Electrically conductive carbon nanotube/polypropylene nanocomposite with improved mechanical properties. (15th November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Al-Saleh, Mohammed H.
• Is Part Of: Materials & design. Volume 85(2016:Sep.)
• Page Start: 76
• Page End: 81
• Publication Date: 2015-11-15
• Subjects: Carbon nanotube -- Polypropylene -- Melt mixing -- Electrical properties -- Mechanical properties -- Microstructure; Materials -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Conception technique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2015.06.162
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-1275

Abstract

Abstract: Conductive polymer nanocomposites based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have wide range of applications in the electronics and energy sectors. For many of these applications, such as the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, high nanofiller loading is typically needed to achieve the desired properties. The high nanofiller concentration deteriorates the composite's tensile strength due to the increase in nanofiller aggregation. In this work, highly conductive CNT/polypropylene (PP) nanocomposite with improved tensile strength was prepared by melt mixing. The effects of CNT content on the processing behavior, microstructure, mechanical and electrical properties of the nanocomposite were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the composite microstructure. Good level of CNT dispersion with remarkable adhesion at the CNT/PP interface was observed. Based on a theoretical model, the interfacial strength was estimated to be in the range of 36–58 MPa. As a result of this microstructure, significant enhancement in ultimate tensile strength was reported with the increase of CNT content. The tensile strength of the 20 wt.% CNT/PP nanocomposite was 80% higher than that of the unfilled PP. Moreover, and due to the good dispersion of CNT particles, an electrical percolation threshold concentration of 0.93 wt.% (0.5 vol.%) was obtained. Graphical abstract: Eclectically conductive carbon nanotube/polypropylene nanocomposite with enhanced tensile strength. Highlights: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were properly dispersed in polypropylene (PP) by melt mixing. The proper dispersion resulted in electrical percolation threshold of only 0.93 wt.%. Layers of PP were found to wrap the CNT particles. Tensile strength was remarkably improved due to the good interfacial adhesion. The composite is suitable for electromagnetic interference shielding applications.