Optimization of MWCNT reinforcement for optimum mechanical and thermal properties in polyester nanocomposite
Abstract
The reinforcement of multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in polyester is carried out to acquire the desired properties of composites for potential applications. As Carbon nanotubes (CNT) has superior mechanical and physical properties, CNT enriches the mechanical characteristics of reinforced nanocomposites even if added in minuscule weight ratio.In this paper, to achieve the regular scattering of MWCNTs in the polymer matrix,multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in assorted weight proportionsof 0.2,0.4,0.6,0.8and 1 wt. % is added to the polyester by means of sonication and mechanical stirring technique. It was noticed that when more wt. % of MWCNT is added to polyester, the thermal characteristics of the resultant nanocomposites was enhanced proportional to the wt.% whereas, the mechanical properties increased till 0.6 wt.%. Beyond 0.6 wt.% of MWCNT, the mechanical property of the MWCTN reinforced polyester tends to deteriorate. ASTM D790 and ISO 22007-2 standards were followed to determine the thermal and flexural. The enhancement is due to thesuperlative thermal and mechanical characteristics of MWCNT. It is deduced that the optimization of MWCNT wt.% reinforcement in polyester with respect to mechanical and thermal propertiescould be effectively used for suitable application.