Dispersity of nanoparticles plays a key role in influencing the mechanical performance of polymer nanocomposites. The present study utilizes a hybrid-nanoparticle strategy to well disperse multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) in epoxy by decorating mildly oxidized MWCNT surfaces with in-situ growth ZnO quantum dots for significant enhancement in modulus and electrical conductivity. To achieve toughening effect, a nano-sized soft core-shell rubber (CSR) particle phase was further introduced to improve fracture toughness. The combined incorporation of MWCNT-ZnO and CSR in epoxy leads to greatly enhanced Young’s modulus and fracture toughness of epoxy without compromising glass transition temperature of epoxy. The double-notch-four-point bend method was chosen for investigating the operative fracture mechanisms. A synergistic toughening effect is observed, which includes cavitation of CSR-induced matrix shear banding, along with MWCNT tube fracture and crack deflection triggered by preferential crack propagation along the MWCNT-ZnO interface. The present research demonstrates a successful preparation of multifunctional epoxy nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties and greatly increased electrical conductivity.

Fracture behavior of hybrid epoxy nanocomposites containing multi-walled carbon nanotube and core-shell rubber

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ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.