Progress in cobalt-mediated radical polymerization

Poster (2011, May 12)

Multifunctional hybrids for electromagnetic absorption

in Acta Materialia (2011), 59(8), 3255-3266

Electromagnetic (EM) interferences are ubiquitous in modern technologies and impact on the reliability of electronic devices and on living cells. Shielding by EM absorption, which is preferable over ... [more ▼]

Electromagnetic (EM) interferences are ubiquitous in modern technologies and impact on the reliability of electronic devices and on living cells. Shielding by EM absorption, which is preferable over reflection in certain instances, requires combining a low dielectric constant with high electrical conductivity, which are antagonist properties in the world of materials. A novel class of hybrid materials for EM absorption in the gigahertz range has been developed based on a hierarchical architecture involving a metallic honeycomb filled with a carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer foam. The waveguide characteristics of the honeycomb combined with the performance of the foam lead to unexpectedly large EM power absorption over a wide frequency range, superior to any known material. The peak absorption frequency can be tuned by varying the shape of the honeycomb unit cell. A closed form model of the EM reflection and absorption provides a tool for the optimization of the hybrid. This designed material sets the stage for a new class of sandwich panels combining high EM absorption with mass efficiency, stiffness and thermal management. [less ▲]

Supercritical carbon dioxide as a green foaming agent: application for the purpose of polymer/carbon nanotube foams

Poster (2011, April 29)

Recent Advances in Macromolecular Design via Cobalt-Mediated Radical Polymerization

Conference (2011, April 13)

This communication will focuse on recent progress in the field of cobalt-mediated radical polymerization (CMRP). For example, the beneficial impact of cobalt complexes on the course of acrylate and vinyl ... [more ▼]

This communication will focuse on recent progress in the field of cobalt-mediated radical polymerization (CMRP). For example, the beneficial impact of cobalt complexes on the course of acrylate and vinyl chloride (VC) polymerizations will be discussed. The addition of conjugated unsaturated derivatives, like dienes, fullerenes and carbon nanotubes, onto (co)polymers preformed by CMRP has also been investigated. Similarities and differences between these radical addition processes will be presented as well as the potential applications of the resulting copolymers and carbon based materials for photodynamic therapy (PDT) and electromagnetic interferences (EMI) shielding. [less ▲]

An efficient biphasic synthesis of polymer-grafted reduced graphite oxide based nanocomposites

Poster (2011, March 03)

Supramolecular design of high-performance poly(L-lactide)/carbon nanotube nanocomposites: from melt-processing to rheological, morphological and electrical properties

in Journal of Materials Chemistry (2011), 21(40), 16190-16196

The ability of omega-imidazolium functionalized poly(L-lactide) (ImPLLA) chains to improve the CNT dispersion within the PLLA matrix was demonstrated in bulk and at elevated temperatures using melt ... [more ▼]

The ability of omega-imidazolium functionalized poly(L-lactide) (ImPLLA) chains to improve the CNT dispersion within the PLLA matrix was demonstrated in bulk and at elevated temperatures using melt-processing techniques. This approach brings new supramolecular tools to the formation of CNT-based biomaterials derived from renewable resources with outstanding properties for semi-industrial applications. In this work, the PLLA/CNT nanocomposites were prepared using extrusion technology, starting from masterbatches. The rheological, morphological, electrical properties as well as Raman analyses confirmed the establishment of supramolecular cation-pi interactions between ImPLLA and CNT in the melt, leading to a fine dispersion of CNT within PLLA matrix. [less ▲]

Routes for the preparation of advanced polymer/carbon nanoparticles based materials

Poster (2010, November 29)

Synthesis and characterization of reversibly cross-linked shape memory materials

Poster (2010, November 29)

Design of mesoporous carbon fibers from a poly(acrylonitrile) based block copolymer by a simple templating compression moulding process

Poster (2010, May 25)

Locating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at the surface of polymer microspheres using poly(vinyl alcohol) grafted CNTs as dispersion co-stabilizers

in Chemical Communications (2010), 46(3330), 3332

In this communication, we prepared carbon nanotubes (CNTs) modified by poly(vinyl alcohol) that are used as co-stabilizers for the dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate. Poly(methyl ... [more ▼]

In this communication, we prepared carbon nanotubes (CNTs) modified by poly(vinyl alcohol) that are used as co-stabilizers for the dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate. Poly(methyl methacrylate) microspheres with CNTs selectively located at their surface are formed. This specific localization is a way to enhance the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite. [less ▲]