Structure‐property relationship of substituted pyrrolidine functionalized CNT epoxy nanocomposite

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) based polymer nanocomposites hold the promise of delivering exceptional mechanical properties and multifunctional characteristics. However, the realization of exceptional properties of CNT based nanocomposites is dependent on CNT dispersion and CNT-matrix adhesion. To this end, we modified MWCNTs by Prato reaction to yield aromatic (phenyl and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl) substituted pyrrolidine functionalized CNTs (fCNT1 and fCNT2) and aliphatic (2-ethylbutyl and noctyl) substituted pyrrolidine functionalized CNTs (fCNT3 and fCNT4). The functionalization of CNTs was established by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman Spectroscopy, and XPS techniques. Optical micrographs of fCNT epoxy mixture showed smaller aggregates compared to pristine CNT epoxy mixture. A comparison of the tensile results and onset decomposition temperature of fCNT/epoxy nanocomposite showed that aliphatic substituted pyrrolidine fCNT epoxy nanocomposites have higher onset decomposition temperature and higher tensile toughness than aromatic substituted pyrrolidine fCNT epoxy nanocomposites, which is consistent with the dispersion results of fCNTs in the epoxy matrix.

Synergistic Effect of Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes and Micron‐Sized Rubber Particles on the Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Resin

“…For epoxy containing 15 phr of CTBN, we noticed 40% higher fracture toughness and 38% lower modulus compared to epoxy, which is in agreement with previous observation . On the other hand, the addition of fCNT to epoxy showed not only a larger (143%) increase in fracture toughness but also a moderate increase (25%) in modulus compared to epoxy . While, the addition of fCNT to CTBNTE showed a significant increase (197%) in fracture toughness compared to epoxy and significant recovery of modulus of epoxy.…”

“…From TGA comparison, the grafting degree of fCNT was found to be 7% with respect to pristine CNT. Additionally X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman characterization of fCNT were performed so as to qualitatively establish the type of organic pendant groups on fCNT …”

“…Details about synthesis and characterization of n‐octyl‐functionalized CNT (fCNT) can be found elsewhere . Chemical structure of fCNT, EPON 828, and CTBN are shown in Figure .…”

“…In fact, processing methods in combination with functionalization of nanotubes can be more effective in addressing the dispersibility of nanotubes in epoxy resin . Recently, we demonstrated the superior thermomechanical performance of well‐dispersed aliphatic‐chain‐substituted pyrrolidine‐functionalized carbon nanotube (fCNT)/epoxy nanocomposite, compared to poorly dispersed pristine CNT/epoxy nanocomposite …”

Additive manufacturing of carbon nanotube‐photopolymer composite radar absorbing materials

“…Such CNTs/photopolymer resin with CNTs content of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% are investigated. To achieve uniform dispersion of CNTs in acrylic ester matrix, which is critical for appropriate printing and better absorption properties , the CNTs/photopolymer resin was homogenized with a AD200S‐H homogenizer for 15 min prior to printing.…”