Abstract
Optimizing the interactions between the matrix and reinforcement components is key to attaining high-performance composite materials. Yet, balancing the reinforcing-matrix phase interactions for synthetic composites remains a great challenge. Here, a combined methodology using molecular and atomic layer deposition (M/ALD) is demonstrated for tailoring carbon nanotube (CNT) interfacial interactions, yielding high-performance-reinforced polymer composites. CNT mats are used as a model system to systematically study the molecular details as they do not involve powder processing and other aspects which obscure the understanding of molecular level effects. Noncovalent attachment of the M/ALD layer at the interface allows good wetting of the CNTs, provides an effective means for stress dissipation without compromising the CNTs' Csp2-Csp2 network which remains intact, while introducing amine functionalities to facilitate the cross-linking polymer matrix (epoxy). M/ALD-modified CNT mat-epoxy composites showed an increase in the maximal tensile strength and toughness of up to 32 and 247%, respectively. These findings may pave the way to systematically develop high CNT loading composites as well as other nano-reinforced composite systems showing both high strength and toughness as well as numerous other desirable properties related to nanomaterial composites in general.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 15429-15440 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | ACS Applied Nano Materials |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 28 Oct 2022 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2022 American Chemical Society.
Keywords
- CNT
- composite
- epoxy
- molecular layer deposition
- toughness