Inherent and interfacial evaluations of carbon nanotubes/epoxy composites and single carbon fiber at different temperatures

In order to develop an improved processability for machines and equipment operating at high temperatures, thermal degradation resistance of a high temperature epoxy network became a hot issue. Nanocomposites were not only used for improving mechanical and electrical properties. In here, the thermal stability of carbon nanotube (CNT)/epoxy nanocomposite was investigated by mechanical and interfacial evaluation. The dispersion state was monitored and observed by electrical resistance measurements as well as by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). At low concentration of 0.3 vol%, the CNT reinforcement significantly improved the mechanical and interfacial properties of nanocomposites. At 150 °C, the CNT/epoxy nanocomposites exhibited much better thermal stability than neat epoxy resin as a result of the thermal resistance of CNTs. Microstructural studies revealed that the uniformity of the CNT dispersion played an important role in this thermal resistance. Addition of low concentration CNT could improve both mechanical properties and thermal stability of epoxy resin for high temperature applications.