Improving thermal conductivity and shear strength of carbon nanotubes/epoxy composites via thiol‐ene click reaction

This study investigates the effect of the thiol‐ene click reaction on thermal conductivity and shear strength of the epoxy composites reinforced by various silane‐functionalized hybrids of sulfhydryl‐grafted multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (SH‐MWCNTs) and vinyl‐grafted MWCNTs (CC‐MWCNTs). The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) show that the sulfhydryl groups and vinyl groups are successfully grafted onto the surface of MWCNTs, after treatment of MWCNT with triethoxyvinylsilane and 3‐mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), HotDisk thermal constant analyzer (HotDisk), optical microscope, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are used to characterize the resultant composites. It is demonstrated that the hybrid of 75 wt % SH‐MWCNTs and 25 wt % CC‐MWCNTs has better dispersion and stability in epoxy matrix, and shows a stronger synergistic effect in improving the thermal conductivity of epoxy composite via the thiol‐ene click reaction with 2,2′‐azobis(2‐methylpropionitrile) as thermal initiator. Furthermore, the tensile shear strength results of MWCNT/epoxy composites and the optical microscopy photographs of shear failure section indicate that the composite with the hybrid MWCNTs has higher shear strength than that with raw MWCNTs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44579.     

Effect of amino‐functionalization of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes on the dispersion with epoxy resin matrix

Amino‐functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was carried out by grafting triethylenetetramine (TETA) on the surfaces of MWCNTs through the acid–thionyl chloride way. The amino‐functionalized MWCNTs show improved compatibility with epoxy resin and, as a result, more homogenous dispersion in the matrix. The mechanical, optical, and thermal properties of the amino‐functionalized MWCNT/epoxy composites were also investigated. It was found that introducing the amino‐functionalized MWCNTs into epoxy resin greatly increased the charpy impact strength, glass transition temperature, and initial decomposing temperature of cured epoxy resin. In addition, introducing unfunctionalized MWCNTs into epoxy resin was found greatly depressing the light transmission properties, which would affirmatively confine the application of the MWCNTs/epoxy composites in the future, while much higher light transmittance than that of unfunctionalized MWCNTs/epoxy composites was found for amino‐functionalized MWCNTs/epoxy composites. SEM of the impact cross section and TEM of ultrathin film of the amino‐functionalized MWCNTs/epoxy composites showed that the amino‐functionalized MWCNTs were wetted well by epoxy matrix. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 97–104, 2006     

Preparation and properties of MWCNTs/poly(acrylonitrile‐ styrene‐butadiene)/epoxy hybrid composites

Poly(acrylonitrile‐styrene‐butadiene) (ABS) was used to modify diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA) type epoxy resin, and the modified epoxy resin was used as the matrix for making multiwaled carbon tubes (MWCNTs) reinforced composites and were cured with diamino diphenyl sulfone (DDS) for better mechanical and thermal properties. The samples were characterized by using infrared spectroscopy, pressure volume temperature analyzer (PVT), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), thermo mechanical analyzer (TMA), universal testing machine (UTM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Infrared spectroscopy was employed to follow the curing progress in epoxy blend and hybrid composites by determining the decrease of the band intensity due to the epoxide groups. Thermal and dimensional stability was not much affected by the addition of MWCNTs. The hybrid composite induces a significant increase in both impact strength (45%) and fracture toughness (56%) of the epoxy matrix. Field emission scanning electron micrographs (FESEM) of fractured surfaces were examined to understand the toughening mechanism. FESEM micrographs reveal a synergetic effect of both ABS and MWCNTs on the toughness of brittle epoxy matrix. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Property reinforcement of acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene by simultaneous incorporation of carbon nanotubes and self‐prepared copper particles

In this article, copper (Cu) crystallites were successfully prepared via low temperature molten salt method, and the possible formation mechanisms were proposed. The conductive fillers of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and as‐prepared Cu particles were designed and introduced into acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS) blend to prepare different conductive composites. The dispersion states of conductive fillers and the morphologies of the composites were characterized using a field emission scanning electron microscope. The electrical resistivity of different composites was measured. The results showed that Cu and MWCNTs exhibited a synergistic effect in decreasing the electrical resistivity of the Cu/MWCNTs/ABS composites, because Cu that could locate between MWCNTs chain segments provides a better charge transport in the conductive pathways. Compared with pure ABS, the tensile strength, elastic modulus and thermal stability of the Cu/MWCNTs/ABS composites were significantly improved with the incorporation of Cu and MWCNTs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41738.     

Simultaneous ultrasonication‐assisted internal mixing to prepare MWCNTs‐filled epoxy composites with increased strength and thermal conductivity

The uniform dispersion of carbon nanotubes in epoxy resin is one of the key factors to achieve the composites with desirable mechanical and physical property enforcement. However, the widely used dispersion methods have their own respective limitations in pursuing satisfactory nanotube dispersion. Herein, a new dispersion approach, based on the synergetic effect of combining high speed internal mixing with running simultaneously continuous ultrasonication treatment, has been proposed. The dispersion of nanotubes was carried out in a high speed internal mixer, consisting of twin kneading block structured rotors and an integrated ultrasonic horn, which was intercalated into the central position between the twin rotors. At first, the FEM simulation was conducted to optimize the kneading element assembly and illuminate the geometry influence of the ultrasonic horn intercalation on the mixing flow. Afterwards, to confirm the feasibility of the approach, pristine MWCNTs (P‐CNTs), oxidation modified MWCNTs (M‐CNTs) and M‐CNTs/multilayer graphene nanoplatelets (MGPs) hybrid are dispersed into epoxy resin. The dispersion of each sample in its liquid epoxy state is investigated under transparent optical microscopy. More characterizations, including SEM, TG/DTA, tensile test, and thermal conductivity measurements, were conducted on the cured composites. Competitive reinforcements on mechanical tensile property and thermal conductivity were observed. Especially, at a 1.5 wt% M‐CNTs/MGPs hybrid content, the composite mechanical tensile strength and thermal conductivity were 47% and 30% higher than those of neat epoxy. This preliminary study demonstrates the feasibility and practicability of the proposed approach to achieving good MWCNTs dispersion and distribution in epoxy resin. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:870–880, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Enhancement of flexural strength of glass fiber reinforced polymer laminates using multiwall carbon nanotubes

In this work, advance/multiscale nanocomposite were made by adding different amount (0, 0.5, 1.25, and 2 wt%) of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites by hand lay‐up and vacuum bagging technique. Flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of composites were performed on unfilled and MWCNTs‐filled glass fiber/epoxy nanocomposite to identify the effect of adding nanotubes on the mechanical properties. For understanding the structure and morphology of advance nanocomposite, the dispersion states were studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). Mechanics of fracture behavior in different test were also discussed in details. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E248–E261, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Special morphology and its role in mechanical enhancement of linear low‐density polyethylene/multiwalled carbon nanotubes composites

In this work, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), as reinforcing agent, were blended with linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE), then molded by hot compression molding to prepare LLDPE/MWCNTs composites. Tensile tests indicate that the strength, Young's modulus, and toughness are all improved for LLDPE/MWCNTs composites containing 1 and 3 wt % MWCNTs. Compared with LLDPE, the Young's modulus of LLDPE/MWCNTs composites rises from 144.8 to 270.8 MPa at 1 wt % MWCNTs content. At the same time, increases of 18.5% in tensile strength and 16.6% in yield strength are achieved. Additionally, its toughness is enhanced by 26.7% than that of LLDPE. Microstructure characterizations, including differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy were performed to investigate the variations of microstructure and further to establish the relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties. Homogeneous dispersion of MWCNTs, network formation, and development of an oriented nanohybrid shish‐kebab structure contribute to the enhanced strength and toughness. The increased crystallinity is beneficial to the reinforcement and increased modulus. Additionally, the thermal stability of the LLDPE/MWCNTs composites is enhanced as well. This work suggests a promising routine to optimize polymer/MWCNTs composites by tailoring the structural development. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45525.     

Rheological properties and fracture toughness of epoxy resin/multi‐walled carbon nanotube composites

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), surface‐treated via chemical functionalization, i.e., oxidation and amidation, were used to reinforce diglycidylether of bisphenol F (DGEBF) epoxy resin. The effects of the functionalization on the dispersion stability, rheological properties, and fracture toughness of DGEBF/MWCNT composites were investigated. The dispersion homogeneity of the MWCNTs in the epoxy matrix improved after functionalization. In addition, isothermal rheology measurements revealed that the DGEBF/dodecyl amine‐functionalized MWCNT (D‐MWCNT) composite had a longer gel time and higher activation energy of cross‐linking than the DGEBF/acid‐treated MWCNT (A‐MWCNT) composite. The fracture toughness of the former was also significantly higher than that of the latter; this resulted from the relatively high dispersion stability of the D‐MWCNTs in the epoxy matrix, owing to the presence of alkyl groups on the D‐MWCNT surface. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2676–2682, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

