Roles of Ni/CNTs hybridization on rheological and mechanical properties of CNTs/epoxy nanocomposites

In this work, a nanoscaled Ni surface coating for multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) is proposed for the improvement of the interfacial properties between MWCNTs and epoxy resins in nanocomposites. The rheological behaviors and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated in a frequency sweep experiment with oscillatory rheometry and a universal test machine, respectively. The rheological behaviors of the nanocomposites proved the good dispersion behaviors of the Ni-coated MWCNTs in the matrix, demonstrating an increase in the suspension viscosity, G″, and G′, proving the high mechanical interfacial properties of the final composites.

Viscosity behaviors of Ni-coated MWCNTs-reinforced epoxy matrix nanocomposites.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► The Ni/MWCNTs caused good rheological and mechanical properties of the composites.
► The Ni/MWCNTs led a high suspension viscosity, resulted from good dispersion in the matrix.
► The Ni/MWCNTs promoted mechanical properties due to the filler–matrix interaction.