Dispersion of SiC coated MWCNTs in PEI/silicone rubber blend and its effect on the thermal and mechanical properties

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are modified by polycarbosilane derived SiC to improve the dispersion of MWCNTs in the polymer matrix. Unmodified and modified MWCNTs are dispersed in PEI/hydroxyl terminated PDMS(HTSR) blend by melt mixing. TEM and FESEM images shows better dispersion of SiC coated MWCNTs in the blend matrix when compared with pure MWCNTs. Thermal stability of the SiC coated MWCNTs added nanocomposite improved drastically than that of the pure MWCNTs. Compared with pure PEI/HTSR binary blend and unmodified MWCNTs/PEI/HTSR ternary blend, the storage modulus, tensile modulus, and tensile strength of SiC coated MWCNTs/PEI/HTSR blend increased, due to the better dispersion of the modified MWCNTs in polymer matrix. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites: Preparation,mechanical properties,thermal properties,and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness

This study uses the solution mixing method to combine plasticized polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a matrix, and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as reinforcement to form PVA/MWCNTs films. The films are then laminated and hot pressed to create PVA/MWCNTs composites. The control group of PVA/MWCNTs composites is made by incorporating the melt compounding method. Diverse properties of PVA/MWCNTs composites are then evaluated. For the experimental group, the incorporation of MWCNTs improves the glass transition temperature (T_g), crystallization temperature, T_c), and thermal stability of the composites. In addition, the test results indicate that composites containing 1.5 wt % of MWCNTs have the maximum tensile strength of 51.1 MPa, whereas composites containing 2 wt % MWCNTs have the optimal electrical conductivity of 2.4 S/cm, and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of ?31.41 dB. This study proves that the solution mixing method outperforms the melt compounding method in terms of mechanical properties, dispersion, melting and crystallization behaviors, thermal stability, and EMI SE. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43474.     

Improving thermal conductivity and shear strength of carbon nanotubes/epoxy composites via thiol‐ene click reaction

This study investigates the effect of the thiol‐ene click reaction on thermal conductivity and shear strength of the epoxy composites reinforced by various silane‐functionalized hybrids of sulfhydryl‐grafted multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (SH‐MWCNTs) and vinyl‐grafted MWCNTs (CC‐MWCNTs). The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) show that the sulfhydryl groups and vinyl groups are successfully grafted onto the surface of MWCNTs, after treatment of MWCNT with triethoxyvinylsilane and 3‐mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), HotDisk thermal constant analyzer (HotDisk), optical microscope, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are used to characterize the resultant composites. It is demonstrated that the hybrid of 75 wt % SH‐MWCNTs and 25 wt % CC‐MWCNTs has better dispersion and stability in epoxy matrix, and shows a stronger synergistic effect in improving the thermal conductivity of epoxy composite via the thiol‐ene click reaction with 2,2′‐azobis(2‐methylpropionitrile) as thermal initiator. Furthermore, the tensile shear strength results of MWCNT/epoxy composites and the optical microscopy photographs of shear failure section indicate that the composite with the hybrid MWCNTs has higher shear strength than that with raw MWCNTs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44579.     

EP/GNs/MWCNTs复合材料的导热性能

以多壁碳纳米管(MWCNTs)和石墨烯纳米微片(GNs)为导热填料,环氧树脂(EP)为基体采用溶剂和超声分散法,制备了EP/GNs/MWCNTs导热复合材料,并与EP/MWCNTs及EP/GNs复合材料的导热性能进行了对比。采用透射电子显微镜观察其微观结构,采用Hot Disk热导率测试仪测试其导热性能,采用差示扫描量热法和热重分析仪测试其耐热性及热稳定性。结果表明,MWCNTs和GNs共同作为EP导热填料时,相比于单组分填料(MWCNTs或GNs)更易形成导热网络;EP的热导率、玻璃化转变温度(Tg)和热分解温度均随着MWCNTs或GNs含量的增加而提高,其中,GNs更有利于提高EP的热导率和热分解温度,MWCNTs更有利于提高EP的Tg。在相同的导热填料含量下,相对于其中的任一单一填料,MWCNTs/GNs共同作用时,对热导率的提高有更显著的效果,且随着其中GNs比例的增加,热导率逐渐增大。当GNs和MWCNTs的体积分数分别为0.6%和0.4%时,EP/GNs/MWCNTs复合材料的热导率、Tg和起始分解温度分别为0.565 W/(m·K),152℃和316℃,分别比纯EP提高了132.5%,34.5%和8.2%。     

