Absence Of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Research Articles

Electrical and piezoresistive properties of ultra-high toughness cementitious composite incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes: Testing, analyzing, and phenomenological modeling

This study explores the electrical and piezoresistive properties of ultra-high toughness cementitious composites (UHTCC) enhanced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) ranging from 0 to 1 wt% of cementitious binders. The observed polarization behavior is found to be analogous to the charging process of a capacitor. The polarization process and resistivity drift over time in the piezoresistive response are explained using an existing equivalent electrical circuit model incorporating a capacitor. The average results of electrical conductivity initially decrease and subsequently increase with higher MWCNTs concentrations, a phenomenon attributed to increased porosity and reduced matrix conductivity. The percolation threshold is identified at a volume fraction of 0.00387. Notably, even in the absence of MWCNTs, UHTCC materials exhibit piezoresistive properties due to the presence of metal impurities and ionic compounds. The insufficient polarization process results in an increasing trend in fractional change in resistance (FCR). The highest FCR sensitivity to external load occurs within the percolation threshold. Additionally, three equations are proposed to calculate electrical conductivity, incorporating the effects of interfaces, porosity, and matrix conductivity reduction, which align well with the experimental findings. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the electrical properties of UHTCC-MWCNTs composites, enabling more precise conductivity measurements and improved sensor sensitivity.

Mechanical Assessment of Glass Ionomer Cements Incorporated with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Dental Applications

Background: Nanoparticles such as multi-walled carbon nanotubes present resistance, resilience and biocompatibility with human tissues and could be incorporated into glass ionomer cement materials to improve their characteristics. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) incorporation on different glass ionomer cements’ compressive (σc) and diametral tensile strengths (σt). Methods: Eighty (80) specimens were divided into four groups (N = 20/gr) according to the glass ionomer cement type (conventional and high-viscosity) and the presence or absence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Samples were kept in water for 24 h prior to the tests. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p = 0.05). Results: For both σc (p = 0.1739) and σt (p = 0.2183), the glass ionomer cements’ viscosity did not influence the results. The presence of MWCNTs decreased the mean compressive strength values (p = 0.0001) and increased the diametral tensile strength (p = 0.0059). For both conventional and high-viscosity glass ionomer cements, the compressive strength values were higher than the tensile strength data. Conclusions: Regardless of the cement viscosity, the multi-walled carbon nanotube incorporation reduced the compressive strength and increased the tensile strength values.

Mechanical Characteristics of Cement Paste in the Presence of Carbon Nanotubes and Silica Oxide Nanoparticles: An Experimental Study.

Considering the remarkable characteristics of nanomaterials, previous research studies investigated the effects of incorporating different types of these materials on improving the concrete properties. However, further studies are required to evaluate the complementary hybridization and synergistic influence of nanomaterials. In this research, the combined effect of adding nano silica particles (NS) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) on enhancing both the compressive and flexural strengths of the cement paste was investigated. Moreover, the morphology of the interface between cement paste and aggregates was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mixtures were prepared using three different portions of MWCNT and NS. Electron microscopy images indicated a uniform distribution of nanoparticles in the cement matrix, enhanced hydration reactions, and increased density. Based on the experiments’ outcomes, the combined utilization of silica and carbon nanomaterials in the cement paste did not necessarily result in the maximum compressive and flexural strengths. Furthermore, it was observed that the use of higher percentages of pristine NS in the absence of MWCNT can lead to further enhancement of strength properties of the cement paste.

Perspective of Using Gluconacetobacter sucrofermentas VKPM B-11267 in Biofuel Cells

The bioelectrochemical and spectral properties of immobilized Gluconacetobacter sucrofermentas VKPM B-11267 bacteria were studied in the presence and absence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The obtained characteristics were compared with the characteristics of Gluconobacter oxydans, which are phylogenetically close to them and are widely used in bioelectrochemistry. It was shown that modification of the bioelectrode with carbon nanotubes leads to a significant increase in the current level (by 2.5–3 times), as well as to a decrease in the total resistance both in the absence of substrates and in their presence. The potential use of immobilized G. sucrofermentas cells as part of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) was considered. The specific electrical power of an MFC based on immobilized G. sucrofermentas cells was lower than that of an MFC based on G. oxydans cells. Nevertheless, the results obtained indicate that G. sucrofermentas VKPM B-11267 cells can serve as a biocatalyst in MFCs.

