Influence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the mechanical properties of syntactic foams

• Main Author: Ding, Sixing
• Other Authors: Hu Xiao
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Materials::Nanostructured materials
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/18955
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In recent years, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have to be considered as high potential fillers to improve the mechanical properties of polymers. However, questions concerning interfacial adhesion between CNTs and matrix systems and dispersion of CNTs in matrix polymers are still to be answered. This project aims to evaluate the appropriate solutions for these questions regarding multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (filler) and syntactic foams (binder). Shortened MWCNTs are introduced via probe sonication method. With very low content, these nanoparticles are then mixed with viscous epoxy resin and light glass microspheres by steps. The MWCNT/Syntactic Foam composites are prepared by hot press method. It is found that the toughness of hybrid composites experiences a decrease first and then a sharp increase. In the Mean time, the extended probe sonication of MWCNTs results in an improved is persibility. It is summarized that the good dispersibility and interfacial impregnation are two contribute factors to improve the toughness of hybrid system.