Sinhgad Institute of Technology, Lonavala

Unit- 3: Engineering Material

By Prof. Rajendra N. Kamble
[email protected]
Contact No.+91-7020900722

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 Unit-3
Engineering Materials
Weightage: 18 Marks
Teaching Hours: 8 Hrs

Weightage In SEM Exam Paper (ISE)

Question No. Marks Question No. Marks

Q. 1 a] (Sp. Polymer) 7 Q. 2 a] (Nanomaterials) 7

Q. 1 b] Give reasons Q. 2 b] Give reasons
i] Sp. Polymer 3 i] Nanomaterials 3
OR
ii] Nanomaterials 3 ii] Sp.Polymer 3
Q. 1 c] (Nanomaterials) 5 Q. 2 c] (Sp.Polymer) 5
Total 18 Total 18

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 Unit-3
Engineering Materials
Contents:
A] Speciality polymers: Introduction, preparation, properties and applications of the following polymers.
1. Engineering Thermoplastic: Polycarbonate,
2. Bio-degradable polymers: Poly (hydroxybutyrate-hydroxyvalerate i.e. PHBV),
3. Conducting Polymer: Polyacetylene,
4. Electroluminescent polymer: Polyphenylenevinylene( PPV),
5. Polymer composites: Fiber reinforced plastic (FRP)- Glass reinforced and Carbon reinforced polymer
composite.
[B] Nanomaterials:
▪ Introduction, classification of nanomaterials based on dimensions (zero dimensional, one-dimensional, two-
dimensional and three-dimensional), structure, properties and applications of graphene and carbon nanotubes,
quantum dots (semiconductor nanoparticles).

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 Unit-3
Engineering Materials

❑ Unit Objectives:
▪ On completion of this unit the students will be able to :
1. Know the importance of speciality polymers.
2. Understand the structure, properties and applications of speciality polymers.
3. To apply the polymers in composite materials.
4. Understand the concept of nanomaterial, CNT’s, their properties and applications.
5. To apply the CNT’s, nanomaterial in advance technology, in medicals, industries, etc.
❑ Course outcome:
▪ On completion of this unit course the students will be able -
1. Students will use suitable polymer in electronic components.
2. Students will use suitable electroluminescent polymer in LED.
3. Students will use suitable polymer components to prepare composite materials.

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 ❑ Books:

▪ Text Books Used:

1. T1: Engineering Chemistry by O .G. Palanna, Tata Macgraw Hill Education Pvt. Ltd.
2. T2: Textbook of Engineering Chemistry by Dr. S. S. Dara, Dr. S. S. Umare, S. Chand & Company Ltd.
3. T4: Engineering Chemistry, Jain and Jain, Dhanpat Rai Publishing Company, 15th edition.
▪ Reference Books Used
1. R1: Engineering Chemistry, Wiley India Pvt. Ltd.
2. R6: Polymer Science, V. R. Gowarikar, N. V. Viswanathan, jayadev Sreedhar, Wiley Eastern Limited
3. R7: Nano Materials. A. K. Bandopadhyay, New Age-International Ltd., Publisher
4. R8:Introduction to nanoscience and nanotechnology, K. K. Chattopadhyay, A. N. Banerjee.

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❑ A] Speciality Polymer
❑ Introduction:
▪ It is found that with the development of science & technology, man has been trying to prepare new & new
compounds to fulfill his needs and make his life comfortable.
▪ Wide variety of polymers are used in various fields like in automobiles, aircraft, biomedical, surgical
operations, for household articles, as insulator in electronic applications, for production of clothes and
furniture's etc.
▪ The demands for polymers with specific properties for the specific use are going to increased day by day.
▪ This has lead to the development of new polymeric materials with specific properties.
▪ Speciality polymers exhibit exclusively remarkable performance in certain special limited but critical
applications such as in aerospace composites, membrane for gas liquid separations, fire retardant, textile fabrics
used by fire fighters, applicable in sutures and surgical implants in medical operations etc.
▪ Specaility polymers include ion exchange resins, thermally stable polymers, electrically conducting polymers,
bio-degradable polymers, polymer having high tensile strength, abrasion resistance etc.

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❑ Basic Terms Involved In Polymer Synthesis:
▪ Definition of Polymer: A polymer is a compound of high molecular mass formed by the combination of large
number of small molecules.
▪ Monomers: The small molecules which constitute the repeating units in a polymer are called monomer units.
▪ For example: polyethylene is a polymer which is obtained by the polymerization of ethylene monomer molecules.
nCH2=CH2 -----(CH2-CH2)n-----
▪ Necessary Conditions for Polymerization reaction:
1. A monomer should possesses reactive site in the form of double or triple bonds.
2. A monomer should have functional groups like –OH, -COOH, -NH2, halogens etc.
▪ Functionality of Monomers:
▪ Monomers are basic building blocks of polymers.
▪ A molecule can be identified as monomer only when it satisfies the condition of functionality.
▪ Definition: Functionality of monomer can be defined as the number of reactive sites / bonding site / functional
groups present in the molecule.

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▪ For a molecule to behave as monomer, it should have minimum two reactive sites i.e. called as bifunctional
monomer.
❑ Types of Monomer:
1. Bifunctional Monomer: When monomer possesses number of reactive sites two, then it is known as bifunctional
monomer.
▪ For e.g. Monomer possessing double bond in the structure like CH2=CH2 (Ethylene), CH2=CHCl (Vinyl chloride),
CH2=CHCN (Acrylonitrile) CH2=CH-CH3 (propylene), CH2=CHC6H5 (styrene) etc.
▪ Monomer Possessing two functional groups:
▪ For e.g. HOOC-(CH2) 6-COOH, H2N-(CH2)6-NH2, CH2OH-CH2-OH(Ethylene glycol),
HOOC-CH2-CH2-COOH (Succinic acid).
2. Trifunctional Monomer: When monomer possesses number of reactive sites three, then it is known as
trifunctional monomer. For e.g. Phenol Glycerol

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❑ 3. Tetrafunctional Monomer:
▪ When monomer possesses number of reactive sites four, then it is known as tetrafunctional monomer.
▪ For e.g. Monomer possesses triple bonds like Acetylene
▪ Monomer Possessing conjugated two double bonds.
For e.g. 1,3-butadiene CH2=CH-CH=CH2
▪ Monomer possessing functional groups e.g. Urea

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❑ Classification of Polymers:
A. Homopolymers and Copolymers:
▪ Polymers are divided into two broad categories depending up on the nature of the repeating units.
1. Homopolymer: The polymer formed from one kind of monomers is called homopolymer.
For example polyethylene, polyacetylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride(PVC) etc.
2. Copolymer: Polymer formed from more than one kind of monomer units is called copolymer or mixed
polymer. For example: Urea formaldehyde, phenol formaldehyde, nylon etc.
B. Classification based on synthesis:
▪ 1) Addition Polymers: When the polymers which are formed by repeated addition of monomer molecules
without elimination of any by product is called addition polymer. Example: All homopolymers
▪ 2) Condensation Polymers: The polymers which are formed by the condensation reaction of monomer
molecules having functional groups by the elimination of by products like H2O, ROH, NH3 etc.
▪ Example: All Copolymers.

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C. Classification of Polymer based on effect of Heat:
▪ Depending upon the effect of heat on polymers they are classified into two types.
1. Thermosoftening Polymers (Thermoplastics):
▪ Definition: Those polymers which become soft on heating and hard on cooling reversibly are known as
thermosoftening polymers.
▪ These polymers can be remolded and reused.
▪ Examples: Polyvinyl chloride, Polyethylene, Polystyrene polyesters etc.
2. Thermosetting Polymers:
▪ Definition: The polymers which do not become soft on heating but convert into hard body permanently.
▪ These polymers can not be remolded and reused.
▪ Examples: Urea-formaldehyde plastic, phenol-formaldehyde (bakelite), epoxy resins etc.

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❑ Speciality Polymer:
▪ Definition:
▪ The polymers with specific properties used for specific purposes in engineering and medical field are
called as speciality polymers.
▪ Following speciality polymers are used as engineering materials.
1. Engineering Thermoplastic – Polycarbonate
2. Biodegradable Polymer – PHBV Poly hydroxybutyrate-hydroxyvalerate)
3. Conducting Polymer - Polyacetylene
4. Electroluminescent Polymer – PPV
5. Polymer Composite: Fiber reinforced Polymer/FRP and Glass reinforced polymer composite.

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❑ 1. Engineering Thermoplastics
Q. What are engineering thermoplastics? Give structure, properties and applications of Polycarbonate.
[Dec. 2019] 6 Marks
▪ Definition: Engineering thermoplastics are group of materials obtained from high polymer resins which
provide one or two outstanding properties when compared with the commodity thermoplastics such as PS,
PE, polypropylene.
▪ Advantages of engineering thermoplastics are:
1. High thermal stability
2. Excellent chemical resistance
3. High tensile strength
4. High impact strength
5. High flexibility
6. High mechanical strength
7. Light weight, High dimensional stability.
8. Excellent insulating materials and transparent.
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❑ Common Applications of Engineering Thermoplastics:

1. The polymers having above properties can be used as an excellent substituents for the metals, alloys or
ceramics which satisfies all mechanical properties as like that of metal and alloys.
2. Engineering thermoplastics are widely used in automobiles, electrical & electronic components, in
satellite robots, in computer components, laptops etc. where metal alloys and ceramics have been used.
3. So engineering thermoplastics are used as substituents for metals because of their special outstanding
properties and are used as better choice for many engineering applications.
4. The important engineering polymers include polycarbonate, polysulfones, Teflon, acrylonitrile-
Butadiene-Styrene resin(ABS resin) etc.

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 1. Engineering Thermoplastic – Polycarbonate

❑ Preparation of polycarbonate: (from bisphenol-A and Diphenyl carbonate)

1. Polycarbonate is thermoplastic polyester having functional group linkage [–O-CO-O-]
2. It is known as Lexan or Merlon.
3. Polycarbonate is formed by condensation polymerization reaction between Bis-pheno-A and Diphenyl
carbonate.

Molten state

Bis-phenol -A Diphenyl Carbonate Polycarbonate

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❑ Synthesis of Polycarbonate

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❑ Polycarbonate
▪ Properties:
1. It has very high impact strength and tensile strength over wide range of temperature.

2. It has high melting point about 265oC, so it can be applicable at high temperature.
3. It is a highly transparence plastic as like glass having refractive index = 1.58.
4. It has good Heat resistant property (useful at 140oC) and acts as electrically insulator.
5. It has Good thermal and oxidative stability at high temperature.
6. It is resistant to water and many organic compounds but it is soluble in some organic solvents and
alkalis.
7. Polycarbonate have limited chemical and scratch resistance and it has a tendency to turn yellow
with long term UV light exposure.

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❑ Polycarbonate: Common Applicatios

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 ❑ Polycarbonate:- Applications:

1. Electrical & Electronic components: Being good insulator, having heat resistant and flame retardant
properties, it is used in various products associated with electrical components. It can be used for making
electrical switch boards, Plugs, pins, sockets , covers of cellphones , laptops, computers etc.
2. Data Storage: Major application of polycarbonate is the production of CD’s, DVDs & blue ray discs.
3. Optical Applications: a) Used for making Sunglasses, safety goggles, lens components of camera, electronic
display screens etc. b) It is used for windscreens for motorcycles, golf carts, small planes and helicopters.
c) It is also used for electronic display screens for use in mobile and portable devices of some LCD screens.
d) Polycarbonates can be used for making ultraviolet protective eyeglass lenses.
4. Security Component: Used for making bullet proof glass, helmets, head lamp of vehicles, windows glass of
vehicles etc.
5. Constructional Materials: Polycarbonates can be used in windows glass of house, in dome lights, in
flat or curved glazing and sound walls.
6. Polycarbonate can be used for making transparent food packing materials, toy’s and water bottles etc.

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 ❑ 2. Biodegradable Polymer:

❑ Need of Biodegradable Polymers:

1. Natural polymers are biodegradable but synthetic polymers and plastics are not degradable by microorganisms.
2. Polymers like polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamides, polycarbonates show high resistance to microbial attack
that means they do not get degraded by microorganisms.
3. Degradation of these polymers is done by thermal, mechanical or chemical process which gives harmful wastes
or gases.
4. Disposal of such polymer waste has become a major issue. It is a major source of environmental pollution.
5. Biodegradation of polymer has significant potential to tackle the problems associated with plastic waste disposal.
6. Biodegradable polymers reduce need of synthetic non-biodegradable polymers reducing its disposal problem and
pollution.
▪ Definition: The polymer which degraded easily by the action of microorganisms like enzyme, bacteria,
fungi etc. and converts into harmless gaseous products is known as biodegradable polymer.

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❑ Factors responsible for biodegradation (Favorable condition for biodegradation) :
Q. What is biodegradable polymer? Explain the favorable conditions for biodegradation. Give applications of
biodegradable polymer. [Dec. 2019] 5 Marks
1. Microorganisms: Naturally occurring microorganisms such as Bacteria, algae, fungi are responsible for
biodegradation of polymer, by breaking C-C bond.
2. Environment: For the biodegradation of polymer with the help of microorganisms suitable conditions of
environment like temperature, moisture, oxygen, PH, light etc. are required.
3. Nature of polymer:
▪ Biodegradation process occurred by hydrolysis and oxidation.
▪ The presence of hydrolysable and oxidizable linkages in the polymer chain, types of functional groups and
hydrophilicity nature of polymer are responsible for biodegradation.
▪ The polymers containing active functional group linkage in chain structure like –COO-, -O-, NHCO- i.e., ester,
ether, amide linkage undergo degradation by the action of microorganisms.
▪ The order of degradation of polymer containing functional groups as ester > ether > amide.

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❑ Features of Biodegradable Polymers:
1. Naturally occurring polymers are biodegradable polymer.
2. Synthetic addition polymers with only carbon atoms as main chain are not biodegradable with molecular
weight above 500.
3. Generally lower molecular weight polymers undergo biodegradation easily compared to high molecular weight
polymers.
4. Synthetic polycondensation polymers are generally biodegradable to different extent depending up on
functional groups present in it(order of biodegradation of functional groups ester > ether > amide).
5. Amorphous polymers are susceptible for biodegradation compared to crystalline polymers.
6. Hydrophilic polymers degrade faster than hydrophobic polymers.

