Thermal and mechanical interfacial properties of epoxy composites based on functionalized carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were treated by a mixture of acid and functionalized subsequently by amine treatment to improve interfacial interactions and dispersion of CNTs in epoxy matrix. The thermal stabilities and mechanical interfacial properties of epoxy/CNT composites were investigated using several techniques. The dispersion state of CNTs in the epoxy matrix was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). As a result, the glass transition temperature of epoxy/CNT composites increased by about 11 °C compared to neat epoxy resins. The mechanical interfacial property of the composites was significantly increased by the addition of amine treated CNTs. The SEM and TEM results showed that the separation and uniform dispersion of CNTs in the epoxy matrix.

► CNTs were functionalized by acid and amine treatments.
► Epoxy resin/CNT composites were prepared.
► Tg of the composites increased by about 10 °C compared to neat epoxy resins.
► Toughness of the composites was significantly improved by the addition of functionalized CNTs.