Recent advances in the development and characterization of TiO2 reinforced polyimide nanocomposites for advanced engineering material applications: A review

ABSTRACTPolyimide is one of the most high-performance and effective engineering polymers with excellent mechanical, thermal, dielectric, and chemical stability characteristics. However, its further improvement with nanofiller incorporation is of great importance in broadening its candidature for engineering applications. Thus, the review focused on the role of TiO2 nanoparticles on the mechanical, tribological, thermal, permeability, and dielectric performance of polyimide-based nanocomposites. Herein, it is worth knowing that TiO2 is a promising reinforcement material for improving polyimide nanocomposites for advanced engineering applications. Additionally, the authors concluded the study with challenges and recommendations for further improvement of TiO2/polyimide-based nanocomposite characteristics for high-tech fields.KEYWORDS: DielectricmechanicalnanocompositesPolyimidethermal stabilityTiO2 nanoparticlestribology AcknowledgmentsThe authors wish to thank the Centre for Energy and Electric Power (CEEP), Ezebuike Aluminium Company Limited (EACL), and Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) South Africa for their financial support in the course of this work.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationNotes on contributorsVictor E. OgbonnaVictor E. Ogbonna received his BEng and MSc degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, in 2012, and University of Lagos, Nigeria, in 2017, respectively. From 2017 to 2019, he was a corrosion control supervisor at the Eclat Oil and Gas, Nigeria. He is currently a Doctoral student and works as a Research Assistant at the Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa under the mentorship of Professor Popoola. He is an author & co-author of numerous review articles and research articles in high-impact Journals and Conference Proceedings, as well as a reviewer for different Journals. Ogbonna major research interest is on corrosion control engineering, polymer engineering, and advanced materials development/characterization for engineering applications.Patricia I. PopoolaProf Patricia Popoola is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, at the Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa. Prof Patricia Popoola obtained her BSc (Honours) degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife, Nigeria; Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Metallurgical Engineering at the Tshwane University of Technology. Prof Patricia Popoola is an NRF rated researcher (C3-category) with research focus in Advanced Engineering Materials. She is an author/co-author of more than 400 Journal articles (in high-impact Journals and Conference Proceedings) and more than 30 book chapters. As a researcher, her publications have shown dedication to research and development in the engineering field, which is an indication of her ability to work independently. To date, Prof Patricia Popoola has made a lot of impact with her publications, which have been acknowledged both locally and internationally. Google Scholar Citation - (h-index 32, i10-index 183, citations 6097). Currently, she has produced thirty Masters’ and fifteen Doctoral degree graduates. Prof Popoola and her students are recipients of numerous academic excellence awards. Prof Patricia Popoola continues to network with numerous national and international scientists. Mentorship of students remains her prime objective.Olawale M. PopoolaProf Olawale Popoola is an Engineer/technologist/lecturer/author with diverse experience in the Electrical and Power Industry, Oil and Gas Sector, Shipping Building Industry, Education and Quality Management field. A Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP) with a proven record and extensive knowledge of the energy industry. An author & co-author of numerous scientific publications, as well as a reviewer for different journals. His research interest includes Energy Management, Energy and Behaviour, Renewable and Sustainable Energy, Quality Management, Power electronics application in Power Systems, New Materials as well as Laser Applications. He has made several presentations both locally and internationally. Prof Popoola has received awards, support funding and accolades for his knack and drives for research interest that contributes to sustainable energy/society, especially with a multidisciplinary approach. Furthermore, innovative product development in new materials and load management with emphasis on proficient operation/utilization, effective management, affordability, cost savings, etc. are some high points in his career.Samson O. AdeosunSamson Oluropo Adeosun is a full Professor in the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, The University of Lagos, Nigeria. His works are in the area of materials development, processing and characterisation. He currently works on biodegradable polymer composites for orthopaedic applications and ferrous/non-ferrous alloy and its composites for high temperature and wears applications. Professor Adeosun is a Registered Engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).