Rapid quantitative mapping of multi-walled carbon nanotube concentration in nanocomposites
File(s)
Author(s)
Fisher, SJ
Shaffer, Milo
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Inhomogeneous distributions of nanoparticles in polymer nanocomposites have a strong influence on final material properties. Quantitative methods to characterise particle dispersion are rarely applied but are critical for advancing understanding of material behaviour, developing accurate computer models, and optimizing processing. Two complementary quantitative methods were developed to map local concentration, based on Raman spectroscopy and simple optical absorbance, respectively. The approaches are demonstrated for a model multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) epoxy nanocomposite, but should be widely applicable. Maps of absolute concentration can be produced with submicron resolution, allowing analysis of the uniformity of MWNT concentration distribution via the coefficient of variation. The two approaches correlate closely, providing validation of both methods. However, the optical absorbance approach is likely to be more practical, in most cases, as it uses a standard laboratory microscope to analyse large areas rapidly.
Date Issued
2018-05-26
Date Acceptance
2018-03-09
Citation
Composites Science and Technology, 2018, 160, pp.161-168
ISSN
0266-3538
Publisher
Elsevier
Start Page
161
End Page
168
Journal / Book Title
Composites Science and Technology
Volume
160
Copyright Statement
© 2018 Published by Elsevier Ltd. This manuscript is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Sponsor
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL)
Commission of the European Communities
Grant Number
DSTLX-100006041
642890
Subjects
Science & Technology
Technology
Materials Science, Composites
Materials Science
Particle-reinforced composites
Nanocomposites
Optical microscopy
Raman spectroscopy
Distribution
POLYMER COMPOSITES
RAMAN-SPECTROSCOPY
DISPERSION
INCLUSIONS
ROUTE
09 Engineering
Materials
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2018-03-16