Dispersion and alignment of carbon nanotube polymer based composites

The goal of this research is to develop new approaches for the improvement of the properties of polymer carbon nanotube composites by effectively aligning and dispersing the CNT's in the polymer matrix. Specifically, this researched explored at how to mediate the problem of carbon nanotube insolubility in a matrix material. This was accomplished by assessing the effects of three different dispersing agents and two different alignment methods on the final composite properties. In previous research, the dispersing agents were found to either adequately disperse the carbon nanotubes or improve the mechanical properties of the composite material.4-6 Thus, comparing the three dispersing agents in different matrix materials and different processing methods can lead to a new understanding of interfacial interactions within the different composite materials. This understanding can then lead to the creation of more effective carbon nanotube composites that both adequately disperse the carbon nanotubes and improve the mechanical properties.Ph.D.Committee Co-Chair: Dr. Hamid Garmestani; Committee Co-Chair: Dr. Rina Tannenbaum; Committee Member: Dr. Kenneth Gall; Committee Member: Dr. Meisha Shofner; Committee Member: Dr. Thomas Sander