Dispersion characteristics and properties of poly(methyl methacrylate)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites

The preparation, characterization, and properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites are described. Nanocomposites have been prepared by melt-blending in a batch mixer. Both unmodified and surface modified MWCNTs have been used for the nanocomposites preparation. Using both unmodified and modified MWCNTs, the effect of surface modification in nanocomposites is investigated by focusing on three major aspects: dispersion characteristics, mechanical properties, and electrical conductivity measurements. Dispersion of the MWCNTs in the PMMA matrix is examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy that revealed a homogeneous distribution-dispersion of MWCNTs in the PMMA matrix for both unmodified and modified MWCNTs. Thermomechanical behavior is studied by dynamic mechanical analyzer and results showed a substantial improvement in the mechanical properties of PMMA in conjunction to an increase in the elastic behavior. The tensile properties of neat PMMA moderately improved after nanocomposites preparation with both modified and unmodified MWCNTs, however, electrical conductivity of neat PMMA significantly improved after nanocomposites preparation with 2 wt% unmodified MWCNTs. For example, the through plane conductivity increased from 3.6 x 10(-12) S x cm(-1) for neat PMMA to 3.6 x 10(-9) S x cm(-1) for nanocomposite. The various property measurements have been conducted and results have shown that, in overall, surface modifications have very little or no effect on final properties of neat PMMA.     

Thermal conductive and electrical properties of polyurethane/hyperbranched poly(urea-urethane)-grafted multi-walled carbon nanotube composites

Hyperbranched poly(urea-urethane)-grafted multi-walled carbon nanotubes (HPU-MWCNTs) were incorporated in a polyurethane (PU) matrix based on poly(ethylene oxide-tetrahydrofuran) and aliphatic polyisocyanate resin as curing agent. The 9–12 nm thick HPU shell formed on the MWCNTs improved the dispersion of MWCNTs and enhanced the interfacial adhesion between the PU matrix and MWCNTs, leading to improvements in storage modulus and T_g of the composites and enhancement of the thermal stability of PU. Thus, composites with 0.5–1 wt% MWCNTs increased the thermal conductivity by about 60–70% when compared to, and retained the high electrical resistivity of, neat PU.     

Scavenging phenomenon and improved electrical and mechanical properties of polyaniline–divinylbenzene composite in presence of MWCNT

A semi-doped polyaniline (PANI)–dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) complex is added with a suspension of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)–divinylbenzene (DVB) to prepare PANI–MWCNT based thermosetting conductive resin system. Firstly, unreinforced nanocomposites with various loading of MWCNT are prepared. Continuous improvement in the electrical conductivity is observed with increasing MWCNT loading in the composite, while improvement in the mechanical properties is observed only up to 0.2 wt% MWCNT loading. On further MWCNT loading, the decrease in mechanical properties is observed. Flexural strength increased by 18% with 0.2 wt% of MWCNT in the unreinforced nanocomposite while electrical conductivity increased continuously to 0.68 S/cm (at 0.5 wt% of MWCNT loading) from 0.25 S/cm (neat sample). DSC and TGA analysis show that MWCNT effectively contributed to enhance the scavenging effect of PANI, affecting degree of DVB polymerization at higher loading of MWCNT. Samples were characterized by FTIR analysis. DMA analysis is also performed to understand the mechanical behavior of the cured unreinforced nanocomposite under dynamic loading. SEM observation has been employed to understand the dispersion behavior of MWCNT into the matrix. PANI-wrapping behavior on MWCNT is observed from the SEM images. Wrapping of PANI on MWCNT increased doping state and surface area of PANI which subsequently contribute to the increased scavenging behavior of PANI at higher MWCNT loading. A structural thermosetting nanocomposite with electrical conductivity of 0.68 S/cm, flexural modulus of 1.87 GPa and flexural strength up to 35 MPa is prepared. In addition, PANI–DBSA/DVB matrix with MWCNT is also used to impregnate carbon fabrics to prepare highly conductive CFRPs. A CFRP with 1.67 S/cm electrical conductivity in through-thickness direction and 328 MPa flexural strength is obtained with the addition of 0.2 wt% MWCNT into the resin system.     

