Results
Title

Acid‐Based Surfactant‐Aided Dispersion of Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Epoxy‐Based Nanocomposites.

Authors

Sumdani, Md Gulam; Islam, Muhammad Remanul; Yahaya, Ahmad Naim A.; Isa, Nadia

Abstract

In this study, the dispersion of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in epoxy was facilitated by an anionic surfactant, linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid. Different types of composites were prepared using a fixed amount of MWCNTs (0.5 wt%), in absence of solvent/surfactant, in presence of solvent and solvent/surfactant. The composites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), universal testing machine, pendulum impact system, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope. The epoxy/MWCNTs nanocomposite exhibited significantly higher mechanical properties due to the better dispersion in the presence of the surfactant. The tensile strength and flexural strength were increased by 75% and 108%, respectively. The thermal, structural, and morphological analyses were also excellent as a result of the better dispersion. In addition, the solvent‐surfactant behavior was hypothesized for the epoxy/MWCNTs system. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E80–E87, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers

Subjects

CARBON nanotubes; EPOXY compounds; NANOCOMPOSITE materials; SURFACE active agents; THERMAL conductivity

Publication

Polymer Engineering & Science, 2019, Vol 59, pE80

ISSN

0032-3888

Publication type

Academic Journal

DOI

10.1002/pen.24966