Composite of DGEBA/TBA epoxy blend and amine-functionalized carbon nanotube: Structural, thermal, nonflammability, and EMI shielding studies

ABSTRACT

Novel blend of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) and tetrabromo bisphenol-A (TBA) was reinforced with acid-functionalized (MWCNT-F) and amine-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT-A). DGEBA/MWCNT-A displayed fine tubular morphology with open nanotube ends, while DGEBA/TBA/MWCNT-A displayed somewhat aggregated morphology due to lesser filler content. DGEBA/TBA/MWCNT-A system showed maximum enhancement in decomposition temperature (T₀ = 404°C, T_max = 583°C). Glass transition temperature and Limiting oxygen index of DGEBA/TBA/MWCNT-A were also higher (221°C and 55%) compared with other systems. DGEBA/TBA/CNT-A 0.1 had crystalline morphology with diffractions at 12.7° and 26.09°. Novel nanocomposite revealed EMI shielding effectiveness of ∼15.05–15.18 dB, i.e., suitable for aerospace applications.

KEYWORDS:

• DGEBA
• Tetrabromobisphenol-A
• Amine-functional MWCNT
• LOI
• EMI shielding