Improvement in mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy hybrid composites by functionalized graphene and carbon-nanotubes

Abstract

Thermo-mechanical properties of amine functionalized multi-layered graphene (Af-MLG) and amine functionalized multi walled carbon nanotube (Af-MWCNT) epoxy hybrid composites is investigated. Ratio of hybrid fillers is being kept as 1:1 with a variation in wt% from 0.25 to 2.0. An optimum dispersion of hybrid nanofillers in epoxy matrix environment by using a probe sonicator has confirmed through TEM images. The presence of amine group in their corresponding composites (Af-M(Gr:CNT)/Ep-C) is confirmed through Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), while amorphous nature of composite has been substantiate by using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy (SEM) images of Af-M (Gr: CNT)/Ep-C shows interaction between graphene sheet and MWCNT. Thermal decomposition temperatures of composites are investigated by using thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). A maximum increase of 52.8% in tensile strength for composites with 0.5 wt% loading of hybrid fillers shows collegial effects of both fillers when used in combination. Composites with 1.0 wt% loading of hybrid fillers demonstrate the highest flexural strength and thermal properties (degree of degradation of composites) as compared to the neat epoxy samples.