Effect of POSS content on the electrical,thermal, mechanical,and wetting properties of electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/POSS nanofibrous mats

Although polyacrylonitrile (PAN) has excellent properties as a precursor of carbon fibre, octa-amic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles which are hybrid organic–inorganic materials can be incorporated into PAN to tune up the properties such as the mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and electronic conductivity for a broad range of potential applications. In this work, PAN with POSS of 1, 3, and 5 wt % based on acrylonitrile weight was prepared by solution polymerisation. The synthesised product was dissolved in dimethyl sulphoxide, followed by electrospinning. After electrospinning, the nanofibrous mats were stabilised at 250 °C for 1 h. The diameter of resulting PAN/POSS nanofibrous mats were less than 1 μm, as confirmed by SEM analysis. The effect of POSS on PAN/POSS nanofibrous mats was studied by SEM, universal testing machine, contact angle measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, wide angle X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The usefulness of the PAN/POSS nanofibre composites was realised from the improved electrical, thermal, mechanical, and wetting properties compared to pure PAN.     

Tensile properties of polyacrylonitrile- and pitch-based hybrid carbon fiber/polyimide composites with some nanoparticles in the matrix

The tensile properties and fracture behavior of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)- and pitch-based hybrid carbon fiber/polyimide composites with several types of nanoparticles (25 nm C, 20–30 nm β-SiC, 130 nm β-SiC, 80 nm SiO₂, and 300 nm SiO₂) added to the matrix were investigated. The tensile stress–strain curves of PAN- and pitch-based hybrid carbon fiber/polyimide composites with 25 nm C, 20–30 nm β-SiC, and 80 nm SiO₂ nanoparticles have complex shapes (jagged trace), whereas the tensile response of hybrid carbon fiber/polyimide composites with 130 nm β-SiC and 300 nm SiO₂ nanoparticles indicates an instantaneous failure. The stress after the initial failure in hybrid carbon fiber/polyimide composites improves by adding 25 nm C, 20–30 nm β-SiC, and 80 nm SiO₂ nanoparticles to the matrix and correlates with the fracture toughness of the polyimide matrix.     

Fabrication of carbon papers using polyacrylonitrile fibers as a binder

Carbon papers (CPs) have been fabricated using wet-laying carbon fibers (CFs) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the PAN fibers tightly interconnected the CF junctions with the pores between the fibers. The tensile strength of the carbon webs (CWs) increased as the fraction of PAN fibers used as the binder increased. The CW fabricated with 0.15 wt% PAN fibers had a tensile strength six times greater than that of the CW without PAN fibers. Moreover, by mixing the CFs with PAN fibers in water, the CFs separated from each other in the webs due to the interruption of hydrophobicity between the CFs. After mixing with PAN fibers, the CWs were carbonized at 1200 °C in the presence of a phenolic resin. The PAN fibers maintained their morphology due to their high carbon content after carbonization. The electrical resistivity of the CPs with high PAN fiber content was significantly lower than that of a CP without PAN fibers due to the interconnection of the CFs by the carbonized PAN fibers.     

Effect of moisture absorption on the mechanical behavior of carbon fiber/epoxy matrix composites

A carbon fiber/epoxy unidirectional laminated composite was exposed to a humid environment and the effect of moisture absorption on the mechanical properties and failure modes was investigated. The composites were exposed to three humidity conditions, namely, 25, 55, and 95 % at a constant temperature of 25 °C. The carbon fiber–epoxy laminated composites for two different carbon fiber surface treatments were used. The results showed that the mechanical properties differ considerably for each fiber surface treatment. The application of a coupling agent enhanced the fiber-matrix adhesion and reduced dependence of the properties on humidity. The damage mechanism observed at micromechanical level was correlated to acoustic emission signals from both laminated composites. The untreated carbon fiber failure mode was attributed to fiber-matrix interfacial failure and for the silane-treated carbon fiber reinforced epoxy laminate attributed to matrix yielding followed by fiber failure with no signs of fiber-matrix interface failure for moisture contents up to 1.89 %.     

聚丙烯腈分子链微观结构对聚丙烯腈基炭纤维性能的影响

聚丙烯腈是炭纤维的重要原材料.高质量的聚丙烯腈才有可能生产出高质量的原丝,而高质量的原丝是保证高质量炭纤维的必要条件.聚丙烯腈的分子量及其分布、等规度、共聚结构单元的比例及分布直接影响着聚丙烯腈的质量,进而影响原丝及其发纤维的性能.从聚丙烯腈分子链的微观结构(分子量及其分布、等规度、共聚结构单元的比例及分布)阐述了对炭...     

提高聚丙烯腈基炭纤维质量的方法

聚丙烯腈是炭纤维的重要原材料。高质量的聚丙烯腈才有可能生产出高质量的原丝,而高质量的原丝是保证高质量炭纤维的必在条件。聚丙烯腈的分子量及其分布、等规度、共聚结构单元的比例及分布上的缺陷直接影响着聚丙烯腈的质量,进而影响原丝及其炭纤维的性能。从调整聚丙烯腈分子量及分布、等规度、共聚结构单元的比例及分布入手,论述了提高聚丙...     

DSC Study on the Polyacrylonitrile Precursors for Carbon Fibers

Different polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor fibers that displayed various thermal properties were studied by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results showed that some commercial PAN precursor fibers displayed double separated peaks and these fibers were of high quality because of their process stability during their conversion to carbon fibers of high performance. Some fabrication processes, such as spinning, drawing, could not apparently change the DSC features of a PAN precursor fiber. It was concluded that the thermal properties of a PAN precursor fiber was mainly determined from its comonomer content type and compositions.     

Thermal expansion coefficient and thermal fatigue of discontinuous carbon fiber-reinforced copper and aluminum matrix composites without interfacial chemical bond

Fully dense carbon fiber-reinforced copper and aluminum matrix (Cu–CF and Al–CF) composites were fabricated by hot press without the need for an interfacial chemical compound. With 30 vol% carbon fiber, the thermal expansion coefficients (TECs) of pure Cu and Al were decreased to 13.5 × 10^?6 and 15.5 × 10^?6/K, respectively. These improved TECs of Cu–CF and Al–CF composites were maintained after 16 thermal cycles; moreover, the TEC of the 30 vol% Cu–CF composite was stable after 2500 thermal cycles between ?40 and 150 °C. The thermal strain caused by the TEC mismatch between the matrix and the carbon fiber enables mechanical enhancement at the matrix/carbon fiber interface and allows conservation of the improved TECs of Cu–CF and Al–CF composites after thermal cycles.     

Thermally induced structural evolution of methylsilicone xerogel monoliths reinforced by titania nanoparticles

Thermally stable methylsilicone xerogel monoliths were prepared by sol–gel technology with methylsilicone oligomer as precursor and titania nanoparticles as filler. The effects of titania doping and heating temperature on the structure, morphology, and hydrophobic property of xerogels were investigated. The structural evolution under thermal treatment showed that the blank methylsilicone monolith was crushed after 300 °C treatment, but the samples reinforced by titania could retain the intact structure after 500 °C treatment. Thermogravimetric analysis results certified that the thermal degradation of methylsilicone was resisted due to incorporation of TiO₂. Fourier transform infrared spectra and ²⁹Si nuclear magnetic resonance results showed that Si–CH₃ unit still existed in the reinforced samples, compared with the complete transformation of Si–C to Si–O in the blank methylsilicone after 500 °C treatment. Thus, the hydrophobic property was preserved and certified by measurement of contact angle.     

Direct coagulation casting of alumina using magnesium citrate as coagulating agent with glycerol diacetate as pH regulator

Direct coagulation casting of alumina suspension via high valence counter ions (DCC-HVCI) using magnesium citrate as coagulating agent with glycerol diacetate as pH regulator was investigated. Influence of concentrations of glycerol diacetate and magnesium citrate on pH and rheological properties of alumina suspension was investigated. High viscosity enough to coagulate the suspension is achieved by adding magnesium citrate and glycerol diacetate. Hydrolysis of glycerol diacetate shifts the suspension to lower pH which promotes the decomposition of magnesium citrate and contributes enough magnesium ions to coagulate the suspension. Coagulated samples with different shapes can be demolded without deformation by treating 55 vol% alumina suspension with 2 vol% glycerol diacetate and 0.5–1.2 wt% magnesium citrate at room temperature for 2.5–6 h. Dense alumina ceramics with relative density above 99.5 % can be prepared by DCC-HVCI using magnesium citrate as coagulating agent with glycerol diacetate as pH regulator sintered at 1550 °C for 2 h.     

Polyethyleneimine functionalised nanocarbons for the efficient adsorption ofcarbon dioxide with a low temperature of regeneration

Polyethyleneimine (PEI) conjugates with a range of nanocarbons (NCs) have been prepared, and their performances with regard to carbon dioxide absorption and liberation are compared. PEI-functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes (PEI-MWNTs) prepared by the reaction of branched PEI (25,000 Da) with F-MWNTs in the presence of pyridine, showed a lower CO₂ capacity at 25 °C (5 wt%, 1.1 mmol CO₂/g adsorbent) as compared to PEI-SWNTs (9.2 wt%, 2.1 mmol CO₂/g adsorbent), consistent with the interior layers of the MWNTs adding weight to the base NC without adding functionality. PEI-functionalised graphite/graphene was prepared by three routes: fluorinated graphite intercalation compounds, prepared from natural graphite powder, were reacted with PEI in EtOH with pyridine; exfoliated natural graphite powder was reacted with Boc–Phe(4-N₃)–OH, and subsequently PEI to give PEI-Phe(4-N-G); graphite oxide (GO) was reacted with PEI in the presence of NEt₃ to give PEI-GO. The CO₂ capacity of PEI-GO at 25 °C (8 wt%, 1.8 mmol CO₂/g adsorbent) was comparable to that of PEI-SWNTs making GO a valid and cheaper alternative to the SWNT scaffold. The temperature of CO₂ desorption of the PEI-NCs was 75 °C, providing a lower energy load for regeneration compared to current amine-based scrubbing units. The rate of CO₂ uptake is seen to depend on the curvature of the NC substrate.     

Carbon fibers modified with carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes were used to modify a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymer solution before the manufacture of the carbon fiber precursor. The modified PAN fibers were spun from a dimethylformamide solution containing a small amount of single-walled carbon nanotubes. The fibers were characterized by thermogravimetry and optical and scanning electron microscopy. Structure, morphology, and selected properties of the composite polymeric fibers and the fibers after carbonization are characterized. The mechanical properties of the fibers are examined. It is found that nanotubes in the PAN solution have a strong tendency to form agglomerates that inhibit suitable macromolecular chain orientation of the carbon fiber precursor. Fibers manufactured from such a solution have similar mechanical properties to those from a pure PAN precursor, and after carbonization the resultant carbon fibers are very weak. A comparison of pure carbon fibers and those containing nanotubes reveals slight differences in their structural ordering.     

Effect of microwave irradiation on carbon fiber/epoxy resin composite fabricated by vacuum assisted resin transfer molding

The effects of microwave irradiation for resin-curing of carbon fiber/epoxy resin composite (CFRTS), which was fabricated by vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) method, were investigated at 2.45 GHz frequency. The mechanical properties of CFRTS cured by microwave irradiation for 20 min at 120 °C were similar as compared to the conventional oven for 300 min at 120 °C. Moreover, the CFRTS irradiated by microwave had better adherence property between fiber and resin as compared to conventional oven at same resin-curing time. From the relation between resin-curing and mechanical property, it was found that the curing rate of microwave-irradiated CFRTS was 15 times faster as compared to conventional heating. Furthermore, the activation energies for resin-curing reaction on conventional- and microwave-cured CFRTS were estimated to be 2.7 and 1.3 × 10⁴ J/mol, respectively. The resin-curing reaction in CFRTS prepared by VARTM method was significantly promoted by microwave irradiation at short time.     

Sisal fiber-reinforced cement composite with Portland cement substitution by a combination of metakaolin and nanoclay

This paper reports the partial replacement of Portland cement (PC) by combination of metakaolin (MK) and nanoclay (NC) in sisal fiber-reinforced cement composites by studying the microstructure, mechanical behavior, and the interfacial properties between fiber and cement matrices. The mechanical properties of cement matrix and natural fiber-reinforced composites are studied using compressive strength development and flexural behavior, respectively. The tensile behavior of the natural fiber was also investigated and analyzed by Weibull distribution model. The characteristics of hydration products were analyzed by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetry analysis. Our results show that the combination of MK and NC can improve the hydration of cement more effectively, with better microstructure and enhanced mechanical properties, than mixes without them. The calcium hydroxide (CH) contents of matrixes with 50 wt% combined substitutions, containing 1, 3, and 5 wt% of nanoclay, were 58.12, 60.16, and 64.25 % less than that of PC, respectively. The ettringite phase is also effectively removed due to the substitution of MK and NC, which improve both Al/Ca and Si/Ca ratios of calcium silicate hydrates (C–S–H) due to the high content of SiO₂ and Al₂O₃. The interfacial bond between fiber and cement matrix and flexural properties of sisal fiber-reinforced cement composites are also significantly improved. The optimum interface adhesion between sisal fiber and matrix was achieved by replacing cement by 27 % MK and 3 % NC, which increased the bond strength and pull-out energy by 131.46 and 196.35 %, respectively.     

超高分子量聚丙烯腈在碳纤维原丝上的应用及拉伸行为研究进展

超高分子量聚丙烯腈(UHMWPAN)由于结晶度高、分子链结构规整、端基少,成纤后的缺陷也少,因此在制备高强度聚丙烯腈原丝以及高强度碳纤维方面有着重要的应用。文中介绍了用高相对分子质量(340万占3%,34万占97%的)的聚丙烯腈树脂进行溶液纺丝并制备碳纤维原丝以及碳纤维的工艺,并重点介绍了超高分子量聚丙烯腈凝胶膜的拉伸性能、超高分子量聚丙烯腈溶液的流变性能等。流变学研究表明,随着PAN相对分子质量的增大,纺丝液的黏度也会剧增,造成溶液的纺丝过程变得愈加困难。提高UHMWPAN纺丝液的温度,能有效减低溶液纺丝时的阻力。因此,开发UHMWPAN高温纺丝技术可能是未来高强度碳纤维原丝的发展方向。     

Synthesis,characterization, and ceramic conversion of a liquid polymeric precursor to SiBCN ceramic via borazine-modified polymethylsilane

A liquid polymeric precursor to SiBCN ceramics was synthesized via dehydrogenation of polymethylsilane and borazine. The resulting precursor, its ceramic conversion, and its pyrolytic products were investigated via viscosity testing, gel permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that Si–H bonds in polymethylsilane react with N–H or B–H bonds in borazine to form a cross-linked polymer with a viscosity of 850 mPa s. The ceramic yield of the precursor is 89 wt% after treatment at up to 1000 °C. This is 51 wt% higher than the original polymethylsilane. The polymer-ceramic conversion is complete at 800 °C and further heating at 1200 °C induces partial crystallization, which forms β-SiC crystals. The final pyrolytic product is composed of β-SiC and Si₃N₄ crystals after heat treatment at 1600 °C. The introduction of boron into the ceramic can inhibit the growth of β-SiC crystals and improve densification of the ceramic products, thus aiding the high-temperature properties of the final products. Its appropriate viscosity, good thermal curability, and high ceramic yield make this precursor appropriate for use in preparation of high-performance SiBNC ceramics for high-temperature applications.     

Novel carbon felt composites with pyrocarbon deposited on carbon fiber: Hierarchical microstructure for improved phenol-adsorption

Carbon felt composites were prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method using Ni(NO₃)₂ as a catalyst and methane as a pyrocarbon precursor. The pyrocarbon which has been deposited on fiber surface increased gradually with increase in deposition temperature. Besides, the surface of the deposited pyrocarbon was seen to contain many micropores. The phenol-adsorption capability evaluation of the composites showed that the adsorption equilibrium was achieved in 90 min, and the maximum adsorption quantity reached was 13.37 mg/g. The Langmuir isotherm model was preferred in fitting the adsorption data compared with the Freundilch isotherm model. The theoretical maximum adsorption was calculated to be 17.45 mg/g. At pH = 5, the adsorption quantity was a minimum of 10.66 mg/g. Moreover, the phenol-adsorption quantity increased with increasing deposition temperature. The adsorption quantity on carbon felt composites without pyrolytic carbon deposition was minimum, being 9.11 mg/g, while that of carbon fiber produced at 950°C reached the maximum of 13.37 mg/g.     

The effect of heat treatment temperature and time on the microstructure and mechanical properties of PAN-based carbon fibers

The influence of heat treatment temperature from 1400 to 2840 °C and time from 1.2 to 12.0 min on the structure and mechanical properties of polyacrylonitrile carbon fibers was studied. It was observed that the Young’s modulus increased with increasing temperature and time, but the tensile strength exhibited different variation trends with the different processing methods. For a fixed time of 1.2 min, the strength dropped from 4.6 GPa at 1400 °C to 2.6 GPa at 2840 °C, (~43.5 %) as opposed to a 63.9 % increase in Young’s modulus. However, when the treatment time was increased to 6.0 min at 2500 °C, the tensile strength decreased only by 1.9 %, from 3.71 to 3.64 GPa, versus a nearly 20.0 % increase in Young’s modulus. The same situation was found for treatment at 2000 and 2700 °C. Raman spectroscopy and uniform stress model analysis show that the degree of covalent cross-linking between the graphene planes decreased as temperature increased, while it remained almost constant as treatment time was increased. It is believed that during heat treatment of a carbon fiber, the cross-linking collapses at the beginning but the crystalline size keeps growing with prolonging time, so the tensile strength decreases little with further heat treatment while tensile modulus keeps increasing.     

Hydrogen production of nickel–scandia-stabilized zirconia and copper/nickel–scandia-stabilized zirconia catalysts through steam methane reforming for solid oxide fuel cell operation

In this study, the catalytic activities of the steam methane reforming (SMR) reactions with two catalysts, including nickel–scandia-stabilized zirconia (Ni–SSZ) and copper/nickel–scandia-stabilized zirconia (Cu/Ni–SSZ), were examined and compared. The microstructure and crystallinity of the as-prepared catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Mass spectrometer was applied in the outlet streams, in order to simultaneously monitor the time-dependent kinetics in the reactor for an activity test and conversion examination. Finally, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Raman spectrometer were implemented for further verification of carbon residuals on the catalysts. It was found that the incorporation of Cu on Ni–SSZ imposed significant constraints on the growth of nickel crystallites from NiO during the annealing process in reducing atmospheres. The methane conversion of Ni–SSZ and Cu/Ni–SSZ catalysts (annealed at 300 °C for 2 h) was 36.2 and 26.0%, respectively. However, the amount of carbon residuals on Cu/Ni–SSZ catalyst (300 °C for 2 h) was 18.6%, which is lower than that of the Ni–SSZ catalysts (33.2%) from TGA results. Further Raman experiments revealed that more graphite-like carbon residuals and less defects or amorphous carbons (I_G/I_D?=?2.0) were found in the case of Cu/Ni–SSZ catalysts (300 °C for 2 h). Among the catalysts in this study, the Cu/Ni–SSZ catalyst (300 °C for 2 h) is considered as a promising catalyst for SMR reaction, since it has a fair methane conversion, and characterized higher CO₂ selectivity and lower CO selectivity without compromising the hydrogen purity. More importantly, the least amount of carbon residuals was found in Cu/Ni–SSZ catalyst (300 °C for 2 h), which assured a better lifetime.     

Effects of particle size and carbon coating on electrochemical properties of LiFePO4/C prepared by hydrothermal method

In this study, well-crystallized phase pure LiFePO₄/C (LFP/C) powders were synthesized using the hydrothermal reaction method. To improve the electronic conductivity of the LFP/C powder after ball-milling, the LFP/C powders were double-coated with carbon. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were employed to observe the micromorphology of the samples and the carbon coating, which was analyzed using Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, the electrochemical properties were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectra, and the charge–discharge cycling test. The ball-mill and the process for double-coating carbon decrease the particle size and increase the conductivity of the LFP/C, thereby reducing the Li-ion diffusion length and improving the reversibility of the Li-ion intercalation/de-intercalation in the LFP/C crystallites. The capacity of the small-particle LFP/C with the double-layer carbon coating was 133 mAh/g at 0.1 °C, and remained at 83 mAh/g as the charge–discharge rate increased to 10 °C. In addition, good cycle stability was observed, with a retention rate of 98 % after 50 cycles at 1 °C.