Enhancement of tensile,electrical and thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites through chemical hybridization of polypyrrole and graphene oxide

This paper presents the properties of epoxy nanocomposites, prepared using a synthesized hybrid Polypyrrole-Graphene Oxide (PPy-GO) filler, via in-situ chemical polymerization, at various filler loadings (i.e., 0.5–2 w. t %). The microstructures and properties of the PPy-GO hybrids and epoxy nanocomposites were studied via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), mechanical (Tensile Properties), electrical, Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). Morphological study demonstrated that varying the nanofiller nature (PPy-GOs, PPy or GO) lead to different states of dispersion. Mechanical, electrical and thermal analysis demonstrated that the hybrid concentration and its architecture (PPy:GO ratio) are interesting factors significantly affected the properties of the epoxy based nanocomposites. On the other hand, the mechanical performance of the cured nanocomposites outperformed the PPy-GO, with enhancements of 78% and 51% of Young's modulus and strength, respectively. Here it has been established that the embedding of PPy-GO hybrids into pristine epoxy endows optimum dispersion of PPy and GO as well as better interfacial adhesion between the fillers and matrix, which results in a significant improvement in load transfer effectiveness. Electrical conductivity measurements showed that conductivity of epoxy filled nanocomposites increased up 10⁻⁴ S/cm for Epoxy/PPy-GO nanocomposites. DMTA test indicated that incorporation of PPy-GO resulted in a significantly increase in Tg of the resultant nanocomposites, which is attributed to the highly exfoliation structure and the stronger interfacial interaction. The PPy-GO particles enhanced electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of nanocomposites, confirming the synergistic effect of PPy-GO as multifunctional filler.     

Influence of organo-clay on electrical and mechanical properties of PP/MWCNT/OC nanocomposites

The electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of nanocomposites, based on polypropylene (PP) filled by multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and organo-clay (OC), were studied with the purpose of finding out the effect of OC on the microstructure of MWCNTs dispersion and PP/MWCNT/OC composites. It was found that addition of organo-clay nanoparticles improved nanotube dispersion and enhanced electrical properties of PP/MWCNT nanocomposites. Addition of organo-clay (MWCNT/OC ratio was 1/1) reduced the percolation threshold of PP/MWCNT nanocomposites from ?_c = 0.95 vol.% to ?_c = 0.68 vol.% of carbon nanotubes, while the level of conductivity became 2–4 orders of magnitude higher. The DSC and DMA analyses have shown that the influence of organo-clay on the thermal and mechanical properties of material was not significant in composites with both fillers as compared to PP/OC. Such an effect can be caused by stronger interaction of OC with carbon nanotubes than with polymer matrix.     

Graphene oxide-modified polyaniline pigment for epoxy based anti-corrosion coatings

In the present work, a set of polyaniline–graphene oxide (PANI–GO) nanocomposites which exhibit superior properties in terms of shelf life, processability and conductivity due to the synergistic effect of GO and PANI, have been synthesized by varying the concentration of highly non-conducting GO with respect to aniline. The obtained materials were characterized by UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, Raman, TGA as well as FESEM, TEM analysis. The results reveal that nanocomposites show better dispersibility, crystallinity, thermal stability, and conductivity. Further, the synthesized composites have been tested for their anti-corrosion properties. The potentiodynamic results reveal that PANI nanocomposites with 1% GO exhibited long-term anti-corrosion behavior with a corrosion rate of 6.5 × 10^?5 mm year^?1, which is much lower than its individual components and commercial-grade red oxide. Also, it possesses highest impedance modulus ~33 kΩ cm² and real impedance ~32 kΩ cm², maximum coating resistance ~14.81 × 10³ Ω cm² and minimum coating capacitance after 96 h of immersion in 3.5% mass NaCl than those exhibited by all other coated samples. Higher concentration of GO could not retard the corrosion rate confirming that hydrophilicity of GO play an important role in the redox mechanism of PANI.     

Manufacturing of pH sensitive PVA/PVP/MWCNT and PVA/PEG/MWCNT nanocomposites: an approach for significant drug release

The purpose of this paper is studying the effect of incorporation of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) into two different nanocomposites in poly vinyl alcohol (PVA)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and PVA/Polyethylene glycol (PEG). MWCNT were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method using acetylene and Fe/Co/Al₂O₃ as carbon precursor and catalyst, respectively. Nitric acid and sulfuric acid were used for purification and functionalization of MWCNT. Afterward, highly pure and functionalized MWCNT (0, 0.02, and 0.05% w/w) were incorporated in PVA/PVP and PVA/PEG to synthesize PVA/PVP/MWCNT and PVA/PEG/MWCNT nanocomposites hydrogel membranes that cross-linked by freezing–thawing. PEG and PVP were selected in these nanocomposites as dispersion matrix for MWCNT as well as for increasing the elasticity of the nanocomposites membranes. The morphology of the hydrogels was characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD, TGA, and the mechanical properties of the hydrogel membranes were investigated. The swelling behavior in different pH-buffer solutions was studied as well as studying weight loss percentage and swelling kinetic. The drug releasing process of the hydrogel membranes was investigated using salicylic acid as a model drug. It was found that MWCNT are dispersed well into the polymers and crystallinity, mechanical properties and thermal stability of the hydrogels contain MWCNT are better than that without MWCNT. Maximum degree of swelling was observed at pH 7 and swelling degree increases with increasing the ratio of MWCNT in the hydrogels from 0.02 to 0.05%. All hydrogel membranes followed non-Fickian mechanism and drug releasing were controlled by varying the pH and amount of MWCNT.     

In situ Synthesis of Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites Using Thermal-initiated and Graphene Oxide-initiated Polymerization

A facile and cost-effective method to prepare poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites was developed by in situ polymerization. By using thermal-initiated and GO-initiated polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA), no extra radical initiator was added during the reaction. Without any pre-functionalization of GO, PMMA chains were covalently bonded to its surface, which was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigations. TGA analysis showed that the mass ratio of grafted PMMA and GO was as high as 1.7. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction investigations demonstrated that the grafting of PMMA chains to GO surfaces resulted in homogeneous dispersion of GO sheets in PMMA matrix, which led to a commendable performance on its mechanical and thermal properties. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that, at a loading level of just 0.5 wt% for the nanocomposites, the storage modulus of the nanocomposites was improved 14%, and the glass transition temperature was increased 12°C in comparison with that of neat PMMA. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the onset degradation temperature of the nanocomposites was increased 13°C with a GO content of 0.25 wt%.     

Highly enhanced electrical and mechanical properties of methyl methacrylate modified natural rubber filled with multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Developing conductive networks in a polymer matrix with a low percolation threshold and excellent mechanical properties is desired for soft electronics applications. In this work, natural rubber (NR) functionalized with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was prepared for strong interfacial interactions with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), resulting in excellent performance of the natural rubber nanocomposites. The MWCNT and methyl methacrylate functional groups gave good filler dispersion, conductivity and tensile properties. The filler network in the matrix was studied with microscopy and from its non-linear viscoelasticity. The Maier-Göritze approach revealed that MWCNT network formation was favored in the NR functionalized with PMMA, with reduced electrical and mechanical percolation thresholds. The obvious improvement in physical performance of MWCNT/methyl methacrylate functionalized natural rubber nanocomposites was caused by interfacial interactions and reduced filler agglomeration in the NR matrix. The modification of NR with poly(methyl methacrylate) and MWCNT filler was demonstrated as an effective pathway to enhance the mechanical and electrical properties of natural rubber nanocomposites.     

Investigating properties of poly (ether‐amide)/MWCNT nanocomposite films containing 2,7‐bis(4‐aminophenoxy)naphthalene and isophthalic segments

Three nanocomposite films based on aramid (poly (ether‐amide), PEA) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were prepared via solution casting method using 2,7‐bis(4‐aminophenoxy)naphthalene (4) and isophthalic acid (5) containing various amounts of MWCNT (2, 3, 5 wt.%). To comprehensively analyze the properties of the cast films as well as the monomers, different techniques were employed, namely FT‐IR, ¹H NMR, X‐ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Also, thermal and tensile properties of PEA (6) and nanocomposite films were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis and mechanical analysis, respectively. The morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties of nanocomposite films approved that MWCNT had well dispersion in the PEA matrix and showed a synergistic effect on improving all of the investigated properties. Based on the thermogravimetric analysis results, employing MWCNT caused to increase in the char yields from 61 (in the neat PEA) to 66 (in the PEA /MWCNT nanocomposite 5 wt.%) under the nitrogen atmosphere. In comparison to the pristine PEA (426°C), the temperature at 10 losses mass % (T₁₀) was increased from 530°C to 576°C, with 2 to 5 wt.% of MWCNT. Mechanical analysis revealed that the tensile strength and initial modulus were improved by incorporating MWCNT into PEA (81.70–93.40 MPa and 2.10–2.22 GPa, respectively). Electrical conductivity of the PEA/MWCNT nanocomposites was displayed maximum value in the 5 wt.%, showing satisfactory value in many application areas. The X‐ray diffraction technique was employed to study the crystalline structure of the prepared nanocomposite films as well as PEA. In addition, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy study demonstrated that the prepared nanocomposites had significant impedance improvement in the presence of MWCNTs.     

