Epoxy elastomers reinforced with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes as stimuli-responsive shape memory materials

Journal Article · Thu May 15 00:00:00 EDT 2014 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4876808· OSTI ID:22280332

Lama, G. C.; Nasti, G.; Cerruti, P.; Gentile, G.; Carfagna, C. ^[1]; Ambrogi, V. ^[2]

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1. Institute of Polymer Chemistry and Technology (ICTP-CNR), via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli (Italy)
2. Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering - University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Napoli (Italy)

In this work, the incorporation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) into epoxy-based elastomers was carried out in order to obtain nanocomposite systems with shape memory effect. For the preparation of elastomeric matrices, p-bis(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-α-methylstilbene (DOMS) was cured with sebacic acid. DOMS was synthesized in our laboratory and it is characterized by a rigid-rod, potentially liquid crystalline structure. A lightly cross-linked liquid crystalline elastomer was obtained. As for nanocomposites, variable amounts (0.75, 1.50, 3.0, 6.0, 12.0 wt.%) of COOH-MWCNTs were employed. In order to improve the nanotubes dispersibility and the interfacial adhesion with the epoxy matrix, an optimized two-step procedure was developed, which consisted in grafting the epoxy monomer onto the nanotube surface and then curing it in presence of crosslinking agent. DOMS-functionalized MWCNT were characterized through solvent dispersion experiments, FTIR spectroscopy and TGA analysis, which demonstrated the occurred covalent functionalization of the nanotubes with the epoxy monomers. The morphological analysis through electron microscopy demonstrated that this was an efficient strategy to improve the dispersion of nanotubes within the matrix. The second part of the work was devoted to the structural, thermal, mechanical and electric characterization of elastomeric nanocomposites. The results indicated a general improvement of properties of nanocomposites. Also, independently of the nanotube content, a smectic phase formed. Shape memory features of LC systems were also evaluated. It was demonstrated the shape could be recovered through heating, solvent immersion, as well as upon the application of an electrical field.

• OSTI ID: 22280332
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 1599, Issue 1; Conference: 7. international conference on times of polymers (TOP) and composites, Ischia (Italy), 22-26 Jun 2014; Other Information: (c) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0094-243X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY
ADHESION
CARBON NANOTUBES
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
COVALENCE
CROSS-LINKING
ELASTOMERS
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
EPOXIDES
FOURIER TRANSFORMATION
INFRARED SPECTRA
MATRIX MATERIALS
MONOMERS
SEBACIC ACID
SHAPE MEMORY EFFECT
THERMAL GRAVIMETRIC ANALYSIS
VISIBLE RADIATION