Ultrahigh Loading of Carbon Nanotubes in Structural Resins for Advanced Composites

Over the past ten years, it has become clear that the high mechanical, thermal and electrical properties inherent to carbon nanotubes are not easily manifested in nanocomposites. The nanoparticle content that can be achieved in epoxy resin is limited to <5 wt% with traditional compounding equipment, due to the exponential increase in viscosity as nanotubes are added. Despite these low contents, significant improvements have been demonstrated for numerous properties. The goal of this project is to develop new methods to incorporate nanotubes at high loadings into nanocomposite resins, based on a scientific analysis of the impediments to the mixing of nanomaterials. NanoLab will team with Dr. Jandro Abot at the University of Cincinnati, to combine our expertise in nanotube synthesis, functionalization, & processing, with Dr. Abot’s expertise and unique equipment for mechanical testing and rheology. In the proposal, we review the geometric arrangement of nanotubes in fluids, and demonstrate that viscosity buildup is unavoidable in turbulent flows. We also propose a number of methods to formulate highly loaded composites, and will screen these in the Phase I effort.