Effects of block copolymer dispersant and nanotube length on reinforcement of carbon/epoxy composites

The epoxy matrix of a carbon fiber/epoxy composite was modified with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to improve the matrix dominated thermomechanical properties of the composite. Effects of improved dispersion and nanotube length on reinforcement of the composite were investigated experimentally...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Composites. Part A, Applied science and manufacturing Applied science and manufacturing, 2008-12, Vol.39 (12), p.1844-1850
Main Authors: Cho, J., Daniel, I.M., Dikin, D.A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Block copolymers
Composites
Exact sciences and technology
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
Laminates
Multiwall carbon nanotubes
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Technology of polymers
Thermomechanical properties
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The epoxy matrix of a carbon fiber/epoxy composite was modified with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to improve the matrix dominated thermomechanical properties of the composite. Effects of improved dispersion and nanotube length on reinforcement of the composite were investigated experimentally. The dispersion of the CNTs was enhanced with a block copolymer. Two different CNT lengths, 1 and 10 μm on average, were considered. Irrespective of the length, a pronounced improvement of the composite properties was achieved with 0.5 wt% of MWCNTs with the use of block copolymer. Without the block copolymer, it was found that a higher enhancement of composite properties was achieved with the longer nanotubes.
ISSN:1359-835X
1878-5840
DOI:10.1016/j.compositesa.2008.09.006