Polymer Nanocomposites Based on

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Polymer Nanocomposites Based on Graphite
Nanoplatelets
J. Kim, L. Yu and H.T. Hahn (Advisor) Mechanical
and Aerospace Engineering Lisa Viculis, J.
Pilloni and R. Kaner (Advisor) Chemistry and
Biochemistry
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Objectives

• Develop a composite reinforced by graphite
  nanoplatelets
• - Higher modulus and strength
• - Lower percolation threshold in electrical
  conductivity
• - Better thermal stability
• - Better environmental resistance
• - Better dimensional stability
• Explore low-cost graphite

Schematic of exfoliated nano-platelete composite
(Vaia and Giannelis, 2001)
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Graphite Nanoplatelets

• Exfoliation tremendously increases total surface
  area of graphite
• Exfoliated nanoplatelets have aspect ratio of 100
  1000 and are ideal for increasing mechanical
  properties
• Nanoplatelets increase conductivities

Schematics of Graphite Nanoplatelet Synthesis
(picture by Lisa Viculis)
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Processing

• Uniform dispersion of nanoplatelets
• Ex-situ exfoliation magnetic stirring and
  sonication
• In-situ exfoliation surfactants
• Degassing at an elevated temperature to remove
  air
• Curing followed by post curing

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Characterization

• Resin/nanoplatelet suspensions
• Optical microscopy
• Viscosity
• Differential scanning calorimetry
• Dielectric properties
• FTIR
• Resin/nanoplatelet composites
• Mechanical properties
• Dielectric properties
• Thermal and electrical conductivities
• SEM, TEM, FTIR, NMR

200nm
TEM of nano platelete composite (Vaia and
Giannelis, 2001)
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Preliminary Results

• 4 vol. graphite nanoplatelets in Epon 862 resin
• 1 graphite improved modulus by 26
• Nanoplatelet dispersion achieved by sonication
• (Dispersion in resin, 15 KHZ, 24w)
• Magnification x100
• bar size 100 micron,
• 1 vol. graphite)

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