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

该研究旨在开发一种新的连续超声工艺，用于碳纳米管和碳纳米管在聚合物中的快速分散（数量级为秒）。该工艺旨在取代目前使用的低效率技术，该技术需要长时间超声波照射（分钟和小时）的多步骤间歇溶液工艺，然后去除溶剂。预计聚合物与单个CNT和CNF之间更好的分散和更强的相互作用将产生具有显著增强性能的纳米复合材料，包括强度，模量，导电性，渗透率，热阻和热变形温度。还将通过确定加工过程中碳纳米管和碳纳米管在空气中释放的潜力来评估该技术的环境影响。模型，机制和处理参数相关的碳纳米管和CNF的束在聚合物中的破裂将被确定。这将提供科学基础，并阐明控制制备一类新型轻质高性能材料的现象，这些材料专门设计用于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CNF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增加的有效载荷。研究成果将用于教育学生，并在各种工业应用中实施轻质高性能复合材料。该研究将为纳米复合材料在工程应用中的广泛应用迈出重要的一步。

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.