Preparation of polybenzimidazole/functionalized carbon nanotube nanocomposite films for use as protective coatings

Functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via microwave‐induced polymerization modification route, and polybenzimidazole (PBI) nanocomposite films containing 0.1‐5 wt% functionalized MWCNTs were successfully synthesized. The functionalized MWCNTs were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results verify that the polymer was successfully grafted to the MWCNTs with a polymer layer that was several nanometers thick. The TGA results showed that the quantity of the attached polymer reached approximately 9.4 wt%. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films were measured by tensile test and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The tensile test results indicated that the Young's modulus increased by about 43.9% at 2 wt% CNT loading, and further modulus growth was observed at higher filler loading. The DMA studies indicated that the nanocomposite films had a higher storage modulus than pure PBI film in the temperature range of 30‐300°C, and the storage modulus was maintained above 0.82 GPa. Simulation results confirmed that the PBI nanocomposite films had desirable mechanical properties for use as a protective coating. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.     

Montmorillonite–multiwalled carbon nanotube nanoarchitecture reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane

Montmorillonite (MMT)–multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) hybrids were prepared in different weight ratios by simple dry grinding method and characterized. Subsequently, MMT–MWCNT (1:1) hybrid was used as reinforcing filler in developing thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanocomposites by solution blending method. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that 0.25 wt% hybrid‐loaded TPU nanocomposite exhibited maximum enhancement of 31°C corresponding to 50 wt% loss in thermal stability when compared with neat TPU. Differential scanning calorimetry of this composite also indicated that its crystallization and melting temperatures are enhanced by 37 and 13°C, respectively. Mechanical data showed that tensile strength and Young's modulus of 0.50 wt% filled TPU were maximum improved by 57 and 87.5%, respectively. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) measurements indicated 174% (50°C) improvement in storage modulus of 0.50 wt% hybrid‐loaded TPU. Such improvements in thermal and mechanical properties have been attributed to homogeneous dispersion, strong interfacial interaction, and synergistic effect. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1775–1785, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Reinforcement effect of nanodiamond on properties of epoxy matrix

Epoxy/nanocrystalline diamond nanocomposites composites were prepared by dispersing ultrasonically, 0.4, 0.7, 1.0, and 4.0 wt% acid‐treated nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) powder in epoxy matrix. Fourier infrared spectroscopy was utilized to study the moieties attached to the nanodiamond particles. The trace elements present in NCD powder before and after acid treatment were analyzed by ion beam techniques. Thermomechanical properties of the nanocomposites showed that incorporation of low content (0.4 wt%) of nanodiamond powder into epoxy matrix enhanced the storage modulus, loss modulus, and hardness by ∼68, ∼55, and ∼86%, respectively, over neat epoxy. By increasing the concentration of modified NCD to 0.7 wt% resulted in lower values of hardness and thermomechanical properties but still remain higher than neat epoxy. An increasing trend in properties was again observed at 4 wt% concentration of modified nanofiller. The glass transition temperature was up shifted to ∼110°C over neat epoxy. The mechanisms responsible for enhanced properties of epoxy matrix are also discussed in detail. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:811–818, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of bio-based poly(furfuryl alcohol)/sisal whiskers nanocomposites

In this study, bio-based nanocomposites of sisal whiskers-reinforced poly(furfuryl alcohol) (PFA) were prepared using an in situ polymerization method. Furfuryl alcohol (FA), which is a derived renewable monomer, was used to serve first as a solvent to disperse the whiskers and later as a monomeric precursor to produce PFA. Sisal whiskers were prepared via acid hydrolysis, which was followed by freeze-drying and re-dispersion of the dried whiskers in FA by sonication for 20 min. The polymerization process was catalysed using citric acid, which is also a renewable carboxylic acid found in citrus fruits. The effect of increased sisal whiskers loading on the thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of the nanocomposites was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The TGA results showed slightly higher thermal stability for the nanocomposite samples compared to neat PFA. The DMA results showed that the incorporation of sisal whiskers imparts significant enhancement in the storage modulus of the PFA matrix. Moreover, the intensity of the tan δ peak at ~75 °C for the nanocomposites was remarkably reduced compared to that of neat PFA.     

Polypropylene/multiwall carbon nanotubes nanocomposites: Nanoindentation,dynamic mechanical,and electrical properties

Polypropylene (PP)/Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites were fabricated via melt compounding that utilizes a corotating twin‐screw extruder. Two commercially available MWCNTs, Baytubes C150P and C70P, were incorporated into PP matrix at concentration of 3 wt %. The nanocomposites samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), nanoindentation test, and picoammeter. It was found that both MWCNTs types were well distributed and dispersed in the PP matrix and no agglomeration of MWCNTs was observed. The DMA analysis results showed that the incorporation of MWCNTs enhanced the storage modulus and thermal stability of the PP matrix. Whereas, nanoindentation creep results showed that the creep rate and displacement of the PP/MWCNTs nanocomposites was lower than the neat PP, in which C70P < C150P < PP. The reduction of creep rate and creep displacement was associated to the improvement of creep resistance. There were also improvements on hardness and stiffness of the nanocomposites. Additionally, the electrical resistivity of the neat PP decreased with the incorporation of MWCNTs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45293.     

Processing and characterization of high content multilayer graphene/epoxy composites with high electrical conductivity

A new processing method was developed to fabricate nanocomposites with a high concentration of multilayer graphene (MLG) in a highly oriented morphology. MLG was first dispersed in a water‐based solution with the aid of polyethylenimine. A thin MLG film (paper) having highly in‐plane aligned platelets was produced by using a vacuum‐assisted self‐assembly (VASA) technique. After heat treatment, the MLG paper was immersed in an epoxy/acetone bath at room temperature under vacuum to produce an epoxy impregnated composite. After removal of the acetone, nanocomposites consisting of multiple layers of the MLG paper with up to 27 wt% MLG were fabricated and thermally cured. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination showed that the MLG was well dispersed and aligned, and the MLG paper was fully impregnated with epoxy resin. At 30°C, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results showed that the storage modulus of the resulting nanocomposites with 27.2 wt% MLG reached 10.2 GPa, a 300% increase compared to the neat epoxy. The resulting composites also exhibited electrical conductivity as high as 35 Siemens per centimeter (S/cm). This research demonstrates that the VASA processing technique is capable of fabricating well aligned, high content MLG nanostructured polymer composites with high electrical conductivity. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:2897–2906, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Atomic Force Microscopy, thermal, viscoelastic and mechanical properties of HDPE/CaCO3 nanocomposites

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) nanocomposites were prepared from masterbatch by melt blending in twin screw extruder (TSE). The physical properties of HDPE/CaCO₃ nanocomposites samples (0, 10 and 20?wt% CaCO₃ masterbatch) were investigated. The morphology, thermal, rheological/viscoelastic and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were characterized by Atomic Force microscopy (AFM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) as well as tensile test. The AFM images showed homogeneous dispersion and distribution of nano-CaCO₃ in the HDPE matrix. The DSC analysis showed a decrease in crystallinity of HDPE/CaCO₃ nanocomposites with the increase of CaCO₃ loading. This was due to the presence of nanofiller which could restrict the movement of the polymer chain segments and reduced the free volume/spaces available to be occupied by the macromolecules, thus, hindered the crystal growth. However, there was an increase in crystallization temperature about 1?C2?°C with the addition of CaCO₃. It was suggested that the CaCO₃ nanoparticles acted as nucleating agent. In melt rheology study, the complex viscosities of HDPE/CaCO₃ nanocomposites were higher than the HDPE matrix and increased with the increasing of CaCO₃ masterbatch loading. The DMA results showed that the storage modulus increased with the increasing of nano-CaCO₃ contents. The improvement was more than 40?%, as compared to that of neat HDPE. Additionally, the tensile test results showed that with the addition of CaCO₃ masterbatch, modulus elasticity of nanocomposites sample increased while yield stress decreased.     

Tuning the interlaminar shear strength and thermo-mechanical properties of glass fiber composites by incorporation of (3-mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane-functionalized carbon black

The incorporation of functionalized nanoscale fillers into traditional glass fiber/unsaturated polyester (GF/UPE) composites provides a more robust mechanical attributes. The current study demonstrates the potential of 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane (MPTS)-functionalized carbon black (f-CB) for enhancing the thermo-mechanical properties of GF composites. The composites infused with 1, 3 and 5 wt% of pristine and MPTS-functionalized CB were fabricated by hand lay-up and hot press processing. Tensile testing, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) testing and dynamic mechanical analysis were used to evaluate the performance of nanocomposites. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy validated the MPTS functionalization of CB. Pristine CB-loaded nanocomposites exhibited marginal improvement in ultimate tensile strength (UTS), ILSS and thermo-mechanical properties. However, with the addition of f-CB, the improvement in all the studied properties was more substantial. The inclusion of 5 wt% f-CB increased the elastic modulus and UTS by 16 and 22%, respectively, whereas the ILSS was enhanced by 36%, in comparison to the neat GF composite. The scanning electron microscope analysis of fractured ILSS samples revealed better fiber-matrix adhesion and compatibility in f-CB-loaded nanocomposites. At the same filler weight percentage, the storage modulus at 25 °C was ~ 19% higher than that of neat composite. The f-CB inclusion resulted in increment of T _g by ~ 13 °C over the T _g of neat GF/UPE composite (~ 109 °C). These improvements were due to the chemical connection of f-CB to the UPE matrix and GF surface. With such improvements in thermal and mechanical properties, these nanocomposites can replace the conventional GF composites with prominent improvements in performance.     

