A Study on Polyurethane Hybrid Nanocomposite Foams Reinforced with Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Silica Nanoparticles

Multifunctional polyurethane foams reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes and silica nanoparticles enhanced specific properties. We studied the effects of nanoparticle addition into polyurethane on mechanical properties and thermal stability by means of tensile, Charpy impact, hardness tests, and thermogravimetric analysis. Nanoparticles added to polyurethane are multiwalled carbon nanotubes, two types of silica nanoparticles, and multiwalled carbon nanotube/spherical silica as hybrid filler. Hybrid polyurethane/spherical silica/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposite with the constant overall content of 0.75?wt% showed higher tensile strength, hardness, and thermal stability than either of nanoparticles at this content, which approves a synergistic effect between multiwalled carbon nanotubes and silica nanoparticles.     

碳纤维增强热塑性复合材料工艺与性能的研究

短切碳纤维的ＢＵＳＳ捏合机和连续碳纤维的双螺杆挤出增强工艺开发了碳纤维增强聚酰胺,碳纤维增强聚甲醛,等碳纤维增强热塑性工程塑料,并以碳纤维增强聚酰胺为例进行成型工艺的研究,探讨了加 工工艺参数与材料性能的关系。     

Mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced bisphenol A dicyanate ester composites modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes

A novel electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method was employed for grafting multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on carbon fibers, which, after impregnation with bisphenol A dicyanate ester (BADCy), synergistically reinforced BADCy matrix composites (CNT‐C/BADCy). The effect of MWCNT presence on the mechanical properties of the composites was investigated. Composite tensile strength increased by 45.2% for an EPD duration of 2 min, while flexural strength exhibited a decreasing trend with EPD duration. Optical microscopy revealed that the existence of MWCNTs enhanced the fiber‐matrix interface while a large number of CNTs were observed to have pulled‐out from the matrix, a finding which explained the observed tensile strength increase in terms of energy dissipation by the specific toughening mechanism. The flexural strength decrease of the composites with CNTs as compared to specimens without nanotubes was found linked to the increased stress concentration in the BADCy matrix due to tube presence which weakens the adhesion between carbon fabrics. In a word, carbon nanotubes will enhance the micro interface and weaken the macro interface of the composites. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45100.     

Improved interlaminar shear properties of multiscale carbon fiber composites with bucky paper interleaves made from carbon nanofibers

The effects of bucky paper interleaves made from carbon nanofibers on interlaminar shear properties of carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRPs) are studied. The study includes fabrication of bucky papers, resin impregnation by different techniques, i.e., soaking, hot-compression and vacuum filtration, followed by β-stage curing and the integration with carbon fiber prepregs to produce CFRP composites with bucky paper interleaves. The vacuum infiltration technique results in the best quality of polymer impregnation through bucky papers. Remarkable 31% and 104% improvements in interlaminar shear strength and mode-II shear interlaminar fracture toughness of the multiscale composites, respectively, are achieved with the incorporation of interleaves at failure-prone locations. The pertinent mechanisms responsible for the ameliorating effects of interleaves include improved interfacial adhesion and matrix shear strength for the interlaminar strengthening and crack-tip bridging and meandering for the toughening. The present technique can be used to incorporate carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or carbon nanofibers (CNFs) of high contents to strengthen/toughen at selective locations in FRP composites, which has not been possible previously because of the high viscosity caused by randomly-oriented CNTs/CNFs in a polymer resin.     

Characterization and mechanical properties of Cf/ZrB2-SiC composites fabricated by a hybrid technique based on slurry impregnation,polymer infiltration and pyrolysis and low-temperature hot pressing

The continuous carbon fiber reinforced ZrB₂-SiC composite was fabricated successfully via a hybrid technique based on nano ceramic slurry impregnation, polymer infiltration and pyrolysis and low-temperature hot pressing. The C_f/ZrB₂-SiC composites exhibited non-brittle fracture modes and the chemical interaction at the fiber/matrix interfaces was effectively inhibited owing to the low sintering temperature. The S2-C_f/ZrB₂-SiC composite presented the highest mechanical properties with fracture toughness of 4.47?±?0.15?MPa?m^1/2 and the work of fracture of 877?J/m², which was attributed to the multiple length-scale toughening mechanisms including the macroscopic toughening mechanisms of crack deflection and crack branching, the micro toughening mechanisms of fiber bridging and fiber pull-out. This work presented a novel and effective method to fabricate high-performance continuous carbon fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites.     

不同龄期钢纤维增强水泥砂浆纤维拉拔试验与模拟研究

钢纤维增强水泥基复合材料作为一种多相复合材料,其增强增韧效果的发挥依赖于钢纤维与基体之间的界面粘结性能。通过开展不同龄期的钢纤维增强水泥基复合材料单根纤维拉拔试验及数值模拟研究,分析了龄期对钢纤维增强水泥砂浆界面粘结性能的影响,建立了不同龄期的单根纤维拉拔细观模型,通过将模拟结果与试验结果进行对比验证模型的有效性。根据所建立的细观模型分别对不同龄期钢纤维增强水泥砂浆纤维-基体间的界面粘结作用机理及纤维-基体间粘结表面在纤维拔出过程中的应力变化进行了分析。结果表明:所建立细观模型模拟得到的纤维最大拉拔力及荷载-滑移曲线与试验结果吻合较好,钢纤维的最大拉拔力及钢纤维-水泥砂浆基体的界面粘结强度均随着龄期的增加而增加;在7 d龄期内界面粘结强度的增长速度较快,7 d龄期后增长速度放缓;随着龄期的增加,不同龄期段的界面粘结强度的增长率逐渐减小并趋于稳定。采用拟合得到的粘结表面材料参数能够有效模拟各龄期下单根钢纤维从水泥砂浆中的拔出过程。     

Enhancement of Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composites Using Silk Fibroin Electrospun Nanofibers

In this article, the effect of silk fibroin nanofibers as a toughening agent of carbon fiber/fabric-reinforced epoxy composites is experimentally investigated. The composites showed up to 30% improvement in Mode II fracture toughness at 0.1 wt% of silk fibroin nanofibers content. The scanning electron microscopy observation revealed that the fracture surface of silk fibroin nanofibers modified carbon fiber/fabric-reinforced epoxy composites appearance of the broken fiber and the ductile-like matrix cracks showed a good adhesion between matrix resin and carbon fibers, which are reasons for the enhanced mode II interlaminar fracture toughness.     

Recent progress in interfacial toughening and damage self‐healing of polymer composites based on electrospun and solution‐blown nanofibers: An overview

In this article, we provide an overview of recent progress in toughening and damage self‐healing of polymer–matrix composites (PMCs) reinforced with electrospun or solution‐blown nanofibers at interfaces with an emphasis on the innovative processing techniques and toughening and damage self‐healing characterization. Because of their in‐plane fiber architecture and layered structure, high‐performance laminated PMCs typically carry low interfacial strengths and interlaminar fracture toughnesses in contrast to their very high in‐plane mechanical properties. Delamination is commonly observed in these composite structures. Continuous polymer and polymer‐derived carbon nanofibers produced by electrospinning, solution blowing, and other recently developed techniques can be incorporated into the ultrathin resin‐rich interlayers (with thicknesses of a few to dozens of micrometers) of these high‐performance PMCs to form nanofiber‐reinforced interlayers with enhanced interlaminar fracture toughnesses. When incorporated with core–shell healing‐agent‐loaded nanofibers, these nanofiber‐richened interlayers can yield unique interfacial damage self‐healing. Recent experimental investigations in these topics are reviewed and compared, and recently developed techniques for the scalable, continuous fabrication of advanced nanofibers for interfacial toughening and damage self‐healing of PMCs are discussed. Developments in the near future in this field are foreseen. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2225–2237, 2013     

Degradation behavior of nanoreinforced epoxy systems under pulse laser

Nanocomposites using EPON 824 as their matrix were exposed to pulse laser at 532 nm for various time intervals. The developed nanomaterials used for this study were manufactured using EPON 824 with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) at a loading rate of 0.15% by weight and nanoclays at a loading rate of 2% by weight as reinforcements. The effect of laser irradiation on polymer composites has been investigated. The degradation mechanism for the epoxy was of a laser induced burning nature. Of all specimens tested, the ultimate strength of the MWCNT‐reinforced specimens decreased the most as a function of radiation time; the nanoclay‐reinforced epoxy retained the most strength after 2 min of laser radiation. In addition, the threshold fluence for decomposition indicated that less energy was required to initiate decomposition in the MWCNT‐reinforced epoxy than in the nanoclay‐reinforced epoxy. This can be attributed to the high thermal conductivity of the carbon nanotubes. Measurement of surface damage in the material was observed via electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate changes to the molecular structure as a function of exposure time. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Rheological Behaviour of Nanoreinforced Epoxy Adhesives of Low Electrical Resistivity for Joining Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Laminates

Epoxy resins reinforced with carbon nanofibers (CNF) and nanotubes (CNT) were prepared and evaluated as adhesives of carbon fiber/epoxy laminates. Different percentages of nanofiller (0.1–3 wt%) have been tested. The viscosity of the non-cured nanoreinforced epoxy mixtures increased with the nanofiller content. On the other hand, the thermal treatment at high temperatures of the mixtures of amino-functionalized CNTs and epoxy monomer also caused an increase of their viscosity — this is likely due to the chemical reaction between the oxirane groups of the epoxy and the amine groups of the nanofiller. The joint strength of the carbon fiber/epoxy laminates bonded with nanoreinforced epoxy adhesives was analyzed by means of the single lap shear test. The shear strength of these joints was similar to that of the one made with unfilled epoxy resin. However, observation by Scanning Electron Microscopy of the fracture surfaces of the adhesive joints confirmed that the incorporation of carbon nanofillers caused the cohesive fractures inside the laminates (light-fiber tear failure). The electrical conductivity was drastically increased by the addition of nanofillers, especially CNTs.     

Carbon induced phase transformation in electrospun TiO2/multiwall carbon nanotube nanofibers

Nanofibers of titania and composite nanofibers of titania and multiwall carbon nanotubes were synthesized by electrospinning using a sol-gel process combined with activated carbon nanotubes. The relationships of treatment temperature, carbon nanotube content on the crystal phase, fiber morphology, and electric properties are reported. It is found that the rutile phase becomes more prominent at low heat treatment temperatures with an increase of carbon content in nanofibers, be it for higher amount of carbon due to reducing atmosphere or due to an increase in MWCNT. Atmospheric control and lower heat treatment temperatures enable crystalline nanocomposite fibers of anatase where the level of rutile is below the detection limit of XRD or Raman spectroscopy. This work provides a new path to fabricate electrospun TiO₂/MWCNT nanocomposite nanofibers with limited C-induced rutile phase.     

Carbon Nanofibers: Catalytic Synthesis and Applications

Carbon nanofibers (diameter range, 3-100 nm; length range, 0.1-1000 µm) have been known for a long time as a nuisance that often emerges during catalytic conversion of carbon-containing gases. The recent outburst of interest in these graphitic materials originates from their potential for unique applications as well as their chemical similarity to fullerenes and carbon nanotubes. In this review, we focus on the growth of nanofibers using metallic particles as a catalyst to precipitate the graphitic carbon. First, we summarize some of the earlier literature that has contributed greatly to understand the nucleation and growth of carbon nanofibers and nanotubes. Thereafter, we describe in detail recent progress to control the fiber surface structure, texture, and growth into mechanically strong agglomerates. It is argued that carbon nanofibers are unique high-surface-area materials (~200 m²/g) that can expose exclusively either basal graphite planes or edge planes. Subsequently, we will present the recently explored applications of carbon nanofibers: polymer additives, gas storage materials, and catalyst supports. The latter application is described in detail. It is shown that the graphite surface structure and the lyophilicity play a crucial role during metal emplacement and catalytic use in liquid-phase catalysis. A case in point is fiber-supported Pd catalysts for nitrobenzene hydrogenation. Finally, we summarize issues with respect to the large-scale production of carbon nanofibers, including production cost estimates and research items to be dealt with in future work.     

