STIR: Microwave Response of Carbon Nanotubes in Polymer Nanocomposite Welds
Abstract
Thrust 1 of the STIR project examines the heat response of polymer composites loaded with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to microwave irradiation. This involves (1) a study of how CNT loading affects dielectric properties of polymer composites and (2) a study of how CNT loading affects the heating response to microwave radiation. Our hypothesis is that the heating of CNTs alone is not the only factor; rather, the formation of resistive (rather than capacitive) percolating CNT networks is the dominant factor in the interaction of the sample with the microwave field and the subsequent heat evolution. Thrust 2 of the STIR project examines the effects of microwave heating of CNT-based adhesives at welds between polymer films. We hypothesize that localized CNT heating at an interface allows for polymer mobility across the interface can allow the weld to become as strong as the bulk polymer sample. We investigate such welds in both bonded polymer films and printed polymer filament structures. For our experimental system, we choose polylactic acid (PLA) as a model polymer, given its common application in additive manufacturing. 1-3 For the nanofiller, we utilize multi-walled carbon nanotubes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 28, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1025137
Entities
People
- Artie Mcferrin
- Micah J Green
- Mohammad A Saed
Organizations
- Texas Engineering Experiment Station