Vibration damping characteristics of carbon fiber-reinforced composites containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Vibration damping characteristic of nanocomposites and carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites (CFRPs) containing multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been studied using the free and forced vibration tests. Several vibration parameters are varied to characterize the damping behavior in different amplitudes, natural frequencies and vibration modes. The damping ratio of the hybrid composites is enhanced with the addition of CNTs, which is attributed to sliding at the CNT-matrix interfaces. The damping ratio is dependent on the amplitude as a result of the random orientation of CNTs in the epoxy matrix. The natural frequency shows negligible influence on the damping properties. The forced vibration test indicates that the damping ratios of the CFRP composites increase with increasing CNT content in both the 1st and 2nd vibration modes. The CNT-epoxy nanocomposites also show similar increasing trends of damping ratio with CNT content, indicating the enhanced damping property of CFRPs arising mainly from the improved damping property of the modified matrix. The dynamic mechanical analysis further confirms that the CNTs have a strong influence on the composites damping properties. Both the dynamic loss modulus and loss factor of the nanocomposites and the corresponding CFRPs show consistent increases with the addition of CNTs, an indication of enhanced damping performance.     

Effect of addition of carbon nanofibers and carbon nanotubes on properties of thermoplastic biopolymers

This paper presents the properties of nano-bio-composites of solvent cast polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate (PHBV) and polycaprolactone (PCL) containing carbon nanofiber or carbon nanotubes as a function of filler content. It is found that carbon nanotubes and nanofibers can be used to enhance the conductivity, thermal, mechanical and to enhance gas barrier properties of thermoplastic biopolyesters.     

Electrical and thermal property enhancement of fiber-reinforced polymer laminate composites through controlled implementation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are implemented into alumina-fiber reinforced laminates, and enhanced mass-specific thermal and electrical conductivities are observed. Electrical conductivity enhancement is useful for electrostatic discharge and sensing applications, and is used here for both electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and deicing. CNTs were grown directly on individual fibers in woven cloth plies, and maintained their alignment during the polymer (epoxy) infiltration used to create laminates. Using multiple complementary methods, non-isotropic electrical and thermal conductivities of these hybrid composites were thoroughly characterized as a function of CNT volume/mass fraction. DC and AC electrical conductivity measurements demonstrate high electrical conductivity of >100 S/m (at 3% volume fraction, ∼1.5% weight fraction, of CNTs) that can be used for multifunctional applications such as de-icing and electromagnetic shielding. The thermal conductivity enhancement (∼1 W/m K) suggests that carbon-fiber based laminates can significantly benefit from aligned CNTs. Application of such new nano-engineered, multi-scale, multi-functional CNT composites can be extended to system health monitoring with electrical or thermal resistance change induced by damage, fire-resistant structures among other multifunctional attributes.     

Multiscale carbon fibre–reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites containing carbon nanotubes with tailored interfaces

Pristine and functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with tailored interfaces were efficiently dispersed in an epoxy matrix using a three‐roll mill and further reinforced with carbon fibres. 1.3‐Dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides was used for the chemical modification of MWCNTs by a solvent‐free approach. The influence of different loadings and types of MWCNTs on the final properties of the epoxy matrix was studied. Moreover, the most promising formulations were selected for manufacturing of prepreg sheets. The transversal tensile properties and the interlaminar fracture toughness under mode I loading (G_IC) of multiscale carbon fibre–reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites were characterized. The results point out that it is not straightforward to transfer the remarkable intrinsic properties of MWCNTs to the composite level, although an overall positive trend was found. Double cantilever beam experiments showed that G_IC of CFRP composites was improved 44% at ultralow content of functionalized MWCNTs (0.043 wt%).     

Interconnected multi-walled carbon nanotubes reinforced polymer-matrix composites

A modified method for interconnecting multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was put forward. And interconnected MWCNTs by reaction of acyl chloride and amino groups were obtained. Scanning electron microscopy shows that hetero-junctions of MWCNTs with different morphologies were formed. Then specimens of pristine MWCNTs, chemically functionalized MWCNTs and interconnected MWCNTs reinforced epoxy resin composites were fabricated by cast moulding. Tensile properties and fracture surfaces of the specimens were investigated. The results show that, compared with pristine MWCNTs and chemically functionalized MWCNTs, the chemically interconnected MWCNTs improved the fracture strain and therefore the toughness of the composites significantly.     

