Fundamental properties of thermoset resin with boron nitride nanotube reinforcement for radiation shielding applications

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT's), like carbon nanotubes (CNT's), have properties beneficial for the application in various fields of science including materials, electronics, and medicine. B10 has one of the largest neutron capture cross sections of any isotope and presents an opportunity to incorporate radiation shielding in composite materials by infusing the matrix with BNNT's. However, due to the challenges in synthesizing quality BNNT's, little research has been done to further the technology. The aim of this research is to: 1) Create theoretical models to substantiate that there is no detrimental effects on the fundamental properties, such as: modulus, strength and glass transition temperature. 2) Acquire structural information on the BNNT's and the resin system infused with BNNT's and 3) Generate experimental data which will verify the computational models. Structural information has been obtained on the BNNT's and nanocomposites by analytical and microscopic techniques. Calculations of the fundamental mechanical material properties of BNNT's are performed utilizing molecular dynamics simulations via Material Studio by Accelrys Inc. After the full characterization of the BNNT's, BNNT's have been dispersed into the Epon862/W thermoset resin system. Glass transition temperature has been predicted by simulating the annealing process and monitoring the density of the material at various temperatures. Also, interfacial information between the BNNT's and resin system has been described to provide a foundation for engineers in the fabrication of nanocomposites. Experimental data, from the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), of glass transition temperature confirms the accuracy of the computational models. Also, models in which the BNNT's undergo hydrogenation have been performed to understand the effects of hydrogenation on the properties of the BNNT's and the nanocomposite. Previous studies have demonstrated that CNT's have improved the mechanical and thermal properties of nanocomposites. Thus, it has been demonstrated that BNNT's will have advantageous effects on the fundamental properties of composites while incorporating radiation shielding