Papers by Author: Stuart Bateman

Abstract: This paper compared the effect of aspect ratios and dispersions of carbon nanotubes (CNT) made in CSIRO, with a broad range of aspect ratios with similar dimensions in diameter, on the electric conductivity, rheology and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis of multi-wall nanotubes (MWNT)/epoxy nanocomposites. A medium aspect ratio seems to be the most effective in conductive network formation in epoxy matrix and also provide best storage modulus of CNT/epoxy nanocomposites under providing processing conditions.

Abstract: The conductivity and mechanical properties of carbon black (CB) filled polyethylene (PE) composites depend on the conductive filler, molecular structure of polymer matrix, and the processing methods which are applied. CB filled high density polyethylene without and with glass fibre (GF) composites have been manufactured using single and twin screws extruder. The composite made from the single screw extruder showed a much higher conductivity than that made from twin screws extruder for CB/PE composites with and without glass fibre. The conductive paths are formed at very low CB content (1wt% CB for GF/CB/PE) when using single screw extruder to manufacture. The microstructure of these composites were analysed using SEM.

Abstract: This paper presents the effects of incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNT) into nylon 6 on thermal properties and fire performance of woven glass reinforced CNT/nylon 6 nanocomposite laminates. Incorporation of CNT in nylon 6 improved the thermal stabilities, thermal conductivity and fire performance of laminates without compromising their mechanical properties. The thermal conductivity of laminates with 2 wt% CNT increased up to 42% compared to that without CNT. The ignition time and peak HRR time was delayed approx. 31% and 118%, respectively, in laminates with 4 wt% CNT in nylon 6 over that without CNT.

Abstract: Stiff and tough conductive composites were manufactured using carbon black compounded with high and low density polyethylene, as well as linear low density polyethylene. A low percolation threshold value for the composites was achieved at 2 wt% carbon black. The impact strengths of the composites incorporating low density and linear low density polyethylene were found to be almost 16 and 26 times greater, respectively, than that of high density polyethylene composites. On the other hand, the modulus of high density polyethylene filled with carbon black was 2 times as high as low and linear low density polyethylene-based composites. Tensile modulus increased with the content of carbon black, however the impact strength of the composites decreased.

Abstract: Electrically conductive composites were made from short glass fibre (GF) and carbon black (CB) blended with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) using a single screw extruder. The Young’s modulus, tensile and impact strengths were improved with the addition of GF, and the surface conductivity in the static dissipative range of 10-6 to 10-9 S was achieved at CB content as low as 1 wt%, significantly lower than that in the unreinforced CB/HDPE. Addition of a coupling agent (MAPE) improved bonding between fibres and the polymer matrix and increased the stiffness and fracture resistance.