Theoretical Prediction and Experimental Study of Mechanical Properties for Random and Magnetically Aligned Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube/Epoxy Composites

摘要

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have exceptional mechanical and functional properties. Many researchers consider SWNTs as the most promising reinforcement for realizing the optimal structural and multifunctional potential of the next generation of high performance nanocomposites. However, due to poor dispersion, weak interfacial bonding and deficient tube orientation, current nanotube-based nanocomposites fail to realize their anticipated properties. A new approach was developed by the authors to use preformed nanotube tube networks (called buckypapers) and a resin infiltration method for producing bulk polymeric nanocomposites with controlled nanostructure and high tube loading. Desired tube alignment in nanocomposites can be achieved by using magnetically aligned carbon nanotube buckypapers, in which SWNTs will tend to align along the direction of applied magnetic field. The mechanical properties of the resultant nanocomposites have been tested. The storage modulus of the magnetically aligned nanocomposites is as high as 47 GPa, which is one of the highest reported values of nanotube-reinforced composites. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have exceptional mechanical and functional properties. Many researchers consider SWNTs as the most promising reinforcement for realizing the optimal structural and multifunctional potential of the next generation of high performance nanocomposites. However, due to poor dispersion, weak interfacial bonding and deficient tube orientation, current nanotube-based nanocomposites fail to realize their anticipated properties. A new approach was developed by the authors to use preformed nanotube tube networks (called buckypapers) and a resin infiltration method for producing bulk polymeric nanocomposites with controlled nanostructure and high tube loading. Desired tube alignment in nanocomposites can be achieved by using magnetically aligned carbon nanotube buckypapers, in which SWNTs will tend to align along the direction of applied magnetic field. The mechanical properties of the resultant nanocomposites have been tested. The storage modulus of the magnetically aligned nanocomposites is as high as 47 GPa, which is one of the highest reported values of nanotube-reinforced composites.