Thermal and thermomechanical properties of poly(butylene succinate) nanocomposites

This article describes the thermal and thermomechanical properties of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and its nanocomposites. PBS nanocomposites with three different weight ratios of organically modified synthetic fluorine mica (OMSFM) have been prepared by melt-mixing in a batch mixer at 140 degrees C. The structure and morphology of the nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations that reveal the homogeneous dispersion of the intercalated silicate layers into the PBS matrix. The thermal properties of pure PBS and the nanocomposite samples were studied by both conventional and temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses, which show multiple melting behavior of the PBS matrix. The investigation of the thermomechanical properties was performed by dynamic mechanical analysis. Results reveal significant improvement in the storage modulus of neat PBS upon addition of OMSFM. The tensile modulus of neat PBS is also increased substantially with the addition of OMSFM, however, the strength at yield and elongation at break of neat PBS systematically decreases with the loading of OMSFM. The thermal stability of the nanocomposites compared to that of the pure polymer sample was examined under both pyrolytic and thermo-oxidative environments. It is shown that the thermal stability of PBS is increased moderately in the presence of 3 wt% of OMSFM, but there is no significant effect on further silicate loading in the oxidative environment. In the nitrogen environment, however, the thermal stability systematically decreases with increasing clay loading.     

Conducting nanocomposites of poly(N-vinylcarbazole) with single-walled carbon nanotubes

The in situ solid-state polymerization of N-vinylcarbazole (NVC) at an elevated temperature in the presence of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) leads to the formation of new types of composite materials, the morphology and properties of which were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and electrical property measurements. FTIR spectroscopy and XPS studies confirmed the ability of SWCNTs to initiate the in situ polymerization of NVC monomers. FE-SEM and TEM results showed the coating of the outer surfaces of SWCNTs by the PNVC hompolymer with separation of individual SWCNTs from the bundles. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed a moderate improvement in the thermal stability of the nanocomposites at a higher temperature region relative to the base polymer. The electrical conductivity of neat polymer dramatically improved in the presence of SWCNTs. For example, dc electrical conductivity increased from 10(-16)-10(-12) S x cm(-1) for neat PNVC to approximately 10(-6) S x cm(-1) for nanocomposite containing 9 wt% SWCNTs.     

Mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of aluminum nitride/polyetherimide composites

The mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of modified AlN/polyetherimide (PEI) composites were investigated. It revealed that the surface of AlN modified by silane could effectively increase the adhesion with matrix, which was beneficial for AlN to reinforce the polyetherimide matrix. After silane modification, the AlN showed good dispersion and wetibility in the polyetherimide matrix and imparted excellent mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. The tensile strength, modulus, electrical and thermal stability were improved with the increasing of AlN content. The tensile strength of AlN/PEI composites increased by 27% when 12.6 vol.% AlN was added to neat polyetherimide. The thermal conductivity of the 57.4 vol.% AlN/PEI composites increased three times compared with neat polyetherimide. Test results indicate that the silane grafted AlN incorporated into the polyetehetimide matrix effectively enhance the thermal stability, thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of the polyetherimide composites.     

Morphology, mechanical and thermal properties of graphene-reinforced poly(butylene succinate) nanocomposites

Graphene nanosheets (GNSs) reinforced poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) nanocomposites are facilely obtained by a solution-based processing method. Graphene nanosheets, which are derived from chemically reduced graphite oxide (GO), are characterized by AFM, TEM, XRD and Raman spectra. The state of dispersion of the GNSs in the PBS matrix is examined by SEM observations that reveals homogeneous distribution of GNSs in PBS matrix. A 21% increase in tensile strength and a 24% improvement of storage modulus are achieved by addition of 2.0 wt% of GNS. The electrical conductivity and thermal stability of the graphene-based nanocomposite are also improved. DSC measurement indicates that the presence of graphene sheets does not have a remarkable impact on the crystallinity of the nanocomposites. Therefore, the high performances of the nanocomposites are mainly attributed to the uniform dispersion of GNSs in the polymer matrix and strong interfacial interactions between both components.     

Enhancement of thermal and electrical conductivities of cyanoacrylate by addition of carbon based nanofillers

Nanocomposites with addition of graphite nanoparticles, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and graphene in cyanoacrylate from 0.1 to 0.5 or 0.6 vol% were fabricated. The influences of morphology towards thermal and electrical conductivities of cyanoacrylate nanocomposites were studied. Microstructure based on field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images indicated that nanofillers have unique morphologies which affect the thermal and electrical conductivities of nanocomposites. The maximum thermal conductivity values were measured at 0.3195 and 0.3500 W/mK for 0.4 vol% of MWCNTs/cyanoacrylate and 0.5 vol% of graphene/cyanoacrylate nanocomposite, respectively. These values were improved as high as 204 and 233% as compared with the thermal conductivity of neat cyanoacrylate. Nanocomposites with 0.2 vol% MWCNTs/cyanoacrylate fulfilled the requirement for ESD protection material with surface resistivity of 6.52?×?10⁶ Ω/sq and volume resistivity of 6.97?×?10⁹ Ω m. On the other hand, 0.5 vol% MWCNTs/cyanoacrylate nanocomposite can be used as electrical conductive adhesive. Compared with graphene and graphite nanofillers, MWCNTs is the best filler to be used in cyanoacrylate for improvement in thermal and electrical conductivity enhancement at low filler loading.     

Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Nanocomposites by Mixing Noncovalently Functionalized Boron Nitride Nanoflakes

The influence of surface modifications on the mechanical properties of epoxy‐hexagonal boron nitride nanoflake (BNNF) nanocomposites is investigated. Homogeneous distributions of boron nitride nanoflakes in a polymer matrix, preserving intrinsic material properties of boron nitride nanoflakes, is the key to successful composite applications. Here, a method is suggested to obtain noncovalently functionalized BNNFs with 1‐pyrenebutyric acid (PBA) molecules and to synthesize epoxy–BNNF nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties. The incorporation of noncovalently functionalized BNNFs into epoxy resin yields an elastic modulus of 3.34 GPa, and 71.9 MPa ultimate tensile strength at 0.3 wt%. The toughening enhancement is as high as 107% compared to the value of neat epoxy. The creep strain and the creep compliance of the noncovalently functionalized BNNF nanocomposite is significantly less than the neat epoxy and the nonfunctionalized BNNF nanocomposite. Noncovalent functionalization of BNNFs is effective to increase mechanical properties by strong affinity between the fillers and the matrix.     

Electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotube-reinforced polypropylene nanocomposites

In this paper, the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties such as elastic modulus of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) reinforced polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites were investigated both experimentally and theoretically. MWCNT-PP nanocomposites samples were produced using injection mold at different injection velocities. The range of the CNT fillers is from 0 up to 12?wt%. The influence of the injection velocity and the volume fraction of CNTs on both electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were studied. The injection speed showed some effect on the electrical conductivity, but no significant influence on the mechanical properties such as elastic modulus and stress-strain relations of the composites under tensile loading. Parallel to the experimental investigation, for electrical conductivity, a percolation theory was applied to study the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite system in terms of content of nanotubes. Both Kirkpatrick (Rev Mod Phys 45:574?C588, 1973) and McLachlan et?al. (J Polym Sci B 43:3273?C3287, 2005) models were used to determine the transition from low conductivity to high conductivity in which designates as percolation threshold. It was found that the percolation threshold of CNT/PP composites is close to 3.8?wt%. For mechanical properties of the system, several micromechanical models were applied to elucidate the elastic properties of the nanocomposites. The results indicate that the interphase between the CNT and the polymers plays an important role in determining the elastic modulus of the system.     

Properties of polycarbonate (PC)/multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites prepared by melt blending

This investigation deals with an easy method to develop electrical conductivity in polycarbonate (PC)/multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites with low loading of MWCNT. This was achieved by melt-blending of in-situ bulk polymerized low molecular weight poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/MWCNT nanocomposites and PC in various compositions at 280 degrees C in internal mixer. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study showed single Tg in (85/15 w/w) PC/PMMA blend, indicating miscibility of PC and PMMA in the blend. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies of the melt-blended PC/PMMA/MWCNT nanocomposites revealed homogeneous dispersion and distribution of MWCNTs in PC matrix. Finally, through optimizing the blending composition of PC and PMMA/MWCNT nanocomposites, electrical conductivity of 3.74 x 10(-7) S x cm(-1) was achieved in the (85/15 w/w) PC/PMMA/MWCNT nanocomposites with the MWCNTs loading as low as approximately 0.37 wt%. Storage modulus of PC was found to increase significantly in presence of small amount (0.37 wt%) of MWCNTs in the nanocomposites.     

Synthesis and characteristics of multi-walled carbon nanotubes-polyimide nanocomposite films

The polyimide/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (PI/MWNTs) nanocomposite film has been successfully synthesized in this study. The source of MWNTs is prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Then the MWNTs are washed with acid for purification before being added into the polymer matrix. The acid-modified procedure aids in dispersing MWNTs in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) solvent. Based on the results of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the MWNTs are embedded in PI and well-dispersed within the PI matrix. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) shows that the storage modulus of nanocomposite film is increased by 68% with the addition of 1 wt% MWNTs into PI. The nanocomposite films start to decompose at or above 400 degrees C and lose 5% of its weight at 545 degrees C according to thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Meanwhile, the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite film with 3 wt% MWNTs, is raised more than 10 orders of magnitude from 10(-15) to 10(-5) S/cm.     

