DISPERSION OF MWCNT IN PHENOLIC RESIN USING DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES AND EVALUATION OF THERMAL PROPERTIES

摘要

The effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on ablation and mechanical propertiesof carbon/phenolic nanocomposites were examined. In this study, MWCNT were blended intophenolic resin using high-shear mixing technique, sonication, and a combination of both highshearand sonication to compare thermal properties and exfoliation of phenolic/MWCNTnanocomposites. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to determine the degree ofdispersion in 1wt% polymer nanocomposites. Loadings of 1, 2, and 3wt% of MWCNT wereevaluated. Nanocomposite castings were prepared and characterized using thermogravimetricanalysis (TGA). Ideal dispersion method was used to prepare test panels of 100 mm x 100 mmrayon-based carbon reinforced composites manufactured using hand lay-up and thencompression molded for desired thickness of 12.7 mm. Simulated Solid Rocket Motor (SSRM)testing facility was used as to examine ablative properties of these phenolic/MWCNTnanocomposites with flame temperature ~ 2,200°C. Ablation rate, backside temperature rise, andmass loss results of these phenolic/MWNT composites were compared to an industry standardablative MX-4926 (carbon/phenolic composite) manufactured by Cytec Engineered Materials.Control composites (0wt% MWCNT) were manufactured using prepregs and compressionmolding. Preliminary studies were conducted using radiant heat panel at heat flux of 15 kW/m2.These results demonstrated promising results. This paper mainly discusses optimal dispersionmethod and thermal characteristics of 1wt% nanocomposite samples to be used for continuationof initial research and scaling to 2 and 3wt%.