Effects of silane functionalization on the properties of carbon nanotube/epoxy nanocomposites

Abstract

Abstract:The effects of silane functionalization of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on properties of CNT/epoxy nanocomposites are investigated in this work. Epoxy-based nanocomposites reinforced with CNTs with and without functionalization were prepared. The properties of nanocomposites were characterized extensively using the scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), electrical conductivity measurement, thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), three-point bending test and fracture toughness measurement. The results showed that grafting silane molecules onto the CNT surface improved the dispersion of CNTs in epoxy along with much enhanced mechanical and thermal properties as well as fracture resistance of nanocomposites compared to those containing CNTs without functionalization. The electrical conductivity of nanocomposites decreased due to the wrapping of CNTs with non-conductive silane molecules. These findings confirmed the improved interfacial interactions arising from covalent bonds between the functionalized CNTs and epoxy resin.

Investigation into the toughening mechanism of epoxy reinforced with multi-wall carbon nanotubes

“…Extensive research has been performed on CNT-reinforced toughening of polymer composites (7)(8)(9)(10). In contrast to rubber-or thermoplastic-toughened epoxy, those obtained by reinforcement with CNTs provide toughened epoxy without any decrease in the modulus (11)(12)(13)(14)(15).…”

Fabrication and properties of CNTs reinforced polymeric matrix nanocomposites for sports applications

“…CNTs can also improve the Zaxis properties of composite laminates remarkably by direct reinforcing the matrix, fiber bridging mechanism, and toughening effect [15]. The flexural strength of glass fiber reinforced epoxy (Relevant websites) [12,14] [ 16,17] composite modified with SWNTs treated with dispersing agents Volan and BYK-9076 (proprietary) showed enhancement up to 16% mainly caused by better dispersion of SWNTs in the composite [18]. The CNTs have also improved the properties in carbon fiber/polymer composites.…”

“…The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are used in advanced polymeric matrix composites to further improve the properties. CNT/epoxy nanocomposites were previously fabricated and studied for creep behavior [3], thermal and mechanical properties [4], morphology [5], cure behavior [6], effect of interfacial chemistry on molecular mobility [7], damping capacity in a broad temperature range [8], doping of nano-particles (titania) for synergistic effects in the multiphase nanocomposites [9], electrical and thermal conduction mechanisms [10], influence of cup-stacked CNTs [11], and effect of silane functionalization on the properties of CNT/epoxy nanocomposites [12].…”

Effects of silica-coated carbon nanotubes on the curing behavior and properties of epoxy composites

“…The common advantage of CNTs being electrically conductive is no longer desired. A facile method for improving thermal conductivity while retaining high electrical resistivity is to incorporate silica-coated carbon nanotubes (CNTs@SiO 2 ) into the epoxy system [9,[24][25]. Silica has been widely used as a filler in electronic packaging material.…”