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Mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes/epoxy composites: effect of post-processing techniques and filler loading

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Abstract

In this study, MWCNT/epoxy composites were fabricated via combination of ultrasonication with two post-processing techniques namely, casting and hot-pressing, respectively. The effect of these two post processing techniques and MWCNT loading ranging from 0 to 1.0 vol% on the mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of MWCNT/epoxy composites were investigated. The addition of MWCNT in epoxy reduced the tensile strength and tensile modulus of the MWCNT/epoxy composites compared to unfilled epoxy. However, the MWCNT/epoxy composites prepared by hot-pressing technique improved the tensile strength and tensile modulus at 0.4 vol% MWCNT loading as confirmed by morphological analysis. The DMA properties of MWCNT/epoxy composites prepared by both post-processing techniques showed no significant change in storage modulus and T g values. The increment of MWCNT loading slightly increased the electrical and thermal properties of MWCNT/epoxy composites via the hot-pressing technique. These findings indicate that different post-processing techniques and filler loading govern the properties of MWCNT/epoxy composites.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of the University Sains Malaysia, for Research University Grant used for this project (Project No. 1001/PBAHAN/814153).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering Campus, 14300, Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia

    J. Ervina & M. Mariatti

  2. Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Kota Samarahan, Malaysia

    J. Ervina & S. Hamdan

Authors
  1. J. Ervina
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  2. M. Mariatti
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  3. S. Hamdan
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Correspondence to M. Mariatti.

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Ervina, J., Mariatti, M. & Hamdan, S. Mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes/epoxy composites: effect of post-processing techniques and filler loading. Polym. Bull. 74, 2513–2533 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-016-1853-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-016-1853-6

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