Application of Raman spectroscopy in carbon nanotube-based polymer composites

Raman spectroscopy has been widely used to identify the physical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and to assess their func-tionalization as well as orientation. Recently, Raman spectroscopy has become a powerful tool to characterize the interfacial properties between CNTs and polymer matrices. This review provides an overview of micro-Raman spectroscopy of CNTs and its application in studying CNT reinforced polymer composites. Based on the specific Raman band shifts relating to the mechanical deformation of CNTs, Raman scattering can be used to evaluate the interactions between the CNTs and the surrounding polymer in the composites, and to detect the phase transitions of the polymer, and investigate the local stress state as well as the Young’s modulus of the CNTs. Moreover, we also review the current progress of Raman spectroscopy in various CNT macroarchitectures (such as films, fibers as well as composite fibers). The microscale structural deformation of CNT macroarchitectures and strain transfer factors from macroscale architectures to microscale structures are inferred. Based on an in situ Raman-tensile test, we further predict the Young’s modulus of the CNT macroarchitectures and reveal the dominating factors affecting the mechanical performances of the CNT macroarchitectures     

Sources and migration path of chemical compositions in a karst groundwater system during rainfall events

Physical and chemical dynamics at Jiangjia Spring (JJS), the outlet of the Qingmuguan karst groundwater system in Chongqing, were monitored in situ during rainfall events to acquire a series of high-resolution data. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to identify the sources of chemical compositions in the karst groundwater. The coefficients of variations (CVs) of the physical and chemical data of JJS were utilized to interpret the migration path of the chemical compositions. The results showed that water-rock interactions, agricultural activities, and soil erosion were the main sources of the groundwater chemical compositions. Ions of potassium, sodium, nitrate, chloride and phosphate from agricultural activities together with ions of calcium, magnesium, strontium and bicarbonate derived from carbonate dissolution appear to be stored and regulated by the karst unsaturated zone in features such as fissures, pores and solution cracks. The concentrations of the ions remained relatively stable and they showed low CVs owing to their migration by diffuse flow to recharge the underground river. In contrast, concentrations of ions such as total iron, total manganese and aluminum from soil erosion were unstable and showed high CVs owing to their migration by overland flow to recharge the underground river directly via sinkholes. During heavy rainfall events, the nutrients from agricultural activities and sediment from soil erosion could quickly impair the aquatic ecosystem and pose serious threats to water quality. Therefore, it is necessary to reinforce management of the ecological system for better control of the influx of mass nutrients into the karst aquifer system.     

Formations of groundwater hydrogeochemistry in a karst system during storm events as revealed by PCA

High-frequency samples have been collected at Jiangjia Spring, the outlet of Qingmuguan underground river system (QURS) in Chongqing in late April, 2008. The variations of hydrogeochemical compositions are found responding rapidly to storm events. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the 20 variables is employed to interpret the relationships with specific processes that control the groundwater hydrogeochemical formations. Through PCA, 84.961% of the total amount information is extracted to indicate the fo...