Preparation and Properties of Pyrene-Modified Multi- Walled Carbon Nanotube/Epoxy Resin Nanocomposites

Nanocomposites of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/bis-phenol A type epoxy resin were prepared and physical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. For the fine dispersion of MWCNT in the epoxy resin, MWCNT was modified with pyrene butyric acid (PBA) in the supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂). The physical adsorption of PBA on the surface of MWCNTs was studied with a thermogravimetric analyzer and a transmission electron microscopy. The electrical surface resistivities of the nanocomposites showed threshold decreases due to percolations above the critical concentration of the MWCNT. The resistivities showed maximum depending on the concentration and the modification of the surface of the MWCNT with PBA. It is postulated that the dispersion of the MWCNT in epoxy resins resulted in dispersion systems which exhibit rheological properties similar to lyotropic liquid crystalline polymers. The surface resistivities of the MWCNT/epoxy systems reflected the morphological characteristics of the systems which also determined rheological properties of the systems.     

Electrically conductive transparent papers using multiwalled carbon nanotubes

We describe a novel class of electrically conductive transparent materials based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Transparent nanocomposites were fabricated by incorporating an aqueous silk fibroin solution into bacterial cellulose membranes. The transparent nanocomposites had a high transmittance in the visible and infrared regions, regardless of the bacterial cellulose fiber content, due to the nanosize effect of the bacterial cellulose nanofibrils. This phenomenon allowed the preparation of a novel electrically conductive transparent paper. The high dispersity of the MWCNTs was realized by utilizing a bacterial cellulose membrane as a template to deposit them uniformly, thereby achieving electrically conductive transparent papers with outstanding optical transparency. The light transmittance and electrical conductivity varied according to the concentration of the MWCNT dispersion. Good optimal transparency and electrical properties were obtained with a light transmittance of 70.3% at 550 nm and electrical conductivity of 2.1 × 10^?3 S/cm when the electrically conductive transparent paper was fabricated from a 0.02 wt % aqueous MWCNT dispersion. In addition, the electrically conductive transparent papers showed remarkable flexibility without any loss of their initial properties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1235–1242, 2008     

Molecular motion,morphology, and thermal properties of multiwall carbon nanotube/polysilsesquioxane composite

Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA)‐bridged polyorganosiloxane precursors have been prepared successfully by reacting diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy resin with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane. Acid‐modified and unmodified multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) were dispersed in the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A‐bridged polyorganosiloxane precursors and cured to prepare the carbon nanotube/diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A‐bridged polysilsesquioxane (MWCNT/DGEBA‐PSSQ) composites. The molecular motion of MWCNT/DGEBA‐PSSQ nanocomposites was studied by high‐resolution solid‐state ¹³C NMR. Acid‐modification can improve the affinity between MWCNT and the polymer matrix. The molecular motion of the DGEBA‐PSSQ decreased with acid‐modified MWCNT content. However, when unmodified MWCNT was used, the molecular motion of the DGEBA‐PSSQ was increased. SEM and TEM microphotographs confirm that acid‐modified MWCNT exhibits better dispersion than unmodified MWCNT in DGBEA‐PSSQ. The dynamic mechanical properties of acid‐modified MWCNT/DGBEA‐PSSQ composites are more favorable than those of unmodified MWCNT. T_g of the DGEBA‐PSSQ decreased from 174.0 °C (neat DGEBA‐PSSQ) to 159.0 °C (1 wt % unmodified MWCNT) and 156.0 °C (1 wt % acid‐modified MWCNT). The storage modulus (at 30 °C) of the DGEBA‐PSSQ increased from 1.23 × 10⁹ Pa (neat DGEBA‐PSSQ) to 1.65 × 10⁹ Pa (1 wt % acid‐modified MWCNT). However, when unmodified MWCNT was used, the storage modulus of the DGEBA‐PSSQ decreased to 6.88 × 10⁸ Pa (1 wt % unmodified MWCNT). At high temperature, above 150 °C, storage modulus of nanocomposites was higher than that of neat polymer system. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 472–482, 2008     

