Epoxy resin nanocomposites reinforced with ionized liquid stabilized carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Epoxy resin nanocomposites reinforced with three different ionic liquid functionalized carbon nanotubes (f-CNTs) were fabricated by an in situ polymerization method. The influence of the anions on the curing process was studied through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and normalized Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The composition of the nanocomposites was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Two different mechanisms are proposed to explain the curing process of the neat epoxy and its composites. The electric conductivity and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites are also reported. The tensile strength was increased dramatically due to the insertion of f-CNTs. Scanning electron microsopy fracture surface analysis indicates a strong interfacial bonding between the carbon nanotubes and the polymer matrix. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.