Development of Carbon Nanotubes/Epoxy Composites

Oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (0-MWNTs) epoxy composite have been
fabricated. Durifig composite preparation, 0-MWNTs had been added to the epoxy
resin by varying weight percent (wt %) by 1.0 wt% and 2.0 wt% of acid-treated
MWNTs. The same also done only the different is pristine MWNT (P-MWNT) was
used instead 0-MWNT. The effect of the 0-MWNTs and P-MWNT weight variation
added to the epoxy are being observed during composite characterization such as
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) test, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier
Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, tensile and Young's modulus experiment.
Data obtain from those experiment are being recorded and analyze. Effect from the
addition of 0-MWNTs and P-MWNTs are being concluded in order to achieve
project objectives. The effect of the oxidization on the physical properties of the
nanotubes and the composites are studied. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
(FTIR) is used to give evidence of covalent functionalization of the external tube of
MWNTs by oxidization process. Hydroxyl group are found in the 0-MWNT
structure. The structural investigation of the composites by X-ray diffraction (XRD)
shows the coupling between epoxy molecules and MWNTs. From the XRD results, it
can be concluded that oxidization process does not damage the nanotubes structure.
The sample fabricated are then being tested to characterize its mechanical properties.
Young's modulus of the composite are obtains from experiment involving Universal
Testing Machine (UTM). From the experiment, it can be concluded that adding 0-
MWNT instead of P-MWNT will result in higher tensile strength of the composite.