Thermomechanical Multifunctionality in 3D-Printed Polystyrene-Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNT) Composites

Abstract

In this work, polystyrene (PS) and boron nitrides nanotubes (BNNT) composites were fabricated, prepared, and characterized using modified direct mixing and sonication processes. The polymer composites were extruded into filaments (BNNTs at 10 wt. %) for 3D printing, utilizing the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique to fabricate parts for mechanical and thermal applications. Using a direct mixing process, we found that the thermal conductivity and the mechanical strength of the PS-BNNT composite were respectively four times and two times higher compared to the sonication method. The thermal stability and glass transition temperatures were positively affected. A 2D microstructural mechanical entanglement model captured the exact geometry of the nanotubes using the MultiMechanics software, and the performance of the additive manufactured (AM) PS-BNNT composites part for thermomechanical application was simulated in COMSOL. The modified direct mixing process for PS-BNNT, which affects morphology, proved to be effective in achieving better interfacial bonding, indicating that BNNTs are promising fillers for improving thermal and mechanical properties, and are applicable for thermal management and electronic packaging.

A comparative study on the interfacial characteristics and tensile behaviors of natural rubber composites reinforced by carbon and boron nitride nanotubes

“…They found that a better stability to oxidation and an increment by 21% in the elastic modulus can be obtained by the incorporation of 1 wt% of BNNTs. Akintola et al [ 17 ] studied the mechanical and thermal performances of the BNNT/PS composites. The results showed that the storage modulus, ultimate tensile strength, and thermal stability of the composites were significantly improved by the introduction of BNNTs.…”

Highly electromagnetic transparent ceramic composite made of boron nitride nanotubes and silicon oxynitride via perhydropolysilazane infiltration method

“…The weight of BNNTs over 80 min was unattainable as the sample melted and stuck to the container. A slight weight gain during the initial 40 min was detected for pure BNNTs, due to the oxidation of BN 31 and boron 32 . The formation of B 2 O 3 results in a rapid weight gain and the relevant chemical reaction following Eqs.…”

Boron nitride nanotubes enhance mechanical properties of fibers from nanotube/polyvinyl alcohol dispersions

“…[17][18][19] In recent work, dispersions of BNNTs in solvents, including dimethyl formamide (DMF) and ethanol, have been integrated with polymer matrices to produce composites and bers. 12,[20][21][22] Particularly, signicant improvement in thermal conductivity was obtained for BNNT-based composites prepared by vacuum ltration of aqueous dispersions of nanotube/polymer mixtures. [22][23][24] However, ber spinning and mechanical property enhancement of BNNT assemblies remain to be challenging.…”