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❑ Classification of Biodegradable Polymers:
▪ Biodegradable polymers can be divided into three categories.
1. Natural Biopolymers: These polymers which originate from plant or animals resources. For e.g. cellulose,
starch, protein etc.
2. Biosynthetic biopolymers: These polymers produced by fermentation process with the help of microorganisms.
For e.g. PHBV - polyhydroxy alkenoates (Polyhydroxy butyrate, polyhydroxy valerate)
3. Synthetic Biopolymers: Artificially biodegradable polymers can be prepared which possess biodegradable
properties. For e.g. Polycaprolactone, polylactic acid.

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❑ 2. Biodegradable Polymer- Polyhydroxy butyratevalerate(PHBV-Biopol):
▪ Preparation:
▪ Two types of polyhydroxy alkenoates are Polyhydroxy butyrate PHB and Polyhydroxy valerate PHV from which
biodegradable polymer can be prepared.
▪ They are synthesized by fermentation of sugars like sucrose, glucose and lactose which are obtained from
different starch crops.
▪ PHBV is the copolymer which can be prepared from 3-hydroxy butyric acid and 3-hudroxy valeric acid.
▪ It is produced by fermentation of glucose by Alcaligenes eutrophus (A. eutrophus) bacteria species, first gives
mixture of 3-hydroxy butyric acid and 3-hudroxy valeric acid.
▪ On further polymerization of above mixture it gives PHBV biodegradable polymer.

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❑ Synthetic Reaction of PHBV Biopolymer:

Glucose

Alcaligenes eutrophus

Alcaligenes eutrophus

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 ❑ Properties of PHBV(Biopol):

▪ Physical properties of Biopol copolymer vary with hydroxy valerate(HV) content of polymer.
1. As hydroxy valerate (HV) content increases in the range of 0.2 %, polymer flexibility, toughness increases.
2. Incorporation of HV into PHB increases flexibility, tensile strength and melting point similar to that of
polypropylene, polyethylene. M. P. about 200 ⁰C.
3. It undergoes hydrolysis above PH 9 and below PH 3 value.
4. It can be dissolved in chlorinated solvent like chloroform and methyl chloride.
5. The resistance of PHBV to oils is very good.
6. This polymer is moisture resistance and impermeable.
7. PHBV show complete biodegradation in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

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❑ Biodegradation of PHBV:
▪ PHBV show complete biodegradation in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
▪ In aerobic condition PHBV give degradation product CO2 & H2O and in anaerobic condition undergoes
degradation to give methane & CO2.
▪ The rate of degradation depends upon moisture, nutrient supply, temperature, PH etc.

❑ Limitations:
1. It can not be manufactured on large scale.
2. It has relatively high cost.
3. It does not possess required high mechanical strength.
4. It has low shelf life.

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 ❑ Application of PHBV(Biopol:)

1. As Packaging Materials:
▪ PHBV can be used as packaging materials for food packing in the forms of thin films and laminations.
▪ It can be used for disposable plastic packing materials or single serve cups, dishes and glasses etc.
2. Medical Applications:
▪ PHBV can be used for control drug delivery system because of having favorable biocompatibility and biodegradation
properties.
▪ PHBV is currently used for internal sutures in medical operations because it is non-toxic and biodegradable so it
does not require to remove after recovery.
▪ It can be used in organ transplantation and orthopedic operations.
3. Agriculture Applications:
▪ It is used for sustained release of fertilizers, medicines and growth hormones for plants.
4. Disposal personal Hygiene: PHBV can be used as sole structural material or as a part of degradable composites.

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 3. Conducting Polymer-Polyacetylene

▪ Most of the polymers are used for electrical insulation, as they are bad conductor of electricity.
▪ The structural requirements for the conducting polymer are,
▪ Conducting polymers have been synthesized within past several years which possess conductivity comparable
with that of metal.
▪ The polymers show conducting property if they satisfies the following conditions.
1. Presence of double bond in conjugation or lone pair in conjugation with double bond in polymer.
2. Linear polymer (Highly Crystalline).
3. Presence of aromatic rings in chain with continuous resonance.
4. Conducting polymers are classified into three categories as follows.
1) Intrinsically Conducting Polymer:
2) Doped conducting Polymers
3) Extrinsically Polymers.

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 ❑ 1. Intrinsically Conducting Polymer:

1. Polymers containing conjugated pi electrons in their structures are called as intrinsically conducting polymer.
2. If the polymers have the structural features required to conduct electricity like presence of conjugated double
bonds, lone pair of electrons, presence of aromatic ring and linear structure are conductive in nature.

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 2. Doped Conducting Polymer:

▪ Intrinsically conducting polymer(ICP) possess low conductivity but their conductivity can be improved by
creating positive or negative charges on the polymer chain by oxidation or reduction.
▪ This technique is called doping.
▪ The important doping reactions are given below, for poly-acetylene.
a. P-doping:
b. N-doping

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❑ a. P-doping:
▪ It includes doping of ICP with a Lewis acid like I2, Br2, FeCl3 PF6 etc.
▪ Oxidation(removal of electron) takes by Lewis acid with polymer to create positive charge on the polymer chain
and hence increases conductivity of polymer.

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❑ b. N-doping:
▪ It includes doping of ICP with a Lewis base like Na, Li, naphthyl amine etc.
▪ Reduction( addition of electron) takes by Lewis base with polymer to create negative charge on the polymer chain
and hence increases conductivity of polymer.

(CH n ) + xNa → (CH n )

x−
+ xNa +

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 ❑ Mechanism of Doped conducting Polymers

▪ Applications: Rechargeable batteries, Optical filters, Sensors, In electronics, Photovoltaic cells, antistatic
material, etc.

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 ❑ 3. Extrinsically Conducting Polymers:

▪ The polymers whose conductivity is achieved by externally added conductive ingredients in them are called as
extrinsically conducting polymers.
▪ There are two types of extrinsically conducting polymers.
a. Conductive Element Filled Polymer:
▪ Metallic fibers, metal oxides or carbon black can be mixed in the polymer during moulding process.
▪ Polymer acts as a binder to hold the conducting element.
▪ For e.g. Conducting plastics containing carbon black finds uses in wires and cables antistatic devices, video disc,
audio recorder etc.
b. Blended conducting Polymers:
▪ It is obtained by blending/mixing conducting polymer with conventional polymer, physically or chemically.

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❑ Structure of Poly-acetylene As Conducting Polymer:

1. Polyacetylene consist of long chain carbon atoms with alternating single and double bonds between them.
2. Each carbon possesses one H-atom.
3. Polyacetylene is observed in two forms i.e. cis-polyacetylene and trans-polyacetylene.
4. Cis polyacetylene is formed at -78⁰ C.
5. On heating cis-polyacetylene at about 200⁰ C converts into more stable trans-polyacetylene.
❑ Conductivity In polyacetylene:
1. Trans polyacetylene has highest conductivity than cis polyacetylene.
2. Polyacetylene in its original form is semiconductor.
3. Doped polyacetylene has conductivity comparable to that of good conductor such as copper and silver.

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Structure of Poly-acetylene

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❑ Applications of Conducting polymers:
▪ Conducting polymers finds various applications as.
1. Rechargeable Batteries: They can be used in rechargeable light weight batteries as electrode. Ex. Doped
conducting polymers are used.
2. In electronic devices: Conducting polymers can be used as transistors, photodiodes and Light Emitting
Diodes(LED)
3. Optical Fibers: Radiation from computer screens, TV and other electrical devices can be absorbed by
conductive polymers by coating on screen.
4. In telecommunication systems.
5. In solar cells: The polyacytelene conducting polymer can be used in construction of photovoltaic cell.
❑ Limitations:
▪ Conducting polymers are used in limited forms because of high cost, problems in processing due to their
insolubility, infusibility, brittleness and long term instability.

