PHYS 492 |
| Modifying conventional fiber reinforced composites (FRCs) with a nanophased polymer matrix result in the emergence of a hybrid composite material termed multiscale fiber-reinforced composites (M-FRCs). The current research addresses carbon nanofiber (CNF) surface modification, carbon nanofiber/epoxy polymer matrix (CNF/PNC) development and M-FRC fabrication. Vacuum assisted resin infusion molding (VARIM) is used to produce M-FRC. Flexural, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and thermomechanical tests are presented for the 0.1 and 1 wt% M-FRCs and compared with the neat FRCs. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the M-FRC samples were higher than the neat FRC. Coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) properties of the M-FRC samples were lower than the neat FRC. Flexural strength and modulus increased (16-20%) and (23-26%), respectively. ILSS properties increased (6-25%). The improved Tg and CTE properties in the M-FRC samples are believed to be due to synergistic interactions between the CNF/PNC nanophased matrix and glass-fiber interactions. |
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PHYS Poster Session - Nanostructured Materials and Nanophotonics
7:30 PM-10:00 PM, Wednesday, April 9, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster
Division of Physical Chemistry |