Effect of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes on Mechanical Properties of Feldspar Filled Polypropylene Composites

Abstract

In this study, the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforcement on mechanical and morphological properties of MWCNT reinforced feldspar/polypropylene composites was investigated. The composites were compounded in a Polydrive Thermo Haake R600 internal mixer at 180°C and at 50 rpm of rotor speed. Polyethylene co-acrylic acid (PEAA) was used as a processing aid in this study. The structure and dimensions of the MWCNTs were characterized using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The tensile strength, elongation at break, Young’s modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and impact strength increased with the addition of 0.1 wt% of MWCNT. The morphology and degree of dispersion of the MWCNTs in the feldspar/PP composites at different MWCNT loading was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicate that MWCNTs are well distributed and dispersed in feldspar/PP composites particularly at low filler loading, i.e., 0.1 wt%.