A comparative study on the properties of the different amino‐functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes reinforced epoxy resin composites

Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were amino‐functionalized by 1,2‐ethylenediamine (EDA)' triethylenetetramine (TETA), and dodecylamine (DDA), and investigated by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The dispersion of the DDA functionalized MWCNT in DMF is better than that of the MWCNT functionalized by the EDA and the TETA. Carbon nanotubes reinforced epoxy resin composites were prepared, and the effect of the amino‐functionalization on the properties of the composites was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA), and TGA. The composites reinforced by the MWCNTs demonstrate improvement in various mechanical properties. The increase of T_g of the composites with the addition of amino‐functionalized MWCNT compared to the T_g of the composites with the addition of unfunctionalized MWCNT was due to the chemical combination and the physical entanglements between amino group from modified MWNTs and epoxy group from the epoxy resin. The interfacial bonding between the epoxy and the amino group of the EDA and the TETA‐modified MWCNT is more important than the well dispersion of DDA‐modified MWCNT in the composites for the improvement of the mechanical properties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Thermal conductivity and dynamic mechanical property of glycidyl methacrylate‐grafted multiwalled carbon nanotube/epoxy composites

The well dispersed multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/epoxy composites were prepared by functionalization of the MWCNT surfaces with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). The morphology and thermal properties of the epoxy nanocomposites were investigated and compared with the surface characteristics of MWCNTs. GMA‐grafted MWCNTs improved the dispersion and interfacial adhesion in epoxy resin, and enhanced the network structure. The storage modulus of 3 phr GMA‐MWCNTs/epoxy composites at 50°C increased from 0.32 GPa to 2.87 GPa (enhanced by 799%) and the increased tanδ from 50.5°C to 61.7°C (increased by 11.2°C) comparing with neat epoxy resin, respectively. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity of 3 phr GMA‐MWCNTs/epoxy composite is increased by 183%, from 0.2042 W/mK (neat epoxy) to 0.5781 W/mK. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Surfactant-Assisted Dispersion of MWCNTs in Epoxy Resin Used in CFRP Strengthening Systems

The epoxy resin used as the bonding agent in carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) strengthening systems was modified by the infusion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Two types of surfactants, Triton X-100 and C₁₂E₈, were used to disperse the nanotubes in the epoxy resin employing ultrasonic mixing. Dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile tests were conducted to study the effect of the surfactant-assisted dispersion of nanotubes on the thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy composites. The morphology of the epoxy composites was interpreted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, the effect of surfactant treatment on the structure of nanotubes was investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). Based on the experimental results, the tensile strength and the storage modulus of the epoxy resin were increased by 32% and 26%, respectively, by the addition of MWCNTs. This was attributed to the homogeneous dispersion of nanotubes in the epoxy resin according to the SEM images. Another reason for the enhancement in the tensile properties was the reinforced nanotube/epoxy interaction as a result of the surfactant anchoring effect which was proved by FT-IR. A moderate improvement in the glass transition temperature (T _g) was recorded for the composite fabricated using Triton X-100, which was due to the restricted molecular motions in the epoxy matrix. To characterize the temperature-dependent tensile behavior of the modified epoxy composites, tensile tests were conducted at elevated temperatures. It was revealed that the MWCNT modification using surfactant substantially improves the tensile performance of the epoxy adhesive at temperatures above the T _g of the neat epoxy.     

Mechanical and three‐body abrasive wear behaviour of SiC filled glass‐epoxy composites

Fiber/filler reinforced polymer composites are known to possess high strength and attractive wear resistance in dry sliding conditions. How these composites perform in abrasive wear situations needs a proper understanding. Hence, in this research article the mechanical and three‐body abrasive wear behaviour of E‐glass fabric reinforced epoxy (G‐E) and silicon carbide filled E‐glass fabric reinforced epoxy (SiC‐G‐E) composites are investigated. The mechanical properties were evaluated using Universal testing machine. Three‐body abrasive wear tests are conducted using rubber wheel abrasion tester wherein two different loads and four varying abrading distances are employed. The results showed that the wear volume loss is increased with increase in abrading distance and the specific wear rate decreased with increase in abrading distance/load. However, the presence of SiC particulate fillers in the G‐E composites showed a promising trend. The worn surface features, when examined through scanning electron microscopy, show higher levels of broken glass fiber in G‐E system compared to SiC‐ filled G‐E composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Preparation and properties of multiwalled carbon nanotube/epoxy‐amine composites

Different amounts of multiwalled carbon tubes (MWCNTs) were incorporated into an epoxy resin based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and both epoxy precursor and composite were cured with 4,4′‐diamino diphenyl sulfone. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the carbon nanotubes are dispersed well in the epoxy matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements confirmed the decrease in overall cure by the addition of MWCNTs. A decrease in volume shrinkage of the epoxy matrix caused by the addition of MWCNTs was observed by pressure–volume–temperature measurements. Thermomechanical and dynamic mechanical analysis were performed for the MWCNT/epoxy composites, showing that the T_g was slightly affected, whereas the dimensional stability and stiffness are improved by the addition of MWCNTs. Electrical conductivity measurements of the composite samples showed that an insulator to conductor transition takes place between 0.019 and 0.037 wt % MWCNTs. The addition of MWCNTs induces an increase in both impact strength (18%) and fracture toughness (38%) of the epoxy matrix with very low filler content. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Preparation and properties of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes/carbon fiber/epoxy composites

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes/carbon fiber (MWCNTs/CF) hybrid fillers are employed to prepare MWCNTs/CF/epoxy composites. Results reveal that a great improvement of the thermal conductivities of the epoxy composites with the addition of MWCNTs/CF hybrid fillers, and the thermal conductivity of the MWCNTs/CF/epoxy composites is 1.426 W/mK with 8 vol% treated MWCNTs/CF hybrid fillers (5 vol% MWCNTs + 3 vol% CF). Both the flexural and impact strength of the MWCNTs/CF/epoxy composites are increased firstly, but decreased with the excessive addition of MWCNTs. The flexural and impact strength of the MWCNTs/epoxy composites are optimal with 2 vol% MWCNTs. For a given MWCNTs/CF hybrid fillers loading, the surface treatment of MWCNTs/CF hybrid fillers can further increase the thermal conductivities and mechanical properties of the MWCNTs/CF/epoxy composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:2150–2153, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Improvement in properties of multiwalled carbon nanotube/polypropylene nanocomposites through homogeneous dispersion with the aid of surfactants

The effects of different surfactants on the properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polypropylene (MWCNT/PP) nanocomposites prepared by a melt mixing method have been investigated. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (NaDDBS) were used as a means of noncovalent functionalization of MWCNTs to help them to be dispersed uniformly into the PP matrix. The effects of these surfactant‐treated MWCNTs on morphological, rheological, thermal, crystalline, mechanical, and electrical properties of MWCNT/PP composites were studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, rheometry, tensile, and electrical conductivity tests. It was found that the surfactant‐treatment and micromixing resulted in a great improvement in the state of dispersion of MWCNTs in the polymer matrix, leading to a significant enhancement of Young's modulus and tensile strength of the composites. For example, with the addition of only 2 wt % of SDS‐treated and NaDDBS‐treated MWCNTs, the Young's modulus of PP increased by 61.1 and 86.1%, respectively. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

EP/GNs/MWCNTs复合材料的导热性能

以多壁碳纳米管(MWCNTs)和石墨烯纳米微片(GNs)为导热填料,环氧树脂(EP)为基体采用溶剂和超声分散法,制备了EP/GNs/MWCNTs导热复合材料,并与EP/MWCNTs及EP/GNs复合材料的导热性能进行了对比。采用透射电子显微镜观察其微观结构,采用Hot Disk热导率测试仪测试其导热性能,采用差示扫描量热法和热重分析仪测试其耐热性及热稳定性。结果表明,MWCNTs和GNs共同作为EP导热填料时,相比于单组分填料(MWCNTs或GNs)更易形成导热网络;EP的热导率、玻璃化转变温度(Tg)和热分解温度均随着MWCNTs或GNs含量的增加而提高,其中,GNs更有利于提高EP的热导率和热分解温度,MWCNTs更有利于提高EP的Tg。在相同的导热填料含量下,相对于其中的任一单一填料,MWCNTs/GNs共同作用时,对热导率的提高有更显著的效果,且随着其中GNs比例的增加,热导率逐渐增大。当GNs和MWCNTs的体积分数分别为0.6%和0.4%时,EP/GNs/MWCNTs复合材料的热导率、Tg和起始分解温度分别为0.565 W/(m·K),152℃和316℃,分别比纯EP提高了132.5%,34.5%和8.2%。     

Nanoparticle dispersed resins and composites under quasi‐static loading: Shear plugging behavior