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 ❑ 4. Electroluminescent Polymer:

▪ Definition:
▪ Electroluminescent Polymers are the polymers which emit bright light in response to the passage of an electric
current or strong electric field.
▪ Conjugated polymers show semiconducting properties due to presence of delocalized pi electrons along the polymer
chain.
▪ Electroluminescence property from conjugated polymers was first reported by using poly phenylene vinylene i.e.
PPV as the single semiconductor layer between metallic electrodes.
▪ The material which shows electroluminescence is called as electroluminescent material.
▪ The process of electroluminescence occur through recombination of electrons from one electrode and their capture by
the positive holes from the other electrode through electroluminescent material which emit bright colored light.

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❑ Structure of Polyphenylene Vinylene (PPV):

▪ PPV is conductive in nature due to the presence of conjugated pi- electron system in its chain structure.

▪ Properties:
1. PPV is a diamagnetic material.
2. It is crystalline in nature.
3. It is conductive material, its electrical conductivity can be increased by doping with alkali metal, Iodine, FeCl3
as Lewis acid and base.
4. It gives bright yellow green fluorescence on application of electric field.
5. It is water insoluble but its precursor can be used in aqueous solution to prepare.

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 ❑ Polymer Light Emitting Diode(PLED):

❑ Construction of PLED:
1. Semiconducting polymers with conjugated pi electron system such as PPV exhibit electroluminescence.
2. To generate light with these materials a thin film of semiconducting polymer is sandwiched between two
electrodes.
3. Indium tin oxide(ITO) is commonly used anode material.
4. Thin layer of PPV polymer is placed on cathode electrode which is deposited on glass/plastic substrate.
5. Metals like Ca, Mg, Al are used as cathode.

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❑ Working of PLED:
1. Anode injects positive charged holes and electrons from cathode migrated towards light emitting polymer layer
respectively.
2. Recombination of an electron & positive hole within the light emitting polymer layer results in the emission of
light with bright yellow green color.
3. The recombination of these oppositely charged ions in light emitting polymer layer show emission of light i.e.
luminescence property.

Cathode Like Al, Mg, Ca

Anode ITO oxide

Fig: PLED

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❑ Applications of PLED:

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 ❑ Applications of Electroluminescent Polymer:

1. Used in polymer light emitting diodes (PLED).

2. Thin films are used for information display like flat panel display for computer screen, TV screen, mobile phone
display screen etc.
3. Electroluminescent night lamps, photovoltaic cell.
4. Decoration of theater or assembly hall by shining light.
5. Vehicle speedometer display.
6. Light emitting strips on speed breaker, arrow display to show corner on highways at night for vehicle safety.

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 ❑ 5. Polymer Composite:
1. Modern technology demands the structural materials which should have unusual or extraordinary
combination of properties such as low density, high strength, high abrasion and corrosion resistance for
number of applications such as in high temperature reactors, aircrafts, missiles, boat hulls, gas turbines
etc.
2. Any single metal, alloy, ceramic or polymeric material cannot offer the combination of above properties.
3. In order to meet these demands a new class of materials is called ‘composites’ have been developed.
4. Composites are formed by the combination of two or more different materials with the superior properties as
compared to that of individual materials properties. For e.g. concrete, plywood, asbestos roof sheet, polymer
composite etc.
5. Polymer composite is one of them.

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❑ Polymer Composite:
▪ Polymer composite is a multiphase solid material, where one of the phases has one, two, or three dimensions
in different polymer matrices.
▪ Polymer composites are suitable for applications as high-performance composites, where the properties of
the reinforcements are substantially different or better than those of the matrix
▪ Definition: Polymer composite is the material which is made up of polymer matrix and reinforcing materials being
put together with a definite interface.
▪ Polymer matrix Composite: A polymer matrix is a composite material composed of a variety of short or
continuous fibers bound together by an organic polymer matrix.
▪ Polymer matrix composites are designed to sustain loads between fibers of matrix.

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❑ Constituents of Composites:
▪ Two essential constituents of polymer composites are
▪ A) Polymer matrix phase and B) Dispersed phase / Reinforcing materials.
A. Polymer Matrix Phase:
1. It gives a continuous body constituent, surrounding the other phases and gives a bulk form to the composite.
2. Commercial thermoplastic and thermosetting materials are used as polymer matrix.
3. For e.g. Epoxy resins, polyamides, nylons etc.
▪ Functions of Matrix Phase:
1. To bind the reinforcing particles/fibers strongly i.e. dispersed phase.
2. It acts as medium for distribution of applied load to the dispersed phase.
3. It keeps dispersed phase materials in proper orientation for the high strength development.
4. It prevents formation of cracks, scratches due to high load.

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❑ B. Dispersed Phase:
▪ Dispersed phase material is used in the form of glass fibers, carbon fibers, small metallic or non metallic
particles, flakes, saw dust etc. used as reinforcing materials in polymer composites. Important dispersed
constituents are used as,
1. Glass Fiber: It is produced by passing a glass melt through small holes and cooled. It offers very high tensile
strength, higher thermal stability. High toughness and impact strength to the polymer matrix. Polymers are filled
with 20 – 40% glass fibers.
2. Carbon Fibers: These are prepared from carbon by oxidation under high pressure at low temperature and then
carbonization at 1000 ⁰C. These fibers are stiff, strong even at high temperature.
3. Metallic and non metallic fibers like aramide polyamide fibers, silicon carbide fibers, aluminium oxide fibers,
metallic wires( molybdenum, tungsten steel etc.)
4. Particles: Metal powders, metal oxides, carbon black, metal carbides, silica powder can be intimately filled with
polymer matrix to make the composites.

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❑ Functions of Dispersed Phase:
▪ These materials offer high abrasion resistance, high mechanical strength, better performance at higher
temperature to the composite.
▪ It can be modified thermal and electrical conductivity of polymer composites.

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❑ Classification of Composite Materials:

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❑ Classification of Composite Materials:
▪ Based on reinforcement materials composites can be classified as
▪ 1. Particle reinforced composites
▪ 2. Fiber reinforced composites
▪ 3. Structural composites
❑ 1. Particle reinforced composites:
I. These are composed of particles distributed or embedded in the matrix body.
II. Metallic or non-metallic particles can be added to polymer matrix to improve mechanical strength.
III. For e.g. carbon black, silicon carbides, metallic powders can be added to polymer matrix phase.

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Fig: Particle Reinforced Composite

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 ❑ 2. Fiber Reinforced Composite:

1. These are composed of fibers embedded in the matrix phase material.

2. The fibers provide very high strength to the composite material.
3. These can be further divided into 3 categories- continuous aligned, discontinuous aligned and discontinuous
randomly oriented fiber composite.
4. The mechanical properties of composite depend up on strength of interfacial bond between fiber & matrix, fiber
length and orientation of fibers. For e.g. tensile strength, flexibility and thermal stability.
5. Common examples of fiber reinforced composites are glass fiber reinforced composite, carbon fiber reinforced and
aramid fiber reinforced composites.

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Fig: Fiber Reinforced Composite

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 ❑ 3. Structural Composites:

1. A structural composite consist of both homogeneous and composite material.

2. Properties of structural composite depends on the properties of constituents material used and their geometrical
design.
3. Structural composites are of two types- 1. Laminar composites, 2. Sandwich panel fabricated composite.
4. A laminar composite consists of sheets or panels stacked with proper orientation and cemented together with a
resin. For e.g. Plywood,
5. A sandwich panel consist of two strong outer sheets separated by a layer of less dense material called as core with
the help of adhesive compacted together.
For e.g. roof, floor sheets, walls of buildings, wings, blades of fan, body parts
of airplane and helicopter.

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Fig: Structural Composite

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❑ Properties of Polymer Composites:
▪ Polymer composites possess following important properties.
1. High tensile strength
2. High stiffness
3. High thermal stability
4. Cheap an easy fabricated
5. Low thermal expansion
6. High impact strength
7. High oxidation resistance
8. High abrasion resistance
9. Low density.

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❑ Applications of Polymer Composites:
▪ Because of high strength, high impact strength, low coefficient of expansion, low cost and easy in fabrication,
polymer composites are used in variety of applications.
1. In automobile body and parts, turbine engines pumps, valves etc.
2. In fabrication of roofs and floors, furniture(plywood).
3. In manufacturing sports goods(racket), toys, musical instruments.
4. In marine applications: In shafts, hulls, propellers etc.
5. In components of rockets, aircrafts, helicopters etc.
6. In electronic applications: In communication antenna, electronic circuit boards.

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❑ 1. Glass Reinforced Polymer Composite:
▪ Preparation:
▪ The glass fibers are reinforced with polymer matrix containing nylon, polyester, epoxy resins.
▪ The glass fibers are prepared by ejecting molten glass through small orifice and then cooled rapidly.
▪ The diameter of filament is of the order of 10 micrometers.
▪ The glass fiber reinforcement is important for many reasons as,
1. Glass filament possess high strength stiffness property.
2. The glass reinforce polymer composites are chemically inert.
3. The glass reinforced polymer composites have very high tensile strength.

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❑ Properties of Glass Reinforced Composites:
1. Low density
2. High tensile strength and impact resistance.
3. High thermal stability.
4. Better abrasion and wear resistance.
5. Excellent resistance to corrosion and chemicals.

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❑ Applications of Glass Reinforced Polymer Composites:
▪ These polymer composites are commonly used where high strength and good performance are required.
1. GRC can be used in automobile body parts, racing vehicles, chassis parts.
2. It can be used in boats body, propeller shafts.
3. It can be used in aircraft wings.
4. Can be used in sport goods like racket, basket ball, football, musical instruments, toys components.
5. It can be used in high speed machinery parts, equipment, bodies of refrigerators, windows, doors.

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❑ 2. Carbon Reinforced Composites:
▪ Preparation:
1. Carbon fibers are prepared from coal. A bituminous coal is preheated at 250 ⁰C in open air, then it is
carbonized in the absence of air to obtain pure white coal at 1000 ⁰C.
2. The pure white coal is heated in the absence of air to melt.
3. This molten mass is passed through orifice to obtain fine filaments of carbon fibers by rapid cooling.
4. The filament diameter is about 5 – 10 microns.
5. The carbon fibers are reinforced in the matrix of thermo softening plastic or thermosetting polymer like
polyester resin or epoxy resin.

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❑ Properties of Carbon Reinforced Polymer Composite:
1. Low density
2. High tensile strength.
3. High thermal stability. High elastic modulus.
4. Better abrasion / wear resistance
5. Better toughness and impact strength.

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❑ Applications of Carbon Reinforced Polymer Composite:
▪ These composites are advanced polymer composites which are commonly used where high strength and
good performance are required.
1. These polymer composites are used in automobile bodies, racing vehicle components.
2. In boats body propeller shafts.
3. These can be used in aircraft body parts.
4. These can be used for preparation of sports goods like tennis racket, scatting cycle, archery string, musical
instruments, toys etc.
5. These can be used in high speed machinery parts, equipment etc.
6. These also can be used in refrigerators parts, coolers, windows, doors.

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 ❑ B. Nano-materials

▪ Introduction: Scope of Nano material:

▪ Definition: Nanomaterials are defined as a set of nano substances where at least one dimension is less than
approximately 100 nanometers.
1. Nano-materials are characterized by a very small size in the range of 1nm to 100 nm.
2. Nano-materials can be made from metals, ceramics, polymeric materials or composite materials.
3. A nanometer is one millionth of a millimeter - approximately 106 times smaller than the diameter of a human
hair.
4. Nano-materials is the interested research topic in Nano-technology because these materials show the unique
properties like optical, magnetic, mechanical and electrical properties.
5. Nanotechnology is a highly multi-disciplinary field.
6. It includes fields such as applied physics, chemistry, material science, quantum physics and all engineering fields.
7. Nanomaterials find applications in different field such as electronics, cosmetics, medical field.

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 ❑ Introduction: Scope of Nano material:

8. Many of the applications of nanotechnology involve new materials that have different properties & new effects than
the same materials at the larger size or in bulk mass.
9. This is due to the very high surface area to volume ratio of nanoparticles.
10. As a particle decrease in size a greater proportion of atoms are found at surface compared to atoms inside i.e.
surface to volume ratio increases.
▪ For e.g. a particle size 30 nm = 5 % of its atoms on its surface, 10 nm show 20% atoms, 3 nm shows 50 % atoms on its
surface.
❑ What is Nano-science?
▪ Nano-science is the branch of science which deals with the study of substance on the microstructure level nano-scale
ranging from 1nm to 100 nm.

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❑ What is Nano-technology?
1. Nano technology is an advanced technology which deals with the synthesis and processing of the Nano
materials and their applications.
2. Normally, if the particle sizes are in the ranges of 1nm – 100 nm, they are generally called nano particles or
nano materials.
3. In order to give an idea on this size range, let us look at some dimensions:
1 nm = 10 A⁰ = 10-9 meter

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❑ Important Applications of Nano-materials:
1. Nano-phase ceramics which are more ductile at elevated temperature and acts as semiconductor.
For e.g. Nano scale silicon could be applied good semiconductor to create new devices.
2. Nanostructured semiconductors show unique optical properties like luminescence in Silicon powders and silicon
germanium quantum dots are used in IR optoelectronic devices.
3. Nano sized metallic powders are used for the production of gas tight materials, dense part and porous coatings.
4. Magnetic Nano-composites have been used for mechanical force transfer, for high density information storage
and magnetic refrigeration.
5. Nano structured metal oxide thin films are used in gas sensors to detects gases like CO, CO2, NO2, CH4 etc.
6. Nano crystalline silicon films as highly transparent contact films and titanium oxide films for its high
transmission and absorption capacity are used in solar cells.

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❑ Reasons for Different Properties in Nano materials than their bulk materials:
▪ The properties of Nano materials are different and special from their bulk materials because of the following
significant properties.
1. Nano materials have large fraction of surface atoms.
2. They have high surface energy.
3. They have special confinement i.e. limited dimensional Nano size.
4. They have reduced imperfection: Self cleaning / purification properties.
5. The properties of nanomaterials are different and special from their bulk materials is due to fallowing reasons.
❑ A. Nanomaterial has greater surface area to volume ratio than their conventional forms:
▪ The nanomaterials due to their very small dimensions have extremely large surface area to volume ratio, resulting
in more surface dependent material properties. For e.g. metallic nanoparticles can be used as very active catalysts
and chemical sensitivity.

