Effect of MWCNTs on the Performance of Thermosetting Polymers

Shaik Jeelani, Tuskegee University, DMR 0611612

Approach: In this work, thermoset polymers were modified with pristine and amine functionalized MWCNTs. Thermomechanical thermal, rheological, and mechanical characterization was carried out.

Nanophased epoxy

Participants: Mahesh V. Hosur, Shaik Zainuddin, Mohammed Hossain, Rajib Barua, Chinedu Okoro, Aaron Peterson, Emory head, James Holly Jr. (TU), Anil Netravali (CU)

Objective of this study is to study the influence of functionalization of MWCNTs on the performance of nanocomposites.

Findings: Flexural results indicated homogeneity with improvements in mechanical properties of up to 15% in strength and 25% in modulus. Interfacial adhesion and dispersion are improved with viscosity reduction. SEM micrographs depicted the fracture morphology indicating proper dispersion of the XD-CNTs by fracture propagation and cleavage plane displacement. DMA studies revealed an increase in storage modulus in the nanophased specimens as CNT loading increased, mainly attributed to enhanced CNT dispersion and distribution causing reduced polymer chain movement that increased stiffness. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) exhibited minimal reduction in decomposition temperature despite the increase of XD-CNTs.

TEM image of XD-grade CNTs

SEM image showing deflection of fracture front by CNT