Synthesis of mica-multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) hybrid material and properties of mica-MWCNT/epoxy composites coating research

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were acidified by mixed acid, and mica was modified with a silane coupling agent (KH560). Hexamethylenediamine was used to connect mica and MWCNTs, and mica-MWCNTs hybrid materials were obtained. The result of cladding was verified through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Composites coated with mica-MWCNTs/epoxy resin, mica/epoxy resin, and pure epoxy were prepared separately. Impedance performance was tested through an electrochemical workstation, and SEM was used to observe the surface condition of the coatings. Thermogravimetric analysis-differential thermogravimetry (TGA-DTG) was used to characterize the thermal stability of the composite coating. The results show that MWCNTs can be well dispersed on the surface of mica when 10% KH560 is added. The composite coating of mica-MWCNTs/epoxy has larger impedance compared with those of the mica/epoxy and pure epoxy. The anticorrosion property of the mica-MWCNTs composite coating increased greatly though SEM, and the thermal degradation rate of composites decreased after coating with CNTs.