Modification in mechanical, tribological & electrical properties of epoxy at low weight fraction of multiwalled carbon nanotube

Abstract Effect of weight fraction (WF, mg/dL) of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) on mechanical properties, wear behavior and electrical conductance of epoxy nanocomposites (ENCs) was investigated. For this purpose, a series of ENCs was prepared through curing of epoxy resin with polyamine in presence of various WF of MWCNT ranging 1.0–300, followed by post curing under microwave irradiation to define the ENCs. Effect of WF on dispersion of MWCNT into epoxy matrix and onward formation of ENCs was revealed through spectra, microscopy, stress analysis and DC conductance. Loading of MWCNT up to 200 WF imparts ultimate improvements in Rockwell hardness, compressive, impact, tensile strength and wear resistance of ENCs. Whereas, electrical percolation threshold of ENCs was appeared at 10 WF of MWCNT with electrical insulation at 100 V. Stress analysis under diametric compression ranging 8–20 kgf reveals increase in fringe order of ENCs ranging 0.25–0.45 up to 20 WF of MWCNT. Stress analysis and atomic force microscopy reveals that ENCs with enhanced dispersion and reduced stress may be produced at 20 WF of MWCNT. Present study reveals that ENCs with improved dispersion and reduced internal stress may be produced through loading of 20WF of MWCNT. Whereas, loading of MWCNT up to 200 WF results ENCs with improved mechanical properties, electrical conductance and wear resistance.