Graphene oxide and functionalized multi walled carbon nanotubes as epoxy curing agents: a novel synthetic approach to nanocomposites containing active nanostructured fillers

Abstract

A novel synthetic approach is developed wherein graphene oxide and oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes are used as curing agents to induce cross-linking of an epoxy resin, thereby yielding a nanostructured epoxy composite with excellent dispersion of the carbon nanomaterials. This method allows for incorporation of up to 50 wt% of carbon nanomaterials within the polymeric matrix. The combination of covalent bonding and π–π interactions ensure excellent dispersibility of the nanomaterials within the polymeric matrix. These nanocomposites offer an alternative to the hazardous high-temperature fluorination and amine curing reactions that are usually required to formulate epoxy composite systems. Structural, mechanical, and morphological characterization of the composite material confirms the distribution, integrity, and potential to resist corrosion on a steel surface while also indicating the excellent adhesion and flexibility of the nanocomposite coatings.