Effects of multiwall carbon nanotubes on the mechanical properties of carbon-reinforced cyanate ester composites

Simple item page
dc.contributor.advisorTate, Jitendra S.
dc.contributor.authorAlvarez, Andres
dc.contributor.committeeMemberSriraman, Vedaraman
dc.contributor.committeeMemberKoo, Joseph H.
dc.date.accessioned2014-12-05T18:50:40Z
dc.date.available2014-12-05T18:50:40Z
dc.date.issued2014-12
dc.description.abstractCurrent applications within areas such as electronics, military, and aerospace are demanding for lightweight and high-performing composite systems. More specifically, thermosetting formulations with minimal hazardous emissions that are used for high- temperature applications are in high demand. Cyanate ester resin (CE) has a high glass transition temperature (Tg, as high as 350ºC), excellent flammability, thermal stability, mechanical properties, and it does not release harmful volatiles during the cure process. Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) can offer excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, structural strength and stiffness, and thermal stability. The enhancement of the resin’s properties is highly dependent on the qualitative and quantitative dispersion of MWCNT. In this research, CE was blended with MWCNT (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% by weight) using a combination of a Planetary Centrifugal Mixer (THINKY™) and a Stand Mixer. In order to improve dispersion, MWCNTs were processed with ceramic beads using the THINKY™ mixer to break-up the entangled nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed to evaluate separation of MWCNT entanglements. Carbon fiber-reinforced nanomodified cyanate ester composite panels were manufactured using a wet layup process followed by compression molding. Mechanical tests were then performed to evaluate tensile strength and modulus, flexural strength and modulus, compressive strength and modulus, and short-beam shear strength. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to study the four different formulations thermal stability in both air and nitrogen. Lastly, the flammability properties were also analyzed with micro combustion calorimetry (MCC). Results were compared with control samples showing a positive effect of MWCNT on the final properties of carbon- reinforced cyanate ester composites.
dc.description.departmentEngineering Technology
dc.formatText
dc.format.extent73 pages
dc.format.medium1 file (.pdf)
dc.identifier.citationAlvarez, A. (2014). <i>Effects of multiwall carbon nanotubes on the mechanical properties of carbon-reinforced cyanate ester composites</i> (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10877/5367
dc.language.isoen
dc.subjectNanocomposites
dc.subjectComposites
dc.subjectNanotechnology
dc.subjectNanoparticles
dc.subjectMWCNT
dc.subjectCyanate
dc.subjectEster
dc.subjectResin
dc.subjectCarbon
dc.subjectFiber
dc.subjectMechanical
dc.subjectTGA
dc.subjectMCC
dc.subject.lcshCarbon nanotubesen_US
dc.subject.lcshCarbon compositesen_US
dc.subject.lcshCyanatesen_US
dc.titleEffects of multiwall carbon nanotubes on the mechanical properties of carbon-reinforced cyanate ester composites
dc.typeThesis
thesis.degree.departmentEngineering Technology
thesis.degree.disciplineIndustrial Technology
thesis.degree.grantorTexas State University
thesis.degree.levelMasters
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Science

Files

Original bundle

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
ALVAREZANDRADE-THESIS-2014.pdf
Size:
3.12 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Download

License bundle

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
LICENSE.txt
Size:
2.14 KB
Format:
Plain Text
Description:
Download

Collections

Graduate Theses and Dissertations