MWCNT/TiO₂ hybrid nano filler toward high-performance epoxy composite

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Corrosion Science

Background:

• Epoxy resins are widely used but often require enhanced mechanical and anti-corrosion properties.
• Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are known for their reinforcing and protective capabilities.
• Developing hybrid nanomaterials can synergistically improve material performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a new MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid nano filler.
• To investigate the mechanical and anti-corrosion properties of epoxy nanocomposites reinforced with this hybrid filler.
• To compare the performance of the hybrid nanocomposite with neat epoxy and composites containing only MWCNTs or TiO2 nanoparticles.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid nano filler.
• Fabrication of epoxy nanocomposites incorporating the hybrid filler.
• Morphological analysis using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
• Evaluation of dispersion using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM).
• Mechanical testing (tensile strength, storage modulus).
• Anti-corrosion performance assessment via corrosion rate measurements on mild steel.

Main Results:

• Successful formation and characterization of the MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid nano filler.
• FESEM confirmed superior dispersion of the hybrid filler within the epoxy matrix.
• MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid-epoxy nanocomposites showed significantly improved mechanical properties, with tensile strength increasing by 61% and storage modulus by 43%.
• The hybrid-epoxy nanocomposite coating on mild steel reduced the corrosion rate from 16.81 MPY to 0.87×10^-3 MPY.
• Overall superior anti-corrosion and mechanical performance compared to neat epoxy, MWCNT-epoxy, and TiO2-epoxy nanocomposites.

Conclusions:

• The developed MWCNT/TiO2 hybrid nano filler effectively enhances the mechanical and anti-corrosion properties of epoxy resins.
• This hybrid approach offers a promising strategy for creating advanced nanocomposite materials for demanding applications.
• The findings highlight the synergistic benefits of combining MWCNTs and TiO2 nanoparticles in an epoxy matrix for improved material performance.