Thermal Properties and Stability of n-Octadecane Based Composites Containing Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

In this study, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) were added to n-octadecane at weight percentages of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and changes of thermal properties of n-octadecane were analyzed. Structural characterization of the materials was carried out by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and optical microscope. Thermal properties of n-octadecane and its composites were evaluated through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The thermal measurements show that the highest contribution to latent heat absorbing capacity with 18% was provided by the addition of 1.25% MWNT to n-octadecane. The thermal properties and the thermal stability of pure n-octadecane and its composites with MWNT were also investigated by subjecting the samples to 1440 melting-cooling cycles. The sample with 1.25% MWNT content also showed the best thermal stability. POLYM. COMPOS., 32:904-909, 2011. (C) 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers