Determination of activation energy for carbon/epoxy prepregs containing carbon nanotubes by differential scanning calorimetry

Abstract

The aim of the present study is the thermal characterization of laboratory-scale carbon fiber/epoxy-based prepregs by incorporating single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Investigation of the cure behavior of a prepreg system is crucial for the characterization and optimization of the fiber reinforced polymeric (FRP) composite. To affect dispersion characteristics, SWCNTs were functionalized by oxidizing their surface with carboxyl (-COOH) group using an acid treatment. The modified resin system contained 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 wt. % functionalized SWCNTs (F-SWCNTs). Carbon fiber (CF) reinforced prepregs containing various amount of F-SWCNTs were prepared using drum-type winding technique. FTIR was performed to identify new bonding groups formed after the functionalization of SWCNTs. Cure kinetics of prepregs prepared with/without F-SWCNTs were investigated using isoconversional methods.