Understanding interfacial dispersions in ecobenign polymer nano-biocomposites

ABSTRACT

The advent of nanotechnology, and hybridization of nanomaterials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, nanoclay and so on, with natural fibers in polymeric materials have resulted in formation of polymer fiber nano-biocomposites. Accruable properties garnered from these materials amongst many include thermal stability, enhanced electrical and thermal conductivity, reduced thermal expansion, enhanced heat deflection temperature, and improved flame retardancy. This has enlarged the scope of application of these materials in the up-and-downstream industries. Therefore, this paper elucidates emerging nanotechnological advancement, interfacial interactions, and nanoparticles dispersion in plant fiber polymer nano-biocomposites.

Graphical abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Nanotechnology
• polymer plant fiber nano-biocomposites
• interfacial surface interaction

Acknowledgments

Authors wish to appreciate Prof. Charles Esimone, Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria, and Prof. Azman Hassan of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) for providing enabling environment for the success of this paper.

Disclosure statement

Authors report no conflicting interests.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

Authors received no funding.

Notes on contributors

Christopher Igwe Idumah

Christopher Igwe Idumah attained his Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering, from the Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Enhanced Polymer Engineering Group, EnPro, Department of Polymer Engineering, Universiti Teknologi, Johor Tazim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, were he was awarded the best Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering at the 57th convocation ceremony held at  UTM, Malaysia in 2016. He obtained his M.Eng in Textile Engineering from the School of Physical Sciences, The Manchester University, Greater Manchester, England, United Kingdom in 2012. Dr. C. I. Idumah attained his B. Eng. in Polymer and Textile Engineering, from the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria. He was trained in oil and gas by Shell Petroleum and Development Nigeria at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. He is currently a Lecturer at Faculty of Engineering, Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

Chizoba May Obele

Dr. Chizoba May Obele, obtained her Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering, and M.Eng. in Polymer Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering, Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria. She is currently a Senior Lecturer with the Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

Emmanuel Obumneme Ezeani

Dr. Emmanuel Obumneme Ezeani obtained his Ph.D., M.Eng., and B.Eng. degrees in Polymer Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering, Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria. He is currently a Lecturer in the Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.