Laser Interaction, Micromachining and Precision Joining of Carbon Nanocomposites

POSTER

Abstract

Carbon nanocomposites consist of thermoset and thermoplastic materials filled with carbon nano-particles such as nanofibers, nanotubes, and Bucky Balls. This new and innovative group of materials offers many advantages over standard polymers such as electrical/thermal conductivity and improved structural properties. The presence of carbon nano-particles introduces unique advantages to the laser micromachining and microjoining processes. These advantageous include strong optical absorption at the laser wavelengths of interest and improved thermal stability during the laser processing. As a result, carbon nanocomposites exhibit superior laser processing properties when compared to conventional unfilled thermoset and thermoplastic materials. In the current study, Nd:YAG and Nd:YVO4 solid-state lasers were used to micromachine several carbon nanocomposite, thermoplastic, and thermoset materials. In addition, direct diode and Nd:YAG solid-state lasers were used to transmission weld carbon nanocomposites and carbon black filled polymers. The effects of nano-particle type, nano-particle fill percentage, and polymer type on the laser micromachining and laser welding processes are discussed.

Authors

  • Perry Yaney

    Department of Physics, University of Oregon, USAF Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, NHMFL, CRIEPI, UCSD, University of Dayton, L-3 Communications Cincinnati Electronics, University of Georgia, Air Force Research Laboratory, Anteon Corporation, California State University-Chico, The Ohio State University, Univ. Akron, Air Force Institute of Technology, Albion College, Albion, MI 49224, Physics Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Mound Laser \& Photonics Center, Inc., Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, San Jose, CA 95120, University of Dayton Research Institute, University of South Alabama, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Anteon, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo, Morelia, Michoac\'{a}n, Mexico, Department of Chemistry, The University of Akron, Department of Physics, The University of Akron, Physics Department and The Future-Chips Constellation, Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute, Local Co-Chair

  • Perry Yaney

    Department of Physics, University of Oregon, USAF Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, NHMFL, CRIEPI, UCSD, University of Dayton, L-3 Communications Cincinnati Electronics, University of Georgia, Air Force Research Laboratory, Anteon Corporation, California State University-Chico, The Ohio State University, Univ. Akron, Air Force Institute of Technology, Albion College, Albion, MI 49224, Physics Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Mound Laser \& Photonics Center, Inc., Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, San Jose, CA 95120, University of Dayton Research Institute, University of South Alabama, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Anteon, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo, Morelia, Michoac\'{a}n, Mexico, Department of Chemistry, The University of Akron, Department of Physics, The University of Akron, Physics Department and The Future-Chips Constellation, Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute, Local Co-Chair

  • Perry Yaney

    Department of Physics, University of Oregon, USAF Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, NHMFL, CRIEPI, UCSD, University of Dayton, L-3 Communications Cincinnati Electronics, University of Georgia, Air Force Research Laboratory, Anteon Corporation, California State University-Chico, The Ohio State University, Univ. Akron, Air Force Institute of Technology, Albion College, Albion, MI 49224, Physics Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Mound Laser \& Photonics Center, Inc., Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, San Jose, CA 95120, University of Dayton Research Institute, University of South Alabama, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Anteon, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo, Morelia, Michoac\'{a}n, Mexico, Department of Chemistry, The University of Akron, Department of Physics, The University of Akron, Physics Department and The Future-Chips Constellation, Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute, Local Co-Chair

  • Max Alexander

    Air Force Research Lab, AFRL/MLBP

  • Brandon Black

    Air Force Research Lab