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Eingeladener Vortrag
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A thorough characterization of starting materials is the precondition for further research, especially for cement, which contains various phases and presents quite a complex material for fundamental scientific investigation. In the paper at hand, the characterization data of the reference cement CEM I 42.5 R used within the priority program 2005 of the German Research Foundation (DFG SPP 2005) are presented from the aspects of chemical and mineralogical compositions as well as physical and chemical properties. The data were collected based on tests conducted by nine research groups involved in this cooperative program. For all data received, the mean values and the corresponding errors were calculated. The results shall be used for the ongoing research within the priority program.
Ferritic spheroidal graphite cast iron (SGI) materials have a remarkable technical poten-tial and economic impact in modern industry. These features are closely related to the question of how the cast materials can be produced without structural defects and graphite degenerations such as for example chunky graphite. Although the chunky graphite degeneration superficially seems to be well known, its metallurgical background is still controversially discussed, appropriate field-tested non-destructive tools for its quantification in castings are lacking and the knowledge on its impact on material properties is fairly limited. Addressing this status, the article is providing a current overview on the subject. Existing theories on formation and growth mechanisms of chunky graphite are briefly reviewed. Furthermore, from a metallurgical point of view, causes for the appearance of chunky graphite as well as preventive measures are concisely summarized. Particular attention is paid to the morphology of chunky graphite and how it can be characterized by destructive and non-destructive techniques. Special emphasis was laid on providing a comprehensive overview on the impact of chunky graphite on strength, ductility, fatigue limit, fatigue crack growth rate as well as fracture tough-ness of ferritic SGI materials based on experimental data. Moreover, conclusions for the assessment of castings affected by chunky graphite are drawn.
We report the synthesis and characterization of carbon nanodots (CDs) with high quantum yield (>50%) and tailored optical absorption as well as emission properties. A well-described protocol with polyethyleneimine (PEI) as amine precursor is used as a reference to a new CD system which is stabilized by aromatic 2,3-diaminopyridine (DAP) molecules instead. The DAP stabilizer is installed in order to red-shift the absorption peak of the n-π* electron transition allowing efficient radiative recombination and light emission. Size, shape, and chemical composition of the samples are determined by (HR)TEM, EDX and FTIR-spectroscopy. Optical parameters are investigated using UV-VIS, PL and QY measurements. Several parameters such as concentration, excitation wavelength and pH are studied. Zeta-potential analysis indicate that pH-induced (de-)protonation processes of functional moieties directly affect the n-π* energy bands. This results in unique pH-dependent absorption and emission characteristics which are discussed on the specific chemical composition of each CD system.
Degradation of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) in gas‐turbine engines due to calcium–magnesium–aluminosilicate (CMAS) glassy deposits from various sources has been a persistent issue since many years. In this study, state of the art electron microscopy was correlated with X‐ray refraction techniques to elucidate the intrusion of CMAS into the porous structure of atmospheric plasma sprayed (APS) TBCs and the formation and growth of cracks under thermal cycling in a burner rig. Results indicate that the sparse nature of the infiltration as well as kinetics in the burner rig are majorly influenced by the wetting behavior of the CMAS. Despite the obvious attack of CMAS on grain boundaries, the interaction of yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) with intruded CMAS has no immediate impact on structure and density of internal surfaces. At a later stage the formation of horizontal cracks is observed in a wider zone of the TBC layer.
Degradation of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) in gas‐turbine engines due to calcium–magnesium–aluminosilicate (CMAS) glassy deposits from various sources has been a persistent issue since many years. In this study, state of the art electron microscopy was correlated with X‐ray refraction techniques to elucidate the intrusion of CMAS into the porous structure of atmospheric plasma sprayed (APS) TBCs and the formation and growth of cracks under thermal cycling in a burner rig. Results indicate that the sparse nature of the infiltration as well as kinetics in the burner rig are majorly influenced by the wetting behavior of the CMAS. Despite the obvious attack of CMAS on grain boundaries, the interaction of yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) with intruded CMAS has no immediate impact on structure and density of internal surfaces. At a later stage the formation of horizontal cracks is observed in a wider zone of the TBC layer.
OECD test guideline on particle size and size distribution: Comparability of measurement results
(2019)
OECD-Prüfrichtlinien werden weltweit für regulatorische Zwecke angewandt, da sie eine harmonisierte und über internationale Ringversuche validierte Vorschrift zur Analyse vorgeben. Die bestehende Prüfrichtlinie TG 110 zur Größencharakterisierung von Partikeln und Fasern ist für viele Methoden und Materialklassen nicht geeignet, weswegen es Bedarf an einer Neuentwicklung gibt. Im Fokus der neuen TG steht die reproduzierbare und vergleichbare Anwendung von Methoden zur Bestimmung von Partikelgröße sowie Größenverteilung annährend sphärischer und faserförmiger Nanomaterialien im Bereich 1-1000 nm. Berücksichtigt werden die häufig angewandten Methoden zur Größencharakterisierung mit ihren unterschiedlichen physikalisch-technischen Limitierungen und die Bestimmung unterschiedlicher Durchmesser (hydrodynamischer, Feret…). Weiterhin sind materialspezifische Einflüsse durch die Partikel sowie das Messmedium zu berücksichtigen. Jede der Methoden soll unter Berücksichtigung von ISO-Standards und den materialspezifischen Limitierungen in der neuen Prüfrichtlinie beschrieben und über einen Ringversuch validiert werden.
Laser-induced plasma (LIP) has drawn significant amount of attentions in the past decades, particular in elemental analyses for solid or liquid samples. Through proper focusing of the highly energetic laser beam, the plasma can also be ignited in the ambient air, where airborne analytes can be ionized. Such an effect enabled the use of airborne LIP as an ambient ionization source for mass spectrometric analyses. In contrast to other ambient desorption/ionization sources, airborne LIP does not require a specific discharge medium or expensive gas stream. Meanwhile, the airborne LIP produces reagent ion species for both proton-transfer and charge-transfer reactions in addition to the vacuum ultraviolent photons that are capable of promoting single photon ionization, which can be utilized to ionize polar and non-polar analytes. In order to gauge the analytical performance of airborne LIP, it is critical to understand the undergoing chemistry and physics during and after the plasma formation.
Due to the ambient nature of airborne LIP, the variations of air composition and flow strongly affect the plasma behaviors. Preliminary result suggested the addition of a laminar flow of nitrogen gas favored the formation of protonated species (MH+) against the molecular ones (M+). Although the gas addition approach cannot fully tune the ionization process towards the specific production of pseudo-molecular species versus molecular ones, the alternation of molecular ion formation can be used for analyte recognitions through post processing of the ion patterns. The pulsed character of the used lasers makes the reagent ion equilibrium both transient- and highly fluid-dynamically controlled. The acoustic shock-waves induced by the airborne LIP get affected by an applied gas streams towards the plasma center, influencing the molecular-ion and ion-ion interactions in the near proximity of the plasma.
To understand the airborne LIP formation, the temporally and spatially resolved optical emission spectra were recorded. The results will be correlated to time-resolved mass-spectrometric investigations of the ion profile during different stages of the plasma formation. As one example, the formation of pyrylium ion originating from aromatic compounds will be highlighted.
The main goal of the study was to evaluate the catalytic activity of two hybrid nanocatalysts consisting in Fe3O4 nanoparticles modified with either chitosan (CS) or polyethylene glycol (PEG)/ferrous oxalate (FO), and further deposited on solid substrate as thin films. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed for the structural and morphological characterizations of the heterogeneous catalysts. The Degradation kinetic studies of two reactive azo dye (Reactive Black 5 (RB5) and Reactive Yellow 84 (RY84)) as well as Bisphenol A (BPA) solutions were carried out using Fenton-like oxidation, in the presence of different concentrations of H2O2, at initial near-neutral pH and room temperature. The results indicated that a low amount of catalytic material (0.15 g/L), deposited as thin film, was able to efficiently trigger dye degradation in solution in the presence of 6.5mmol/LH2O2 for RB5 and of only 1.6mmol/LH2O2 in the case of BPA and RY84. In the presence of complex matrices such asWWTP waters, the removal of BPAwas low (only 24% for effluent samples). Our findings recommend the studied immobilized nanocatalysts as promising economical tools for the pretreatment of wastewaters using advanced oxidation processes (AOPs).
Spectroscopic methods for the absolute characterization of the optical properties of different types of vis/NIR-emissive nanomaterials like semiconductor quantum dots, upconversion nanocrystals, and dye-doped polymer nanoparticles will be presented and their relevance for the mechanistic understanding of nonradiative decay channels and the rational design of new nanomaterials will be underpinned. In this respect, also the potential of optical spectroscopy for surface group and ligand analysis surface chemistry will be demonstrated.
