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impossible to homogeneously disperse in any sort of composite matrix. A-CNTs
provide an ideal solution to these problems, as the spacing of the CNTs is near ideal
to allow for effective infiltration while allowing for significant improvement over the
neat polymer. As such, it is necessary to ascertain the ideal CNTs for such an
application and to explore the properties of such continuously-reinforced
composites. The present thesis will attempt to solve the following problems:
1. For two types of A-CNT growth (pre-deposited catalyst CVD and vapor-phase
CVD), how can the parameters be optimized to ensure consistent growth with
the expressed purpose of using those A-CNTs for infiltrated composite
applications?
2. How do both types of A-CNTs react to the infiltration of a polymer matrix? Can
they maintain their alignment∕anisotropicity?
3. How do the A-CNT composites react to dynamic mechanical stimulus? What
can this type of testing tell us about the subtle structural and morphological
properties the CNTs are imparting on the matrix polymer?