Effect of Multi‐Wall Carbon Nanotubes on the Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber

Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were used to prepare natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites. Our first effort to achieve nanostructures in MWNTs/NR nanocomposites were formed by incorporating carbonnanotubes in a polymer solution and subsequently evaporating the solvent. Using this technique, nanotubess can be dispersed homogeneously in the NR matrix in an attempt to increase the mechanical properties of these nanocomposites. The properties of the nanocomposites such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, tear strength, elongation at break and hardness were studied. Mechanical test results show an increase in the initial modulus for up to 12 times in relation to pure NR. In addition to mechanical testing, the dispersion state of the MWNTs into NR was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in order to understand the morphology of the resulting system. According to the present study, application of the physical and mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes to NR can result in rubber products which have improved mechanical, physical and chemical properties, compared with existing rubber products reinforced with carbon black or silicone.

Effect of pre-axial tensile tension, temperature, and hysteresis loss of natural rubber doped MWCNTs on the electrical properties for sensors applications

“…Several studies have been conducted on the electrical insulation properties of several polymers containing different concentrations of several types of MWCNTs. [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] By studying the effect of the MWCNTs concentration on the properties of electrical insulation, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the dielectric constant (έ, σ ac ) exhibits a clear increase after the concentration (3 phr) of MWCNTs and the electrical conductivity σ ac increases by 12 ranks by increasing the MWCNTs concentration to 15 phr. This increase in concentration is considered to be high when compared with similar ones in the case of electrical conductivity of DC.…”

“…As for their outcomes, other researchers have gained critical improvement in the mechanical properties (strength, elasticity, toughness, and durability) of NR. [26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33] A carbon nanotube represents a particular subject inside solid-state physics, 34 but on the other hand, it is of interest in other branches of sciences like chemistry or biology. In reality, the theme has coasting limits, since we are at the molecular level.…”

“…As for their outcomes, other researchers have gained critical improvement in the mechanical properties (strength, elasticity, toughness, and durability) of NR. 26-33…”

Catalytic Synthesis of Substrate-Free, Aligned and Tailored High Aspect Ratio Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes in an Ultrasonic Atomization Head CVD Reactor

“…These types of aligned and large bundles of MWCNTs were not obtained in the previous experiments. Furthermore, aligned and large bundles of MWCNTs are preferred in those applications where high mechanical strength is required [6,39].…”

Polymer Nanocomposites: From Synthesis to Applications

“…Hydrogen bonded poly(vinyl alcohol/clay) organic-inorganic hybrid structure. Atieh et al [2005] studied the properties of natural rubber (NR)/MWCNT nanocomposites. Mechanical test results show an increase in the initial modulus for up to 12-fold in relation to neat NR.…”