January 2017 – A recent study by the Institute of Polymers and Composites at Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) has compared neat and TUBALL single wall carbon nanotube modified unidirectional CFRP prepreg. At ultra-low concentrations of 0.01 and 0.05 wt.%, nanotubes significantly improve fracture properties and fatigue behaviour.

The study by the Institute of Polymers and Composites at Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) analysed a hotmelt epoxy prepreg system that was modified with an industrially available masterbatch containing TUBALL™ single wall carbon nanotubes produced by OCSiAl.

The neat and modified CFRP were subjected to ordinary service conditions, specifically an impact of 28 J. Specimens modified with 0.05 wt.% of nanotubes recorded a significant reduction of delamination area by 19%. Additionally the compression after impact strength was increased by around 5%.

Results achieved have encouraged the Hamburg University of Technology to continue testing of advanced high-performance materials created with the use of TUBALL single wall carbon nanotubes. Large manufacturers are running industrial trials. Further results will demonstrate even higher potential for high-grade composites for a wide range of applications.

At JEC World 2017 (March 14-16, 2017) in Paris, Hall 5A, booth G23, OCSiAl will showcase its core product – TUBALL nanotubes – and the advanced nanotube-based modifiers that are now available for a variety of materials. Next-generation nano-augmented materials that have already been successfully commercialized will also be on show.

OCSiAl is the first company to develop a breakthrough technology for the production of TUBALL™ – 80% single wall carbon nanotubes – enabling economically viable, large-scale commercial use. OCSiAl, headquartered in Luxembourg, has regional offices in the USA, Russia, Korea, China, Hong Kong and India.