(441a) Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of Elastomeric and Mechanoresponsive Polymer Matrix Composites

The development of multifunctional polymer matrix composites (PMCs) is highly desirable for high strength materials, armor, weapons systems, and machine parts. Research over the past couple of decades has focused on loading carbon nanotubes (CNTs) due to the synergistic increases in mechanical properties and conductivity.^1-5 However, two problems continue to persist: 1) insufficient dispersive forces lead to nanoparticle aggregation, and 2) the failure mechanism of high performance composites is still not well documented. Modifying the surface chemistry of nanoparticles has shown to improve the distribution throughout the matrix and, subsequently, enhance the tensile strength and/or conductivity of the matrix.⁶ Furthermore, mechanoresponsive groups that produce light when activated by stress or strain have been incorporated to better understand the failure of composites, which enables spatial and temporal observation of molecular changes to the thermoset under a mechanical force.^7-11 This talk will focus on the synthesis and characterization of novel elastomeric PMCs containing surface functionalized CNTs and mechanoresponsive functionalities. The nanoparticle dispersion, PMC microstructure, composite modulus and thermomechanical properties, and the mechanoresponsive behavior will be discussed.

References:

1. Park, O.-K.; Hwang, J.-Y.; Goh, M.; Lee, J. H.; Ku, B.-C.; You, N.-H., Mechanically Strong and Multifunctional Polyimide Nanocomposites Using Amimophenyl Functionalized Graphene Nanosheets. Macromolecules 2013, 46 (9), 3505-3511.

2. Jingjing Qiu and Chuck Zhang and Ben Wang and Richard, L., Carbon nanotube integrated multifunctional multiscale composites. Nanotechnology 2007, 18 (27), 275708.

3. Moniruzzaman, M.; Winey, K. I., Polymer Nanocomposites Containing Carbon Nanotubes. Macromolecules 2006, 39 (16), 5194-5205.

4. Mutiso, R. M.; Winey, K. I., Electrical properties of polymer nanocomposites containing rod-like nanofillers. Progress in Polymer Science 2015, 40 (0), 63-84.

5. Winey, K. I.; Vaia, R. A., Polymer Nanocomposites. MRS Bulletin 2007, 32 (04), 314-322.

6. Liu, Y.; Kumar, S., Polymer/Carbon Nanotube Nano Composite Fibers–A Review. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 2014, 6 (9), 6069-6087.

7. Zou, J.; Liu, Y.; Shan, B.; Chattopadhyay, A.; Dai, L. L., Early damage detection in epoxy matrix using cyclobutane-based polymers. Smart Materials and Structures 2014, 23 (9), 095038.

8. Black, A. L.; Lenhardt, J. M.; Craig, S. L., From molecular mechanochemistry to stress-responsive materials. Journal of Materials Chemistry 2011, 21 (6), 1655-1663.

9. Davis, D. A.; Hamilton, A.; Yang, J.; Cremar, L. D.; Van Gough, D.; Potisek, S. L.; Ong, M. T.; Braun, P. V.; Martinez, T. J.; White, S. R.; Moore, J. S.; Sottos, N. R., Force-induced activation of covalent bonds in mechanoresponsive polymeric materials. Nature 2009, 459 (7243), 68-72.

10. Weder, C., Mechanoresponsive Materials. Journal of Materials Chemistry 2011, 21 (23), 8235-8236.

11. Makyła, K.; Müller, C.; Lörcher, S.; Winkler, T.; Nussbaumer, M. G.; Eder, M.; Bruns, N., Fluorescent Protein Senses and Reports Mechanical Damage in Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites. Advanced Materials 2013, 25 (19), 2701-2706.