Fabrication and mechanical properties of well-dispersed multiwalled carbon nanotubes/epoxy composites

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/epoxy nanocomposites were fabricated by using ultrasonication and the cast molding method. In this process, MWCNTs modified by mixed acids were well dispersed and highly loaded in an epoxy matrix. The effects of MWCNTs addition and surface modification on the mechanical performances and fracture morphologies of composites were investigated. It was found that the tensile strength improved with the increase of MWCNTs addition, and when the content of MWCNTs loading reached 8 wt.%, the tensile strength reached the highest value of 69.7 MPa. In addition, the fracture strain also enhanced distinctly, implying that MWCNTs loading not only elevated the tensile strength of the epoxy matrix, but also increased the fracture toughness. Nevertheless, the elastic modulus reduced with the increase of MWCNTs loading. The reasons for the mechanical property changes are discussed.     

Natural fiber-reinforced thermoplastic starch composites obtained by melt processing

Thermoplastic starch (TPS) from industrial non-modified corn starch was obtained and reinforced with natural strands. The influence of the reinforcement on physical–chemical properties of the composites obtained by melt processing has been analyzed. For this purpose, composites reinforced with different amounts of either sisal or hemp strands have been prepared and evaluated in terms of crystallinity, water sorption, thermal and mechanical properties. The results showed that the incorporation of sisal or hemp strands caused an increase in the glass transition temperature (T_g) of the TPS as determined by DMTA. The reinforcement also increased the stiffness of the material, as reflected in both the storage modulus and the Young’s modulus. Intrinsic mechanical properties of the reinforcing fibers showed a lower effect on the final mechanical properties of the materials than their homogeneity and distribution within the matrix. Additionally, the addition of a natural latex plasticizer to the composite decreased the water absorption kinetics without affecting significantly the thermal and mechanical properties of the material.     

Tuning the mechanical properties of composites from elastomeric to rigid thermoplastic by controlled addition of carbon nanotubes

A commercial thermoplastic polyurethane is identified for which the addition of nanotubes dramatically improves its mechanical properties. Increasing the nanotube content from 0% to 40% results in an increase in modulus, Y, (0.4–2.2 GPa) and stress at 3% strain, σ_{? = 3%}, (10–50 MPa), no significant change in ultimate tensile strength, σ_B, (≈50 MPa) and decreases in strain at break, ?_B, (555–3%) and toughness, T, (177–1 MJ m^?3). This variation in properties spans the range from compliant and ductile, like an elastomer, at low mass fractions to stiff and brittle, like a rigid thermoplastic, at high nanotube content. For mid‐range nanotube contents (≈15%) the material behaves like a rigid thermoplastic with large ductility: Y = 1.5 GPa, σ_{? = 3%} = 36 MPa, σ_B = 55 MPa, ?_B = 100% and T = 50 MJ m^?3. Analysis suggests that soft polyurethane segments are immobilized by adsorption onto the nanotubes, resulting in large changes in mechanical properties.     

The poly(urethane-ionic liquid)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes composites

In the paper, a novel kind of imidazolium based poly(urethane-ionic liquid)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (PUIL/MWCNT) composites was facilely prepared by uncovalent ways. The imidazolium based ionic liquid (IL) greatly improved the dispersion of pristine MWCNTs in PUIL by the π-cation interaction formed between the imidazolium cation and the π-electron of MWCNTs. The PUIL/MWCNT composites showed obviously increased modulus, glass transition temperature and tensile strength in comparison with PU/MWCNT composites. The thermal and mechanical properties of the PUIL/MWCNT composites presented significant increase with low load of the MWCNTs. It indicated the interactions between PUIL and MWCNTs played an important role to enhance the performances of the composites.     

Enhancing the thermomechanical behaviour of poly(phenylene sulphide) based composites via incorporation of covalently grafted carbon nanotubes

The thermal and thermomechanical properties of poly(phenylene sulphide) (PPS) based nanocomposites incorporating a polymer derivative covalently anchored onto single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were investigated. The grafted fillers acted as nucleating agents, increasing the crystallization temperature and degree of crystallinity of the matrix. They also enhanced its thermal stability, flame retardancy, glass transition (T_g) and heat deflection temperatures while reduced the coefficient of thermal expansion at temperatures below T_g. A strong rise in the thermal conductivity, Young’s modulus and tensile strength was found with increasing filler loading both in the glassy and rubbery states. All these outstanding improvements are ascribed to strong matrix-filler interfacial interactions combined with a compatibilization effect that results in very homogeneous SWCNT dispersion. The results herein offer useful insights towards the development of engineering thermoplastic/CNT nanocomposites for high-temperature applications.     

