Evaluating the Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Hot Plate and FlackTek Mixing in Nanocomposite Panel Fabrication

Author(s) Information

Jacky Liang, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Wyatt Barnes, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow

College - Author 1

College of Engineering

Department - Author 1

Mechanical Engineering Department

College - Author 2

College of Engineering

Department - Author 2

Mechanical Engineering Department

Advisor

Ramanan Sritharan, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Funding Source

Cal Poly Academic Affairs Office

Acknowledgements

Mustang 60’ and Aero Hangar materials, tools, and technicians • Cal Poly Summer Undergraduate Research Program • Composite Lab materials and tools • Dr. Ramanan Sritharan

Date

10-2025

Abstract/Summary

Nanomaterials have found widespread applications, particularly carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in structural applications, which have gained significant traction over the past few decades [1] [2]. Numerous experimental [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] and analytical studies [11] have demonstrated that incorporating CNTs into an epoxy matrix can significantly enhance the mechanical properties of the composite. This study evaluates and compares the effectiveness of nanocomposite panels fabricated using two different fabrication techniques: ultra-sonication combined with a hot plate process, and the FlackTek mixer. The primary objective of the research is to investigate the impact of these processing methods on the dispersion of CNTs, uniformity of the composite matrix, and overall performance characteristics of the nanocomposite panels. The ultra-sonication and hot plate method uses high-frequency sound waves to disperse CNTs into ethyl alcohol, followed by heat-induced magnetic stirring to evenly mix the CNTs with epoxy. On the other hand, the FlackTek mixer employs high-shear forces to achieve CNTs dispersion in epoxy in a more controlled manner. The samples fabricated using two different methods will be assessed and compared on important mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, and strain. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how each processing technique influences the mechanical properties of nanocomposite panels. The results will offer valuable insights for optimizing the fabrication of nanocomposite panels.

October 1, 2025.