Harnessing the thermo-mechanical properties and toughness of MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid epoxy nanocomposites

Abstract

One of the significant challenges of developing high-performance polymer nanocomposites is the best exploitation of the potential of nanofillers. In this study, the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are exfoliated by TiO2 nanoparticles using ultrasonic waves. The obtained MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid nanofiller, in different wt.%, is infused into an epoxy (EP) matrix using an ultrasonic dual mixing (UDM) technique to obtain multifunctional nanocomposites with enhanced thermo-mechanical properties and toughness. XRD crystallography, Raman spectroscopy, TEM analysis, TGA, DMA, tensile, and 3-P single edge notch bending tests are used to investigate the properties of the MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid nanofiller and resulting composites. Results reveal that the optimum loading of MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid nanofiller (1.0 wt.%) in EP matrix provides 23.5%, 39.8%, and 46.8% improvement in storage modulus, tensile strength, and fracture toughness, respectively, compared to those of neat EP. The FESEM images of the fractured surface of nanocomposite specimens confirm the cluster-free distribution of MWCNTs in the EP matrix ensuring enhanced thermo-mechanical properties and toughness.