Preparation of activated carbon filled epoxy nanocomposites: Morphological and thermal properties

• Published in: Journal of thermal analysis and calorimetry 2013-08, Vol.113 (2), p.623-631
• Main Authors: Abdul Khalil, H. P. S., Firoozian, P., Jawaid, M., Akil, H. M., Hassan, A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analytical Chemistry; Applied sciences; Chemical tests and reagents; Chemical weapons; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Composites; Epoxy resins; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Inorganic Chemistry; Measurement Science and Instrumentation; Physical Chemistry; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymer Sciences; Pyrolysis; Technology of polymers; Thermal properties
• ISSN: 1388-6150; 1588-2926; 1572-8943
• DOI: 10.1007/s10973-012-2743-2

Activated carbon derived from oil palm empty fruit bunch (AC-EFB), bamboo stem (AC-BS), and coconut shells (AC-CNS) were obtained by pyrolysis of agricultural wastes using two chemical reagents (H 3 PO 4 or KOH). The AC-EFB, AC-BS and AC-CNS were used as filler in preparation of epoxy nanocomposites. Epoxy nanocomposites prepared at 1, 5 and 10 % activated carbons filler loading using KOH and H 3 PO 4 chemical agents. Transmission electron microscopy confirms better dispersion of the nano-activated carbons in the epoxy matrix at 5 % activated carbon. The presence of 5 % AC-CNS in the epoxy matrix using H 3 PO 4 chemical reagent resulted in an improvement of the thermal stability of epoxy matrix. KOH treated AC filled epoxy nanocomposites were slightly better in thermal stability as compared to H 3 PO 4 treated AC filled epoxy nanocomposites, may be due to better interaction of filler with epoxy matrix. Thermal analysis results showed that thermal stability of the activated carbon filled epoxy nanocomposites improved as compared to the neat epoxy matrix. The degree of crystallinity of epoxy matrix was improved by adding the activated carbon due to interfacial interaction between AC and epoxy matrix rather than loading of AC alone. Developed nanocomposites from biomass (agricultural wastes) materials will help to reduce the overall cost of the materials for its demanding applications as insulating material.