CNT Reinforced Nanocomposite Fiber Fabrication for Undergraduate Students

Abstract

The research, development and teaching of nanofiber fabrication and characterization have recently gained much attention due to their unique properties and potential applications in various fields, such as medical, engineering, basic science and defense. Electrospinning is a unique method to produce nano/micro size (10 nm – 10 2m) polymeric wires/fibers that consist of higher surface area, porosity and flexibility when compared to conventional techniques. The objective of this study was to reinforce electrospun nanofibers using multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and demonstrate the nanomanufacturing to undergraduate students in the College of Engineering at Wichita State University (WSU). In the present study, we added MWCNTs in the range of 0.5%, 1% and 2% in a polymeric solution (polyvinylpyrrolidone dissolved in ethanol) and determined the concentration effects on size and morphology of electrospun nanocomposite fibers.