Mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites

Abstract

Nanocomposites with exceptional properties are promising materials that gain a market share during the current years. Multi-walls Carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can be used as a filler for polymeric matrix; however, their attractive forces lead to their agglomeration and affect the properties of the final nanocomposite. Therefore, the surface of the MWCNTs is functionalized in this work using carboxylic and amino functional groups. The functionalized MWCNTs are added at different weight fractions to an epoxy matrix to manufacture nanocomposite plates and coupons of the nanocomposite are tested in tension to evaluate the tensile moduli and strengths. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the topological and the surface properties of the nanocomposites. Results indicate an initial increase in the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites at low proportions of the f-MWCNTs followed by a decrease at higher proportions.