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ABSTRACT
Carbon nanotubes have been the subject of considerable attention because of their exceptional physical and mechanical properties. These properties observed at the nanoscale have motivated researchers to utilize carbon nanotubes as reinforcement in composite materials. MWNT were synthesized using floating catalyst method through catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) process. An over-aged hardener was chosen, so that a relatively soft, ductile and rubbery epoxy resin is obtained. Mechanical properties of the CNT-Epoxy composites with different volume fractions, ranging from 1-10%, show a maximum at 4% reinforcement only. The results are explained on the basis of modified Halpin-Tsai equation for Young’s Modulus and strength by adopting an orientation factor and exponential shape factor in the equation. The results obtained from the modified Halpin-Tsai equation on strength and modulus of the composites, fit successfully with our experimental values.
Key words: Epoxy Resin, Carbon nanotubes, Chemical Vapor Deposition, Composites, Mechanical properties,
* Corresponding author: email. rbmathur@mail.nplindia.ernet.in
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