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The Interface Strengthening of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes/Polylactic Acid Composites via the In-Loop Hybrid
Hongbin Li1,2, Zhuang Jiang1, Zhihua Li1
1Department of Electromechanical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266061, China.
Polymers
|November 25, 2023
Summary
A novel hybrid manufacturing method enhances multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polylactic acid (PLA) composites. This technique significantly boosts interfacial shear strength, improving composite performance through better MWCNT and PLA interaction.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Developing advanced polymer composites with enhanced mechanical properties is crucial for various industrial applications.
- Improving the interface between reinforcing agents like carbon nanotubes and polymer matrices is a key challenge.
- Existing manufacturing methods often struggle to achieve optimal interfacial adhesion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and investigate a new in-loop hybrid manufacturing method for multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polylactic acid (PLA) composites.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for enhanced interfacial performance using molecular dynamics simulations and experimental validation.
- To quantify the improvement in interfacial properties compared to conventional methods.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of MWCNT/PLA composites using a novel in-loop hybrid manufacturing approach.
- Utilizing molecular dynamics simulations to model and understand the interfacial interactions between MWCNTs and PLA chains.
- Conducting experimental tests to measure interfacial shear strength and validate simulation findings.
Main Results:
- The proposed method resulted in a significant increase in interfacial shear strength, reaching 43.26 MPa.
- Interfacial shear strength improved by 30.50% compared to composites without MWCNTs.
- The new method yielded a value 4.77 times higher than traditional manufacturing methods, confirming its effectiveness.
- Simulations revealed that plasma-actuating MWCNTs induce gradients in PLA chain activity, promoting infiltration and forming a stress-transfer bridge.
Conclusions:
- The in-loop hybrid manufacturing method effectively enhances the interfacial properties of MWCNT/PLA composites.
- The improved performance is attributed to enhanced intermolecular interactions and infiltration facilitated by plasma-actuated MWCNTs.
- This study demonstrates a promising approach for fabricating high-performance nanocomposites with superior interfacial adhesion.
