Influence of plasma treatment on CNT absorption of cotton fabric and its electrical conductivity and antibacterial activity

In this study, effect of plasma pretreatment on the absorption of carboxilated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the surface of cotton fabrics was investigated. Treated samples were characterised using a Raman spectrophotometer. Also, the morphological properties of samples were studied using a scanning electron microscope. Electrical resistance and interactions between CNTs and plasma-treated cotton functional groups at the surface were also evaluated. Antibacterial activity of cotton fabric when modified by low temperature plasma and stabilised with CNTs was also investigated. Results showed a uniform coating of CNTs on the plasma-treated cotton fabric and it was found that the plasma treatment is effective on improving CNTs absorption by cotton fabric. Generally, cotton fabric characterisation, such as antibacterial activity and electrical conductivity, after plasma treatment and loading CNT are improved.     

Morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of nanostructured materials based on polypropylene/poly (trimethylene terephthalate) blended fibers and organoclay

The crystallization morphologies, thermal behaviors and mechanical properties of PP/PTT/nanoclay blends nanocomposite fibers were investigated. Polypropylene/poly (trimethylene terephthalate) blends containing montmorillonite (MMT) were prepared using a twin screw extruder followed by fiber spinning process. The melt intercalation of PP and PPT alloys was carried out in the presence of a compatibilizer such as maleic anhydride-g-polyropylene (MAPP). The results show the improved adhesion between the phases and fine morphology of the dispersed phase. It has contributed to significant improvement in the properties and thermal stabilities of the final nanocomposite materials. A general understanding of how the morphology is likely to be related to the final properties of organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT)-incorporated PP/PTT blends is also described.