Effects of Purity on the Mechanical Properties of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes-Polymer Nanocomposites

This study investigated the superior mechanical properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), its polymer nanocomposites using 0.5% and 1% loading of raw and purified SWCNTs in an epoxy matrix and the degree of dispersion. The extent of load transfer between the nanotubes and the matrix was studied by analysing the second order G’-band (≈2550 cm-1) of Raman Spectroscopy. The samples have been characterised from structural (Raman spectroscopy), mechanical (tensile test), physical and microstructural (SEM) point of view. Purified SWCNTs give a better reinforcing potential compared to raw SWCNTs. We found an increase in Young’s Modulus (3780 MPa-4263 MPa) and toughness (62 MPa-68.8 MPa) for the nanocomposites prepared from purified SWCNTs.