Preparation and characterization of electroless nickel-coated cellulose fibres
The aim of this project was to fabricate electroless nickel-coated cellulose fibres. Ultimately, these nickel-coated cellulose fibres will be used to develop a cost-effective polymer composite for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and/or electrostatic discharge (ESD) applications. An attempt has been made to impart electrical conductivity onto cellulose fibres via an electroless nickel plating process. The aim was to achieve a homogeneous, continuous layer of Ni on the cellulose fibres, and the plating conditions were optimized to achieve this. The relationship between the coating morphology and the performance of the coated fibre was also of interest. Testing was carried out using cellulose filter paper and then loose cellulose fibres. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images of nickel-coated filter paper showed that nickel particles are bonded to the cellulose fibres. The coating appeared more compacted and continuous as plating time increased, corresponding to lower surface resistivity. This observation suggested a correlation between morphology and electrical conductivity of the coating. For nickel-coated cellulose fibres, after optimization of plating conditions, a uniform deposition of nickel particles around the cellulose surfaces was confirmed by SEM images. EDS and XRD results confirmed similar coating could be produced on filter paper and cellulose fibres. SEM images of cross-sectioned nickel-coated cellulose fibres illustrated nickel particles had penetrated into the inner walls of the cellulose fibres. This impregnation of the fibres should act to increase the bonding between nickel coating and cellulose fibres. These nickel-impregnated cellulose fibres could now be incorporated into a polymer matrix to create an electrically conducting composite with the right processing parameters.
Co-doped ZnO–PVA Nanocomposite for EMI Shielding
ABSTRACT The article describes the mechanical properties and electromagnetic shielding of Co-doped ZnO–poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite. Significant improvements in mechanical properties can be obtained by incorporating inorganic nano fillers. The E-modulus and tensile strength were found to be enhanced with the increase in the doping concentration of Co.05Zn.95O incorporated in PVA matrix. Further, we have observed that electromagnetic shielding of the composite filled with 2 wt% concentration of Co.05Zn.95O in the PVA matrix exhibited utmost reflection loss of − 47.31 dB in the bandwidth 8–12 GHz which may be attributed to good compatibility of dielectric and magnetic properties of materials. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Mechanical behaviour and durability of high volume fly ash cementitious composites
The purpose of this research is to separate different morphological particles of ASTM class F fly ash, and study their effect on mechanical behaviour and durability of high volume cementitious mixtures. In this research wet separation of raw fly ash is carried out, which resulted in three layers of different morphological particles. The first layer of particles float, comprise of about 1-5% of fly ash, is identified as cenospheres or hollow spheres. The second layer of particles is measured to be 55-60% of raw fly ash and consisting of porous spherical and rounded particles rich in Si and Al. The third layer particles is measured to be about 35-40% of raw fly ash. High volume fly ash cementitious composites containing second or third layer particles are tested under compression and bending, highlighting a higher strength and ductility in comparison to cementitious ones containing raw fly ash particles. KEYWORDS. Cementitious matrix; Raw fly ash; Second layer particles; Third layer particles.