Mechanical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes reinforced polymer nanocomposites

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered to be one of the novel reinforcement for developing advanced nanocomposites due to their outstanding thermo-mechanical properties. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are developed by arc discharge method. To enhance the dispersion of CNTs in polymer matrix, CNTs are modified with chemical treatment and processed by ultrasonication process. Surface characterization of CNTs is examined by XPS technique to confirm the different functional groups attached to the surface. Epoxy based polymer composites are developed by dispersing of pristine and surface modified CNTs as reinforcement in different concentrations varying from 0.2 to 1.0 wt% and found that with 1 wt% gives the best result. Detailed rheological studies are carried out to know the dispersion of CNTs in matrix. FESEM studies are carried out to observe the morphology of reinforcing materials as well as its dispersion in the polymer matrix and the effect of reinforcement on fractography is also investigated. The thermal stability of the composites is measured using thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and observed that composites made with surface modified CNT showed higher thermal stability as compared with pure epoxy and pristine CNTs. Enhancement in flexural properties is observed with surface modified CNTs.