Different filler effect of carbon nanotube and graphene nanoplatelet in the poly(arylene ether nitrile) matrix

The different filler effects of identical nitrile‐functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNs) in a poly(arylene ether nitrile) (PEEN) matrix were investigated. PEEN/CNT and PEEN/GN composites were prepared by a facile solution‐casting method and systematically investigated for their differences in morphological, thermal and rheological properties. In the PEEN matrix GNs contact one another in a plane‐to‐plane manner, while CNTs are separated. Compared with PEEN/CNT composites, PEEN/GN composites below 2 wt% filler content exhibited higher thermal stability. Rheological properties of the resulting composites indicated that PEEN/GN composites were more sensitive to strain and exhibited higher η*, G′ and G″ than PEEN/CNT composites. The rheological percolation for CNTs is over 2 wt%, higher than that for GNs (around 1 wt%). All these differences originate from the different dimensions and structures of CNTs and GNs: GNs with a flake‐like structure and larger surface area can have stronger physical and interfacial interactions with the polymer matrix. This work gives a comparative view of the different filler effects that functionalized CNTs and GNs can have in the polymer host. With identical processing technology, GNs can show a stronger filler effect than CNTs. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis,structure and properties of carbon nanotube/poly(p‐phenylene benzobisoxazole) composite fibres

Carbon nanotube/poly(p‐phenylene benzobisoxazole) (CNT/PBO) composite fibres were prepared by in situ polymerization and dry‐jet wet spinning. The structure and properties of the CNT/PBO fibres were investigated. FTIR and viscosity measurements showed that the functional groups on the CNT surface took part in the polymerization and affected the chemical structure and molecular weight of the composite. CNT/PBO composites with high molecular weight could be obtained by controlling the amount and addition time of CNTs. Compared with PBO fibres containing no CNTs prepared under the same conditions, the thermal resistance of the CNT (2 wt%)/PBO fibres was higher and the tensile strength was also improved by 20–50%. WAXD and SEM measurements indicated that the orientation degree of the CNT (2 wt%)/PBO fibres was smaller than that of PBO fibres. The fracture surfaces of these two fibres were also different. CNT dispersion in the CNT (2 wt%)/PBO fibres was examined by TEM. A model of the interactions between CNTs and PBO is proposed, based on these results. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Thermal and ablative properties of binary carbon nanotube and nanodiamond reinforced carbon fibre epoxy matrix composites

The thermal and ablative properties of carbon nanotube (CNT) and nanodiamond (ND) reinforced carbon fibre epoxy matrix composites were investigated by simulating shear forces and high temperatures using oxyacetylene torch apparatus. Three types of composite specimens—(i) carbon fibre epoxy matrix composite (CF/Epoxy), (ii) carbon fibre epoxy matrix composite containing 0.1 wt-% CNTs and 0.1 wt-% NDs, and (iii) carbon fibre epoxy matrix composite containing 0.2 wt-% CNTs and 0.2 wt-% NDs—were explored. The ablative response of composites was studied through pre- and post-burnt SEM analysis and further related with thermogravimetric analysis, weight loss profile and thermal conductivity measurements. The novel nanofiller composites showed marked improvement in their thermal and ablative properties. A 22% and 30% increase in thermal conductivity was observed for composites containing 0.1 wt-% CNTs/0.1 wt-% NDs and 0.2 wt-% CNTs/0.2 wt-% NDs respectively. These nanofillers also improved the thermal stability of thermosetting epoxy matrix, and an increase of 13% and 20% was recorded in the erosion rate of composites containing 0.1 wt-% CNTs/0.1 wt-% NDs and 0.2 wt-% CNTs/0.2 wt-% NDs respectively. This improvement is due to the increased char yield produced by the increase in the loading of nanofillers, i.e. CNTs and NDs. Insulation index and insulation to density performance have also been improved due to increased thermal conductivity and char yield.     

Microwave curing of epoxy polymers reinforced with carbon nanotubes

The driver for this study is the observation that heating of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with electromagnetic field can offer a more efficient and cost‐effective alternative in heat transfer for the production of composites. The idea of this study is twofold; CNT can work as microwave (MW) radiation susceptors and they can act as nanoreinforcements in the final system. To test these assumptions, a household oven was modified to control the curing schedule. Polymers with different CNT concentrations were prepared (0.5 and 1.0 wt %). The dispersion of the CNTs in the epoxy was achieved using shear‐mixing dissolver technique. MW and conventionally cured specimens were also produced in a convection oven for reference. Thermal and mechanical tests were used as control point. A curing schedule investigation was further performed to quantify the energy and time‐saving capabilities using CNT and MWs. The presence of CNTs into epoxy matrix has been proven beneficial for the shortening of the curing time. MW‐cured composites showed the same degree of polymerization with the conventionally cured composites in a shorter time period and this time was reduced as the CNT concentration was increased. A good distribution of the CNT is required to avoid hot spot effects and local degradation. Mechanical performance was, in some cases, favored by the use of CNT. The benefit from the use of MWs and CNT could reach at least 40% in terms of energy needed and time without sacrificing mechanical performance. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Crystallization of isotactic polypropylene inside dense networks of carbon nanofillers

In this study, we performed the crystallization of carbon nanotube (CNT)/isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and graphene nanosheet (GNS)/iPP composites with very high nanofiller loadings; these are frequently used in polymer composites for electromagnetic interference shielding and thermal conductivity. Rheology testing indicated that both the high‐loading CNTs and GNSs formed dense networks in the iPP matrix, and transmission electron microscopy showed that their connection types were completely different: the CNTs contacted one another in a dot‐to‐dot manner, whereas the GNSs linked reciprocally in a plane‐to‐plane manner. The carbon nanofiller networks brought about two opposite effects on iPP crystallization: a nucleation effect and a confinement effect. The CNT network showed a stronger nucleation effect; however, the CNT network also revealed a more powerful confinement effect because the CNT network was denser than the GNS network. With increasing content of the carbon nanofillers, the crystallization rates of both the CNT and GNS composites first increased, then decreased, and showed a very high saturation concentration at 50 wt %; this resulted from the competitive relationship between the nucleation effect and confinement effect. The crystallization was facilitated when the carbon nanofiller concentration was below saturation, where the nucleation effect invariably played a dominant role. Although the crystallization was depressed when the carbon nanofiller concentration was above saturation, the nucleation effect was subdued, and the confinement effect was extensive. Compared to the GNS/iPP composites, the CNT/iPP composites showed a more depressed crystallization. The suppression mechanism is discussed with consideration of the local topological structure constructed by those two carbon nanofillers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014 , 131, 39505.     

Thermal properties of hyperbranched polyborate functionalized multiwall carbon nanotube/polybenzoxazine composites

Using a noncovalent functionalization strategy, hyperbranched polyborate (HBb) acts as a solubilizer for carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and a stable HBb‐CNT dispersion in N‐methyl‐pyrrolidone was produced. The thermal properties of the resulting HBb‐CNT/polybenzoxazine (B‐BOZ) composites and their carbonized structures were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the fracture surface of HBb‐CNT/B‐BOZ composites was rather rough and plenty of plastic deformation was exhibited. Thermogravimetric analysis indicates an improvement in the thermal stability of the composite with CNTs, especially that of 2.0 wt% CNT modified composite. The increase in the thermal stability is due to the good nanotube dispersion and the effective polymer‐CNT interaction. Graphite‐like boron carbonitride ceramic compounds were found after the composites were carbonized at 1,100°C for 2 h, and there was more B‐C, B‐N, and C‐N bonds in the carbonized HBb‐CNT/B‐BOZ composite than that of HBb/B‐BOZ composite. The result implied that CNTs can promote the ceramic process of HBb/B‐BOZ composite, and the strategy of introducing ceramic precursor into polymer composites may be useful to improve their ablation properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Improved dispersion of carbon nanotubes in poly(vinylidene fluoride) composites by hybrids with core–shell structure

