Thermal and mechanical properties of polymer‐nanocomposites based on ethylene methyl acrylate and multiwalled carbon nanotube

Abstract

The ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA) and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) based composites were prepared by solution mixing as well as by melt processing of the films obtained after solution mixing. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and XRD were used to characterize morphologies of various composites. MWNTs were found to be more dispersed in the composites prepared by melt process after solution process. There was no obvious agglomeration of MWNTs at lower % loading (up to 2.5%) in the polymer matrices especially the composites are prepared solution plus melt mixing and consequently better interaction between MWNTs and EMA matrix was anticipated. XRD and differential scanning calorimetry studied showed that the nanotubes affect the crystallization process and subsequently their role as a nucleating agent was established. These are reflected in the mechanical properties of the composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the storage modulus of the composites drop very sharply beyond 2.5 wt% of MWNT content with increasing % strain and it reflects the Payne effect (a substantial decrease in the storage modulus of a particle-reinforced polymer with an increase in the amplitude of dynamic oscillations). The influence of concentration of filler was also realized by frequency sweep experiment. The incorporation of MWNTs in EMA offered a stabilizing effect since onset of degradation occurs at higher temperatures for composites.

Rheological signatures of ethylene methyl acrylate‐multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites

“…All the composites were prepared via solution casting followed by melt‐mixing technique. This process yields superior dispersion of nanotubes in EMA matrix as compared to simple solution casting or simple melt‐mixing technique and it has been recently demonstrated in our previous reports 33, 34…”

“…In our previous reports,33, 34 EMA/MWNTs nanocomposites were prepared by solution casting followed by melt mixing and the thermal, mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and morphological characteristics were investigated. The rheological properties of EMA/CNTs nanocomposites have not been previously reported.…”

Handbook of Polymer Nanocomposites. Processing, Performance and Application

“…Recently, a simple procedure of preparing EMA-based nanocomposite using toluene as a solvent has been reported (Basuli et al 2010). The nanocomposites were prepared by using pristine as well as chemically functionalized (ÀCOOH and -OH) MWNTs.…”

Thermal and Mechanical Enhancements of Polyetherimide/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Composite Performance Using "Solid Nano-Nectar" Assisted Melt Dispersion

“…Researchers have also used a combination of solution casting and melt processing to prepare poly(methyl methyl acrylate (PMMA)/SWCNT and ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA)/MWCNT based composites. [13][14] In the former work, the first step involved the preparation of PMMA/SWCNT composite films. Ascast films were broken into small pieces, and then the broken pieces were hot pressed.…”