Preparation and properties of polyurethane/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites by a spray drying process

A spray drying approach has been used to prepare polyurethane/multiwalled carbon nanotube (PU/MWCNT) composites. By using this method, the MWCNTs can be dispersed homogeneously in the PU matrix in an attempt to improve the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. The morphology of the resulting PU/MWCNT composites was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). SEM and TEM observations illustrate that the MWCNTs are dispersed finely and uniformly in the PU matrix. X‐ray diffraction results indicate that the microphase separation structure of the PU is slightly affected by the presence of the MWCNTs. The mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, and hardness of the nanocomposites were studied. The electrical and the thermal conductivity of the nanocomposites were also evaluated. The results show that both the electrical and the thermal conductivity increase with the increase of MWCNT loading. In addition, the percolation threshold value of the PU composites is significantly reduced to about 5 wt % because of the high aspect ratio of carbon nanotubes and exclusive effect of latex particles of PU emulsion in dispersion. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Simultaneous ultrasonication‐assisted internal mixing to prepare MWCNTs‐filled epoxy composites with increased strength and thermal conductivity

The uniform dispersion of carbon nanotubes in epoxy resin is one of the key factors to achieve the composites with desirable mechanical and physical property enforcement. However, the widely used dispersion methods have their own respective limitations in pursuing satisfactory nanotube dispersion. Herein, a new dispersion approach, based on the synergetic effect of combining high speed internal mixing with running simultaneously continuous ultrasonication treatment, has been proposed. The dispersion of nanotubes was carried out in a high speed internal mixer, consisting of twin kneading block structured rotors and an integrated ultrasonic horn, which was intercalated into the central position between the twin rotors. At first, the FEM simulation was conducted to optimize the kneading element assembly and illuminate the geometry influence of the ultrasonic horn intercalation on the mixing flow. Afterwards, to confirm the feasibility of the approach, pristine MWCNTs (P‐CNTs), oxidation modified MWCNTs (M‐CNTs) and M‐CNTs/multilayer graphene nanoplatelets (MGPs) hybrid are dispersed into epoxy resin. The dispersion of each sample in its liquid epoxy state is investigated under transparent optical microscopy. More characterizations, including SEM, TG/DTA, tensile test, and thermal conductivity measurements, were conducted on the cured composites. Competitive reinforcements on mechanical tensile property and thermal conductivity were observed. Especially, at a 1.5 wt% M‐CNTs/MGPs hybrid content, the composite mechanical tensile strength and thermal conductivity were 47% and 30% higher than those of neat epoxy. This preliminary study demonstrates the feasibility and practicability of the proposed approach to achieving good MWCNTs dispersion and distribution in epoxy resin. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:870–880, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Comparison of Exfoliated Graphite Nanoplatelets (xGnP) and CNTs for Reinforcement of EVA Nanocomposites Fabricated by Solution Compounding Method and Three Screw Rotating Systems

Exfoliated graphite nanoplatelet (xGnP?) and carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) nanocomposites have been fabricated by three screw rotating systems: co-, counter- and modified-co-rotating. The highest tensile strength and modulus were shown by the composites, both xGnP- and CNT-loaded, made by counter-rotating. The counter-rotating process produced better dispersion than the other two as found in morphology studies by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). However, the rotating system did not affect the electrical conductivity. The percolation threshold of the xGnP–EVA nanocomposites formed by solution mixing and injection molding was between 14–16 wt%, due to the advantageous effect of sheets with higher aspect ratios compared with spherical or elliptical fillers in forming conducting networks in the polymer matrix. Although CNT–EVA was electrically conductive with only 5 wt% CNT loading, we recommend xGnP as a more suitable additive material for polymer composites. xGnP greatly increased the thermal stability of xGnP–EVA composites to be applied as adhesives, films and cables.     

