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     

Unique nucleation of multi-walled carbon nanotube and poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate) nanocomposites during non-isothermal crystallization

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate) (PEN) nanocomposites are prepared by a melt blending process. There are significant dependence of non-isothermal crystallization behavior and kinetics of PEN/MWCNT nanocomposites on the MWCNT content and cooling rate. The incorporation of MWCNT accelerates the mechanism of nucleation and crystal growth of PEN, and this effect is more pronounced at lower MWCNT content. Combined Avrami and Ozawa analysis is found to be effective in describing the non-isothermal crystallization of the PEN/MWCNT nanocomposites. The MWCNT in the PEN/MWCNT nanocomposites exhibits much higher nucleation activity than any nano-scaled reinforcement. When a vary small quantity of MWCNT was added, the activation energy for crystallization is lower, then gradually increased, and becomes higher than that of pure PEN above 1.0 wt% MWCNT content. The incorporation of MWCNT improves the storage modulus and loss modulus of PEN/MWCNT nanocomposites.     

Poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate)/layered silicate nanocomposites: fabrication, crystallization behavior and properties

In this study, poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate) (PEN)/layered silicate nanocomposites (PLSNs) were successfully prepared by the intercalation of PEN polymer into organically-modified layered montmorillonite through the melt blending process. Both X-ray diffraction data and transmission electron microscopy images of PEN/layered silicate nanocomposites indicate most of the swellable silicate layers were exfoliated and randomly dispersed into the PEN matrix. Mechanical and barrier properties of the fabricated nanocomposites performed by dynamic mechanical analysis and permeability analysis show significant improvements in the storage modulus and water permeability when compared to neat PEN. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was used to investigate the isothermal crystallization behavior and melting behavior of PLSNs. DSC isothermal results revealed that the crystal growth process of PEN and PLSNs are a three-dimensional spherulitic growth. The activation energy of PEN increases with increasing content of layered silicates. The result indicates that the addition of layered silicate into PEN reduces the transportation ability of polymer chains during crystallization processes.     

Effect of modified carbon nanotube on the properties of aromatic polyester nanocomposites

Aromatic polyester nanocomposites based on poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate) (PEN) and carbon nanotube (CNT) were prepared by melt blending using a twin-screw extruder. Modification of CNT to introduce carboxylic acid groups on the surface was performed to enhance intermolecular interactions between CNT and the PEN matrix through hydrogen bonding formation. Morphological observations revealed that the modified CNT was uniformly dispersed in the PEN matrix and increased interfacial adhesion between the nanotubes and the PEN, as compared to the untreated CNT. Furthermore, a very small quantity of the modified CNT substantially improved thermal stability and tensile strength/modulus of the PEN nanocomposites. This study demonstrates that the thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of the PEN nanocomposites are strongly dependent on the uniform dispersion of CNT and the interactions between CNT and PEN, which can be enhanced by slight chemical modification of CNT, providing a design guide of CNT-reinforced PEN nanocomposites with a great potential for industrial uses.     

Interrelationship of thermal and mechanical properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate)/graphene nanocomposites

In the present work, attempts were made to investigate the thermal and mechanical properties of melt‐processed poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate) (PEN) blends and its nanocomposites containing graphene by using differential scanning calorimetry and tensile test experimenting. The results showed that crystallinity, which depends on a blend ratio, completely disappeared in a composition of 50/50. By introducing graphene to PET, even in low concentrations, the crystallinity of samples increased, while the nanocomposite of PEN indicated reverse behavior, and the crystallinity was reduced by adding graphene. In the case of PET‐rich (75/25) nanocomposite blends, by increasing the nano content in the blend, the crystallinity of the samples was enhanced. This behavior was attributed to the nucleating effect of graphene particles in the samples. From the results of mechanical experiments, it was found in PET‐rich blends that by increasing the PEN/PET ratio, the modulus of samples decreased, whereas in the case of PEN‐rich blends, a slight increment of modulus is seen as a result of the increment of the PEN/PET ratio. The two contradicting behaviors were attributed to the reduction of crystallinity of PET‐rich blends by enhancement of PEN/PET ratio and the rigid structure of PEN chains in PEN‐rich blends. Unlike the different modulus change of PET‐rich and PEN‐rich blends, the nanocomposites of these blends similarly indicated an increment of modulus and characteristics of rigid materials by increasing the nano content. Furthermore, the same behavior was detected in nanocomposites of each polymer (PET and PEN nanocomposites). The alteration from ductile to rigid conduction was related to the impedance in the role of graphene plates against the flexibility of polymer chains and high values of graphene modulus. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 23:210–218, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Thermal decomposition behavior of poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate)/silica nanocomposites

Poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate) (PEN) nanocomposites reinforced with silica nanoparticles were prepared by direct melt compounding. Dynamic thermogravimetric analysis was conducted on the PEN/silica nanocomposites to clarify the effect of silica nanoparticle on the thermal decomposition behavior of the resultant nanocomposites. There is a significant dependence of thermal decomposition behavior for PEN/silica nanocomposites on the content of silica nanoparticles and heating rate. The variation of the activation energy for thermal decomposition reflected the improvement of the thermal stability of the PEN/silica nanocomposites. The unique characteristics of silica nanoparticles resulted in physical barrier effect against the thermal decomposition, leading to the enhancement of the thermal stability of the PEN/silica nanocomposites. The incorporation of silica nanoparticles into the PEN matrix increased the storage modulus of the PEN/silica nanocomposites and made it possible for them to sustain higher modulus at higher temperature relative to pure PEN. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effect of MWNTs concentration and cooling rate on the morphological,structural, and electrical properties of non‐isothermally crystallized PEN/MWNT nanocomposites

The effect of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNT) concentration and cooling rate on the morphological, structural and electrical properties of non‐isothermally crystallized Poly(ethylene naphthalate) nanocomposites (PEN/MWNT) was studied. PEN/MWNT nanocomposites containing 1 and 2 wt % of nanotubes were prepared by melt blending in a mini twin screw extruder. Nanocomposite samples with different degree of crystallinity (X_c) were obtained via non‐isothermally crystallization at cooling rates of 2, 10, 20, and 300°C min^?1. In this study it was demonstrated that carbon nanotubes and cooling rate strongly influence morphological and structural characteristics of PEN. Calorimetric results showed that the peak crystallization temperature (T_c) of PEN nanocomposites was increased ～9° through heterogeneous nucleation with respect to pure PEN. X‐ray diffraction revealed that carbon nanotubes modify the crystalline structure of PEN favoring the formation of β‐crystals, and this effect increases with the nanotubes content. On the basis of X‐ray scattering analysis, the variation of lamellar thickness revealed that nanotubes promote the formation of lamellar crystals with average thickness of 20 nm at different cooling rates. These structural and morphological changes play an important role on the electrical properties of nanocomposites. It was found that higher concentration of nanotubes and crystallinity promotes electrical conductivity of nanocomposites in the order of semiconductors (until 1 × 10^?4 S cm^?1) as well as permittivity of 20 at different tested frequencies. This may due to the interconnected networks of nanotubes throughout the crystalline structure formed in PEN nanocomposites. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41765.     

The effect of carbon nanotube on the physical properties of poly(butylene terephthalate) nanocomposite by simple melt blending

Polyester nanocomposites based on poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) and carbon nanotube (CNT) were prepared by simple melt blending using a twin‐screw extruder. There is significant dependence of the thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of the PBT nanocomposites on the concentration and dispersion state of CNT. The storage and loss moduli of the PBT nanocomposites increased with increasing frequency, and this enhancing effect was more pronounced at lower frequency region. The nonterminal behavior for the PBT nanocomposites was attributed to the nanotube–nanotube or polymer–nanotube interactions, and the dominant nanotube–nanotube interactions at high CNT content resulted in the formation of the interconnected network‐like structures of CNT in the PBT nanocomposites. The incorporation of a small quantity of CNT into the PBT matrix can substantially improve the mechanical properties, the heat distortion temperature, and the thermal stability of the PBT nanocomposites. The unique character of CNT dispersed in the PBT matrix resulted in the physical barrier effect against the thermal decomposition, leading to the improvement in the thermal stability of the PBT nanocomposites. This study also provides a design guide of CNT‐reinforced PBT nanocomposites with a great potential for industrial uses. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Multiwall‐carbon‐nanotube‐reinforced poly(ethylene terephthalate) nanocomposites by melt compounding

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanocomposites reinforced with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared through melt compounding in a twin‐screw extruder. The presence of MWCNTs, which acted as good nucleating agents, enhanced the crystallization of PET through heterogeneous nucleation. The incorporation of a small quantity of MWCNTs improved the thermal stability of the PET/MWCNT nanocomposites. The mechanical properties of the PET/MWCNT nanocomposites increased with even a small quantity of MWCNTs. There was a significant dependence of the rheological properties of the PET/MWCNT nanocomposites on the MWCNT content. The MWCNT loading increased the shear‐thinning nature of the polymer‐nanocomposite melt. The storage modulus and loss modulus of the PET/MWCNT nanocomposites increased with increasing frequency, and this increment effect was more pronounced at lower frequencies. At higher MWCNT contents, the dominant nanotube–nanotube interactions led to the formation of interconnected or networklike structures of MWCNTs in the PET/MWCNT nanocomposites. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 1450–1457, 2007     

