The effect of MWCNTs on the rubber-toughened epoxy nanocomposites

Abstract

This paper investigated the mechanical properties of rubber-toughened epoxy resins reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Rubber-toughened epoxy resins were prepared using the mechanical stirring method and molded into samples with compression molding with different amount of MWCNTs (0.5wt%–3wt%). The bending modulus, bending strength and impact strength increased by almost 125%, 20% and 35% respectively, at 1%wt MWCNTs compared with rubber-toughened epoxy. A scanning electron micrograph (SEM) confirms the effect of good dispersion of MWCNTs and their interfacial bonding in the matrix.