Conductive polycarbonate composites prepared by a ternary polymer blend approach involving sea‐island‐type interfacial carbon black networks

Abstract

Ternary blends containing one major and two minor components are a common type of polymer blends, however, they have never been used to improve the electrical conductivity of polymer composites. Herein, polycarbonate (PC)/nylon‐poly(m‐xylene adipamide) (MXD6)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) (70/15/15) ternary blend is used to improve the conductivity of PC by forming sea‐island type interfacial carbon black (CB) networks. The phase change of PET from island to continuous structure, caused by the formation of CB networks at PET/MXD6 interface, is the key of success. The electrical percolation threshold of CB is much smaller than that in neat PC (only a ninth). Rheological investigation is carried out to confirm the formation of CB networks. The static mechanical properties of PC/MXD6/PET (70/15/15)‐2 vol% CB composite are evaluated by tensile testing, showing improved stiffness and strength, compared with the corresponding ternary blend, neat PC, and PC‐2 vol% CB composite.