Keywords

nanocomposites, hybrid nanopaper, carbon nanofiber, clay, POSS, xGnP, flame resistance

Abstract

Fiber reinforced polymeric composites (FRPC) have superior physical and mechanical properties, such as high specific strength, light weight, and good fatigue and corrosion resistance. They have become competitive engineering materials to replace conventional metallic materials in many important sectors of industry such as aircraft, naval constructions, ships, buildings, transportation, electrical and electronics components, and offshore structures. However, since FRPC contain polymer matrix, the polymer composites and their structures are combustible. FRPC will degrade, decompose, and sometimes yield toxic gases at high temperature or subject to fire conditions. The objective of this study is to design and optimize fire retardant nanopaper by utilizing the synergistic effects of different nanoparticles. A paper-making technique that combined carbon nanofiber, nanoclay, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes, graphite nanoplatelet, and ammonium polyphosphate into self-standing nanopaper was developed. The fire retardant nanopaper was further incorporated into the polymer matrix, in conjunction with continuous fiber mats, through resin transfer molding process to improve fire retardant performance of structural composites. The morphology, thermal stability, and flammability of polymer composites coated with hybrid nanopaper were studied. The cone calorimeter test results indicated that the peak heat release rate of the composites coated with a CNF-clay nanopaper was reduced by 60.5%. The compact char material formed on the surface of the residues of the CNF-clay nanopaper was analyzed to understand the fire retardant mechanism of the nanopaper. The financial support from Office of Naval Research is acklowdged.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2010

Advisor

Gou, Jihua

Degree

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (M.S.M.E.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Program

Mechanical Engineering

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0003151

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0003151

Language

English

Release Date

May 2010

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

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