Effect of modified MWCNT and polyphosphazene elastomer on the properties of PES/LCP blend system

PES/LCP/MWCNT nanocomposites were prepared through melt blending and the effect of Polyphosphazene elastomer as a compatibilizer was investigated. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra (FTIR) exhibited that Carbon nanotubes (CNT's) were linked with PES. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) micrographs highlighted the dispersion of CNT throughout the matrix and formation of network structure. Rheological analysis revealed the extent of interfacial adhesion. Thermal properties were characterized by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). A remarkable increase in the magnitude of storage modulus (E') with the addition of MWCNTs was observed through Dynamic mechanical Thermal analysis (DMTA). Crystallinity of the concerned composites was assessed through X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) study. Tensile strength was observed to increase with increasing CNT content, whereas, % of elongation at break was found to decrease. But, in case of polyphosphazene-aided nanocomposite, % of elongation at break was found to increase reflecting the flexible behaviour of the composite.