Mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites reinforced with very low content of amino-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes

Yun Zhao, Haiping Hong*, Jeffry S. Welsh

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with amino groups were prepared by oxidation, acylation, and amidation of SWNT surfaces. Epoxy/SWNT composite membranes were fabricated using a very low content of amino-grafted SWNTs (≤0.08wt%) as fillers. SWNTs with amino groups acted as a curing agent, covalently bonding to the epoxy matrix. The influence of SWNT content on the mechanical properties of epoxy/amino-functionalized SWNT composite membrane was investigated. It is found that the tensile strength of composites is enhanced with the increase of SWNTs. Only 0.01wt% of SWNT-R-NH 2 leads to improvement of the epoxy tensile strength by 9.5%, and 0.08wt% of SWNT-R-NH 2 increased tensile strength by 13.6%. For comparison purposes, epoxy/pristine-SWNT films were also prepared. The improvement of the tensile strength of the amino-functionalized SWNTs system is more remarkable than that of pristine SWNT system at very low weight-percentage loading. The amino groups on the surface of SWNTs can be covalently attached to the epoxy matrix, which effectively improves the dispersion and adhesion of SWNTs in epoxy. This leads to the enhancement in mechanical properties of the epoxy composite. Mechanical results between functionalized and pristine nanotubes are discussed in detail.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNanostructured Thin Films II
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009
EventNanostructured Thin Films II - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: 5 Aug 20096 Aug 2009

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume7404
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceNanostructured Thin Films II
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period5/08/096/08/09

Keywords

  • Epoxy resin
  • Functionalization
  • Mechanical property
  • Single-walled carbon nanotubes

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