Authors: Wei-Hong Zhong; Jiang Li; Luoyu R. Xu; Jason A. Michel; Lisa M. Sullivan; Charles M. Lukehart

Source: Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Volume 4, Number 7, September 2004 , pp. 794-802(9)

Publisher: American Scientific Publishers

Abstract:

Processing methods have been optimized for the formation of graphitic carbon nanofiber (GCNF)/epoxy nanocomposites containing GCNFs highly dispersed throughout a thermoset epoxy matrix. GCNFs having a herringbone atomic structure are surface-derivatized with bifunctional hexanediamine linker molecules (GCNF-HDA) capable of covalent binding to an epoxy matrix during thermal curing and are cut to smaller dimension using high-power ultrasonication. GCNF-HDA nanofibers are dispersed in epoxy resin at 0.3 wt.% loading using variable levels of ultrasonication processing prior to thermal curing. Effects of sonication power on the quality of the GCNF-HDA/epoxy material obtained after curing have been determined from flexural property measurements, thermomechanical analysis and SEM/TEM imaging. GCNF-HDA/epoxy material of the highest quality is obtained using low-power sonication, although high-power sonication for short periods gives improved flexural properties without lowering the glass transition temperature. Good dispersion and polymer wetting of the GCNF component is evident on the nanoscale.

Keywords: GRAPHITIC CARBON NANOFIBERS (GCNFS); NANOCOMPOSITES; EPOXY RESIN; ULTRASONICATION; FLEXURAL PROPERTY; GLASS TRANSITION TEMPERATURE (TG)

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1166/jnn.2004.096

Publication date: 2004-09-01

More about this publication?

• Journal for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (JNN) is an international and multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journal with a wide-ranging coverage, consolidating research activities in all areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology into a single and unique reference source. JNN is the first cross-disciplinary journal to publish original full research articles, rapid communications of important new scientific and technological findings, timely state-of-the-art reviews with author's photo and short biography, and current research news encompassing the fundamental and applied research in all disciplines of science, engineering and medicine.
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Subscribe to this Title
• Terms & Conditions
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Technology
• By this author: Wei-Hong Zhong ;  Jiang Li ;  Luoyu R. Xu ;  Jason A. Michel ;  Lisa M. Sullivan ;  Charles M. Lukehart

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers