Prof. Chou’s answers to questions on Nanocomposites lecture.

Question #1: From Fulya Aktas: "Do you do any surface treatment to bind CNTs to resin?"
Answer: "In our research work we have used MWCNTs and have not applied any surface treatment."

Question #2: From Fernandes: "Is there a study that characterizes the several different directional properties of random CNT in a polymer matrix?"
Answer: "In our own research of CNT/polymer composites, the CNTs were dispersed in random orientation using the calendering approach. We did not characterize their properties in several orientations, assuming the properties are isotropic.'

Question #3: From Fernandes: "Can resistance change be used in health monitoring of damage in real structures?"
Answer: "Yes, we have an on-going research program focusing on both damage sensing and health monitoring."

Question #4: From Kim Parnell: "For Damage Resistance, can you comment on the use of approaches like "Stitching" to prevent Delamination?"
Answer: "Yes, stitching of fibers in the thickness direction has been applied by researchers for preventing delamination."

Question #5: From Kim Parnell: "Can technologies like Nanotubes potentially provide 'Stitching' like benefits with enhanced resistance to Delamination?"
Answer: "I believe such potential certainly exists."