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Mechanical Engineering

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Theses/Dissertations

2014

Nanocomposite

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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Effects Of Vapor Grown Carbon Nanofibers On Electrical And Mechanical Properties Of A Thermoplastic Elastomer, Daniel Thomas Basaldua Dec 2014

Effects Of Vapor Grown Carbon Nanofibers On Electrical And Mechanical Properties Of A Thermoplastic Elastomer, Daniel Thomas Basaldua

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Carbon nanofiber (CNF) reinforced composites are exceptional materials that exhibit superior properties compared to conventional composites. This paper presents the development of a vapor grown carbon nanofiber (VGCNF) thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composite by a melt mixing process. Dispersion and distribution of CNFs inside the TPU matrix were examined through scanning electron microscopy to determine homogeneity. The composite material underwent durometer, thermal gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, heat transfer, hysteresis, dynamic modulus, creep, tensile, abrasion, and electrical conductivity testing to characterize its properties and predict behavior. The motivation for this research is to develop an elastomer pad that is an electrically …