Thermal and Tensile Properties of Epoxy Nanocomposites Reinforced by Silane-functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Abstract Epoxy nanocomposites with unmodified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (u-MWCNTs) and silanized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (si-MWCNTs) were prepared by a cast molding method. The effects of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane functionalization of MWCNTs on thermal, tensile, and morphological properties of the nanocomposites were examined. The nanocomposites were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and tensile testing. The results showed that epoxy composites based on si-MWCNTs showed better thermal stability, glass transition temperature, and tensile properties than the composites based on u-MWCNTs. These results prove the effect of silane functionalization on the interfacial adhesion between epoxy and MWCNTs. This was further confirmed by morphology study of fractured surfaces of nanocomposites by field emission scanning electron microscopy. Keywords: epoxymechanical propertiesmultiwalled carbon nanotubesnanocompositessilanizationthermal properties Acknowledgements This work was supported by the Second Stage “Brain Korea 21” Program of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Korea Government (MEST). Also part of this research was supported by a grant (code#‘06 R&D B03) from the Development of Construction Technology for Spatial Structures project funded by Ministry of Construction & Transportation of Korean Government.