Reliability-based design of blast-resistant composite laminates incorporating carbon nanotubes

Research efforts have reported on the ability of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to enhance the stiffness and strength of carbon fiber composites. Systematic design of blast-resistant composites requires considering CNTs–carbon composites characteristics and the uncertainty of blast events. This article suggests a systematic reliability-based design approach where system reliability is used to compute the probability of failure of a composite laminate. A case study for the design of a five-layer composite laminate incorporating CNTs and subjected to uncertain blast event is demonstrated. 0.5–1% CNTs contents by weight seem capable of significantly reducing the composite probability of failure during blast.     

A review and analysis of electrical percolation in carbon nanotube polymer composites

We review experimental and theoretical work on electrical percolation of carbon nanotubes (CNT) in polymer composites. We give a comprehensive survey of published data together with an attempt of systematization. Parameters like CNT type, synthesis method, treatment and dimensionality as well as polymer type and dispersion method are evaluated with respect to their impact on percolation threshold, scaling law exponent and maximum conductivity of the composite. Validity as well as limitations of commonly used statistical percolation theories are discussed, in particular with respect to the recently reported existence of a lower kinetic (allowing for re-aggregation) and a higher statistical percolation threshold.     

Preparation of porous alumina-carbon nanotube composites via direct growth of carbon nanotubes

A simple approach is reported for the in situ growth of carbon nanotube-containing porous alumina structures by a thermal pyrolysis method. The composite was created by direct on-site growth of carbon nanotubes inside the porous alumina matrix, after introducing both a catalyst (Ni(NO₃)₂) and a carbon source (camphor) into the cavities of the large matrix brick. Pyrolysis was carried out when the pre-treated brick was heated in a furnace at 850 °C under a H₂-Ar atmosphere. The resulting multi-walled carbon nanotubes with average diameters of 30-70 nm and lengths up to several micrometers are dispersed uniformly at each section of the alumina matrix. An improvement in the compression strength of the composites has been obtained, due to the inclusion of carbon nanotubes.     

碳纳米管/橡胶复合材料的界面性能:碳纳米管的比表面积的影响

橡胶大分子和无机纳米填料由于相互作用形成的界面是决定弹性体复合材料性能的重要因素.利用原子力显微镜的峰值力定量纳米力学映射模式(AFM-QNM)建立了碳纳米管/溶聚丁苯橡胶(CNT/SSBR)复合材料的界面纳米力学性能和界面厚度的定量表征方法,研究揭示了CNT的比表面积对CNT/SSBR复合材料的界面纳米力学性能和界面...     

Cost effective manufacturing process of thermoplastic matrix composites for the traditional industry: the example of a carbon-fiber reinforced thermoplastic flywheel

Composite materials were successfully introduced and are now widely used for aerospace applications. Due to their high specific strength and stiffness, polymer-based composite materials should also be attractive candidates for many products of the traditional industries such as gas turbines, oil industry, or water and gas piping. The introduction of composite materials in the traditional industry is however a very slow process. Many factors can be identified as possible reasons such as the lack of previous examples on which to assess the durability of such composite products or reparability issues. However, the major factor hindering a broader use of composite materials for traditional products remains cost. Unlike the case of the aerospace industry, the use of composite materials is often not an enabling technology for traditional products: steel designs can be modified in order to increase the current product limitations. Therefore, the price of the composite system should be competitive when compared to the price of the equivalent system based on traditional materials such as steel or aluminum. In order to illustrate this concept, the case of steel risers for deepwater oil production is shortly discussed in the introduction of the present paper. When trying to reduce the price of composite products, the challenge often lies in lowering the manufacturing cost. The present paper focuses on applied manufacturing methods for various parts and products aiming to reduce cost. The associated performance of hot pressing and winding of short fiber and continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic (AS4/PEEK) are compared for a high-speed flywheel type of application. Based on the mechanical performance and ease of fabrication, conclusions are drawn on a promising area of further investigation.     

Complementary percolation characteristics of carbon fillers based electrically percolative thermoplastic elastomer composites

