Structure-property relationships in isotactic polypropylene/multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites

E. Logakis, E. Pollatos, Ch Pandis, V. Peoglos, I. Zuburtikudis, C. G. Delides, A. Vatalis, M. Gjoka, E. Syskakis, K. Viras, P. Pissis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

169 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this work, the influence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) on electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of CNT reinforced isotactic polypropylene (iPP) nanocomposites is studied. The composites were obtained by diluting a masterbatch of 20 wt.% MWCNT with a low viscous iPP, using melt mixing. The morphology of the prepared samples was examined through SEM, Raman and XRD measurements. The effect of MWCNT addition on the thermal transitions of the iPP was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. Significant changes are reported in the crystallization behavior of the matrix on addition of carbon nanotubes: increase of the degree of crystallinity, as well as appearance of a new crystallization peak (owing to trans-crystallinity). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) studies revealed an enhancement of the storage modulus, in the glassy state, up to 86%. Furthermore, broadband dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (DRS) was employed to study the electrical and dielectric properties of the nanocomposites. The electrical percolation threshold was calculated 0.6-0.7 vol.% MWCNT from both dc conductivity and dielectric constant values. This value is lower than previous mentioned ones in literature in similar systems. In conclusion, this works provides a simple and quick way for the preparation of PP/MWCNT nanocomposites with low electrical percolation threshold and significantly enhanced mechanical properties.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)328-335
Number of pages8
JournalComposites Science and Technology
Volume70
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • A. Carbon nanotubes
  • A. Nanocomposites
  • B. Electrical properties
  • B. Thermomechanical properties

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ceramics and Composites
  • General Engineering

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