Study on Properties of Carbon Nanotubes/Epoxy Resin Composite Prepared by In Situ Polymerization

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) treated with an alkali solution were used to toughen epoxy resin (EP) by in-situ polymerization.The effects of different CNTs contents on the impact strength of EP were discussed. The morphology of impact section was investigated too.The results indicated that a certain amount of hydroxy groups were introduced on the surface of CNTs.The impact strength of EP is greatly enhanced with the increase of CNTs/EP weight ratio, and exhibited a maximum when ratio was 0.5.The toughness of CNTs/EP composites was remarkably improved.SEM showed that the fracture pattern of CNTs/EP composites was changed from brittle fracture to ductile fracture.