Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes/Unsaturated Polyester Composites: Mechanical and Thermal Properties Study

Abstract

Two types of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used to modify unsaturated polyester (UP) through the formation of composites. The pristine MWCNTs, polyester, and the obtained carbon nanotubess/polyester composites were characterized chemically and physically using scanning electron microscopy, surface area analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. The thermal and mechanical properties of the carbon nanotubes/polyester composites were studied. In general, it was observed that the addition of MWCNTs to the polyester did not change the thermal stability significantly, whereas it changed the mechanical properties greatly. The addition of carbon nanotubes to the polyester enhanced the tensile strength, strain, Young's modulus, and the maximum force to 4.2%, 86.0%, 12.7%, and 27.9%, respectively, upon the addition of 0.3% Sigma MWCNTs.