This bold statement arises from the exceptional mechanical, thermal and electrical properties which generate interest among researchers and the society alike ...
CNT/Epoxy Composites -‐ Part 1: An Investigation
Introduction Carbon nanotube, which is also known as CNT is referred to the small, nano-sized cylindrical tubes composed of sheets of carbon atoms which was discovered by Iijima in 1991 (S. Iijima 1991). At present, CNTs are hailed as the building blocks of nanotechnology with possible applications in the near future. This bold statement arises from the exceptional mechanical, thermal and electrical properties which generate interest among researchers and the society alike (Montazeri, Montazeri et al. 2011). CNT holds the promise of delivering superior composite materials (Sun, Warren et al. 2008), electronic appliances (Zhu, Peng et al. 2004), lightweight products in the sports and transportation industries (Yuanxin, Pervin et al. 2007). In relation to the potential application in the construction industry, CNT mechanical properties such as the high elastic modulus, tensile strength, flexural strength and hardness are the focus of attention because of its immense potential as a reinforcement (Young Seok and Jae Ryoun 2005; Zheng, Zhang et al. 2006).
Problem Statement These rolled graphite sheets face a major obstacle, namely the tendency to agglomerate and entangle. Factors contributing to this agglomeration phenomenon include the atomically smooth surfaces, flexible CNT and the high aspect ratio (Fukui, Taninaka et al. 2007). Moreover, CNTs have small diameters that tend to form bundle structures due to their substantial van der Waals interaction. There is significant dependence of the thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of the CNT nanocomposites on the concentration and dispersion state of CNT. Literature shows CNT-epoxy nanocomposites have either weaker or just a little bit higher mechanical properties compare to that of pure epoxy (Wladyka-Przybylak, Wesolek et al. 2011; Loos, Yang et al. 2012). CNT poor dispersion and weak CNT-matrix interaction are being generally described as the cause for this lack of enhancement. Therefore, good dispersion is necessary to realize the full potential of the CNT mechanical properties. Different methods have been investigated to efficiently disperse the CNT such as high speed shear mixing, calendaring, ultrasonication, use of solvent and surfactant (Rana, Alagirusamy et al. 2009). If CNT can be well-dispersed as in Fig. 1, the strengthening potential between filler-matrix interface area is huge since controlling the interfacial interaction is crucial for obtaining optimal properties (Vaisman, Wagner et al. 2006).
Figure 1: Visual observation of CNT in water
Aim The goals of the research project are listed as follows: 1. 2. 3.
Study the characteristics of CNT to realize its full potential Understand the role of carbon nanotube geometry on efficient dispersion Harnessing the superior properties of nanocarbon in the construction industry
The experiment was performed to investigate the effects of CNT diameter and length on CNT dispersion and understand the role of carbon nanotube geometry on efficient dispersion.
Afterword The next segment provides a literature review concerning the synthesis, fabrication and properties of carbon nanotube to gain background knowledge on the research topic, specifically “Carbon nanotube dispersion in solvent media: Effect of carbon nanotube geometry”. For more information, follow the conference paper in this link: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Samuel_Chuah/publications
