Micro-Finned Nanocomposite Films for Enhanced Transport Properties: Graphite Nanoplatelet-Filled Linear Low-Density Polyethylene.

Metals are being replaced with high-performance and lightweight polymers, but their low thermal conductivity and poor electrostatic dissipative properties are significant problems. For the protection of sensitive electronic circuitry in automotive and aerospace parts, some device housing materials must provide electrostatic discharge and dissipate heat generated at higher rates as electronic circuits are increasingly miniaturized. Micro-texturing on the film surface can greatly enhance the heat dissipation area and was investigated in this study using low-cost graphite nanoplatelet (GNP)-filled LLDPE films.

Carbon fibers derived from liquefied and fractionated poplar lignins: The effect of molecular weight.

Lignin recovered from poplar, a key woody biomass resource proposed for lignocellulosic refineries, was investigated for conversion into carbon fibers. Aqueous solutions of ethanol at selected temperatures and compositions, where the requisite solvent and liquefied-lignin phases form, were used to purify and fractionate hybrid poplar (HP) lignin using the Aqueous Lignin Purification with Hot Agents (ALPHA) process. Sugars (<0.