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Article
Publication date: 26 July 2013

Olga Ivanova, Christopher Williams and Thomas Campbell

This paper aims to provide a review of available published literature in which nanostructures are incorporated into AM printing media as an attempt to improve the properties of…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a review of available published literature in which nanostructures are incorporated into AM printing media as an attempt to improve the properties of the final printed part. The purpose of this article is to summarize the research done to date, to highlight successes in the field, and to identify opportunities that the union of AM and nanotechnology could bring to science and technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Research in which metal, ceramic, and carbon nanomaterials have been incorporated into AM technologies such as stereolithography, laser sintering, fused filament fabrication, and three‐dimensional printing is presented. The results of the addition of nanomaterials into these AM processes are reviewed.

Findings

The addition of nanostructured materials into the printing media for additive manufacturing affects significantly the properties of the final parts. Challenges in the application of nanomaterials to additive manufacturing are nevertheless numerous.

Research limitations/implications

Each of the AM methods described in this review has its own inherent limitations when nanoparticles are applied with the respective printing media. Overcoming these design boundaries may require the development of new instrumentation for successful AM with nanomaterials.

Originality/value

This review shows that there are many opportunities in the marriage of AM and nanotechnology. Promising results have been published in the application of nanomaterials and AM, yet significant work remains to fully harness their inherent potential. This paper serves the purpose to researchers to explore new nanomaterials‐based composites for additive manufacturing.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 19 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2015

Grzegorz Wroblewski, Konrad Kielbasinski, Barbara Swatowska, Janusz Jaglarz, Konstanty Marszalek, Tomasz Stapinski and Malgorzata Jakubowska

The paper aims to present the research results related to transparent heating elements made from carbon nanomaterials. Heating elements were fabricated only with cost-effective…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to present the research results related to transparent heating elements made from carbon nanomaterials. Heating elements were fabricated only with cost-effective techniques with the aim to be easily implemented in large area applications. Presented materials and methods are an interesting alternative to vacuum deposition of transparent resistive layers and etching of low-resistive patterns. Fabricated heating elements were designed to be used as de-icing structures in roof-top windows.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the research results related to transparent heating elements made from carbon nanomaterials. Heating elements were fabricated only with cost-effective techniques with the aim to be easily implemented in large area applications. Presented materials and methods are an interesting alternative to vacuum deposition of transparent resistive layers and etching of low-resistive patterns. Fabricated heating elements were designed to be used as de-icing structures in roof-top windows.

Findings

The sheet resistance of obtained layers was between 9 and 11 kΩ/□; however, double-walled carbon nanotubes showed significantly higher optical transmission (around 70 per cent) than graphene nanoplatelets (around 55 per cent for visible and near infrared range). The amount of polymer resin had the influence on the paints stability, electrical properties and coatings adhesion.

Originality/value

Results show a novel method of fabrication of a large area and transparent heating elements with tunable resistance done through the change of spray coating paint composition.

Details

Circuit World, vol. 41 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0305-6120

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 September 2015

Robert Bogue

– This paper aims to provide details of recently reported work on the use of nanomaterials in sensors for physical variables.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide details of recently reported work on the use of nanomaterials in sensors for physical variables.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a short introduction, this paper first discusses research involving the use of a range of nanomaterials for strain sensing. It then considers the applications of these materials to sensors for pressure, force, touch and allied variables. It concludes with a brief discussion and 33 references.

Findings

This paper shows that nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, metallic nanoparticles and nanowires are being studied extensively in the physical-sensing context. All manner of sensors have been developed, based on a diversity of principles and technologies, and many offer excellent performance and unique capabilities, making them particularly well-suited to emerging applications such as wearable sensing devices.

