Characteristics of Epoxy Composites Containing Carbon Nanotubes/Graphene Mixtures

The paper considers the development of fillers representing mixtures of carbon nanotubes and graphene materials (graphene oxide and graphene nanoplatelets) in different mass ratios to modify epoxy resin. The graphene type and content effect on the dispersed phase particle effective sizes-both in aqueous suspensions and the resin-was analyzed. Hybrid particles were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy. The composites containing 0.15-1.00 wt.% CNTs/GO and CNTs/GNPs were thermogravimetrically analyzed, and their mechanical characteristics were determined. SEM images of the composite fracture surfaces were acquired. Optimal dispersions containing 75-100 nm particles were obtained at the CNTs:GO mass ratio of 1:4. It was shown that the CNTs can be located between the GO layers and on the GNP surface. The samples containing up to 0.2 wt.% CNTs/GO (at 1:1 and 1:4 ratios) were stable when heated in air up to 300 degrees C. For 0.15-0.20 wt.% CNTs/GO (at 1:1 ratio), the tensile strength and modulus of the composite increased by 84-88 and 40%, respectively. The increase in the strength characteristics was found to occur due to the interaction of the filler layered structure with the polymer matrix. The obtained composites can be used as structural materials in different fields of engineering.

Automated summary

This paper discusses the development of fillers made from mixtures of carbon nanotubes and graphene materials to modify epoxy resin. The effects of different types and contents of graphene on the particle sizes of the dispersed phase in aqueous suspensions and the resin were analyzed. The optimal dispersions were achieved at a mass ratio of 1:4 between carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide, with particle sizes of 75-100 nm. The composites showed increased tensile strength and modulus when containing 0.15-0.20 wt.% of carbon nanotubes/graphene oxide at a ratio of 1:1.