Preparation and properties of functionalized MWCNTs webs/epoxy resin composites

The functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) webs (buckypaper) were prepared by using positive pressure filtering process, and the functionalized MWCNTs webs were impregnated with epoxy by vacuum assistant RTM process. The morphology and performance of the MWCNTs webs were examined with SEM, FTIR and tensile testing methods. The mechanical properties of the MWCNTs web/epoxy composites were also measured by using tensile test. The results show that the functionalized MWCNTs webs is homogeneous, tensile strength is between 22 and 32 MPa, tensile modulus is around 1 GPa. The tensile strength is improved by 167% compared with that of the un-functionalized MWCNTs web. The strength and modulus of the functionalized MWCNTs webs/epoxy composites can reach 152 MPa and 6.48 GPa, respectively, improved by 100% compared with that of the neat epoxy. The fractured surfaces of some typical specimens from SEM observation show that the webs are impregnated well with epoxy and the interfacial bonding between the MWCNTs webs and epoxy matrix are good, which leads to the improvement of the mechanical properties of the composites.