Modification of mechanical properties of polymers by SiO2 - MgO coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) feature excellent mechanical properties and for this reason these nanomaterials are suitable candidate for a reinforcement material in the polymer composites. To take full advantage of their outstanding properties, homogeneous distribution needs to be improved in the polymer matrix. In the following study multi-walled carbon nanotubes were coated with SiO₂-MgO nanoparticles - to improve the interfacial bonding between the MWCNTs and the matrix - and dispersed in two different polymers. The influence of the coated MWCNTs on mechanical properties was investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and tensile test. We have observed experimentally that mutual chemical connection between the inorganic layer on the MWCNTs and polymer matrix can enhance the properties of the polymers.