Preparation and properties of CNTs loaded bisphenol F epoxy nanocomposites modified by noncovalent dispersant and nonionic surfactant

Abstract Epoxy resin is one of the most important matrix materials in the field of high performance composites. Its mechanical strength, toughness, and thermal stability are very important to the properties of composites. In this paper, the improvement of epoxy resin properties by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is mainly studied. First, aniline trimer (AT) and polyethylene glycol octyl phenyl ether (Triton X‐100) are combined to modify CNTs. Then the dispersed CNTs (treated‐CNTs) are used to prepare bisphenol F epoxy nanocomposites. The dispersion of CNTs and fracture surface of composites are analyzed by SEM and TEM. The combination of AT and Triton X‐100 with CNTs is analyzed by UV–vis and FTIR. The mechanical, thermodynamic, tribological properties, and crosslinking density changes of epoxy composites are evaluated. The results show that AT and Triton X‐100 are successfully bonded to the surface of CNTs. The dispersion effect of treated‐CNTs in the composites is better than that of the original CNTs, which have a better reinforcing and toughening effect on the composites. The introduction of treated‐CNT reduces the crosslinking density and glass transition temperature of the composites, but does not affect the thermal stability of the composites before 300°C.