Title

Electro-mechanical response of carbon nanotube reinforced polymer composites

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Date of Original Version

1-1-2011

Abstract

The effect of nano-deformation, damage and growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced polymer composites is investigated using electro-mechanical response at different loading conditions. Three different polymer systems namely polyurethane, polyurethane reinforced with gas bubbles (that induces porosity) and polyurethane reinforced with Aluminum Silicate hollow microspheres (Cenospheres) in this study. CNTs of different weight percentages are loaded into above three polymer systems and a combination of shear mixing and ultrasonication processes are used to fabricate composites. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy are used to verify homogenous dispersion of CNTs in the above systems. A four-point probe method is used to measure high resolution electrical response when the above polymer systems are subjected to mechanical loads. The effect of various types of mechanical loading on different stages of deformation of test samples, onset of damage and growth will be discussed using electro-mechanical response of polymer systems. ©2010 Society for Experimental Mechanics Inc.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Conference Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Mechanics Series

Volume

2

COinS