Doctoral Dissertations

Abstract

"The major cost drivers for composites are raw materials and manufacturing process. Automated manufacturing processes like pultrusion and low cost bio-based raw materials can significantly lower the cost of composites. Polyurethane (PU) resin systems are being introduced in the pultrusion industry as they have higher performance characteristics and manufacturing feasibility when compared to conventional resin systems such as polyester and vinyl ester. PU resin systems are generally characterized as aromatic and aliphatic. Aliphatic PU has lower mechanical properties than the aromatic resin system due to its chemical structure. Nano materials can be used to increase the mechanical properties of aliphatic PU resin. In Paper 1, glass fiber reinforced PU pultruded panels have been manufactured using the base PU and the soy-based PU resin systems. Soy-based PU resin systems showed comparable properties to that of the base PU resin system and is a viable alternative to the conventional petroleum based PU. In Paper 2, commercially available sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT) clay was modified with methyl triethanolammonium salt using ion exchange process to make it compatible with the PU resin system. Nanocomposites were synthesized using the PU resin systems, Na-MMT and modified MMT clay. Modification ofNa-MMT was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Tensile testing of the nanocomposites showed improved mechanical properties when compared to the neat aliphatic resin system. Soy-based PU nanocomposites hold great promise as environmentally friendly and low cost materials for structural and automotive applications"--Abstract, page iv.

Advisor(s)

Chandrashekhara, K.
Schuman, Thomas P.

Committee Member(s)

Dharani, Lokeswarappa R.
Birman, V. (Victor)
Showalter, William E.

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Name

Ph. D. in Mechanical Engineering

Sponsor(s)

United Soybean Board
Missouri University of Science and Technology. Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Missouri University of Science and Technology. National University Transportation Center

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

2012

Journal article titles appearing in thesis/dissertation

  • Manufacturing and impact characterization of soy-based polyurethane pultruded composites
  • Synthesis and performance evaluation of soy-based aliphatic polyurethane nanocomposites

Pagination

ix, 59 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references.

Rights

© 2012 Rama Bhadra Raju Vuppalapati, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Polymeric composites -- Industrial applicationsPolymeric composites -- Mechanical propertiesSoy oil -- ResearchPultrusionPolyols

Thesis Number

T 10568

Print OCLC #

903538154

Electronic OCLC #

904022264

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