Thesis
Interfacial engineering for polymer nano-composites with tailored properties
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Jun 2013
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-4227
Abstract
Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are a unique class of materials that exhibit a mechanical action under an applied external stimulus. The past several years have witnessed significant advances in SMP nano-composites, new recovery triggering mechanisms, and applications development. This work explores the effects of carbon nanotube (CNT) nano-hybrid shish kebabs (NHSKs) as the filler material in a shape memory epoxy (SME) nano-composite. CNTs decorated with poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) (PEcoPAA) single crystal lamellae were synthesized for improved chemical functionality, dispersion, wetting behavior and mechanical reinforcement. Bulk SME nano-composites were produced using a solvent evaporation and in situ epoxy polymerization technique with multi-walled CNT NHSK fillers. These composites showed a Young's modulus increase of 16.7% at 2.5 NHSK wt.% (0.5 MWCNT wt.%), but were limited by NHSK/epoxy phase separation, synthesis difficulties and NHSK purity. Single-walled CNT NHSK composites were also explored by impregnating buckypaper-like NHSK films with SME. NHSK film scaffolds were produced with improved CNT distribution and exfoliation from NHSK functionalization. The composite films showed an astounding 644% increase in Young's modulus and their high conductivity enabled an electro-active shape memory stimulus mechanism. Complete shape memory recovery was achieved in seven seconds using an electric potential of 120 volts DC. Applications are anticipated in actuators, sensors, deployable devices, selfrepairing structural materials, smart coatings and robotics.
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Details
- Title
- Interfacial engineering for polymer nano-composites with tailored properties
- Creators
- Lucas Amspacher - DU
- Contributors
- Christopher Y. Li (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Materials (Science and) Engineering (Metallurgical Engineering) (1970-2026); College of Engineering (1970-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 4227; 991014632540004721