(333e) Flow Behavior, Morphology and Properties of Multiscale Polymer Nanocomposites

Nanoengineered composite materials, in which one or more of the composite constituents (eg., matrix, fibers, and laminates) integrates carbon nanotubes and possesses enhanced and functional properties, represent a potentially enabling technology for multifunctional composite materials. Optimization of the processing and resulting properties of these advanced materials is a significant challenge. While a number of studies have reported on polymer/CNT nanocomposites in which the tubes are randomly dispersed in the matrix, controlled spatial distribution of the CNTs provides more control over properties and opens the door to an even wider range of applications. However, control of the dispersion is very challenging. While many studies have investigated relationships between various processing methods, the resulting dispersion and the properties, we have found that state of nanoparticle dispersion is intimately linked to the viscoelastic properties of the nanodispersed resin and its interaction with the process flow field. In the present study, we have investigated these relationships using rheology of the nanofluids and morphological analysis of the composites. We have used our findings to prepare fiber-reinforced composite laminates. The dispersion state and properties will be presented.