2009.12.15

222, Eigineering 2nd Bld, Hongo Campus

Prof. Brian L. Wardle
   Director
   Nano-Engineered Composite aerospace Structures (NECST)
   Consortium
   Technology Laboratory for Advanced Materials and
   Structures (TELAMS)
   Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
   Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Title: "Literally Big Nano: Bulk Nanostructured Materials for Aerospace and Infrastructure Applications"

Abstract: 

Bulk nanostructured materials pose many challenges both in terms of characterization, design, processing, and scaling. This presentation will focus on recent work developing nano-engineered advanced composites for aerospace applications. These hybrid composites employ aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to enhance laminate-level multifunctional properties of existing aerospace-grade advanced composites. Intrinsic and scale-dependent characteristics of the CNTs are used to engineer laminate-level property improvements: interlaminar shear strength, toughness, and electrical conductivity results will be discussed and the underlying mechanisms elucidated. Fundamental studies on polymer-CNT interactions led to the development of a combined top-down and bottom-up fabrication methodology that addresses several of the key issues (agglomeration, viscosity, CNT wetting, scale, alignment) that have frustrated the use of CNTs in nanocomposites and nano-engineered composites. Current research to answer key outstanding "questions of the day" related to CNT contributions to composite properties are discussed, including a novel experimental platform to investigate nanoscale interactions in a well-controlled manner. New research results and directions stemming from ongoing work will be discussed.

Schedule: 13:00  ~ 14:40  Tuesday 15th December, 2009

Place: 222, Eigineering 2nd Bld, Hongo Campus

Attached file:   39th open seminar.pdf