Hossain M.E., Hossain M.K., Hossain M.E., Hossain M.K., Hosur M., Jeelani S., Rangari V.
Tuskegee University, US
Keywords: CNF, high strain rate test, SEM, sonication, TEM
A high intensity ultrasonic liquid processor was used to infuse carbon nanofibers (CNFs) into polyester matrix that was then mixed with hardener using a high speed mechanical agitator. The trapped air and reaction volatiles were removed from the mixture using a high vacuum. Dispersion effect on mechanical properties of CNF/polyester was investigated performing sonication dispersion at 60, 90 and 120 minutes, respectively. Quasi-static results show the significant improvement in the dispersion of CNFs in sonication over the mechanical mixing method. Compression tests performed on the unfilled, 0.1 wt. %, 0.2 wt. %, 0.3 wt% and 0.4 wt. % CNF filled polyester, respectively, show increase in modulus and strength with increasing loading percentage of CNFs up to 0.2 wt%. The better dispersion of 0.2 wt% of CNFs into polyester matrix is observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The conventional and CNFs filled glass/polyester composite laminates using 35 plies of woven E-glass were processed with vacuum assistant resin transfer molding (VARTM) and high strain rate compressive behavior of this new material system is currently being studied using a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) setup results of which will be discussed in the full paper.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2010: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites
Published: June 21, 2010
Pages: 95 - 98
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Materials Characterization & Imaging
ISBN: 978-1-4398-3401-5