3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane Effect on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Epoxy Composites

Abstract

Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A nanocomposites with unmodified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (u-MWCNTs) and silanized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (si-MWCNTs) were prepared by cast molding method. The effects of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane functionalization of MWCNTs on the thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were examined. The nanocomposites were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and flexural testing. The results showed that epoxy composites based on si-MWCNTs showed better thermal stability, glass transition temperature, and flexural properties than the composites based on u-MWCNTs. These results prove the effect of silane functionalization on the interfacial adhesion between epoxy and MWCNTs. This was further confirmed by morphology study of fractured surfaces of nanocomposites by scanning electron microscopy.