Thermal and tensile properties of carbon nanotubes filled ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) nanocomposites

A novel nanocomposite was prepared from embedding MWCNTs dispersed into EPDM matrix. Also functionalization of MWCNTs to improve properties of nanocomposite has been used. The effects of adding different amounts of row and functionalized MWCNTs between 0 and 4 wt.% of polymer weight on properties of composites have been investigated. The morphology and thermal and mechanical properties of nanocomposites were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and mechanical strength measurement. With increase in carbon nanotubes loading, thermal stability and mechanical strength including tensile strength, Young s modulus and elongation at break were improved. Furthermore, carboxyl functionalization of CNTs improved the dispersion of CNTs, thermal stability and mechanical properties of nanocomposites.