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Strength Evaluation of Functionalized MWCNT-Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites Synthesized Using a 3D Mixing Approach
Vijay Patel1, Unnati Joshi1, Anand Joshi2
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, Gujarat, India.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 27, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a new method for creating polymer nanocomposites using carboxyl functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-COOH) in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The process enhances mechanical properties, making MWCNT-COOH/PMMA suitable for demanding applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Developing advanced polymer nanocomposites requires overcoming challenges in nanoparticle dispersion.
- Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a versatile polymer matrix, but its mechanical properties can be enhanced.
- Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) offer exceptional mechanical properties but are prone to agglomeration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel synthesis process for MWCNT-reinforced PMMA nanocomposites.
- To investigate the effect of carboxyl functionalized MWCNTs (MWCNT-COOH) on the mechanical properties of PMMA.
- To evaluate the potential of these nanocomposites for applications like bone tissue engineering scaffolds and denture bases.
Main Methods:
- A novel 3D-mixing process was employed to ensure homogeneous dispersion of MWCNT-COOH within the PMMA matrix.
- Test specimens were prepared using extrusion and compression molding techniques.
- Tensile and flexural properties were measured according to ASTM D3039 and ASTM D7264 standards for various MWCNT-COOH concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 wt.%).
Main Results:
- The novel synthesis process effectively prevented MWCNT agglomeration and ensured homogeneous mixing.
- Significant improvements in tensile properties (up to 35.85%) and flexural properties (up to 48%) were observed with MWCNT-COOH incorporation compared to non-functionalized MWCNTs.
- The nanocomposite with 0.5 wt.% MWCNT-COOH exhibited the highest strength, indicating optimal doping at lower concentrations.
Conclusions:
- The proposed method successfully created well-dispersed MWCNT-COOH/PMMA nanocomposites with significantly enhanced mechanical performance.
- The improved mechanical strength and flexural properties suggest suitability for high-strength applications.
- The MWCNT-COOH/PMMA nanocomposite shows promise for bone tissue engineering scaffolds and denture base materials.
