Abstract: Epoxy resin was modified by multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with an in situ method. The composite was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and its abrasive wear resistance and tensile properties were tested. The results show that the function groups found on the surface of MWCNTs helped to improve the resin's crack resistance, and the cracks were found notably reduced in the composite. Although the resin and MWCNTs were bonded physically, the tensile properties and wear resistance of the composite were improved notably when an optimum amount of MWCNTs were filled in Epikote-44 (E44). When 5 wt pct acidified MWCNTs were filled in E44, the elastic modulus, breaking strength and wear resistance of the composite increase to 226.7%, 303.3% and 272.55% (153.29%), respectively.

Key words: Epoxy resin, Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), Tensile properties, Wear resistance