The scope of our study was to prepare Fe-based highly active catalysts for water treatment processes. The reactive nanomaterials were
synthesized by chemical precipitation; the post-synthesis coating of the as obtained nanostructures was achieved by capping the magnetic cores with a
polymeric surfactant, polyethylene glycol (PEG). The resulted Fe3O4/PEG nanoparticles were further used to immobilize two types of reactive materials on
their surface, either ferrous oxalate (FO) or ferric citrate (FC), yielding the final products – two green Fenton-like heterogeneous nanocatalysts. The
sensitized catalysts were characterized by several microstructure characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample
magnetometry, BET, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). All experiments were performed on a
laboratory scale set-up. Important variables such as effect of hydrogen peroxide concentration, UV light, the amount of catalyst and contact time for the
catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWHPO) of BPA were examined. The results indicate that the oxidation rate increased under UV light in the presence of
low-concentration H2O2.
Two types of surface modified magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles, coated with either tannic acid (TA) or dissolved natural organic matter (NOM), were evaluated as magnetic heterogeneous catalysts. Simple and efficient procedures for the synthesis of the magnetic catalysts were employed, their properties being fully assessed by various characterization techniques. The catalytic activity in heterogeneous oxidation of aqueous solutions containing Bisphenol A (BPA) over the catalysts was comparatively studied. The optimum experimental parameters were: 1g/L of catalysts, 10 mM H2O2, under UV irradiation. The highest mineralization rates were observed for Fe3O4-TA catalyst. More than 80% of BPA were removed after 30 minutes of reaction time under the specified experimental conditions. The results showed that the obtained catalysts are suitable candidates for the removal of pollutants in wastewaters by means of heterogeneous reaction
Green Fenton-like magnetic nanocatalysts: Synthesis, characterization and catalytic application
(2015)
Five iron oxalate core–shell magnetite nanoparticles catalysts are evaluated as magnetic heterogeneous materials. Simple and efficient procedures for the preparation of magnetic iron oxalate coated nanoparticles are presented. The catalysts are fully characterized using various investigation techniques. Additionally, the formation of photo-sensitized oxygen by spin-trapping using electron spin resonance is investigated. The catalytic activity of two model substrates (carbamazepine and bisphenol A) is also evaluated. The effect of operational parameters (catalyst and H2O2 concentration, UVA light) on the degradation performance of the oxidation process is investigated. The obtained reaction rates depend on the nature of the compound and increase with iron oxide shell thickness of the catalyst. Moreover, these materials show a significant activity during two consecutive tests. The optimum experimental parameters are found to be 1.0 g L−1 of catalysts, 10 mM H2O2, under UVA irradiation. More than 99% of both substrates are removed after 30 min of reaction time under the experimental conditions given above. The results obtained show that the catalysts are suitable candidates for the removal of pollutants in wastewaters by means of the Fenton heterogeneous reaction.
Enzyme-activatable optical probes are important for future advances in cancer imaging, but may easily suffer from low signal-to-background ratios unless not optimized. To address this shortcoming, numerous mechanisms to modulate the fluorescence signal have been explored.
We report herein newly synthesized probes based on selfimmolative linkers containing chiral J-aggregate-forming dyes.
Signal modulation by formation of chiral J-aggregates is yet unexplored in optical enzyme probe design. The comprehensive characterization of the probes by absorption, CD, fluorescence, and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy revealed dye−dye interactions not observed for the free dyes in solution as well as dye−protein interactions with the enzyme. This suggested
that J-aggregate formation is challenging to achieve with current probe design and that interactions of the dyes with the Enzyme may interfere with achieving high signal-to-background ratios. The detailed understanding of the interactions provided herein provides valuable guidelines for the future design of similar probes.
We aim at preparing, characterising, and applying SURMOFs incorporating electro-active and -switchable mechanically interlocked molecules such as rotaxanes as the basis of functional devices.
Preparation and Positioning
Synthesis, purification and analytical characterization of electro-switchable rotaxanes suitable for SURMOF-formation as well as Layer-by-Layer assembly on surfaces.
Controlled deposition of electro-active SURMOFs and Layer-by-Layer self-assembled multilayers based on these switchable rotaxanes.
Construction of SURMOFs on micro-patterned surfaces.