Fabrication and characterization of homogeneous composites of polypropylene and multiwalled carbon nanotubes

The polypropylene‐grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PP‐MWCNTs) were produced from the reaction of PP containing the hydroxyl groups and MWCNTs having 2‐bromoisobutyryl groups. The PP‐MWCNTs had a significantly rougher surface than the original MWCNTs. PP‐MWCNTs had PP layers of thickness 10–15 nm on the outer walls of the MWCNTs. PP/PP‐MWCNT composites and PP/MWCNT composites were prepared by solution mixing in o‐xylene. Unlike PP/MWCNT composites, PP‐MWCNTs were homogeneously dispersed in the PP matrix. As a consequence, the thermal stability and conductivity of PP/PP‐MWCNT composites were dramatically improved even if only 1 wt % of PP‐MWNTs was added to the PP matrix. The good miscibility of PP and PP‐MWCNTs plays a critical role in the formation of the homogeneous composites and leads the high thermal stability and conductivity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Tailoring in thermomechanical properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer elastomer with silane functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes

The incorporation of silane treated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (S‐MWCNTs) is used as an effective path for tailoring thermomechanical properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). In this study, S‐MWCNTs were introduced into EPDM using internal dispersion kneader and two roller mixing mill. By altering the mass ratio of S‐MWCNTs from 0 to 1, thermal conductivity, thermal stability and phase transition temperatures and their respective enthalpies are discussed of the fabricated nanocomposites. It is observed that silane modification improves their dispersion and increases the interfacial bonding between MWCNTs and polymer matrix. Scanning electron microscopy along energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis is performed to confirm the silane functionalized MWCNTs are selectively distributed in the host polymer. More importantly, an important increase in mechanical properties like ultimate tensile strength and hardness is achieved through introducing silane functionalized MWCNTs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43221.     

Synergetic effects of graphene platelets and carbon nanotubes on the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy composites

A remarkable synergetic effect between the multi-graphene platelets (MGPs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in improving the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of epoxy composites is demonstrated. Stacking of individual two-dimensional MGPs is effectively inhibited by introducing one-dimensional MWCNTs. Long and tortuous MWCNTs can bridge adjacent MGPs and inhibit their aggregation, resulting in a high contact area between the MGP/MWCNT structures and the polymer matrix. Scanning electron microscope images of the fracture surfaces of the epoxy matrix showed that MWCNT/MGP hybrid nanofillers exhibited higher solubility and better compatibility than individual MWCNTs and MGPs did. The tensile strength of GD400-MWCNT/MGP/epoxy composites was 35.4% higher than that of the epoxy alone, compared to only a 0.9% increase in tensile strength for MGP/epoxy composites over the epoxy compound. Thermal conductivity increased by 146.9% using GD400-MWCNT/MGP hybrid fillers and 23.9% for MGP fillers, compared to non-derivatised epoxy.     

Investigation of electrical,mechanical, and thermal properties of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes‐reduced graphene Oxide/PMMA hybrid nanocomposites

Electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites containing functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (f‐MWCNTs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) hybrid nanofillers have been investigated. The observed electrical percolation threshold of FHC is 0.8 wt% with maximum conductivity of 1.21 × 10^?3 S/cm at 4 wt% of f‐MWCNTs. The electrical transport mechanism and magneto resistance studied of hybrid composites have also been investigated. Progressive addition of f‐MWCNTs in rGO/PMMA composite results increase in mechanical (tensile strength and Young's modulus) and thermal (thermal stability) properties of f‐MWCNTs‐rGO/PMMA hybrid nanocomposites (FHC). The increased mechanical properties are due to the efficient load transfer from PMMA matrix to f‐MWCNTs and rGO through better chemical interaction. The strong interaction between PMMA and f‐MWCNTs‐rGO in FHC is the main cause for improved thermal stability. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1075–1083, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers     

一维多壁碳纳米管增强丁基橡胶/聚丙烯热塑性弹性体复合材料的相态结构及热电性能研究

制备一维多壁碳纳米管(MWCNTs)增强丁基橡胶(IIR)/聚丙烯(PP)动态硫化热塑性弹性体(TPV)复合材料,研究IIR/PP用量比(简称橡塑比)对复合材料相态结构、介电性能、导热性能和物理性能的影响。结果表明:复合材料呈现“海-岛”相结构,IIR相以微米级交联颗粒分散在PP相中;MWCNTs主要分散在PP中,随着橡塑比的增大,MWCNTs有少量团聚现象;随着橡塑比的增大,复合材料的交流电导率、介电常数和热导率增大,且橡塑比大于6/4时增速减小;随着橡塑比的减小,复合材料的拉伸强度先增大后减小;当橡塑比为5.5/4.5时,复合材料的物理性能较好。     

Mechanical,thermal and electrical properties of multi‐walled carbon nanotube/aluminium nitride/polyetherimide nanocomposites

