Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT)/Epoxy Composites

The thermo-mechanical and tensile properties of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/epoxy composite samples were evaluated by performing dynamic-mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and tensile tests. The composite samples were fabricated by sonication and a cast molding process. The results indicated that the addition of multiwalled nanotubes (0.1, 0.5, and 1.5wt.%) to the epoxy matrix had significant effect on the thermo-mechanical properties. The use of 0.5wt.% MWCNT was the most effective in increasing the storage modulus value, while the sample containing 1.5wt.% MWCNT demonstrated the best tensile properties. The experimentally obtained DMTA results were modeled by plotting a Cole-Cole diagram. The results showed quite good agreement between the Perez model and the experimental thermo-mechanical data.