Improved Solid-Contact Nitrate Ion Selective Electrodes Based on Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) as an Ion-to-Electron Transducer.

Possible improvement of the performance characteristics, reliability and selectivity of solid-contact nitrate ion-selective electrodes (ISE) (SC/NO3−-ISE) is attained by the application of a nitron-nitrate (Nit+/NO3−) ion association complex and inserting multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as an ion-to-electron transducer between the ion sensing membrane (ISM) and the electronic conductor glassy carbon (GC) substrate. The potentiometric performance of the proposed electrode revealed a Nernstian slope −55.1 ± 2.1 (r² = 0.997) mV/decade in the range from 8.0 × 10−8–1 × 10−2 M with a detection limit of 2.8 × 10−8 (1.7 ng/mL). Selectivity, repeatability and reproducibility of the proposed sensors were considerably improved as compared to the coated disc electrode (GC/NO3−-ISE) without insertion of a MWCNT layer. Short-term potential stability and capacitance of the proposed sensors were tested using a current-reversal chronopotentiometric technique. The potential drift in presence of a MWCNT layer decreased from 167 μVs−1 (i.e., in absence of MWCNTs) to 16.6 μVs−1. In addition, the capacitance was enhanced from 5.99 μF (in absence of MWCNTs) to 60.3 μF (in the presence of MWCNTs). The presented electrodes were successfully applied for nitrate determination in real samples with good accuracy.

Effects of multiwalled carbon nanotubes on CH4 hydrate in the presence of tetra-n-butyl ammonium bromide.

Hydrate formation is an important technology for gas storage and transportation. In this work, the effect of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on CH4 hydrate formation was examined by determining the phase equilibrium conditions and kinetics characteristics of a mixed system of CH4, tetra-n-butyl ammonium bromide (TBAB), and MWCNTs. The phase equilibrium was examined in the temperature range of 286.13–293.04 K and the pressure range of 0.55–6.56 MPa for various mass fractions of MWCNTs (0.004, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 wt%). In the CH4 + TBAB system, the presence of MWCNTs was found to shift the phase equilibrium conditions to a lower temperature by about 1 K compared with those in the absence of MWCNTs. However, the concentration of MWCNTs had little effect on the phase equilibrium conditions. When the concentration of MWCNTs was 1.0 wt%, the addition of MWCNTs reduced the induction time of hydrate formation by 79.5%. When the concentration of MWCNTs was 0.1 wt%, the addition of MWCNTs enhanced the hydrate growth rate by 61.5%. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that hydrates with orthorhombic structures (corresponding to TBAB·38H2O with 3D cages) were formed in the systems with and without MWCNTs. Moreover, peaks corresponding to MWCNTs were not observed in the patterns of the hydrates and the addition of MWCNTs had no influence on the structure and type of hydrate. Thus, MWCNTs were not incorporated into the hydrate cages.

Influence of carbon nanotubes on the bioavailability of fluoranthene.

Concurrent with the increase in the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in society is the rise of their introduction into the environment. Carbon nanotubes cause adverse effects themselves, and they have the potential to adsorb contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Although CNTs have a high adsorption capacity for PAHs and these contaminants can co-occur in the environment, few studies have characterized the bioavailability of CNT-adsorbed PAHs to fish. The goal of the present study was to characterize the bioavailability of fluoranthene adsorbed to suspended multiwalled-carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) in freshwater containing natural organic matter (NOM). Adsorption isotherms indicated that NOM influenced the adsorption of fluoranthene to MWNTs, although in the absence of MWNTs it did not influence the bioavailability of fluoranthene to Pimephales promelas. Pimephales promelas were exposed for 16 h in synthetic moderately hard water containing fluoranthene in the presence of different concentrations of NOM, and fluoranthene adsorbed to MWNTs in the presence of NOM. Bioavailable fluoranthene was quantified in each exposure through bile analysis using fluorescence spectrophotometry. By comparing the concentration of fluoranthene metabolites in the bile with the concentration of fluoranthene added to MWNT and NOM solutions, the relative bioavailability of fluoranthene adsorbed to MWNTs was quantified. Results indicate that approximately 60% to 90% of the fluoranthene was adsorbed to the MWNTs and that adsorbed fluoranthene was not bioavailable to P. promelas. The results also suggest that fluoranthene is not desorbed from ingested MWNT, and the bioavailable fraction is only the freely dissolved fluoranthene in the aqueous phase.

