Synthesis of hierarchical nanohybrid CNT@Ni-PS and its applications in enhancing the tribological, curing and thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites

Poor interfacial adhesion and dispersity severely obstruct the continued development of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced epoxy (EP) for potential applications. Herein, hierarchical CNT nanohybrids using nickel phyllosilicate (Ni-PS) as surface decorations (CNT@Ni-PS) were synthesized, and the nanocomposites derived from varied mass fractions of EP and CNT@Ni-PS were prepared. The morphological structures, tribological performances, curing behaviors and thermal properties of EP/CNT@Ni-PS nanocomposites were carefully investigated. Results show that hierarchical CNT nanohybrids with homogeneous dispersion and well-bonded interfacial adhesion in the matrix are successfully obtained, presenting significantly improved thermal and tribological properties. Moreover, analysis on cure kinetics proves the excellent promotion of CNT@Ni-PS on the non-isothermal curing process, lowering the curing energy barrier steadily.