Effect of alcoholic treated MWCNT on tensile behavior of epoxy composite

Abstract

In this work, the effect of alcoholic treatment of the multi-wall carbon nano-tube (MWCNT) on the mechanical properties of epoxy composites are investigated and compared. Nano-composites were developed by mixing 0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75wt% of MWCNT. Tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and Elongation are found to be effectively improved with the addition of alcoholic functionalized MWCNT in epoxy matrix. Increased tensile strength and elastic modulus of epoxy composites loaded with the alcoholic functionalized MWCNT are observed through experimental studies. The results were compared with neat epoxy composite. These findings confirm that the improved dispersion and interfacial interaction in the composites arising from covalent bonds between the MWCNT and the epoxy matrix.

Keywords: MWCNT, tensile strength, alcoholic treatment, tensile modulus, epoxy