Synergic Effect of Clay on the Mechanical and Electrical Properties of SWCNT/Epoxy Composites

Abstract

ABSTRACT：Sodium-montmorillonite (Na + -MMT) was introduced into single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/epoxy composite to investigate the effect of MMT size and MMT/SWCNT ratio on the mechanical and electrical properties of composite. Three different sizes of MMTs were used and all were found to function as effective dispersion aids for SWCNTs. Mechanical properties of SWCNT/epoxy composite increased with MMT content; tending to decrease once the MMT content reached a critical level. However, the surface electrical resistance decreased with increasing MMT content and tended to increase after the critical content was reached. Critical MMT/SWCNT ratio for maximum mechanical properties and minimum electrical resistivity was strongly dependent on the MMT size. Critical MMT/SWCNT ratio was decreased with MMT size.