Ex-situRaman spectroscopy to optimize the manufacturing process for a structural MWNT nanocomposite

The G and D doublet, an intrinsic Raman feature of multi-walled nanotubes (MWNTs), was monitored in an ex-situ fashion for all intermediate stages of a manufacturing process of a MWNT/polymer nanocomposite. The G peak position and D/G ratios were monitored to characterize the changes in load transfer and disorder, respectively, of the MWNTs. Differences in Raman characteristics desired during the manufacturing process for different structural applications are discussed. Techniques are presented that could optimize any manufacturing parameters for pressurized filtration and resin infusion using the G position and D/G integrated intensity ratio. Similar Raman control techniques could be applied to any intermediate phase of a manufacturing process to develop enhanced novel carbon nanotube composites for structural applications.