A Micro-Mechanical Model for Elastic Modulus of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube/Epoxy Resin Composites

V K Srivastava,Shraddha Singh

doi:10.5923/j.cmaterials.20120202.01

V K Srivastava, Shraddha Singh

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5923/j.cmaterials.20120202.01

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Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) powder was used as reinforcement in epoxy resin with weight percentages 0.5, 1, 2 and 3% respectively. Dispersion of MWCNTs in the epoxy resin was obtained by a three mill rolling process. Tensile strength, compressive strength and elastic modulus were obtained from load versus displacement results. A theoretical model was developed to calculate the elastic modulus and compare with the experimental results. There was a similar trend in the experimentally obtained elastic modulus and in a modified Halpin-Tsai theory. Results show that the tensile strength, compressive strength and elastic modulus of epoxy resin are increased with the increasing of percentage of MWCNT fillers. The significant improvements in tensile strength, compressive strength and elastic modulus were attributed to the excellent dispersion of MWCNT filler in the epoxy resin.

Highlights

Epoxy resin is well established as thermosetting polymer matrices of advanced composites, displaying a series of interesting characteristics, which can be adjusted within broad boundaries
To measure the influence of Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) on the mechanical properties of epoxy resin matrix, the samples with specific size of composite were prepared according to the requirements of tensile and compressive tests
The probable reason is that a multi-walled carbon nanotube network structure is formed, which can take more mechanical loading from the matrix when the matrix is under stress[1]

Summary

Introduction

Epoxy resin is well established as thermosetting polymer matrices of advanced composites, displaying a series of interesting characteristics, which can be adjusted within broad boundaries. Due to their high-adhesion, low-weight, and good chemical resistance, epoxy-based composite materials are being increasingly used as structural components in aerospace and automobile industry[1]. Carbon nanotube (CNT) as the filler in polymer matrix has attracted considerable interest due to its unique mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Due to their high aspect ratio and huge surface area, CNTs have strong tendency to agglomerate, which leads to inhomogeneous dispersion in the polymer matrix. More fracture energy will be consumed due to the complex destruction paths, resulting in the improvement of mechanical properties of the polymer composites[10,11,12]

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