Structural Characterisation and Physico-Chemical Properties
Electrochemical characterization of these rotaxanes in solution with cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and impedance spectroscopy.
Surface characterization of SURMOFs and multilayers with XPS, NEXAFS, AFM, contact-angle measurements, transmission UV/Vis, ToF-SIMS and – in cooperation with partners from SPP – XRD.
Development of ToF-SIMS (also assisted by Principle Component Analysis of the fragment-ion data) as a method for imaging and depth-profiling.
Development of an appropriate electrochemical cell to perform cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and impedance spectroscopy with SURMOFS and multilayers as working electrodes in a three-electrode cell.
Comparison of the structural and electrochemical properties of the redox-active unit in solution, multilayers and SURMOF focusing on the advantages of SURMOFs.
System Integration and Function Demonstration
Examination of the usability of the electroactive SURMOFS as optoelectronic switch or data storage device with a focus on the robustness of the system.
Usage of the SURMOFs as functional electrodes for electrochemical application.
Selective switching of ordered nanostructures to translate molecular motion to macroscopic property changes.
We aim at preparing, characterising, and applying SURMOFs incorporating electro-active and -switchable mechanically interlocked molecules such as rotaxanes as the basis of functional devices.
Preparation and Positioning
Synthesis, purification and analytical characterization of electro-switchable rotaxanes suitable for SURMOF-formation as well as Layer-by-Layer assembly on surfaces.
Controlled deposition of electro-active SURMOFs and Layer-by-Layer self-assembled multilayers based on these switchable rotaxanes.
Construction of SURMOFs on micro-patterned surfaces.
Structural Characterisation and Physico-Chemical Properties
Electrochemical characterization of these rotaxanes in solution with cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and impedance spectroscopy.
Surface characterization of SURMOFs and multilayers with XPS, NEXAFS, AFM, contact-angle measurements, transmission UV/Vis, ToF-SIMS and – in cooperation with partners from SPP – XRD.
Development of ToF-SIMS (also assisted by Principle Component Analysis of the fragment-ion data) as a method for imaging and depth-profiling.
Development of an appropriate electrochemical cell to perform cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and impedance spectroscopy with SURMOFS and multilayers as working electrodes in a three-electrode cell.
Comparison of the structural and electrochemical properties of the redox-active unit in solution, multilayers and SURMOF focusing on the advantages of SURMOFs.
System Integration and Function Demonstration
Examination of the usability of the electroactive SURMOFS as optoelectronic switch or data storage device with a focus on the robustness of the system.
Usage of the SURMOFs as functional electrodes for electrochemical application.
Selective switching of ordered nanostructures to translate molecular motion to macroscopic property changes.
The combination of tomographic, microstructural data with other experimental techniques and with modeling is paramount, if we want to extract the maximum amount of information on material and component properties. In particular, quantitative image analysis, statistical approaches, direct discretization of tomographic reconstructions represent concrete possibilities to extend the power of the tomographic 3D representation to insights into the material and component performance. This logic thread holds equally for industrial and academic research, and valorizes expensive experiments such as those carried out at synchrotron sources, which cannot be daily repeated.
Green Fenton-like magnetic nanocatalysts: Synthesis, characterization and catalytic application
(2015)
Five iron oxalate core–shell magnetite nanoparticles catalysts are evaluated as magnetic heterogeneous materials. Simple and efficient procedures for the preparation of magnetic iron oxalate coated nanoparticles are presented. The catalysts are fully characterized using various investigation techniques. Additionally, the formation of photo-sensitized oxygen by spin-trapping using electron spin resonance is investigated. The catalytic activity of two model substrates (carbamazepine and bisphenol A) is also evaluated. The effect of operational parameters (catalyst and H2O2 concentration, UVA light) on the degradation performance of the oxidation process is investigated. The obtained reaction rates depend on the nature of the compound and increase with iron oxide shell thickness of the catalyst. Moreover, these materials show a significant activity during two consecutive tests. The optimum experimental parameters are found to be 1.0 g L-1 of catalysts, 10 mM H2O2, under UVA irradiation. More than 99% of both substrates are removed after 30 min of reaction time under the experimental conditions given above. The results obtained show that the catalysts are suitable candidates for the removal of pollutants in wastewaters by means of the Fenton heterogeneous reaction.
