Optimizing the degree of carbon nanotube dispersion in a solvent for producing reinforced epoxy matrices

Electrical, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy/CNT/Calcium Carbonate Nanocomposites

“…However, a qualitative analysis of the carbon nanotubes dispersion showed that these CNT presented a reduction in the overall length, compared to the information provided by the supplier. This reduction in the size of the CNT was already expected, once ultrasonication generates high shear stress leading to reduce the length of the CNT 7,26,27 . Figure 1c and 1d show the micrographs of C1C and C2C, respectively.…”

“…Since their discovery by Ijima, several studies dispersing carbon nanotubes in polymer matrix have been conducted aiming to explore the entire potential of the carbon nanotubes [3][4][5][6] . However, to reach this goal it is necessary to enhance carbon nanotubes dispersion and reduce the CNT breaking during processing 7,8 . A high shear stress process is required to disperse and disentangle carbon nanotubes into polymer matrix; however, the shear stress applied should be between the linkage energy of carbon nanotubes bundles and the fracture energy of individual carbon nanotubes 9,10 .…”

“…Epoxy matrix was one of the first matrix reinforced with carbon nanotubes and ever since several studies using different dispersion techniques, carbon nanotubes treatments and hybrid reinforcements have been investigated [11][12][13][14] . Ultrasonication is one of the most used processing method for dispersing carbon nanotubes in epoxy, however it is only effective in low viscosity matrix, e.g., matrix for in situ polymerization or diluted with solvent 1,7,10,15 . Low viscosity matrix aids CNT dispersion during ultrasonication, hence is possible to accomplish low electrical percolation threshold without the use of solvent.…”

Hydration Phenomena of Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes (CNT)/Cement Composites

“…This also creates many uncertainties and uncontrolled variables when mixed with concrete. Also, various polymers or water are used for the dispersion of CNTs with the help of ultrasonication [27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34]. A detailed report on the effect of the functionalization of CNTs for the use of concrete/mortar by various research groups was discussed by Krause et al [35].…”

Agglomeration process of surfactant-dispersed carbon nanotubes in unstable dispersion: A two-stage agglomeration model and experimental evidence

“…In terms of reinforcement, CNTs possess the highest Young's modulus and strength of all known fibers [3,4] and are widely used in reinforcing polymer [5], metal [6][7][8][9][10] and ceramic [11] and cementitious material [12]. The small size of CNTs allows them to arrest cracking [13,14] in the composite from the nanometerscale [12].…”