Mechanical and thermal properties of (Ag/C nanocable)/epoxy resin composites

• Published in: Polymer science. Series B Vol. 53; no. 11-12; pp. 601 - 605
• Main Authors: Liang, Honglu, Yu, Demei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht SP MAIK Nauka/Interperiodica 01.12.2011; Pleiades
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Composites; Epoxy resins; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Morphology; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymer matrix composites; Polymer Sciences; Shells; Silver; Technology of polymers; Polymer Science Series; Differential Scanning Calorimeter; Epoxy; Epoxy Composite; Epoxy Matrix; Mixing; Branched polymer; Ester polymer; Epoxy resin; Mechanical properties; Nanocable; Experimental study; Carbon; Glass transition temperature; Silver; Morphology; Concentration effect; Nanocomposite; Manufacturing; Modified material
• ISSN: 1560-0904; 1555-6123
• DOI: 10.1134/S1560090411110042

A novel Ag/C nanocable and epoxy resin composite was obtained by compounding Ag/C nanocables and epoxy resin. The nanocable is composed of a nanowire (core) wrapped with one or more outer layers (shell). Scanning electron microscopy images proved that the nanocables consisted of a silver nanowire core and a carbon outer shell. The Ag/C nanocables were modified by hyperbranched poly (amine ester) to improve their mechanical properties for further application. We separately compounded raw and modified Ag/C nanocables with epoxy resin, and then tested the thermal performance, tensile properties, and fracture morphology of each composite. We found that the tensile strengths of the two composite systems were enhanced by the epoxy resin, with the modified (Ag/C)/epoxy resin composite system improving more significantly. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) results showed that the glass transition temperature of the unmodified (Ag/C)/epoxy resin composite is increased when the Ag/C nanocable is filled, while that of the modified system slightly decreased. Fracture morphology results showed that both (Ag/C)/epoxy composite systems featured increased toughness. The modified Ag/C nanocables had better compatibility with the epoxy resin. The relationship between the properties and microstructure of the composites were discussed in detail to explain the mechanism behind the observed changes in material properties.