The toughness of a high-performance thermosetting epoxy network can be greatly improved by generating polyether sulfone−based macro- to nano-scale morphologies. Two polyethersulfones (PES) which only differ by their chain-end nature have been successively investigated as potential tougheners of a high-T_g thermoset matrix based on a mixture of trifunctional and difunctional aromatic epoxies and an aromatic diamine. For a given PES content, morphologies and toughness of the resulting matrices have been tuned by changing curing conditions and put into perspective with PES chain-end nature.

In this paper, different types of polyurethane foams (PUR) having various chemical compositions have been produced with a specific density to monitor the microstructure as much as possible. The foam may have a preferential orientation in the cell structure. The cellular polyurethane tends to have stubborn, typical cellular systems with strong overlap reversibility. Free expansion under atmospheric pressure enables formulas to grow until they are refined. Moreover, the physicochemical characterization of the developed foams was carried out. They later are described by apparent density, Shore hardness, Raman spectroscopy analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, FTIR, TGA, DSC, and compression tests. The detailed structural characterization was used by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an optical microscope (MO) to visualize the alveolar polymer’s semi-opened cells, highlighting the opened-cell morphology and chemical irregularities. Polyurethane foams with different structural variables have a spectrum characterization that influences the phase separation and topography of polyurethane foam areas because their bonding capability with hydrogen depends on chain extender nature. These studies may aid in shock absorption production; a methodology of elaboration and characterization of filled polyurethane foams is proposed.

Carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced nanocomposites represent a unique opportunity in terms of designing advanced materials with mechanical reinforcement and improvements in the electrical and thermal conductivities. However, the toxic effects of these composites on human health have been studied, and very soon, some regulations on CNTs and on composites based on CNTs will be enacted. That is why the release of CNTs during the nanocomposite lifecycle must be controlled. As the releasing depends on the interfacial strength that is stronger between CNTs and polymers compared to CNTs in a CNT agglomerate, two dispersion states—one poorly dispersed versus another well dispersed—are generated and finely described. So, the main aim of this study is to check if the CNT dispersion state has an influence on the CNT releasing potential in the nanocomposite. To well tailor and characterize the CNT dispersion state in the polymer matrix, electronic microscopies (SEM and TEM) and also rheological analysis are carried out to identify whether CNTs are isolated, in bundles, or in agglomerates. When the dispersion state is known and controlled, its influence on the polymerization kinetic and on mechanical properties is discussed. It appears clearly that in the case of a good dispersion state, strong interfaces are generated, linking the isolated nanotubes with the polymer, whereas the CNT cohesion in an agglomerate seems much more weak, and it does not provide any improvement to the polymer matrix. Raman spectroscopy is relevant to analyze the interfacial properties and allows the relationship with the releasing ability of nanocomposites; i.e., CNTs poorly dispersed in the matrix are more readily released when compared to well-dispersed nanocomposites. The tribological tests confirm from released particles granulometry and observations that a CNT dispersion state sufficiently achieved in the nanocomposite avoids single CNT releasing under those solicitations.