Enhancing Thermal Resilience of Epoxy/VinylesterMWCNT Nanocomposites

Abstract

The thermal resilience of composite materials is critical for applications in extreme environments, where stability under high temperatures and oxidative conditions is paramount. This research explores improving the thermal stability and resistance to heatinduced oxidative degradation in epoxy/vinylester matrix composites by reinforcing them with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Adding MWCNTs to the polymer matrix notably enhances the nanocomposites' thermal characteristics, such as their degradation temperature and resistance to oxidation. To assess the thermal stability and degradation patterns of these composites under accelerated aging, various experimental methods, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), were utilized. Results indicate that MWCNTs act as effective reinforcing agents by promoting a more stable crosslinked structure, enhancing the material’s ability to resist oxidative degradation at elevated temperatures. The study also examines the effect of different MWCNT loadings on the thermal properties, providing insight into the optimal reinforcement concentration for maximum performance. The findings demonstrate that the epoxy/vinylester-MWCNT nanocomposites offer a promising approach to improving the thermal resilience of polymeric materials for high-performance applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics.