Physical, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Hybrid Epoxy/ Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes/ Silicon Carbide Conductive Nanocomposites

Abstract

This study investigates the efficacy of an epoxy composite system that incorporates hybrid nanofillers consisting of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and silicon carbide nanoparticles (SiCs), as a means of reinforcing epoxy matrices with enhanced thermal properties. The fabrication of epoxy hybrid nanocomposites was carried out through a solution mixing process involving ultrasonication and planetary centrifugal mixing. Before proceed with the analysing synergistic effect of hybrid filler ratios, the samples were first being investigated on the effect of filler loadings to determine the optimal fillers loading, and it was discussed in other study. It was found that there was a correlation between the thermal properties of the specimens and their respective filler loadings, which an increase in filler loadings led to an increase in thermal properties. The incorporation of 4 vol.% of MWCNTs resulted in a significant enhancement of the thermal conductivity of the composites, reaching a value of 0.46 W/mK. This represents a doubling of the thermal conductivity compared to that of pure epoxy (~0.2 W/mK). Moreover, the hybrid fillers loadings of 3vol.% MWCNT+1vol.% SiC shows a higher thermal conductivity value of 0.48 W/mK which indicates the synergistic effects of hybrid fillers. The epoxy matrix exhibited uniform dispersion of MWCNTs and SiCs, resulting in the establishment of thermally conductive pathways.