Pinecone particles filled polybenzoxazine composites: Thermomechanical and mechanical properties

In the current study, 1 wt%, NaOH treated pine cone (ATPC) particles composites with bisphenol-A aniline based benzoxazine (BA-a) matrix were prepared by isothermal compression method. Ultimate impacts of ATPC reinforcement on the thermomechanical, tensile, flexural, and impact properties of the composites were studied by using a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), a Universal testing machine, and a Tinius-Olsen impact device, respectively. The thermal stability of ATPC particles was remarkably increased, TGA confirmed that particles will not be degraded during the curing. The DMA results of 30 wt% ATPC reinforced composites confirmed that the glass transition temperature, storage modulus, and loss modulus were 22 ° C, 2510, and 250 MPa higher than the neat matrix, respectively. In addition, the impact strength of the 30 wt% ATPC reinforced composites was nearly 3 times higher than the neat matrix, which confirmed that the matrix's brittleness is reduced, similar observation was confirmed by the Brostow and coworkers empirical model. Moreover, a gradual rise in the tensile and flexural properties was also recorded. We can easily conclude from the studied parameters that the ATPC particles can be used as a sustainable agro-waste in polymeric composites.     

Effect of bilayered stearate ion‐modified Mg?Al layered double hydroxide on the thermal and mechanical properties of silicone rubber nanocomposites

The homogeneous dispersion of nanofillers in polymer matrices to form polymer nanocomposites remains a challenge in the development of high‐performance polymer materials for various applications. In the work reported, a stearate ion‐modified Mg? Al layered double hydroxide (St‐LDH) as nanofiller was incorporated in a silicone rubber (SR) matrix by solution intercalation and subsequently characterized. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies confirm the formation of a predominantly exfoliated dispersion of St‐LDH layers of 75–100 nm in width and about 1–2 nm in thickness in the SR. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that the thermal degradation temperature of the exfoliated SR/St‐LDH (1 wt%) nanocomposites is about 80 °C higher than that of pure SR. Differential scanning calorimetric studies indicate that the melting and crystallization temperatures are higher by 4 and 10 °C for 5 and 8 wt% St‐LDH‐loaded SR nanocomposites compared to neat SR. A significant improvement of 97% in tensile strength and 714% in storage modulus and a reduction of 82% in oxygen permeability have been achieved at 3 wt% St‐LDH loading in SR. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

酚醛树脂/凹凸棒土纳米复合材料的制备与表征

凹凸棒土(AT)经过提纯,在超声作用下分散在酚醛树脂(PF)溶液中,浇铸固化得到PF/AT纳米复合材料。用SEM、TEM、TGA、DMA等测试手段对所得复合材料性能进行表征。结果表明:AT的加入使酚醛树脂的韧性及耐热性有明显的提高,当AT质量分数为1%时,复合材料的拉伸强度达到最大值为45.86MPa,且复合材料的冲击强度由9.02kJ/m2提高到10.80kJ/m2。DMA结果表明:复合材料的储能模量较纯PF有显著提高,且当AT质量分数为2%时,玻璃化转变温度为230℃,比纯PF的高93℃。TGA表明:复合材料的分解温度较纯PF有所提高。     

Synergistic effect of three‐dimensional multi‐walled carbon nanotube–graphene nanofiller in enhancing the mechanical and thermal properties of high‐performance silicone rubber

The homogeneous dispersion of nanofillers and filler–matrix interfacial interactions are important factors in the development of high‐performance polymer materials for various applications. In the present work, a simple solution‐mixing method was used to prepare multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)–graphene (G) (3:1, 1:1, 1:3) hybrids followed by their characterization through wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analyses. Subsequently, MWCNT–G (1:1) hybrid was used as reinforcing filler in the formation of silicone rubber (VMQ) nanocomposites by solution intercalation, and their morphology and properties were investigated. Our findings showed that MWCNT–G (0.75 wt%)/VMQ composite exhibited significant improvements in tensile strength (110%) and Young's modulus (137%) compared to neat VMQ. The thermal stability of MWCNT–G (1 wt%)/VMQ was maximally improved by 154 °C compared to neat VMQ. Differential scanning calorimetry demonstrated the maximum improvement of glass transition temperature (4 °C), crystallization temperature (8 °C) and melting temperature (5 °C) for MWCNT–G (1 wt%)/VMQ nanocomposite with respect to neat VMQ. Swelling measurements confirmed that the crosslink density and solvent resistance were a maximum for hybrid nanocomposites. Such improvements in the properties of MWCNT–G/VMQ nanocomposites could be attributed to a synergistic effect of the hybrid filler. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

