Optimization of molecular structure of polythiophene-graft-PMMA for effective compatibilization of SAN/MWCNT composite with superior mechanical properties

Abstract

A new compatibilizer, P3HT-g-PMMA with controlled graft density and degree of polymerization of PMMA graft, has been synthesized for preparation of poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (SAN)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites with superior mechanical properties. Fluorescence emission and Raman spectra reveal that the π-π interaction between polythiophene backbone of the compatibilizer and the surface of MWCNT is more effective as the graft density of PMMA in the compatibilizer is decreased while the degree of polymerization of PMMA is increased. Since FE-SEM observation also shows that the use of compatibilizer with higher degree of polymerization of PMMA graft yields well-dispersed MWCNTs in composites, it is concluded that the compatibilizer with lower graft density and higher degree of polymerization of PMMA graft is the most effective for reinforcing SAN with MWCNT.

Chemical and electrochemical grafting of polythiophene onto polystyrene synthesized via ‘living’ anionic polymerization

“…Hence, these copolymers are of prime importance as they combine the properties of two immiscible polymers and act as compatibilizers for polymer blends. 24,25 The most widely used methods for the synthesis of the PTh copolymers include: macromonomer technique, 26 by the linkage between two different polymers through a coupling reaction, 27 and the polymerization of a monomer from active sites on a polythiophene backbone. 28 On the other hand, the polymer properties are strongly influenced by its molecular parameters such as molecular weight, molecular weight distribution (MWD), and the presence of functional groups and their spatial locations.…”