There are many types of nanocomposites - such as epoxy, polymer, and carbon tube materials. Nanocomposites are made from embedding materials into one another with at least one of the phases showing dimensions in the nanometer range. This process improves or enhances a particular property of the material. Common uses for nanocomposites like epoxy containing carbon nanotubes can be used to produce nanotube-polymer composite windmill blades. This results in a strong but lightweight blade. In addition, polymer nanocomposites are frequently used in the automotive industry since these materials produce lightweight car components which help improve the fuel efficiency of a vehicle.
This application note presents a Hyper DSC method to determine the heat capacity of nanocomposites and probe for high temperature devitrification - loss of nanocomposite bonding - from measuring RAF (rigid amorphous fraction). This rapid heat-cool method is proven useful for identifying nanocomposite filler formulations.