Shanks R.A. – TechConnect Briefs

Starch/MWCNT/Epoxy Composites for Biodegradable Batteries

Ansari M.N.M., Shanks R.A., Kong I., Universiti Tenaga Nasional, MY

Currently, the vast majority of plastics are made from petroleum-based synthetic polymers that do not degrade in a natural environment and their disposal poses a serious problem. An environmentally-conscious alternative is to design polymer nanocomposites [...]

Poly(Lactic Acid) Hemp Composites Combined with Nano-Silica

Mustapa I.R., Ansari M.N.M., Shanks R.A., Universiti Tenaga Nasional, MY

An important issue for all composites is reduction of creep. The reinforcing fibers dramatically reduce creep, however nano-composites can improve tensile properties and toughness. The aim of this work is to prepare and characterize PLA [...]

Cellulose Fiber and Nano-Fiber Composites based on Castor Oil-Polyurethane Matrix

Ansari M.N.M., Shanks R.A., Universiti Tenaga Nasional, MY

The bimodal combination of cellulose fibre dimensions resulted in complementary properties from the same chemical composition. The nano-cellulose fibers provided thixotropy to the castor oil based reactants. The composites exhibited strength, toughness and a modulus [...]

Biomimetic High Filler Content Composites using Bisphenol-A Ethoxy Diacrylate

Daud N., Shanks R.A., RMIT University, AU

Materials were prepared similar to nacre with its layered structure of high filler content. Nacre is based upon about 95 %·w/w calcium carbonate as a composite with a layered block structure. Nacre has high modulus, [...]

POSS–Substituted Hyperbranched Polyester Blends with Thermoplastic Polyurethanes

Spoljaric S., Shanks R.A., RMIT University, AU

The aim of this research is to prepare and disperse in an elastomer a multi-branched form of POSS. Hyperbranched polymers (HBP) can be formed by grafting from a central core. POSS may be joined with [...]

Magnetic Carbon-Nanotube Thermoplastic Polyurethane Composites

Kong I., Spoljaric S., Shanks R.A., RMIT University, AU

The aim was to prepare composites of PU and magnetite-functionalized CNTs, using physical blending techniques in melt and solution. Objectives included functionalizing the CNT with magnetite (Fe3O4), preparing PU-CNT-Fe3O4 composites using solvent dispersion and melt [...]

Graphite Layer Nano-composites with Polyurethane Matrix

Czajka M., Shanks R.A., RMIT University, AU

The aim was to prepare expanded graphite oxide (GO, Graftech Inc.) and disperse it in a polyol (poly(oxypropylene glyceride), Dow Chemicals) using ultrasonication. The dispersion was polymerized and crosslinked with methane 4,4’-diphenyldiisocyanate to form a [...]