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A methodology to orient carbon nanotubes in a thermosetting matrix

TitleA methodology to orient carbon nanotubes in a thermosetting matrix
Publication TypeArticolo su Rivista peer-reviewed
Year of Publication2014
AuthorsLionetto, F., Calò E., Di Benedetto Francesca, Pisignano D., and Maffezzoli A.
JournalComposites Science and Technology
Volume96
Pagination47-55
ISSN02663538
KeywordsAlignment, Carbon nanotubes, Continuous fibres, Curing, E. Electro-spinning, Electrospinning, Fibers, Hierarchical composite, Nano-fillers, Proof of concept, Raman spectroscopy, Resins, styrene, Thermoplastic fibres, Thermosets, Thermosetting matrices, Transfer matrix method, Two-step approach
Abstract

A new procedure for the alignment of carbon nanotubes in a thermosetting matrix is proposed in this study. The two-step approach is based on (i) the alignment of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in thermoplastic fibres by electrospinning and (ii) the transfer of these nanocompositefibres into a reactive thermosetting resin, in which they are easily soluble. After fibre dissolution, the CNTs remain aligned in the cured thermosetting matrix.The proof of concept is demonstrated by producing electrospunpolymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) fibres filled with single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in the form of unidirectional tape, which are then solubilised into a vinylester (VE) matrix. The PMMA is easily dissolved by the styrene present in the VE resin, leaving SWCNTs aligned in the cured VE network, as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy studies. A 50% increase in elastic modulus (SWCNT 1.3. wt.%) has been obtained by dynamic mechanical analysis carried out in tensile mode at 1. Hz. Thanks to its ability to orient carbon nanotubes in a thermosetting matrix, the proposed method can be exploited also to transfer oriented nanofillers into continuous fibre composites, thus obtaining multiscale or hierarchical composites. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

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URLhttps://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84897460279&doi=10.1016%2fj.compscitech.2014.02.016&partnerID=40&md5=d78f7f7d7aa16fed391f261ad89eae1a
DOI10.1016/j.compscitech.2014.02.016
Citation KeyLionetto201447