Insulating properties of allyl modified CNT on UPR nano-composites at low concentrations

The addition of conducting nano-particles has resulted in interesting properties of the resultant polymer composites. Considering the properties of carbon nano-tubes (CNTs) their inclusion in polymer composites should vastly increase the performance of the resultant composite. However, this is not the case due to the poor interfacial adhesion of the CNT and polymer matrix. The present study focuses on increasing the interaction between the two phases through its chemical modification resulting in an allyl ester functionalized carbon nano-tube (ACNT) which is capable of reacting with the polymer matrix during the curing reaction. The effect of this modification was studied on the mechanical and electrical properties of the resultant polymer composites. The chemical modification of CNT resulted in increased polymer - filler interaction with UPR host matrix as indicated by the SEM micrographs. ACNTs resulted in composites with superior mechanical and electrical properties. Composites based on low concentrations of ACNTs could be used in electrical equipment.