Thesis (Ph.D.) -- Mississippi State University. Department of Chemistry. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

Semiconductor die attach materials for high voltage, high reliability analog devices require high thermal conductivity and retention of dielectric strength. A comparative study of effective thermal conductivity and dielectric strength of selected thermoset/ceramic composites was conducted to determine the effect of ceramic particle size and ceramic particle loading on thermoset polymers. The polymer chosen for this study is bismaleimide, a common aerospace material chosen for its strength and thermal stability. The reinforcing material chosen for this study is a ceramic, hexagonal boron nitride. Thermal conductivity and dielectric breakdown strength are measured in low and high concentrations of hexagonal boron nitride. Adhesive fracture toughness of the composite is evaluated on copper to determine the composite’s adhesive qualities. SEM imaging of composite cross-sections is used to visualize particle orientation within the matrix. Micro-indentation is used to measure mechanical properties of the composites which display increased mechanical performance in loading beyond the percolation threshold of the material. Thermal conductivity of the base polymer increases by a factor of 50 in 80%wt loading of 50µm hBN accompanied by a 10% increase in composite dielectric strength. A relationship between particle size and effective thermal conductivity is established through comparison of experimental data with an empirical model of effective thermal conductivity of composite materials.

The objective of this thesis is to investigate the effects of adding natural fiber (kenaf fiber, retted kenaf fiber, and sugarcane fiber) into polymer materials. The effects are obtained by considering three main parts. 1. Performance in thermoplastic composites. The effect of fiber retting on polymer composite crystallization and mechanical performance was investigated. PHBV/PBAT in 80/20 blend ratio was modified using 5% by weight kenaf fiber. Dynamic mechanical analysis of the composites was done to investigate the glass transition and the modulus at sub-ambient and ambient temperatures. ESEM was conducted to analyze fiber topography which revealed smoother surfaces on the pectinase retted fibers. 2. Performance in thermoset composites. The effect of the incorporation of natural fibers of kenaf and of sugarcane combined with the polyester resin matrix is investigated. A comparison of mechanical properties of kenaf polyester composite, sugarcane polyester composite and pure polyester in tensile, bending, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMA) and moisture test on performance is measured.. 3. Performance in sandwich composites. The comparison of the performance characteristics and mechanical properties of natural fiber composites panels with soft and rigid foam cores are evaluated. A thorough test of the mechanical behavior of composites sandwich materials in tensile, bending and DCB is presented here.

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Orientador: Edson Cocchieri Botelho / Resumo: Esta pesquisa visa o processamento de compósitos termorrígidos laminados multifuncionais, via moldagem por compressão a quente, constituídos por fibras de carbono, resina epóxi e mantas de poli(butadieno) (BR) produzidas via processo de eletrofiação. Estas mantas têm como função proporcionar maior tenacidade ao compósito obtido, aumentando sua tolerância ao dano e consequentemente, elevando sua aplicabilidade no setor aeroespacial. Para o desenvolvimento deste trabalho de pesquisa, primeiramente, foram produzidas mantas de poli(butadieno) por eletrofiação. Todas as condições de processamento foram avaliadas nesta etapa do projeto. Posteriormente, estas mantas foram utilizadas para a obtenção de diferentes compósitos com resina epóxi e fibra de carbono, utilizando-se oito distintas configurações, processados via moldagem por compressão a quente. A qualidade dos compósitos fabricados foi avaliada a partir de ensaios de digestão ácida, microscopia, análise dinâmico mecânica (DMA) e inspeção acústica por ultrassom. Com o intuito de se avaliar eventuais ganhos na tenacidade à fratura dos laminados, foram realizados ensaios de excitação por impulso e resistência ao impacto, o qual foi seguido pela técnica de ultrassom. Também foram realizados ensaios de End-Notched Flexure (ENF) pelo modo II de fratura (modo de deslizamento) e ensaios de cisalhamento interlaminar (ILSS) e após os respectivos ensaios, os compósitos também foram avaliados por microscopia. A partir da técnica de eletr... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: This research aims the processing of multifunctional laminated thermosetting composites by hot compression molding, consisting of carbon fibers, epoxy resin and polybutadiene (BR) mats produced by electrospinning. These mats can provide greater toughness to the composite obtained, increasing its damage tolerance and consequently increasing its applicability in the aerospace field. For the development of this research, polybutadiene mats were produced by the electrospinning process. All processing conditions were evaluated at this stage of the project. Subsequently, these mats were used to obtain different epoxy resin/ carbon fiber composites with 8 distinct configurations, processed by hot compression molding process. The quality of the manufactured composites was evaluated using acid digestion tests, microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and acustic inspection by ultrasound. After processing, in order to evaluate possible gains in fracture toughness, these laminates were submitted impulse excitation tests, impact resistance, and after tests the specimens were analyzed by ultrasound. Also, End-Notched Flexure (ENF) testes were performed using mode II fracture (sliding mode) and interlaminar shear tests (ILSS) and after the respective tests, the composites were also evaluated by microscopy. Using the electrospinning technique, it was possible to manufacture polybutadiene microfibers successfully, and use them to process laminated composites consisting of carbon fibers ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor