| Abstract: | This study is focused on fabrication and characterization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) reinforced epoxy composites to understand variation of mechanical and thermal properties. Samples were prepared by infusing both amine functionalized and non-functionalized MWCNT into commercially available EL-350 epoxy resin. Flexure, quasi-static compression and high strain rate (HSR) tests were performed with 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3% of MWCNTs to observe variation in mechanical properties. The optimum loading was found at 0.2%. Nanocomposites with amine functionalized MWCNTs showed better properties compared to that with unmodified MWCNTs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed to confirm an improvement in dispersion with functionalization. Thermal properties were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). |
