Effect of processing techniques on the performance of Epoxy/MWCNT nanocomposites

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the optimum technique to disperse Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) in SC-1 epoxy uniformly and to evaluate the effect of processing technique on the performance of SC-1 epoxy. To achieve better dispersion, MWCNT was mixed with SC-1 resin directly or premixed with a solvent and then mixed with SC-1 resin after evaporating the solvent using sonication, thinky mixing and three-roll mill methods either in isolation or combination. Flexural tests were performed to evaluate mechanical performances and results exhibit up to 27.13, 13.51, and 21.99% improvement on flexural strength, flexural modulus, and maximum strain, respectively, over neat epoxy with only 0.2 wt % loading. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated improvement in storage modulus, T g , inflection temperature, and residue content, respectively over neat SC-1 epoxy. Thermal and mechanical properties at higher loading conditions were seen to either reduce or not significantly improve. This was attributed to high viscosity of nanocomposites as determined by rheological analysis which prevents good dispersion of MWNCTs into epoxy system at 0.4 wt % loading.

Epoxy composite foams with excellent electromagnetic interference shielding and heat‐resistance performance

“…24,25 (2) MWCNTs have strong tendency to form aggregates due to its extremely high surface energy, which may lead to inhomogeneous dispersion and then degrade the heat-resistant property of prepared foams. This effect can limit the possible movement of epoxy molecular chains around MWCNTs and thus improve the heat-resistance of composite foam.…”

Nanostructured epoxy—rubber network modified with mwcnt and ionic liquid: Electrical, dynamic‐mechanical, and adhesion properties

“…However, achieving a homogeneous dispersion of CNT is not an easy task due to the strong Van der Waals interaction between the CNTs, thus, favoring agglomeration. The literature describes different approaches for attaining better CNT dispersion, such as sonication , calendering , and a combination of calendering and masterbatch approach , among others. In the last example, the use of high amount of CNT significantly increase the viscosity during preparation, thus requiring additional shear forces for processing, which in turn improve the dispersion .…”

Epoxy—MWCNT composites prepared from master batch and powder dilution: Effect of ionic liquid on dispersion and multifunctional properties

“…The processing conditions play significant role on the dispersion state of CNT in epoxy matrix. Several approaches have been considered for attaining better CNT dispersion, which include the use of calendering and sonication , among others. Recently, the use of predispersed CNT in epoxy resin as a masterbatch has gained interest because the dispersion procedure is easier than that involving CNT as a powder and can be scaled up to industrial levels.…”