Silane functionalization of MWNTs improves the mechanical properties of MWNT/epoxy nanocomposites

PMSE 295

Pengcheng Ma1, Jang-Kyo Kim1, and Ben Zhong Tang, tangbenz@ust.hk2. (1) Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China, (2) Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China

In the present work, the functionalization effects of MWNTs using silane were investigated on the dispersion and mechanical properties of MWNT/Epoxy nanocomposites containing different contents of MWNTs. The results showed that samples with silane-functionalized MWNTs showed much better dispersion in epoxy matrix with improved flexural modulus and strength compared to those without functionalization. These findings confirmed the improved interfacial interaction due to covalent bonding between the silane-functionalized MWNTs and epoxy resin.