New alignment procedure of magnetite–CNT hybrid nanofillers on epoxy bulk resin with permanent magnets

The main properties of epoxy composites reinforced with aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been studied. The alignment was carried out in a specific designed device applying a weak magnetic field (0.3 T) with permanent magnets. CNTs were modified with magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) functionalized, in a one-stage-process which does not require use of strong acids or aggressive treatments which could affect the structural integrity of CNTs. The study by transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the Fe3O4 nanoparticles were closely bonded over CNT surfaces. The thermo-mechanical and tensile properties of composites measured were higher than neat epoxy resin and were similar for both composites: reinforced with neat CNTs and magnetite–CNT hybrid nanofillers. The electrical behaviour indicates a high anisotropy for aligned composites, showing an increase of one order of magnitude for the electrical conductivity in the direction of aligned nanotubes.