Master batch approach for developing PVDF/EVA/CNT nanocomposites with co-continuous morphology and improved electrical conductivity |
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| Authors: | Elaine C Lopes Pereira Bluma G Soares Adriana A Silva Guilherme M O Barra |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Macromoléculas, Centro de Tecnologia, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;2. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Escola de Química, Centro de Tecnologia, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;3. Departamento de Engenharia Mecânica, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil |
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| Abstract: | Conducting polymer composites constituted by co-continuous poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/ ethylene- vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) blends with multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT) were prepared by melt mixing using different procedures. The effect of the master batch approach on the conductivity, morphology, mechanical, thermal and rheological properties of PVDF/EVA/CNT nanocomposites was compared with that based on one step mixing strategy. The selective extraction experiments revealed that CNT was preferentially localized in the EVA phase in all situations, even when PVDF@CNT master batch was employed. Nanocomposites prepared with EVA@CNT master batch displayed higher conductivity, whose value reached around 10−1 S m−1 with the addition of 0.56 vol% of CNT. The better electrical performance was attributed to the better distribution of the filler, as indicated by transmission electron microscopy and rheological behavior. The electrical and rheological behavior were also investigated as a function of the CNT content. |
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| Keywords: | blends conducting polymers morphology nanotubes graphene and fullerenes |
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