Preparation of MWCNT reinforced epoxy nanocomposite and examination of its mechanical properties

Abstract

Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced and unfilled epoxy resins were prepared. Viscosity tests were run on the MWCNT filled and unfilled resins, comparative tensile, three point bending and Charpy impact tests were performed. The viscosity of MWCNT filled epoxy resin has increased by from three to one order of magnitude from the lowest to higher shear rate compared to unfilled epoxy. Owing to this, the simple cast specimen preparation was not applicable in the case of MWCNT filled epoxy; instead of that, a resin injection method was used. According to the results of the mechanical tests, tensile strength has decreased by 4·6% caused probably indirectly by nanotube filling of the resin, but Young's modulus, bending modulus and Charpy impact strength, which characterise resistance against dynamic loads, have increased by 12, 10 and 20% respectively.