Influence of carbon‐based nanofillers on the electrical and dielectric properties of ethylene vinyl acetate nanocomposites

A comparative study of ethylene vinyl acetate nanocomposites based on expanded graphite, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanofibers has been carried out to investigate the effect of different carbon nanofillers on the electrical properties of the corresponding composites. The composites were prepared by ultrasonic dispersion of fillers in ethylene vinyl acetate solution, followed by casting and compression molding. The dependence of AC conductivity and dielectric constant on the frequency and filler concentration was investigated. Carbon nanofibers provided maximum conductivity as well as lowest percolation threshold (8.2 vol%) compared to expanded graphite and multiwalled carbon nanotubes filled composites. The improvement in both electrical conductivity and dielectric constant was attributed to the high filler aspect ratio and the formation of conducting networks. The relationship of dielectric constant with filler volume fraction for all the composite systems is estimated using a power law. The pressure sensing capability of the composites at respective percolation thresholds was also compared. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

In Situ Polymerized Poly(Amide Imide)/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composite: Structural,Mechanical, and Electrical Studies

Poly(amide imide)/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites were in situ polymerized through Yamazaki–Higashi phosphorylation method, and the carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes are added in the post-reaction stage. The good dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in the poly(amide imide) matrix was achieved even at 20?wt% nanotube loading. The electrical conductivity reached 33?S?m^?1; meanwhile, the tensile strength and Young’s modulus were 106MPa and 2.52?GPa, respectively. These excellent properties were contributed to the good dispersion of nanotubes and strong multiwalled carbon nanotubes–poly(amide imide) interfacial adhesions. We also demonstrate that the incorporation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes depressed the crystallization characteristics of poly(amide imide) but improve its thermal stability.     

A novel vibration-assisted slurry impregnation to fabricate Cf/ZrB2-SiC composite with enhanced mechanical properties

The three dimensional needle-punched carbon fiber reinforced ZrB₂-SiC composite (C_f/ZrB₂-SiC) with highly uniform distribution was fabricated successfully via a novel vibration-assisted slurry impregnation and low-temperature (1450 °C) hot pressing technique using nanosized ZrB₂ powders. The carbon fiber/ceramic matrix interfaces were clear without obvious reaction products detected by the high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), indicating the degradation of carbon fiber was effectively inhibited. The C_f/ZrB₂-SiC composite exhibited a typical non-brittle fracture feature with a high work of fracture of 1104 J/m², which was approximately twice that of composite fabricated only by slurry impregnation and hot pressing. The enhancement in work of fracture was attributed to multiple toughening mechanisms of continuous carbon fibers such as extensive fiber bridging and pull-out accompanied by obvious crack deflection and branching. This work provides a valuable potential of preparing continuous carbon fiber reinforced ceramic composites with uniform component distribution and enhanced mechanical properties.     

Improving delamination resistance of carbon fiber reinforced polymeric composite by interface engineering using carbonaceous nanofillers through electrophoretic deposition: An assessment at different in-service temperatures

In this article, modification of carbon fiber surface by carbon based nanofillers (multi-walled carbon nanotubes [CNT], carbon nanofibers, and multi-layered graphene) has been achieved by electrophoretic deposition technique to improve its interfacial bonding with epoxy matrix, with a target to improve the mechanical performance of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites. Flexural and short beam shear properties of the composites were studied at extreme temperature conditions; in-situ cryo, room and elevated temperature (−196, 30, and 120°C respectively). Laminate reinforced with CNT grafted carbon fibers exhibited highest delamination resistance with maximum improvement in flexural strength as well as in inter-laminar shear strength (ILSS) among all the carbon fiber reinforced epoxy (CE) composites at all in-situ temperatures. CNT modified CE composite showed increment of 9% in flexural strength and 17.43% in ILSS when compared to that of unmodified CE composite at room temperature (30°C). Thermomechanical properties were investigated using dynamic mechanical analysis. Fractography was also carried out to study different modes of failure of the composites.     

