Abstract
The superior mechanical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) play a significant role in the improvement of the mechanical and thermal stability of an epoxy matrix. However, the agglomeration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the epoxy is a common challenge and should be resolved to achieve the desired enhancement effect. The present paper investigated the thermal, mechanical, and water uptake properties of epoxy nanocomposites with surfactant-modified MWCNTs. The nanocomposites were prepared through the incorporation of different weight concentrations of MWCNTs into the epoxy matrix. Comparative analysis of neat epoxy and epoxy/CNT nanocomposites were conducted through thermal, mechanical, microscopic, and water uptake tests to reveal the improvement mechanism. The homogenous distribution of the CNTs in the epoxy was achieved by wrapping the surfactant onto the CNTs. The addition of surfactant-modified CNTs into the epoxy caused an obvious increase in the mechanical and thermal properties. This improvement mechanism could be attributed to the uniform dispersion of the CNTs in the epoxy matrix reducing the free volume between the polymer chains and restricting the chain segmental mobility, leading to strong interfacial bonding and an efficient load transfer capability between the CNTs and the epoxy matrix. However, the mechanical and thermal properties of the epoxy/CNT nanocomposite decreased owing to the agglomeration effect when the concentration of the CNTs exceeded the optimal percentage of 1.5%. Additionally, the CNTs could impart a reduction in the wettability of the surface of the epoxy/CNT nanocomposite, leading to the increase in the contact angle and a reduction in the water uptake, which was significant to improve the durability of the epoxy. Moreover, the higher weight concentration (2%) of the CNTs showed a greater water uptake owing to agglomeration, which may cause the formation of plenty of microcracks and microvoids in the nanocomposite.
Highlights
carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are excellent fillers due to their high strength and significant role in the nanocomposites used in civil engineering and aerospace applications [1]
The multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) were added into the Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone (PVP)/ethanol solution and sonicated in an ultrasonication bath
The homogenous distribution of the CNTs in the epoxy matrix was achieved by wrapping the surfactant onto the CNTs
Summary
Considering Lijima’s report from 1991 and onwards, CNTs get much attention in science and engineering. The extraordinary physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of CNTs give them application potential in many fields. CNTs are excellent fillers due to their high strength and significant role in the nanocomposites used in civil engineering and aerospace applications [1]. There are several types of CNTs, such as single-walled, double-walled, and multi-walled CNTs. The multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) possess the advantages of low cost and easy dispersion, and can remarkably improve the mechanical
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