Reinforcement of Epoxy Resin with Aminated Silica-Encapsulated Carbon Nanotubes

A novel method was utilized to modify the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes(MWNTs)for the preparation of nanocomposites with epoxy resin as the matrix,triethanolamine as the curing agent and the modified MWNTs as the reinforcing fillers.MWNTs were first treated with ethanol solution of KOH to introduce hydroxyl groups to the nanotube surfaces.The hydroxylized MWNTs were further encapsulated with silica by the Stber method,and treated with a silane coupling agent to introduce amino groups to the nanotube surfaces.Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy show that the surface of MWNTs was successfully encapsulated with SiO2 nanoparticles and decorated with amino groups.Optical microscopy showed that the modified MWNTs exhibit good dispersibility in epoxy resin when the content of nanorubes is below 1wt%.Study of mechanical properties showed that the modified nanotubes obviously increased the tensile strength,impact strength and modulus of epoxy resin.This method is simple but efficient for the surface modification of MWNTs and the preparation of high performance epoxy nanocomposites.