Electrical conductivity and Vickers hardness enhancement by pristine and functionalized MWCNTs incorporation in polycaprolactam matrix

Abstract

Several electronic applications have been developed through the use of carbon nanotubes and polymer composites. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), functionalized and pristine, were incorporated in polycaprolactam matrix; hydrochloric acid (19 and 38%) and formic acid (88%) were used as polymer solvents. Mechanical stirring method was employed to dissolve the polymer and achieve the dispersion of MWCNTs in polymer matrix. The obtained composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, confirming the presence of MWCNTs in polymer. Raman and Fourier transformed infrared spectra were used to identify the interaction between MWCNTs and polycaprolactam. Hardness improvements were proved through microhardness test, reaching values over 100 Hv units. The electrical conductivity in composites with the highest MWCNTs content (4 wt%) was confirmed. The results described in this manuscript confirm the possibility to develop a new material using MWCNTs dispersion in polycaprolactam matrix and possible applications in electronical and mechanical fields.