Core–shell structure hybrids of carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/BaTiO₃ (H‐CNT‐BT) and commercial multi‐wall CNTs are respectively incorporated into poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) for preparing the composites near the percolation thresholds. A comprehensive investigation for CNT's dispersion and composite's conductivity is conducted between H‐CNT‐BT/PVDF and CNT/PVDF at different depths vertical to the injection's direction. Gradual increases of the conductivity in two composites are observed from the out‐layer to the core part which infers an inhomogeneous CNT's dispersion in the interior of composites due to their migration under flow during the injection. However, the use of H‐CNT‐BT fillers with core–shell structure enables to reduce this inhomogeneous dispersion in the composite. Furthermore, the conductive network of CNTs in H‐CNT‐BT/PVDF is less sensitive to the thermal treatment than the one in CNT/PVDF composite, which infers the core–shell structure of hybrids can ameliorate the sensitivity of the conductive network. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45693.     

In situ preparation of polyimide/amino‐functionalized carbon nanotube composites and their properties

In order to improve the dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in polyimide (PI) matrix and the interfacial interaction between CNTs and PI, 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ether (ODA)‐functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs‐ODA) were synthesized by oxidation and amidation reactions. The structures and morphologies of CNTs‐ODA were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, transmission electron microscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis. Then a series of polyimide/amino‐functionalized carbon nanotube (PI/CNT‐ODA) nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization. CNTs‐ODA were homogeneously dispersed in PI matrix. The influence of CNT‐ODA content on mechanical properties of PI/CNT‐ODA nanocomposites was investigated. It was found that the mechanical properties of nanocomposites were enhanced with the increase in CNT‐ODA loading. When the content of CNTs‐ODA was 3 wt%, the tensile strength of PI/CNT‐ODA nanocomposites was up to 169.07 MPa (87.11% higher than that of neat PI). The modulus of PI/CNTs‐ODA was increased by 62.64%, while elongation at break was increased by 66.05%. The improvement of the mechanical properties of PI/CNT‐ODA nanocomposites were due to the strong chemical bond and interfacial interaction between CNTs‐ODA and PI matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1952–1959, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Alignment and properties of carbon nanotube buckypaper/liquid crystalline polymer composites

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been recognized as a potential superior reinforcement for high‐performance, multifunctional composites. However, non‐uniform CNT dispersion within the polymer matrix, the lack of adequate adhesion between the constituents of the composites, and lack of nanotube alignment have hindered significant improvements in composite performance. In this study, we present the development of a layer‐by‐layer assembly method to produce high mechanical performance and electrical conductivity CNT‐reinforced liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) composites using CNT sheets or buckypaper (BP) and self‐reinforcing polyphenylene resin, Parmax. The Parmax/BP composite morphology, X‐ray diffraction, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties have been investigated. SEM observations and X‐ray diffraction demonstrate alignment of the CNTs due to flow‐induced orientational ordering of LCP chains. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of the Parmax/BP nanocomposites with 6.23 wt % multi‐walled carbon nanotube content were 390 MPa and 33 GPa, respectively, which were substantially improved when compared to the neat LCP. Noticeable improvements in the thermal stability and glass transition temperature with increasing CNT content due to the restriction in chain mobility imposed by the CNTs was demonstrated. Moreover, the electrical conductivity of the composites increased sharply to 100.23 S/cm (from approximately 10^?13 S/cm) with the addition of CNT BP. These results suggest that the developed approach would be an effective method to fabricate high‐performance, multifunctional CNT/LCP nanocomposites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Enhancement of electrical conductivity and other related properties of epoxidized natural rubber/carbon nanotube composites by optimizing concentration of 3‐aminopropyltriethoxy silane

