Weird Flow Response of Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites Bani H. Cipriano

Objective
Characterize the flow properties of nanocomposites of polystyrene (PS) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs).

Methods
Use dynamic and steady rheology to study the effect of MWNT concentration on nanocomposite structure.

Results
At high particle loadings we detect the formation of a jammed network of MWNTs in the nanocomposite. When this network is present the Normal Stress Differences are negative.

Future Work
Do jammed networks of plate-like particles exhibit the anomolous flow properties of carbon nanotubes?