STIR: RDRL-ROE-M: Microwave Response of Carbon Nanotubes in Polymer Nanocomposite Welds
Abstract
The technical objective of the proposed effort is to investigate the microwave-induced heating response of polymer composites containing carbon nanotube (CNT) fillers. The proposed effort seeks to achieve the stated technical objective through two complementary experimental approaches. First, the proposed research will characterize the thermal response of percolated multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polymer composites to microwave irradiation. Polylactic acid (PLA) will be used as a model system, functionalized with -OH functionalized MWCNTs. Sample films will be solution cast and hot pressed at varying levels of MWCNT loading. The films will be characterized using four-point-probe measurements of DC conductivity, and microwave measurement techniques will be used to measure electrical properties over a broad frequency range. The thermal response to high power (10-100 W) microwave radiation at 2.45 GHz will be imaged using a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera. Second, the proposed work will seek to demonstrate and characterize microwave-induced polymer adhesion due to nanoscale localized welding. MWCNT/PLA films will be spray-coated on PLA substrates, and the MWCNT-coated interface will be exposed to microwave irradiation to increase local polymer mobility and weld the films together. The effects of microwave exposure will be characterized by ASTM peel tests, and with varying MWCNT content and microwave power. The data from the first approach will inform this second effort such that filament adhesion can be tuned without warping or damaging the 3D structure. Furthermore, the effects of microwave-induced welds in polymers will be tested using additive manufacturing as a case study, as a continuous coating process will be used to modify commercial PLA 3D printing filaments with a thin CNT/PLA coating. These filaments will be used to print bulk samples for mechanical testing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 12, 2017
- Source ID
- W911NF1510039
Entities
People
- Micah J Green
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Texas Engineering Experiment Station
- United States Army