Microhardness and Thermal Resistance of Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Graphene Nanoplatelets doped Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

In this study, the polymer epoxy matrix was reinforced by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) doped with graphene nanoplatelets (Gr). The graphene-doped CNTs were used as received, and doping ratios were 32 wt. % and 52 wt. %, respectively. The purpose of the study was the investigation of the combined effect of graphene and CNTs on an epoxy matrix. The reference (neat epoxy matrix) and 0.5 wt. % filler-added nanocomposites (32Gr-CNT/EP and 52Gr-CNT/EP) were manufactured to characterize the hardness and thermal performance. Vickers microhardness testing method, thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were applied. Approximately 15.63% and 27.50% increments were obtained in the microhardness of the 32Gr-CNT/EP and 52Gr-CNT/EP nanocomposites, respectively. The thermal analyses revealed increased thermal stability, and high enthalpy values were obtained. 32Gr-CNTs addition into the epoxy increased the enthalpy value by about 40%. However, no significant change was found in glass transition temperature values by incorporating 0.5 wt. % CNTs doped with graphene nanoplatelets.