Protocols for Accelerating Laboratory Weathering and Measurements of Degradation of Polymer-Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composites

Published

August 3, 2015

Author(s)

Li Piin Sung, Tinh Nguyen

Abstract

Polymer nanocomposites containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are increasingly or potentially will be used in many large-volume industries. These advanced composites are exposed to severe mechanical and environmental stresses, such that, during a polymer nanocomposite’s life cycle, MWCNTs incorporated in the matrix will be eventually released into the environment. One particular release mechanism that is receiving considerable attention worldwide is degradation of the matrix by the weathering environments. Because polymer degradation in natural weathering environments is a slow process, most studies on release of MWCNTs from polymer nanocomposites rely on accelerated weathering to speed up the matrix degradation. This special publication provides Protocols for Accelerating Laboratory Weathering and Measurements of Degradation of Polymer-MWCNT Composites. Although the protocols are presented using a NIST-developed accelerated weathering device, they are generally applicable and can be adapted for commercial accelerated laboratory weathering instruments commonly used in industry. Further, while protocols and degradation measurement metrologies are described for epoxy-MWCNT composites, they are equally applicable for other polymer nanocomposites.

Citation

Special Publication (NIST SP) - 1200-15

Report Number

1200-15

NIST Pub Series

Special Publication (NIST SP)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.1200-15

Keywords

Accelerated laboratory weathering, nanocomposite, MWCNT, UV degradtion

Citation

Sung, L. and Nguyen, T. (2015), Protocols for Accelerating Laboratory Weathering and Measurements of Degradation of Polymer-Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composites, Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.1200-15 (Accessed October 18, 2025)