Investigating the effect of functionalized carbon nanotubes on physical and mechanical properties of wood-plastic nanocomposite

The purpose of this research is to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of the wood-plastic nanocomposite obtained from Raw and Functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs). For this purpose, wood flour at a fixed amount of 50%, Raw CNTs at three levels of 0, 1 and 2% and coupling agent at two levels of 0 and 3% were used in HDPE matrix. Also, Functionalized CNTS were used to strengthen the efficiency of nanocomposites at 1 and 2% levels separately. The materials were mixed together in an internal mixer (Haake) and then the samples were made by a hot press machine. The results showed that by increasing the amount of CNTs from 0 to 2% wt, the tensile strength and modulus of the samples increased by 58.8% and 12.6% respectively, and water absorption and thickness shrinkage decreased by 54.5% and 19.4% respectively. Composites containing 2% wt of CNTs showed higher impact resistance compared to control samples. The coupling agent had a positive effect on the performance of nanocomposites. The physical and mechanical properties of the samples were significantly improved by adding the coupling agent and Functionalized CNTs. The results were also confirmed by scanning electron microscopy.