Graphite nano-platelets (GnPs) were dispersed in polyethylene glycol (PEG)/polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) to form a PEG/PMMA/GnPs composite organic form-stable phase change material. The effects of the incorporation of the GnPs on the morphological, structural, thermal, and electrical properties of the composite were then assessed. The experimental results indicated that the incorporation of the GnPs into the polymer increased the thermal and electrical conductivities, and it was concluded that ...
The properties of carbonized lignin nanoparticles were investigated to determine if this material could be used as an environmentally-friendly alternative to carbon black. The observed surface area of the carbonized lignin was found to be higher than that of carbon black because the powder is highly porous. The lignin nanoparticles were able to be produced in such a way as to give a similar size as carbon black nanoparticles, with ...
Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/poly (methyl methacrylate) composites were prepared and their mechanical and physical properties were examined. An amphiphilic copolymer was used to aid in dispersing the MWCNTs throughout the composite. It was found that the use of this copolymer resulted in a good dispersal of the MWCNTs without drastically affecting the molecular weights of the composites, so it was concluded that the observed improvements in mechanical properties of ...
Sulfonated polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-block-polystyrene (SPSPB) was used as a polymer matrix to create polymeric nanocomposites using graphite (G) and graphite-polyoxometalate (G-POM) as fillers. It was found that the nanocomposites had higher thermal and electrical conductivities than SPSPB alone, and that both the thermal and the electrical conductivity increased with increasing filler concentration. At all filler contents tested, the SPSPB/G-POM had both a higher thermal conductivity and a higher electrical ...
This paper proposes conducting carbon aerogels, composed of graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, as an option for a thermoelectric material. The researchers found that this combination of materials increased the electrical conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient due to bridging effects, and decreased the thermal conductivity through high porosity and a uniquely structured 3-D skeleton. Atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to quantify the physical structure of the aerogels. ...