New poly(ether-imide)/MWCNT nanocomposite

New polyimide (PI) nanocomposites containing two different amounts of MWCNT (PI/MWCNT) were prepared via in situ polymerization technique. Transmission electron microscopy showed that MWCNT was exfoliated in the polymer matrix, resulting in well-dispersed morphologies at 1 and 3 mass% MWCNT contents. The effects of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) on the thermal and flammability properties of new PI derived from 1,3-bis[4,4′-aminophenoxy]propane and biphenyl dianhydride were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TG) in nitrogen and air atmosphere, differential scanning calorimetry, and microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC). The PI/MWCNT nanocomposites were electrically conductive with maximum conductivity obtained at 3 mass% MWCNT, which is favorable for many potential applications. TG results showed that the addition of MWCNT resulted in a substantial increase of the thermal stability and char yields of the nanocomposites compared to those of the neat PI. Flame retardancy of the nanocomposites was significantly improved in the presence of MWCNT.     

Comparative study on the properties of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) ‐based nanocomposites containing multi‐walled carbon (MWCNT) and tungsten disulfide (INT‐WS2) nanotubes

Multi‐walled carbon (MWCNT) and tungsten disulfide (INT‐WS₂) nanotubes are materials with excellent mechanical properties, high electrical and thermal conductivity. These special properties make them excellent candidates for high strength and electrically conductive polymer nanocomposite applications. In this work, the possibility of the improvement of mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) by the introduction of MWCNT and INT‐WS₂ nanotubes was investigated. The PTT nanocomposites with low loading of nanotubes were prepared by in situ polymerization method. Analysis of the nanocomposites' morphology carried out by SEM and TEM has confirmed that well‐dispersed nanotubes in the PTT matrix were obtained at low loading (<0.5 wt%). Thermal and thermo‐oxidative stability of nanocomposites was not affected by the presence of nanotubes in PTT matrix. Loading with INT‐WS₂ up to 0.5 wt% was insufficient to ensure electrical conductivity of PTT nanocomposite films. In the case of nanocomposites filled with MWCNT, it was found that nanotube incorporation leads to increase of electrical conductivity of PTT films by 10 orders of magnitude, approaching a value of 10^?3 S/cm at loading of 0.3 wt%. Tensile properties of amorphous and semicrystalline (annealed samples) nanocomposites were affected by the presence of nanotubes. Moreover, the increase in the brittleness of semicrystalline nanocomposites with the increase in MWCNT loading was observed, while the nanocomposites filled with INT‐WS₂ were less brittle than neat PTT. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Enhanced corrosion protection performance with MWCNT dispersed epoxy coating prepared under supercritical CO2 assistance

The corrosion protection performance of epoxy coatings could be enhanced by incorporation of nanofillers such as MWCNT. However, a homogeneous dispersion of MWCNT in epoxy polymer is still a teasing challenge. Herein, we report an environmentally benign single‐step supercritical CO₂ processing method to improve the dispersion of MWCNT in epoxy matrix in order to achieve an effective anticorrosive coating. The executed approach provides a cluster‐free uniform distribution of MWCNT in epoxy matrix as characterized with UV‐visible spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and surface analysis. The anticorrosive characteristics of MWCNT/epoxy coating were studied in NaCl as well as in photodegraded dye medium through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization measurements. We observed the remarkable corrosion of model metal substrate in photodegraded dye medium besides NaCl medium. In both mediums, the protection efficacy of MWCNT/epoxy coating was deduced from the stable impedance arcs in Nyquist plot and increased impedance modulus. The electrochemical impedance spectra were best fitted with equivalent circuits showing the higher values of pore resistance. Also, the MWCNT/epoxy coating exhibited a positive shift of corrosion potential and possessed a lower corrosion rate as compared with neat epoxy coating. More direct evidence of the excellent barrier properties for MWCNT/epoxy coating was visualized in SEM images. The obtained results implied that the superior dispersion of MWCNT into epoxy matrix significantly reduces the porosity of coating and inhibits the permeability of corrosive ions. We expect supercritical CO₂ assisted dispersion method can offer an efficient, cost‐effective, and industrially viable route to develop high performance protective coatings for varied commercialized applications.     

