Thermo-physical properties of epoxy nanocomposites reinforced with amino-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes

The modification of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with amine groups was investigated by FTIR, Raman spectroscopy and XPS after such steps as carboxylation, acylation and amidation. Nanotube-reinforced epoxy polymer composites were prepared by mixing amino-functionalized MWNTs with epoxy resin and curing agent. DSC, TGA, SEM and flexural test were used to investigate the thermal and mechanical properties of the composites. The results showed that amino-functionalized MWNTs could enhance the interfacial adhesion between the nanotubes and the matrix, thus greatly improve the thermal and mechanical properties of the resin epoxy bulk material.