A study on dispersions of CB and CNT in PP/EPDM composites and their mechanical reinforcement

Abstract

Carbon material (carbon black (CB) and carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced composites are being studied widely. The content of the reinforcing materials is known as the main influencing factor. However, the dispersion of the reinforcing materials is often neglected or, where it is investigated, not thoroughly evaluated. In this article, the dispersion states of carbon materials in the composite materials were quantitatively analyzed using an image processing method. Meanwhile, the reliability of the image analysis was verified through the testing results of the mechanical and rheological properties of the composites. Both CB and CNTs improved the mechanical properties of maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (PP)/ethylene propylene diene monomer composites, wherein their dispersion was the dominant factor instead of their content. The dispersion of the easily agglomerated CNT was significantly poorer than that of CB. Therefore, CB was better in inducing the crystallization of PP.

Silica‐reinforced ethylene propylene diene monomer/polypropylene thermoplastic vulcanizates with interfacial compatibilized by methylacrylate

“…The content of fillers in the composite is considered to have a crucial role in influencing the final properties of the materials. [ 18–22 ] According to Tuo et al [ 13 ] and Ma et al [ 23 ] , the enhancement effect of fillers did not increase completely as the content of carbon black increased, because an excess of particles would undermine the relationship between the interfaces of different components, making the particles an impurity in the composites and deteriorating its performance. Therefore, besides the reinforcement effect of fillers, the interfacial interaction and compatibility between various phases are of great significance as well.…”

“…Composites are commonly produced by blending the reinforcing components and matrix under certain conditions, in which the particle‐reinforced fillers are most frequently utilized. [ 9–13 ] There are many factors that affect the reinforcement effect of fillers. [ 13–15 ] By employing thermodynamic and kinetic factors, particles can be regulated to disperse into rubber or plastic phase of composites, which plays a significant role in reinforcing the material.…”

“…[ 9–13 ] There are many factors that affect the reinforcement effect of fillers. [ 13–15 ] By employing thermodynamic and kinetic factors, particles can be regulated to disperse into rubber or plastic phase of composites, which plays a significant role in reinforcing the material. For instance, Liu et al [ 16 ] found that the impact strength of polylactide/natural rubber TPVs with silica (SiO 2 ) was eight times that of the blank sample.…”

Study on performance characteristics of fused deposition modeling 3D‐printed composites by blending and lamination

“…1 Degree of component contact in a composite material influences the performance of composites, considering the types of reinforcing component, such as particle size, fiber diameter, and their content and distribution. 2,3 There are two extreme conditions depending on the degree of component contact. One is called blending in which the components are thoroughly mixed.…”

“…Composites are new materials in which two or more components are combined together by a physical or chemical method in a certain proportion 1 . Degree of component contact in a composite material influences the performance of composites, considering the types of reinforcing component, such as particle size, fiber diameter, and their content and distribution 2,3 . There are two extreme conditions depending on the degree of component contact.…”