Study of MWNT-Epoxy Nanocomposites’ Tensile Properties Produced by Resin- Hardener Mixing with 48 Hours Holding Time at Room Temperature

• Main Author: Messias, Tommy
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Subjects: Teknik (Rekayasa, enjinering dan kegiatan berkaitan)
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/40838
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Some problems in making CNT reinforced nanocomposites are CNT’s physical properties, CNT’s dispersion in matrices, andbad CNT-epoxy interface caused by curing reaction domination when resin-hardener was mixed in 100oC. This research will study the tensile properties of MWNT-epoxy nanocomposites produced by resin-hardener mixing with 48 hours holding time in room temperature. Epoxy curing parameters to produce fully cured epoxy will be determined using DTA and FTIR. Nanocomposites were made using acid cleaned of 5 wt% MWNT which dispersed in chloroform and ultrasonicated.Samples were made using with and without pre-curing treatment as variations. Sample then produced by resin-hardener mixing with 48 hours holding time in room temperature. Tensile and physical properties of nanocomposites were evaluated. The results were compared with data from previous research. Fully cured MWNT-epoxy nanocomposites have been made with stiffness as high as 0,59 MPa and strength as high as 1,27 MPa. Resin-hardener mixing with 48 hours holding time in room temperature produced better interface and better physical properties compared to resin-hardener mixing in 100oC. However, the use of resin-hardener mixing with 48 hours holding time in room temperature did not improved tensile properties of 5% wt CNT nanocomposites due to low Degree of Cross-Linking of epoxy and induced re-agglomeration of CNT.