Polymethyl methacrylate reinforced with nickel coated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes: Flame, electrical and mechanical properties

Abstract

Composites of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as matrix and nickel‐coated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (Ni‐MWCNT) as nanofillers were prepared using a melt mixing process. In order to improve the dispersion of the nanofillers in the PMMA matrix and thus enhance matrix‐filler interactions, Ni‐MWCNT was treated with amino propyl triethoxy‐silane (APTS). The shielding effectiveness (SE) of the composites improved with increasing Ni‐MWCNT content. In addition, the effects of various combinations of fillers like silver, copper, and nickel nanoparticles on SE have been studied. Among these nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles in combination with MWCNT and Ni‐MWCNT showed optimal shielding effectiveness of 55 dB. The volume and surface resistivity of the composites decreased with increase in nanofiller content. The tensile strength values were increased by 51% at 0.8 wt% loading of Ni‐MWCNT as compared to that of composite without filler. The improvement in tensile strength was further analyzed using micromechanical models. Cone calorimeter studies showed 25.3% reduction in the peak heat release rate for the composite loaded with 1.5 wt% of Ni‐MWCNT as compared to that of neat PMMA. The nanocomposites also showed enhanced thermal stability with the formation of char as the filler content increased.

Enhanced mechanical, electrical, thermal, and optical properties of poly(methyl methacrylate)/copper oxide nanocomposites for flexible optoelectronic devices via in‐situ polymerization technique

“…They are widely known for having desirable qualities, such as rigidity, transparency, and strong thermal and chemical stability. 7,8 ZnO, 11,12 CuO, 13 SiO 2 , TiO 2 , 14,15 Fe 2 O 3 , 16 Al 2 O 3 , 17,18 and so on are the commonly used metal oxides. 3,4 Among different metal oxide nanoparticles, CuO nanoparticles gain much importance because they can transfer electrons to a lower potential state.…”

“…It is stiff, inexpensive, and has good resilience to a variety of environmental conditions. 17,20,21 PMMA is used as a substitute for inorganic glass. It can be utilized for a variety of purposes, including those related to optical materials, sensors, solar energy, the automotive industry, biomedicine, pneumatic actuation electronics, displays, and other industries.…”

“…[22][23][24] However, PMMA has drawbacks, most notably a lack of hardness, poor impact resistance, and thermal instability. 17 The addition of nanoparticles will aid in overcoming PMMA's shortcomings. Recently, studies on PMMA reinforced with metal oxide nanocomposites have been reported.…”

“…Poly(methyl methacrylate) is a valuable amorphous thermoplastic polymer with many applications, particularly optical ones, because of its exceptional transparency in the visible spectrum region. It is stiff, inexpensive, and has good resilience to a variety of environmental conditions 17,20,21 . PMMA is used as a substitute for inorganic glass.…”

“…It can be utilized for a variety of purposes, including those related to optical materials, sensors, solar energy, the automotive industry, biomedicine, pneumatic actuation electronics, displays, and other industries 22–24 . However, PMMA has drawbacks, most notably a lack of hardness, poor impact resistance, and thermal instability 17 . The addition of nanoparticles will aid in overcoming PMMA's shortcomings.…”