Title: Decomposition Mechanisms and Extreme Temperature Thermal Stability of Boron Nitride Nanotubes in Inert Environments

Authors: Mehul J. Tank, Aspen N. Reyes, Rebekah D. Sweat

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/s.22.0714

Abstract: A fundamental understanding of the thermal behavior of reinforcement materials is crucial to fully exploiting their properties in composites. Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), structural analogs to carbon nanotubes, are the perfect candidate for nanofillers in high-temperature composites due to their high thermal stability, oxidation resistance, good mechanical properties, and high thermal conductivity. Many researchers have confirmed that BNNTs do not oxidize in air until 850°C, but heating in inert environments has not been widely explored yet. This study investigated thermal stability and degradation temperature by heat-treating purified BNNTs up to 2500°C in a graphitic furnace and helium atmosphere. Boron nitride (BN) powders were treated identically to perform a comparative study, as hexagonal BN is a common impurity in BNNTs. Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) conducted on the samples showed a stable composition up to the 2200°C heat-treated sample, which had a much higher B:N composition ratio, indicating dissociation of BNNTs into elemental boron and nitrogen gas. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to oxidize samples and confirm the presence of elemental boron. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) gave more detailed information on the compounds (bonds) formed during heat-treatment and oxidation, providing a more robust understanding of the degradation mechanism and products.

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Conference: SAMPE 2022

Publication Date: 2022/05/23

SKU: TP22-0000000714

Pages: 13

Price: $26.00