Fabrication, Physicochemical Characterizations and Electrical Conductivity Studies of Modified Carbon Nanofiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites: Effect of 1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate Ionic Liquid

ABSTRACT

This study presents the fabrication of carbon nanofiber-reinforced epoxy nanocomposites using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid as filler dispersant. FTIR and XRD measurements were utilized to assess structural attributes and crystallographic change in the composites. In addition, morphological studies were performed by field emission scanning electron microscope while the extent of miscibility between epoxy and IL was computed by Accelrys Materials Studio Software. The conductivity measurement was performed by two point impedance analyzer and result demonstrated increase in the electrical conductivity from ∼10⁻⁷ to ∼10⁻⁵ S cm⁻¹ compared to pristine epoxy composite.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Electrical conductivity
• epoxy nanocomposites
• ionic liquid
• modified carbon nanofibres

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Vice Chancellor, DIAT (DU) and Director, MILIT, Pune for encouragement and support. The authors extend their gratitude to R&DE (Engr), Dighy, Pune, for support in providing raw materials. The authors are grateful to DIAT-NANO project EPIPR/ER/1003883/M/01/908/2012/D (R&D)/1416 for support. We like to specially acknowledge R&D Dept., NIE, Mysuru, our research group members, the technical staff of DIAT Material Eng., Physics, Chemistry, and MILIT Workshop for their technical support.