The Effect of Adding Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) on Mechanical, Thermal, and Morpology Properties of Epoxy Composites
Dandy Ramadhan Tri Hutomo 1, a), Istiroyah 1, b), Herry Purnomo 2, c), Yurohman 3, d), Mohamad Baiquni 4, e)

Author Affiliations
1Department of Physics, Faculty Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, Indonesia.
2Research Center for Rocket Technology, Research Organization for Aeronautics and Space, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor 16350, Indonesia.
3Center of Polymer Technology, Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Banten 15314, Indonesia.
4Directorate of Laboratory Management, Research Facilities, and Science and Technology Park, Deputy for Research and Innovation Infrastructure, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta 10340, Indonesia.

Author Emails
a)Corresponding author: dandyrth[at]student.ub.ac.id
b)istie[at]ub.ac.id
c)herry.purnomo[at]brin.go.id
d)yuro001[at]brin.go.id
e)moha040[at]brin.go.id

Abstract

The present study investigates the tensile, thermal, and morphology properties of an epoxy resin matrix reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 wt.%). In this research work, ultrasonication techniques were used to disperse the MWCNTs in the epoxy matrix with and without acetone solvent. Tensile tests were performed to investigate the effect of the addition of MWCNTs on ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and Young^s modulus, while the thermal properties were determined by thermal conductivity. The quality of dispersion with and without acetone solvent media was examined based on observations performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM analysis was used to investigate the morphology of the tensile fractured surface and the dispersion of the MWCNTs in the epoxy resin matrix, since the quality of the dispersion influences the mechanical, thermal, and morphology properties of composites. It was found that the addition of MWCNTs to the epoxy resin matrix and the use of an acetone solvent in the sonication process affected the mechanical and thermal properties of the composite. Experimental results showed that with the MWCNTs at 1 wt.% of the epoxy/MWCNTs/acetone composite, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and Young^s modulus of the composite reached 38.78 MPa and 2.10 GPa, respectively, or increased by 102% and 4% compared to a neat epoxy composite, while compared with the MWCNTs at 1 wt.% of the epoxy/MWCNTs composite, they increased by 39% and 27%, respectively. In addition, the thermal conductivity increased by 5%, compared to a neat epoxy composite, from 0.2371 to 0.2489 W/m.K.

Keywords: Nanocomposites, epoxy matrix, MWCNTs, acetone, mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, SEM

Topic: Material Science in Construction Engineering