Shear induced alignment of multi-walled carbon nanotube dispersions via small angle x-ray scattering

Saswati Pujari*, Wesley R. Burghardt, Sameer S. Rahatekar, Alan H. Windle, Krzysztof K. Koziol

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

We report small-angle x-ray scattering studies of shear-induced alignment of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) dispersions. Uncured epoxy was used as a viscous, Newtonian suspending medium, and samples were prepared from 'aligned' MWCNTs using methods previously reported (Rahatekar et al. J Rheol 40:599, 2006); here we emphasize measurements on rather dilute dispersions. Flow-induced alignment was studied in both the flow-gradient (1-2) plane, and the flow-vorticity (1-3) plane using, respectively, annular cone and plate and rotating disk x-ray shear cells. Small-angle x-ray scattering patterns were rendered anisotropic under application of shear flow. Measurements in the 1-2 plane indicate that the average MWCNT orientation direction is intermediate between the flow and gradient directions. Transient measurements of structure evolution enabled by high flux synchrotron radiation allowed study of time-dependent behavior following flow reversal and flow cessation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationThe XVth International Congress on Rheology - The Society of Rheology 80th Annual Meeting
Pages806-808
Number of pages3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
Event15th International Congress on Rheology - Monterey, CA, United States
Duration: Aug 3 2008Aug 8 2008

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume1027
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Other

Other15th International Congress on Rheology
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMonterey, CA
Period8/3/088/8/08

Keywords

  • Carbon nanotubes
  • Flow induced alignment
  • X-ray scattering

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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