Comparative Mechanical, Tribological and Morphological Properties of Epoxy Resin Composites Reinforced With Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Addition of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) guarantees enhancement of the characteristics offered in the polymer composite materials with negligible weight increase. In this research work, ultrasonication and compression moulding technique were used for the manufacturing of MWCNT–epoxy composites. Five formulations of epoxy composites of 5.0 ± 0.1 mm thickness with symmetrical geometry were manufactured. This research focuses on analysing the mechanical (tensile, flexural, impact and hardness measurements), tribological (with the help of Pin-on-Disc tribometer) and morphological [by using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)] properties on MWCNT–epoxy composites. The MWCNTs were blended in resins having 0 (neat sample), 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 wt%. The results showed that 0.5 wt% of MWCNT–epoxy composite possesses improved properties, while further increment in concentration of MWCNT had detrimental effect on the properties. It was also noted from the TEM analyses that intense interactivity exists among the epoxy and MWCNTs and this further assists in improving the interfacial bonding strength among the resin and nanoparticles. The results of this work were adequate in the fields where greater mechanical, tribological and morphological properties were expected, like in structural, aerospace and automobiles industries.