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❑ B. Quantum Effect:
▪ The nanostructured semiconductors are known to show unique optical properties.
▪ Semiconductor Q-particles (quantum dots) also show quantum confinement effect which may lead to special
properties like the luminescence in silicon powders and silicon germanium quantum dots as IR optoelectronic
devices.
▪ The energy band structure and charge carrier density in the materials can be modified quite differently from their
bulk and modify the electronic and optical properties. For e.g. laser and light emitting diodes(LED) from both of
the quantum dots and quantum wires are most important.
▪ High density information storage using quantum dot devices is also a fast developing area.
❑ C. They have reduced imperfection:
▪ Nano structure and Nano materials favors a self purification process that the impurities and intrinsic material
defects move near the surface on thermal annealing which in turn increases the perfection in materials.
▪ For e.g. The chemical stability for certain nano materials may be enhanced i.e. mechanical properties become
better. Natural nanoparticles present on the leaf of lotus flower, feathers of peacock bird, wall lizards crawling on
wall surface, Hg which is not contaminated by other impurity.
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❑ Classification of Nanomaterials:
▪ The different dimensional Nano-materials are prepared by various physical, chemical or waves based methods.
▪ Classification is based on the number of dimensions, which are not confined to the nano-scale range (<100 nm)
i.e. no dimension in the range of 1n to 100 nm.
(1) zero-dimensional (0-D),
(2) one-dimensional (1-D),
(3) two-dimensional (2-D), and
(4) three-dimensional (3-D)
Q. What are nano-materials? Give any two important applications of nano-materials with example
[Dec. 2019 3M]

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❑ Applications of Nanomaterials:
▪ Nanomaterials: Nanomaterials can be defined as the set of substances where at least one dimention is in the limit
of 1 nm to 100 nm which posses significant properties than the same particle in the bulk mass.
1. In Biological diagnostic: Magnetic nanoparticles bound to suitable antibody are used to label structure of
biomolecules. Gold nanoparticles tagged with short segments of DNA which is useful for the detection genetic
sequence.
2. Controlled drug delivery: Nanoporous materials can be used to hold small drug molecules and to transport them
to the targeted location. For e.g. Chemotherapy in cancer treatment.
3. Tissue repair: Nanotechnology can help to regenerate or to repair damaged tissues and technique is called as tissue
engineering. For e.g. Organ transplantation or artificial implant surgery, plastic surgery etc.
4. In Cosmetics: Nano zinc oxide & titanium oxides are used in sunscreen creams, lotions and other cosmetics to
have protection for skin from sunlight, UV light.
5. Nanomaterials can be sued in food production and safety packing of food stuffs due to their antimicrobial activity.
6. Nanomaterials finds applications in energy storage & its transportation.

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❑ Applications of Nano-materials:

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❑ Classification of Nanomaterials:
❑ 1. Zero-dimensional Nanomaterials:
1. These are the Nano sized particle materials having all the dimensions are measured within the Nano scale i.e.
no dimensions are larger than 100 nm.
2. The most common representation of zero-dimensional nanomaterials are nanoparticles. For e.g. A single hallow
form of fullerene, quantum dots, nano dots.
▪ Applications:
1. Zero dimension quantum dots are extensively used for LEDS, solar cells, lasers etc. because of having optical
property.
2. The zero dimensional materials can be crystalline or polycrystalline and amorphous.

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❑ 2. One-dimensional nano-materials:
▪ These are the nano-materials having two of the three dimensions are measured within the Nano scale and one
dimension extended beyond 100 nm. For e.g. Nano wires, Nano rods, Nano tubes.
▪ Applications:
▪ The one dimensional Nano materials are very important as they have wide range of potential applications.
▪ They are useful in the fabrications of electronic and optoelectronic devices i.e. electronic wiring circuits etc.
▪ The film surfaces with larger surface area are important in fuel cells and catalysis.

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❑ 3. Two-dimensional nanomaterials:
1. Two dimensions Nano materials have two dimensions outside the Nano scale i.e. are not confined to the
nano-scale and one dimension is in nano scale range.
2. Two-dimensional nanomaterial's include Nano films, monolayers, and Nano coatings. For e.g. Carbon
nanotubes, nameplates, Nano sheets, Nano discs etc.
▪ Applications:
1. 2 dimensional nano-structural materials show unique shape dependent properties and used as building
blocks of key components of nano-devices.
2. They are used as chemical sensors, photo catalysis, nano reactors etc.
3. For examples carbon nanotubes are in the form of single walled CNTs and multi-walled CNTs which are
mechanically very strong, flexible with stiffness and acts as conductors.
4. So they are used as chemical sensors, may be used reinforcing material in composites, may be used in
electronic display devices

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4. Three-dimensional nano-materials
1. Three dimensional nano-materials are the bulk nanomaterial which are not confined to Nano scales in any
dimensions.
2. For e.g. Fullerene, dispersed nanoparticles, bundles of nanowires, bundles of nanotubes, multinano layers,
like Nano coils, Nano cones, Nano pillars.
▪ Applications:
1. Fullerene C60, C70, C540 are used in ball bearings of gear box to lubricate surfaces.
2. The behaviour of 3 dimensional structured materials depends upon shape, size and morphology which are
key factors for performance and applications.
3. These materials are important for catalysis, magnetic materials, electrodes for battery.
4. These materials have large surface area for enough absorption sites and used in medical for controlled drug
delivery system.
5. These nano-materials can be used to held required quantity of anticancer drug and deliver the drug on
targeted cancer cells.

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Fig: Classification of Nanomaterials

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❑ Carbon Based Nano materials:
▪ Carbon based nano-materials have attracted particular attention due to their unique structural and physical properties.
▪ Carbon nano-materials composed entirely of sp2 bonded graphitic carbon are found in all reduced dimensions
including zero dimensional fullerenes, one dimensional carbon nanotubes and two dimensional graphene.
▪ With nano meter scale dimensions, the properties of carbon nano-materials are strongly dependent on their atomic
structure and interaction with other materials.
▪ Carbon nano-particle are widely used in electronic, optoelectronic, photovoltaic and sensing applications, in digital
electronics devices.
▪ Hybridization state of carbon in allotropic forms of carbon:
▪ In Diamond: SP3
▪ In graphite: SP2
▪ In graphene: SP2
▪ In carbon nanotubes: SP2

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❑ Graphene
Q. Explain the structure of graphene with the help of diagram. Give any three applications of graphene.
[Dec. 2019] 5M
1. Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms organized in a hexagonal lattice.
2. When graphene sheets are stacked on top of each other and formed into three dimensional shape, it becomes
graphite.
3. Graphene is the basic building block of the graphite materials.
4. Graphene is an allotrope of carbon in the form of a two dimensional nanomaterial in which each carbon atom is
SP
2 hybridized and form hexagonal ring structure in graphene sheet.

5. Hexagonal arranged network sheet of carbon atoms is formed by joining one SP2 carbon to other three SP2
carbons by sigma bonds and results in flat single structure of graphene.
6. A pencil contains graphite and when it is moved on a piece of paper, the graphite is cleaved into thin layers on the
paper and make up the text or drawing that we are trying to produce is nothing but graphene.

