Discipline: Nanoscience
Subcategory: Materials Science
Session: 3
DeJohn Louder - Tuskegee University
Co-Author(s): Farooq Syed, Shaik Zainuddin , Department of Materials Science Engineering, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088
In this study, the effect of carboxylic functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (COOH-MWCNTs) on mechanical properties of Epon resin composites were investigated using a standard Berkovich nanoindenter. At first, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 wt. % COOH- MWCNTs were dispersed in Epon 862 resin using ultrasound and 3-roll mixing process. Finally, the epikure-w hardener was added to the resin. Neat samples without CNTs were also processed for baseline comparison. Nanoindentation and nanoscratch tests were then performed on these composites in conjunction with scanning probe microscopy. Nanomechanical properties of neat polymer matrix improved significantly with addition of functionalized MWCNTs. Also, less pileups and high wear resistance was observed in the nanocomposites.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): NSF REU DMR-1659506, HBCU TIP HRD-1818696, MRI DMR-1725513, CREST- 1735971
Faculty Advisor: Shaik Zainuddin, szainuddin@tuskegee.edu
Role: Sample Preparation, Nanoindentation, Nanoscratch testing of polymer nanocomposites.