Electrically percolative composites of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) filled with different concentrations of carbon nanotubes (CNT), carbon black (CB) and (CNT–CB) hybrid fillers were fabricated by melt blending. The effects of filler type and composition on the electrical properties of the percolative TPE composites were studied. Percolation threshold for CB-, CNT- and (CNT–CB)-based composites was found to be 0.06, 0.07 and 0.07 volume fraction respectively. Compared to CB-based composites and earlier reported results, CNT- and (CNT–CB)-based ones revealed an unexpectedly high percolation threshold, which otherwise considered an unwelcome phenomenon, lead to distinct and rare percolation characteristics of CNT filled percolative composites like per-percolation conductivity and a relatively steep percolation curves. CB-based composites showed a comparatively sharp insulator–conductor transition curve complementing the percolation characteristics CNT- and (CNT–CB)-based composites. Percolation threshold conductivity of the fillers was in the order of CB > CNT > (CNT–CB), while maximum attained conductivities followed the order of CNT > (CNT–CB) > CB. Conductivity order of fillers not only denied much reported synergic effect in (CNT–CB) filler but also highlighted the effect of percolation characteristics on the outcome of conductivity values. Results obtained were of theoretical as well as practical importance and were explained in the context of filler morphology and different dispersion characteristics of the carbon based fillers.     

Interfacial shear strength of a glass fiber/epoxy bonding in composites modified with carbon nanotubes

In recent years, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grown on fibers have attracted a lot of interest as an additional reinforcing component in conventional fiber-reinforced composites to improve the properties of the fiber/matrix interface. Due to harsh growth conditions, the CNT-grafted fibers often exhibit degraded tensile properties. In the current study we explore an alternative approach to deliver CNTs to the fiber surface by dispersing CNTs in the fiber sizing formulation. This route takes advantage of the developed techniques for CNT dispersion in resins and introduces no damage to the fibers. We focus on unidirectional glass fiber/epoxy macro-composites where CNTs are introduced in three ways: (1) in the fiber sizing, (2) in the matrix and (3) in the fiber sizing and matrix simultaneously. Interfacial shear strength (IFSS) is investigated using single-fiber push-out microindentation. The results of the test reveal an increase of IFSS in all three cases. The maximum gain (over 90%) is achieved in the composite where CNTs are introduced solely in the fiber sizing.     

多壁碳纳米管/PCL-b-PNIPAM复合材料的制备

通过对多壁碳纳米管（MWCNTs）表面修饰合成羟基化的MWCNTs,利用羟基化的MWCNTs催化己内酯开环聚合,接着与溴代异丁酰溴反应,合成MWCNTs接枝聚己内酯（PCL）的大分子引发剂,利用该大分子引发剂引发N-异丙基丙烯酰胺单体进行原子转移自由基活性聚合（ATRP）,成功制备了MWCNTs/PCL-b-PNIPAM复合材料。利用FTIR、TGA、XRD、NMR及TEM对产物进行表征。考察了MWCNTs/PCL-b-PNIPAM复合材料的结晶性能及在氯仿中的溶混性。XRD结果表明:MWCNTs/PCL-b-PNIPAM复合材料的结晶峰与PCL-b-PNIPAM嵌段共聚物基本一致,并且MWCNTs/PCL-b-PNIPAM复合材料在氯仿溶液中有很好的混溶性。      

Pristine and amino functionalized carbon nanotubes reinforced glass fiber epoxy composites

Multi-phase composites have been studied by incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a secondary reinforcement in an epoxy matrix which was then reinforced with glass fiber mat. Different types of CNTs e.g. amino functionalized carbon nanotubes (ACNT) and pristine carbon nanotubes (PCNT) were homogeneously dispersed in the epoxy matrix and two-ply laminates were fabricated using vacuum-assisted resin infusion molding technique. The issues related to CNT dispersion and interfacial bonding and its affect on the mechanical properties have been studied. An important finding of this study is that PCNT scores over ACNT in composites prepared under certain conditions. This is a very significant finding since PCNT is available at a much lower cost than ACNT.     

碳纳米管/羟基磷灰石复合材料的制备及表征

以含钴介孔分子筛为催化剂、乙醇为碳源, 采用CVD法制备碳纳米管(CNTs)。通过原位合成法制备一系列不同碳纳米管含量的碳纳米管/羟基磷灰石(CNTs/HA)复合材料。分别采用XRD、FTIR、TEM、N₂吸附-脱附和Raman光谱等分析手段, 对所合成CNTs/HA复合材料的晶相、结构、形貌和比表面积等进行了表征。同时研究了碳纳米管的添加量对所合成CNTs/HA复合材料形貌的影响。XRD与Raman结果表明, 所得CNTs/HA复合粉体中仅有CNTs与HA两种物相, 纯度较高, 结晶度较好; TEM结果显示, CNTs/HA复合材料中CNTs表面均匀包裹着一层纳米级的针状HA晶粒, 两者形成了较强的界面结合, 且当CNTs与HA的质量比为3:17时, CNTs与HA形成最佳结合状态; N₂吸附-脱附表征结果表明, 与HA的比表面积相比, CNTs/HA复合材料具有较高比表面积。