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Manufacturing of Three-dimensionally Microstructured Nanocomposites through Microfluidic Infiltration
Published on: March 12, 2014
Capillary effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes suspension in composite processing
1Department of Mechanical Engineering and Center for Composite Materials, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
|June 25, 2008
Summary
Integrating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) into epoxy composites can enhance strength, but uniform infusion into fiber preforms is challenging. Higher MWNT concentrations (>0.5%) and compacted fiber bundles hinder uniform suspension infusion, requiring new manufacturing techniques.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Composite Materials
Background:
- Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offer potential for improving composite properties, specifically interlaminar shear strength (ILSS).
- Successful integration of CNTs into the matrix during infusion is crucial for realizing these enhancements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the infusion of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWNT)/Epoxy suspensions into glass fiber bundles.
- To explore the influence of various parameters on the infusion process and identify challenges for nanocomposite fabrication.
Main Methods:
- Studied the capillary action infusion of MWNT/Epoxy suspensions into glass fiber bundles with controlled pore sizes.
- Investigated the effects of suspension concentration, viscosity, porous media architecture, surface tension, and contact angle.
Main Results:
- Uniform infusion of MWNT/Epoxy suspensions becomes challenging at concentrations exceeding 0.5% MWNT by weight due to filtering issues.
- Compacted fiber bundles further exacerbate infusion difficulties, impacting the uniform distribution of nanotubes.
- Key parameters influencing infusion include suspension properties and the porous structure of the fiber preform.
Conclusions:
- Achieving uniform CNT dispersion is a significant hurdle for manufacturing CNT-reinforced composites via standard infusion methods.
- Development of novel infusion techniques utilizing highly permeable fabrics is necessary for successful fabrication of these advanced nanocomposites.
