Inelastic Light Scattering of Layer-by-Layer Thin Film Nanocomposites |
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Collaborators: Dr. Nicholas Kotov
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Materials:
Organic
Nanomaterials
Composites
Application: Nanotechnology Structural Technique: Processing Characterization |
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Carbon nanotubes are hexagonal graphite structures in a cylindrical shape; its structure is typically described as a “rolled-up” graphene sheet. The simplest form of carbon nanotube is one layer of “rolled-up” graphene sheet called single walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) while a more complicated form involves several nested SWNT. These nanosized tubes are high strength material; the tensile strength of an individual SWNT has been found to range from 10 - 50 GPa while this number may increase if the nanotube is combined with a polymer to form a composite. In past studies, SWNT and the polymer resin composite is fabricated via mixing. This method of fabrication typically yields weak bonds between the polymer and SWNT as well as non-uniform distribution of SWNT, thus decreasing its mechanical properties. In this research, the fabrication of SWNT-polymer composite will be produced in a novel layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly method for different SWNT dispersions (Kotov group). This method will produce a more uniformly deposited SWNT as well as better bond formation between the nanotube and the polymer resin, therefore, increasing the overall mechanical and structural properties of the SWNT composite. To optimize fabrication of the LBL nanotube, the LBL method will be coupled with various microscopy and spectroscopy techniques in order to determine the mechanical and structural properties of the SWNT composite. Microscopy and spectroscopy techniques include AFM, TEM, SEM, IR fluorescence; however, Brillouin and Raman scattering will be used extensively by the Kieffer group to characterize the film structure. Inelastic light scattering yields information about the connectivity between molecules at specific length scales. This information can be used to calculate structural make up of a sample as well as the mechanical properties. The complementary combination of Brillouin and Raman scattering techniques will make the fabrication of a stronger SWNT more efficient. |