Thermo-Mechanical Performance of Epoxy Hybrid System Based on Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene Nanoparticles

Abstract

This study focuses on epoxy hybrid systems prepared by incorporating multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanosheets (GNs) at two fixed filler amounts: below (0.1 wt%) and above (0.5 wt%), with varying MWCNT:GN mix ratios. The hybrid epoxy systems exhibited remarkable electrical performance, attributed to the π–π bond interactions between the multi-wall carbon nanotubes and the graphene layers dispersed in the epoxy resin matrix. The material’s properties were characterized through dynamic mechanical and thermal analyses over a wide range of temperatures. In addition to excellent electrical properties, the formulated hybrid systems demonstrated high mechanical performance and thermal stability. Notably, the glass transition temperature of the samples reached 255 °C, and high storage modulus values at elevated temperatures were observed. The hybrid systems also displayed thermal stability up to 360 °C in air. By comparing the mechanical and electrical performance, the formulation can be optimized in terms of the electrical percolation threshold (EPT), electrical conductivity, thermostability, and mechanical parameters. This research provides valuable insights for designing advanced epoxy-based materials with multifunctional properties.

Keywords

• hybrid nanocomposites
• graphene nanosheets
• carbon nanotubes
• mechanical properties
• thermal properties
• surface analysis