Abstract
Non-monotonic electrical resistance changes have been observed in multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT)/epoxy nanocomposites subjected to tensile loading, but the mechanism is not fully understood. While most previous works investigated the effect of nanofiller content on the piezoresistivity of MWNT/epoxy nanocomposites, this work evaluates the impact of curing condition. The results indicate that the monotony of the piezoresistivity could be enhanced by using a higher curing temperature. It is therefore proposed that when cured under a different temperature, an epoxy matrix would exhibit a different level of spatial heterogeneity in molecular structure and hence in mechanical properties, causing the MWNT network inside the matrix to undergo a different movement trend under tensile loading. This study will facilitate future research on elucidating the underlying mechanism of the non-monotonic piezoresistivity of CNT/epoxy nanocomposites through considering the contribution of the molecular structure of the polymer matrix.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 101557 |
Journal | Composites Communications |
Volume | 39 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2023 |
Keywords
- Carbon nanotubes
- Curing temperature
- Epoxy nanocomposites
- Piezoresistivity
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ceramics and Composites
- Mechanics of Materials
- Polymers and Plastics
- Materials Chemistry