Morphological,rheological, and mechanical properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer/carboxylated styrene-butadiene rubber/multiwall carbon nanotube nanocomposites

Abstract

A hybrid nanocomposite based on ethylene propylene diene monomer/carboxylated styrene-butadiene rubber (EPDM/XSBR) blend with different concentrations (0–7 phr) of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) was prepared on a two-roll mill. The role of grafted maleic anhydride (EPDM-g-MA) as compatibilizer and the effect of different concentrations of MWCNT on mechanical properties, morphology, rheological and curing characteristics of nanocomposites were investigated. The curing behavior of the prepared nanocomposites was studied using a rheometer. Also, the microstructure of nanocomposites was observed using TEM. By increasing the MWCNT concentration in the compatible blends, the curing time and scorch time of the blends decreased, while the maximum and minimum torque increased. Failure surface morphology studies showed that the existence of EPDM-g-MAH compatibilizer improved the distribution of MWCNT within the polymer matrix and uniform distribution of MWCNT with a small amount of aggregation was obtained. On the other hand, the presence of MWCNT in the matrix led to a sharper surface of the fracture. Also, mechanical properties such as modulus, tensile strength, hardness, fatigue, resilience and elongation-at-break for compatible EPDM/XSBR nanocomposite showed better results than those for incompatible composite.     

Combined effect of graphene oxide and MWCNTs on microwave absorbing performance of epoxy composites

Currently, carbon nanotube (CNT) ‐based composites have been considered as microwave absorbers because of the fascinating properties of CNTs. In this work, multi‐walled CNTs (MWCNTs) and graphene oxide (GO) ‐based epoxy composites (i.e. MWCNT/EPr and GO‐MWCNT/EPr), with sample thickness of 2 mm, were prepared to study microwave absorbing properties in the frequency band of 8–18 GHz. Uniform dispersion of MWCNTs in the organic solvent and polymer matrix was achieved by preparation of GO. The test for electromagnetic parameters, i.e. complex permittivity and the permeability of the samples, was carried out with vector network analyzer (VNA) using reflection‐transmission waveguides. Results showed that GO‐MWCNT/EPr composites have better absorption capability than MWCNT/EPr composites. The improved reflection loss for the composites with 0.4 wt% and 0.6 wt% of GO (out of total filler loading 6 wt%) were ?14.32 dB and ?14.29 dB, respectively. The improvement in reflection loss and absorption bandwidth for GO‐MWCNTs composites suggested that MA features are synergistically effected by GO and MWCNTs. Further skin depth and shielding effectiveness terms are studied to observe overall mechanism of electromagnetic (EM) shielding which showed that multiple reflections also play a role in EM shielding. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A facile approach to the fabrication of graphene-based nanocomposites by latex mixing and in situ reduction

Graphene-based polystyrene (PS) nanocomposites were prepared by latex mixing, co-coagulation, and in situ reduction process. In the process, aqueous dispersion of graphene oxide (GO) was mixed with PS latex, which was then co-coagulated with sodium chloride to form stabilized particle suspension; subsequently, hydrazine hydrate was added to reduce GO in situ. This process could avoid the use of additional surfactant or ultrasonic power to stabilize graphene during reduction, thus is facile and energy saving. The preparation process and the resulting nanocomposites were characterized in detail. The results show that, after co-coagulation, GO nanosheets are isolated by PS nanospheres through π–π interaction, which prevents the restacking of graphene in the subsequent reduction process. Thus, a molecular-level dispersion of the graphene nanosheets in the PS matrix is achieved, which greatly improves the electrical conductivity and the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites.     

Investigation of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/multiwall carbon nanotube nanocomposites under impact loading

In this study, the effect of polycarbonate (PC)/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)‐reinforced multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites under a high‐velocity impact was investigated. PC/ABS (70/30 w/w)/MWCNT nanocomposites containing 1, 2, and 4 wt% were used to manufacture samples for this study. The samples were fabricated in sheet form with 100 × 100 mm dimensions and tested by gas gun for high‐velocity impact tests. The experimental results indicate that the energy absorption, limit velocity, and tensile modulus of the nanocomposite samples increased by approximately 121%, 52%, and 103% for the PC/ABS (70/30 w/w)/2 wt% MWCNT samples respectively. These results were confirmed by a transmission electron microscopy analysis test that was conducted for the state of dispersion of MWCNTs in the nanocomposite samples. The transmission electron microscopy results show that the best morphological structure of carbon nanotube at the interface of PC and ABS is that for the nanocomposite containing 2 wt% MWCNTs, which led to improved interface of the nanocomposites and higher mechanical properties. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Influence of multiwall carbon nanotube on physical properties of poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate) nanocomposites