Due to the recent widespread application of nanomaterials to biological systems, a careful consideration of their physiological impact is required. This demands an understanding of the complex processes at the bio–nano interface. Therefore, a comprehensive and accurate characterization of the material under physiological conditions is crucial to correlate the observed biological impact with defined colloidal properties. As promising candidates for biomedical applications, two SiO2-based nanomaterial systems were chosen for extensive size characterization to investigate the agglomeration behavior under physiological conditions. To combine the benefits of different characterization techniques and to compensate for their respective drawbacks, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation were applied. The investigated particle systems were (i) negatively charged silica particles and (ii) poly(organosiloxane) particles offering variable surface modification opportunities (positively charged, polymer coated). It is shown that the surface properties primarily determine the agglomeration state of the particles and therefore their effective size, especially under physiological conditions. Thus, the biological identity of a nanomaterial is clearly influenced by differentiating surface properties.
In the frame of the European project NanoValid, potential candidates of reference nanomaterials are manufactured and systematically characterized in particular with respect to their morphology (shape, size and size distribution). In this study, by exploiting the transmission operation mode in a high-resolution SEM, known as transmission SEM, the potential of this methodical approach is demonstrated by means of representative examples of nanoparticles. The method enables quick and accurate morphological inspection and systematic characterization. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy imaging of single nanoparticles by using the transmission mode is demonstrated as feasible, too.
Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) were produced loaded with cyclosporine A in order to develop an improved oral formulation. In this study, the particles were characterized with regard to the structure of the lipid particle matrix, being a determining factor for mode of drug incorporation and drug release. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) measurements were employed for the analysis of the polymorphic modifications and mode of drug incorporation. Particles were produced using Imwitor®900 as lipid matrix (the suspension consisted of 10% particles, 8% Imwitor®900, 2% cyclosporine A), 2.5% Tagat S, 0.5% sodium cholate and 87% water. DSC and WAXS were used to analyse bulk lipid, bulk drug, drug incorporated in the bulk and unloaded and drug-loaded SLN dispersions. The processing of the bulk lipid into nanoparticles was accompanied by a polymorphic transformation from the ß to the α-modification. After production, the drug-free SLN dispersions converted back to ß-modification, while the drug-loaded SLN stayed primarily in α-modification. After incorporation of cyclosporine A into SLN, the peptide lost its crystalline character. Based on WAXS data, it could be concluded that cyclosporine is molecularly dispersed in between the fatty acid chains of the liquid-crystalline α-modification fraction of the loaded SLN.
For the first time Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) have been investigated by 3D Computed Tomography combined with enhanced interface contrast due to X-ray refraction. X-ray refraction is a relatively new approach for the characterization of advanced materials. The related techniques of Refraction Topography and Refraction Computed Tomography have been developed and applied at our laboratory during the last decade to meet the actual demand for improved nondestructive characterization of high performance composites, ceramics and other low density materials and components. X-ray refraction occurs, when X-rays crosses interfaces of spherical or cylindrical shape (e.g. pores or fibres) in the same way as visible light is refracted by lenses. These X-ray optical effects can be observed at small scattering angles of few minutes of arc as the refractive index n of X-rays is nearly unity (n = 1 10-6). Due to the short X-ray wavelength of about 0.1 nm the technique determines the amount of inner surfaces and interfaces of nanometer dimensions. The technique is expected to solve many problems in understanding the meaning of micro and sub micro structures in materials science. With the results of the CT investigation, some questions could be clarified for a better understanding of fatigue failure mechanisms under cyclic loading conditions. The specimens for the test programme have been provided by MTU Aero Engines. They consist of a titanium matrix (Ti6242) reinforced by SiC fibres (SCS6). The investigations have been performed at the materials research station of BAM (BAMline) at the Synchrotron Facility BESSY in Berlin, Germany.
Hydrogenation of nitrate to nitrogen using Pd/Al2O3 catalysts promoted by a second metal offers a promising process for nitrate removal in drinking water treatment. This study was aimed to elucidate the nature and function of promoting tin species in PdSn/Al2O3 catalysts obtained in different preparation routes. On one hand, a parent Pd/Al2O3 catalyst was doped via impregnation with aqueous solutions of SnCl2 of different concentrations. On the other hand, the palladium surface of the same parent Pd/Al2O3 catalyst was modified via controlled surface reaction (CSR) with hexane solutions of Sn(C4H9)4. The structure of the different PdSn/Al2O3 catalysts was investigated by 119Sn-Mössbauer spectroscopy and by means of various chemisorption techniques (static and pulse chemisorption of H2 or CO, measurement of the differential heat of CO chemisorption, FTIR spectroscopy of CO chemisorption). Catalytic properties were studied in batch experiments under atmospheric pressure. Promoting of the Pd/Al2O3 catalyst by CSR resulted in catalysts with a significantly higher activity compared to PdSn/Al2O3 catalysts obtained via incipient wetness method. Obviously, Sn(II)-species being present in the latter in high portion inhibit the nitrate reduction on bimetallic PdSn ensembles.
