Enhanced mechanical, thermal properties and thermal conductivities of epoxy composites via incorporating graphene oxide‐grafted carbon nanotubes hybrids

Abstract A hetero‐structured hybrid was produced by grafting one‐dimensional (1D) amine‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) onto the basal plane of two‐dimensional (2D) graphene oxide (GO) via an amine‐epoxy ring‐opening reaction, and such hybrid was further applied for reinforcing epoxy composites. Based on this hybrid design, 1D MWCNTs anchored on the 2D GO nanosheets resisted the re‐stacking of GO nanosheets while GO improved the MWCNTs' dispersion state. Attributing to the synergistic effect of GO and MWCNTs, a multi‐dimensional conducting network within epoxy matrix was constructed and efficiently transferred stress and heat between hybrid and matrix. When just 0.5 wt% hybrids were incorporated, the mechanical properties, thermal stability and thermal conductivity of hybrid‐filled epoxy composites were significantly improved, compared with pure epoxies. This work gives a promising method for designing and preparing polymer composites for thermal management and protection applications. Highlights A hetero‐structured hybrid consisting of MWCNTs and GO was obtained. Better dispersion of GO–MWCNTs within matrix was achieved. A multi‐dimensional GO–MWCNTs conducting network in matrix was constructed. Enhanced properties were due to the synergistic effect of GO and MWCNTs. Structural performance of GO and MWCNTs was maximized.