Thermal and morphological properties of epoxy matrix with chemical and physical hybrid of CNTs and nanoclay

<p>Synergistic effects of nanoclay and CNTs as physical and chemical hybrid on properties of epoxy matrix were studied. Hightemperature decomposition of methane was utilized for synthesis of carbon nanotube (CNT) on nanoclay supports to form chemical hybrid of CNTclay (CNC). The organo-modification of montmorillonite (MMT) before catalyst insertion is proposed as a priori to increase CNT yield on nanoclay supports up to 100% obtained by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Formation of CNTs on nanoclay surface is confirmed by transmition electron<br>microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The process followed by the incorporation of as-prepared CNCs into epoxy matrix to make Epoxy-CNC composites. Physical mixture of commercial CNTs and nanoclay as physical hybrid of CNT-clay (PNC) was introduced into epoxy matrix<br>in order to fabricate Epoxy-PNC composites. The performance of the epoxy composites filled with CNT-clay hybrids interlinked with the type of filler<br>is investigated.</p> <p>