Development of thermomechanically improved epoxy adhesives using carbon nanotubes

Commercial adhesives are widely used with the purpose of reinforcing aged/damaged civil structures. However, the existing problem regarding the application of these systems is that at harsh environmental conditions, such as elevated temperatures, and under extended stress, the adhesive loses its functionality . This in turn dramatically reduces the effectiveness of the strengthening systems applied. In this research work , a commercial adhesive was developed with the aid of nanotechnology, with enhanced thermal and mechanical properties. This adhesive offers substantial improvement in the performance of the strengthening systems at ambient temperature and maintains the system performance at elevated environmental temperatures.