Catalytic growth of multi-walled carbon nanotubes using NiFe2O4 nanoparticles and incorporation into epoxy matrix for enhanced mechanical properties

Abstract

Abstract Mechanical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) reinforced epoxy nanocomposites, with and without any structural defect, were investigated using different weight percent values of pristine and covalently functionalized CNT. First, nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) catalyst nanoparticles were prepared using the co-precipitate method followed by CNT growth via chemical vapor deposition, using acetylene as carbon feedstock. Through a combination of magnetic stirring and ultrasound vibration treatments in acetone, pristine, COOH-, or NH2-functionalized CNTs at 0.15, 0.60, 1.10 and 1.50 wt% were added to the Epon 828 epoxy. During each stage, extensive materials characterization was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)/differential thermal analysis (DTA) techniques. Tensile testing of the specimens revealed an increase in the elastic modulus and tensile strength values with maximum increase registered in the case of nanocomposites made from 1.1 wt% CNT-NH2 (+73%) or CNT-COOH (67%) addition. The energy absorbed during impact testing also increased by 86% upon addition of 1.50 wt% CNT-NH2. The presence of a small notch in the nanocomposite specimens yielded superior mechanical properties to those of the neat epoxy. Such enhancement in the mechanical properties can be attributed to better CNT dispersion in the nanocomposites and good interfacial bonding, as confirmed from microstructural examination of the fractured surfaces.