Advanced Single-Polymer Nanofiber-Reinforced Composite - Towards Next Generation Ultralight Superstrong/Tough Structural Material.

摘要

The goals of this research were to establish feasibility of manufacturing and to evaluate performance of novel continuous polyimide nanofibers and their nanocomposites. The specific objectives were: (1) demonstrate feasibility of fabrication of continuous nanofibers from a range of specially synthesized soluble polyimides; (2) characterize their mechanical behavior and properties; and (3) fabricate and characterize polyimide nanofiber-reinforced composites. Continuous nanofibers were successfully manufactured from several specially designed polyimides and tested in the broad range of diameters. Significant simultaneous improvements in strength and toughness with the reduction of diameter were observed and analyzed. The best nanofibers were as strong as advanced conventional fibers while maintaining higher toughness. It was shown that chemical structure and processing control nanofiber properties and toughness. Polyimide nanofibers were also successfully incorporated into nanocomposites. It was demonstrated that continuous nanofibers may provide unique advantages for future structural nanocomposites.