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1st UK-China
Symposium on
Polymer
Nanocomposites
Book of Abstracts
Getting in touch
wwww.wmg.warwick.ac.uk
eT.McNally@warwick.ac.uk
t+44 (0)24 765 73256
WMG
International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing
University of Warwick
Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
WMG_PolymerSymposiumAbstract-cover.indd 1
1st - 3rd December 2014, WMG, University of Warwick, UK
hosted by the International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing
In association with the University’s
Department of Chemistry,
International Office,
Materials Global Research Priority
25/11/2014 15:28
Organising Committee
Professor Tony McNally, Chair in Nanocomposites
Director – International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing (IINM)
Dr Chaoying Wan, Assistant Professor in Nanocomposites
International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing (IINM)
Professor David Haddleton, Chair in Chemistry
Head of Inorganic and Materials Section, Department of Chemistry
Evanthia Vivienne Tsimbili (E.V.Tsimbili@warwick.ac.uk)
Conference Secretary
The organisers gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the
International Office and WMG, University of Warwick.
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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
Session 1
Session 2
Chair: Professor Tony McNally
Chair: Professor Xinyuan Zhu
14.00-14.25: S1.1 - Preparation and bioapplication of inorganic/organic hybrid
nanocomposites using hyper-branched
polymers as templates
(Professor Xinyuan Zhu (xyzhu@sjtu.edu.cn),
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU))
16.00-16.25: S2.1- Cellulose and Carbon
based Nanocomposites
(Professor Steve Eichhorn
(S.J.Eichhorn@exeter.ac.uk),
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
(xxm-dce@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn),
Tsinghua University)
14.25-14.50: S1.2 - Developments in
the synthesis of functional polymers
from living radical polymerisation for
nanocomposite applications
(Professor David Haddleton
(D.M.Haddleton@warwick.ac.uk),
University of Warwick)
16.50-17.15: S2.3 - Nanocomposites
for engineering and biomedical
applications
(Dr Sameer Rahateker
(Sameer.Rahatekar@bristol.ac.uk),
University of Bristol)
14.50-15.15: S1.3 - Hybridization of carbon
nanomaterials and their polymer
composites
(Professor TianXi Liu (txliu@fudan.edu.cn),
Fudan University)
15.15-15.40: S1.4 - Hierarchical Composite
Materials: Routes and chemistry
(Professor Milo Shaffer
(m.shaffer@imperial.ac.uk),
Imperial College London)
19.00: Dinner (Scarman)
15.40-16.00: Coffee Break
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Day 2: Tuesday December 2nd
Session 4
Session 3
Chair: Professor Dave Haddleton
Chair: Professor Xinliang Feng
09.00-09.25: S3.1 - Macroscopic
Assembled Graphene: Fibres, Films, and
Aerogels
(Professor Chao Gao (cgao18@163.com),
Zhejiang University)
11.00:11.25: S4.1 - PU-CNT composites
with electrical conductivity and shape
memory behaviour
(Professor Phil Coates FREng
(p.d.coates@bradford.ac.uk),
University of Bradford)
09.25-9.50: S3.2 - Nano-carbon-polymer
composites: from fundamental science
to bulk materials
(Professor Ian Kinloch
(ian.kinloch@manchester.ac.uk),
University of Manchester)
11.25-11.50: S4.2 - Molecular dynamics
simulation of polymer nanocomposites:
current achievements and future
opportunities
(Dr Jun Liu (lj200321039@163.com),
Beijing University of Chemical Engineering)
9.50-10.15: S3.3 - Graphene and 2D
Nanohybrids: New Generation of
Materials for Energy Storage and
Conversion
(Professor Dr. Xinliang Feng
(xinliang.feng@tu-dresden.de),
c/o Technische Universitaet Dresden)
11.50-12.15: S4.3 - Multi-scale
computational modelling for
performance enhancement of polymer
nanocomposites (Dr Lukasz Figiel (L.W.Figiel@warwick.ac.uk),
WMG, University of Warwick)
10.15-10.40: S3.4 - Intramolecular
Cyclization is a Simple Way to Tune the
Polymer Properties
(Professor Zi-Chen Li
(zcli@pku.edu.cn), Peking University)
12.15-12.40: S4.4 - Multicomponent click
reaction for polymer-carbon nanotube
composites
(Dr Lei Tao (leitao@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn),
Tsinghua University)
10.40-11.00: Coffee Break
12.40-13.15: Lunch
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Day 2: Tuesday December 2nd
Session 5
Session 6
Chair: Professor Ton Peijs
Chair: Professor Yongfeng Men
13.15-13.40: S5.1 - Analysis of graphene
and graphene oxide for nanocomposites
(Dr Neil Wilson (neil.wilson@warwick.ac.uk),
University of Warwick)
15.15-15.40: S6.1 - Bio-inspired polymer
nanocomposites with water-activated
shape-memory behaviour
(Dr Biqiong Chen,
(biqiong.chen@sheffield.ac.uk),
University of Sheffield
13.40-14.05: S5.2 - Hollow carbon
microspheres from self-assemble
polyphosphazene materials
(Dr Xiaobin Huang, (xbhuang@sjtu.edu.cn),
Shanghai JiaoTong University)
15.40-16.05: S6.2 - Towards strain
sensing conductive polymer composites
(Dr Deng Hua (huadeng@scu.edu.cn),
Sichuan University)
14.05-14.30: S5.3 - Thermoplastic
elastomer nanocomposites
(Dr Chaoying Wan
(chaoying.wan@warwick.ac.uk),
University of Warwick)
16.05-16.30: S6.3 - Primary and secondary
processing of composites of polymers
and nanoparticles
(Professor Tony McNally
(t.mcnally@warwick.ac.uk),
University of Warwick)
14.30-14.55: S5.4 - Graphene based
polymer nanocomposites used as
electrolyte for electric double layer
capacitors
(Professor Wenhong Ruan
(cesrwh@mail.sysu.edu.cn),
Sun Yat-sen University)
18.30: Drinks Reception and Gala Dinner
(Scarman) – Dress Code Business
14.55-15.15: Coffee Break
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Day 3: Wednesday December 3rd
Session 7
Session 8
Chair: Dr Chaoying Wan
Chair: Professor Tony McNally
09.00-09.25: S7.1 - Process, structure,
property relationships in polymer
nanocomposites
(Professor Eileen Harkin-Jones OBE FREng
(e.harkin-jones@ulster.ac.uk),
University of Ulster)
11.45-12.05: EPSRC: International
Opportunities
(Ellie Gilvin)
09.25-09.50: S7.2 - Nano-structural
evolution during tensile deformation of
semi-crystalline polymers
(Professor Yongfeng Men,
(men@ciac.ac.cn),
Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS, Chuangchun
Institute of Applied Materials Science)
12.25-12.45: Royal Academy of
Engineering
12.05-12.25: Royal Society
(Dr Donna Lammie)
12.45-13.00: Closing Remarks
13.00-13.30: Lunch/Depart
09.50-10.15: S7.3 - Processing
nanocomposites for multifunctional
properties
(Professor Ton Peijs (t.peijs@qmul.ac.uk),
Queen Mary, University of London)
10.15-10.30: Coffee Break
10.30-11.45: Tour of WMG
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S1.1
Preparation and bio-application of inorganic/organic hybrid
nanocomposites using hyperbranched polymers as templates
Xinyuan Zhu
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University,
800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China (xyzhu@sjtu.edu.cn)
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).
References
1. 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.
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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.
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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 (d.m.haddleton@warwick.ac.uk)
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 (Me 6 -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 PEGA 480- 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/Me 6TREN to Cu(0) powder and CuBr 2 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)
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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.
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S1.3
Hybridization of Carbon Nanomaterials and Their
Polymer Composites
T.X. Liu, C. Zhang, M.K. Liu
State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular
Science, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, P. R. China (txliu@fudan.edu.cn)
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, organicinorganic hybrid materials, new energy materials & devices, electro-spun nan-fibers and
composites.
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S1.4
Hierarchical Composite Materials: Routes and chemistry
M.S.P. Shaffer 1, E.S. Greenhalgh2, A. Bismarck3
1
Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London (m.shaffer@imperial.ac.uk)
2
Department of Aeronautics, Imperial College London
3
Department 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.
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Short Biography
Milo Shaffer is Professor of Materials Chemistry at Imperial College London, and coDirector 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.
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S2.1
Cellulose and Carbon-Based Nanocomposites
Stephen J. Eichhorn
College of Engineering, Maths & Physical Sciences, Physics Building, University of Exeter, Stocker
Road, Exeter, EX4 4QL; s.j.eichhorn@exeter.ac.uk
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’.
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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: xxm-dce@tsinghua.edu.cn
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)
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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.
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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 multiscale 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.
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S3.1
Macroscopic Assembled Graphene: Fibres, Films, and Aerogels
Chao Gao1
1
MOE 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: chaogao@zju.edu.cn)
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.
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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.
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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
School of Materials, University of Manchester, UK
School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, UK
1
2
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%).
References
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7. 8.
RJ Young et al., Compos. Sci. Technol., 12, 1459-1476 (2012)
L Gong et al., Adv. Mat., 24, 2694- (2010)
RJ Young et al., ACS Nano, 4, 3079-3084 (2011)
A. Raju et al., Adv. Functional Mat., 10.1002/adfm.201302869 (2014)
L Gong et al., ACS Nano, 6, 2086-2095 (2012)
ZL Li, RJ Young, IA Kinloch, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2, 456-463 (2013)
C Valles et al., Compos. Sci. Technol., 88, 158-164 (2013)
C Valles et al, Faraday Discussion, In press
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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.
