing, showing good electromechanical consistency, stability and durability. From the TEM, rheology, SEM, SAXS, Raman microscopy and analytical modeling studies, the difference in morphology is thought to be responsible for such resistivity–strain behavior. As more disordered and less densely packed conductive networks in melt mixed CPCs are more easily destroyed under strain, evenly distributed and densely packed networks in solution mixed CPCs are more stable during cyclic stretching. Finally, human knee motions have been detected using these CPCs, demonstrating a potential application of these CPCs as movement sensors.

Short Biography

Prof. Hua Deng currently holds an Associate Professor position in Sichuan University, China. He obtained his Bachelor degree in Harbin Institute of Technology, China in 2003. In 2004 and 2008, he received his MEng and PhD degree from Queen Mary, University of London with Prof. Ton Peijs. From June 2008 to July 2009, he worked for carbon nanotube producer Nanocyl S.A. (Belgium). Then, he joined Sichuan University in 2009. His research interests include: polymer nanocomposites, conductive polymer composites, strain sensing CPCs, thermoelectric materials, etc.


38

S6.3

Primary and secondary processing of composites of polymer and nanoparticles

Tony McNally* International Institute for Nanocomposite Manufacturing (IINM), WMG, University of Warwick

(E-mail: [email protected])

Abstract

There has been intense research effort in the field of polymer nanocomposites (PCN’s), but their potential has yet to be fully realised. Predominately, the practice has been to utilise solvent and/or sonication assisted mixing, in-situ polymerisation and template synthesis to prepare PCN’s. All approaches have significant limitations and are not readily scalable. The preparation of PCN’s using melt mixing, typically in twin-screw extruders, has also been reported. However, many studies utilised micro-extruders which operate with conical screws, the results from which are not scalable. Moreover, those studies that have employed industrially relevant parallel twin-screw extruders have not been systematic. The tendency has been for researchers to mix the NP of interest into the polymer melt using whatever extruder is available with no appreciation of the parameters that control NP dispersion and distribution. Effective NP dispersion is a non-trivial task in the production of PCN’s. A further challenge is in understanding the interface between NP and polymer. The structure, morphology and properties of the interface govern many properties of composite materials. An appreciation of the factors required for scaling PCN preparation in a continuous process is essential. While many researchers try to achieve high levels of NP dispersion, in reality such composites will almost certainly go through some secondary process. This could include a second thermo-mechanical cycle in the case of injection moulding or solid-state or quasi-solid state uniaxial and biaxial deformation in the case of thermoforming or blow moulding. In this presentation, we discuss the processing parameters which govern effective mixing of NP’s in polymer melts, the effect of secondary processing and annealing on structural evolution and properties of PCN’s. We present some innovation in processing of these composites via the application of magnetic fields to align magnetic nanoparticles in polymer melts.


39

Short Biography

He is currently Chair and Professor in Nanocomposites at the University of Warwick, UK. He co-founded with Professor Lord Bhattacharyya FREng FRS and is the first Director (May 2014) of the International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing (IINM). Prior to this (2002-2012) he was a Director of the Polymer Processing Research Centre (PPRC), Director of the Medical Polymers Research Institute (MPRI) and Director of Research for the Advanced Materials & Processing Research Cluster at Queen’s University Belfast, UK. Prior to this (1996-2002) he worked in R&D in the medical device and automotive industries, latterly at board level, leading projects with a range of multinational companies. He is a applied chemist by training, has published ~130 peer reviewed papers and patents, edited 2 books, has held a number of visiting positions in Europe and Australia and is an advisor/assessor to several national and international funding agencies. His current research interests are focused on; melt processing of polymer nanocomposites; functionalization of nanoparticles, including the use of ionic liquids to modify layered silicates and non-covalent functionalization of carbon nanotubes; polymer nanocomposite drug delivery; composites of polymers/metals with carbon nanotubes, graphene and nanowires, the use of magnetic/electric fields, solid-state and melt processing techniques to orientate nanoparticles in polymers, and mechanochemistry.


