Functionalized effect on carbon nanotube/epoxy nano-composites

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) was treated with multi-functional amines (DETA) and the changes of surface properties of MWNTs were investigated unsing FT-IR. Samples based on epoxy resin and different weight percentages of MWNTs (functionalized and non-functionalized) were prepared. MWNTs was investigated by transmission-electron microscopy (TEM). Samples containing functionalized nanotubes showed a strong influence on mechanical properties. When MWNTs content is 0.6%, the mechanical properties are the best. The bend strength increases up to 100%, bend modulus improves up to 58%, impact strength increases up to two times. MWNTs is dispersed well in epoxy matrix. These results prove that the influence of a functionalisation of carbon nanotubes on the interfacial interaction between the polymer and MWNTs. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.