Nanocomposites for Enhanced Structural Integrity
Abstract
The main objective of the proposed research was to develop the science base necessary for full utilization of nanoreinforcements into polymers and fiber composites to improve mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. Two types of nanoreinforcements were studied: 0-dimensional SiC nanoparticles and 2-dimensional graphite nanoplatelets. As property improvements are possible only when the nanoreinforcements are uniformly dispersed in and well bound to the polymer matrix, the emphasis was on developing methods to optimally functionalize these nanoreinforcements. A coupling agent methacryloxy propyl trimethoxy silane (MPS) was found to be effective for the SiC nanocomposite. As for the graphite nanoplatelets, the effects of the following parameters on properties were investigated: size reduction through vibratory milling, thickness reduction through intercalation/expansion/exfoliation, and oxidation though nitric acid treatment. The most effective parameter was found to be the proper oxidation by acid treatment. Material properties studied were tensile strength and modulus, flexural strength and modulus, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity. The effects of adding GNPs into fiber composites as well as of using thinner prepreg plies were also studied to a limited extent. The properly oxidated GNPs were found to improve not only mechanical properties but also thermal and electrical properties of GNP/epoxy nanocomposites.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 11, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA472405
Entities
People
- H. T. Hahn
Organizations
- University of California, Los Angeles