Mechanical and barrier properties of epoxy resin filled with multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Different multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) concentrations were incorporated in an epoxy resin and both the epoxy precursor and the composite were cured at 110 degrees C with a tertiary amine. Infrared spectroscopy was used to follow the curing progress by determining the decrease of the band due to the epoxy group. It was shown that the presence of MWCNTs accelerates the process, halving the time for the disappearance of the epoxy band. Atomic force microscopy demonstrated that the carbon nanotubes are well embedded in the epoxy matrix and singularly dispersed or in bundles, depending on their concentration. As a consequence of the good dispersion and interpenetration of the carbon nanotubes in the epoxy matrix, the glass transition temperature increased with increasing MWCNT concentration. Dynamic-mechanical analysis indicated a higher elastic modulus, particularly at high temperatures. The study of the transport properties, sorption and diffusion of water vapour at different activities, showed improved barrier properties on increasing the CNT concentration. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.