Production and mechanical properties of aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes-M140 composites

This study investigated the production of M140, aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (A-MWNTs) reinforced M140 composites (A-MWNTs-M140) and their mechanical properties including their compressive and bending properties as well as their microstructure characteristic of bend fracture surface. M140 was first produced by speed change mixing technics with commercial materials, water-bath curing at normal temperature. In addition, two different A-MWNTs dispersions including carbonyl dispersions of A-MWNTs (C-A-MWNTs) and aqueous dispersions of A-MWNTs (A-A-MWNTs) with the addition of 0.01wt% A-MWNTs were utilized to obtain enhanced mechanical properties with respect to plain M140. The results indicated that the use of A-MWNTs dispersions allows increasing compressive strength and flexural strength by 8.4% and 5.4%, respectively for the C-A-MWNTs-M140, and by 15.9% and 20.7% for the A-A-MWNTs-M140, respectively. The SEM and EPMA examinations of fracture surface also showed that the bond interface between the nanotubes and matrix is moderate and the main reinforcing mechanisms are microfilling effect, CNTs pull-out and debond. The aqueous dispersion of A-MWNTs is an appropriate method and is more compatible with the M140.