Open Access

ARTICLE

Experimental Novel Investigation of Electrostatic Charged Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Epoxy Based Polymer Composite

R. SARAVANAN^*, A. SURESHBABU

Department of Manufacturing Engineering, College of Engineering, Guindy, Chennai 600 025.

* Corresponding Author: e-mail:

Journal of Polymer Materials 2020, 37(1-2), 43-54. https://doi.org/10.32381/JPM.2020.37.1-2.4

Abstract

In this research work, multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) particulate filler of various (0.9, 1.2, 1.5, & 1.8 wt %) weight percentage was used along with epoxy resin. A novel method of distributing the MWCNT in epoxy had been employed to reduce the agglomeration problem by charging the MWCNT electrostatically. The electrostatic charged (MWCNT) and uncharged (MWCNT) were loaded on to matrix and then it was stirred by a mechanical mixer for 300 minutes continuously to achieve uniform distribution. The nano filler reinforced composite was fabricated by using hand layup method and mechanical testing (Tensile and Flexural) were performed as per ASTM standards. The electrostatic charged (MWCNT) results in better dispersion and shows an improved adhesion between the electrostatic charged (MWCNT) and matrix with the evident from the SEM analysis.

---

Keywords

---