Dispersion characteristics and mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites reinforced with carboxymethyl cellulose functionalized nanodiamond, carbon nanotube, and graphene

Abstract

Carbon‐based nanoparticles are widely regarded as promising nanofillers in nanocomposites to pursue advanced properties. To date, there has been a lack of systematic investigation into the structural variations of nanofillers and their influences on dispersion characteristics, as well as the resulting mechanical properties of nanocomposites. In this study, nanodiamond (ND), carbon nanotube (CNT), and graphene (GNP) were selected as the representative zero‐, one‐, and two‐dimensional nanofillers, respectively. A novel functionalization technique utilizing carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was employed to disperse nanofillers. The various characterization techniques and experimental results revealed that CMC functionalization was effective in reducing the agglomeration and improving the distribution uniformity of all three nanofillers. Among the three nanofillers, zero‐dimensional ND exhibited the most homogeneous dispersion quality in epoxy nanocomposites. The strongest abrasion resistance was found in ND‐reinforced epoxy nanocomposites, while CNT‐reinforced epoxy nanocomposites exhibited the best tensile properties.Highlights Nanodiamond with a spherical structure had better dispersion characteristics. Cylindrical carbon nanotube and planar graphene tended to agglomerate. Nanodiamond reinforced nanocomposites had better abrasion resistance. Carbon nanotube reinforced nanocomposites had better tensile properties. Carboxymethyl cellulose functionalization was valid for all three nanofillers.