Mechanical Improvements of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Epoxy Composite: Covalent Functionalization of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube by Epoxy Chains

摘要

In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were functionalized with epoxy chains via a microwave-assisted method. The effect of MWCNT functionalization with epoxy chains was studied on mechanical properties of MWCNT-reinforced epoxy composites. It was found that functionalization of MWCNT with epoxy chains can significantly enhance the compatibility of MWCNTs with the epoxy matrix. Consequently, remarkable improvements were achieved in mechanical properties, tensile strength and elastic modulus, of the MWCNT-reinforced epoxy composites. Fractography observation of reinforced composites was carried out to study the reinforcing effect of functionalized MWCNTs on the epoxy composites. It was found that the reinforcing effect of MWCNTs changed the fracture mood of the composite from ductile mood to a brittle fracture.