Originality/value

This paper provides a detailed and timely review of the rapidly growing body of research into the use of nanomaterials for sensing physical quantities.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 35 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 January 2014

Marcin Sloma, Daniel Janczak, Grzegorz Wroblewski, Anna Mlozniak and Malgorzata Jakubowska

New types of substrates were used for fabrication of printed electroluminescent structures. Polymer foils mainly used as substrates for such optoelectronic elements were replaced…

Abstract

Purpose

New types of substrates were used for fabrication of printed electroluminescent structures. Polymer foils mainly used as substrates for such optoelectronic elements were replaced with paper and textiles. Printing on non-transparent substrate requires elaboration of printed transparent electrode, while usually polyester foils with sputtered ITO transparent electrodes are used. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Electroluminescent structures were fabricated with elaborated polymer compositions filled with nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene platelets, dielectric and luminophore nanopowders. Structures were printed as “reverse stack”, where transparent electrode is printed on top of the last luminophore layer. For that carbon nanotubes and graphene platelets filled composition was used, deposited with spray-coating technique.

Findings

Main issue with new substrates is proper wetting with the use of screen-printing pastes, and much higher roughness especially for textiles.

Originality/value

Fully functional structures were obtained, but several disadvantages were observed that needs to be eliminated in further studies.

Details

Circuit World, vol. 40 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0305-6120

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 January 2015

Xingya Wang and Guangchang Pang

This paper aims to provide a detailed review of weak interaction biosensors and several common biosensor methods for magnifying signals, as well as judiciously guide readers…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a detailed review of weak interaction biosensors and several common biosensor methods for magnifying signals, as well as judiciously guide readers through selecting an appropriate detecting system and signal amplification method according to their research and application purpose.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper classifies the weak interactions between biomolecules, summarizes the common signal amplification methods used in biosensor design and compares the performance of different kinds of biosensors. It highlights a potential electrochemical signal amplification method: the G protein signaling cascade amplification system.

Findings

Developed biosensors which, based on various principles, have their own strengths and weaknesses have met the basic detection requirements for weak interaction between biomolecules: the selectivity, sensitivity and detection limit of biosensors have been consistently improving with the use of new signal amplification methods. However, most of the weak interaction biosensors stop at the research stage; there are only a minority realization of final commercial application.

Originality/value

This paper evaluates the status of research and application of weak interaction biosensors systematically. The G protein signaling cascade amplification system proposal offers a new avenue for the research and development of electrochemical biosensors.

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2023

Jiayuan Yan, Xiaoliang Zhang and Yanming Wang

As a high-performance engineering plastic, polyimide (PI) is widely used in the aerospace, electronics and automotive industries. This paper aims to review the latest progress in…

Abstract

Purpose

As a high-performance engineering plastic, polyimide (PI) is widely used in the aerospace, electronics and automotive industries. This paper aims to review the latest progress in the tribological properties of PI-based composites, especially the effects of nanofiller selection, composite structure design and material modification on the tribological and mechanical properties of PI-matrix composites.

Design/methodology/approach

The preparation technology of PI and its composites is introduced and the effects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon fibers (CFs), graphene and its derivatives on the mechanical and tribological properties of PI-based composites are discussed. The effects of different nanofillers on tensile strength, tensile modulus, coefficient of friction and wear rate of PI-based composites are compared.

Findings

CNTs can serve as the strengthening and lubricating phase of PI, whereas CFs can significantly enhance the mechanical properties of the matrix. Two-dimensional graphene and its derivatives have a high modulus of elasticity and self-lubricating properties, making them ideal nanofillers to improve the lubrication performance of PI. In addition, copolymerization can improve the fracture toughness and impact resistance of PI, thereby enhancing its mechanical properties.

Originality/value

The mechanical and tribological properties of PI matrix composites vary depending on the nanofiller. Compared with nanofibers and nanoparticles, layered reinforcements can better improve the friction properties of PI composites. The synergistic effect of different composite fillers will become an important research system in the field of tribology in the future.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 75 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 October 2018

Leihua Xu, Yong Zhang, Dekun Zhang and Mei Leng

This paper aims to report the tribological behavior of Ag nanoparticles/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites (Ag/RGO NCs) and Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) as a green additive in oil…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to report the tribological behavior of Ag nanoparticles/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites (Ag/RGO NCs) and Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) as a green additive in oil with different concentration and under different friction conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The Ag/RGO NCs and Ag NPs were both synthesized in a chemical reduction method. The diameter of silver nanoparticles implanted between RGO sheets was about 25 nm and that of silver sol was 70 nm. The morphology and structure of Ag/RGO NC were characterized by TEM, XRD and FTIR. The tribological properties of Ag/RGO NCs and Ag NPs as lubricant oil additive were evaluated by measuring the friction coefficients and wear of the surface in different condition which were tested on UMT-II.

Findings

The results indicated that both the additives improved the friction-reduced and anti-wear properties of paraffin oil, and Ag/RGO NCs has better tribological performance than Ag NPs. The excellent tribological properties were attributed to the special structure of Ag/RGO NC and the formation of tribofilm reducing the friction and wear on the shearing surfaces.

Research limitations/implications

It is relatively difficult to observe the morphology of the lubricant film formed on the friction surface and to analyze the chemical composition at different depths of the lubricant film.

Originality/value

It is the first time for Ag/RGO NCs to be applied to improve the friction-reduced and anti-wear properties of lubricant oil as additive.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 70 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 April 2024

Nibu Babu Thomas, Lekshmi P. Kumar, Jiya James and Nibu A. George

Nanosensors have a wide range of applications because of their high sensitivity, selectivity and specificity. In the past decade, extensive and pervasive research related to…

Abstract

Purpose

Nanosensors have a wide range of applications because of their high sensitivity, selectivity and specificity. In the past decade, extensive and pervasive research related to nanosensors has led to significant progress in diverse fields, such as biomedicine, environmental monitoring and industrial process control. This led to better and more efficient detection and monitoring of physical and chemical properties at better resolution, opening new horizons in the development of novel technologies and applications for improved human health, environment protection, enhanced industrial processes, etc.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors discuss the application of citation network analysis in the field of nanosensor research and development. Cluster analysis was carried out using papers published in the field of nanomaterial-based sensor research, and an in-depth analysis was carried out to identify significant clusters. The purpose of this study is to provide researchers to identify a pathway to the emerging areas in the field of nanosensor research. The authors have illustrated the knowledge base, knowledge domain and knowledge progression of nanosensor research using the citation analysis based on 3,636 Science Citation Index papers published during the period 2011 to 2021.

Findings

Among these papers, the bibliographic study identified 809 significant research publications, 11 clusters, 556 research sector keywords, 1,296 main authors, 139 referenced authors, 63 nations, 206 organizations and 42 journals. The authors have identified single quantum dot (QD)-based nanosensor for biological applications, carbon dot-based nanosensors, self-powered triboelectric nanogenerator-based nanosensor and genetically encoded nanosensor as the significant research hotspots that came to the fore in recent years. The future trend in nanosensor research might focus on the development of efficient and cost-effective designs for the detection of numerous environmental pollutants and biological molecules using mesostructured materials and QDs. It is also possible to optimize the detection methods using theoretical models, and generalized gradient approximation has great scope in sensor development.

Research limitations/implications

The future trend in nanosensor research might focus on the development of efficient and cost-effective designs for the detection of numerous environmental pollutants and biological molecules using mesostructured materials and QDs. It is also possible to optimize the detection methods using theoretical models, and generalized gradient approximation has great scope in sensor development.

Originality/value

This is a novel bibliometric analysis in the area of “nanomaterial based sensor,” which is carried out in CiteSpace software.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 September 2021

Altaf H. Basta, Vivian F. Lotfy and Aya M. Salem

This study aims to motivate the application of some low-cost minerals in synthesizing nanoparticles as effective additives on the performance of liquid crystal (LC) hydroxypropyl…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to motivate the application of some low-cost minerals in synthesizing nanoparticles as effective additives on the performance of liquid crystal (LC) hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) nanocomposite film, in comparison with carbon nanoallotrope.

