Electrical Conductivity and Hardness Property of CNTs/Epoxy Nanocomposites

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as conductive fillers and epoxy resin as matrix on the electrical conductivity and hardness property. The different CNTs weight percentage (0 ~ 10 wt.%) were added into the epoxy resin. The dispersion of CNTs in epoxy resin was conducted by high speed mixer through mechanical shearing mechanism. The mixture of CNTs/epoxy was poured into the mold and compression molding was conducted for fabrication of CNTs/epoxy nanocomposites. The electrical conductivity and hardness of CNTs/epoxy nanocomposites by several of CNTs loading concentration were measured by the four point probe and dynamic ultra micro hardness tester. Agglomeration of CNTs in epoxy matrix was observed on fractured surface by scanning electron microscopic. Non conductive epoxy polymer becomes conductor as addition of CNTs. Electrical conductivity of CNTs/epoxy nanocomposites were increased with increasing of CNTs loading concentration. Hardness property of CNTs/epoxy nanocomposites ware reached the highest value at 5 wt.%, and then it was decreased.