Effect of Functionalization of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on the Electrical Conductivity and Mechanical Properties of Unsaturated Polyester Resin Composites

As the unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) has multiple functional groups, it can be solidified at ambient temperatures and pressures. But the low mechanical properties limit its application. In this paper, the functional multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were modified by maleic anhydride to synthesize UPR composites by condensation reaction. Then we obtained the UPR composites with oriented MWCNTs by application of external electric field. The microstructure, electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of UPR composites were investigated by scanning electron microscope, infrared spectroscopy, impedance analyzer and universal testing machine. It was found that the composites are anisotropy and the tensile strength and bending strength of composites with 0.5 wt.% lengthways MWCNTs are improved by 70%, 43%, the compressive strength with 0.5 wt.% is improved by 90%, the electrical conductivity increased to 10 ⁷ S/cm when the contents reach to 1%.