Mechanical Studies on Chitosan Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Epoxy Bionanocomposites

Abstract

The chitosan functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes reinforced epoxy bionanocomposite (CS-g-MWCNTs/EP) was developed. Chitosan (CS) was grafted to multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), first by reacting the oxidized carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-COOH) with thionyl chloride to form acyl-chlorinated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-COCl) followed by subsequent dispersion in chitosan. The chitosan grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CS-g-MWCNTs) were reinforced in the epoxy matrix using high speed stirrer and then cured. The TEM of CS-g-MWCNTs shows a visible coating of chitosan on the surface of MWCNTs. FT-IR spectra of CS-g-MWCNTs indicate an overlap of the amide band and the free amino groups of the chitosan. The mechanical properties such as tensile and impact strength of epoxy matrix increases to 16 and 52 %, respectively by the reinforcement of 1.5 wt. % CS-g-MWCNTs, which clearly reveals that the free amino groups of CS-g-MWCNTs acted as a curing agent and was covalently attached into epoxy matrix. Morphologies of pure chitosan, MWCNT, MWCNT-COOH and CS-g-MWCNTs/EP bionanocomposites were studied by scanning electron microscope.

Influence of a Biofiller, Polylactide, on the General Characteristics of Epoxy-Based Materials

“…Epoxy resin belongs to a group of thermosetting polymers that are commonly used in engineering applications due to their high performance (excellent mechanical properties, high thermal and corrosion resistance, etc.) and versatility [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. It is reported that approximately 323,000 tons of epoxy resin are produced annually, of which 45,000 tons are used in the transportation industry (14%) [ 6 ].…”

Temporary Anti-Corrosive Double Layer on Zinc Substrate Based on Chitosan Hydrogel and Epoxy Resin

“…There is a rich scientific literature regarding the investigation of chitosan-and epoxybased coatings; however, these are hybrid systems or composites. For instance, it was observed that the addition of chitosan decreased the tensile strength [19], increased the flexibility [20], improved the hardness of an epoxy composite [21], enhanced the anticorrosion property of epoxy coatings [22], and increased the water absorption of the epoxy-based composite [23]. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no published data for using them as superposed monolayers formed with dip-coating and specialized for temporary protection during the transport of metals that require further processing or assembly.…”

Modified Epoxy with Chitosan Triazine Dihydrazide Derivatives for Mechanical and Corrosion Protection of Steel

“…It is well known that petroleum-based polyamines have been widely used as curing agents for epoxy resin and classified as toxic materials. The polyamines adduct types sometimes were employed to reduce the toxicity [11]. It was previously reported that chitosan nanofibers were used to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of the epoxy resin cured with polyamines [10][11][12][13].…”

“…The polyamines adduct types sometimes were employed to reduce the toxicity [11]. It was previously reported that chitosan nanofibers were used to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of the epoxy resin cured with polyamines [10][11][12][13]. The development of eco-friendly epoxy and hardener based on 2 of 16 biopolymers is very important to produce green coatings.…”