Polymer nanocomposites consisting of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate) (PEN) were prepared by a melt blending process in a twin‐screw extruder. The storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) of the PEN/MWCNT nanocomposites increased with increasing frequency, and this increment being more significant at low frequency. The terminal zone slope of G′ for the PEN/MWCNT nanocomposites decreased with increasing MWCNT content, and the nonterminal behavior of those was related to the dominant nanotube–nanotube interactions at higher MWCNT content, leading to the formation of the interconnected or network‐like structures of MWCNT in the polymer nanocomposites. The decrease in the slope of the plot of log G′ versus log G″ for the PEN/MWCNT nanocomposites with increasing MWCNT content suggested the changes in the microstructures of the polymer nanocomposites by incorporating MWCNT. The incorporation of very small quantity of MWCNT significantly improved the mechanical properties of the PEN/MWCNT nanocomposites. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1062–1071, 2006     

Enhanced thermal and tensile behaviour of MWCNT reinforced palm oil polyol based shape memory polyurethane

Shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) has received tremendous interest because of its low cost, low density, as well as easy processing. However, its inferior mechanical properties compared to shape memory alloys have constrained its application in a broad range of engineering areas. Nanofillers are commonly added to polymers to overcome the problem associated with low mechanical characteristics. This study aims to examine the effect of various loadings of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) on the thermal stability, soft segment crystallinity, tensile and shape memory behaviour of palm oil polyol based SMPU nanocomposites. The SMPU nanocomposites were synthesised using a two-step polymerisation process. Microphase-separated SMPU nanocomposites obtained as the differential scanning calorimetric analysis showed two melting transitions, which belonged to the soft and hard phase domains. Furthermore, it was found that MWCNT had acted as a nucleating agent, which promoted the crystallisation process of SMPU nanocomposites. The thermal stability and tensile properties of SMPU/MWCNT nanocomposites were enhanced significantly as the MWCNT was added to the SMPU matrix. A considerable enhancement in the shape fixity (SF) value was revealed for PU-30 and PU-40 samples with the addition of MWCNT. The shape recovery (SR) time of SMPU was faster for samples reinforced with MWCNT, whereas SF increased while SR decreased upon increasing the shape memory cycle. The SMPU nanocomposites produced demonstrated enhanced thermal and tensile properties, which has the potential as smart material in many industrial applications.     

Space-resolved thermal properties of thermoplastics reinforced with carbon nanotubes

Composites comprising biobased poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and polyethylene (Bio-PE) were reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). These nanocomposites were analyzed using space-resolved thermal analysis (TA) integrated with atomic force microscopy. The deflection temperature, which indicates thermal-induced expansion and thermal transitions of the composite, was monitored by nanoscale TA (nanoTA) utilizing the displacement of a cantilever in contact with the material. Results were compared to bulk electrical, mechanical and thermal properties. Electrical conductivity was detected at lower MWCNT loadings for PLA than for Bio-PE (at 2.5 vs. 5 mass%). Maximal electrical conductivity of 27 S m^?1 for PLA and 0.7 S m^?1 for Bio-PE-based samples was reached at 10 mass% MWCNT loading. Tensile behavior combined with thermogravimetric analysis indicated strong MWCNT–Bio-PE interactions, in contrast to PLA. The glass transition and melting temperature measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were not changed by the increase in MWCNT loading. Increased deflection temperature was registered by bulk heat deflection measurements on Bio-PE, but not for PLA. The thermal transitions obtained by nanoTA at the nanoscale were in the same temperature range as the first transitions observed upon temperature ramp in DSC (e.g., glass transition and melt temperatures of PLA and Bio-PE, respectively). Remarkably, thermal expansion was detected by nanoTA for PLA- and Bio-PE-based composites below electrical percolation threshold as well as an increase in PLA softening temperature. Space-resolved nanothermal analysis revealed thermal phenomena that are otherwise overlooked when bulk methods are applied.