Surfactant‐assisted processing of polyimide/multiwall carbon nanotube nanocomposites for microelectronics applications

The dispersion and stability of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) inside a polymer matrix, especially with a high CNT content, are still big challenges. Moreover, the interaction between CNTs and the polymer matrix should be strong enough to improve the mechanical properties. The efficient dispersion of CNTs is essential for the formation of a uniform distribution of a CNT network in a polymer composite. Polyimide/multiwall CNT nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ polymerization with the aid of a surfactant. A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study proved that the surfactant did not hamper the polymerization of the polyimide. The microstructure, storage modulus and electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites were improved using a particular amount of the surfactant. Environmental stability test results showed that the polyimide with 1 wt% of CNTs produced with the aid of the surfactant possessed excellent reliability in high‐temperature and high‐humidity environments. Surfactants were successfully used to obtain fine‐structure polyimide/CNT nanocomposites by in situ polymerization. The enhancement of the mechanical properties was attributed to the incorporation of the surfactant. A percolation of electrical conductivity could be achieved with 1 wt% of CNTs. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Influence of modified carbon nanotube on physical properties and crystallization behavior of poly(ethylene terephthalate) nanocomposite

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanocomposites reinforced with a very small quantity of modified carbon nanotube (CNT) were prepared by melt compounding using a twin‐screw extruder. The introduction of carboxylic acid groups on the surfaces of the nanotube leads to the enhanced interactions between the nanotube and the polymer matrix through hydrogen bonding formation. The thermal stability, mechanical, and rheological properties of the PET nanocomposites are strongly dependent on the interfacial interactions between the PET and the modified CNT as well as the dispersion of the modified CNT in the PET. The introduction of the nanotube can significantly influence the non‐isothermal crystallization behavior of the PET nanocomposites. This study demonstrates that a very small quantity of the modified CNT can substantially improve the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the PET nanocomposites, depending on the dispersion of the modified CNT and the interfacial interactions between the polymer matrix and the modified CNT. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Enhanced properties of phthalonitrile‐terminated polyarylene ether nitriles embedded with hybrid MWCNT–boehmite nanocomposites

The main motivation of the present work was to fabricate novel multifunctional polymer‐based nanocomposites. The nanocomposites embedded with multi‐walled carbon nanotube‐boehmite (MWCNT‐boehmite) were prepared via hot pressure casting technique. The MWCNT coated with boehmite were synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis. Subsequently, as‐prepared MWCNT‐boehmite was added into the phthalonitrile‐terminated polyarylene ether nitriles (PEN‐t‐CN) matrix in order to benefit from the synergetic effect of MWCNT and boehmite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) were employed to confirm the existence of MWCNT‐boehmite in our article. Furthermore, the structures, fracture morphologies, thermal, mechanical and dielectric properties of the nanocomposites were investigated, respectively. SEM images indicated that the MWCNT‐boehmite was homogeneously dispersed in the polymer, which acted as an essential factor to ensure good physical properties. The TGA analysis showed that the incorporation of MWCNT‐boehmite enhanced the thermal stability of the nanocomposites with initial degradation temperature (T_id) increasing from 458 to 492°C, while that of the pure PEN‐t‐CN was 439°C. The mechanical testing proved that significant enhancement of mechanical properties has been achieved. The tensile strength of PEN‐t‐CN/MWCNT‐boehmite composites with 3 wt% MWCNT‐boehmite reached the maximum (78.33 MPa), with a 41.7 % increase compared to the pure polymer. More importantly, the unique dielectric properties were systematically discussed and the results demonstrated that dielectric properties exhibited little dependency on frequency. For the incorporation of hybrid filler, the positive impact of MWCNT‐boehmite hybrid material resulted in polymer‐based nanocomposites with enhanced physical properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:2193–2202, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effect of multistage sonication on dispersive mixing of polymer nanocomposites characterized via shear‐induced crystallization behavior

While nanoparticle dispersion is necessary to achieve optimal properties, it has long been recognized as a major technological hurdle for polymer nanocomposites. Here, a systematic study incorporated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in polycaprolactone (PCL) using a multi‐stage sonication process, with Stage 1 sonication of CNT/solvent followed by Stage 2 sonication of the pre‐processed CNT/solvent with the dissolved polymer. Conventional dispersion characterization techniques were complemented with analysis of the shear‐induced crystallization (SIC) behavior of the semicrystalline nanocomposite, which was found to be particularly sensitive to the state of nanoparticle dispersion. While Stage 1 sonication was found to have a pronounced effect on the nanoparticle dispersion as characterized via SIC and thermal characterization, the impact of Stage 2 sonication on the level of nanoparticle dispersion was much smaller. Such results demonstrate the utility of characterization of the shear‐induced crystallization behavior as a means to analyze nanoparticle dispersion in semicrystalline polymer nanocomposites. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44681.     

