NOVEL SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF INORGANIC FULLERENE TYPE WS2 AND GRAPHENE HYBRIDS
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Authors
Maxson, Ashley R.
Subjects
Graphene
IF-WS2
Epoxy Composites
Personal Protection Systems
IF-WS2
Epoxy Composites
Personal Protection Systems
Advisors
Luhrs, Claudia C.
Date of Issue
2013-03
Date
Mar-13
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
With the aim to develop personal protection systems with improved mechanical properties and reduced weight, this research combined graphene with tungsten disulfide, and studied this hybrid system included in epoxy resin. A novel plasma production process generated nanometric size tungsten oxide (WO3) spherical particles. The nanospheres were sulfurized to produce inorganic-fullerene type tungsten disulfide (IF-WS2). The plasma IF-WS2 particles exhibited smaller particle size, characteristic hollow cores and larger angle facets than IF-WS2 from commercial WO3, and morphological characteristics that are correlated with improved mechanical properties. Exfoliated graphene sheets were prepared from graphite nanopowder through oxidization and subsequent exfoliation at 800C in inert atmosphere. Sample microstructures were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and FIB. Protocols to fabricate hybrid graphene/IF-WS2 with nanoscale dispersions were developed. Hybrids from in-situ routes and physical mixtures of individual components were included in epoxy matrices for nanoindentation tests. Results showed the Youngs modulus (normalized for bare epoxy) increased 12.23%, while hardness increased 27.87% through inclusion of 1% wt loadings of graphene/IF-WS2. These results were compared to carbon nanofibers/IF-WS2 hybrid composites recently produced by the functional materials research group at NPS. This research represents a step toward development of lightweight nano-architectures for advanced personal protection systems.
Type
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined
in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. As such, it is in the
public domain, and under the provisions of Title 17, United States
Code, Section 105, is not copyrighted in the U.S.