Viscoelastic properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube/epoxy composites using two different curing cycles

Abstract

Along with carbon nanotubes (CNT) morphology, impurity, and functionalization, polymer curing cycle is another important factor in determining the mechanical properties of the CNT/polymer composite samples. This work investigates the effect of two different curing cycles on mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of the nanotube in the composite in order to optimize the curing condition in term of time and temperature. Nanocomposite samples were prepared by mixing multi-wall carbon nanotubes with epoxy resin using sonication method. The mechanical and viscoelastic properties of the resulting composite samples were evaluated by performing tensile and dynamic mechanical thermal analyses (DMTA) test. The results indicate that the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of pure epoxy and composite samples have been affected by the condition curing process. Concerning viscoelastic modeling, the COLE-COLE diagram has been plotted by the result of DMTA tests. These results show a good agreement between the Perez model and the viscoelastic behavior of the composite.

Enhanced bonded aircraft repair using nano-modified adhesives

“…Similar results have been published for CNTs modified epoxies, where it was shown that the dispersion conditions are of key importance to obtain improvements in both toughness and thermomechanical properties [11][12][13]. Only a small weight fraction of CNTs has been reported to improve the mechanical, thermal and electrical properties when dispersed in the matrix of typical aerospace composites [14][15][16][17].…”

Dynamic compressive mechanical response of a soft polymer material

“…It is noted that the applicability of the SHPB technique needs to be examined carefully before reliable dynamic experimental data can be produced [17]. Recent modifications on the SHPB apparatus have been done for testing soft materials with valid testing conditions [18][19][20][21].…”

Carbon and glass hierarchical fibers: Influence of carbon nanotubes on tensile, flexural and impact properties of short fiber reinforced composites

“…Therefore, they possess great potential to reinforce high performance composites with wide structural applications [4,5]. Significant research attempts have sought to incorporate CNTs into fiber reinforced composites in order to improve the matrix [6,7] or fiber-matrix interfacial characteristics [8,9].…”