Evolution of Composite Science

Investigation of Advanced Composite Materials

Matrix

adhesives

Reinforcement & additives

Thermoset

Glass fibres & particles

Elastomer

Cellulose fibres

Thermoplastic

Mineral particles

Biopolymer

Flame retardants

String theory & macromolecules

Michio Kaku & Hawking

Polyester macromolecule

The string theory of Universe

Engineering meeting nano

Improvements with nano-particles

Mechanical properties e.g. strength, modulus and dimensional stability Decreased permeability to gases, water and hydrocarbons Thermal stability and heat distortion temperature Flame retardancy and reduced smoke emissions Chemical resistance Surface appearance Electrical conductivity Optical clarity in comparison to conventionally filled polymers

Disadvantages of nanosized additions

One of the few disadvantages associated with nanoparticle incorporation has concerned toughness and impact performance. Some of the data presented has suggested that nanoclay modification of polymers such as polyamides, could reduce impact performance.
+ nanoparticulate/fibrous loading confers significant property improvements with very low loading levels, traditional microparticle additives requiring much higher loading levels to achieve similar performance. This in turn can result in significant weight reductions (of obvious importance for various military and aerospace applications) for similar performance, greater strength for similar structural dimensions and, for barrier applications, increased barrier performance for similar material thickness.

What is that nano buzz anyway?

Materials are crushed into nanoparticles and the structure manipulated into new engineering compound not an alloy, not a solution, not a composite.

cars that are not only lighter but stronger glasses that can't scratch clothes that can't stain.

IBM innovations: they started it 87 with scanning probe microscopy

Today they can make whatever they like.

From looking at molecules to fancy applications

Thinking space
How can composites benefit from the nanoscience and nanosized particles? What are the current gaps in the structure of composite materials, and how can they be improved? What are the challenges in manufacturing of hybrid materials involving standard polymers, fibres, nanoparticles and metals? Task: identify the size/thickness of an epoxy macromolecule and the dimensions of carbon nanotubes