The relationship of crystallization behavior,mechanical properties,and morphology of polypropylene nanocomposite fibers

This study aimed at the fabrication of lightweight and high performance nanocomposite fibers. Polypropylene/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PP/MWCNTs) nanocomposite fibers (0–5 wt% of MWCNTs) were prepared via melt spinning process. The MWCNTs were dispersed in the dispersing agent before mixing with PP powder. After mixing, the dispersing agent was removed. Then the nanocomposites were spun into fibers. The fibers were spun and stretched with 7.5 draw ratios. Crystallization behavior and thermal properties of PP/MWCNTs nanocomposite fibers were studied using the differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The DSC curves of PP/MWCNTs nanocomposite fibers showed the crystallization peak at a temperature higher than that of neat PP fibers. These results revealed that the MWCNTs acted as nucleating sites for PP crystallization. The additions of MWCNTs into PP leaded to an increase in both crystallization temperature and crystallization enthalpy. However, no significant changes in the melting temperatures of the PP nanocomposites were detected. Degradation temperature of samples obtained from the TGA curves showed increase thermal degradation behavior for the PP/MWCNTs with the content of MWCNTs. It was found that the increase of tensile strength and modulus corresponded well with the increase of crystallinity of the composite fibers.     

Incorporation of liquid-like multiwalled carbon nanotubes into an epoxy matrix by solvent-free processing

Covalent attachment of 2,2'-(ethylenedioxy)-diethylamine to multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) produced amino-functionalized MWCNTs which behaved like liquids at ambient temperature. These liquid-like MWCNTs (l-MWCNTs) could be homogeneously dispersed and chemically embedded in an epoxy matrix by solvent-free processing. In contrast, solid MWCNTs (s-MWCNTs) functionalized by 1,8-diaminooctane were poorly dispersed in epoxy although they possess chemical structures and functionalization comparable to l-MWCNTs. An epoxy composite filled with pristine MWCNTs (p-MWCNTs) was also fabricated in the absence of a solvent at the same loading for comparison. The molecular level coupling of l-MWCNTs and epoxy provided significant improvements in overall mechanical properties relative to those composites containing p-MWCNTs and s-MWCNTs. The Young's modulus, storage modulus, tensile strength, failure strain and toughness of neat epoxy were increased by 28.4, 23.8, 22.9, 24.1 and 66.1%, respectively, by adding 0.5?wt% of l-MWCNTs. Thus, functionalized carbon nanotubes in liquid form contributed to better dispersion and superior interfacial bonding with the epoxy matrix, thereby facilitating greater mechanical reinforcement efficiency.     

功能化MWCNTs网格/环氧树脂复合材料的制备及性能

采用正压过滤法制备了多壁碳纳米管（MWCNTs）网格（巴基纸）,并采用真空辅助RTM工艺制备了MWCNTs网格/环氧树脂复合材料。通过SEM、FTIR、拉伸测试等对MWCNTs网格的微观形貌和性能进行了表征,并研究了MWCNTs网格/环氧复合材料的拉伸性。结果表明,所制备的功能化MWCNTs网格比较均匀,拉伸强度在22~32 MPa之间,拉伸模量约为1 GPa,相比未功能化处理的MWCNTs网格,强度最大提高了约167%。功能化MWCNTs网格/环氧树脂复合材料的拉伸强度和拉伸模量可达到152 MPa和6.48 GPa,相比空白环氧树脂提高了约1倍以上,拉伸试样断面SEM表明,环氧树脂对功能化MWCNTs网格的浸润效果良好,界面结合紧密,有效地提高了复合材料的力学性能。     

Influence of functionalization on properties of MWCNT-epoxy nanocomposites

The effects of various functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of an epoxy based nanocomposite system were investigated. Chemical functionalization of MWCNT by oxidation (MWCNT-COOH) and direct-fluorination (MWCNT-F) were confirmed by FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and TGA. Utilizing in situ polymerization, 1 wt% loading of MWCNT was used to prepare epoxy-based nanocomposites. Compared to the neat epoxy system, nanocomposites prepared with MWCNT-COOH showed 25.5% increase in ultimate flexural strength and 54.8% increase in flexural modulus. A decrease in strength was observed for the MWCNT-F nanocomposites. The premature degradation was attributed to a presumable catalyzation by hydrofluoric acid, HF, which evolved from the MWCNT-F during the curing process. However, only the MWCNT-F nanocomposites showed 22% increase in thermal properties (T_g). All nanophased systems showed increase in storage modulus.     