CO chemisorption reflected a palladium site blocking by tin species in both kinds of catalysts and indirectly indicated the generation of palladiumtin ensembles. In case of the CSR preparation the palladium is alloyed by metallic tin.
The palladium surface is diluted by tin atoms, i.e. bimetallic PdSnx ensembles are generated which are able to adsorb and activate nitrate ions. There is an optimum of tin loading, i.e. the activity decreases and the undesired ammonium production in a site reaction increases when the surface becomes too tin rich. Sn(II) species, being preferentially present in catalysts obtained by SnCl2 impregnation also strongly modify the chemisorption properties of the palladium surface, but obviously these species inhibit the nitrate reduction on the bimetallic PdSn ensembles, which are also present in these catalysts.
Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites based on Layered Double Hydroxide and Carbon Nanotubes
(2013)
Polymer based nanocomposites by melt blending of synthesized ZnAl-Layered Double Hydroxide (ZnAl-LDH) and Polyolefines [Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene (PE)] and also Polylactide (PLA) with MgAl-LDH and multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) were investigated. The LDH was organically modified by using a surfactant sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) to increase the interlayer spacing of the LDH, so that polymer chains can intercalate the inter layer galleries. Some amount of maleic anhydride grafted PP and PE were incorporated in the nanocomposites based on PP and PE respectively to enable the interaction of the non-polar polymers (PP and PE) with the LDH. The resulting morphology was investigated by a combination of Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), Small and Wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS) and broadband dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (BDS). In case of LDH based nanocomposites (PP, PE and PLA), the homogeneity of the nanocomposites and the average number of stack size (4 – 7 layers) were determined using scanning micro focus SAXS (BESSY II). DSC investigations of PP and PE based LDH nanocomposites showed a linear decrease in crystallinity as a function of filler concentration. The extrapolation of this decreasing dependence to zero estimates a limiting concentration of 40 wt% and 45 wt% respectively. Above this amount of LDH the crystallinity of the polymers is completely suppressed. This finding is in agreement with WAXS investigations where the area below the crystalline reflections and amorphous halo were calculated and used to estimate the degree of crystallinity. PLA/LDH nanocomposites presented a little different behavior, the crystallinity of the polymer at first increases and then decreases as a function of LDH concentration. In this case the crystallinity will be suppressed at around 15 wt%. The dielectric spectra of the nanocomposites based on PP/LDH and PE/LDH show several relaxation processes which are discussed in detail. The intensity of the dynamic glass transition increases with the concentration of LDH. This is attributed to the increasing concentration of the exchanged anion dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) which is adsorbed at the LDH layers. Therefore, a detailed analysis of the β-relaxation provides information about the structure and the molecular dynamics in the interfacial region between the LDH layers and the polymer matrix which is otherwise dielectrically invisible (low dipole moment, non-polar). In case of PLA/LDH, three relaxation processes related to dynamic glass transition and one localized fluctuations were identified and analyzed in detail to understand the morphology. For this system, one dynamic glass transition process originates from the fluctuations of the interfacial molecules, second from the PLA matrix (polar polymer, C=O in the main chain) and the third from segments confined between the intercalated LDH sheets. Additional thermal investigations were carried out for PP/LDH and PLA/LDH samples. The increase in the rigid amorphous fraction (RAF) was observed in both the cases. This is attributed to the polymer molecules which are in close proximity to LDH sheets, as they hinder their mobility. This is analyzed in detail and related to the BDS results. PLA based MWCNT nanocomposites were investigated by BDS as initial result. The findings showed that between 0.5 and 1 wt% of CNT, a percolating network of the nanotubes is formed which leads to DC conductivity. This is due to the high aspect ratio of the CNTs and also the van der Waals interaction between the nanotubes which forms a network leading to conductivity.