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Effects of different processing parameters on covalent functionalization of straight and helical carbon nanotubes for nanocomposite applications
Taklimi, Sean Reza
Taklimi, Sean Reza
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Dissertation
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2017-05
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Electronic dissertations
Electronic dissertations
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Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), as one of the carbon allotropes, have been extensively
investigated during the past two decades, due to their unique and extraordinary mechanical,
thermal, and electrical properties. They exist in various structural/geometrical configurations
and have varying dimensions, purities, and characteristics. Based on their unique properties,
CNTs have been used and investigated in a number of high-tech industries such as aerospace,
pharmaceutical, biomedical, energy storage, and electronics. Among the various forms of
CNTs, helical CNTs (HCNTs) have great potential for high-performance structural applications.
Compared to straight CNTs, their spiral shape can be used as reinforcement to significantly
increase certain mechanical properties of nanocomposites. To investigate the effect of adding
HCNTs in different resin systems, their uniform dispersion throughout the resin is quite
necessary. Here, a chemical (covalent) functionalization process can be a suitable solution to
increasing the dispersion uniformity and bonding CNTs to polymer molecules. This study
provides an investigation of three different chemical routes for covalent functionalization of
HCNTs. In addition, the effect of different parameters influencing the quality and severity of
CNT functionalization has been explored. Overall, considering the parameters of the chemical
routes, 62 methods for functionalizing HCNTs have been devised. Then, the functionalized
HCNTs have been characterized, and the obtained results have been evaluated and compared
in order to investigate the extent of functionalization. Here, different suggested mechanisms
that can influence the entanglement and dispersion of HCNTs during chemical
functionalization are presented. Finally, based on characterization results, the best
functionalization methods and processing parameters are identified and recommended for
chemical functionalization of HCNTs.
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Thesis (Ph.D.)-- Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
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Wichita State University
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Copyright 2017 by Sean Reza Taklimi
All Rights Reserved