Abstract
Carbon-based nanocomposites featuring enhanced electrical properties have seen increased adoption in applications involving electromagnetic interference shielding and electrostatic dissipation. As the commercialization of these materials grows, a thorough understanding of how thermal activation affects the rheology and electrical performance of CNT–epoxy blends can inform quality decisions throughout the production process. The aim of this work was the identification of the effects that thermal activation has on the electrical and rheological properties of uncured epoxy mixtures and how those may be tied to the resulting cured composites. Herein, three distinct CNT-loaded composite mixtures were characterized for changes in electrical resistivity and viscosity resulting from varying activation times. Electrical conductivity decreased as activation time increased. Uncured mixture viscosity exhibited a strong dependence on CNT loading and applied strain, with activation time being found to significantly reduce the viscosity of the uncured mixture and surface profile of cured composite films. In all cases, cured composites featured improved electrical conductivity over the uncured mixtures. Factors contributing to the observed behavior are discussed. Raman analysis, optical microscopy of CNT networks, and data from silica bead mixing and dispersion studies are presented to contextualize the results.
Highlights
Academic Editor: Giulia FrediMany industries are utilizing nanocomposites due to the enhanced material properties achieved with relatively low nanofiller loadings
The multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) received were grown as a sheet, produced from nanoparticles of iron that served as catalyst in a chemical vapor deposition process
Present were assigned to ether during the analysis of CNT pulp thermallyThermal activated for durations
Summary
Many industries are utilizing nanocomposites due to the enhanced material properties achieved with relatively low nanofiller loadings. One such nanocomposite, carbon nanotube (CNT) epoxy composites, is attractive to the aerospace industry, where favorable electrical properties can be incorporated into structural and adhesive components. CNT’s high aspect ratios enable the generation of electrically conductive composites at extremely low loadings [1–4]. The reduced resistivity of these materials makes them appealing to a wide variety of industries where electrostatic dissipation (ESD). The conductivity of the finished material is primarily a function of nanofiller loading and its dispersion within the surrounding matrix. The resulting inhomogeneity in these localized areas can have detrimental effects on the material, potentially causing unreliable performance, hotspots, or premature failure
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