Thermal Conductivity and Dynamic Mechanical Property of Glycidyl Methacrylate-Grafted Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube/Epoxy Composites

The well dispersed multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/epoxy composites were prepared by functionalization of the MWCNT surfaces with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). The morphology and thermal properties of the epoxy nanocomposites were investigated and compared with the surface characteristics of MWCNTs. GMA-grafted MWCNTs improved the dispersion and interfacial adhesion in epoxy resin, and enhanced the network structure. The storage modulus of 3 phr GMA-MWCNTs/epoxy composites at 50 degrees C increased from 0.32 GPa to 2.87 GPa (enhanced by 799%) and the increased tan delta from 50.5 degrees C to 61.7 degrees C (increased by 11.2 degrees C) comparing with neat epoxy resin, respectively. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity of 3 phr GMA-MWCNTs/epoxy composite is increased by 183%, from 0.2042 W/mK (neat epoxy) to 0.5781 W/mK. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 123: 888-896, 2012