Comprehensive enhancement in overall properties of MWCNTs-COOH/epoxy composites by microwave: An efficient approach to strengthen interfacial bonding via localized superheating effect

By applying microwave (MW), strengthening effect of carboxylated MWCNTs (MWCNTs-COOH) on mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of epoxy (EP)-based composites was systematically evaluated. The localized superheating effect under MW contributed much in improving the dispersibility and dispersion stability of MWCNTs-COOH in EP matrix. MWCNTs-COOH/EP compositesEα via MW curing (MWC) showed the inside-out solidification mode associated with lower activation energy (α) over the range of cure (). An unique feature of MW was to enhance stress transfer and the formation of uniform MWCNT conducting networks, thus leading to a comprehensive enhancement in overall properties of resulting composites.