Catalytic Effects of Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes on Dehydrochlorination of 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane

The environmental implications of carbon nanomaterials have received much attention. Nonetheless, little is known about how carbon nanomaterials might affect the abiotic transformation of organic contaminants in aquatic environments. In this study, we observed that three functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-including a hydroxylated MWCNT (OH-MWCNT), a carboxylated MWCNT (COOH-MWCNT), and an aminated MWCNT (NH2-MWCNT)-all had strong catalytic effects on the dehydrochlorination of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane (TeCA) at three different pH (7, 8, and 9); notably, the most significant effects (up to 130% increase in reaction rate) were observed at pH 7, at which reaction kinetics was very slow in the absence of MWCNT. The primary mechanism was that the -NH2 group and the deprotonated -COOH and -OH groups serve as bases to catalyze the reaction. Modeling results indicate that at any given pH the transformation kinetic constants of MWCNT-adsorbed TeCA were up to 2 orders of magnitude greater than the respective kinetic constant of dissolved TeCA. The overall catalytic effects of the MWCNTs depended both on the basicity of the surface functionalities of MWCNT and on the adsorption affinities of MWCNT for TeCA. Interestingly, Suwannee River humic acid-selected as a model dissolved organic matter-had negligible effects on the dehydrochlorination kinetics, even though it is rich in surface O-functionalities. An important environmental implication is that carbon nanotubes released into the environment might significantly affect the fate of chlorinated solvents.

A Nanoengineered Embolic Agent for Precise Radiofrequency Ablation

The purpose of the work is to investigate whether the electromagnetic properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in the presence of radiofrequency (RF) energy is (1) safe, and (2) improves the precision of the therapeutic efficiency of the RF-ablation (RFA) procedure. An in vitro phantom was created for evaluating temperature near RF treated nanotubes. For the in vivo study, three baboons and six pigs were submitted for RFA procedure in superior/inferior kidney poles embolized with a non-adherent, lipophilic embolic agent (marsembol) with or without MWCNT. Tissue damage in the surrounding kill zone was assayed through caspase-3 activation. The in vitro results showed marked heat increase only in the region of the nanotubes. In vivo, necrosis/ischemic damage resulted from RFA therapy alone, RFA plus marsembol only. In marsembol+MWCNT condition, dramatic disruption of cell membranes and sub-cellular organelles was found whereas the nuclear membranes and basal cell membranes remained largely intact. The marsembol vaporized under RFA and tissue fluid filled the space. This caused the MWCNT to cluster within the new aqueous environment. RFA plus marsembol+MWCNT created a well-defined demarcation between healthy and apoptotic cells as evidenced by a marked reduction of caspase-3 expression. By contrast, there was a much less defined ablation zone in the absence of MWCNT. In conclusion, the combination of RFA plus marsembol+MWCNT embolization delineated the kill zone in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate that MWCNTs remain in the ablation region thus minimizing their migration to the systemic circulation.

Immunomodulatory properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy subjects and allergic patients

In the present study, we investigated the immunomodulatory activity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors and mite-allergic subjects. Freshly prepared PBMCs, stimulated or not with Toll-like receptor (TLR)1–9 agonists, a T cell mitogen (phytohemagglutinin A) or mite allergen extract were cultured in the presence or absence of MWCNTs. Secretion of TNF-α, IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-12/23p40 or IFN-γ was quantified in the culture supernatants by ELISA. Basal secretion of all the cytokines was not altered by MWCNTs in PBMCs from both healthy donors and allergic subjects. In PBMCs from healthy donors, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-12/23p40 secretion in response to the TLR4 agonist, lipopolysaccharide was however increased in a dose-dependent manner by MWCNTs. Significant increases in the release of these cytokines were also observed in PBMCs stimulated with a TLR2 or TLR3 agonist. MWCNTs also increased the release of IL-2 and IFN-γ by PBMCs stimulated with a T cell mitogen. In contrast, MWCNTs inhibited allergen-induced IL-5 secretion by PBMCs from mite-allergic subjects. As well, MWCNTs altered the capacity of PBMC-derived monocytes to differentiate into functional dendritic cells. All together, our data suggest that according to its immune cell target, MWCNTs may either promote or suppress immune responses in humans. Further investigations are necessary to fully understand the complexity behind interactions of engineered nanoparticles with the immune system.

Coupling osmium complexes to epoxy-functionalised polymers to provide mediated enzyme electrodes for glucose oxidation

Newly synthesised osmium complex-modified redox polymers were tested for potential application as mediators in glucose oxidising enzyme electrodes for application to biosensors or biofuel cells. Coupling of osmium complexes containing amine functional groups to epoxy-functionalised polymers of variable composition provides a range of redox polymers with variation possible in redox potential and physicochemical properties. Properties of the redox polymers as mediators for glucose oxidation were investigated by co-immobilisation onto graphite with glucose oxidase or FAD-dependent glucose dehydrogenase using a range of crosslinkers and in the presence and absence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Electrodes prepared by immobilising [P20-Os(2,2′-bipyridine)2(4-aminomethylpyridine)Cl].PF6, carbon nanotubes and glucose oxidase exhibit glucose oxidation current densities as high as 560μAcm−2 for PBS containing 100mM glucose at 0.45V vs. Ag/AgCl. Films prepared by crosslinking [P20-Os(4,4′-dimethoxy-2,2′-bipyridine)2(4-aminomethylpyridine)Cl].PF6, an FAD-dependent glucose dehydrogenase, and carbon nanotubes achieve current densities of 215μAcm−2 in 5mM glucose at 0.2V vs. Ag/AgCl, showing some promise for application to glucose oxidising biosensors or biofuel cells.

Generation of toxic degradation products by sonication of Pluronic® dispersants: implications for nanotoxicity testing

Poloxamers (known by the trade name Pluronic®) are triblock copolymer surfactants that contain two polyethylene glycol blocks and one polypropylene glycol block of various sizes. Poloxamers are widely used as nanoparticle dispersants for nanotoxicity studies wherein nanoparticles are sonicated with a dispersant to prepare suspensions. It is known that poloxamers can be degraded during sonication and that reactive oxygen species contribute to the degradation process. However, the possibility that poloxamer degradation products are toxic to mammalian cells has not been well studied. We report here that aqueous solutions of poloxamer 188 (Pluronic® F-68) and poloxamer 407 (Pluronic® F-127) sonicated in the presence or absence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) can became highly toxic to cultured cells. Moreover, toxicity correlated with the sonolytic degradation of the polymers. These findings suggest that caution should be used in interpreting the results of nanotoxicity studies where the potential sonolytic degradation of dispersants was not controlled.

Direct electron transfer-based bioanodes for ethanol biofuel cells using PQQ-dependent alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenases

This paper compares the performance of a DET (direct electron transfer) bioanode containing both PQQ-ADH (pyrroloquinoline quinone-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase) and PQQ-AldDH (PQQ-dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase) immobilized onto different modified electrode surfaces employing either a tetrabutylammonium (TBAB)-modified Nafion® membrane polymer or polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers for the enzyme immobilization. The electrochemical characterization showed that the prepared bioelectrodes were able to undergo DET onto glassy carbon surface in the presence as well as the absence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs); also, in the latter case a relevant shift in the oxidation peak of about 180mV vs. saturated calomel electrode (SCE) was observed. A very similar redox potential was achieved with the self-assembled bioelectrode prepared onto modified-gold surfaces with dendrimers, indicating that both methodologies provide an environment that enables the PQQ-enzymes to undergo DET. The biofuel cell tests confirmed the ease of the DET process and the enhanced performance in the presence of the carbon nanotubes. Considering the bioanodes prepared with PAMAM dendrimers, the power density values vary from 19.4μWcm−2 without MWCNTs to 25.7μWcm−2 in the presence of MWCNTs. Similarly, with the bioanodes prepared with the TBAB-modified-Nafion® polymer, the results indicate power densities of 27.9 and 38.4μWcm−2 respectively. These electrode modifications represent effective methods for immobilization and direct electrical connection of quinohemoproteins to electrode surfaces.

Fabrication and Characterization of Highly Crystalline and Stable Phase-Pure Rutile Nanowires

A homogeneous thin layer of TiO2 has been successfully coated on the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), which were produced by catalytic chemical vapor decomposition method, via an in situ sol-gel method. The obtained MWCNT-TiO2 composite materials were heat treated in air at high temperatures, attempting to produce highly crystalline pure rutile nanowires. Through comprehensive characterization obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), the effect of heat treatment on crystallization and phase transformation was discussed, and the effect of absence of MWCNTs on the morphology of pure rutile nanowires was analyzed. Both anatase and rutile phases exist after heat treatment in 700 degrees C while only rutile phase exists after heat treatment in 800 degrees C. The crystal size of rutile is formed to be significantly larger than that of anatase, and the hollow tubular structure is found to be destroyed which resulted in nanowire structure.

Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Drive the Activity of Metal@oxide Core–Shell Catalysts in Modular Nanocomposites

Rational nanostructure manipulation has been used to prepare nanocomposites in which multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were embedded inside mesoporous layers of oxides (TiO(2), ZrO(2), or CeO(2)), which in turn contained dispersed metal nanoparticles (Pd or Pt). We show that the MWCNTs induce the crystallization of the oxide layer at room temperature and that the mesoporous oxide shell allows the particles to be accessible for catalytic reactions. In contrast to samples prepared in the absence of MWCNTs, both the activity and the stability of core-shell catalysts is largely enhanced, resulting in nanocomposites with remarkable performance for the water-gas-shift reaction, photocatalytic reforming of methanol, and Suzuki coupling. The modular approach shown here demonstrates that high-performance catalytic materials can be obtained through the precise organization of nanoscale building blocks.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MICROWAVE AND THERMAL CURING OF HIGH TEMPERATURE EPOXY/CARBON NANOTUBES POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITES AND THEIR PROPERTIES

The high temperature epoxy resin system was cured using microwave and regular oven heating in the presence and absence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their properties are studied. For this study, a high temperature EPON-862 resin is used as matrix and CNTs as reinforcement. The EPON-862-part-A resin is used was reinforced with 0.1 wt.%, 0.2 wt.% and 0.3 wt.% of CNTs using a high-intensity ultrasonic irradiation. The curing agent epicure W (part-B) was mixed with EPON-862 resin using a noncontact mixing method (Thinky, Japan). The reaction mixture was cured using a 2.45 GHz (Sharp BP210) microwave oven for only 10 min instead of 8 h for conventional oven heating (curing schedule is 4 h at 120°C, post curing at 170°C for 4 h). The compression tests were performed for all the sample including thermally cured and microwave-cured neat EPON-862, EPON-862/0.1 wt.% CNTs, EPON-862/0.2 wt.% CNTs and EPON-862/0.3 wt.% CNTs. Microwave-cured samples of EPON-862/0.2 wt.% CNTs showed 28.57% and 5.57% increase in compression modulus and compression strength, respectively, as compared to the neat EPON-826 regular oven heating.

A comparative study of enzyme immobilization strategies for multi-walled carbon nanotubeglucose biosensors

This work addresses the comparison of different strategies for improving biosensorperformance using nanomaterials. Glucose biosensors based on commonly appliedenzyme immobilization approaches, including sol–gel encapsulation approaches andglutaraldehyde cross-linking strategies, were studied in the presence and absence ofmulti-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). Although direct comparison of designparameters such as linear range and sensitivity is intuitive, this comparison alone is notan accurate indicator of biosensor efficacy, due to the wide range of electrodesand nanomaterials available for use in current biosensor designs. We proposed acomparative protocol which considers both the active area available for transductionfollowing nanomaterial deposition and the sensitivity. Based on the protocol, whenno nanomaterials were involved, TEOS/GOx biosensors exhibited the highestefficacy, followed by BSA/GA/GOx and TMOS/GOx biosensors. A novel biosensorcontaining carboxylated MWNTs modified with glucose oxidase and an overlyingTMOS layer demonstrated optimum efficacy in terms of enhanced current density (18.3 ± 0.5 µA mM − 1 cm − 2), linear range (0.0037–12 mM), detection limit (3.7 µM),coefficient of variation (2%), response time (less than 8 s), and stability/selectivity/reproducibility.H2O2 response tests demonstrated that the most possible reason for the performanceenhancement was an increased enzyme loading. This design is an excellent platform forversatile biosensing applications.

Ho3+ carbon paste sensor based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes: Applied for determination of holmium content in biological and environmental samples

Abstract For the first time a novel multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) modified Ho3+ carbon paste sensor is introduced. The electrode with a composition containing 20% paraffin oil, 60% graphite powder, 15% N-(1-thia-2-ylmethylene)-1,3-benzothiazole-2-amine (TBA) as an ionophore, and 5% MWCNTs, exhibits a stable potential response to Ho3+ ions with a nice Nernstian behavior (19.3 ± 0.3 mV decade− 1) in a wide dynamic linear concentration range of Ho3+ ions (1 × 10− 8–1.0 × 10− 2 M). In the absence of MWCNTs, sensitivity of the Ho3+ sensor was relatively poor. The proposed modified Ho3+ sensor shows very low detection limit (7.0 × 10− 9 M) and a fast response time (13 s). It has a long life time (more than 2 months) and its response is independent of pH in the range of 3.8–7.5. In term of selectivity, Ho3+ sensor has a good selectivity over all lanthanide members and common alkali and alkaline earth metal ions. The Ho3+ sensor was applied for the determination of Ho3+ ion concentration in water, holmium alloys and synthetic human serum.

Morphological development of nanofibrillar composites of polyaniline and carbon nanotubes

Nanofibrillar composite of polyaniline (PANI)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) is readily synthesized by means of conventional in situ polymerization process. It is found that the MWNT loading during polymerization has a significant influence on both the micro- and macro-scale morphological properties of the composites. At low MWNT loadings, PANI/MWNTs are formed as individual nanofibers, similar to that of the neat PANI in the absence of MWNTs. With the increase in MWNT loading, the composite exhibits granular form and becomes a continuous porous matrix at higher MWNT loadings. A possible mechanism is proposed to account for the structural variation of the composites caused by MWNTs at the different loadings.

Microwave processing and characterization of EPON 862/CNT nanocomposites

Abstract In this research we have studied the cure behavior of epoxy resin system using microwave and regular oven heating in the presence and absence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). For this we have used a high temperature EPON 862 resin as matrix and CNTs as reinforcements. The EPON 862 Part A resin was reinforced with 0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt% and 0.3 wt% of CNTs using high intensity ultrasonic irradiation. The curing agent EPI Cure W (Part B) was mixed with EPON 862 resin using a non-contact mixing method (Thinky, Japan). In this technique the material container is set at 45° angle and revolves and rotates (2000 rpm) at the same time. Dual centrifugal forces were given to the material that keep pressing material to outward and down along with the slope of inner wall of the container. The trapped air and initial reaction volatiles were removed from the reaction mixture using a vacuum desiccator. Finally the mixture was cured using a 2.45 GHz (Sharp BP210) microwave oven for only 10 min instead of 8 h of conventional oven heating (curing schedule is 4 h at 120 °C and post-curing at 170 °C for 4 h). Thermal and flexural tests were performed for all samples including thermally cured and microwave cured epoxy samples of neat EPON 862, EPON 862/0.1 wt% CNTs, EPON 862/0.2 wt% CNTs and EPON 862/0.3 wt% of CNTs. The highest improvement (17%) in strength was found with only 0.2 wt% CNTs loading in EPON 862 as compared with the neat EPON 862 regular oven heating.