Nanotechnology

Studies from J.J. George and co-authors have provided new information about nanotechnology

  2009 JUL 6 - (VerticalNews.com) -- "A series of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) nanocomposites using four kinds of EVA with 40, 50, 60, and 70 wt% vinyl acetate (VA) contents and three different carbon-based nanofillers-expanded graphite (EG), multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), and carbon nanofiber (CNF) have been prepared via solution blending. The influence of the matrix polarity and the nature of nanofillers on the morphology and properties of EVA nanocomposites have been investigated," investigators in Kharagpur, India report.

  "It is observed that the sample with lowest vinyl acetate content exhibits highest mechanical properties. However, the enhancement in mechanical properties with the incorporation of various nanofillers is the highest for EVA with high VA content. This trend has been followed in both dynamic mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of the nanocomposites. EVA copolymer undergoes a transition from partial to complete amorphousness between 40 and 50 wt% VA content, and this changes the dispersion of the nanofillers. The high VA-containing polymers show more affinity toward fillers due to the large free volume available and allow easy dispersion of nanofillers in the amorphous rubbery phase, as confirmed from the morphological studies," wrote J.J. George and colleagues.

  The researchers concluded: "The thermal stability of the nanocomposites is also influenced by the type of nanofiller.."

  George and colleagues published their study in Nanoscale Research Letters (Influence of Matrix Polarity on the Properties of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate-Carbon Nanofiller Nanocomposites. Nanoscale Research Letters, 2009;4(7):655-664).

  For additional information, contact A.K. Bhowmick, Indian Institute Technology, Center Rubber Technology, Kharagpur 721302, W Bengal, India.

  The publisher of the journal Nanoscale Research Letters can be contacted at: Springer, 233 Spring St., New York, NY 10013, USA.

  Keywords: Emerging Technologies, Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube, Nanocomposite, Nanofiber, Nanofiller, Nanotech, Nanotechnology, Nanotube, Nanoscale Research Letters.

  This article was prepared by VerticalNews Nanotechnology editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, VerticalNews Nanotechnology via VerticalNews.com.