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Synthesis and characterization of hybrid sol-gel composites containing carbon nanostructures

Luís M. Gonçalves 1Rui A. Araújo 1Maria F. Proença 1Maria Conceição Paiva 3Carlos J. Silva 1Maria J. Gomes 2

1. Department of Chemistry, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, Braga 4710-057, Portugal
2. University of Minho (UM), Campus de Gualtar, Braga 4710057, Portugal
3. Institute of Polymers and Composites, University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, Guimarães, Braga 4800-058, Portugal

Abstract

The sol-gel procedure gives an opportunity to obtain solid-state large size monoliths with a high purity grade and at room temperature conditions. The production of optically clear and elastic hybrid organic-inorganic materials via this synthetic route could be used to prepare composite materials where a large diversity of species could be hosted. Interaction between the hosted species and matrix has a strong influence on the physical and chemical properties of the final material and new functionalities could be envisaged.

Carbon nanofibres (CNF) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) are a class of materials with unique thermal, electrical and mechanical properties. Moreover their application in the preparation of new composites requires modification of the surface properties to improve reactivity and to reduce de hydrophobic characteristics and surface energy.

This work will report studies involving the preparation of hybrid elastic materials: the lowest value of the Young’s modulus (9 MPa) is comparable to that of the caoutchouc (about 8 MPa). The high flexibility can extend the range of applications of urealilicates allowing them to be positioned on non-planar or curved surfaces. Composites, doped with CNT and CNF, obtained by the sol-gel method and the characterization of their chemical and physical properties is also reported.
 

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Related papers

Presentation: Poster at E-MRS Fall Meeting 2008, Symposium F, by Maria J. Gomes
See On-line Journal of E-MRS Fall Meeting 2008

Submitted: 2008-06-03 10:16
Revised:   2009-06-07 00:48