Rani, Joseph(Wiley InterScience, October 22, 2006)
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Abstract:
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanocomposites
with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have
been prepared by a simple melt compounding method. With
increasing concentration (0-3 wt %) of SWNTs, the mechanical
and dynamic mechanical properties improved, corresponding
to effective reinforcement. Melt rheological characterization
indicated the effective entanglements provided by SWNTs in
the melt state as well. Thermogravimetric analysis suggested no influence of SWNTs on the thermal stability of PET. Electrical
conductivity measurements on the composite films pointed
out that the melt compounded SWNTs can result in electrical
percolation albeit at concentrations exceeding 2 wt %.
The cure characteristics of short fiber-polyurethane elastomer
were studied with respect to different fiber-matrix bonding agents. A hexamethylenetetramine-
resorcinol -hydrated silica based bonding agent was found to affect
the stability of the composite. A new bonding agent, TP resin, based on polymeric
toluenediisocyanate and polypropylene glycol has been developed. Cure characteristics
of the composite with and without TP resin at different fiber loadings were
also compared. Minimum torque, scorch time and optimum cure time increased
with fiber content. Maximum torque was consistently higher with TP resin at all
fiber loadings.