Synthesis and characterization of high-performance epoxy/ Ti3AlC2-reinforced conductive polymer composites

Abstract

Titanium aluminium carbide powder was reaction synthesized and used as reinforcement in the aircraft grade epoxy matrix (LY556) to develop a high-performance conductive polymer composite. The particle sizes of 4 and 7 µm were employed from 0 to 40 wt.% to improve the mechanical and electrical properties of conductive polymer composites. It was observed that the percolation characteristics were exhibited at a critical threshold of 20 wt.% for both the filler particle sizes. Further, microstructural observations revealed the formation of a conductive network in the conductive polymer composites when the filler content was 20 wt.%. The tensile and flexural properties were increased when the particle size was decreased. Experimental values were then compared with the available analytical models for validation. The mechanical and electrical properties of the conductive polymer composites were optimized by tailoring the filler particle size to 4 µm and particle loading at 20 wt.%. Compared to neat epoxy, the optimized conductive polymer composites have shown a simultaneous increase in strength, stiffness and conductivity performances, which can find applications in aerospace and electronics industries.