A series of polyimide‐based nanocomposites containing polyimide‐grafted multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (PI‐g MWCNTs) and silane‐modified ceramic (aluminium nitride (AlN)) were prepared. The mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of hybrid PI‐g MWCNT/AlN/polyetherimide nanocomposites were investigated. After polyimide grafting modification, the PI‐g MWCNTs showed good dispersion and wettability in the polyetherimide matrix and imparted excellent mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. The utilization of the hybrid filler was found to be effective in increasing the thermal conductivity of the composites due to the enhanced connectivity due to the high‐aspect‐ratio MWCNT filler. The use of spherical AlN filler and PI‐g MWCNT filler resulted in composite materials with enhanced thermal conductivity and low coefficient of thermal expansion. Results indicated that the hybrid PI‐g MWCNT and AlN fillers incorporated into the polyetherimide matrix enhanced significantly the thermal stability, thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of the matrix. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Acid‐Based Surfactant‐Aided Dispersion of Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Epoxy‐Based Nanocomposites

In this study, the dispersion of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in epoxy was facilitated by an anionic surfactant, linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid. Different types of composites were prepared using a fixed amount of MWCNTs (0.5 wt%), in absence of solvent/surfactant, in presence of solvent and solvent/surfactant. The composites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), universal testing machine, pendulum impact system, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope. The epoxy/MWCNTs nanocomposite exhibited significantly higher mechanical properties due to the better dispersion in the presence of the surfactant. The tensile strength and flexural strength were increased by 75% and 108%, respectively. The thermal, structural, and morphological analyses were also excellent as a result of the better dispersion. In addition, the solvent‐surfactant behavior was hypothesized for the epoxy/MWCNTs system. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E80–E87, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Improvement in properties of multiwalled carbon nanotube/polypropylene nanocomposites through homogeneous dispersion with the aid of surfactants

The effects of different surfactants on the properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polypropylene (MWCNT/PP) nanocomposites prepared by a melt mixing method have been investigated. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (NaDDBS) were used as a means of noncovalent functionalization of MWCNTs to help them to be dispersed uniformly into the PP matrix. The effects of these surfactant‐treated MWCNTs on morphological, rheological, thermal, crystalline, mechanical, and electrical properties of MWCNT/PP composites were studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, rheometry, tensile, and electrical conductivity tests. It was found that the surfactant‐treatment and micromixing resulted in a great improvement in the state of dispersion of MWCNTs in the polymer matrix, leading to a significant enhancement of Young's modulus and tensile strength of the composites. For example, with the addition of only 2 wt % of SDS‐treated and NaDDBS‐treated MWCNTs, the Young's modulus of PP increased by 61.1 and 86.1%, respectively. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Investigation of CNT modification of epoxy resin in CFRP strengthening systems

The use of carbon fiber‐reinforced polymers (CFRPs) to reinforce old structures has become popular in recent years. In this study, the chemical structure of the epoxy resin used as the bonding agent in the CFRP strengthening system was modified by dispersing multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in order to improve the performance of the strengthening system. Composites were fabricated with different mixing orders employing the solvent‐assisted dispersion method and ultrasonic mixing. Thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and tensile tests were conducted to investigate the effect of CNT dispersion and fabrication method on the thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy composite. In addition, the temperature‐dependent tensile behavior of fabricated composites was studied by performing tensile tests at elevated temperatures. The morphology of CNT/epoxy composites was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) was also used to show the influence of solvent on the molecular structure of composites. Based on the experimental results, the decomposition temperature of the epoxy resin was heightened by 15°C as a result of solvent‐assisted dispersion of nanotubes. However, the glass transition temperature (T_g) was slightly reduced due to the solvent effect. FTIR analysis revealed that the solvent negatively affects the curing process of epoxy composite. A considerable enhancement was recorded in the tensile properties as a result of CNT infusion. This was attributed to the homogeneous dispersion of nanotubes which was shown by SEM images. Using solvent to disperse nanotubes led to the reduction of tensile strength of the epoxy composite at elevated temperature due to the lower T_g. POLYM. COMPOS. 37:1021–1033, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Carbon nanotube functionalization effects on thermal properties of multiwall carbon nanotube/polycarbonate composites

