Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, flexibility, stiffness, tensile strength and light weight. For this reason, CNTs have been employed as additives or nanofillers to enhance the properties of polymeric materials. Several studies have shown that the polymer matrix degradation can occur as a result of environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, moisture, mechanical stress, and/or a combination thereof. Such degradation can lead to surface accumulation, protrusion and potential release of CNTs. However, only few studies have quantified the rate of CNT release. In this study, we investigated the effect of environmental factors on the degradation of MWCNTs/epoxy nanocomposites with  MWCNT content of 1.0% by mass. Chemical changes resulting from epoxy matrix degradation were investigated by attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and morphological changes of the samples were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In order to determine the rate of CNT release, we incorporated <sup>14</sup>C-labelled MWCNTs into the nanocomposites and measured their release with liquid scintillation counting (LSC) after weathering treatment. Degradation of epoxy resulted in matrix removal, exposure of CNT network, and release of detectable amount of CNTs to environment.<br/>

Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of nanomaterial release from multi-walled carbon nanotubes epoxy composite after weathering treatment

2019 Spring National Meeting

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