Carbon Nanotubes and Reduced Graphene Oxide’s Dimensionality Effect on Thermoset Matrix Performance

Abstract

The mechanical, electrical, thermomechanical, and thermal properties of a thermoset matrix reinforced with pristine carbon nanotubes (1-D) and reduced graphene oxide (2-D) have been evaluated. Epoxy resin was reinforced with 1-D and 2-D nanomaterials in a wide range of load for a detailed study: 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9, and 1.0 wt. %. It is observed that carbon nanomaterials’ dimensionality influences its ability to transfer their unique properties to the nanocomposites. In this work, carbon nanotubes are more suitable than reduced graphene oxide to improve some properties, even though graphene-related materials have outperformed 1-D nanomaterials in other research. Tensile tests of nanocomposites show the best increment, with loads of 0.7 and 0.1 wt. % carbon nanotubes and reduced graphene oxide, respectively. Tensile strength at these loads is ∼120 % higher than epoxy resin, but the load for obtaining the best mechanical performance is different for each nanomaterial. Electrical conductivity measurements show that 1-D nanostructures are able to form conductive paths better than nanosheets. In this work, carbon nanotubes yield up to three magnitude orders higher than reduced graphene oxide. The highest initial storage modulus is achieved by employing 1-D nanomaterials and contributes to improving the thermomechanical stability. Therefore, the dimensionality of carbon nanomaterials impacts the properties of nanocomposites, and each nanostructure is able to improve the matrix at different regions of the load.

Hybrid based on graphene nanoplatelets and carbon nanotubes obtained in a single‐step approach and its reinforcement effect in an epoxy matrix

“…On the other hand, loss factor or tan δ is presented in Figure 8b. Tan δ is obtained by dividing loss modulus by storage modulus values and its peak is attributed to the glass transition temperature, T g 46 . Whole Epoxy/G‐CNT specimens exhibited increment in T g values compared to the epoxy control.…”

“…Tan δ is obtained by dividing loss modulus by storage modulus values and its peak is attributed to the glass transition temperature, Tg. 46 Whole Epoxy/G-CNT specimens exhibited increment in Tg values compared to the epoxy control. The Tg value of epoxy without reinforcement was $112 C and the highest Tg value was obtained by the addition of G-CNT at 0.3 wt % reaching 119 C. However, the incorporation of G-CNT at 0.1 and 0.5 wt% also provided slight improvement in Tg.…”

A Green and Easy Large Scale Method for Obtaining Graphene Nanoplatelets by Steam Explosion and Ultrasonic Exfoliation

“…[13] Sometimes, nanosheets without oxygen groups are required, then, GO is usually reduced through a thermal step or using diverse chemical agents to produce reduced graphene oxide (RGO). It has been extensively reported that the restoration by chemical reduction is not completely, [14,15] but this nanomaterial is commonly used. [16] Additionally, some agents involved in the reduction process are toxic, expensive, and cause damage to both human health and environment.…”