Film formation kinetics of polystyrene latex‐based nanocomposites with a broad particle size distribution

Abstract

AbstractThe present study article aims to clarify the effect of colloidal polystyrene (PS) latexes with a broad particle size distribution on film formation kinetics of multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐added polymer nanocomposites by considering theoretical film formation models. Experimentally, light transmitted from nanocomposite films, each having different weight fractions of MWCNT, was recorded at different annealing temperatures via UV–Visible spectrophotometry. Optical data set was then theoretically elaborated by taking into account void closure and Prager‐Tirrell models. Activation energies of viscous flow (ΔH) and backbone motion for reptating PS chains (ΔEB), minimum film formation (T0) and healing (Th) temperatures were then computed from optical data. Experimental results revealed that ΔH required for void closure phenomenon remained unaffected by both nanofiller and size distribution of latexes. On the other hand, it was found that ΔEB for backbone motion promoted upon the addition of nano‐fillers into latex particles. Our experimental findings suggested that film formation from MWCNT‐added latex films with a broad particle size distribution mainly originates from void closure mechanism since ΔH for viscous flow suppresses ΔEB acquired for backbone motion of repeating PS chains to a great extent.Highlights A broad size distribution effect of PS on film formation was investigated. Voids closure and Prager‐Tirrell models were applied to spectroscopic data. Activation energy of viscous flow is unaffected by size distribution of PS. Latex film formation with varying size distribution stems from void closure.