Rangari V.K., Hassan T.A., Mayo T. Watson Q., Jeelani S.
Tuskegee University, US
Keywords: epoxy, nanocomposites foam, sonochemical, TiC
Summary • Sonochemical method has been developed to coat nanoparticles on expandable polymeric microspheres. • n-Hexane is used as a solvent and proved to be a suitable solvent for sonochemical coating of nanoparticles on these expandable microspheres as compared to the primary alcohols. • The as-coated TiC expancel microspheres expanded freely without any applied force in an open container and developed a method to mix uniformly in the epoxy. Optimal loading of 1wt % of expanded foam in the epoxy was achieved. The reduced compression properties of these materials were compared with neat foam and epoxy. • Improved thermal and mechanical properties are observed for nanocomposites with 1 wt% TiC infusion over their neat counterparts. For example, the structural decomposition temperature and Tg increased by 17°C and5oC, respectively. In case of mechanical properties, compressive strength and modulus increased by 80% and 30% respectibely.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 4, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 4
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 498 - 501
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topics: Advanced Manufacturing, Nanoelectronics
ISBN: 1-4200-6376-6