Development of Carbon Nanotube-Graphene Hybrid Polymer Composites for Multifunctional Applications

1D carbon nanotube fibers (CNT) and 2D graphene sheets (GS) are new classes of carbon-based nanomaterials that exhibit exceptional mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. The present project proposes the use of novel 3D carbon nanotube-graphene sheet hybrid as reinforcement fillers for creating high performance polymer composites. The 3D CNT-GS hybrid is comprised of vertical carbon nanotubes intercalated between parallel graphene sheets. The resultant structure would possess excellent in-plane and out-of-plane mechanical and transport properties and further help protect the integrity of nanotubes and graphene sheets during the processing. It is expected that this novel graphene-based reinforcement fillers would lead to significant breakthrough in the development of high performance, multifunctional composites. The research project utilizes NASA's Integrated Computational Material Design model to design and process 3D CNT-GS hybrid composites. Specific goals and outcomes may include: (1) establishing collaboration with researchers at Polymer Branch of NASA Glenn Research Center on material design and synthesis, (2) developing effective 3D CNT-GS hybrid fillers, (3) designing optimal 3D CNT-GS hybrid composites, and finally, (4) supporting NASA's technical and educational missions by training students in science and engineering disciplines.