An investigation of bucky paper nanocomposites

Carbon nanotubes have the potential of revolutionizing material science and technology by greatly increasing the properties of FRP composites. This vast potential has not yet come to fruition because uniform dispersion of nanotubes in the polymer matrix has not been achieved. One possible solution to this dilemma is the incorporation of bucky paper. Bucky paper is a thin carbon nanotube film. Bucky paper can be physically placed into a composite structure, with no dispersion required.Different techniques for fabricating bucky paper composites were analyzed. These methods ranged from simple hand lay processes, to complex vacuum systems. Three lamina structure types were prepared and evaluated. The final result was a fabrication method that is reliable, inexpensive, and repeatable. Three separate tests, flexure, tension and compression, were conducted on the specimens. The results were conclusive in all three cases. The bucky paper hybrid composites increased both the strength and stiffness in all three tests.