A study on resorcinol formaldehyde carbon aerogel/epoxy nanocomposites: the effect of carbon aerogel pyrolysis time

In this study, carbon aerogels (CA) are prepared through the pyrolysis of resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) aerogel, and are then used as reinforcement in epoxy resin (ER). The effect of the pyrolysis time of resorcinol-formaldehyde aerogel on the properties of the final composites is also investigated. In order to improve the diffusion of epoxy resin into the pores of the carbon aerogels, a reactive diluent is used. Two types of carbon aerogels are prepared by the pyrolysis of resorcinol-formaldehyde aerogel for 1h. and 3h. The morphological and electrical properties of carbon aerogels are compared, and the mechanical strength, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity of the ER/CA nanocomposites are examined. It is observed that in the presence of carbon aerogels, the investigated properties are enhanced. In addition, the properties of the nanocomposites are improved further when they are reinforced by the carbon aerogels pyrolyzed for 3h due to the more physical interaction attributed to the higher surface area of this type of carbon aerogels.