40

S7.1

Process, structure, property relationships in polymer nanocomposites

Eileen Harkin-jones1

1Engineering Research Institute, University of Ulster, Jordanstown Campus, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim BT37 0QB ([email protected])

Abstract

It is well recognised that the nature of the particle-polymer interaction is a critical parameter in the performance of polymer nanocomposites but it is also important to recognise that the processing route by which these materials will be converted into useful products is also of key importance. There is still a lack of experimental work in this area and there is little agreement amongst researchers on the relative effects of various processing conditions on factors such as clay dispersion. In this paper we look at the way in which the inclusion of nanoparticles influences material processability and how the processing route influences the structure and properties of parts made via free surface forming methods (blow moulding, blown film extrusion and rotational moulding). It is clear from this work that the processing route has a key influence on structuring and properties and that processability is also greatly influenced by the inclusion of nanoparticles. The need for strategies to control structuring and properties in the various processes employed to manufacture polymer products is highlighted.

Short Biography

Eileen Harkin-Jones OBE, FREng., FIMechE, FIChemE, was appointed to the Bombardier-Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Composites Engineering at the University of Ulster on 1st October this year. Prior to that she held the Boxmore Chair in Polymer Engineering in the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast. She obtained a first class honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from University College Dublin in 1983 and then moved to Belfast to work as the production & technical manager of a local polymer processing company for 5 years before commencing a PhD in rotational moulding at Queen’s university Belfast. She obtained her PhD in 1992 and took up a lectureship in Queen’s in 1993 where she remained until September this year.Her main areas of research have been in processing of polymers and materials development, particularly polymer nanocomposites. She also has interests in the optimization and simulation of free surface moulding processes and resource efficiency in polymer manufacturing. She has published over 150 papers and won research funding in excess of £8 million. She is a panel member for REF 2014 and serves on the editorial boards of 3 international journals. She is a member of peer review research panels in the UK, Ireland, Norway, and Canada.


41

S7.2

Nano-structural evolution during tensile deformation of semicrystalline polymers

Y. Men, Y. Wang, Y. Lu, Z. JiangState Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied

Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Renmin Street 5625, 130022 Changchun, P.R. China ([email protected])

Abstract

Two competing processes could occur during stretching a semi-crystalline polymer, namely shear yielding and cavitation. Often, both processes occur simultaneously. Stretching a semi-crystalline polymer transforms the originally isotropic spherulitical structure into a highly oriented fibrillar one (a process often referred to fibrillation). The underlying mechanism of such transition has been extensively debated. On the one hand, inter- and intra-lamellae slips have been considered to be responsible [1]; whereas on the other hands a process of stress induced melting of the original crystallites and recrystallization of the freed polymeric chain segments along the stretching direction has been also proposed [2]. Based on true stress-strain determination and recovery property investigation on a set of polyethylene of different crystallinity, in case cavitation is restrained Strobl et al. concluded that intra-lamellar crystalline block slips are activated at small strains whereas stress induced crystalline lamellae disaggregation-recrystallization starts to occur at a strain larger than yield strain [3]. This critical strain marking the onset of fibrillation is related to the state of amorphous entangled network and the stability of crystalline blocks but has no dependency on the number of tie molecules [4]. The findings directed a global understanding of the mechanical properties of semi-crystalline polymers as considering them as composed of two interpenetrated networks of hard crystalline skeleton and soft amorphous entanglements. This two phase model is meaningful only if the system possesses truly interpenetrating networks such as in high density polyethylene, poly(ε-caprolactone) and polybutene-1 [5-8]. In case when a polyethylene copolymer with low crystallinity is considered, the two phase model becomes no longer valid. A new phase in between stacks of crystalline lamellae has to be introduced yielding a more general three phase model for understanding the mechanical behaviour of semi-crystalline polymers [9]. The three phase model returns to a two phase one when dealing with systems of higher crystallinity.

The mechanism of cavitation in semi-crystalline polymers is much more complicated due to partly technical difficulties to investigate the structural parameters of the cavities. Cavities normally have a size over few hundred nanometers resulting in a global strain-whitening of the samples when cavitation occurs. We have utilized symchrotron ultra-small angle X-ray scattering technique to follow the process of cavitation in polybutene-1 as a function of stretching temperature and crystalline lamellar thickness. The results yield interesting dependencies of cavitation behaviour on these parameters. Two different modes of cavitation have been identified where the occurrence of cavitation in crystalline phase was confirmed [10].


