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Nylon toughened epoxy/SWCNT composites

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Abstract

Epoxy/single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) composites toughened by nylon particles (epoxy/SWCNT/nylon) were prepared. The SWCNTs were functionalized by oxidation and subsequent grafting with sulfanilamide. It was found that surface functionalization can effectively improve the dispersion of SWCNTs in epoxy, thus improving composite mechanical properties. Meanwhile, preformed nylon particles were utilized to enhance the fracture toughness of the composites. The epoxy/SWCNT/nylon composites prepared exhibit simultaneously improved stiffness, strength, and toughness. B-staged (partially cured) epoxy/SWCNT/nylon composites were successfully cast into thin films by manipulating degree of cure and viscosity. These thin films can be seamlessly integrated into laminated composite systems upon heating for improving mechanical properties and compression after impact strength of the laminated composites.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge partial financial support of the U.S. Air Force AFRL Contract # FA8650-05-D-1912, the Minority Leaders Program. The authors would also like to thank Dr. Victor M. Ugaz and Hugo Y. Acosta from the Chemical Engineering Department, Texas A&M University for their help with the viscosity measurements, and Ms. Xi Zhang for her help on SEM imaging. Acknowledgement is also extended to Dr. Tony Golato of Hexcel for providing release paper for this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry & Materials Science and Engineering Program, Texas State University—San Marcos, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA

    Luyi Sun

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Technology Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA

    G. L. Warren & H.-J. Sue

  3. Composite Engineering and Application Center, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77004, USA

    D. Davis

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  1. Luyi Sun
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  2. G. L. Warren
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  4. H.-J. Sue
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Correspondence to H.-J. Sue.

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Sun, L., Warren, G.L., Davis, D. et al. Nylon toughened epoxy/SWCNT composites. J Mater Sci 46, 207–214 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-010-4921-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-010-4921-6

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