Multiwall carbon nanotube modified vinylester and vinylester -: based hybrid resins

Purified, catalytic chemically vapor deposited multiwall carbon nanotubes (MW-CNT) were incorporated in vinylester (VE), vinylester-urethane (VEUH) and vinylester/epoxy (VE/EP) systems in up to 2 wt% amount. The MW-CNT dispersion was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electrical conductivity, thermomechanical, fracture mechanical and failure properties of the related nanocomposites were investigated. It was found that the MW-CNT of very high aspect ratio and thus prone for nesting can be only partly disintegrated. The effect of MW-CNT on the electrical conductivity was much larger than on the fracture mechanical performance. As MW-CNT can be treated as a flexible reinforcement its reinforcing efficiency is likely better in tough than in brittle thermosets. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.