Posts Tagged ‘Composites’

Polymer Carbon Nanotube Composites: The Polymer Latex Concept

Product Description
This book provides readers with a comprehensive toolbox for dispersing single-walled and multiwalled carbon nanotubes in thermoplastic polymer matrices. The book starts with an overview of all known techniques for dispersing CNTs in thermoplastic polymers and then concentrates on one of the most versatile techniques known nowadays: the so-called latex technology. Also discussed are the basic principles of this latex technology, the role of the matrix viscosity on pe… More >>

Polymer Carbon Nanotube Composites: The Polymer Latex Concept

Carbon Nanotubes Processing for Polymer Composites

For all the following methods it must be noticed that during the composite Processing, detestable dispersions of Carbon Nanotubes are obtained and it is very critical to prevent reaggregation after the initial dispersion has been achieved. This is less of an issue when surface modified tubes are employed, Since the dispersion is stabilized by short-range repulsion potentials due to either charge or satiric effects. However, as it is well known from colloidal science, that long-term stability is a real challenge. When dispersion is achieved using pristine tubes, no specific stabilization mechanisms are present and reaggregation rate depends on the viscosity of the suspending medium. The only practical method to prevent re-aggregation is by “freezing” the tubes in their position by either chemical cross linking of the matrix or by bringing the polymer below its glass transition temperature.

Perhaps the most common method for preparing CNT/polymer composites has been from solution, since it facilitates Nanotubes dispersion. Both organic solvents and water have been used to produce CNT/polymer composites. First, the Nanotubes are dispersed in the solvent via energetic agitation (magnetic or mechanic stirring, reflux or sonication). This step requires the employment of surface modified Nanotubes (either covalent or non-covalent) in order to achieve a metastable dispersion. Once the Nanotubes are dispersed in the solvent, the polymer, which was previously dissolved in the same solvent, is added to the dispersion so that the polymer chains intercalate between the tubes. The last step consists in removing the solvent by evaporation.

While solution processing is a valuable technique for both Nanotubes dispersion and composite formation, it is less suitable for industrial scale processes, where melt processing is preferred because of its speed and simplicity. In this case, the strategy consists in blending a molten thermoplastic with the Carbon Nanotubes in order to optimize the polymer-Nanotubes interactions and form a Nano composite. The polymer chains experience a dramatic loss of conformational entropy during the process. The proposed driving force for this mechanism is the important enthalpy contribution of the polymernanotube interactions during the blending step.

Making better batteries with metal oxide & graphene composites

This paper was one of the top cited articles in the journal ACS Nano in 2010. Learn how PNNL and Princeton scientists create better materials for batteries, materials that assemble on their own into durable nanocomposites.

Thermwood Corporation – 5 Axis cnc machine routing fiberglass and composites

This is a demonstration of several types of Thermwoods machining fiberglass and composite materials. Video used at the Sampe Composite Show.

Vacuum infusion process by Fibermax Composites

This is a vacuum infusion process by FIBERMAX COMPOSITES. FIBERMAX COMPOSITES is a leading supplier of specialty composite materials. Our range of high performance products enables our customers to achieve “the impossible” for conventional materials and build a host of exciting structures, from energy harvesting wind turbines to award winning race cars. We are driven by our commitment to continually improve in all areas of our work. We aim to ensure our clients receive materials, information and training that exceed their needs. The inevitable result of our efforts is customer satisfaction. We believe that products should come with free, long term technical support, and this support is one of our company’s objectives. We offer assistance to our clients ranging from support over the telephone to on site visits. This way, we get involved in production problems everyday. Our customers take full advantage of that and enjoy our versatile technical consulting (on site visits are subject to minimum order levels.) Together, we put down knowledge and know-how, skills and practical experience, and work out composite solutions for a better product, shorter manufacturing timecycles and lower cost. Browsing this site you will be informed about most of our products and services. Custom-made products can be manufactured upon request. For more information please visit us at www.fibermaxcomposites.com