Influence of carbon nanotubes on epoxy resin cure reaction using different techniques: A comprehensive review

The effect of the surface modification of carbon nanotubes on their dispersion in the epoxy matrix Functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has an effect on the dispersion of MWCNT in the epoxy matrix. Samples based on two kinds of epoxy resin and different weight percentage of MWCNTs (functionalized and non-functionalized) were prepared. Epoxy/carbon nanotubes composites were prepared by different mixing methods (ultrasounds and a combination of ultrasounds and mechanical mixing). CNTs modified with different functional groups were investigated. Surfactants were used to lower the surface tension of the liquid, which enabled easier spreading and reducing the interfacial tension. Solvents were also used to reduce the liquid viscosity. Some of them facilitate homogeneous dispersion of nanotubes in the resin. The properties of epoxy/nanotubes composites strongly depend on a uniform distribution of carbon nanotubes in the epoxy matrix. The type of epoxy resin, solvent, surfactant and mixing method for homogeneous dispersion of CNTs in the epoxy matrix was evaluated. The effect of CNTs functionalization type on their dispersion in the epoxy resins was evaluated on the basis of viscosity and microstructure studies.

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Enhancement of out-of-plane mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin composite by incorporating the multi-walled carbon nanotubes

SN Applied Sciences ◽

10.1007/s42452-021-04624-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (6) ◽

Author(s):

Seyed Ali Mirsalehi ◽

Amir Ali Youzbashi ◽

Amjad Sazgar

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Carbon Nanotubes ◽

Tensile Test ◽

Epoxy Resin ◽

Laminate Composite ◽

Filament Winding ◽

Hybrid Nanocomposites ◽

Out Of Plane ◽

Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes ◽

Walled Carbon Nanotubes

AbstractIn this study, epoxy hybrid nanocomposites reinforced by carbon fibers (CFs) were fabricated by a filament winding. To improve out-of-plane (transverse) mechanical properties, 0.5 and 1.0 Wt.% multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were embedded into epoxy/CF composites. The MWCNTs were well dispersed into the epoxy resin without using any additives. The transverse mechanical properties of epoxy/MWCNT/CF hybrid nanocomposites were evaluated by the tensile test in the vertical direction to the CFs (90º tensile) and flexural tests. The fracture surfaces of composites were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM observations showed that the bridging of the MWCNTs is one of the mechanisms of transverse mechanical properties enhancement in the epoxy/MWCNT/CF composites. The results of the 90º tensile test proved that the tensile strength and elongation at break of nanocomposite with 1.0 Wt.% MWCNTs improved up to 53% and 50% in comparison with epoxy/CF laminate composite, respectively. Furthermore, the flexural strength, secant modulus, and elongation of epoxy/1.0 Wt.% MWCNT/CF hybrid nanocomposite increased 15%, 7%, and 9% compared to epoxy/CF laminate composite, respectively.

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