Abstract: According to an embodiment, natural polymers will be used to enhance the biodegradability of nanocomposites, increase potential use of sustainable polymer matrices, improve the interlaminar fracture toughness of graphite/epoxy composites and attain complete nanoparticle dispersion through covalent bonding of nanoparticles and natural polymers. The starch derivatives containing POSS (polyhedral silsesquioxane) were synthesized by reacting natural polymer with different POSS molecules in a solvent in presence of a catalyst. Interlaminar fracture toughness testing results from the epoxy based nanocomposites containing 3, 5, 7, and 10 wt % POSS modified natural polymer in the interlaminar area are presented. The biodegradability of the composites is expected to improve through the incorporation of the natural polymer derivatives.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a method for grafting POSS (polyhedral silsesquioxane) nanomaterial to graphene oxide is described for use in preparation of high performance composite materials. In another embodiment, amine functionalized graphene oxide may be particularly suitable. In this embodiment, POSS molecules grafted to amine functionalized graphene oxide are synthesized by reacting graphene oxide with different POSS molecules. The amine functionalized graphene oxide may be dissolved in a solvent and the reaction may include the presence of a catalyst. The resultant POSS grafted graphene oxide/POSS grafted amine functionalized graphene oxide may be mixed with a resin (epoxy) in a masterbatch. The masterbatch may then be packaged and sold. The masterbatch material may then be introduced into the interlaminar area of graphite/epoxy composites.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, natural polymers will be used to enhance the biodegradability of nanocomposites, increase potential use of sustainable polymer matrices, improve the interlaminar fracture toughness of graphite/epoxy composites and attain complete nanoparticle dispersion through covalent bonding of nanoparticles and natural polymers. The starch derivatives containing POSS (polyhedral silsesquioxane) were synthesized by reacting natural polymer with different POSS molecules in a solvent in presence of a catalyst. Interlaminar fracture toughness testing results from the epoxy based nanocomposites containing 3, 5, 7, and 10 wt % POSS modified natural polymer in the interlaminar area are presented. The biodegradability of the composites is expected to improve through the incorporation of the natural polymer derivatives.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a method for grafting POSS (polyhedral silsesquioxane) nanomaterial to graphene oxide is described for use in preparation of high performance composite materials. In another embodiment, amine functionalized graphene oxide may be particularly suitable. In this embodiment, POSS molecules grafted to amine functionalized graphene oxide are synthesized by reacting graphene oxide with different POSS molecules. The amine functionalized graphene oxide may be dissolved in a solvent and the reaction may include the presence of a catalyst. The resultant POSS grafted graphene oxide/POSS grafted amine functionalized graphene oxide may be mixed with a resin (epoxy) in a masterbatch. The masterbatch may then be packaged and sold. The masterbatch material may then be introduced into the interlaminar area of graphite/epoxy composites.