Abstract
Cellulose acetate (CA) fibers were reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) at 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0%. Yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, fracture strain and toughness of the nanocomposite fiber increased up to 1.5 wt. % of the carbon nanotube (CNT) loading, however, further inclusion (2.0%) of MWCNTs in CA decreased the mechanical properties. Experimental properties were also compared with analytical predictions using a Shear lag model for strength and the rule of mixture for modulus. A solution spinning process, coupled with sonication, mixing, and extrusion, was used to process the CNT-reinforced composite fiber. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the cross sections of neat CA and CA-MWCNT fibers showed the formation of voids and irregular features. The enhanced interconnected fibrillation in the CNT-reinforced CA samples resulted in improved mechanical properties, which were observed by tensile testing. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra showed the area under the curve for C–H bonding after the inclusion of CNT. There was no significant shift of wavenumber for the inclusion of MWCNT in the CA matrix, which indicates that the sonication process of the CNT-loaded solution did not degrade the CA bonding structure.
Highlights
All synthetic polymers are made from fossil sources and play a very important role in our daily life
It was observed that the tensile strength was increased by adding a carbon nanotube (CNT) percentage with cellulose acetate (CA) up to 1.5%
Neat CA and (0.5–2.0 wt. %) multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) loaded CA composite fibers were produced by a solution spinning process
Summary
All synthetic polymers are made from fossil sources and play a very important role in our daily life. CA can be utilized in many fields, including composite materials, textiles, sensors and for electromagnetic protection If it is carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced, the superior mechanical and electrical properties of the composite fiber are useful in the design of light weight space or combat dress. In order to utilize these properties, CNTs should be aligned to preferred directions in the polymer matrix materials All of these endeavors are made with the infusion of single or multi-walled CNTs. CNT orientation, especially along the fiber axis is an exceptionally critical part in producing high elastic properties in CNT-based polymeric nanocomposite fibers [24]. The CNT filler and polymer matrix interface play the most important part in the load transfer mechanism The characteristics of these interfaces will directly govern the composite material strength and stiffness. The morphology of the fibers was studied using SEM and FTIR
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