40
qualifies these composites for further analysis, which for this thesis work includes
the analysis of their responses to various levels of dynamic mechanical stress.
1/27/2009 HV “ spot mag WD I HFW ∙---------5μm---
1:57:22 PM 10 00 kV 3.0 10 534 x 10 7 mml 14 2 μm.................................Rice Dniversity
Figure 3.3 - SEM image of the good polymer∕CNT physical interaction and CNT
alignment for vapor-phase A-CNT/PDMS composites.
3.3. Dynamic Mechanical Properties of A-CNT/PDMS Composites
DMA is an incredibly powerful technique for the analysis of materials, and
particularly for polymers. By subjecting a material to an oscillating mechanical
strain, information regarding the viscoelastic properties such as the storage (E') and
loss (E") moduli and damping (tan δ) can be determined. Tight control over the
amplitude and frequency of oscillation and the ambient temperature makes it