MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid nano filler toward high-performance epoxy composite

In this work, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are decorated by TiO2 nanoparticles and formed a new hybrid structure of filler (MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid filler). The MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid filler is reinforced in epoxy matrix and studied the mechanical and anti-corrosion properties of epoxy. The morphology of newly formed MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid nano filler has been studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) images of tensile fracture surface confirmed the superior dispersion of MWCNT/TiO2 in the epoxy matrix. The resultant MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid-epoxy nanocomposite exhibits superior anti-corrosion and mechanical performance than the nanocomposite produced by loading of only MWCNTs or TiO2 nanoparticles as well as neat epoxy. For example, tensile strength and storage modulus of epoxy increased by 61% and 43% respectively on loading of MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid nano filler. Furthermore, the coating of MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid-epoxy nanocomposite on mild steel reduces the corrosion rate upto 0.87 x 10(-3) MPY from 16.81 MPY.