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Theoretical Prediction and Experimental Study of Mechanical Properties for Random and Magnetically Aligned Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube/Epoxy Composites

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

Ben Wang ,
Ravi Shankar ,
Zhiyong Liang ,
Zhi Wang ,
Chuck Zhang  and
Leslie Kramer
Ben Wang*
Affiliation:
Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering, Florida A&M University – Florida State University College of Engineering, Tallahassee, FL 32310–6046, USA
Ravi Shankar
Affiliation:
Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering, Florida A&M University – Florida State University College of Engineering, Tallahassee, FL 32310–6046, USA
Zhiyong Liang
Affiliation:
Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering, Florida A&M University – Florida State University College of Engineering, Tallahassee, FL 32310–6046, USA
Zhi Wang
Affiliation:
Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering, Florida A&M University – Florida State University College of Engineering, Tallahassee, FL 32310–6046, USA
Chuck Zhang
Affiliation:
Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering, Florida A&M University – Florida State University College of Engineering, Tallahassee, FL 32310–6046, USA
Leslie Kramer
Affiliation:
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control - Orlando Orlando, FL 32819–8907, USA
*
* Cprresponding Author
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Abstract

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have exceptional mechanical and functional properties. Many researchers consider SWNTs as the most promising reinforcement for realizing the optimal structural and multifunctional potential of the next generation of high performance nanocomposites. However, due to poor dispersion, weak interfacial bonding and deficient tube orientation, current nanotube-based nanocomposites fail to realize their anticipated properties. A new approach was developed by the authors to use preformed nanotube tube networks (called buckypapers) and a resin infiltration method for producing bulk polymeric nanocomposites with controlled nanostructure and high tube loading. Desired tube alignment in nanocomposites can be achieved by using magnetically aligned carbon nanotube buckypapers, in which SWNTs will tend to align along the direction of applied magnetic field. The mechanical properties of the resultant nanocomposites have been tested. The storage modulus of the magnetically aligned nanocomposites is as high as 47 GPa, which is one of the highest reported values of nanotube-reinforced composites.

In this research, we investigated the influences of tube dispersion, loading and orientation on the mechanical properties of SWNT-reinforced composites. Random and aligned discontinuous reinforcement models of composites were applied to predict the tensile moduli of both individually dispersed SWNT-based and SWNT rope-based nanocomposites. The nanostructural parameters used in the calculation models were determined based on our experimental observations. Comparisons between theoretical estimates and experimental results have shown that the formation of SWNT ropes in the composites has a significant influence on the mechanical properties. The experimental results of the both random and aligned SWNT rope composites are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 791: Symposium Q – Mechanical Properties of Nanostructured Materials and Nanocomposites , 2003 , Q10.1
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2004

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References

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