Thiokol oligomer functionalized MWCNTs for epoxy nanocomposites
ISSN: 0369-9420
Article publication date: 1 July 2020
Issue publication date: 28 August 2020
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to feature preparation and characterization of thiokol oligomer functionalized MWCNTs/epoxy nanocomposites using low molecular weight polyamide as curing agent.
Design/methodology/approach
First, thiokol oligomer functionalized MWCNTs (MWCNTs-TO) were prepared through hydroxylation, silanization and graft modification of MWCNTs. The nanocomposite specimens were fabricated through sonication and cast moulding process. The authors then investigated the impact of MWCNTs-TO content on mechanical and thermal properties of the nanocomposites.
Findings
MWCNTs-TO with grafting ratio of 17.5 Wt.% was synthesized and characterized with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy. The obtained epoxy nanocomposites exhibit improved mechanical properties and thermal stability with MWCNTs-TO added. Moreover, desirable results were obtained at 0.75 Wt.% of MWCNTs-TO loading: the young’s modulus, tensile, flexural and impact strength increased by 24.6,72.8,34.8 and 82.7%, respectively, compared to the neat epoxy. The improvement of mechanical properties is mainly attributed to enhanced interfacial interaction and dispersion between the covalent functionalized MWCNTs and epoxy matrix.
Research limitations/implications
A flexible thiokol oligomer was successfully grafted onto MWCNTs via a mild route. Nanocomposites with excellent interfacial interaction and dispersion between MWCNTs-TO and the epoxy matrix have been successfully fabricated and investigated.
Practical implications
This method provided a mild and practical approach to improve the performance of MWCNTs epoxy nanocomposites.
Originality/value
A flexible thiokol oligomer was successfully covalent grafted onto MWCNTs via a mild route. Nanocomposites with excellent interfacial interaction and dispersion between MWCNTs-TO and the epoxy matrix have been successfully fabricated and investigated.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Numbers 31270608).
Citation
Wang, H. and Li, Z. (2020), "Thiokol oligomer functionalized MWCNTs for epoxy nanocomposites", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 49 No. 5, pp. 347-353. https://doi.org/10.1108/PRT-04-2019-0036
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited