Time–Temperature-Transformation Cure Diagram of Multiwall Carbon Nanotube/Epoxy Composites

Abstract

This work describes the effects of multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) on the isothermal time-temperature-transformation cure diagram to obtain a comprehensive cure map for a 2 Wt. %multi-wall carbon nanotube/epoxy composite. The viscoelastic and thermal properties of the nanocomposites for a wide range of isothermal cure temperatures were obtained using a strain controlled rheometer ARES TA and a differential scanning calorimetry(DSC). The thermal and rheological analyses were used Downloaded by [New York University] at 23:13 06 July 2015 2to investigate the vitrification and the gelation of the nanocomposite and to draw the TTT diagram. This diagram is completed by adding the iso-viscosity curves.

Mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes/epoxy nanocomposites: Pre-curing, curing temperature, and cooling rate

“…Generally, carbon nanotubes' addition significantly decreases the gelation temperature of epoxy due to the steric hindrance of carbon nanotubes. 45 According to Montazeri et al 45,46 the vitrification may occur for the 2 wt.% MWCNTs-epoxy nanocomposite at curing temperature below 31 C. The curing progress in this glassy state is determined by diffusion reaction. The rate of diffusion and reaction of CNTs-epoxy nanocomposites are influenced by the functional groups of CNT.…”