Viscoelastic behaviour of hybrid carbon systems

• Main Author: Ngoh, Zhi Lin
• Other Authors: Teo Hang Tong Edwin
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Materials::Composite materials; DRNTU::Engineering::Electrical and electronic engineering::Nanoelectronics; DRNTU::Engineering::Nanotechnology
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/66594
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are special materials capable of changing their shape based on the application of an external stimulus. However, SMPs do have their disadvantages such as poor thermal conductivity and poor electrical conductivity. Hence, much research has been done on methods to enhance the properties of SMPs such as the addition of nanofillers and fibers. These methods are limited by their non-uniform properties due to dispersion. In this report, investigation is conducted on a new class of intrinsically interconnected fillers: three-dimensional (3D) foams. These foams were produced via chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and characterised by the Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy mode of the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM-EDX). Silver paint and cable lug were used to ensure a current flow from the direct current (DC) power supply and throughout the sample. With different compositions of 3D boron nitride (3D-BN) and 3D carbon (3D-C), the bent hybrid samples were able to unfold at different voltages and timings. The foams of different compositions were then connected together before being infused in SMP to produce a sample with components opening at different timings. This hybrid material can be used in the deployment of solar panels in satellites as the current solar panels are deployed with the use of dangerous explosive devices.