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Strain Sensing Based on Multiscale Composite Materials Reinforced with Graphene Nanoplatelets
Published on: November 7, 2016
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Thermal Diffusivity Mapping of Graphene Based Polymer Nanocomposites.
Matthieu Gresil1,2, Zixin Wang3, Quentin-Arthur Poutrel3,4
1i-Composites lab, School of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester, 79 Sackville street, M1 3NJ, UK. matthieu.gresil@manchester.ac.uk.
Scientific Reports
|July 19, 2017
Summary
A new infrared thermography method quantitatively measures nanoparticle dispersion in polymer nanocomposites. This technique offers a cost-effective, large-area assessment of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) dispersion, improving material performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Nanoparticle dispersion is crucial for polymer nanocomposite properties but challenging to characterize.
- Traditional methods like transmission electron microscopy are often qualitative and cumbersome.
- Macroscopic-level quantitative dispersion assessment is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a quantitative, non-contact method for characterizing nanoparticle dispersion in polymer nanocomposites.
- To correlate thermal diffusivity measurements with a dispersion index.
- To evaluate the impact of dispersion on thermal properties and composite performance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized non-contact infrared thermography mapping to measure thermal diffusivity (α).
- Developed a quantitative dispersion index based on thermal diffusivity.
- Employed Maxwell-Garnet effective medium approximation to estimate thermal conductivity.
Main Results:
- Established a correlation between thermal diffusivity and nanoparticle dispersion quality.
- Demonstrated a significant improvement in directional thermal conductivity (up to 400%) with optimized graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) dispersion.
- Achieved a resolution of 200 µm per pixel for accurate dispersion mapping.
Conclusions:
- Infrared thermography provides an efficient, cost-effective method for quantitative dispersion characterization over large areas.
- Improved GNP dispersion significantly enhances the thermal conductivity of polymer nanocomposites.
- This method aids in understanding reinforcement mechanisms and optimizing large-scale composite structures.