The thermal properties of composites based on polycarbonate (PC) filed with ultraviolet/ozone (UVO) treated multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in low limit (less than 0.01) volume fractions have been investigated. The composites were prepared in the form of films of relatively small thickness (23–33 μm) with random orientation of treated MWCNTs. Functionalization of MWCNTs has been confirmed through Fourier transform infrared measurements. Thermal conductivity was obtained by measuring both of thermal diffusivity and thermal effusivity using photoacoustic technique. The results reveal that the addition of UVO treated MWCNTs lead to enhance both the thermal diffusivity and thermal effusivity of the composites. Insertion of 0.95% MWCNTs into PC improves the thermal conductivity of the composites by ∼22%. This enhancement is reasonable using such low content of MWCNTs of moderate aspect ratio. The experimental results were analyzed using a simple model concerning some relevant parameters such as volume fractions, interfacial thermal resistance, aspect ratio, and nonstraightness of nanotubes. An interface thermal resistance in the low limit of about 2.1 × 10⁻⁸ m²K/W has been estimated. In the light of these results, the role of MWCNTs functionalization on the overall thermal transport properties of MWCNTs‐polymer composites has been discussed. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1242–1248, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Electrical conductivity and thermal stability of polypropylene containing well-dispersed multi-walled carbon nanotubes disentangled with exfoliated nanoplatelets

The morphology, crystallization behavior, electrical conductivity, and thermal stability of polypropylene (PP) modified with disentangled multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is reported. Slightly oxidized MWCNT clusters were disentangled in solution by mild sonication in the presence of exfoliated α-zirconium phosphate nanoplatelets. The disentangled MWCNTs were isolated using acid-induced coagulation to precipitate the nanoplatelets, and were subsequently reacted with octadecylamine. The recovered functionalized MWCNTs (F-MWCNTs) are disentangled and easily dispersed in a commercial PP matrix, and serve as more efficient nucleating agents than the untreated MWCNTs. The PP/F-MWCNT composites exhibit an extremely low percolation-like transition in electrical conductivity, which is attributed to the preservation of a random dispersion of disentangled F-MWCNTs upon cooling from the melt. The thermal stability of PP in air is also substantially enhanced at loadings below the percolation threshold due to the tremendous interfacial area between the polymer chains and the free radical scavenging F-MWCNTs. The present approach provides an efficient and potentially scalable route for commercial production of conductive semi-crystalline thermoplastics. The method may be adapted to uniformly disperse MWCNTs in other polymer matrices by appropriate selection of surface functionality.     

Synthesis and characterization of multiwall carbon nanotube/waterborne polyurethane nanocomposites

The preparation of thermoplastic nanocomposites of waterborne polyurethane (WBPU) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via an in situ polymerization approach is presented. The effects of the presence and content of MWCNTs on the morphology and thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. Carbon nanotubes were modified with amide groups in order to enhance their chemical affinity towards WBPU. Thermogravimetric studies show enhanced thermal stability of the nanocomposites. Scanning and transmission electronic microscopy images prove that functionalized carbon nanotubes can be effectively dispersed in WBPU matrix. Mechanical properties reveal that Young's modulus and tensile strength tend to increase when appropriate amounts of MWCNTs are loaded due to the reinforcing effect of the functionalized carbon nanotubes. Thermal properties show an increase in the glass transition temperature and storage modulus with an increase in MWCNT content. X‐ray diffraction reveals better crystallization of the WBPU in the presence of MWCNTs. The WBPU/MWCNT nanocomposite film containing 1 wt% of MWCNTs exhibits a conductivity nearly five orders of magnitude higher than that of WBPU film. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry     

Polydimethylsiloxane–PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 nanocomposites with high permittivity: Effect of poling and temperature on dielectric properties

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/lead zirconate titanate (PbZr_0.52Ti_0.48O₃, PZT)-based nanocomposites with high dielectric constant (permittivity, k) are prepared through room temperature mixing. The effect of PZT loading on electrical and mechanical properties of the PDMS–PZT composites is extensively studied. It is found that there is significant increase in permittivity with PZT loading and decrease in volume resistivity. All the composites have low dielectric loss compared to permittivity value. It is observed that there is increase in permittivity and decrease in volume resistivity of composites after poling, which is due to the dipolar polarization. It is found that both permittivity (ε′) and alternating current conductivity (σ_ac) are increased with temperature at low frequency (1 Hz) and decreased with temperature at high frequency (1 MHz). The above composites are sensitive to external pressure and can be used as pressure/force sensor. The tensile strength and % elongation at break decreases with PZT loading, which is due to the nonreinforcing behavior of PZT ceramic. PZT particles distribution and dispersion in PDMS matrix are observed through field emission scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy/scanning probe microscopy. Thermal stability of composites increased with the PZT loading which is due to higher thermal stability of PZT particles compared to PDMS matrix. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47307.