Experimental studies are presented on the quasi‐static shear plugging behavior of nanoparticle dispersed materials viz symmetric balanced cross‐ply laminates made using unidirectional E‐glass fabric with epoxy resin, and neat epoxy resin. The nanoparticles used are nanosilica and multiwalled carbon nanotube for E‐glass/epoxy and nanosilica for epoxy resin. The effect of nanoparticle dispersion on shear plugging strength was evaluated. Shear plugging strength was enhanced up to 10.5% for E‐glass/epoxy and up to 17.0% for neat epoxy resin on addition of nanoparticles. Shear plugging strength of nanoparticle dispersed composites decreased with an increase in specimen thickness. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:3411–3415, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Investigation of CNT modification of epoxy resin in CFRP strengthening systems

The use of carbon fiber‐reinforced polymers (CFRPs) to reinforce old structures has become popular in recent years. In this study, the chemical structure of the epoxy resin used as the bonding agent in the CFRP strengthening system was modified by dispersing multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in order to improve the performance of the strengthening system. Composites were fabricated with different mixing orders employing the solvent‐assisted dispersion method and ultrasonic mixing. Thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and tensile tests were conducted to investigate the effect of CNT dispersion and fabrication method on the thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy composite. In addition, the temperature‐dependent tensile behavior of fabricated composites was studied by performing tensile tests at elevated temperatures. The morphology of CNT/epoxy composites was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) was also used to show the influence of solvent on the molecular structure of composites. Based on the experimental results, the decomposition temperature of the epoxy resin was heightened by 15°C as a result of solvent‐assisted dispersion of nanotubes. However, the glass transition temperature (T_g) was slightly reduced due to the solvent effect. FTIR analysis revealed that the solvent negatively affects the curing process of epoxy composite. A considerable enhancement was recorded in the tensile properties as a result of CNT infusion. This was attributed to the homogeneous dispersion of nanotubes which was shown by SEM images. Using solvent to disperse nanotubes led to the reduction of tensile strength of the epoxy composite at elevated temperature due to the lower T_g. POLYM. COMPOS. 37:1021–1033, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Novel method of dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in a flexible epoxy matrix

We describe a simple and novel method for dispersing multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in a flexible epoxy matrix. The MWCNTs were modified with half‐neutralized dicarboxylic acids having different numbers of carbon atoms. The modified MWCNTs were prereacted with epoxy in the presence of triphenylphosphine. The dispersion of the MWCNTs and the enhancement in the tensile properties were found to be better for composites prepared with a solvent. Among the half‐neutralized dicarboxylic acids used, half‐neutralized adipic acid (HNAA) exhibited the best performance. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies clearly indicated an improvement in the level of dispersion of the MWCNTs with the addition of the modifier. The good dispersion of the MWCNTs and the resulting improvement in their properties were attributed to the cation–π interactions (the cation of HNAA and the π‐electron clouds of the MWCNTs) between the HNAA and MWCNTs and the chemical bonding of ? COOH groups of HNAA and the epoxy resin. The cation–π interaction and chemical bonding was assessed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. This approach did not destroy the π–electron clouds of the MWCNTs in contrast to a chemical functionalization strategy. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2610–2618, 2013     

Effect of Dodecyal Amine Functionalized Graphene on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Epoxy‐Based Composites

Simultaneous surface functionalization and reduction of graphene oxide (GO) was achieved by using dodecyl amine (DA) as surface modifying agent. The DA modified reduced GO (DA‐G) was used for subsequent preparation of DA‐G/epoxy composites by solution mixing. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and electrical conductivity measurements were conducted to establish the concurrent functionalization and reduction of GO. The effect of DA‐G on the epoxy composites at 0 to 0.75 wt% loadings was studied by investigating its static and dynamical mechanical properties. XRD study was performed to verify the dispersion of DA‐G in the epoxy polymer. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the fracture surface morphology of the composites and Transmission electron microscopy was employed to further confirm the dispersion of DA‐G in the matrix. It was found that the tensile strength of the composite was increased by 38.8% with the addition of 0.5 wt% of DA‐G. The good adhesion/interaction between DA‐G and epoxy resulted in the increase of storage modulus; however, glass transition temperature (T_g) value of the composites shifted to lower temperature in comparison to the neat epoxy. Thermogravimetric analysis showed small decrease in onset degradation temperature for the composites as compared to neat epoxy except for the composites containing 0.75 wt% of DA‐G. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:1221–1228, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers