Conducting epoxy networks modified with non‐covalently functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotube with imidazolium‐based ionic liquid

Multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) was non‐covalently functionalized with room‐temperature ionic liquid (IL), 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium tetrafluoroborate and blended with epoxy pre‐polymer (ER) with the assistance of ultrasonication in the presence of acetone as a diluting medium. The ability of IL in improving the dispersion of MWCNT in epoxy pre‐polymer was evidenced by transmission optical microscopy. The corresponding epoxy/MWCNT networks cured with anhydride displayed an increase of the electrical conductivity of around three orders of magnitude with the addition of IL in a proportion of MWCNT/IL = 1:5 mass ratio. The effect of IL on dynamic mechanical properties and thermal conductivity was also evaluated. The improved thermal and electrical properties was attributed to the better dispersion of MWCNT within the epoxy matrix by IL, evidenced by transmission electron microscopy of the ER/MWCNT networks cured with anhydride. Raman spectroscopy was also used to confirm the interaction between MWCNT and IL. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43976.