Effect of a New Type of Coupling Agent on The Mechanical Properties of Various Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube/Rubber Composites

In our experimental work application of carbon nanotubes in rubbers have been investigated. The effects of the type of the rubber matrix, the concentration of the carbon nanotubes and the effects of a coupling agent on the mechanical properties of the composites have been studied. The strength of the rubber matrix had great influence on the strengthening behaviour of the carbon nanotubes. By application of surface treated carbon nanotubes the strength of the composites made from a rubber matrix having the tensile strength under 10 MPa could be improved by 35%. However, the composites from the rubber with higher tensile strength contained treated carbon nanotubes afforded balanced performance against fatigue stresses probably due to the effect of the coupling agent and the homogenous distribution of the carbon nanotubes.