The effect of the surface modification of carbon nanotubes on their dispersion in the epoxy matrix

Maria Wladyka-Przybylak,Ewelina Ciecierska,Anna Boczkowska,Dorota Wesolek,Weronika Gieparda

doi:10.2478/v10026-011-0026-5

Abstract

The effect of the surface modification of carbon nanotubes on their dispersion in the epoxy matrix Functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has an effect on the dispersion of MWCNT in the epoxy matrix. Samples based on two kinds of epoxy resin and different weight percentage of MWCNTs (functionalized and non-functionalized) were prepared. Epoxy/carbon nanotubes composites were prepared by different mixing methods (ultrasounds and a combination of ultrasounds and mechanical mixing). CNTs modified with different functional groups were investigated. Surfactants were used to lower the surface tension of the liquid, which enabled easier spreading and reducing the interfacial tension. Solvents were also used to reduce the liquid viscosity. Some of them facilitate homogeneous dispersion of nanotubes in the resin. The properties of epoxy/nanotubes composites strongly depend on a uniform distribution of carbon nanotubes in the epoxy matrix. The type of epoxy resin, solvent, surfactant and mixing method for homogeneous dispersion of CNTs in the epoxy matrix was evaluated. The effect of CNTs functionalization type on their dispersion in the epoxy resins was evaluated on the basis of viscosity and microstructure studies.

Highlights

The discovery of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)[1, 2] and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)[3, 4] has generated new perspectives in many fields of science and technology[5, 6]
The Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) walls resemble rolled-up graphite-like sheets with strong covalent sp[2] bonds. In accordance with their graphitic structure, CNTs are characterized by high thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity that can be either of a semi-conductor or metal type
The Young's modulus of carbon nanotubes can be as high as 1000 GPa, which is approximately five times higher than that of steel

Summary

Introduction

The discovery of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)[1, 2] and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)[3, 4] has generated new perspectives in many fields of science and technology[5, 6]. The CNT walls resemble rolled-up graphite-like sheets with strong covalent sp[2] bonds. In accordance with their graphitic structure, CNTs are characterized by high thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity that can be either of a semi-conductor or metal type. The Young's modulus of carbon nanotubes can be as high as 1000 GPa, which is approximately five times higher than that of steel. The tensile strength of carbon nanotubes can be up to 150 GPa, about 40 times higher than that of steel[6,7,8,9,10]. The high specific surface area results in a strong tendency to agglomeration. Nanoropes (agglomerates) are difficult to separate and infiltrate with the matrix[11]

Methods

Results

Conclusion