Different types of crystalline carbon nanomaterials were used to reinforce polyaniline for use in electromechanical bilayer bending actuators. The objective is to analyze how the different graphitic structures of the nanocarbons affect and improve the in situ polymerized polyaniline composites and their subsequent actuator behavior. The nanocarbons investigated were multiwalled carbon nanotubes...

Here we report the first example of a class of additively manufactured carbon fiber reinforced composite (AMCFRC) materials which have been achieved through the use of a latent thermal cured aromatic thermoset resin system, through an adaptation of direct ink writing (DIW) 3D-printing technology. We have developed a means of printing high performance thermoset carbon fiber composites, which all...

The goal of this research is to examine the potential of Raman spectroscopy as a method of condition assessment for carbon fiber composite materials. Carbon fiber composites are used in high performance situations such as overwrapping of composite over-wrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) in aerospace applications and hydrogen and natural-gas transportation systems. The composites will play a large...

Nano-Sn/C composites are ideal anode materials for high energy and power density Li-ion batteries. However, because of the low melting point of Sn and the tendency of grain growth, especially during high temperature carbonization, it has been a significant challenge to create well-dispersed ultrasmall Sn nanoparticles within a carbon matrix. In this paper, we demonstrate an aerosol spray pyroly...

This research project developed self-sensing carbon-nanotube (CNT)/cement composites. The piezoresitive property of carbon nanotubes enables the composite to detect the stress/stain inside the pavement. Meanwhile, CNTs can also work as the reinforcement elements to improve the strength and toughness of the concrete pavement. Experimental results show that the electrical resistance of the compos...

A highly sensitive and stable tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)3) electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor was developed based on carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersed in mesoporous composite films of sol–gel titania and perfluorosulfonated ionomer (Nafion). Single-wall (SWCNT) and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) can be easily dispersed in the titania–Nafion composite solution. Th...

The aim of this study was to prepare three types of multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNT)-based composite electrodes and to modify their surface by copper electrodeposition for nonenzymatic oxidation and determination of glucose from aqueous solution. Copper-decorated multiwall carbon nanotubes composite electrode (Cu/CNT-epoxy) exhibited the highest sensitivity to glucose determination.

In this paperwe investigate themechanical behavior of carbonfiber composites,where the carbonfibers are coated with radially aligned carbon nanotubes. For this purpose we develop a general micromechanics method for fiber composites, where fibers are coated with radially aligned microfibers (‘‘fuzzy fiber’’ composites). The mechanical effective properties are computed with a special extension of...

Electrochemical behaviour of acetaminophen at the multi wall carbon nanotubes/titanium dioxide (MWCNT/TiO2) composite film modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) via solvent casting method was studied. It is shown that the MWCNT/TiO2/GCE exhibits remarkable improvement in analytical response as compared to other electrodes. Comparing the responses of the MWCNT/TiO2/GCE with that obtained at the...

Carbon fibers have multiple potential advantages in developing high-strength biomaterials with a density close to bone for better stress transfer and electrical properties that enhance tissue formation. As a breakthrough example in biomaterials, a 1.5 mm diameter bisphenol-epoxy/carbon-fiber-reinforced composite rod was compared for two weeks in a rat tibia model with a similar 1.5 mm diameter ...