Carbon nanotube-reinforced composites structure

Carbon nanotubes can be used in reinforcing polymer matrix composites in two ways a) as the sole reinforcing phase (CNTRP), or b) as an additional reinforcing phase in conjunction with carbon fibers (CF+CNT) in a hybrid composite. Carbon nanotubes reinforced plastics (CNTRP) can be prepared by several methods, as described in section 15.1.3. Both CFRP and CNTRP composite structures can be joined using structural adhesives but machining and drilling are difficult as a result of the widely different properties of their constituents. 

Shokrieh, M. M. and Rafiee, R., Investigation of nanotube length effect on the reinforcement efficiency in carbon nanotube based composites. Composite Structures, 92, 2415-2420 (2010). 

Tserpes, K. I. and Chanteli, A. Parametric numerical evaluation of the effective elastic properties of carbon nanotube-reinforced polymers. Composite Structures, 99, 366-374 (2013). 

AyatoUahi, M. R., Shadlou, S., and Shokrieh, M. M., Multiscale modeling for mechanical properties of carbon nanotube reinforced nanocomposites subjected to different types of loading. Composite Structures, 93, 2250-2259 (2011). 

Gao, X. L. and Li, K. A shear-lag model for carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer composites. International Journal of Solids and Structures 2005 42 1649-67. 

The recent work of Kim et al. [96] discloses the structure and the electrical properties of PPTA/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) composites obtained by in situ polymerization. These composites exhibited improved electrical conductivity. Ground PPTA/MWCN particles were shown to behave as electrorheological (ER) material. It seems that preparing of such less usual all-aramid composites or using PPTA as matrix to be reinforced by CNT may be an interesting pathway toward composite materials, requiring, however, improved manufacturing processes. 

The importance of promoting better knowledge in the field of polymer composites is demonstrated by the contents of this volume, which contains 18 Independent chapters. The first part of this volume deals with the topic of structure and properties of polymer nanocomposites. In Chapter 1, Schulte et al. review the state of the art of carbon nanotube-reinforced polymers. The opportunity to apply carbon nanotubes as a filler for polymers and the improvement of the mechanical and functional properties are discussed. The application of non-layered nanoparticles in polymer modification is described by M. Q. Zhang et al. in Chapter 2. A grafting polymerization technique is applied to inorganic nanoparticles, which helps to provide the composites with balanced performance. Chapter 3, authored... 

Koratkar, N., Wei, B., Ajayan, P. - Multifunctional structural reinforcement featuring carbon nanotube film . Composites Sci. Technol. 63 (2003) 1525-1531 Binnott, S., Shenderova, O., White, C., Brenner, D. - Mechanical properties of nanotubule fibres and composites determined from theoretical calculations and simulations , PH 80008-6223(97)00144-9... 

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Kuzumaki T, Hayashi T, Ichinose H, Miyazawa K, Ito K and Ishida Y, Structure and deformation behaviour of carbon nanotubes reinforced nanocrystalUne Ceo composite , J Jpn Inst Met, 1997 61(4) 319-325. 

Ning, J., Zhang, J., Pan, Y. and Guo, J., Fabrication and mechanical properties of Si02 matrix composites reinforced by carbon nanotube , Materials Science and Engineering, A Structural Materials Properties, Microstructure and Processing, 2003, A357, 392-396. 

Lau, K.T., Hui, D., Effectiveness of using carbon nanotubes as nano-reinforcements for advanced composite structures, Carbon, 40, 2002, 1597-1617. 

Poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA) is a semi-crystalline polymer, which is already widely used for various applications, either under the form of films or fibers. Compared to other polymers, as it is water-soluble at high temperature, it is easy to process from aqueous solutions. Carbon nanotubes can also be dispersed or solubilized in water via different functionalization approaches. It was quite natural for researchers to try to mix carbon nanotubes and PVA to improve the properties of the neat polymer. In this chapter, we will first examine the different methods that have been used to process CNT/PVA composites. The structures and the particular interaction between the polymer and the nanotube surface have been characterized in several works. Then we will consider the composite mechanical properties, which have been extensively investigated in the literature. Despite the number of publications in the field, we will see that a lot of work is still to be done for achieving the most of the exceptional reinforcement potential of carbon nanotubes. 

The extraordinary mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNT) have prompted intense research into a wide range of applications in structural materials, electronics, and chemical processing.Attempts have been made to develop advanced engineering materials with improved or novel properties through the incorporation of carbon nanotubes in selected matrices (polymers, metals and ceramics). But the use of carbon nanotubes to reinforce ceramic composites has not been very successful. So far, only modest improvements of properties were reported in CNTs reinforced silicon carbide and silicon nitride matrix composites, while a noticeable increase of the fracture toughness and of electrical conductivity has been achieved in CNTs reinforced alumina matrix composites. ... 

Carbon-based polymer nano composites represent an interesting type of advanced materials with structural characteristics that allow them to be applied in a variety of fields. Functionalization of carbon nanomaterials provides homogeneous dispersion and strong interfacial interaction when they are incorporated into polymer matrices. These features confer superior properties to the polymer nanocomposites. This chapter focuses on nanodiamonds, carbon nanotubes and graphene due to their importance as reinforcement fillers in polymer nanocomposites. The most common methods of synthesis and functionalization of these carbon nanomaterials are explained and different techniques of nanocomposite preparation are briefly described. The performance achieved in polymers by the introduction of carbon nanofillers in the mechanical and tribological properties is highlighted, and the hardness and scratching behavior of the nanocomposites are also discussed. 

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