Nickel Oxide (NiO) nanoparticles (NPs), doped with manganese (Mn) and cobalt (Co) at concentrations up to 8%, were synthesized using the composite hydroxide method (CHM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of a cubic NiO structure, with no additional peaks detected, indicating successful doping. The average crystallite size was determined to range from 15 to 17.8 nm, depending on the dopant concentration. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed mostly spherical, agglomerated particles, likely due to magnetic interactions. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the incorporation of Mn and Co into the NiO lattice, consistent with the XRD results. The dielectric properties exhibited a high dielectric constant at low frequencies, which can be attributed to ion jump orientation and space charge effects. The imaginary part of the dielectric constant decreased with increasing frequency, as it became harder for electrons to align with the alternating field at higher frequencies. Both the real and imaginary dielectric constants showed behavior consistent with Koop’s theory, increasing at low frequencies and decreasing at higher frequencies. Dielectric loss was primarily attributed to dipole flipping and charge migration. AC conductivity increased with frequency, and exhibited higher conductivity at high frequencies due to small polaron hopping. These co-doped NPs show potential for applications in solid oxide fuel cells.

  Polyurethane is a multipurpose polymer with valuable mechanical, thermal, and chemical stability, and countless other physical features. Polyurethanes can be processed as foam, elastomer, or fibers. This innovative overview is designed to uncover the present state and opportunities in the field of polyurethanes and their nanocomposite sponges. Special emphasis has been given to fundamentals of polyurethanes and foam materials, related nanocomposite categories, and associated properties and applications. According to literature so far, adding carbon nanoparticles such as graphene and carbon nanotube influenced cell structure, overall microstructure, electrical/thermal conductivity, mechanical/heat stability, of the resulting polyurethane nanocomposite foams. Such progressions enabled high tech applications in the fields such as electromagnetic interference shielding, shape memory, and biomedical materials, underscoring the need of integrating these macromolecular sponges on industrial level environmentally friendly designs. Future research must be intended to resolve key challenges related to manufacturing and applicability of polyurethane nanocomposite foams. In particular, material design optimization, invention of low price processing methods, appropriate choice of nanofiller type/contents, understanding and control of interfacial and structure-property interplay must be determined.  

Polyurethane is a multipurpose polymer with valuable mechanical, thermal, and chemical stability, and countless other physical features. Polyurethanes can be processed as foam, elastomer, or fibers. This innovative overview is designed to uncover the present state and opportunities in the field of polyurethanes and their nanocomposite sponges. Special emphasis has been given to fundamentals of polyurethanes and foam materials, related nanocomposite categories, and associated properties and applications. According to literature so far, adding carbon nanoparticles such as graphene and carbon nanotube influenced cell structure, overall microstructure, electrical/thermal conductivity, mechanical/heat stability, of the resulting polyurethane nanocomposite foams. Such progressions enabled high tech applications in the fields such as electromagnetic interference shielding, shape memory, and biomedical materials, underscoring the need of integrating these macromolecular sponges on industrial level environmentally friendly designs. Future research must be intended to resolve key challenges related to manufacturing and applicability of polyurethane nanocomposite foams. In particular, material design optimization, invention of low price processing methods, appropriate choice of nanofiller type/contents, understanding and control of interfacial and structure-property interplay must be determined.