Improving the dispersion and flexural strength of multiwalled carbon nanotubes–stiff epoxy composites through β-hydroxyester surface functionalization coupled with the anionic homopolymerization of the epoxy matrix

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were functionalized in a two-step acid-epoxy functionalization process, in which suitable surface condition and reactivity compatible with the DGEBA epoxy resin was introduced. The use of (4-dimethylamino)-pyridine as an initiator for DGEBA homopolymerization produced covalent bonds between the functionalized MWNTs and the epoxy matrix through chain transfer reactions involving the secondary hydroxyls. This process yielded uniform MWNTs–stiff epoxy composites with significant enhancement in flexural strength without sacrificing the elastic modulus when compared to the neat resin.