42

AcknowledgementThis work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21134006).

References1. Bowden, P.B.; Young, R.J. J. Mater. Sci., 9 (1974) 2034.2. Flory, P.J.; Yoon, D.Y. Nature, 272 (1978) 226.3. Hiss, R.; Hobeika, S.; Lynn, C.; Strobl, G. Macromolecules, 32 (1999) 4390.4. Men, Y.; Rieger, J; Strobl, G. Phys. Rev. Lett., 91 (2003) 095502. 5. Jiang, Z.; Tang, Y.; Men, Y.; Enderle, H.-F.; Lilge, D.; Roth, S.V.; Gehrke, R.; Rieger, J. Macromolecules, 40 (2007), 7263.6. Jiang, Z.; Tang, Y.; Rieger, J.; Enderle, H.-F.; Lilge, D.; Roth, S.V.; Gehrke, R.; Heckmann, W.; Men, Y. Macromolecules, 43 (2010), 4727.7. Jiang, Z.; Fu, L.; Sun, Y.; Li, X.; Men, Y. Macromolecules, 44 (2011) 7062.8. Wang, Y.; Jiang, Z.; Wu, Z.; Men, Y. Macromolecules, 46 (2013) 518. 9. Sun, Y.; Fu, L.; Wu, Z.; Men, Y. Macromolecules, 46 (2013) 971.10. Wang, Y.; Jiang, Z.; Fu. L.; Lu, Y.; Men, YPLoS ONE 9 (2014), e97234.

Short Biography

Yongfeng Men studied applied physics and graduated from Southeast University Nanjing, China in 1995, he received his MSc degree from Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry (CIAC) in 1998, and obtained his doctor degree at the Physikalisches Institut der Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet, Freiburg, Germany in 2001. In 2002, he joined the Polymer Research at BASF AG (now BASF SE) as a postDoc and Physicist. At the end of 2004, he accepted a professor position at CIAC. His main research interest focuses on the structuring process in polymeric systems (mainly polyolefins and polymeric latex dispersions) using small angle X-ray scattering technique.


43

S7.3

Processing nanocomposites for multifunctional properties

Ton PeijsSchool of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary, University of London,

Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK ([email protected])

Abstract

This paper reports on different processing strategies for the creation of highly organised nanocomposites based on carbon nanostructures with the aim of improving mechanical or electrical properties.

Short Biography

Ton Peijs received his PhD from Eindhoven University of Technology (The Netherlands) and joined Queen Mary in 1999. His research interests cover the whole technology platform from processing and characterisation to the performance evaluation and applications of polymers and their composites. In recent years, his work has mainly focused on the utilization of nanoscale architecture in nanocomposites, TP is the author or co-author of over 200 scientific papers and is the editor-in-chief of ‘Nanocomposites’ (Maney Publ.), a new journal fully devoted to nanocomposite research. He is the recipient of the 2008 Dutch Polymer Award of Polymer Technology Netherlands (PTN) and the 2010 Swinburne Medal & Prize of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) and is involved in the exploitation of nanocomposite research by industry through Nanoforce Technology Ltd a spin-out company, wholly-owned by QMUL


44

NOTES


Organising Committee

Professor Tony McNally, Chair in Nanocomposites Director – International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing (IINM)

Dr Chaoying Wan, Assistant Professor in NanocompositesInternational Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing (IINM)

Professor David Haddleton, Chair in ChemistryHead of Inorganic and Materials Section, Department of Chemistry

Evanthia Vivienne Tsimbili ([email protected])Conference Secretary

The organisers gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the International Office and WMG, University of Warwick.

WMG_PolymerSymposiumAbstract-cover.indd 2 25/11/2014 15:28

1st UK-China Symposium on Polymer Nanocomposites · 1st UK-China Symposium on Polymer...

Documents

Transcript of 1st UK-China Symposium on Polymer Nanocomposites · 1st UK-China Symposium on Polymer...