Cnrp

General Composites Discussions Products Talk
#1

When i first read about this new nano carbon resin i thought it was used in conjunction with cloth or unidirectional graphite.

http://www.f-16.net/f-16_forum_viewtopic-t-15429-view-next-sid-d0c411d997e7ed093909fc9e6d9d8bc8.html

Am i reading this correctly; entire parts are being “cast” or molded entirely using just resin modified with carbon nano tubes?

I have seen injection molded plastic parts that are reinforced with very short cut glass fibers.

Would this require an injection molding set up or could you just pour cast?

I’m thinking if it were used in conjunction with graphite cloth you could have that cosmetic woven finish but cnrp underside structure.

#2

Depending on the amount of nanotubes in the resin, you can cast it. However adding a reasonable amount of nanotubes will thicken the resin dramatically.

Adding 3% of nanotubes into water, and you can cut it with a knife…

At this moment we use some resins with 1-1,5% of nanotubes in it, but we use it for electrical conductivity.

#3

Hi Herman

Do you add nanotubes to resin to produce heatable resins?

#4

It is not that simple, but yes, these are the basics.

#5

can the average guy purchase these to play with?

#6

yea, but its not worth it. Its extremely difficult to disperse them correctly in the resin to have them actually benifit the laminate.

#7

Indeed you need them pre-dispersed. One of the things is that they need to be dispersed very well. I use one of these babies for dispersing:

For another product we use a tip speed of the dissolver disc of 21 m/s, but for dissolving tubes the speed should even go up.

Also the nanotubes need functionalising, which involves cooking them in a strong acid (among other things). Not for the faint hearted…

#8

:eek: Talk about a paint shaker. :stuck_out_tongue: How’s one of those dohickies work?

#9

It is just a very powerful mixer. The post on the left is the mixing post, and attached is a toothed disc (the dissolver disc). Running the tips of the dissolver at 21 m/s will give a huge grinding action.

We have a 15 HP version, which is good to mix some 350 liters (90 gallons) of material only. (as a comparison: a 1 HP drill engine is enough to mix 1000 liters of polyester resin, but no grinding action there…)

The rest of the stuff is basicly just there for safety, getting the post up and down, etc.

#10

Strong acids are a big obstacle in my research. I need to use them in accordance for ASTM D3171 but I’m not a certified chemist and am somewhat afraid of getting injured by them

#11

Certified? Over here you can just buy most chemicals like acids, and dilute them you own. Sulphuric acid is pretty easy to do, just keep in mind that you toss the acid in water, and not water over the acid, or it goes boom. (due to enthalpic heat)

Afraid? Take the neccesary precautions. Keep plenty of water at hand. I tossed strong acids (for making esters) over my hands more than once (gloves should help) but rinsing with water (quickly) is all that is needed to neutralise things. Never had blisters, but be quick. Just keep your head with your work.

Most accidents happen due to missing safety precautions, and getting distracted by the phone (shut it off) or colleagues. (a sign saying “do not disturb, ready at 3PM” will help mostly. For some colleages only a shotgun is enough. Being in a public lab (like you probably are) is no help, I admit.

#12

The public lab is the biggest concern. Mislabeled chemicals, cluttered countertops and heavy California safety, health and environmental regulations amuck.

Nonetheless hopefully once I get to the graduate level I’ll be able to gain access to a more clean lab! :smiley:

#13

mislabeled chemicals, cluttered countertops and heavy regulations do not mix… Seems regulations are there, but no-one obeys them.

I am not popular at work, for the reason that when I need the lab, I first take the bin, and throw everything in it that is not labeled. The rules are simple:
-everything needs (CLP) labelling
-everything that needs to be kept should be stored in the cabinets
-everyone has his own shelf. Feel free to fill it with whatever he/she wants to keep.

So everything that is just sitting around can be asumed garbage…