Abstract
Polymer-based nanocomposites are among the most popular nanocomposites and have been investigated with the use of different polymers, reinforcements, and methods. In this research, a new approach is applied to produce multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanocomposite using a hot press mold and an automatic spray. The resulting nanocomposite, consisting of polymer and carbon nanotubes, is obtained using the layer-by-layer spray method. The Young’s modulus and ultimate tensile strength of standard samples is obtained using a tensile test experiment. A considerable increase of more than 100% is achieved in these parameters by adding carbon nanotubes to the nanocomposite. The study is followed by performing low cycle fatigue tests in order to study the effect of adding carbon nanotubes to PVC. The effect of various parameters influencing the composition of the processed nanocomposites, as well as their fatigue strength, is identified in an optimal condition as well. A comparison is drawn between the mechanical properties of pure polymer and the nanocomposites. The results indicated that carbon nanotubes significantly add to the fatigue strength. Moreover, the effect of the weight percent and the number of carbon nanotube layers added to the PVC matrix is studied.
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