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PUBLICATIONS

Fate of nanoparticles during life cycle of polymer nanocomposites

Published

Author(s)

Tinh Nguyen, Bastien T. Pellegrin, Coralie Bernard, Xiaohong Gu, Justin M. Gorham, Paul E. Stutzman, Deborah S. Jacobs, Walter E. Byrd, John W. Hettenhouser, Joannie W. Chin

Abstract

Nanoparticles are increasingly used in consumer and structural polymeric products to enhance a variety of properties. Under the influences of environmental factors (e.g., ultraviolet, moisture, temperature) and mechanical actions (e.g., scratching, vibrations, abrasion), nanoparticles might release from the products and thus potentially have negative effects on the environments, health and safety. The fate of nanoparticles in polymer nanocomposites during their exposure to UV environment has been investigated. Epoxy polymer containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and silica nanoparticles were studied. Specially-designed cells containing nanocomposite specimens were irradiated with UV between 295 nm and 400 nm in a well-controlled UV chamber. Chemical degradation, mass loss and surface morphology of the epoxy nanocomposites, and release of nanoparticles were measured. Epoxy containing MWCNTs exposed to UV radiation degraded at a much slower rate than the unfilled epoxy or the epoxy/nanosilica composite. Photodegradation of the matrix resulted in substantial accumulation of nanoparticles on the composite surfaces. Silica nanoparticles were found to release into the environment, but MWCNTs formed a dense network on the composite surface, with no evidence of release even after prolonged exposure. Conceptual models for silica nanoparticle release and MWCNT retention on the surface during UV exposure of nanocomposites are presented.
Proceedings Title
Nanosafe2010
Conference Dates
November 16-18, 2010
Conference Location
Grenoble
Pub Type
Conferences

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/304/1/012060

Keywords

EHS, fate, life cycle, nanoparticles, release, UV, polymer nanocomposites
Buildings and Construction, Fire, Metrology, Nanotechnology and Public safety

Citation

Nguyen, T. , Pellegrin, B. , Bernard, C. , Gu, X. , Gorham, J. , Stutzman, P. , Jacobs, D. , Byrd, W. , Hettenhouser, J. and Chin, J. (2011), Fate of nanoparticles during life cycle of polymer nanocomposites, Nanosafe2010, Grenoble, -1, [online], https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/304/1/012060 (Accessed April 19, 2024)

Created July 6, 2011, Updated November 10, 2018