A new method is developed to chemically functionalize CNTs using a silane solution for polymer matrix composites. To oxidize and create active moieties on the CNT surface, the CNTs are exposed to UV light in an ozone environment, followed by reduction in lithium aluminum hydride and silanization using 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy silane. The effects of silane functionalization of CNTs on functional and mechanical properties of CNT/epoxy nanocomposites are evaluated. It was found that grafting silane molecules onto the CNT surface improved the CNT dispersion in the epoxy and enhanced the mechanical and thermal properties as well as fracture resistance of nanocomposites compared to those containing CNTs without functionalization. The electrical conductivity of nanocomposites decreased due to the wrapping of CNT with non-conductive silane molecules. The elemental analysis of CNT surface confirmed the presence silane functional groups that are reactive with polymer resin capable of forming covalent bonds.
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