Polymer Blend Nanocomposites: Effect of Selective Nanotube Location on the Properties of a Semicrystalline Thermoplastic-Toughened Epoxy Thermoset

Polymer nanocomposite (PNC) properties are conditioned by nanoparticle dispersion, but in reinforced-polymer blends other variables intercede (phase composition/morphology, particle affinity) that can generate interesting phenomena and new opportunities for property tuning. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were incorporated into a high-performance epoxy modified with a semicrystalline thermoplastic (TP), and the cure process, morphology, thermal and mechanical properties were studied. Both TP and MWCNTs affect the curing process, the latter accelerating the cure onset but hindering its progress. Composites with lower MWCNT content show droplet-like morphology of TP and preferential location of MWCNTs near the TS/TP interphase, better thermal stability and an optimum balance between stiffness, strength and toughness.