Mechanical analysis of functionalized MWCNTs reinforced biresin CR82 epoxy nanocomposite materials

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes are viewed as one of the stiffest and strongest designing materials accessible, having high ultimate strength and modulus of elasticity more than any conventional materials. A new epoxy resin material called (Biresin CR82) was utilized as a matrix in manufacturing nanocomposites reinforced by carboxylic Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). A novel experimental setup was carried out with specified steps under certain conditions to achieve suitable mixing techniques for the different content of MWCNTs, using ultrasonication technology as the main mixing technique. This paper concerned about the mechanical properties of the generating MWCNT/epoxy composite materials with different loading ratios. The main objective was about how to get maximum benefit from low weight percentage of MWCNTs dispersed homogeneously in the matrix. Therefore, mechanical tests were carried out to determine the effect of nano-particles on the quality and strength of the composites. The mechanical test results demonstrated the highest enhancement at 0.2 wt. % of COOH-MWCNTs in the ultimate strength, elastic modulus, and impact energy by 41%, 22%, and 45% respectively. In addition to improving the shore hardness values at D scale with an increase in the weight percentage of MWCNTs, and the highest value showed at 0.2 wt. %. The Halpin Tsai equations were utilized to obtain theoretical modeling which gives a great indication with the tensile experimental results acquired. The microstructure of the fracture tensile sample was assigned by scanning electron microscopy.