Investigation on Mechanical, Thermal and Bonding Properties of MWCNTs Reinforced Aramid / Epoxy Composite

The poor ability of bonding performance of aramid fiber with epoxy resin limits its usage for wide range of applications. In this research work, an attempt was made to improve the bonding performance of aramid fiber with polymer matrix by performing nitric acid treatment on fiber. The role of functionalized multi walled carbon nano tubes (F-MWCNTs) reinforced in the base polymer matrix is also studied. Six composite sheets (AF0, AF1, AF2, AF3, AF4, and AF5) with varying content of F-MWCNTs from (0.1wt% to 0.5wt %) are fabricated using hand layup method having dimensions of 25cm x 25 cm x 0.8 cm. AF0 composite sheet is free from presence of F-MWCNTs. The remaining ingredients [80% epoxy resin, 0.2 % rubber powder, 0.2% graphite powder, and 0.2% BaSO4, 0.2% Zirconium Silicate powder and 1.5 % fiber] are kept constant for achieving desirable properties of friction materials. After undergoing, curing process in atmosphere for 72 hrs, the specimens are cut according to ASTM standards to evaluate mechanical, thermal and bonding properties of the composites. Scanning electron microscope images (SEM) are observed for the samples to observe the grain distribution present in the composite. It was observed from results that, AF4 (aramid fiber reinforced composite friction material with 0.4% F-MWCNTs inclusions) along with remaining ingredients exhibited better mechanical, thermal and bonding properties compared to remaining formulations of materials.