Influence of carbon nanotubes, resin matrix and technology of mixture homogenization on ablative and dynamic mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites

The present work investigates the thermo-protective ablative and dynamic mechanical properties of two kinds of epoxy resins modified with carbon nanotubes (1 vol% or 5 vol% of CNT) and homogenized mechanically or ultrasonically. The samples have been subjected to combustion gases at a temperature above 1900 degrees C during 120 s. The best thermal protective properties were exhibited by the composites made by epoxy resin called Epidian 52 (cross-linked by TFF-triethylenetetramine) and containing 5 vol% of CNT. Dynamic mechanical tests were performed by using a compression deformation mode and also a double-cantilever bending mode. In the compression mode, the highest value of the complex modulus M* = 1030 MPa and a very low value of the damping factor tan delta = 0.02 were shown by the composite mechanically homogenized (Epidian 601 + TFF + 5% CNT). In the double cantilever bending mode, the highest value of the modulus M* (i.e. 1250 MPa) was shown by the composite (Epidian 601 + TFF + 1% CNT) with tan delta = 0.05 and which was homogenized by ultrasounds.

Automated summary

This study investigated the thermo-protective ablative and dynamic mechanical properties of epoxy resins modified with carbon nanotubes under different homogenization methods. The results showed that the composite containing 5% CNT in Epidian 52 exhibited the best thermal protective properties. Dynamic mechanical tests demonstrated that the mechanically homogenized composites had higher complex modulus and lower damping factor compared to the ultrasonically homogenized counterparts.