Influence of Processing Method on the Mechanical and Electrical Properties of MWCNT/PET Composites

Abstract

Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composites were prepared by three processing methods: direct extrusion (DE), melt compounding followed by extrusion (MCE), and dispersion of the MWCNTs in a solvent by sonication followed by extrusion (SSE). The mechanical properties of the MWCNT/PET composites processed by MCE increased with 0.1 wt% MWCNTs with respect to the neat PET. The electrical percolation threshold of MWCNT/PET composites processed by DE and MCE was ~1 wt% and the conductivity was higher for composites processed by MCE. Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that mixing the MWCNTs by melt compounding before extruding yields better dispersion of the MWCNTs within the PET matrix. The processing method assisted by a solvent resulted in matrix plasticization.

Preparation, characterization, and applications of poly(ethylene terephthalate) nanocomposites

“…To illustrate, melt-compounded PET/MWCNT composites have shown higher tensile strength than pure PET, whereas composites made by other methods such as direct extrusion and solvent dispersion plus extrusion have not shown improvement in tensile strength (Rodríguez-Uicab et al, 2013). To illustrate, melt-compounded PET/MWCNT composites have shown higher tensile strength than pure PET, whereas composites made by other methods such as direct extrusion and solvent dispersion plus extrusion have not shown improvement in tensile strength (Rodríguez-Uicab et al, 2013).…”

“…In comparative studies on PET/MWCNT composites made by different methods, it was shown that Raman spectral peaks of PET/MWCNT nanocomposites were almost identical to plain PET with one slight difference at wavenumber 1287 cm −1 where the CO bond of PET overlapped the 1331 cm −1 peak corresponding to the D band of MWCNT (Rodríguez-Uicab et al, 2013). In comparative studies on PET/MWCNT composites made by different methods, it was shown that Raman spectral peaks of PET/MWCNT nanocomposites were almost identical to plain PET with one slight difference at wavenumber 1287 cm −1 where the CO bond of PET overlapped the 1331 cm −1 peak corresponding to the D band of MWCNT (Rodríguez-Uicab et al, 2013).…”

“…Another important factor is the synthesis method. PET/MWCNT nanocomposites made by three different methods including (1) direct extrusion, (2) melt compounding and extrusion, and (3) solvent dispersion and extrusion have been compared (Rodríguez-Uicab et al, 2013). PET/MWCNT nanocomposites made by three different methods including (1) direct extrusion, (2) melt compounding and extrusion, and (3) solvent dispersion and extrusion have been compared (Rodríguez-Uicab et al, 2013).…”

“…Crystallization studies on PET/MWCNTs made by different methods have indicated that MWCNTs serve as nucleating agents, with higher crystallization temperatures for nanocomposites compared to pure PET (Rodríguez-Uicab et al, 2013;Wang et al, 2007). This has been attributed to confinement of growth or decrease in PET chain mobility due to MWCNTs and the decrease in crystallite geometry of the nanocomposites (Cruz-Delgado et al, 2014;Wang et al, 2007).…”

Manufacture and characterization of nanocomposite materials obtained from incorporation ofd-glucose functionalized MWCNTs into the recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate)

“…PET is a low-cost, high-performance, semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer that is used in the automobile and electronic industries and also has a variety of applications such as textiles, films, industrial fibers, bottle containers, and food packaging. [4,5] However, inadequate thermal stability and mechanical properties of PET have hindered its valuable application in a wide range of industry. [6] Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are ideal candidates as reinforcements for thermoplastic polymer composites that can improve the electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the polymers.…”