Effect of functionalized carbon nanotubes on the mechanical properties of epoxy-based composites

In this research, composites reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in terms of their capability of absorbing energy during ballistic impact and tensile test were investigated. In order to investigate the effect of functional groups on mechanical properties of multi-wall carbon nanotubes composites, multi-walled carbon nanotubes were functionalized by COOH and NH2. In order to investigate the penetration resistance of produced composites, the ballistic impact test with the high velocity was used. Results of the ballistic impact test imply that composites which benefit from carbon nanotubes with the carboxylic functional group have the highest value of the energy absorption. Results of the tensile test indicate, the interaction between carbon nanotubes with the carboxylic agent and the polymer matrix is much better. The ultimate stress for the sample containing nanotubes with hydroxyl functional group is 55% higher compared with the sample which does not contain any nanotubes. Reinforced composite samples which contain carbon nanotubes with the carboxylic functional group absorb 57.63% of the projectile energy and represent a better performance compared to the sample without nanotubes and the sample which consists of nanotubes with the amine functional group. The results of this study show that, uniform dispersion of nanotubes in the polymer matrix can profoundly affect mechanical properties especially the tensile strength. By functionalizing nanotubes and creating suitable functional groups, the cohesion between nanotubes and the matrix can be improved.