Discipline: Technology and Engineering
Subcategory: Materials Science
Christian Rivera Prosper - University of Puerto Rico
Co-Author(s): Sujeily Soto, Kiara Rivera, and Oscar Marcelo Suárez, University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, Mayaguez, PR
Most polymers by themselves possess poor mechanical, thermal and electrical properties compared to metallic and ceramic materials. For that reason, polymer matrix composites are attractive because of their low cost, high tensile strength, high stiffness, and good corrosion resistance. The present research focuses on the study of the mechanical behavior of chitincarbon nanotubes composites. Chitin was the selected matrix because of its availability, low cost, and biodegradability. An additional benefit of this composite is that over its 90% of its weight is biodegradable, which make this biopolymer more attractive than synthetic polymers when environmental issues are considered. These composites were fabricated as films using the solvent casting method. Different levels of carbon nanotubes (CNT) were added to the polymeric matrix, from 0.5% to 2.0%. The dispersion of CNT within the matrix was observed using an optical microscope. The mechanical strength of the nanocomposite were studied at different temperatures using a thermomechanical analyzer. Also the glass transition and coefficient of thermal expansion were studied. Preliminary results showed significant improvement in the properties of the composite especially at high temperatures. For future work Electric Characterization will be performed.
References: Quijadagarrido, I., Iglesiasgonzalez, V., Mazonarechederra, J., & Barralesrienda, J. (2007). The role played by the interactions of small molecules with chitosan and their transition temperatures. glass-forming liquids: 1,2,3propantriol (glycerol). Carbohydrate Polymers, 68(1), 173-186. Neto, C. G. T., Giacometti, J. a., Job, a. E., Ferreira, F. C., Fonseca, J. L. C., & Pereira, M. R. (2005). Thermal analysis of chitosan based networks. Carbohydrate Polymers, 62(2), 97-103. M. Peng-Cheng and K. Jang-Kyo, ‘Application of CNT/Polymer Nanocomposites,’ in Carbon Nanotubes for Polymer Reinforcement, CRC Press, 2011, pp. 169-191.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. HRD 1345156.
Faculty Advisor: O. Marcelo Suarez, msuarez@ece.uprm.edu