Combination of Plasma Functionalization and Phase Inversion Process Techniques for Efficient Dispersion of MWCNTs in Polyamide 6: Assessment through Morphological, Electrical, Rheological and Thermal Properties

Abstract

Different contents of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) functionalized by He-dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma followed by an exposure to NH3 were incorporated into PA6 matrix via a phase inversion based solution method. Optical and electron microscopic results were indicative of the excellent dispersion state of the MWCNTs. The differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis measurements revealed that even addition of a slight amount of the MWCNTs significantly increased the thermal stability and crystallization temperature. Moreover, the low electrical percolation threshold of the PA 6/functionalized MWCNTs nanocomposites was another confirmation for achieving a good dispersion state of MWCNTs using this approach.