Badr S. Azzam

Parametric study of CNTs production using submerged arc-discharge technique

Nanotechnology has become extremely important in enhancing the potential of many applications. Carbon-nanotubes (CNTs) have recently become the most promising functional materials in nanocomposites. They have been extensively focused on over the past few years due to its unique structural features, amazing properties and for its potential technological applications. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a parametric study to investigate the effect of relevant different parameters that affect the CNTs yield rate, structure and quality during their production in lab, using the submerged DC arc in de-ionised water technique. The set-up constructed specially for this purpose has been described. The effect of the current potential and intensity, the purity of the graphitic source and the combination of the electrodes sizes on the yield rate of CNTs has been studied. 60A-24v DC current through 1 mm gap, 99.9% pure graphite electrodes of diameters of 3 mm for the anode against 12 mm for the cathode, have been found to produce the highest CNTs yield rate of 20 g/hr within the lab experimental limitations. The produced carbon nanotubes have then been investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for the sake of capturing and visualising the CNTs growth stages during synthesis.

Carbon nanotubes reinforced polymer matrix nanocomposites

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have become strongly promising nanoparticles for developing novel smart polymer matrix nanocomposites to satisfy the ever increasing design requirements of the recent avenues of space industry and other special structural applications. The objective of this paper is to investigate the influence of doped and dispersed CNTs in polymer matrix on its intrinsic properties. Three different types of polymers; polyvinylchloride (PVC), polymethylemethacrylate (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS) were subjected to this experimental investigation. CNTs/polymer matrix composites with a content ratio of CNTs up to 5% by weight were synthesised in lab. The nanocomposites were then characterised by measuring their mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. In addition, thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were applied, and the results are presented and discussed. It can be generally concluded that both PMMA and PS polymers disclosed much better matching ability and cross linking ability with the interweaving CNTs than the PVC. Both PMMA and PS polymers may thus, be nominated for further extension of the investigation to cover a wider range of CNTs content ratios in an endeavour towards searching for maximum specific performance properties of such nanocomposites.

Experimental Analysis of Laminated Fibrous Micro-Composite E-Springs for Vehicle Suspension Systems

Laminated fibrous micro-composite E-spring is an optimized trend of springs for vehicle suspension systems. The mechanical and frequency-response-based properties of these springs are investigated experimentally at both of the structural and constitutional levels. Thermoplastic-based and thermoset-based fibrous composite structures of the E-springs are modified at micro-scale with various additives and consequently they are compared. The experimental results reveal that additives of micrometer-sized particles of E-glass fibers as well as mineral clay to an ISO-phthalic polyester resin of the micro-composite E-spring can demonstrate superior characteristics that can surpass those of the traditional steel springs. Accordingly, micro-composite E-springs can displace both of the hydraulic dampers and steel springs in both of the passive and semi-active suspension systems in a reliable, simple, and cost-effective way.Copyright