Mechanical properties of cyanate ester/epoxy nanocomposites modified with plasma functionalized MWCNTs

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes/cyanate ester/epoxy (MWCNT/CE/EP) nanocomposites were prepared. The MWCNTs were functionalized by a plasma polymerization process in order to improve the dispersion property of MWCNTs in the polymer matrix. The effect of mass content and functionalization of the MWCNTs on the mechanical properties at room temperature (RT) and liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K) of nanocomposites were investigated. Results showed that the plasma functionalization of MWCNTs improves the dispersion property and interfacial bonding between MWCNTs and matrix. The functionalized MWCNT/CE/EP nanocomposites showed much greater improvement on mechanical properties than as-received MWCNT/CE/EP nanocomposites. The tensile strength, the tensile modulus, and the impact strength at RT and 77 K were simultaneously enhanced with the addition of functionalized MWCNTs. The tensile strength and modulus of the nanocomposites at 77 K were much higher than those at RT.