Fabrication of thermoplastic polyester elastomer/layered zinc hydroxide nitrate nanocomposites with enhanced thermal,mechanical and combustion properties

The objective of this study is to explore the potential of layered zinc hydroxide nitrate modified with sodium benzoate as nanoparticle in thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE). The organically modified zinc hydroxide nitrate was compounded with TPEE using solution blending method. The nanocomposite structure was characterized by means of X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the nanoparticle was homogenously dispersed in TPEE matrix, and partially exfoliated structure was formed. The thermal behavior, mechanical and thermal combustion properties of the novel nanocomposite were studied respectively through differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC). For the nanocomposite containing 7 wt% nanoparticle, the crystallization temperature evaluated by DSC was increased by 10 °C. The storage modulus at −95 °C measured by DMA was improved by around 26%. The heat release capacity (an indicator of a material fire hazard) from MCC testing was reduced by about 56% (compared to the results of neat TPEE).     

Electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of polyarylene ether nitriles/graphite nanosheets nanocomposites prepared by masterbatch route

Graphite nanosheets (GN) reinforced polyarylene ether nitriles (PEN) nanocomposites were successfully fabricated through masterbatch route and investigated for morphological, thermal electrical, mechanical, and rheological properties. The SEM images showed that GN were well coated by phthalonitrile prepolymer (PNP) and dispersed in the PEN matrix. Thermal degradation and heat distortion temperature of PEN/GN nanocomposites increased substantially with the increment of GN content up to 10 wt%. Electrical conductivity of the polymer was dramatically enhanced at low loading level of GN; the electrical percolation of was around 5 wt% of GN. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were also investigated and showed significant increase with GN loading. For 10 wt% of GN-reinforced PEN composite, the tensile strength increased by about 18%, the tensile modulus increased by about 30%, the flexural strength increased by about 25%, and the flexural modulus increased by 90%. Rheological properties of the PEN/GN nanocomposites also showed a sudden change with the GN loading content; the percolation threshold was in the range of 3–4 wt% of GN.     

碳包钴纳米颗粒/聚二甲基硅氧烷复合热界面材料的制备和性能

为了制备具有良好的热导率、热稳定性、导电性和柔顺性的纳米颗粒填充硅树脂复合材料,首先以乙基封端聚二甲基硅氧烷(PDMS)为基体材料,以碳包钴纳米颗粒(C@Co)为填料,采用研磨共混法制备了C@Co/PDMS复合热界面材料。然后,运用TEM、XRD、Raman和SEM分别对C@Co的微观结构、物相、石墨化程度和分散性进行了研究。最后,研究了C@Co含量对复合热界面材料的热导率、热稳定性、导电性和柔顺性的影响。结果表明:该复合热界面材料的热导率随着C@Co含量的增加而增大,当C@Co的含量为24wt%时,复合材料的热导率达到最大值1.64 W/(m·K),比纯PDMS的提高了10.7倍;TG分析表明,添加24wt%的C@Co后,复合材料的起始分解温度和最终分解温度比纯PDMS的分别提高了约70℃和80℃,说明C@Co能提高复合材料的热稳定性;随着C@Co含量的增加,复合热界面材料的电导率非线性增大,拟合试差计算的逾渗阀值为10wt%,即C@Co含量小于10wt%时复合材料的绝缘性良好,而填充24wt%的C@Co时复合材料的电导率为9.38×10-3 S·m-1;复合材料的硬度适中,处于17.6~26.8HA范围内,表明该复合材料的柔顺性较好。因此,24wt%C@Co/PDMS复合材料不仅能满足热界面材料电性能的基本要求,且具有良好的热导率、热稳定性和柔顺性。     

Effects of temperature and clay content on water absorption characteristics of modified MMT clay/cyclic olefin copolymer nanocomposite films: Permeability,dynamic mechanical properties and the encapsulated organic device performance

In the present study, amino-silane modified layered organosilicates were used to reinforce cyclic olefin copolymer to enhance the thermal, mechanical and moisture impermeable barrier properties. The optimum clay loading (4%) in the nanocomposite increases the thermal stability of the film while further loading decreases film stability. Water absorption behavior at 62 °C was carried out and compared with the behavior at room temperature and 48 °C. The stiffness of the matrix increases with clay content and the recorded strain to failure for the composite films was lower than the neat film. Dynamic mechanical analysis show higher storage modulus and low loss modulus for 2.5–4 wt% clay loading. Calcium degradation test and device encapsulation also show the evidence of optimum clay loading of 4 wt% for improved low water vapor transmission rates compared to other nanocomposite films.