Unraveling the localization behavior of MWCNTs in binary polymer blends using thermodynamics and viscoelastic approaches

Abstract

Using thermodynamics and viscoelastic approaches, the present work evaluated the localization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in binary polymer blends with matrix/dispersed morphologies from pairs of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), and polypropylene (PP). Thermodynamic predictions suggested that the MWCNTs should preferentially localize at the blend interface for all the nanocomposite samples. However, viscoelastic measurements showed that the MWCNTs localize elsewhere in the binary blend samples, either in the matrix, the droplets, or both; this suggests that the thermodynamic parameters were not the only ones at work. Linear viscoelastic experiments showed that the affinity toward the individual polymers was in the following order: PS ≫ PP > PMMA. Furthermore, it was shown that the dispersive mixing of the MWCNTs in the blend components was mainly controlled by the rheological properties. This was further confirmed by start‐up experiments, electron microscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis. Therefore, the kinetic parameters needed to be considered in determining where the MWCNTs eventually ended up in the binary polymer blends. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2356–2367, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers

Analysis of the Connecting Effectiveness of the Interphase Zone on the Tensile Properties of Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) Reinforced Nanocomposite

“…The carbon nanotubes (CNT) as ideal nanoparticles can add high stiffness and good electrical conductivity to polymer matrices. Additionally, the nanoscale diameter and large aspect ratio of CNT significantly improve the general properties of polymer CNT nanocomposites (PCNT) [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. The van der Waals attraction between nanotubes leads the aggregation/agglomeration in the nanocomposites, which reduces the filler surface expanse and interrupts the networking level [18][19][20].…”

Development of Expanded Takayanagi Model for Tensile Modulus of Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Nanocomposites Assuming Interphase Regions Surrounding the Dispersed and Networked Nanoparticles

“…Carbon nanotubes (CNT) have involved significant interest in nanocomposites due to amazing mechanical behavior and good electrical conductivity, as well as nanometer size and high aspect ratio [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. It was reported that only a low content of CNT is enough to prepare a nanocomposite with significant mechanical and conductivity properties.…”

Simulation of tunneling distance and electrical conductivity for polymer carbon nanotubes nanocomposites by interphase thickness and network density

“…The wonderful levels of mechanical, electrical, thermal, and physical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNT) have motivated the increasing interests for the investigation of composites containing CNT as polymer/CNT nanocomposites (PCNT) . The electrical conductivity of CNT reaches to 10 6 S/m, but the polymer matrices usually show the conductivity of 10 −16 to 10 −12 S/m .…”