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Preparation and characterization of CNTs/PE micro‐nanofibers
Author(s) -
Wang Hailian,
Xiao Ru
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
polymers for advanced technologies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.61
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1099-1581
pISSN - 1042-7147
DOI - 10.1002/pat.1906
Subject(s) - materials science , nanofiber , crystallinity , carbon nanotube , extrusion , composite material , morphology (biology) , percolation threshold , composite number , chemical engineering , electrical resistivity and conductivity , genetics , engineering , biology , electrical engineering
Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/polyethylene micro‐nanofibers with content ranging from 0.5 to 10 wt% of CNTs were prepared for the first time by melt extrusion of immiscible blends with cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) and subsequent removal of CAB matrix. The morphology development of dispersed phase was studied with samples collected at different zones in a twin‐screw extruder. The morphology of the CNTs in PE was found to be in forms of both individual and agglomerations. The average diameters of CNTs/PE nanofibers increased with increasing the CNTs content. The electrical conductivity of CNTs/PE nanofibers was studied and a percolation threshold of about 4 wt% was obtained. In addition, the crystalline structures of the CNTs/PE nanofibers were analyzed, indicating a decrease in the crystallinity with the addition of CNTs. The thermal properties of composite fibrils were also modified. This paper demonstrates a good approach for the preparation of CNTs/TP nanofibers by in situ microfibrillar formation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.