Influence of Nanotubes and Other Nanofillers on the Properties of Thermoset:thermoplastic Blends for Composite Matrices
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Influence of Nanotubes and Other Nanofillers on the Properties of Thermoset:thermoplastic Blends for Composite Matrices Marianne Kilbride1, Richard Arthur Pethrick1, Steven Ward2, and Mark Harriman2 1 Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G1 1XL, United Kingdom 2 Cytec Engineered Materials, Redcar, TS10 4RF, United Kingdom ABSTRACT Recently there has been an increase in the use of composite materials for aircraft construction. Composites have significant production and application advantages, but generally suffer from being electrically insulating, and hence are unable to handle a lightening strike in the traditional way that aluminium would. A potential solution to this problem is sought through the use of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanographite. Achieving the correct dispersion of the conducting filler is critical to achieving the desired enhancement in conductivity. Two different methods have been explored to achieve the dispersions; – direct blending and solution dispersion, with a range of concentrations of nanographite being incorporated. In addition, the effect of directly blending graphite nanoplatelets and carbon nanotubes in order to create a hybrid nanocomposite material was studied. The carbon nanotubes were incorporated into a blend with the graphite nanoplatelets with the intention of utilizing their tube structure in order to bridge the gaps between the platelet sheets of nanographite, creating more effective and abundant conductive pathways throughout the composite. In all cases the electrical conductivity was measured using a four point probe technique. INTRODUCTION Background Commercial aircrafts experience a direct hit with lighting on average once a year although the last confirmed commercial plane crash in America directly attributed to lightning occurred in 1967. Lightening damage is usually confined to burn marks on the aircrafts skin, though it can have a very significant effect on the computers which control aircraft functions. This limited damage is directly attributable to the use of aluminium in the construction of the outer skin of the aircraft; it is of course an excellent electrical conductor. Recently, the increased use of electrically insulating composite materials has led to a problem of electrical charge dissipation. To address this issue, and provide adequate conductivity for lightning currents, solutions have been sought through the metallization of the exterior surfaces, and also through the incorporation of fine metal wires into carbon fibre composite skins. Neither of these solutions are ideal and it would be attractive to be able to use a conducting matrix to provide lightening strike protection. Both carbon nanotubes and carbon nanographite have been considered as a possible solution. These materials, in principle, should be ideal for reinforcing a composite matrix, as they have high mechanical strength and aspect ratio, are light-weight and have high electrical conductivities. One potenti
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