An ionic-liquid-functionalized MWNT/Epoxy composite

Abstract

A nanocomposite with high DC conductivity and enhanced mechanical strength has been fabricated by using ionic-liquid-functionalized carbon nanotubes (IL-CNTs) in an epoxy. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes were functionalized with imidazoleumbased ionic liquid having PF6 + ion and an epoxy end group. The IL-CNTs were covalently bonded to the amine curing agent and cured with an epoxy matrix to complete the processing. With 1.0-wt% CNTs the electrical conductivity was improved to 5.27x10 -4 S/cm, and the tensile strength, to 96.7 MPa from an epoxy strength of 78.9 MPa.