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Piezoelectric Materials Toughening Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes/Hydroxyapatite Biocomposites

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/hydroxyapatite (HAp) biocomposites reinforced by lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or lithium niobate (LiNbO₃) were prepared at 950 °C by hot pressing. The mechanical test results show that the MWCNTs/LiNbO₃/HAp (CLH) composite has excellent flexural strength and fracture toughness, about 44 and 110% increase as compared with those of the MWCNTs/HAp (CH) composite. However, dense MWCNTs/PZT/HAp (CPH) composite could not be prepared due to serious evaporation of Pb. Based on in-depth observation of microstructure by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, the toughening mechanism in the CLH composite was discussed.     

Improvement in mechanical and thermal properties of phenolic foam reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Phenolic foams reinforced with pristine and functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were fabricated to develop fire‐resistant materials with improved mechanical properties. The influences of the contents of carboxyl multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs‐COOH) and of MWCNTs types on the compressive properties of the composite foams were investigated. The microstructure and detailed failure behavior of MWCNTs/phenolic composite foams were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and in situ quasistatic compression inside SEM, respectively. In addition, thermal performances were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and vertical burning method. It is found that as heterogeneous nucleation agents, MWCNTs increase cell density and decrease cell size of the produced foams, and that as reinforcements located in cell walls, MWCNTs impart high strength and stiffness to brittle foams. Moreover, MWCNTs reinforced foams have higher thermal stability than raw foams and exhibit similar excellent resistance to flame, confirming the effectiveness of MWCNTs as stabilizers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1479–1488, 2013     

A study on nanofiber‐reinforced thermoplastic composites (II): Investigation of the mixing rheology and conduction properties

This article is portion of a comprehensive study on the development of nanofiber‐reinforced polymer composites for electrostatic discharge materials and structural composites. Vapor‐grown carbon fibers with an average diameter of 100 nm were used as a precursor and model fiber system for carbon nanotubes. These nanofibers were purified and functionalized to provide for an open network of high‐purity nanofibers. Banbury‐type mixing was used to disperse the nanofibers in the polymer matrix. Rheological and microscopic analysis showed that the high shear processing of the polymer/nanofiber mixture led to a homogeneous dispersion of nanofibers with no agglomerates present and no shortening of the nanofibers. The shear thinning behavior of polymeric materials helps in the mixing of the nanofibers to form the composites. A percolation threshold for electrical conduction of 9–18 wt % was observed for the highly dispersed nanofiber networks. The electrical behavior of these materials was not affected by changes in humidity. Microscopic analysis showed highly dispersed nanofibers with no indications of porosity. These conducting polymers are well suited for electrostatic discharge applications, and might well become multifunctional materials for strength/electrical applications. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 1162–1172, 2001     

Dynamic Mechanical Characterization of Polyurethane/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composite Thermoplastic Elastomers

An effective analytical–experimental test method is used in the current work to characterize the vibration isolation behavior of thermoplastic polyurethane multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites with five different concentrations. To determine the static compression stiffness and hysteresis of the specimens, compression and cyclic tests were conducted. The vibration isolation properties were determined through the analysis of transmissibility of a suitably designed test system. Thermoplastic polyurethane’s mechanical properties and vibration isolation properties were improved with the addition of multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Considering the obtained results, the dynamic stiffness of thermoplastic polyurethane and its capacity to isolate vibration can be adjusted by controlling the proportion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes.