Development and characterization of a nanofiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite

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dc.contributor.advisorBarrera, Enrique V.en_US
dc.creatorLozano, Karenen_US
dc.date.accessioned2009-06-04T08:24:48Zen_US
dc.date.available2009-06-04T08:24:48Zen_US
dc.date.issued1999en_US
dc.description.abstractPolypropylene composites with vapor-grown carbon nanofibers (VGCF's) as reinforcement were prepared. The fibers used have an rage diameter of 200 nm with interesting thermal, electrical and mechanical properties which make them very promising for engineering applications. Fiber purification and activation of functional groups were conducted, where amorphous carbon particles were successfully removed, achieving, high purity fibers. Sample preparation was performed using conventional plastic processing technologies. Interactions between the fibers and the matrix were analyzed by physical, mechanical and electrical properties of the composite. Thermal physical analysis on the samples showed that the presence of the fibers influenced the morphology and crystallinity of the matrix. The decomposition temperature, as well as the crystallization rate increased with increasing fiber content. The electrical resistivity of the prepared composites decreased 12 orders of magnitude providing a potential composite for ESD applications. The addition of VGCF's showed an increase in stiffness of 350. Melt viscosity values were also increased by the VGCF reinforcement. Dispersion, porosity, and bonding aspects were also analyzed.en_US
dc.format.extent172 p.en_US
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdfen_US
dc.identifier.callnoTHESIS M.E. 1999 LOZANOen_US
dc.identifier.citationLozano, Karen. "Development and characterization of a nanofiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite." (1999) Diss., Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/19406">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/19406</a>.en_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1911/19406en_US
dc.language.isoengen_US
dc.rightsCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.en_US
dc.subjectEngineeringen_US
dc.subjectMaterials scienceen_US
dc.titleDevelopment and characterization of a nanofiber-reinforced thermoplastic compositeen_US
dc.typeThesisen_US
dc.type.materialTexten_US
thesis.degree.departmentMechanical Engineeringen_US
thesis.degree.disciplineEngineeringen_US
thesis.degree.grantorRice Universityen_US
thesis.degree.levelDoctoralen_US
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophyen_US
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