Abstract
Properties of carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer composites have been under intense investigation because of the remarkable physical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as reinforcing additives. The pursuit of well-dispersed CNTs in a polymer matrix is among the challenges that still hinder the development of high-performance multiscale composites. This study investigates the rheological behaviors of CNT/polymer suspensions. Shear-thinning was observed in CNT/polymer suspensions. This study indicated that the percolated structure is generated due to the high aspect ratio and surface area of CNTs. The effects of CNT concentrations on the viscosity, first normal stress and modulus were revealed. Both the inertial and visco-elastic effects were examined. The rheological threshold coincides with the threshold of the conductivity percolation. This revealed the interconnectivity of the CNTs resulting from the rheological response. The results provided a better understanding of CNT behavior in the polymer for process design and optimization for CNT-reinforced polymer composite fabrication.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | International SAMPE Symposium and Exhibition (Proceedings) |
| Volume | 52 |
| State | Published - 2008 |
| Event | SAMPE 2008 - 52nd International SAMPE Symposium - Material and Process Innovations: Changing our World - Long Beach, CA, United States Duration: May 18 2008 → May 22 2008 |
Keywords
- Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)
- Dispersion
- Electrical conductivity
- Rheological behavior