Epoxy composites with carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoplatelets – Dispersion and synergy effects

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) at different mix ratios were dispersed by ultrasonication into an epoxy matrix and the effects of CNT:GNP ratios on the mechanical and electrical properties of the hybrid composites were investigated. The combination of CNT and GNP in a ratio 8:2 was observed to synergistically increase flexural properties and to reduce the electrical percolation threshold for the epoxy composites, indicating easier formation of a conductive network due to the improved state of CNT dispersion in the presence of GNPs. The state of dispersion was evaluated at different length scales by using optical microscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy, rheological measurements, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and sedimentation tests. The Fourier transform infrared spectra for CNT and GNP indicate that the GNPs contain oxygen moieties responsible for better interactions with the epoxy matrix.