Tribological behaviors of aligned carbon nanotube/fullerene‐epoxy nanocomposites

The tribological properties of aligned CNT/fullerene‐epoxy nanocomposites were studied by nanoscratch, nanowear, and nano‐indentation tests. Compared with neat epoxy, aligned CNT/fullerene‐epoxy nanocomposites showed lower friction coefficient in scratch tests, a reduction of 38.1 and 26.2%, respectively. In addition, the aligned CNT‐epoxy composite showed better wear resistance and its hardness and Young's modulus increased by 29.4 and 16.8%, respectively. In contrast, for a fullerene‐epoxy nanocomposite with 10 wt% fullerenes, the hardness decreased by 50% and the Young's modulus decreased by more than 60% when compared with the neat epoxy. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Synthesis and characterization of organically modified attapulgite/polyurethane nanocomposites

Polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites filled with attapulgite (ATT) nanorods were synthesized and characterized with thermal analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and mechanical testing. The formulations were based on 4,4′‐methylene bis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI), polytetrahydrofuran, 1,4‐butanediol, and inorganic ATT premodified with MDI. The original and premodified ATT (ATT–OH and ATT–MDI) nanorods were characterized with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The analysis revealed that 17 wt % MDI was grafted/adsorbed onto the surface of ATT as a result of the modification. Pristine PU and ATT–MDI/PU nanocomposites were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and TGA. The mechanical tests and DMA showed an increase in the storage modulus and Young's modulus with increasing ATT–MDI content. The crystallinity of the hard and soft segments and thermal stability showed enhancements over those of the neat resin. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Thermal,electrical, and mechanical properties of polyethylene–graphene nanocomposites obtained by in situ polymerization

In this study, we investigated the thermal, dynamic mechanical, mechanical, and electrical properties of polyethylene (PE)–graphene nanosheet (GNS) nanocomposites, with GNS amounts from 0 to 20 wt %, prepared by in situ polymerization. The thermal stability was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and showed that the addition of GNSs to the polyolefin matrix increased the onset degradation temperature by 30°C. The electrical conductivity, measured by the impedance technique, presented a critical percolation threshold of 3.8 vol % (8.4 wt %) of GNS. A slight decrease in the tensile strength was found. On the other hand, dynamic mechanical analysis showed an increase in the storage modulus of the nanocomposites compared with that of neat PE. The glass‐transition temperature value increased from ?111°C (neat PE) to ?106°C (PE/6.6 wt % GNS). All of these results show that PE became stiffer and thermally more stable and could be transformed from an insulator to a semiconductor material in the presence of GNSs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Thermal stability and dynamic mechanical behavior of exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets‐LLDPE nanocomposites

The objective of this research was to investigate thermal stability and dynamic mechanical behavior of Exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP™)‐Linear Low‐Density Poly Ethylene (LLDPE) nanocomposites with different xGnP loading content. The xGnP‐LLDPE nanocomposites were fabricated by solution and melt mixing in various screw rotating systems such as co‐, counter‐, and modified‐corotating. The storage modulus (E′) of the composites at the starting point of −50°C increased as xGnP contents increased. E′ of the nanocomposite with only 7 wt% of xGnP was 2.5 times higher than that of the control LLDPE. Thermal expansion and the coefficient of thermal expansion of xGnP‐loaded composites were much lower than those of the control LLDPE in the range of 45–80°C (299.8 × 10⁻⁶/°C) and 85–100°C (365.3 × 10⁻⁶/°C). Thermal stability of the composites was also affected by xGnP dispersion in LLDPE matrix. The xGnP‐LLDPE nanocomposites by counter‐rotating screw system showed higher thermal stability than ones by co‐rotating and modified‐co‐rotating system at 5 wt% and 12 wt% of xGnP. xGnP had a great effect on high thermal stability of xGnP‐LLDPE composites to be applied as tube and film for electrical materials. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Polypropylene/organically modified Sabah montmorillonite nanocomposites: Surface modification and nanocomposites characterization

The aim of the work is to extract, purify, and organically modify montmorillonite (MMT) of Lahad Datu, Sabah bentonite. The octadecylamine treated Sabah MMT (S‐OMMT) (2–8 wt%) was then melt blended with polypropylene (PP) and maleated polypropylene (PPgMAH) (10 wt%) via single screw nanomixer extruder followed by injection molding into test samples to examine the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of PP/S‐OMMT nanocomposites. Unmodified Sabah MMT (S‐MMT) and commercial grade MMT (Nanomer 1.30P) filled PP nanocomposites were also characterized for comparison purpose. X‐ray diffraction results showed that the interlayer spacing of S‐MMT increased after organic modification as Fourier transform infra‐red and elemental analysis evidenced the presence of octadecylamine. PP/S‐OMMT nanocomposites showed a better dispersion and strength compared to PP/Nanomer 1.30P nanocomposites due to its smaller MMT platelet size. differential scanning calorimetry and Thermogravimetry analysis revealed that the thermal stability and crystallinity of neat PP improved with the addition of all types of MMT. Dynamic mechanical analyzer showed that PP nanocomposites have higher storage modulus (E′) values than the neat PP over the whole temperature range. The new PP/S‐OMMT nanocomposites showed a comparable performance with PP/Nanomer 1.30P nanocomposites exhibiting promising future applications of S‐MMT in polymer/MMT nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Comparison of the properties of clay polymer nanocomposites prepared by montmorillonite modified by silane and by quaternary ammonium salts

In this work, the silylation of sodium montmorillonite (Na⁺-Mt, Nanofil 757®) was performed using (3-aminopropyl)triethoxy silane (APTES). Different reaction conditions were used varying the reaction time and the amount of the aminosilane. Epoxy-based nanocomposites were prepared with different amounts of silylated Mt or commercial organically modified Mt intercalated with stearylbenzyldimethyl ammonium chloride (Nanofil 2®) and distearyldimethyl ammonium chloride (Nanofil 8®), respectively. The grafting/intercalation of the aminosilane inside the Mt interlayer spaces was studied by means of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). After isothermal curing at 90 °C the Mt epoxy nanocomposites were analyzed by means of XRD and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The glass transition temperature of all prepared nanocomposites containing silylated Mt, is slightly higher than that of the neat epoxy (2 to 5 °C). In the presence of 1 to 5 m% of silylated Mt in epoxy matrix the storage modulus increases from about 5 to 15% at 25 °C, respectively, compared to the pristine epoxy matrix, while only 0–4% increase was observed for epoxy nanocomposites with commercial modified Mt.     

Enhanced Tensile and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Natural Rubber Nanocomposites

The melt compounding technique was employed to prepare thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNR) nanocomposites. The maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MA-PE) as a coupling agent was used to improve the filler-matrix interfacial adhesion. TPNR were prepared in the ratio of (70:20:10) from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), natural rubber (NR) and liquid natural rubber (LNR) as a compatibilizer between the matrix. The composites were prepared using the in-situ method at the optimum processing parameter at 140°C with 100 rpm mixing speed and 12 minutes processing time. The results of the tensile test showed that the optimum of clay loading was obtained at 4 wt%. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was performed to investigate the thermomechanical properties of the composites. The results show that the addition of organoclay has improved the storage modulus (E′) and loss modulus (E′′) of TPNR nanocomposites. The α transition peaks was also shifted to the higher temperature. However, nanocomposites with MA-PE demonstrated higher, E′ and E′′ compared to TPNR nanocomposites without MA-PE. The TEM results show good clay dispersion with a combination of intercalated-exfoliated structure in the TPNR matrix.     

Thermo-physical and impact properties of epoxy nanocomposites reinforced by single-wall carbon nanotubes

The thermo-physical properties and the impact strength of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol F (DGEBF) epoxy nanocomposites reinforced with fluorinated single-wall carbon nanotubes (FSWCNT) are reported. A sonication technique was used to disperse FSWCNT in the glassy epoxy network resulting in nanocomposites having large improvement in modulus with extremely small amount of FSWCNT. The glass transition temperature decreased approximately 30 °C with an addition of 0.2 wt% (0.14 vol%) FSWCNT, without adjusting the amount of the anhydride curing agent. This was because of non-stoichiometry of the epoxy matrix that was caused by the fluorine on the single-wall carbon nanotubes. The correct amount of the anhydride curing agent needed to achieve stoichiometry was experimentally examined by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The storage modulus of the epoxy at room temperature (which is below the glass transition temperature of the nanocomposites) increased up to 0.63 GPa with the addition of only 0.30 wt% (0.21 vol%) of FSWCNT, representing an up to 20% improvement compared with the neat epoxy. The Izod impact strength slightly decreased when the amount of FSWCNT was increased to 0.3 wt%. The excellent improvement in the storage modulus was achieved without sacrificing impact strength.