1D-patterned nanocomposites structured using oscillating magnetic fields

A capability to organize and tailor nanofillers in bulk is a key, but currently missing, technology for manufacturing of polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) with effective property enhancement. Polymer nanocomposites, particularly those with carbon nanotube (CNTs) in thermoset matrices, are of high interest in aerospace engineering applications due to mass-efficient multi-functional properties; improved fracture toughness, thermal stability and management, and current carrying capacity are critical for aircraft and satellite structures to operate in extreme environments. When nanofillers are poorly dispersed, nanocompositing can result in ineffective enhancement or even degradation of PNCs' properties. In addition to good dispersions, anisotropic nanofiller organization can be advantageous to tailor anisotropic properties. Thus in this work, 1D organization of nanofillers using oscillating magnetic fields is studied as a solution to scalable manufacturing of PNCs while maintaining the quality of nanofiller organization within the matrix, with the use of a simple, energy-efficient setup. This work consists of three objectives: 1) to understand nanofillers movement in matrix suspension under oscillating magnetic fields, 2) to develop a capability to control 1D patterning of nanoparticles (alignment line length, width, and separation), and 3) to fabricate and characterize polymer nanocomposites and interface effects using magnetic assembly. This work is supported on the BAA (#N000141612172) and DURIP (#N000141712023) funds from the ONR Sea-Based Aviation Airframe Structures and Materials Program. The research focus of this past period was on the second and the third objectives.