High temperature resin/carbon nanotube composite fabrication

For the purpose of incorporating multifunctionality into advanced composites, blends of PETI-330 and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared, characterized and fabricated into moldings. PETI-330/MWCNT mixtures were prepared at concentrations ranging from 3 to 25 wt% by dry mixing the components in a ball mill. The resulting powders were characterized for degree of mixing, thermal and theological properties. Based on the characterization results, PETI-330/MWCNT samples were scaled up to similar to 300 g and used to fabricate moldings by injecting the mixtures at 260-280 degrees C into a stainless steel tool followed by curing for 1 h at 371 degrees C. The tool was designed to impart a degree of shear during the injection process in an attempt to achieve some alignment of the MWCNTs in the flow direction. Obtained moldings were subsequently characterized for thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties. The degree of dispersion and alignment of MWCNTs were investigated using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. The preparation and preliminary characterization of PETI-330/MWCNT composites will be discussed. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.