Investigating the effect of hydroxyl functionalised MWCNT on the mechanical properties of PMMA based polymer nanocomposites

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Mixing MWCNT into the polymer at very small propositions can enrich the mechanical properties of the polymer nanocomposites. Testing Specimen fabricated with 0.1wt%, 0.5wt%, 1wt% mixing ratios using extrusion and injection molding process. Computational analysis was performed through the square RVE model and analyzed with finite element analysis (FEA) using DIGIMAT simulation tool. The specimen was evaluated by ASTM D3039 for tensile strength and ASTM D7264 for flexural. The simulated results were compared with experimental results. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) was performed to evaluate the dispersion state of nanotubes in the matrix. The impactful improvement in mechanical properties is shown in the results after addition of functionalized MWCNTs (f-MWCNT) compared to pure polymer and non- functionalized MWCNT composites.