STIR - Synthesis and Characterization of Nanotube-Elastomer Damping Composites

摘要

The objectives of this research are: (a) to develop novel polymeric damping composites through distributing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) within the host polymer, and (b) to investigate the damping characteristics of such new composites. We aim to obtain good understanding and insight of this innovative approach and provide guidelines for future research possibilities. In this study, the system is modeled using a four-phase composite, composed of a resin, voids, and bonded and debonded nanotubes. To address damping effects, the concept of interfacial 'stick-slip' frictional motion between the nanotubes and the resin is proposed. The analytical results show that the critical bonding stress, nanotube weight ratio and structure deformation are the factors affecting the damping characteristic. Experimental efforts are also performed to verify the trends predicted by the analysis. Through comparing with neat resin specimens, the study shows that one can indeed enhance damping by adding CNT fillers into polymeric resins. The test results also show that the damping ratio of specimens with nanotubes depends on the strain (deformation) of the composite, with trends similar to those predicted by the analytical model, showing the validity of the model and the analytical predictions.