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Fig: Structure of Graphene

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❑ Properties of Graphene:
▪ Graphene show amazing properties and its multi-functionality make graphene suitable for a wide spectrum of
applications ranging from electronics to optics, sensors.
1. Electronic Properties: The unique atomic arrangement of the carbon atom in graphene allows its electrons to
easily travel at extremely high velocity without scattering which saves energy effectively as compared to
metallic conductors.
2. Mechanical properties: The impressive mechanical properties of graphene are stiffness, strength and
toughness seen in graphene due to the stability of the sp2 bond in carbon atoms that form the hexagonal lattice
and oppose a variety of in plane deformation.
3. Strength: Defect free monolayer graphene is considered to be the strongest material as like the steel.
4. It is about 200 times stronger than the strongest steel and light in weight.
5. It efficiently conduct heat and electricity and is nearly transparent.

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❑ Applications of Graphene:
1. Energy Storage and Solar Cells:
i. Graphene improves both energy capacity and charge rate in rechargeable batteries.
ii. Activated graphene makes superior super capacitors for energy storage.
ii. Graphene electrodes can be used in solar cells, batteries and in fuel cells.
iii. Defect free graphene is used to solve electrical short circuit and overheating of electrodes lithium metal batteries.
2. Photovoltaic Devices: Graphene has excellent electron transport properties and extremely high carrier mobility and
hence used for high energy output in photovoltaic cells.

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 ❑ Applications of Graphene:

3. As Sensor: It is shown that the distinctive 2 dimensional structure of graphene oxide combined with its super
permeability to water molecules leads to sensing devices with an excellent speed. For e.g. A sensor device is
used to judge the water level in terrace tank, to judge the water level in dams etc. so that we can stop overflow of
water.
4. Graphene Composite: Graphene infused carbon fiber is used to make light weight tough helmet.
Another example to make graphene bikes, sports bikes bicycles are manufactured by using graphene composite
with carbon fibers which is stiffer and lighter in weight.
5. Being transparent and flexible, it can be used for solar panels, LEDs, touchpanels, in smart phones.

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❑ Carbon Nanotubes:
Q. What are carbon nanotubes? Discuss the different types of carbon nanotubes with respect to their
structure. Give any three applications of it. [Dec. 2019 7 M]
1. Carbon nanotubes are allotropes of carbon with a cylindrical nanostructure.
2. The carbon nanotubes are formed by rolling of graphene sheet to form cylindrical nanotubes.
3. There two types of CNTs that are called single walled CNT and multi walled CNTs.

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Fig: Types of Carbon Nanotubes

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❑ Types of Carbon Nanotubes: Two Types:
1. SWCNTs: There are three types of SWCANTs i.e. zigzag, armchair and chiral.
▪ Chiral CNT is chiral because its mirror image is not similar to original structure. Zigzag and armchair CNTs are
achiral and symmetrical.
▪ This structural design depends on the way the graphene is wrapped into a cylinder.
▪ For e.g. Imagine rolling a sheet of paper from its corner i.e. chiral design and rolling the paper from its edge to
have design like straight tube i.e. armchair and zigzag.
▪ Depending upon their different structures CNTs can exhibit metallic or semiconductor properties i.e. Arm chair –
metallic whereas zigzag and chiral CNTs are semiconductors.
2. MWCNTs: Depending upon the number of concentrically rolled up graphene sheets CNTs are also classified as
double walled CNTs or more than two walled graphene sheets as Multi-walled CNTs.

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❑ Preparation of Carbon Nanotubes:
▪ There are various methods of manufacturing carbon nanotubes. One of them is given below.
▪ Chemical Vapour Deposition:
▪ The chemical vapor deposition method is to cleave a carbon atom-containing gas continuously flowing through the
catalyst nanoparticle to generate carbon atoms and then generate CNTs on the surface of the catalyst or the
substrate.
1. In this method hydrocarbon gas is cracked to produce carbon black.
2. The presence of hexagonal rings(as in graphite) favours formation of CNTs.
3. But if such rings are absent in carbon black then there is need of catalyst for formation of CNTs.
4. Both SWCNT and MWCNTs are obtained by this method.
5. Gas Required for Cracking-: C6H6 vapours, C6H12 vapours, CH4 etc.
6. Catalyst required : Fe/Co/Ni/Pt. metals.
7. Furnace Temperature: about 1000 ⁰C.

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Fig: Preparation of CNTS

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❑ Properties of Carbon Nanotubes:
1. Mechanical Properties:
i. Carbon nanotubes have low density.
ii. CNTs have nanostructure and the strength of the bonds between atoms is strong and cylindrical carbon
molecules have exceptional mechanical stiffness, tensile strength.
iii. They also have high electrical conductivity, chemical stability, and thermal conductivity due to sp2
hybridized carbon atoms.

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 ❑ Properties of Carbon Nanotubes:

2. Optical Property: Carbon nanotubes have useful absorption, photoluminescence properties(fluorescence).

3. Conductivity of CNTs:
i. CNTs are conductive in nature due to presence of sp2 hybridized carbon atoms in planar hexagonal rings.
ii. Depending upon the rolling pattern of graphene sheet to SWCNTs armchair CNT is metallic conductor,
Zigzag and chiral CNTs are semiconductor in nature.
iii. CNTs can be made more conductive by mixing alkali metals into CNTs.

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❑ Applications of CNTs:
1. Filtration Purpose: CNTs can be used to separate particles of greater size than diameter of CNTs during
filtration.
2. Body Armour: CNT fibers are being used as combat jacket to provide protection from bullets.
3. Sport Equipment: Golf balls, stronger and lighter tennis rackets, sport bicycle, sports bike, car etc. and
baseball bats can be prepared by using CNTs.
4. Electronic Applications: Light bulb filaments can be prepared from CNTs instead of tungsten filament.
In solar cells CNTs used as diods.
5. Medical Applications: CNTs can be used as drug delivery vehicles and have shown effective work in
targeting specific cancer cells.
6. Air Pollution Filters: CNTs are one of the best materials for air filters because they possess high absorption
capacity and large specific area. In oil refinery workers use masks which is made from CNTs.
7. For Hydrogen gas storage: CNTs are used nanocylinders for hydrogen gas storage.

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❑ Quantum Dots:
Q. Define quantum dots. Give any two properties of quantum dots. [Dec. 2019 3M]
▪ Quantum dots are artificial nanostructures that are semiconductor Nano crystals.
▪ The tiny nano particles have diameters which ranges from 1 nm to 10 nm and have different optical and
electronic properties than that of larger LED particles.
▪ Definition of Quantum Dots:
▪ Quantum dots are semiconductor nano particles that glow a particular colour after being illuminated by light.

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❑ Examples of Quantum Dots:
1. III-V: Semiconductor Quantum dots: They are obtained from elements Group IIIA B, Al, Ga, Indium and
Group VA elements N, P, As, Antimony, Bismuth. For e.g. GaAs – Gallium arsenide is used as light source in
optical data processing and used as an amplification medium in lasers.
2. II-VI Semiconducting Quantum Dots: Quantum dots can be obtained from Gr. II and transition metals and
group VIA in the form of mixture CdSe, CdTe, TeO and ZnO.
These quantum dots show outstanding fluorescence properties and widely used in electronics, photovoltaic
cells, biomedicines.
3. Silicon Quantum Dots: These quantum dots are obtained from Silicon which is the standard semiconductor
quantum dot.
Silicon quantum dots have great potential to be used as component of optical chip, optical sensors.

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❑ Properties of Quantum Dots
1. Optoelectronic Properties:
1. Quantum dots have properties intermediate between bulk semiconductors & discrete atoms or molecules. Their
optoelectronic properties depends on the size & shape.
2. This is because when they are illuminated by UV light, some of the electrons receive enough energy to break
free from the atoms.
3. This capability allows them to move around the nanoparticle, creating a conductance band in which electrons
are free to move through a material and conduct electricity.
4. When these electrons drop back into the outer orbit around the atom creating the valence band and they emit
light.
5. The color of that light depends on the energy difference between the conductance band and the valence band.

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Fig. Electrons in a quantum dot generating light.

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 Emitted Light

Fig. Electrons in a quantum dot generating light.

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2. Particle Size: The smaller the nanoparticle, the higher the energy difference between the valence band and
conductance band, which results in a deeper blue color.
▪ For a larger nanoparticle, the energy difference between the valence band and the conductance band is lower,
which emit the red color.
▪ For e.g. Larger quantum dots of 5 – 6 nm diameter emit longer wavelength with colors like orange or red.
▪ Smaller quantum dots of 2 – 3 nm in size emit shorter wavelength with colors like blue or green.

Fig: Particle size dependent Properties

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3. Fluorescence:
1. In semiconductors light absorption generally leads to excitation of electrons from the valence band to the
conduction band leaving behind a +ve hole.
2. The electron and the hole can recombine and electron resumes its ground state, during this recombination
energy can be emitted in the form of coloured light with particular wavelength.
3. This glow of light with particular colour is called fluorescence.
4. Semiconductors: Quantum dots are semiconductor.

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❑ Applications of Quantum Dots:
▪ Quantum dots have various applications in several areas such as solar cells, transistors, LEDs, medical imaging,
and quantum computing because their unique electronic properties.
1. Optical Applications:
i. Quantum dots can emit any colour of light from the same material by changing the dot size.
ii. They have bright pure colour & can emit a rainbow of colour with high efficiency.
iii. Optical application of quantum dots include Light Emitting diodes(LEDs), solid state lighting displays and
photovoltaic.
iv. Quantum dot-LED displays can give colour very accurately and use much less power than traditional displays.
For e.g. LED electric bulb.

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 ❑ Applications of Quantum Dots:

2. Photo detectors:
i. Quantum dot photo detectors are produced from traditional single crystalline semiconductors or solution
processed in colloidal form.
ii. This single crystalline colloidal QT photo detectors are ideal for the integration of several information and
widely used in integrated circuits, in machine visions i.e. cameras, web camera surveillance, spectroscopy and
industrial inspection.
3. Photovoltaic:
i. Quantum dot solar cells are much more effective when compared to silicon solar cells.
ii. Research at the Los Alamos National Laboratory(Mexico, US) have developed a solar cell which uses Cu-In-
Se sulfide quantum dots which are non toxic and cheaper than quantum dots containing lead or cadmium.

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 ❑ Applications of Quantum Dots:

4. Biological Applications:
i. Quantum dots have great potential for use in biological analysis applications.
ii. The small sized quantum dots allows them to go anywhere in the body making them suitable for biological
applications such as medical imaging i.e. defects in body organ detects and target the affected area like cancer
cells, tumor cells etc.
iii. Quantum dots can target specific cells or proteins using peptides, antibodies to treat antibiotic resistant
infection. Quantum dots can be used for producing images of cancer tumors cells.
5. Other Applications:
i. Quantum dots are being used to produce miniature lasers for use in communications devices which show high
speed data transfer with low power consumption.
ii. Quantum dots can be used in TV or computers display.

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 Question bank (3 marks Questions)
1. Differentiate between properties of commodity and engineering thermoplastics and give one example of
each type (3 differences -3M )
2. What are engineering thermoplastics? What advantages do they have over common
thermoplastics? (Definition – 1M, advantages – 2 M)
3. Give the structure, properties and applications of polycarbonate.(structure -1M, 2
properties-1M, 2 applications – 1M)
4. Give reasons for why Polycarbonate is used for making (a) safety goggles; (b) bullet proof glass; ( c) roofing
sheets; (d) CD/DVD (1 M each)
5. What are the properties that cause polymer to be biodegradable? (3M)
6. What is the structural requirement for a polymer to show conductive property?
Give example of a conducting polymer.

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 Question bank (3 marks Questions)

7. Define electroluminescence? Give example of an electroluminescent polymer

with its chemical structure
(definition-1M, example and chemical structure-1M each)
8. Give the structure of polyphenylenevinylene. Explain its application in LED with help of figure( structure -1M,
explanation with figure of LED – 2 M)
9. Give the structure, characteristic property and application of PPV.( (3M)
(structure-1M, property-1M, application – 1M)
11. Define and give classification of composites (definition-1M, classification-3M)
12. Give 2 examples each of polymers used as matrix, and reinforcing fibers used in polymer composites. What is
the property improvement observed? (2 ex. – 2M, property-1M)

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 Question bank (3 marks Questions)

13. Define Nanomaterials. Give any two important applications of nanomaterials with
example (Definition-1M,two applications-2M )
14. Give any four applications of nanomaterials (Each application 1/2 M each)
15. Explain the structure of graphene with the help of a diagram. (Str. -2M, figure-1M)
16. Give important properties and application of graphene. (3 properties-1.5 M, 3 Application – 1.5 M)
17 State the difference between graphene and graphite. (One difference-1M )
18 What are Quantum dots? What are main properties of quantum dot? (Definition-1M, Properties-2M )

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 Question bank (3 marks Questions)

19. Explain different applications of Quantum dots. (Three application-1M each )

20. Give reason:
a. Quantum dots show colour glow when illuminated by UV light.
b. Quantum dots are ideal for use in ultra-sensitive cellular imaging.
(Each reason-1.5 M each)
21. What are the properties that cause polymer to be biodegradable? (2M)
22. Compare the main chain structure of PHBHV and PE. Presence of which bond in main chain of PHBHV
imparts the biodegradation property? (2 structures -2M, explanation-1M)
23. Give the structure, properties and applications of polyhydroxybutyrate-hydroxyvalerate.
(1 structure -1M, 2 properties-1M, 2 applications – 1M)

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 Questions (4/5/6 marks questions)
1. Define and give classification of composites (definition-1M, classification-3M)
2. What is the role of matrix phase and dispersed phase in composites? What are advantages of composites?
(role-2M, 3 advantages-3M)
3. Differentiate between glass and carbon reinforced polymer composites based on
their properties and applications. ( 2 properties – 2M, 1 application each – 2M)
4. State how many dimensions in the following materials are in nanoscale:
a] Nanowires, b] Nano films, c] Nanoparticles, d] Nanocrystals
(state nanoscale dimension in the stated material-1M each)
5. What are the different types of carbon nanotubes? Explain with figure.
(different types with figure- 4M)
6. State different applications of CNT based on
a] Mechanical properties, b] Electrical properties, c] Physical properties.
(Each application-2M)

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Thank You

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