Objective of this study is to study the influence of functionalization of MWCNTs on the performance of nanocomposites.
Approach: In this work, thermoset polymers were modified with pristine and amine functionalized MWCNTs. Thermomechanical thermal, rheological, and mechanical characterization was carried out.
Findings: Flexural results indicated homogeneity with improvements in mechanical properties of up to 15% in strength and 25% in modulus. Interfacial adhesion and dispersion are improved with viscosity reduction. SEM micrographs depicted the fracture morphology indicating proper dispersion of the XD-CNTs by fracture propagation and cleavage plane displacement. DMA studies revealed an increase in storage modulus in the nanophased specimens as CNT loading increased, mainly attributed to enhanced CNT dispersion and distribution causing reduced polymer chain movement that increased stiffness. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) exhibited minimal reduction in decomposition temperature despite the increase of XD-CNTs.