Influences of carbon nanotube on structures and properties of compatibilized polylactide/polypropylene blend-based ternary nanocomposites

Abstract

To attain eco-friendly and multifunctional thermoplastic composites for advanced applications, a series of ternary nanocomposites based on compatibilized polylactide/glycidyl methacrylate-grafted polypropylene (PLA/PGMA, 80/20 by wt%) blend matrix and 0.5–10 wt% multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) filler is manufactured by efficient masterbatch melt-compounding. Effects of MWCNT on the morphology, thermal, mechanical, rheological, electrical, and EMI shielding properties of the ternary nanocomposites are investigated. It is revealed that PGMA/MWCNT domains are partially formed owing to the selective interaction of MWCNT with PGMA in the blend matrix. MWCNTs contribute to accelerating the crystallization rates of PGMA and PLA matrix components in the ternary nanocomposites. The dynamic mechanical modulus and thermal stability of the ternary nanocomposites are improved with the increment of MWCNT loading. The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites increases significantly from ∼10−11 S/cm to ∼10−3 S/cm with increasing the MWCNT content up to 10 wt%. The electrical percolation threshold of ∼4.0 wt% MWCNT is also found to be in good agreement with the rheologically estimated percolation threshold. The EMI shielding effectiveness of 1 mm thick ternary nanocomposite with 10 wt% MWCNT is measured to be ∼13.4 dB at 8 GHz, which indicates the shielding efficiency of ∼95.4% to incident EM waves.

Employing impedance spectroscopy to investigate electrical conduction mechanism in polymer composite blends containing conductive masterbatch: PP/EVA/ (PP-g-MA/MWCNTS)

“…18,19 Also, in polymer blend nanocomposites the adjustability of morphology due to the segregated structure that is originated from the formation of disperse-matrix or co-continuous morphologies and the tendency of conductive nanoparticles for localization in favorite phase is desirable in academic and industry for fabrication of conductive polymer nanocomposites with widespread applications. 20,21 In polymer blend nanocomposites, two important parameters that correlate with electrical conductivity and percolation threshold are first, blend morphology, i.e. cocontinuous or disperse-matrix and their domain size, and second, nanoparticles localization.…”

“…18,19 Also, in polymer blend nanocomposites the adjustability of morphology due to the segregated structure that is originated from the formation of disperse-matrix or co-continuous morphologies and the tendency of conductive nanoparticles for localization in favorite phase is desirable in academic and industry for fabrication of conductive polymer nanocomposites with widespread applications. 20,21…”

Aramid nanofiber‐reinforced poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites with enhanced thermal stability, melt‐crystallization rates, and mechanical toughness

“…To address these limitations, researchers have been actively exploring PLA-based composites reinforced with various organic and inorganic fillers. [2][3][4][5] These include carbon nanotubes, [6][7][8] graphene/ graphite, [9][10][11] nanoclays, 12,13 polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes, 14,15 cellulose nanomaterials, [16][17][18][19] and others. 20,21 The goal is to enhance the overall properties of PLA, rendering it more versatile for various applications.…”

Carbon nanotubes-filled polylactic acid/polycaprolactone biodegradable blends: Effect of the polycaprolactone viscosity and carbon nanotubes addition on the microstructure, electrical and mechanical properties

“…6,11 To broaden the applications of PLA-based materials, PAL and PLA-blends filled with electrically and thermally conductive nanofillers have been investigated and showed promising properties. 13,[17][18][19] Conductive biopolymer nanocomposites have potential applications in many sectors such as energy, sensors, and electronics. 17,20 In addition to improving the electrical and thermal conductivities of PLA/PCL blends, conductive fillers are expected to have a compatibilization impact on the blend's microstructure and, consequently, the tensile properties.…”