Carbon nanotube (CNT)‐filled epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) composites were prepared by mixing in an internal mixer and thereafter on a two‐roll mill. Silane coupling agent, namely 3‐aminopropyltriethoxy silane (APTES), was directly incorporated in the ENR‐CNT composites during mixing of rubber and CNTs in the mixer, to perform in situ functionalization. It was found that pre‐crosslinking of ENR and APTES occurred especially at high APTES concentrations, such as 0.06 mL/(g of CNTs) and caused strong CNT agglomeration in the ENR matrix. However, the pre‐crosslinking could be reduced or avoided by decreasing the APTES concentration. In the concentration range 0.01–0.015 mL/(g of CNTs) of APTES, the APTES molecules were grafted on the CNT surfaces and generated new chemical linkages with the ENR. This improved the CNT dispersion in the ENR matrix and enhanced the composite properties. A very low approximately 0.5 phr of CNT threshold concentration for electric percolation was achieved in this type of composites. Also, three‐dimensional connected CNT networks were found to form in the ENR matrix at very low APTES levels. Thus, the electrical conductivity achieved in these composites reached the level required of conductive materials. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:381–391, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Influence of carbon nanotube reinforcement on the processing and the mechanical behaviour of carbon fiber/epoxy composites

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were incorporated in an epoxy matrix that was then reinforced with carbon fibers. A fixed amount (0.5 wt.%) of different types of CNTs (functionalized and non-functionalized) were dispersed in the epoxy matrix, and unidirectional prepregs are produced. The key issues like CNT dispersion and its stability during the processing steps and the final mechanical properties of composites are discussed in detail. The temperature-viscosity profile of the epoxy matrix reinforced with different types of CNTs indicated a strong dependency on the type of CNTs. The pronounced effect of the presence of CNTs in the matrix is reflected by the decrease of the coefficient of thermal expansion by ∼32% for the double-walled CNTs epoxy system. There is also a substantial increase in fracture toughness Mode-1 by over 80% for the pristine multi-walled CNTs in combination with the epoxy resin modified by using a compatibilizer. The influence of such CNT-resin modification also induced overall positive trends in all the mechanical properties that were evaluated.     

The role of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes in epoxy nanocomposites and resin transfer molded glass fiber hybrid composites: Dispersion,local distribution,thermal, and fracture/mechanical properties

Hybrid composites containing endless glass fiber reinforcement and surface‐functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) dispersed in the matrix phase were produced by resin transfer molding (RTM). An efficient surface modification of the nanotubes enhances the compatibility with the matrix system and the dispersion quality, enabling the impregnation process via liquid composite molding. We assessed the quality of the RTM process by newly developed methodologies for the quantification of the filtering of CNTs. First, we established a method to analyze the CNT length distribution before and after injection for thermosetting composites to characterize length‐dependent withholding respectively the size distribution of nanotubes in the hybrid composites. Second, the resulting test laminates were locally examined by Raman spectroscopy and compared to reference (nanocomposite) samples of known CNT content to non‐destructively quantify the local CNT concentration along the resin flow path. Moreover, the thermal and mechanical properties of the modified composites were investigated. The nanocomposites containing 0.5 wt% surface‐functionalized CNTs exhibited superior ductility and increased fracture toughness. Glass fiber hybrid composites containing 0.5 wt% functionalized CNTs in the resin phase exhibited increased fracture toughness in mode I and a slight deterioration in mode II due to the constrained formation of hackles. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1849–1863, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Comparison of the effect of carbon,halloysite and titania nanotubes on the mechanical and thermal properties of LDPE based nanocomposite films

