The Influence of Carbon Nanotubes on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Nanocomposites Based on Unsaturated Polyester Resin

Abstract

The new actual scientific direction is in the development of different nanocomposites and the study of their medical–biological, physicochemical, and physicomechanical properties. One way to expand the functionality of nanocomposites and nanomaterials is to introduce carbon nanostructures into the polymer matrix. This study presents the properties of unsaturated polyester resins (Estromal, LERG S.A.) based on PET recyclate with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs): their mechanical and thermomechanical characteristics, resistance to ultraviolet radiation (UV-vis), and chemical resistance properties. The properties of the obtained materials were characterized using physical–chemical research methods. The changes in the properties of the composites for MWCNT content of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt % were determined. The results showed positive influences on the thermomechanical and mechanical properties of nanocomposites without significant deterioration of their gloss. Too much CNT added to the resin leads to heterogeneity of the composite structure.

Keywords

• carbon nanotubes
• unsaturated polyester resins
• nanocomposite
• physical properties
• chemical properties
• mechanical properties