Characterization of Processing Effects in HIPS-CNF Composites Using Thermogravimetric Analysis

Abstract

To completely establish the processing-structure-property relationships of polymer composites such as Carbon Nanofibers (CNFs) in high-impact polystyrene, it is necessary to understand the effects of different processes and processing conditions on the properties of the composites. In this work, using thermogravimetric analysis, the effects of solvent processing and twinscrew extrusion on the weight loss rates and the corresponding temperatures were studied. While there were only marginal effects of the CNF concentration, the type of processing significantly affected the thermo-oxidative behavior. Extrusion resulted in composites that had better thermal stability. This had important implications in choosing the appropriate process and processing conditions for producing polymer-CNF composites. It was also demonstrated that the thermogravimetric analysis can provide a means of characterizing the degree of dispersion resulting from the processing of the composites that complements conventional microscopy techniques.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA508510

Entities

People

  • Arun K Kota
  • Dan Powell
  • David I. Bigio
  • Hugh A. Bruck
  • Rachel Kerzner

Organizations

  • University of Maryland

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Body Weight
  • Composite Materials
  • Copyrights
  • Engineering
  • Information Operations
  • Materials
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Polymer Matrix Composites
  • Polymers
  • Thermal Stability
  • Universities

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Polymer Science and Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology