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The influence of matrix viscosity on MWCNT dispersion and electrical properties in different thermoplastic nanocomposites
2012, Socher, Robert, Krause, Beate, Müller, Michael T., Boldt, Regine, Pötschke, Petra
Composites of MWCNTs having each three different levels of matrix viscosity with five different polymers (polyamide 12, polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyetheretherketone and low density polyethylene) were melt mixed to identify the general influence of matrix viscosity on the electrical properties and the state of MWCNT dispersion. Huge differences in the electrical percolation thresholds were found using the same polymer matrix with different viscosity grades. The lowest percolation thresholds were always found in the composites based on the low viscosity matrix. The state of primary MWCNT agglomerate dispersion increased with increasing matrix viscosity due to the higher input of mixing energy. TEM investigations showed nanoagglomerated structures in the low viscosity samples which are obviously needed to achieve low resistivity values. The effect of nanotube shortening was quantified using two different viscosity grades of polycarbonate. Due to the higher mixing energy input the nanotube shortening was more pronounced in the high viscosity matrix which partially explains the higher percolation threshold. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Electrical and thermal properties of polyamide 12 composites with hybrid fillers systems of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and carbon black
2011, Socher, Robert, Krause, Beate, Hermasch, Sylvia, Wursche, Roland, Pötschke, Petra
Hybrid filler systems of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and carbon black (CB) were incorporated into two types of polyamide 12 (PA12) using small-scale melt mixing in order to identify potential synergistic effects on the interaction of these two electrical conductive fillers. Although no synergistic effects were observed regarding the electrical percolation threshold, at loadings well above the percolation threshold higher volume conductivities were obtained for samples containing both, MWCNT and CB, as compared to single fillers. This effect was more pronounced when using a higher viscous PA12 matrix. The formation of a co-supporting network can be assumed. The combined use of CB and MWCNTs improved the macrodispersion of MWCNT agglomerates, which can be assigned as a synergistic effect. DSC measurements indicated an effect of the nanofiller on crystallisation temperatures of PA12; however this was independent of the kind or amount of the carbon nanofiller. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.
Melt mixed nano composites of PA12 with MWNTs: Influence of MWNT and matrix properties on macrodispersion and electrical properties
2011, Socher, Robert, Krause, Beate, Boldt, Regine, Hermasch, Sylvia, Wursche, Roland, Pötschke, Petra
Nanocomposites containing four different polyamide 12 (PA12) types and three grades of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were prepared via small-scale melt processing to study the effect of different MWNTs and the influence of polymer properties on the dispersion of the fillers and the electrical properties of the composites. Under the selected mixing conditions the lowest electrical percolation threshold of 0.7. wt.% was found for Nanocyl™ NC7000 in low viscous PA12. Moreover, big influences of the end group functionality (acid or amine excess) and the melt viscosity of the matrix were found. Composites of PA12 with acid excess showed lower percolation thresholds than those based on amine terminated materials. At constant end group ratio low viscous matrices resulted in lower percolation thresholds than high viscous materials. The best MWNT dispersion was obtained in both high viscous PA12 composites. In these systems the mixing speed was varied indicating an optimum concerning electrical conductivity at 150 rpm as compared to 50 and 250 rpm. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd.