Mechanical characterization of PMMA/MWCNT composites under static and dynamic loading conditions

The aim of this paper is to evaluate quasi-static and dynamic mechanical properties of Poly (methyl methylacrylate) (PMMA)/Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) composites for different compositions of MWCNTs in PMMA by using nano-scale characterization technique. Enhancing the strength of PMMA using various compositions of MWCNTs can enhance its scope of applications where resistance to external static and dynamic load is required. Composites of PMMA/MWCNTs were fabricated using simple solution mixing with various MWCNT compositions (2.5wt%, 5wt% and 10wt%) in PMMA. They were then characterized to obtain quasi static mechanical properties like hardness and elastic modulus using a nanoindentation. It was observed that hardness and modulus for 5wt% MWCNT composition in PMMA/MWCNT composites were enhanced by 44% and 27% respectively in comparison to pure PMMA. However, hardness and elastic modulus for 10wt% PMMA/MWCNT composites reduced by nearly 28% and 23% respectively in comparison to 5wt% PMMA/MWCNT composite. The visco-elastic nature of PMMA/MWCNT composites was also investigated by using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis(DMA). Complex storage modulus for 5wt% PMMA/MWCNT composite and pure PMMA specimen was compared in dynamic mode for a frequency range between 50Hz and 210Hz. It was observed that modulus for 5wt% PMMA/MWCNT composite increased for the complete loading frequency range. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.