Evaluation of properties of polymer concrete based on epoxy resin and functionalized carbon nanotubes

The objective of this research was to fabricate polymeric concretes comprising combinations of epoxy resin, aggregates, and amino-functionalized carbon nanotubes and to evaluate their properties. Polymeric concrete containing unfunctionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was also studied. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated the efficiency of the functionalization of the CNTs, as well as the thermal properties of the resin/CNT nanocomposites. The inclusion of CNTs in the polymeric concrete led to a reduced curing time and improved mechanical properties compared to the reference polymeric concrete. A higher compressive strength was obtained with functionalized CNTs than with unfunctionalized nanotubes and to nanocomposites with low CNTs contents. This was attributed to chemical interactions between the resin and the CNTs that promoted a well-dispersed CNTs/matrix.