Optimizing Mechanical and Electrical Performance of SWCNTs/FeO Epoxy Nanocomposites: The Role of Filler Concentration and Alignment.

The demand for polymer composites with improved mechanical and electrical properties is crucial for advanced aerospace, electronics, and energy storage applications. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and iron oxide (FeO) nanoparticles are key fillers that enhance these properties, yet challenges like orientation, uniform dispersion, and agglomeration must be addressed to realize their full potential. This study focuses on developing SWCNTs/FeO epoxy composites by keeping the SWCNT concentration constant at 0.03 Vol.% and varying with FeO concentrations at 0.1, 0.5, and 1 Vol.% for two different configurations: randomly orientated (R-) and magnetic field-assisted horizontally aligned (A-) SWCNTs/FeO epoxy composites, and investigates the effects of filler concentration, dispersion, and magnetic alignment on the mechanical and electrical properties. The research reveals that both composite configurations achieve an optimal mechanical performance at 0.5 Vol.% FeO, while A- SWCNTs/FeO epoxy composites outperformed at all concentrations. However, at 1 Vol.% FeO, mechanical properties decline due to nanoparticle agglomeration, which disrupts stress distribution. In contrast, electrical conductivity peaks at 1 Vol.% FeO, indicating that the higher density of FeO nanoparticles enhances the conductive network despite the mechanical losses. This study highlights the need for precise control over filler content and alignment to optimize mechanical strength and electrical conductivity in SWCNTs/FeO epoxy nanocomposites.