Influence of carbon nanotubes, resin matrix and technology of mixture homogenization on ablative and dynamic mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites

Abstract The present work investigates the thermo-protective ablative and dynamic mechanical properties of two kinds of epoxy resins modified with carbon nanotubes (1 vol% or 5 vol% of CNT) and homogenized mechanically or ultrasonically. The samples have been subjected to combustion gases at a temperature above 1900 °C during 120 s. The best thermal protective properties were exhibited by the composites made by epoxy resin called Epidian 52 (cross-linked by TFF - triethylenetetramine) and containing 5 vol% of CNT. Dynamic mechanical tests were performed by using a compression deformation mode and also a double-cantilever bending mode. In the compression mode, the highest value of the complex modulus M* = 1030 MPa and a very low value of the damping factor tan δ = 0.02 were shown by the composite mechanically homogenized (Epidian 601 + TFF + 5% CNT). In the double cantilever bending mode, the highest value of the modulus M* (i.e. 1250 MPa) was shown by the composite (Epidian 601 + TFF + 1% CNT) with tan δ = 0.05 and which was homogenized by ultrasounds.