In this study, titania nanotubes(TNTs) were prepared by hydrothermal method with the aim to compare the properties of these one-dimensional tubular nanostructures' reinforced nanocomposites with the carbon and halloysite nanotubes'(CNTs and HNTs, respectively) reinforced nanocomposites. Low density polyethylene(LDPE) was used as the matrix material. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized and compared by means of their morphological, mechanical and thermal properties. SEM results showed enhanced interfacial interaction and better dispersion of TNTs and HNTs into LDPE with the incorporation of a MAPE compatibilizer,however, these interactions seem to be absent between CNTs and LDPE, and the CNTs remained agglomerated.Contact angle measurements revealed that CNT filled nanocomposites are more hydrophilic than HNT composites, and less than TNT composites. CNTs provided better tensile strength and Young's modulus than HNT and TNT nanocomposites, a 42% increase in tensile strength and Young's modulus is achieved compared to LDPE.Tear strength improvement was noticed in the TNT composites with a value of 35.4 N·mm~(-1), compared to CNT composites with a value of 25.5 N·mm~(-1)·s~(-1). All the prepared nanocomposites are more thermally stable than neat LDPE and the best improvement in thermal stability was observed for CNT reinforced nanocomposites.CNTs depicted the best improvement in tensile and thermal properties and the MAPE compatibilizer effectiveness regarding morphological. mechanical and thermal properties was only observed for TNT and HNT systems.     

Reinforcement of rigid PVC/wood‐flour composites with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) were compounded with PVC by a melt blending process based on fusion behaviors of PVC. The effects of CNT content on the flexural and tensile properies of the PVC/CNT composites were evaluated in order to optimize the CNT content. The optimized CNT‐reinforced PVC was used as a matrix in the manufacture of wood‐plastic composites. Flexural, electrical, and thermal properties of the PVC/wood‐flour composites were evaluated as a function of matrix type (nonreinforced vs. CNT‐reinforced). The experimental results indicated that rigid PVC/wood‐flour composites with properties similar to those of solid wood can be made by using CNT‐reinforced PVC as a matrix. The CNT‐reinforced PVC did not influence the electrical and thermal conductivity of the PVC/wood‐flour composites. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers.     

Structure and properties of aeronautical composites using carbon nanotubes/epoxy dispersion as nanocomposite matrix

The structure and properties of hybrid multiscale composites containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was reported. CNTs were dispersed in epoxy by using high energy ultrasonication, followed by the fabrication of CNT hybrid composites via resin transfer molding (RTM) processing. The processability of CNTs/epoxy systems was explored by a capillary experiment. The dependences of mechanical and electrical properties of the hybrid composites on CNT content were investigated. Microscopic observation confirms the formation of CNTs percolation network. The different roles of CNT networks in mechanical reinforcement and electrical amelioration were analyzed. One explanation based on the dispersion and distribution of CNTs is proposed. It is found that the variations of the hybrid composites with respect to mechanical and electrical properties are attributed to the hierarchical structure in the hybrid composites. As far as the hybrid multiscale composites produced via RTM process is concerned, the formation of CNT percolation network, subjected to dynamic impregnation, is hindered by the presence of continuous fibrous reinforcement. The hierarchical structure influenced by several competing factors reveals great potential in being able to tailor the structural and functional performance of the CNT hybrid composites. The effects of CNTs on the dimensional stability of polymer based composites are also assessed. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:1690–1697, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Investigation of the Thermal Behavior of Polypyrrole/Carbon Nanotube Composites and Utilization as Capacitive Material or Support for Catalysts

In this study, polypyrrole (PPy)/carbon nanotube (CNT) composites were synthesized by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization of a pyrrole monomer on CNT. Two different types of CNT having different structural properties were used. The composites were characterized using BET surface area analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. Thermal decomposition kinetics of PPy/CNT composites was studied by thermal gravimetric analysis techniques (TG/DTG (differential thermal gravimetric)) at different heating rates (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10?K min^?1). Kinetic parameters of the composites were obtained from the TG and DTG curves using the Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) models. The electrochemical capacitive properties of the composites were investigated by the cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique. Pt nanoparticles were decorated on the plain CNTs and composite materials via the microwave irradiation method.     

