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Dissertation
Novel epoxy systems and nanoporous networks with functionalized carbon nanotubes
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Jun 2011
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-3648
Abstract
In advanced environmental sensor systems, sensing is achieved by assessing material property changes upon sorption of contaminants. Performance of thesesensors may be improved by replacing thin films of these materials with a high surface area system. The focus of this work was to contribute to the design of advanced environmental sensors by incorporating carbon nanotubes into a nanoporous polymer network. Novel nanocomposites were developed in which amine-functionalized multiwall (MWNT) and double-wall nanotubes (DWNT) were preferentially incorporated into the polymer phase of a nanoporous epoxy system. This resulted in self-oriented nanotube networks with ultra-low percolation thresholds. Additionally, these nanocomposites possess polymer morphological features with characteristic dimensions less than 100 nm, providing ultra-high specific surface area that is expected to respond rapidly to environmental exposure via sorption. The sensing capabilities of these materials were evaluated by characterizing their transient electrical conductivity when exposed to vaporous tertrahydrofuran (THF) environment. Exposure resulted in a rapid drop in conductivity that correlates with weight gain results of sorption experiments. Hence, the ability to assess environmental changes via conductivity measurements as well as improved response time attributed to a nanoporous structure were demonstrated.
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Details
- Title
- Novel epoxy systems and nanoporous networks with functionalized carbon nanotubes
- Creators
- Mary Elizabeth Sullivan Malervy - DU
- Contributors
- Giuseppe R. Palmese (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Chemical (and Biological) Engineering [Historical]; College of Engineering (1970-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 3648; 991014632844804721