Tensile, Flexural and Thermogravimetric Analysis of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Epoxy Resin Composites

Nowadays, Carbon nanotubes are one of the foremost materials in nanoscience and nanotechnology. Recently, nanoscale filling materials included nano metal oxides, nano semiconductors, nano ceramics and CNTs. These composites are attracted due to their fascinating behaviours and distinct commercial applications in various industries. The properties of the Nano composite depend on the behaviour of the clays and polymer matrix, and the characteristics of the Nano filler. Hence, the final new Nanocomposite have remarkable enhancement in its structure, thermal and mechanical properties. In this project, the mechanical properties of Epoxy resin- Multiwall carbon nanotubes- reinforced polymer composites were presented. CNTs are fabricated by the CVD method, and the size and shape of the carbon nanotubes are characterised by SEM, and the length of the carbon nanotube is measured. The other materials, Epoxy resin and hardener, which are used to fabricate the composites, are purchased commercially, and the same materials are used to fabricate the CNTs. The CNTs are then mixed with epoxy resin, and the epoxy resin –CNTs composites are fabricated. Further, the materials are taken for mechanical studies and thermal studies. The mechanical studies of the polymers and composites show that CNTs strongly enhance the tensile strength and Young's modulus. The results indicate that the treatment improves the poor interfacial contact between the CNTs and the polymer matrix.