Carbon Nanotube Composites: Proper2es, Problems and Poten2al
#53
Samuel Chuah
Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Australia (E-‐mail:
[email protected])
Aim
Objec2ves
Ø Ensuring a reliable and easily available building material to meet the market demand Ø Exploring carbon nanotubes as an alternaPve construcPon material to convenPonal steel Ø Harnessing the superior characterisPcs of nanocarbons in the construcPon industry specifically
1. IncorporaPng the properPes of carbon nanotube to nanocomposites 2. Understand the reinforcement mechanisms of carbon nanotube in an epoxy and cement matrix 3. Conduct the experiments in a safe and proper manner 4. Study the role and properPes of epoxy in facilitaPng a successful composite 5. InvesPgate possible failure modes in carbon nanotube
Fig. 2: Conceptual design of Shimizu City
Fig. 1: Growing demand for steel
Scope/Methodology
1. Conduct literature review on carbon nanotubes, nano material reinforced polymers, nano cement and concrete composites 2. Fabricate and idenPfy the characterisPcs of nano epoxy composites 3. Perform laboratory tests to invesPgate the relevant characterisPcs of carbon nanotube composites. 4. Provide a comprehensive report regarding the project outcomes. Time Schedule
Current Progress
Data to Collect ProperPes Mechanical Fig. 3: Sample fabrication.
Young’s Modulus Flexural strength
Fig. 4: Laboratory work.
Flexural modulus Fig. 5: Tensile test.
Thermal
Density
Tg
Tensile Strength
Storage modulus
Hardness
Loss modulus
Fig. 6: Experimental variables.
Table 1: Time planner for Semester 1 2012.
Conclusion Further studies and tests are required to fully understand and hence, maximise the potenPal of carbon nanotubes as a composite material.
Acknowledgements This study is currently in progress for the Final Year Project. This Poster is made possible with the help of my supervisor, Asghar Korayem and Unit Coordinator Dr. Wen Hui Duan
