Low percolation threshold in polycarbonate/multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites through melt blending with poly(butylene terephthalate)

Abstract

Here, we demonstrate an easy method for the preparation of highly electrically conductive polycarbonate (PC)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites in the presence of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT). In the presence of MWCNTs, PC and PBT formed a miscible blend, and the MWCNTs in the PC matrix were uniformly and homogeneously dispersed after the melt mixing of the PC and PBT-MWCNT mixture. Finally, when the proportion of the PC and PBT-MWCNT mixture in the blend/MWCNT nanocomposites was changed, an electrical conductivity of 6.87 Â 10 À7 S/cm was obtained in the PC/PBT-MWCNT nanocomposites at an MWCNT loading as low as about 0.35 wt %. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a regular and homogeneous dispersion and distribution of the MWCNTs and formed a continuous conductive network pathway of MWCNTs throughout the matrix phase. The storage modulus and thermal stability of the PC were also enhanced by the presence of a small amount of MWCNTs in the nanocomposites.

Tough semiconductor polycarbonate/multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites by rubber modification

“…The close to 2.0 critical exponent t (1.96) was consistent with predictions from the statistical percolation theory for a three-dimensional conducting network in an insulating matrix [20,38,39]. The low p c in this study (0.28 vol.% or 0.50 wt.%) is similar to those observed in other successful studies on PC-based NCs obtained by both melt processing and sonication [40][41][42]. The low p c value indicates that in PC-based NCs, the interactions between the polymer and the MWCNT are more significant than the method used to obtain the NC.…”

Synthesis, characterization and in vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of chitosan–metal nanocomposites

“…The polymer nanocomposites material is an innovative product having nanofillers dispersed in the matrix of polymers, and has received much interest recently. Significant efforts are underway to control the nano‐structures via innovative synthetic approaches with excellent antimicrobial properties, increased biocompatibility and potential for wound management.…”

A review on the mechanical, electrical and EMI shielding properties of carbon nanotubes and graphene reinforced polycarbonate nanocomposites

“…The electrical percolation threshold was achieved at 2.9 wt% of MWCNTs, and maximum EC (10 −3 S/cm) was obtained at 7 wt% MWCNTs loading. Maiti et al demonstrated a method of preparation of highly conductive PC/MWCNT composites in the presence of PBT. The electrical percolation was obtained at 0.21 wt% loading of MWCNTs with EC approximately 10 −9 S/cm.…”