Synthesis of hierarchical nanohybrid CNT@Ni-PS and its applications in enhancing the tribological, curing and thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites

Abstract

Poor interfacial adhesion and dispersity severely obstruct the continued development of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced epoxy (EP) for potential applications. Herein, hierarchical CNT nanohybrids using nickel phyllosilicate (Ni-PS) as surface decorations (CNT@Ni-PS) were synthesized, and the nanocomposites derived from varied mass fractions of EP and CNT@Ni-PS were prepared. The morphological structures, tribological performances, curing behaviors and thermal properties of EP/CNT@Ni-PS nanocomposites were carefully investigated. Results show that hierarchical CNT nanohybrids with homogeneous dispersion and well-bonded interfacial adhesion in the matrix are successfully obtained, presenting significantly improved thermal and tribological properties. Moreover, analysis on cure kinetics proves the excellent promotion of CNT@Ni-PS on the non-isothermal curing process, lowering the curing energy barrier steadily.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

nickel phyllosilicate / surface decoration / tribological property / curing kinetics / thermal performance

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Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51775001), Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province (Grant No. 1908085J20), University Synergy Innovation Program of Anhui Province (Grant No. GXXT-2019-027) and the Leading Talents Project in Colleges and Universities of Anhui Province.

Electronic Supplementary Material

Supplementary material is available in the online version of this article at https://doi.org/10.1007/s11705-020-2007-9 and is accessible for authorized users.

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