Calorimetric study of nanocomposites of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and isotactic polypropylene polymer

Modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) was used to measure the complex specific heat of the crystallization and melting transitions of nanocomposites of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) as function of CNT weight percent and temperature scan rate. In the last few years, great attention has been paid to the preparation of iPP/CNT nanocomposites due to their unique thermal and structural properties and potential applications. As the CNT content increases from 0 to 1 wt %, heterogeneous crystal nucleation scales with the CNT surface area. Above 1 wt %, nucleation appears to saturate with the crystallization temperature, reaching ～8 K above that of the neat polymer. Heating scans reveal a complex, two‐step, melting process with a small specific heat peak, first observed ～8 K below a much larger peak for the neat iPP. For iPP/CNT samples, these two features rapidly shift to higher temperatures with increasing ?_w and then plateau at ～3 K above that in neat iPP for ?_w ≥ 1 wt %. Scan rates affect dramatically differently the neat iPP and its nanocomposites. Transition temperatures shift nonlinearly, while the total transition enthalpy diverges between cooling and heating cycles with decreasing scan rates. These results are interpreted as the CNTs acting as nucleation sites for iPP crystal formation, randomly pinning a crystal structure different than in the neat iPP and indicating complex transition dynamics. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Morphology,crystallization, and mechanical properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/multiwall carbon nanotube nanocomposites via in situ polymerization with very low content of multiwall carbon nanotubes

So far, the reported content of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) in polymer/MWNTs nanocomposites is usually above 0.1 wt %. In this article, we will report our work on the study of the morphology, crystallization, and mechanical properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/MWNTs nanocomposites prepared by in situ polymerization with very low content of MWNTs (from 0.01 to 0.2 wt %). Well‐dispersed MWNTs with a big network throughout PET matrix were observed by SEM. The very small amount of MWNTs displayed a great nucleating effect on the PET crystallization. The crystallization temperature was improved for 6.4°C by using only 0.01 wt % MWNTs. The decreased chain mobility of PET by adding MWNTs was evident by the formation of imperfect or smaller/thinner crystallites with low melting temperature. An increased storage modulus was also achieved for the nanohybirds with MWNT content less than 0.05 wt %. Our result indicates that using very low content MWNTs (less than 0.1 wt %) is a simple way to achieve good dispersion, yet with remarkable enhancement for polymer/MWNTs modification. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 3695–3701, 2007     

Graphene nanoplatelet‐reinforced semi‐crystal poly(arylene ether nitrile) nanocomposites prepared by the twin‐screw extrusion

Graphene nanoplatelet reinforced semi‐crystal poly(arylene ether nitrile) (PEN/GN) nanocomposites were prepared by an economically and environmentally friendly method of twin‐screw extrusion technique. The feasibility of using PEN/GN nanocomposites was investigated by evaluating their thermal behaviors, mechanical, and morphological properties. Thermal studies revealed that GN could act as nucleating agents but decreased the whole crystallinity in/of PEN/GN nanocomposites. Mechanical investigation manifested that GN had both strengthening effect (increase in flexural modulus and strength) and toughening effect (rise in the elongation and impact strength) on the mechanical performance of semi‐crystal PEN nanocomposites. Heat treatment can further increase their mechanical performances due to the increased crystallinity and release of inner stress. With the small addition of GN (<5 wt%), the morphology of PEN was changed from brittle to ductile, and GN showed good dispersion and adhesion in/to the PEN matrix. This work shows that in the semi‐crystal polymer/filler systems, besides the dispersion states of fillers and interactions between fillers and polymer matrices, the crystallinity of the nanocomposites affected by the existence of filler and the residual stress are also two key factors determining the mechanical properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:404–411, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

The characteristics of carbon nanotube‐reinforced poly(phenylene sulfide) nanocomposites

