Publications by authors named "Rafaela Aguiar"
Article Synopsis
- Hybrid polypropylene (PP) composites reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) and glass fiber (GF) showed improved mechanical performance due to synergistic effects from the combined reinforcements.
- An optimal concentration of 0.5 wt % GnP led to significant improvements in tensile strength (52% increase) and flexural strength (39% increase), along with enhanced thermal conductivity (68%) due to better crystallinity in the PP matrix.
- These findings suggest that leveraging hybrid composites can allow for tailored properties suitable for high-performance industrial applications, addressing the need for stronger, lighter, and thermally conductive materials.
In this study, we have investigated the relationship between the spherulitic morphology and the dynamic tensile response of polyurethane reinforced with Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). The polyurethane prepolymer is partially silane end-capped and filled with only 0.8 wt.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn the present work, nanocomposites based on the partially silane-terminated polyurethanes reinforced with sulfuric acid-treated halloysite nanotubes were synthesized and evaluated as a potential candidate for transparent blast resistant configurations. The polyurethane must present high tensile ductility at high strain rates to be able to contain fragments and increase the survivability of the system. Gas-gun spall experiments were conducted to measure the dynamic tensile strength (spall strength) and fracture toughness of the nanocomposite and neat polyurethane.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF