| Abstract Scope |
Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are promising material due to its outstanding properties, however the electrical percolation threshold of epoxy/carbon CNT nanocomposites is one of lowest among the conductive nanocomposites. Research was conducted to improve the electrical percolation threshold of epoxy/CNT with calcium carbonate. This work used eggshell ash particles (ESAp) to replace CaC for enhanced electrical properties. The nanocomposites were produced by varying CNT from 0.5 - 1.5wt% with 0.5wt% ESAp constant. The morphology, X-ray diffractometer, electrical, thermal properties and tensile strength of the developed epoxy-CNT/ESAp nanocomposites were determined. The results show increment in the tensile strength, electrical conductivity of the epoxy/CNT with the addition of ESAp, increases the glass transition temperature of the composites and enhancement of the thermal properties. The work established that the addition of ESAp to epoxy-CNT can be used to improved electrical percolation threshold of the composites.
Keywords: Carbon nanotube, Eggshell, Epoxy, Electrical, Mechanical, Thermal properties |