Multiwall carbon nanotube reinforced poly (phenylene sulfide) (PPS) nanocomposites were successfully fabricated through melt compounding. Structural, electrical, thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were systematically studied as a function of carbon nanotube (CNT) fraction. Electrical conductivity of the polymer was dramatically enhanced at low loading level of the nanotubes; the electrical percolation threshold lay between 1 and 2 wt % of the CNTs. Rheological properties of the PPS nanocomposites also showed a sudden change with the CNT fraction; the percolation threshold was in the range of 0–0.5 wt % of CNTs. The difference in electrical and rheological percolation threshold was mainly due to the different requirements needed in the carbon nanotube network in different stages. The crystallization and melting behavior of CNT‐filled PPS nanocomposites were studied with differential scanning calorimetry; no new crystalline form of PPS was observed in the nanocomposites, but the crystallization rate was reduced. The thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were also investigated, and both of them showed significant increase with CNT fraction. For 5 wt % of CNT‐filled PPS composite, the onset of degradation temperature increased by about 13.5°C, the modulus increased by about 33%, and tensile strength increased by about 172%. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Glass fibers reinforced poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate)/ethylene propylene diene monomer composites: Structure,mechanical, and thermal properties

Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) was blended with glass fibers (GFs)‐filled poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate) (PEN) composites to improve the impact properties of PEN. The impact strength of PEN/EPDM/GF composite (PEN/EPDM = 60/40) was about 62 J/m, which was nearly four times higher than the PEN/GF composite without EPDM. At the same time, the tensile strength and flexural modulus were still maintained at considerable values since the GFs compensated the loss of mechanical properties of PEN by incorporation of EPDM. The scanning electron microscopy results showed that the GFs were orientated and homogenously dispersed in the PEN matrix and, after incorporation of EPDM, the surface of GFs were covered by a matrix layer which became coarse and thick with increasing EPDM content. The dynamic mechanical analysis results showed the poor compatibility between PEN and EPDM. The thermal gravimetric analysis revealed that the PEN matrix protected the dispersed EPDM domains, resulting in an increased maximum peak temperature (T_max) of the EPDM phase. At last, the results of differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated that incorporation of EPDM led to an increase in crystallization rate and improvement in crystallization temperature. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:939–947, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Influence of rubber content on mechanical,thermal, and morphological behavior of natural rubber toughened poly(lactic acid)–multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites

The effects of natural rubber (NR) on the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposites prepared by melt blending were investigated. A PLA/NR blend and PLA/CNT nanocomposites were also produced for comparison. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of PLA/CNT nanocomposites improved significantly, whereas the impact strength decreased compared to neat PLA. The incorporation of NR into PLA/CNT significantly improved the impact strength and elongation at break of the nanocomposites, which showed approximately 200% and 850% increases at 20 wt % NR, respectively. However, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of PLA/NR/CNT nanocomposites decreased compared to PLA/CNT nanocomposites. The morphology analysis showed the homogeneous dispersion of NR particles in PLA/NR/CNT nanocomposites, while CNTs preferentially reside in the NR phase rather than the PLA matrix. In addition, the incorporation of NR into PLA/CNT lowered the thermal stability and glass‐transition temperature of the nanocomposites. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 44344.     

Characterization of carbon nanotube- and organoclay-filled polypropylene/poly(butylene succinate) blend-based nanocomposites with enhanced rigidity and electrical conductivity

In this study, immiscible polypropylene/poly(butylene succinate) (PP/PBS) blend-based nanocomposites were successfully prepared using an internal mixer. Carbon nanotube (CNT)/organo-montmorillonite (15A) and maleated PP (PPgMA) served as the reinforcing nanofillers and compatibilizer, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that PPgMA played an efficient role as compatibilizer for reducing the dispersed domain size of PBS in the blend. The added CNT was randomly distributed within the PP and PBS phases, whereas 15A was selectively located in the PBS domain. Differential scanning calorimetry results confirmed the nucleation effect of CNT on the PP/PBS crystallization, but 15A addition only facilitated the PBS crystallization. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that CNT and 15A both enhanced the thermal stability of the blend under air environment. The rheological property measurements confirmed the significant change in microstructure of composites through developing the pseudo-network structure with CNT and/or 15A additions. The Young’s modulus (YM) of PP/PBS blend increased evidently with the inclusion of CNT. The incorporation of 2.5 phr CNT evidently increased the YM by approximately 243% compared with that of neat PBS. The electrical resistivity of the samples drastically reduced with the addition of CNT up to 10 orders of drop at a 3-phr CNT loading. The electrical percolation was constructed at a CNT content of 0.5 phr.