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Tactical tuning of mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of glass fiber/epoxy multi-scale composites by incorporating N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane functionalized carbon nanotubes

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Abstract

The current study explores the potential of N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (AEAPTS) functionalized single-wall carbon nanotubes (f-SWCNTs) as interface modifier to enhance thermomechanical characteristics of glass fiber/epoxy (GF/epoxy) composites. GF/epoxy laminates each embedded with 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 wt% of pristine SWCNTs (p-SWCNTs) and f-SWCNTs, respectively, were fabricated using hot press technique. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated successful attachment of AEAPTS on SWCNTs while thermogravimetric analysis assessed the grafting density of AEAPTS. Tensile strength, modulus and interlaminar shear strength increased by ~ 27, ~ 14 and ~ 43%, respectively, at 0.5 wt% f-SWCNTs loading. However, no marked improvements were observed in mechanical properties with p-SWCNTs addition. Scanning electron microscopy revealed excellent dispersibility of f-SWCNTs in an epoxy matrix. Moreover, fractographic analysis revealed excellent compatibility of GF and epoxy resin in the presence of f-SWCNTs which accounts for improved interfacial adhesion. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis showed ~ 40% increment in storage modulus at 25 °C with 0.5 wt% f-SWCNTs content whereas the glass transition temperature remarkably improved by ~ 13 °C as compared to the neat composite (~ 136 °C). The cross-link density increased up to ~ 51% with f-SWCNTs addition implying that grafted AEAPTS moieties undergo a three-way cross-link reaction with epoxide groups of epoxy and silanes of glass fibers. Such multi-scale composites with enhanced strength and thermomechanical stability can replace metallic components in various engineering applications.

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Acknowledgements

The authors express their cordial gratitude to the team of Department of Polymer Engineering and Technology, University of the Punjab, for their cooperation during the execution of this research project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Polymer Engineering and Technology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, P.O. Box: 54590, Lahore, Pakistan

    Fahd Jamshaid, Rafi Ullah Khan, Atif Islam, Adnan Ahmad & Muhammad Adrees

  2. Department of Chemical Engineering, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, P.O. Box: 54590, Lahore, Pakistan

    Rizwan Dilshad

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  1. Fahd Jamshaid
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  2. Rafi Ullah Khan
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  3. Atif Islam
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Jamshaid, F., Khan, R., Islam, A. et al. Tactical tuning of mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of glass fiber/epoxy multi-scale composites by incorporating N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane functionalized carbon nanotubes. Iran Polym J 29, 875–889 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13726-020-00848-y

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