Ricerc@Sapienza

Magnetic nanoparticles embedded in polymer matrices have excellent potential for electromagnetic device applications, like electromagnetic interference suppression or strain sensing applications in the structural health monitoring domain. In this work, polymer nanocomposites of polypropylene loaded with varying concentrations of magnetite nanoparticles (from 2 to 40 wt%) have been synthesized by an ex situ process. The magnetite nanoparticles were produced using a simple co-precipitation technique.

Despite the academic interest in using plant fibres as reinforcement in polymer composites to replace glass fibres, the industrial exploitation of resulting composites in semi- or structural applications is still limited. This is mainly due to the poor adhesion at the plant fibre/polymer matrix interface dictated by their surface chemistry and strong hydrophilic behaviour. In the present work, an assessment of the interfacial adhesion at the yarn scale has been carried out. Fragmentation tests have been performed on flax/epoxy and flax/vinylester single yarn composites.

This article presents an experimental investigation of the effects of temperature and atmosphere on the tensile behaviour of basalt fibres. The heating conditions have been chosen in order to mimic those used in thermal recycling of polymer matrix composites. The change of properties is investigated at room temperature on fibres heat-treated for 1 h up to 600 °C in air and in inert atmosphere (argon).

Poly(Ethylene 2,6‐Naphthalate)—PEN has been used as matrix for laminates with the aim to develop woven fiber reinforced composites with a service temperature as high as 100°C. Three different classes of fibers have been considered as reinforcement in woven fabric form: carbon, polymers (Twaron and Vectran) and mineral (basalt). Composites were manufactured by using the film stacking technique, alternating layers of balanced plain weave fabrics (0/90) and films of amorphous PEN. The manufacturing process was optimized to obtain a good impregnation of fibers and very low void content.