Design/methodology/approach

Metallic nanoparticles of vanadium oxide, montmorillonite (MMT) and bentonite were synthesized and characterized by different techniques (Transmission electron microscopy [TEM], X-ray diffraction [XRD] and Fourier transform infrared [FTIR]). While the XRD, FTIR, non-isothermal analysis thermogravimetric analysis, mechanical analysis, scanning electron microscope and polarizing microscope were techniques used to evaluate the key role of metallic nanoparticles on the performance of HPC-nanocomposite film.

Findings

The formation of nanoparticles was evidenced from TEM. The XRD and FTIR measurements of nanocomposite films revealed that incorporating the mineral nanoparticles led to enhance the HPCs crystallinity from 14% to 45%, without chemical change of HPC structure. It is interesting to note that these minerals provide higher improvement in crystallinity than carbon nanomaterials (28%). Moreover, the MMT provided film with superior thermal stability and mechanical properties than pure HPC and HPC containing carbon nanoparticles, where it increased the Ea from 583.6 kJ/mol to 669.3 kJ/mol, tensile strength from 2.25 MPa to 2.8 MPa, Young’s modulus from 119 MPa to 124 MPa. As well as it had a synergistic effect on the LC formation and the birefringence texture of the nanocomposites (chiral nematic).

Research limitations/implications

Hydroxylpropyl cellulose-nanocomposite films were prepared by dissolving the HPC powder in water to prepare 50% concentration, (free or with incorporating 5% synthesized nanoparticles). To obtain films with uniform thickness, the prepared solutions were evenly spread on a glass plate via an applicator, by adjusting the thickness to 0.2 mm, then air dried.

Practical implications

These minerals provide higher improvement in crystallinity than carbon nanomaterials (28%), moreover, the MMT and bentonite provided films with superior thermal stability than pure HPC and HPC containing carbon nanoparticles. The mineral nanoparticles (especially MMT nanoclays) had a synergistic effect on LC formation and the birefringence texture of the nanocomposites (chiral nematic).

Social implications

This study presents the route to enhance the utilization of claystone available in El-Fayoum Province as the precursor for nanoparticles and production high performance LC nanocomposites.

Originality/value

This study presents the route for the valorization of low-cost mineral-based nanoparticles in enhancing the properties of HPC-film (crystallinity, thermal stability, mechanical strength), in comparison with carbon-based nanoparticles. Moreover, these nanoparticles provided more ordered mesophases and, consequently, good synergetic effect on LCs formation and the birefringence texture of the HPC-films.

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2015

Grzegorz Wroblewski, Marcin Słoma, Daniel Janczak and Malgorzata Jakubowska

The aims of this paper are to investigate the influence of direct current (DC) electric field on separation and orientation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in spray-coated layers and…

Abstract

Purpose

The aims of this paper are to investigate the influence of direct current (DC) electric field on separation and orientation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in spray-coated layers and apply this method to the fabrication of elastic and transparent electrodes. The orientation of CNTs in the form of paths in the direction of electrical conduction should increase the electrode conductivity without decreasing its optical transmission.

Design/methodology/approach

Materials are deposited using vacuum-free, ultra-fine nozzle spray coating technique, easily applicable for large-scale production. After the deposition of carbon nanomaterials, nanoparticles are oriented in the electric field and initially cured with infrared halogen lamp to evaporate solvents and preserve orientation of the nanoparticles in the deposited layer. Afterwards, layers are cured in a chamber dryer to obtain desired properties. Nanoparticles orientation and carbon nanomaterials separation via DC electric field are analysed, and the optical and electrical properties of prepared electrodes are measured.

Findings

Experiments described in this paper showed that DC electric field can be applied provide separation and orientation of CNTs and combined with spray coating technique, can be used as additional tool for tuning the conductivity of flexible and transparent electrodes by decreasing the sheet resistance about five times.

Originality/value

The results showed that spray coating combined with electric field orientation is a promising solution of obtaining elastic and transparent electrodes with oriented carbon particles. According to the authors’ knowledge, none of the experiments was directed to obtain DC electric field-oriented transparent layers produced with the use of spray coating technique.

Details

Circuit World, vol. 41 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0305-6120

Keywords

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