Development of high-performance nanoresins employing graphene nanosheets and carbon nanotubes

M.S. University of Hawaii at Manoa 2012.Includes bibliographical references.Various resin systems are enhanced with several types of nano materials, which include various formulations of graphene nanosheets and carbon nanotubes. These nano materials are used to enhance the mechanical properties of various resin systems. The nano materials are mixed into the resins through a tip sonication process. The specific concentrations of nano materials and specific mixing parameters have resulted in improved strength and fracture toughness of the resin systems. An increase of fracture toughness of 50% has been observed and duplicated with the Epon 828 resin system and graphene nanosheets. A 10% improvement of strength and a 60% improvement of strain-to-failure with the Huntsman LY1564 resin system and graphene nanosheets. The specific enhancements are achieved without degrading other material properties. These high-performance nanoresins are being developed for implementation in renewable energy technologies. Composite wind turbine and wave generation blades are limited in size by current composite technology. Utilizing these nanoresins will allow for lighter, stronger, and tougher blades. Modern aircraft, such as the Boeing 787, utilize composites for a majority of the aircraft's structure. The use of enhanced nanoresins would provide lighter composite structures, while still retaining the same or better performance. This would provide higher fuel efficiency