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S3.3
Graphene and 2D Nanohybrids: New Generation of Materials for
Energy Storage and Conversion
Xinliang Feng
1
Dresden University of Technology (xinliang.feng@tu-dresden.de)
2
Shanghai 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.
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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: zcli@pku.edu.cn
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.
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S4.1
Polymer Nanocomposites for Enhanced Electrical and Shape
Memory Functionality
P D Coates1, B R Whiteside1, C Tuinea-Bobe1,
P Spencer 1, G Fei2, D Li2, G Li2 & H Xia2
2
1
Polymer IRC, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK, and
State 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 postmoulding 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 electroactivated 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].
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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.
References
1. 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.
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S4.2
Molecular dynamics simulation of polymer nanocomposites:
current achievements and future opportunities
Jun Liu1, Jianxiang Shen1, Yangyang Gao1, Liqun Zhang1,2
1
Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials
and 2 State 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 nanosprings 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.
References
1. 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 nonlinear 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, 30143030(2014).
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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.
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S4.3
Multi-scale computational modelling for performance
enhancement of polymer nanocomposites
Ł. Figiel
International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing, WMG,
University of Warwick, CV4 7AL (l.w.figiel@warwick.ac.uk)
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.
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S4.4
Multicomponent Click Reaction for Carbon
Nanotube/Polymer Complex
L. Tao, B. Yang, Y. Zhao
Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Email: leitao@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn
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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Zhu, C., Yang, B., Zhao, Y., Fu, C., Tao, L., Wei, Y. Polym. Chem. 2013, 4, 5395-5400.
Zhao, Y., Yang, B., Zhu, C., Zhang, Y., Wang, S., Fu, C., Wei, Y., Tao, L. Polym. Chem. 2014, 5, 2695-2699.
Yang, B., Zhao, Y., Fu, C., Zhu, C., Zhang, Y., Wang, S., Wei, Y., Tao, L. Polym. Chem. 2014, 5, 2704-2708.
Yang, B., Zhao, Y., Wang, S., Zhang, Y., Fu, C., Wei, Y., Tao, L. Macromolecules 2014, 47, 5607-5612.
Yang, B., Zhao, Y., Ren, X., Zhang, X., Fu, C., Zhang, Y., Wei, Y., Tao, L. Polym. Chem. Accepted
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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
Department of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK (Neil.Wilson@warwick.ac.uk)
2
Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
2
School of Materials, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
1
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.
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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.
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S5.2
Carbon Materials Based on Polyphosphazenes, Preparation and
Electrochemical Applications
Xiaobin Huang1, Kuiyong Chen2
1
School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (xbhuang@sjtu.edu.cn)
2
School 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.
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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 peerreviewed publications and 11 China patents.
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S5.3
Thermoplastic Elastomeric Nanocomposites prepared via in situ
dynamic vulcanization and chain-exchange reactions
Chaoying Wan1, Wenjing Wu2, Yong Zhang2
International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing, WMG, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL, UK
2
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240, China
(chaoying.wan@warwick.ac.uk)
1
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.
References
1) 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, 26166-26176
2) 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.
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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
Materials Science Institute, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen
University, Guangzhou 510275, China (cesrwh@mail.sysu.edu.cn)
2
Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education,
DSAPM Lab, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
1
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 GOB-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 highperformance 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 semicrystalline 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 .
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S6.1
Bio-inspired polymer nanocomposites with water-activated shapememory behaviour
B. Chen
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield
S1 3JD, U.K. (biqiong.chen@sheffield.ac.uk)
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.
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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 (huadeng@scu.edu.cn)
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.
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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: t.mcnally@warwick.ac.uk)
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.
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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 noncovalent 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.
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S7.1
Process, structure, property relationships in polymer
nanocomposites
Eileen Harkin-jones1
1
Engineering Research Institute, University of Ulster, Jordanstown Campus, Newtownabbey, Co.
Antrim BT37 0QB (e.harkin-jones@ulster.ac.uk)
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 BombardierRoyal 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.
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S7.2
Nano-structural evolution during tensile deformation of
semicrystalline polymers
Y. Men, Y. Wang, Y. Lu, Z. Jiang
State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied
Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Renmin Street 5625, 130022 Changchun, P.R. China
(men@ciac.ac.cn)
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 strainwhitening of the samples when cavitation occurs. We have utilized symchrotron ultrasmall 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].
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Acknowledgement
This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21134006).
References
1. 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.
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S7.3
Processing nanocomposites for multifunctional properties
Ton Peijs
School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary, University of London,
Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK (t.peijs@qmul.ac.uk)
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
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NOTES
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