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Multifunctional Electroactive Nanocomposites Based on Piezoelectric Boron Nitride NanotubesSpace exploration missions require sensors and devices capable of stable operation in harsh environments such as those that include high thermal fluctuation, atomic oxygen, and high-energy ionizing radiation. However, conventional or state-of-the-art electroactive materials like lead zirconate titanate, poly(vinylidene fluoride), and carbon nanotube (CNT)-doped polyimides have limitations on use in those extreme applications. Theoretical studies have shown that boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) have strength-to-weight ratios comparable to those of CNTs, excellent high-temperature stability (to 800 C in air), large electroactive characteristics, and excellent neutron radiation shielding capability. In this study, we demonstrated the experimental electroactive characteristics of BNNTs in novel multifunctional electroactive nanocomposites. Upon application of an external electric field, the 2 wt % BNNT/polyimide composite was found to exhibit electroactive strain composed of a superposition of linear piezoelectric and nonlinear electrostrictive components. When the BNNTs were aligned by stretching the 2 wt % BNNT/polyimide composite, electroactive characteristics increased by about 460% compared to the nonstretched sample. An all-nanotube actuator consisting of a BNNT buckypaper layer between two single-walled carbon nanotube buck-paper electrode layers was found to have much larger electroactive properties. The additional neutron radiation shielding properties and ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared optical properties of the BNNT composites make them excellent candidates for use in the extreme environments of space missions. utilizing the unique characteristics of BNNTs.
Document ID
20160010476
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Kang, Jin Ho
(National Inst. of Aerospace Hampton, VA, United States)
Sauti, Godfrey
(National Inst. of Aerospace Hampton, VA, United States)
Park, Cheol
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Yamakov, Vesselin I.
(National Inst. of Aerospace Hampton, VA, United States)
Wise, Kristopher E.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Lowther, Sharon E.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Fay, Catharine C.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Thibeault, Sheila A.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Bryant, Robert G.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2016
Publication Date
November 3, 2015
Publication Information
Publication: ACS Nano
Volume: 9
Issue: 12
Subject Category
Composite Materials
Report/Patent Number
NF1676L-20145
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: FA9550-11-1-0042
WBS: WBS 432938.09.01.07.99.15
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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