Polymer Layered Silicate/Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites: Morphological and Rheological Properties

Abstract

Morphological and rheological properties of new ternary nanocomposites based on ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), commercial organo‐modified clays (organoclays) and purified multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), prepared via direct melt blending, have been evaluated. For sake of comparison, the corresponding binary compositions, i.e., EVA filled with either organoclays or MWNTs, have been investigated as well. While extensive exfoliation can be observed for binary EVA/clay nanocomposites, the addition of MWNTs appears to limit clay exfoliation. Rheological properties show that both clay and MWNTs increase the elastic modulus of the nanocomposites, reflecting the high degree of nanoparticle interconnectivity that can be found in these materials.

Polymer/carbon nanotube nanocomposites: Influence of carbon nanotubes on EVA photodegradation

“…The morphological, mechanical and rheological properties of the samples have already been described [8]. Morphological characterization by TEM and AFM showed a rather limited extent of NTs dispersion in EVA, many agglomerations were still visible forming long bundles of NTs.…”

“…Morphological characterization by TEM and AFM [8] showed a rather limited extent of NTs dispersion in EVA, many agglomerations were still visible forming long bundles of NTs. The crushed MWNTs have a much shorter length and intermediate flexibility that provide a better nanotube dispersion.…”

“…Homogeneous dispersion of the nanotubes in the polymer matrix is difficult to achieve and bundles of aggregated MWNTs persist most often [8]. Carbon nanotubes provide another candidate as flame retardant additive [9e12].…”

Mechanical Properties and Flame‐Retardant Behavior of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate/High‐Density Polyethylene Coated Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites

“…The MWNTs studied in this work were produced at the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Laboratory (FUNDP, Belgium) by catalytic decomposition of acetylene on transition-metal particles (Co, Fe) supported on Al 2 O 3 [17]. They were purified after dissolution of the support in a boiling, concentrated sodium hydroxide aqueous solution and dissolution of the catalysts in concentrated hydrochloric acid aqueous solution.…”

Synergic Effect of Clay on the Mechanical and Electrical Properties of SWCNT/Epoxy Composites

“…Consequently, engaging the synergistic effects of combined nanotubes and nanoclay in order to reinforce epoxy nanocomposites has been suggested as a way to improve CNT properties. Earlier reports revealed that the addition of clay to CNTs significantly improved the debundling of carbon nanotubes, resulting in fine dispersions in polymer matrix [11][12][13][14][15] Liu et al showed that the addition of clay significantly enhanced the electrical conductivity of single-walled CNT (SWCNT)/epoxy nanocomposites. 11 Similarly, Tang found a significant synergistic effect between clay and multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) for reinforcing the chitosan matrix.…”