Investigating the Effect of Hydroxyl Functionalized MWCNT on the Mechanical Properties of PMMA-Based Polymer Nanocomposites

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Methods: Mixing MWCNT into the polymer at very small propositions can enrich the mechanical properties of the polymer nanocomposites. The test specimen was fabricated with 0.1wt%, 0.5wt%, and 1wt% mixing ratios using extrusion and injection molding process. Computational analysis was performed through the square RVE model and analyzed with finite element analysis (FEA) using the DIGIMAT simulation tool. The specimens were evaluated by ASTM D3039 for tensile strength and ASTM D7264 for flexural strength. Results: The simulated results were compared with experimental results. Scanning electron microscopy( SEM) was performed to evaluate the dispersion state of nanotubes in the matrix. Conclusion: The impactful improvement in mechanical properties has been observed after adding functionalized MWCNTs (f-MWCNT) compared to pure polymer and non-functionalized MWCNT composites.