Abstract
Epoxies have a wide range of applications in fuel tank fabrication, aerospace, electrical, electronic, and automobile industries. However, these resins are quite brittle, showing poor mechanical performance, especially at cryogenic temperature. The properties of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs)-reinforced epoxy composites were investigated to develop advanced composites for cryogenic use. Two methods were adopted to modify MWCNTs. MWCNTs were first treated by acid mixture, and then maleic anhydride (MA) and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) grafting was carried out. At last, the functionalized MWCNTs were integrated into epoxy to prepare MWCNT-reinforced epoxy composites. Raman and XPS analysis proved the effectiveness of acid mixture treatment and confirmed the grafting reaction of MA and IPDI with MWCNTs. TEM analysis indicated that MA and IPDI had been grafted onto the surface of MWCNTs and formed a thin layer. The tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and impact strength of composites at liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K) are all enhanced by the addition of MWCNTs. Results of dynamic mechanical analysis indicated that introducing a small amount of functionalized MWCNTs to epoxy can enhance their storage modulus at 77 K and glass-transition temperature of composites. The results indicated that surface modified MWCNTs can be effectively utilized to enhance the properties of epoxy-based composites at cryogenic temperature.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.