Polymer/Carbon Nanotube Networks for Smart, Self-Repairing and Light-Weighted Nanocomposites

Abstract

The aim of the project was develop smart, strong, and light-weight polymer/carbon nanotube (CNT) composites which will sense tribologically induced damages and self-heal by inhibiting such degradation mechanisms, so preventing failure of the composite. The main focus was on the preparation of new multifunctional coatings and thin films. By incorporation of CNTs we expected to create films with increased surface hardness and resistance to failure. We intended to prepare composites with conducting CNTs acting as composite matrix enhancer, as well as self-healing promoter. The selfhealing should be induced by passing an electric current through the network of conducting CNTs. It was expected that polymer matrix in contact with CNT would have been locally heated resulting in increased polymer chain mobility and reorientation, thus sealing the crack, while still avoiding polymer thermal degradation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 05, 2012
Accession Number
ADA569633

Entities

People

  • J. Zekonyte

Organizations

  • University of Southampton

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biological Sciences
  • Carbon Nanotube Composites
  • Carbon Nanotubes
  • Composite Materials
  • Degradation
  • Dielectric Polymers
  • Electric Current
  • Electrical Properties
  • Films
  • Fullerenes
  • Materials
  • Materials Processing
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Nanocomposites
  • Nanoparticles
  • Polymer Matrix Composites
  • Thin Films

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Polymer Science and Technology
  • Surface Engineering/Surface Coating Technology.