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Fabrication, Densification, and Replica Molding of 3D Carbon Nanotube Microstructures
Published on: July 2, 2012
Carbon Nanotube-Based Segregated Thermoplastic Nanocomposites Structured via Electromagnetic Melt Processing
Madara Mohoppu1,2, Utsab Ayan1,2, Jacob Schwartz1
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Mississippi School of Engineering, University, Mississippi 38677, United States.
Electromagnetic (EM) processing of thermoplastic polymer nanocomposites (TPNCs) with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) significantly enhances electrical conductivity and mechanical stiffness. This novel method creates superior CNT networks compared to conventional heat processing, offering advanced material properties.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Conventional melt processing of thermoplastic polymer nanocomposites (TPNCs) often results in suboptimal filler dispersion and network formation.
- Achieving enhanced electrical and mechanical properties in TPNCs requires effective structuring of nanofillers like carbon nanotubes (CNTs).
- Electromagnetic (EM) energy offers a novel approach for processing materials, potentially enabling unique microstructural control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of electromagnetic (EM) energy for melt processing of thermoplastic polymer nanocomposites (TPNCs).
- To compare the properties and microstructures of EM-processed TPNCs with those produced via conventional heat processing.
- To understand the influence of EM processing on carbon nanotube (CNT) network formation and resulting material performance.
Main Methods:
- Melt processing of TPNCs using electromagnetic (EM) energy.
- Comparative analysis of EM-processed and conventionally (hot-pressed) processed TPNCs.
- Characterization techniques included electrical conductivity measurements, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- EM-processed TPNCs with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) showed an 8-order of magnitude increase in volume electrical conductivity and an ultralow percolation threshold (∼0.09 vol %).
- EM processing resulted in higher crystallinity (∼9% increase) and a predominantly α crystal phase, alongside segregated, interconnected multiscale CNT networks.
- Statistically higher stiffness (+20%) and strength (+10%) were observed in EM-processed TPNCs, though ductility was reduced.
Conclusions:
- Electromagnetic (EM) processing is a superior method for achieving enhanced electrical and mechanical properties in thermoplastic polymer nanocomposites (TPNCs) compared to conventional heat processing.
- EM processing enables superior carbon nanotube (CNT) network formation, leading to significant improvements in conductivity and stiffness.
- While EM processing offers advanced structuring, further optimization is needed to address reduced ductility and potential microvoid formation.
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