Abstract
The incorporation of functionalized carbon nanotubes in a polymer matrix is expected to greatly enhance the physical and mechanical properties of the polymer due to inherent superior properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs): high modulus and strength, high thermal stability and enhanced electrical conductivity. Nanocomposite materials based on epoxy polymer matrix and different types of functionalized carbon nanotubes were synthesized. The effect of CNTs on dynamic mechanical properties by DMA, on curing process by DSC and themostability by TGA and DTG were studied. The system based on diglycidylether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) cured with a polyetheramine (D230) and reinforced with amino-functionalized double-wall carbon nanotubes (DWNT-NH2) showed lower Tg values. SEM images reveal an enhance of dispersion if amino-functionalized CNTs are used. Keywords: epoxy, nanotubes, nanocomposites, thermostability, glass transition temperature