pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S10 - Nano- and Microstructured Surfaces and Films
Poster Presentation
 
 

Alignment of carbon nanoparticles in composites with electric fields

Morais Manuel (1)*

(1) Fraunhofer ICT - Pfinztal - Germany

Manipulation of carbon nanotubes and other carbon nanoparticles in liquid media through the application of alternate electric fields has been frequently addressed in literature. Even though various models have been proposed, the mechanisms guiding this phenomenon are up to the moment not completely understood, given the disparity of results found. For nanoparticles in liquid suspensions, Brownian motion and Van der Waals forces are usually regarded as the relevant driving forces in particle dynamics. With the application of an electric field, electrophoresis, dielectrophoresis and Coulombic interactions arise. There is, as reported in literature, a strong dependency on the electric field intensity and frequency. Experimental setups were developed for investigations of the effect of high frequency electric fields (up to 45 MHz) at electric field strengths up to 20 KV/m on different kinds of polymer/nanoparticle composite systems. Liquid systems, such as solvents, monomeric systems, and epoxy mixed with different types of nanoparticles are investigated. In addition, a setup coupled with a heating and cooling plate was developed for trials with electric field assisted annealing of molten polymer samples. In-situ current and voltage measurements are performed for studying the dynamic evolution of such electrical processes. A stereo-macroscope with transmission lighting was used for visual data collection.