Tribological and thermomechanical evaluation of polypropylene nanocomposites containing different dimensional structures of carbon and ceramic nanoparticles

ABSTRACT

This study describes the development of PP nanocomposites using hydrothermally assembled carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/barium titanium (BT) (denoted as BTC) and graphene nanosheets (GNs)/boron nitride (BN) (denoted as BNG) nanoparticles. The PP nanocomposites were fabricated via the development of a masterbatch using polypropylene maleic anhydride (PPMA), followed by diluting with pure PP via melt compounding. The wear resistance and thermomechanical properties of the nanocomposites exhibited a substantial improvement, where about 96.8% increase in wear resistance and low coefficient of friction were recorded. While about 230% increase in glass transition temperature was measured with the nanocomposites relative to the pure PP. The developed nanocomposites have potential applications in automobile and other machine components where high wear resistance and thermal-mechanical properties are required.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Boron nitride and barium titanate
• carbon nanotubes
• graphene
• polypropylene
• thermomechanical
• tribology

Acknowledgments

We appreciate the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment and the Centre for Energy and Electric Power, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa, for their support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The raw/processed data required to reproduce these findings cannot be shared at this time as the data also form part of an ongoing study.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Uwa O. Uyor

Dr. Uwa O. Uyor obtained Bachelor Degree (2014) in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. He joined Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa, where he obtained Master Degree (2019) and Doctoral Degree (2022) in Metallurgical Engineering. His research interest includes synthesis and characterization of polymer nanocomposites: electrical, dielectric, energy storage, mechanical, thermal, thermo-mechanical properties, and other related polymer physics subject areas. Dr. Uwa O. Uyor has coauthored several peer-review research articles, review articles, modelling and simulation articles on the above-mentioned research areas. He has also attended and presented several research findings in conferences held at several places including Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Abimbola Patricia I. Popoola

Prof. Abimbola Patricia I. Popoola is a full Professor at the Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, at the Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa. Prof A. P. I. Popoola obtained Masters and Doctoral degrees in Metallurgical Engineering at the Tshwane University of Technology. She is a South African National Research Foundation rated researcher (C3-category) with research focus in Advanced Engineering Materials. She is an author/co-author of more than 400 Journal articles (in high-impact Journals and Conference Proceedings) and more than 30 book chapters. As a researcher, her publications have shown dedication to research and development in the engineering field, which is an indication of her ability to work independently. To date, Prof A. P. I. Popoola has made a lot of impact with her publications, which have been acknowledged both locally and internationally. Google Scholar Citation - (h-index 32, i10- index 183, citations 6097). Prof A. P. I. Popoola and her students are recipients of numerous academic excellence awards.

Olawale M. Popoola

Prof. Olawale M. Popoola is an Engineer/ technologist/lecturer/author with diverse experience in the Electrical and Power Industry, Oil and Gas Sector, Shipping Building Industry, Education and Quality Management field. A Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP) with a proven record and extensive knowledge of the energy industry. An author & co-author of numerous scientific publications as well as a reviewer for different jour[1]nals. His research interest includes Energy Management, Energy and Behaviour, Renewable and Sustainable Energy, Quality Management, Power electronics application, Power Systems, New Materials as well as Laser Applications. He has made several presentations both locally and interna[1]tionally. Prof Popoola has received awards, support funding and accolades for his knack and drives for research interest that contributes to sustainable energy/society, especially with a multidisciplinary approach. Furthermore, innovative product development in new materials and load management with emphasis on proficient operation/utilization, effective management, affordability, cost savings, etc. are some high points in his career.