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Processing and characterization of carbon nanoparticle/fiber-reinforced polymer composites
Rodriguez, Alejandro J.
Rodriguez, Alejandro J.
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Dissertation
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2010-08
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Electronic dissertations
Electronic dissertations
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Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) have an exceptional combination of
properties that make them ideal materials for use as reinforcing particles in advanced composites.
This investigation was aimed at obtaining fundamental understanding of the processing and
properties of carbon nanoparticle/fiber-reinforced polymer composites ―defined as multiscalereinforced
polymer composites (MRPCs)― manufactured through a practical and scalable
process. Such process consists of two stages. The first stage involves the synthesis of multiscalereinforcement
fabrics (MRFs) by electrophoretic deposition of carboxylic acid- or aminefunctionalized
CNTs and CNFs onto the surface of carbon fiber layers in aqueous medium; while
the second stage proceeds with the stacking of the MRFs and infusion of the resulting preforms
with an epoxy-amine resin system to obtain the MRPC.
MRPCs manufactured following the described approach were tested for
mechanical and electrical properties. Mechanical test results showed an increase in interlaminar
shear strength (ILSS), shear stiffness, and compressive strength of all panels manufactured.
Panels containing amine-functionalized carbon nanoparticles had the highest increase in
properties: 13% in ILSS, 2.5-4 fold in shear stiffness, and up to 15% in compressive strength. On
the other hand, it was found that through-plane electrical conductivity of MRPCs increased by
100% when using unsized MRFs. Investigation into the enhancement mechanism of mechanical
and electrical properties was also performed. Discussion of these mechanisms are presented with
emphasis placed on the fiber/matrix interface and the load transfer mechanisms between matrix,
carbon nanoparticles, and carbon fiber.
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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 Alejandro Jose Rodriguez, 2010. All rights reserved