Electrically conductive polystyrene nanocomposites incorporated with aspect ratio‐controlled silver nanowires

Abstract

ABSTRACTPolymer nanocomposites consisting of electrically conductive nanofillers with high aspect ratios are widely utilized for high‐performance applications such as sensors and electronics. Silver nanowires (AgNWs) synthesized through polyol reduction have been reported to show excellent electrical conductivity, hydrophilicity, and high aspect ratios. In this study, the influence of the aspect ratios of the AgNWs on the rheological and electrical properties of the fabricated polystyrene (PS)/AgNW nanocomposites was chiefly investigated. The nanocomposites were made by combining a dispersion of AgNWs with a suspension of PS particles, followed by freeze‐drying the PS/AgNW mixture harnessing the latex technology. Scanning electron microscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were performed on the nanocomposites to investigate the morphological, optical, and thermal properties, respectively; in addition, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy was performed to examine the hydrophilic polymer poly(vinylpyrrolidone)‐capped AgNW surfaces. The rheological behavior of the nanocomposites changed from liquid‐like to solid‐like after the addition of AgNWs with high aspect ratios. The electrical percolation threshold of the AgNWs in the nanocomposites was determined by the aspect ratio of the nanofiller rather than by its length. Thus, the various properties of the PS/AgNW nanocomposites could be tuned by tailoring the aspect ratios of the AgNWs. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47927.