The Processing and Characterization of MWCNT/Epoxy and CB/Epoxy Nanocomposites Using Twin Screw Extrusion

Abstract

This paper presents results of the processing of nanocomposites based on epoxy and nanofillers, namely multiwalled carbon nanotubes (up to 10 wt%) and carbon black (up to 15 wt%). The twin screw extruded nanocomposites showed increases in electrical and thermal conductivities, tensile strength, microhardness and glass transition temperature. Electrical conductivity increased on the order of 10¹¹ at 10 wt% of nanotubes loading and at 15 wt% of carbon black. Greater increases in thermal and mechanical properties were observed in cases of nanotube-dispersed composites more so than others. SEM and AFM were used to examine the dispersion of the fillers.

Keywords:

• AFM
• Conductivity
• Mechanical properties
• SEM
• Twin-screw extrusion

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The authors are grateful for the financial support provided by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Bangalore (Sanction No. 10/3/547 dated 10-10-2005, Sanction Order No 9/2/125/2005 II dated 08-03-2006, Principal Investigator: Dr. H. N. Narasimha Murthy).