Graphene-Carbon Nanotubes Thermosetting Epoxy Materials: Water Absorption Influence on their Properties

Abstract

This work presents the effect of hydrothermal aging in distilled water on several epoxy  hybrid materials that have a certain amount of carbon nanotubes and/or graphene nanoplatelets. Two types of graphene nanoplatelets have been used: amino functionalized graphene (GNH2) and non functionalized graphene. When functionalized graphene is used, covalent bonds between the graphene nanoplatelets and the epoxy matrix are expected to be formed over the curing process. Non functionalized graphene platelets are used to prove this effect. Gravimetric study of the absorption process has been done as well as the effect of the water absorption on the thermo-mechanical properties and the electric conductivity.

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