Processing of single walled carbon nanotubes for nanocomposites.

An existing electric arc discharge (EAD) apparatus was found to produce only small quantities of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT), therefore an in depth evaluation of the various parameters was performed in order to optimize the SWNT yield. A systematic study on the current applied (48-116 A) and morphology of the arc during EAD experiments was performed, a study of this type has not been previously reported in literature. Our findings include that the current being applied to the electrodes, as controlled by a commercial software program, was ∼ 20 A lower than expected. Currents in the range of 70-90 A appear to be optimal for this EAD system as the yield of SWNT is consistent with commercially produced SWNT also fabricated with an EAD system. During the experiments, the current was not constant, but fluctuated over a range of values, 7-20 A ranges were not uncommon. Concurrently, the gap between the electrodes was also non-constant, a gap of less than 1 mm or contact as the anode stabs the cathode was witnessed. Subsequent analysis of the yield of SVVNT, as a function of the current as well as the physical location in the EAD chamber where the yield was greatest, was performed with simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis. Significant differences in the concentration of metal catalysts used to fabricate the SWNT were observed between sample areas in the chamber. Moreover, an anomalous peak was observed in the differential thermal analysis trace between the 350-400°C. Subsequent analysis of relevant constituent materials was investigated to identify the cause of this anomaly. Static and dynamic mechanical analysis was performed on highly drawn fibers of neat polystyrene and its composites containing 0.3 wt.% of a commercial SWNT containing soot. Though the dynamic and static measurements of fibers in the 130-150 mum did not show improvement with the addition of the filler, composite fibers of 20-50 mum were statistically higher in strain to break over the neat fibers. Moreover, these composite fibers had a ten-fold higher strain to break than those in the 130-150 mum.PhDApplied SciencesMaterials scienceUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/126466/2/3253314.pd