Multifunctional Electroactive Nanocomposites Based on Piezoelectric Boron Nitride Nanotubes
Jin Ho Kang1, Godfrey Sauti1, Cheol Park2
1National Institute of Aerospace , Hampton, Virginia 23666, United States.
ACS Nano
|November 4, 2015
Summary
Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) show promise for space missions, exhibiting significant electroactive properties in novel nanocomposites. Aligning BNNTs dramatically enhances these characteristics, making them suitable for extreme environments.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Aerospace Engineering
Background:
- Space exploration demands materials stable in extreme conditions like high thermal fluctuation, atomic oxygen, and ionizing radiation.
- Conventional electroactive materials face limitations in these harsh space environments.
- Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) offer theoretical advantages including high-temperature stability, strength, and radiation shielding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate the electroactive characteristics of BNNTs in multifunctional nanocomposites.
- To assess the potential of BNNT-based materials for space applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 2 wt % BNNT/polyimide nanocomposites.
- Characterization of electroactive strain under an external electric field.
- Alignment of BNNTs within the polyimide matrix via stretching.
- Development and testing of an all-nanotube actuator using BNNT and single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) buckypapers.
Main Results:
- The 2 wt % BNNT/polyimide composite exhibited electroactive strain from both piezoelectric and electrostrictive effects.
- Stretching the composite to align BNNTs increased electroactive characteristics by approximately 460%.
- An all-nanotube actuator demonstrated significantly enhanced electroactive properties.
Conclusions:
- BNNT-based nanocomposites possess substantial electroactive characteristics suitable for demanding applications.
- BNNT alignment is a critical factor in maximizing electroactive performance.
- These materials also offer neutron radiation shielding and desirable optical properties, making them ideal for space exploration.
