Abstract
In this study, composites are made by epoxy as matrix to blend with the main fillers, Al2O3, as well as with the secondary fillers, mutli-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), at different ratios. Firstly, epoxy, CNTs and Al2O3 powders are evenly mixed by three-ball milling system to form adhesives. After degassing, the adhesives are cured at 140 oC for 3 h and pristine MWCNTs/Al2O3/epoxy composites are subsequently characterized by SEM and Raman. The glass transition temperature (Tg), mechanical, thermal and electrical properties are also measured, along with resistive heating experiments. The results show that comparing with pure epoxy, the specific heat of MWCNTs/Al2O3/Epoxy composite at 60 oC and 80 oC decrease 20 % (3-5 wt.% CNTs) and the thermal conductivity increase at least 300 % (1-5 wt.% CNTs) respectively. Input of low power (12-24 W) into composites (50×50×5 mm) produces heat and surface temperature reaches 60oC in 60-120 s and 80oC in 100-210 s respectively. Electrical heating of MWCNTs/Al2O3/Epoxy composites is low cost and is highly safety, capable of replacing existing electric floor heating systems.