Ultrahigh Loading of DWNTs for Advanced Composites

This proposal seeks to develop advanced Polymer Matrix Composites (PMCs) with ultrahigh loading of carbon nanotubes through a fundamental understanding and overcoming of impediments to their manufacture. On the base of theoretical analysis and experimental investigation of the main obstacles to achieving ultrahigh CNT loading, known from literature and MER’s practice in the area, we intend to create structural PMCs that will far surpass in desirable properties the presently achieved level and maximally utilize the great potential of nanotubes as reinforcement. This will be done by implementing the innovative technologies for incorporating very high loading ratios of double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWNTs) in polymer matrices that are already under intense development at MER Corporation and by investigating a set of new approaches to the synthesis, post processing, modification and dispersion of MER’s ultralong DWNTs that will lead to their most effective utilization at that level of ultrahigh loading and by confirming their capability to provide exceptionally high mechanical properties to PMCs.