Structure, mechanical and thermal properties of BMI/E-44/CNTs ternary composites via amination method

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were modified by an amination treatment with hexamethylenediamine (HMD), and then bismaleimide (BMI)/epoxy (E-44)/CNTs ternary composites were prepared using modified CNTs as the reinforcement via a simple mixing and curing molding method. The results show that the surfaces of CNTs are grafted polymer with the thickness of 3 nm and the dispersity of surface grafted carbon nanotubes (SG-CNTs) in the resin composites can be improved. The prepared composites contain CC, CN, CO and −COOH groups and can keep a smooth surface. In addition, the composites have the flexural strength of 152 MPa, the tensile strength of 73 MPa and the impact strength of 87 kJ m−2, respectively, when the weight ratio of BMI to E-44 is 1:8 and the content of SG-CNTs is 2 wt%. However, the thermal stability of the composites with SG-CNTs is a little lower than that of the composites without SG-CNTs.