DEVELOPMENT OF LIGHTWEIGHT CARBON NANOFIBER REINFORCED SYNTACTIC FOAM COMPOSITES

摘要

Syntactic foams are a class of hollow particle filled composites which have found many applications in the marine sector due to their outstanding specific compressive properties and tailorable buoyancy. A limitation of these composites is that the tensile and flexural properties are severely limited due to the addition of hollow particles. Carbon nanofibers reinforcement of the matrix has been explored as a means of improving the tensile properties of such composites without sacrificing light weight. The nanofibers are dispersed between the hollow particles and do not affect the packing efficiency of the filler. The unique electrical and thermal properties of CNFs also present opportunities to tailor these properties of the composite beyond the range traditionally achievable by only particles. Thermal and electrical properties of CNF syntactic foams will be examined with a focus on the potential applications of these composites.