Tailored multifunctional nanocomposites obtained by integration of carbonaceous fillers in an aerospace grade epoxy resin curing at high temperatures

Dispersion and distribution of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in polymer matrices without the use of any functionalization and application of conventional procedures such as mixing or sonication does not display the full potential of the fillers due to agglomeration which limits the use of the corresponding nanomaterials. Contrarily, varying GNP and CNT based fillers were integrated to an aerospace grade epoxy resin, which has a high curing temperature of 180 degrees C and is commonly used as matrix to manufacture structural parts, by use of three-roll milling in this study. This procedure is of major interest for industrial applications, especially for the aerospace sector, since the process is scalable and works for resins with high curing temperatures. Microstructure and thermal properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. Moreover, mechanical and electrical performances were studied. Results show that certain fillers yield multifunctional properties, i.e. enhanced flexural strength up to 64 +/- 41 % in combination with low electrical resistivity with orders of magnitude of similar to 10- 1 - 10- 2 omega m in comparison to the electrical resistivity of the epoxy being 109 omega m.

Automated summary

This study integrates graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with a high-temperature curing epoxy resin using three-roll milling, achieving good dispersion of the nanofillers and improving the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of the nanocomposites. This method is of great importance for industrial applications, especially in the aerospace sector, as it is scalable and suitable for resins with high curing temperatures.