Exploring the Effective Synthesis of Synthetic Polymer Composites Through Solution Mixing of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Epoxy Hardener Into the Polymer Matrix

School Name

Spring Valley High School

Grade Level

11th Grade

Presentation Topic

Chemistry

Presentation Type

Non-Mentored

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes are widely used and studied for their excellent mechanical properties based on their high tensile strengths and elastic modulus. Epoxy has been found to be an effective reinforcing agent for carbon nanotubes. The purpose of this study was to determine how nanocomposites synthesized using solution mixing of carbon nanotubes and epoxy resin can be produced with optimal mechanical properties in order to gain further understanding of the optimal manufacturing of carbon nanotube-polymer composites to reach even greater industrial potential and make further progress into becoming a ubiquitously used material. It was hypothesized that composites containing epoxy resin and hardener would have superior mechanical properties compared to those produced only with carbon nanotubes. A solution casting method of producing carbon nanotube-polymer composites was used. CNT powder was dispersed in a solution containing polyvinyl alcohol, using a magnetic stirrer. The solution containing the dispersed nanotubes was then placed into a drying oven to cure the composite film. While quantitative data was not able to be collected, observation of the samples showed variance within the test groups and great differences between groups, but no significant conclusions could be reached from the data available. Therefore, the data was insufficient to support or reject the hypothesis that the epoxy group would yield composites with greater tensile strength. Further understanding of the optimal manufacturing of CNT-polymer composites will allow these composites to achieve even greater industrial potential and make further progress into becoming a ubiquitous material.

Location

HSS 206

Start Date

4-2-2022 9:30 AM

Presentation Format

Oral and Written

Group Project

No

COinS
 
Apr 2nd, 9:30 AM

Exploring the Effective Synthesis of Synthetic Polymer Composites Through Solution Mixing of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Epoxy Hardener Into the Polymer Matrix

HSS 206

Carbon nanotubes are widely used and studied for their excellent mechanical properties based on their high tensile strengths and elastic modulus. Epoxy has been found to be an effective reinforcing agent for carbon nanotubes. The purpose of this study was to determine how nanocomposites synthesized using solution mixing of carbon nanotubes and epoxy resin can be produced with optimal mechanical properties in order to gain further understanding of the optimal manufacturing of carbon nanotube-polymer composites to reach even greater industrial potential and make further progress into becoming a ubiquitously used material. It was hypothesized that composites containing epoxy resin and hardener would have superior mechanical properties compared to those produced only with carbon nanotubes. A solution casting method of producing carbon nanotube-polymer composites was used. CNT powder was dispersed in a solution containing polyvinyl alcohol, using a magnetic stirrer. The solution containing the dispersed nanotubes was then placed into a drying oven to cure the composite film. While quantitative data was not able to be collected, observation of the samples showed variance within the test groups and great differences between groups, but no significant conclusions could be reached from the data available. Therefore, the data was insufficient to support or reject the hypothesis that the epoxy group would yield composites with greater tensile strength. Further understanding of the optimal manufacturing of CNT-polymer composites will allow these composites to achieve even greater industrial potential and make further progress into becoming a ubiquitous material.