Flammability and Thermal Properties of Epoxy/Glass/MWNT Composites

The aim f this work is to study the effect of nanotubes on flammability properties of epoxy/glass composites. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) and its functionalized derivative (amino functionalized nanotubes) were incorporated into epoxy resin. To disperse MWNTs in the epoxy resin, different ways were employed. Microscopic observations showed that, the best dispersion state was gained by using ultrasonication method and high shear flow simultaneously. Thermal resistance of cured epoxy resins containing various amounts of nanotubes (0.25-0.7 wt %), was investigated by thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). Introducing MWNTs and amino-MWNTs to samples increased the initial thermal decomposition temperature for about 32 and 37 degrees C, respectively. LOI measurements of composite samples showed an increase up to 32. Cone calorimetry test was carried out on epoxy/glass and epoxy/glass containing 0.5% MWNT. The results showed that, introducing 0.5% MWNTs decreases maximum average rate of heat emission for about 26%. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39849.