MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid nano filler toward high-performance epoxy composite

By Kumar, Arun; Kumar, Kaushal; Ghosh, P. K.; Yadav, K. L.
Published in Ultrasonics Sonochemistry 2018

Abstract

In this work, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are decorated by TiO2 nanoparticles and formed a new hybrid structure of filler (MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid filler). The MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid filler is reinforced in epoxy matrix and studied the mechanical and anti-corrosion properties of epoxy. The morphology of newly formed MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid nano filler has been studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) images of tensile fracture surface confirmed the superior dispersion of MWCNT/TiO2 in the epoxy matrix. The resultant MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid-epoxy nanocomposite exhibits superior anti-corrosion and mechanical performance than the nanocomposite produced by loading of only {MWCNTs} or TiO2 nanoparticles as well as neat epoxy. For example, tensile strength and storage modulus of epoxy increased by 61% and 43% respectively on loading of MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid nano filler. Furthermore, the coating of MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid-epoxy nanocomposite on mild steel reduces the corrosion rate upto 0.87

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