Processing and Material Characteristics of a Carbon‐Nanotube‐Reinforced Natural Rubber

CNT/NR composites were fabricated based on a CNT treatment using an acid bath followed by ball‐milling with HRH bonding systems. Thermal properties, vulcanization characteristics and mechanical properties of the CNT/NR composites were characterized. Compared to CB, the incorporation of CNTs into NR was faster and the energy consumption was less. The over‐curing reversion of CNT/NR composites was alleviated. After acid treatment and ball‐milling, the dispersion of CNTs in the rubber matrix and the interaction between CNTs and the matrix was improved. The performance of the CNT/reinforced NR composites was enhanced by the incorporation of the treated CNTs as compared to neat NR and CB/NR composites.

     

Optimized process for the inclusion of carbon nanotubes in elastomers with improved thermal and mechanical properties

The effects of addition of reinforcing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into hydrogenated nitrile–butadiene rubber (HNBR) matrix on the mechanical, dynamic viscoelastic, and permeability properties were studied in this investigation. Different techniques of incorporating nanotubes in HNBR were investigated in this research. The techniques considered were more suitable for industrial preparation of rubber composites. The nanotubes were modified with different surfactants and dispersion agents to improve the compatibility and adhesion of nanotubes on the HNBR matrix. The effects of the surface modification of the nanotubes on various properties were examined in detail. The amount of CNTs was varied from 2.5 to 10 phr in different formulations prepared to identify the optimum CNT levels. A detailed analysis was made to investigate the morphological structure and mechanical behavior at room temperature. The viscoelastic behavior of the nanotube filler elastomer was studied by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). Morphological analysis indicated a very good dispersion of the CNTs for a low nanotube loading of 3.5 phr. A significant improvement in the mechanical properties was observed with the addition of nanotubes. DMTA studies revealed an increase in the storage modulus and a reduction in the glass‐transition temperature after the incorporation of the nanotubes. Further, the HNBR/CNT nanocomposites were subjected to permeability studies. The studies showed a significant reduction in the permeability of nitrogen gas. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Thermal decomposition behavior of carbon‐nanotube‐reinforced poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate) nanocomposites

Polymer nanocomposites based on poly (ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate) (PEN) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were prepared by direct melt blending with a twin‐screw extruder. Dynamic thermogravimetric analysis was conducted on the PEN/CNT nanocomposites to clarify the effect of CNTs on the thermal decomposition behavior of the polymer nanocomposites. The thermal decomposition kinetics of the PEN/CNT nanocomposites was strongly dependent on the CNT content, the heating rate, and the gas atmosphere. On the basis of the thermal decomposition kinetic analysis, the variation of the activation energy for thermal decomposition revealed that a very small quantity of CNTs substantially improved the thermal stability and thermal decomposition of the PEN/CNT nanocomposites. Morphological observations demonstrated the formation of interconnected or network‐like structures of CNTs in the PEN matrix. The unique character of the CNTs introduced into the PEN matrix, such as the physical barrier effect of CNTs during thermal decomposition and the formation of interconnected or network‐like structures of CNTs, resulted in the enhancement of the thermal stability of the PEN/CNT nanocomposites. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Effect of the filler structure of carbon nanomaterials on the electrical,thermal, and rheological properties of epoxy composites

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanosheets (GNSs) were used as fillers in epoxy composites with the aim of increasing the electrical and thermal conductivities of the composites. The filling of pristine CNTs produced the highest electrical conductivity (σ), whereas a high CNT functionalization and the two‐dimensional planar structure of GNSs were promising for improving the thermal conductivity. A combination of CNTs and GNSs exploited the advantages of both. When the CNT fraction was larger than 50 wt %, a higher σ was obtained. When a small amount of functionalized CNTs was added to the GNSs, the thermal conductivity was also increased. The rheological measurements revealed the lowest complex viscosity for the GNS filling and showed the exciting advantages of an easy processing. As a result, the mixed filling also exhibited a much lower viscosity than the pure CNT fillings. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013