Elastomer Nanocomposites

The objective of this research line is to produce a new generation of multifunctional elastomer materials, both in solid and latex state. Our studies have provided deeper knowledge of the physical relationship between the different phases and interfaces present in the nanocomposite, relating the improvement of the final properties of the material to the microstructure and molecular dynamics of the system.
For example, we have correlated the strong reinforcing effect of organoclays at low filler loading with a “new mode” associated to a restricted segmental relaxation by dielectric spectroscopy. Such relaxation is believed to be due to the polymer chains forming an interface layer around the clay particles.

Related articles
  • Effect of the morphology of thermally reduced graphite oxide on the mechanical and electrical properties of natural rubber nanocomposites
    H. Aguilar-Bolados, M.A. Lopez-Manchado, J. Brasero, M. Yazdani

    Composites Part B 87, 350-356 (2016)
  • Overall performance of natural rubber/graphene nanocomposites
    M. Hernández, M. M. Bernal, R. Verdejo, T. Ezquerra, M.A. Lopez-Manchado

    Composites Science and Technology 73, 40-46 (2012)
  • Molecular dynamics of natural rubber/layered silicate nanocomposites as studied by dielectric relaxation spectroscopy
    M. Hernandez, J. Carretero, R. Verdejo, T.A. Ezquerra, M.A. Lopez-Manchado

    Macromolecules 43, 643-651 (2010)

Epoxy nanocomposites

The objective is to develop a new generation of materials based on thermoset matrices with high performances. We have wide experience in dispersing the nanoparticles in the resin. We have prepared materials with excellent mechanical properties and high electrical and thermal conductivity.
It is intended to develop nanomaterials with a high capacity of heat dissipation and a low coefficient of thermal expansion and nanomaterials with a high dielectric constant for use as capacitive sensors of high performance.

Related articles
  • Epoxy resin curing reaction studied by proton multiple-quantum NMR
    M. Martin-Gallego, A. González-Jiménez, R. Verdejo, M.A. Lopez-Manchado, J.L. Valentin

    Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics 53, 1324-1332 (2015)
  • Comparison of filler percolation and mechanical properties in graphene and carbon nanotubes filled epoxy nanocomposites
    M. Martin-Gallego, M.M. Bernal, M. Hernandez, R. Verdejo, M.A. Lopez-Manchado

    European Polymer Journal 38, 1720-1747 (2013)
  • Epoxy-graphene UV-cured nanocomposites
    M. Martín-Gallego, R. Verdejo, M.A. Lopez-Manchado, M. Sangermano

    Polymer 52, 4664-4669 (2011)

Bionanocomposites

The objective is to develop new materials based on bionanocomposites capable of replacing petroleum-derived synthetic polymers. Bionanocomposites can be considered as a subject of polymer nanocomposites where the nanofillers, the matrix or both come from bio-based, renewable resources.
We have demonstrated that the addition of natural rubber and organoclay to a PLA matrix allows the straightforward production, by melt blending, of bionanocomposites with tunable properties by controlling the preferential location of the nanoparticles. The PLA bionanocomposites exhibit a sensible increase in the elongation at break from 5 % to 200 % without sacrificing the transparency of the material and a marked improvement of permeability properties.

Related articles
  • Multifunctional nanostructured PLA materials for packaging and tissue engineering
    I. Armentano, N. Bitinis, E. Fortunati, S. Mattioli, N. Rescignano, R. Verdejo, M.A. Lopez-Manchado, J.M. Kenny

    Progress in Polymer Science 38, 1720-1747 (2013)
  • Physicochemical properties of organoclay filled polylactic acid/natural rubber blend bionanocomposite
    N. Bitinis, R. Verdejo, E.M. Maya, E. Espuche, P. Cassagnau, M.A. Lopez-Manchado

    Composites Science and Technology 72, 305-313 (2012)
  • Structure and properties of polylactide/natural rubber blends
    N. Bitinis, R. Verdejo, P. Cassagnau, M.A. Lopez-Manchado

    Materials Chemistry and Physics 129, 823-831 (2011)