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Microwave-Assisted Sintering to Rapidly Construct a Segregated Structure in Low-Melt-Viscosity Poly(Lactic Acid) for
Yeping Xie1, Jiahong Tang1, Fan Ye1
1State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
ACS Omega
|October 19, 2020
Summary
A new microwave heating technique creates segregated structures in poly(lactic acid)/carbon nanotube composites. This method enhances electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference shielding in conductive polymer composites.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Segregated structures in conductive polymer composites are key for electrical conductivity and EMI shielding.
- Low-melt-viscosity polymers like poly(lactic acid) (PLA) present challenges due to molecular motion hindering conductive network formation.
- Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are effective conductive fillers, but their dispersion and network stability are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel microwave heating technique for creating segregated structures in PLA/CNT composites.
- To improve electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness in PLA-based materials.
- To overcome the limitations of conventional molding techniques for low-melt-viscosity polymers.
Main Methods:
- A microwave-assisted molding technique was employed using PLA granules coated with CNTs.
- CNTs acted as microwave absorbers, inducing localized surface heating of PLA granules.
- Precise control over CNT content, microwave power, and irradiation time regulated surface temperature and sintering.
Main Results:
- The microwave heating effectively fused PLA granules at the surface, preserving the CNT network and preventing excessive migration.
- Enhanced interfacial adhesion between PLA phases was achieved due to sufficient chain diffusion and entanglement during microwave sintering.
- The PLA/CNT composite (5.0 wt% CNTs) demonstrated high electrical conductivity (16.3 S/m) and excellent EMI shielding effectiveness (36.7 dB at 10.0 GHz).
Conclusions:
- Microwave-assisted sintering is a promising technique for fabricating segregated structures in low-melt-viscosity polymers.
- This method offers a viable strategy for enhancing the electrical and EMI shielding properties of polymer composites.
- The developed technique provides precise control over microstructure formation, leading to superior material performance.
