Double percolation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in polystyrene/polylactic acid blends. (2nd September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nasti, Giuseppe; Gentile, Gennaro; Cerruti, Pierfrancesco; Carfagna, Cosimo; Ambrogi, Veronica
• Is Part Of: Polymer. Volume 99(2016)
• Page Start: 193
• Page End: 203
• Publication Date: 2016-09-02
• Subjects: Multiwalled carbon nanotubes -- Polystyrene -- Polylactic acid -- Bicontinuity -- Double percolation -- Electrical conductivity; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2016.06.058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3861

Abstract

Abstract: Selective localization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in polylactic acid/polystyrene (PLA/PS) bicontinuous blends is presented in this work. A masterbatch of PS with a 2 wt% content of MWCNT is prepared and then melt mixed with different amounts of PLA. This two-step process results in a double percolated morphology where PS percolates the PLA phase, and MWCNTs percolate the PS phase. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) evidence, respectively, the bicontinuous morphology and the high selectivity of MWCNT localization in the system. Double percolation leads to a very low electrical percolation threshold of about 0.45 vol% MWCNT on total volume and an electrical conductivity of 10 −9 S/cm. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Melt mixing of PS, PLA and MWCNTs results in a double percolated morphology. Highly selective localization of MWCNTs in the PS phase is evidenced. Double percolation leads to a low electrical percolation threshold.