TITLE:
Comparative Study between Functionalized and Nanoparticle Decorated Carbon Nanotube as Reinforcing Filler in Epoxy Matrix
AUTHORS:
Akhilesh Singh, Anurag Mishra, Deep Narayana Maurya, Ashutosh Singh, Abhishek Singh, Anil Kumar Soni
KEYWORDS:
Carbon Nanotubes, Epoxy Nanocomposites, Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles, Surface Functionalization, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.16 No.2,
February
14,
2026
ABSTRACT: In this investigation, two distinct varieties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were employed: specifically, functionalized carbon nanotubes modified with 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (MWCNT/APTES) and carbon nanotubes adorned with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (MWCNT/TiO2). These nanomaterials were meticulously integrated into an epoxy matrix using ultrasonication. The central objective was to evaluate the capability and role of these reinforced carbon nanotubes in epoxy matric to withstand under various applied stresses. This study presents findings on the influence of MWCNT/APTES and MWCNT/TiO2 to enhance the tensile and dynamic mechanical performance of epoxy nanocomposites. The morphology of the newly formed MWCNT/APTES and MWCNT/TiO2 was scrutinized through TEM. FESEM analysis of the tensile fracture surface validates the efficient dispersion of TiO2 assisted MWCNTs within the epoxy. The outcomes suggest that when employing nanoparticle-decorated carbon nanotubes to reinforce the epoxy matrix, stress transfer transpires more effectively from the matrix to the reinforcement in comparison to the use of functionalized carbon nanotubes. For instance, with the addition of 1.5 wt.% MWCNT/TiO2 nanofillers, the storage modulus of the epoxy increased to 1380 MPa, compared to 1156 MPa for neat epoxy.