Papers by Author: Chen Chi M. Ma

Abstract: This study proposed a method to improve the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of epoxy composites by incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and multi-graphene platelets (MGPs) hybrid materials. The MWCNT can bridge adjacent MGPs and inhibit their aggregation effectively, leading to an increased contact surface area between MGP/MWCNT hybrid materials and epoxy matrix. From observing the fractured surface of composite by scanning electron microscope, MWCNT/MGP hybrid materials exhibited better compatibility than individual MWCNT and MGP did.The tensile strength of GD400-MWCNT/MGP/epoxy composites was 35.4% higher than that of epoxy, compared to only a 0.9% increase in tensile strength for MGP/epoxy composites. Thermal conductivity enhanced by 146.9% through incorporating MWCNT/MGP hybrid materials and 23.9% for MGP fillers, compared to non-derivatised epoxy.

Abstract: A novel organic–inorganic mesoporous silica functionalized with perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid groups analogous to that of Nafion® has been prepared. A condensation reaction between surface silanol groups of the mesoporous silicas and 1,2,2-trifluoro-2-hydroxy-1-trifluoromethylethane sulfonic acid Beta-sultone was conducted. High proton conducting sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (sPEEK)/ functionalized mesoporous silica composite membranes were prepared through homogeneous dispersive mixing and solvent casting method. In the study, proton conductivity (σ) of composite membrane is increased from 0.01 to 0.038 (S/cm) as the modified mesoporous silica content is increased from 0 to 5 wt. %. It is found that the ion exchange capacity (IEC) is increased from 1.54 to 1.70 (meq/g) as the modified mesoporous silica content is increased from 0 to 5 wt. %. From morphology investigation, it is found that incorporation of modified mesoporous silica by rotary vacuum evaporation enables the preparation of homogeneous membranes. The membranes present a good adhesion between inorganic domains which could be used for fuel cell applications.

Abstract: The thin polymer composite bipolar plates (the thickness < 1.5 mm) for use in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) containing vinyl ester resin, graphite
powder, organoclay have been fabricated by bulk molding compound (BMC) process. Organoclay prepared by ionic exchange of montmorillonite (MMT) with three different Mw of diamine intercalating agents was used to reinforce the mechanical properties of the composite bipolar plates. Results indicate that the basal spacing and content of MMT varied with Mw of POP-diamines are critical in determining the resultant mechanical properties for bipolar plates. The flexural strength and the unnotched impact strength of the plate were ca. 38 % (from 30.21 MPa to 45.66 MPa) and ca. 30 % (from 58.11 J/m to 80.21 J/m) higher than the pristine graphite plate, respectively, as the basal spacing of MMT (2 phr) was increased from 1.71 to 5.43 nm. The limiting oxygen index (L.O.I.) and the UL-94 test revealed that the bipolar plate possesses excellent flame retardant with L.O.I. higher than 50 and UL-94-V0. In addition, the electrical conductivity of the bipolar plates with different MMT contents and basal spacing of MMT is higher than 100 S/cm.

Abstract: The functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) have been prepared by free radical reaction with maleic acid and maleic anhydride. The functionalized MWNT was further blended with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) based Poly(urea-urethane) (PUU). Both maleic acid modified MWNT (Maa-g-MWNT) and maleic anhydride modified MWNT (Mah-g-MWNT) showed enhanced dispersion compared with that of pristine MWNT and PUU.For MWNT/PUU nanocomposites containing 5 phr functionalized MWNT, the maximum microwave absorption was -19.2 dB for Maa-g-MWNT/PUU nanocomposites and was -22 dB for Mah-g-MWNT/PUU nanocomposites.

Abstract: This presentation will illustrate the history, current status and future development of composite and FRP industry in Taiwan. This paper will present the characteristics of composites industry in Taiwan. The statistic survey of market and products of composite will be shown in details. Trend and development of FRP and Composites will be discussed. Unique products made in Taiwan will be described by several categories. The challenge and prospective aspects of Composite Industry will be discussed. Research and Development of Composite in Taiwan are critical to our industry which will be emphasized. International cooperation has been conducted which will be presented. Emphasis will be placed on the R&D of composites in Taiwan including: Basic research. Processing. Nanocomposites. “Green composites” and High-tech applications. Academia-industry cooperation will be discussed. International cooperation among academic institute, society/association and foreign industry will also be illustrated.