Study of Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Aligned and Randomly Oriented Carbon Nanotube Composites

Abstract

Randomly oriented multi wall carbon nanotubes (RCNTs) and Aligned carbon nanotubes (ACNTs) added into the epoxy resin were mixed by sonication and then cured to obtain nanocomposite samples. The mechanical properties of the composites were characterized in terms of flexural tests and hardness tests. Scanning electron microscopy studies were employed to investigate the deformation mechanisms and crack propagation of the nanocomposites. Compared to random carbon nanotube-based composites, a significant increase in modulus and hardness was obtained with aligned carbon nanotube composites due to good load transfer from matrix to CNTs and effective bridging of cracks.