Theoretical and Experimental Studies of Novel Process for Compounding of Carbon Nanotubes and Nanofibers in Polymer Melts

本研究旨在开发一种新的连续超声工艺来实现碳纳米管和碳纳米纤维在聚合物中的快速分散(秒量级)。该工艺旨在取代目前使用的效率低下的技术，该技术要求用长时间的超声波照射(几分钟和几小时)然后去除溶剂来进行多步骤间歇溶解过程。预计聚合物与单个CNT和CNF之间更好的分散性和更强的相互作用将产生具有显著增强的性能的纳米复合材料，包括强度、弹性系数、导电性、渗透性、热阻和热变形温度。该技术的环境影响还将通过测定加工过程中碳纳米管和碳纳米纤维在空气中的释放潜力进行评估。将确定与碳纳米管和碳纳米纤维在聚合物中的束状分解有关的模型、机理和工艺参数。这将为新型轻质高性能材料的制备提供科学依据和解释现象，这种材料专门设计成具有独特和前所未有的性能组合。新材料将在各种民用、军事、航空航天、电子和生物医学应用中发挥作用。含有碳纳米管和碳纳米纤维的轻质纳米复合材料旨在用于航空航天和军事领域，使它们能够实现更高的速度和更大的有效载荷。研究成果将用于教育学生，并在使用轻质高性能复合材料的各种工业应用中实施。这项研究将是朝着在工程应用中广泛接受纳米复合材料迈出的重要一步。

The research is aimed at developing a novel continuous ultrasonic process for fast (order of seconds) dispersion of CNTs and CNFs in polymers. The process is intended to replace the currently used inefficient technology requiring a multi-step batch solution process with prolonged ultrasonic irradiation (minutes and hours) followed by the removal of solvent. It is expected that better dispersion and stronger interaction between the polymer and the individual CNT's and CNF's will produce nanocomposites with significantly enhanced properties including strength, modulus, electrical conductivity, permeability, thermal resistance, and heat distortion temperature. Environmental impact of the technology will be also evaluated by determining potentials for airborne release of CNTs and CNFs during processing.The model, mechanisms and processing parameters associated with the break up of bundles of CNT's and CNF's in polymers will be identified. This will provide a scientific basis and elucidate the phenomena governing the preparation of a new class of light weight high performance materials specifically designed to have a unique and unprecedented combination of properties. New materials will be useful in a variety of civil, military, aerospace, electronic and biomedical applications. The light weight nanocomposites containing CNT's and CNF's are intended for use in the field of aerospace and military allowing them to achieve higher speeds and increased payloads. The research results will be used to educate students and implemented in various industrial applications where light weight high performance composites are utilized. The research will be a significant step towards a wide acceptance of nanocomposites in engineering applications.