Mechanical properties of polymer composites filled with nanoparticles

The recent discovering of new carbon allotropes has opened a new door in the field of Nanomaterials. Among all of them, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) might be the most fascinating material due its unique electrical, mechanical and thermal properties. Polymeric Nanocomposites (PNCs) combine the lightness and low cost manufacturing of polymers with CNTs high performance properties, being an attractive alternative to heavier metals or expansive ceramics. Thus, demand for new and stronger materials is constant in the PNCs industry. The aim of this project is to enhance friction and mechanical properties of Epoxy, Polyamide (PA) and Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) using a wide range of different nanofillers. 1wt% and 3wt% filled Epilox T19-36/700 epoxy was used for the friction analysis, using the reciprocating Anton Paar Pin-on-Disk Tribometer. One sample face was abraded against a 6mm diameter steel AISI 420 sphere while the other one was tested using the same material. For the mechanical analysis, 0,5wt% carbon soot ABS and PA wires were manually manufactured using an industrial extruder and tested in a QTest Elite 10 tensile machine. Tribometer analysis showed a coefficient of friction reduction up to 80% on the steel on epoxy tests whereas a 43% reduction was seen in the epoxy on epoxy tests. On the other hand, an enhancement of the general mechanical properties was seen in PA whilst a damaged ABS surface led to a bad mechanical behaviour. Outgoing