Materials Processes of Graphite Nanostructured Composites Using Ball Milling

ABSTRACT

Polymer nanocomposites are an emerging class of multifunctional materials that have not been optimized for their functional potential. As a part of a series of studies conducted by Wong and collaborators [1-6], a novel processing design for polymer nanocomposites using ball milling and nanoscale graphite platelets (NGPs) was recently investigated. Processes for carbon nanotube (CNT), despite its promise in maneuvering varied functionality, are prohibitively expensive at present for widespread composite applications. Instead of trying to discover lower-cost processes for CNT, we investigated the possibility of using ball milling to produce nanoscale reinforcements. The studied nanocomposites are distinct from existing sp³ carbon black, CNT, and nanoclay reinforcements. Materials processes to produce nanostructured polymer composites using the ball milling method are reported. It was found that ball milling primarily reduced particle sizes to smaller platelets. No other critical advantages were noted. A bimodal distribution of 100 and 400 nm particles was observed using a particle analyzer. The ultimate objective is to develop an alternative cost-effective nanoscale carbon material with comparable properties like carbon nanotubes for future composite applications.

Keywords:

• Ball milling
• Coatings
• Graphite
• Nanocomposites
• Processes

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This project was supported by the National Science Foundation under SGER Grant # CMS 0335390. EMS acknowledges a graduate assistantship funded by NSF. Supply of the expandable graphite by Graftech was greatly appreciated. Some assistance with preparing the manuscript provided by Ms. Shiyue Qu was greatly appreciated.