Evaluation of mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of hybrid EPOXY/MWCNT/MINERAL fillers nanocomposites

Abstract

Polymer nanocomposites are composites materials where the polymer is the matrix and at least one of another component has nanoscale dimension.In this project, we propose the use of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) as conductive nanoscale filler. The MWCNT have excellent mechanical properties (stiffness and strength), great electrical conductivity and with additions of less than 1%wt provide improvements in mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. However, it is a challenge to produce Epoxy/MWCNT nanocomposites with satisfactory electrical properties and low cost. It is necessary to reduce the percolation threshold and improve the processability of the nanocomposite.Recent studies in Epoxy/MWCNT nanocomposites show that some fillers such as montmorillonite, improves the dispersion of MWCNT in Epoxy matrix and reduces the electrical percolation threshold.In this study, the main goal is to obtain hybrid Epoxy/MWCNT/mineral fillers nanocomposites. And hereafter evaluate the influence of these fillers in the mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of hybrid Epoxy nanocomposites. Three mineral fillers with different geometries will be evaluated: calcium carbonate, sepiolite and montmorillonite. Three-roll milling will be used for mixing and dispersion of mineral fillers and MWCNT in Epoxy matrix. (AU)