Functionalized Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes for High Performance Composites

The objective of the proposed research is to use chemistry to modify single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and engineer the interfacial interaction with polymers to synthesize composite materials with enhanced mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. We will conduct research on the synthesis and properties characterization of SWNT-reinforced composites based on epoxies and vinyl esters. Our approach is to engineer the interface between SWNTs and the polymer matrix by tailored chemical modification of SWNTs, which is designed to impart processability and chemical compatibility of the nanotubes with the matrix and to allow controlled cross-linking with the polymer chain. The proposed effort will build on our expertise in chemically modified SWNTs and achievements in the development and characterization of advanced SWNT-reinforced nanocomposites. We have assembled a multi-disciplinary research team that includes renowned experts in the fields of nanoscience, nanoengineering, carbon nanotubes and composite materials, which together possesses the necessary expertise to accomplish this ambitious project which has the potential to significantly advance the nanocomposites utilized in naval, defense, aerospace and commercial industries.BENEFITS: The developments in this project will lead to single-walled carbon nanotube reinforced epoxy and vinyl ester composites with enhanced performance. Markets for such advanced composites are widely available in the naval, defense and aerospace industries. Additionally, the developed composites are promising candidates for structural components in civil transportation and can find applications in automobile parts, fascia for buildings, reinforcement of bridges, and ducts. Other applications include coatings, adhesives and electronics.