Studies on Morphological and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy/Vinylester-MWCNT Nanocomposites

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanical characterization of epoxy/vinylester multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites, focusing on key properties such as modulus, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), Izod impact strength, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and surface morphology. The incorporation of MWCNTs into the epoxy/vinylester matrix aims to enhance the mechanical performance by leveraging their exceptional strength and stiffness. Tensile tests were conducted to determine the modulus and UTS, providing insights into the reinforcement efficiency of MWCNTs. Izod impact tests evaluated the nanocomposite’s resistance to sudden impact loading, while DMA was employed to analyze the viscoelastic behavior, including storage modulus, loss modulus, and damping characteristics across varying temperatures. Surface morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess the dispersion of MWCNTs and their interfacial bonding with the polymer matrix. The results demonstrated significant improvements in mechanical properties, indicating the potential of epoxy/vinylester-MWCNT nanocomposites for high-performance applications in structural and functional materials.