High Throughput Methods for Polymer Nanocomposites Research: Extrusion, NMR Characterization and Flammability Property Screening.
High Throughput Methods for Polymer Nanocomposites
Research: Extrusion, NMR Characterization and
Flammability Property Screening.
(2089 K)
Gilman, J. W.; Bourbigot, S.; Shields, J. R.; Nyden, M.
R.; Kashiwagi, T.; Davis, R. D.; Vanderhart, D. L.;
Demory, W.; Wilkie, C. A.; Morgan, A. B.; Harris, J.;
Lyon, R. E.
Journal of Materials Science, Vol. 38, 4451-4460, 2003.
Keywords:
nanocomposites; flammability; cone calorimeters;
polymers
Abstract:
A large number of parameters influence
polymer-nanocomposite performance and developing a
detailed understanding of these materials involves
investigation of a large volume of the associated
multi-dimensional property space. This multi-dimensional
parameter space for polymer-nanocomposites consists of
the obvious list of different material types under
consideration, such as polymer and nano-additive, but
also includes interphase surface chemistry, and
processing conditions. This article presents
combinatorial library design and high-throughput
screening methods for polymer nanocomposites intended as
flame-resistant materials. Here, we present the results
of using a twin-screwn extruder to create
composition-gradient library strips of polymer
nanocomposites that are screened with a solid-state NMR
method to rapidly evaluate the optimal processing
conditions for achieving nanocomposite dispersion. In
addition, we present a comparison of a new rapid Cone
calorimetry method to conventional Cone calorimetry and
to the gradient heat-flux flame spread method.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899