Structure and Properties of Intercalated Graphite Fiber-Polymer Composites.
Abstract
There is a clear need for high-strength, lightweight composites with improved electrical conductivity. Composites fabricated from intercalated graphite fiber show promise in satisfying that need. This research focused on the chemical aspects of fiber intercalation, stability of intercalated fibers and their relation to the mechanical and electrical properties of their epoxy composites. Early work on this project helped pin down the mechanism of formation of so-called acceptor compounds of graphite as one of oxidation by election transfer to highly electrophylic species. We then established that, at least in the prototype graphite nitrate, neutral species could be removed under vacuum, and that these labile acid species must be removed before stable composites could be prepared from the intercalated fiber. In addition, we studied the kinetics of nitric acid intercalation of graphite fiber and powder and highly ordered pyrolytic graphite and offerred a proposed mechanism based on crystallite size. Epoxy composites were fabricated from graphite fiber intercalated with nitric acid.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 07, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA130832
Entities
People
- William C. Forsman
Organizations
- University of Pennsylvania