Abstract
This work is devoted to the preparation and characterization of some polystyrene/multiwall carbon nanotubes (PS/MCNT) systems. The dispersion of the reinforcement agent within the PS medium was done via sonication and the resulting nanocomposites containing 0-40 wt% MCNTs were achieved by solution blending procedure. Shear flow and viscoelastic properties were tested by means of rheology, revealing some changes in the sample microstructure. Dispersion curves of the matrix and low filled nanocomposite were registered at variable temperatures. The theoretical refractive index and corresponding dielectric constant at optical frequencies were analyzed as a function of the system composition. Heat transport in the reinforced materials was examined by computer modeling, which enabled calculation of thermal conductivity. Electrical transport features were assessed using a theoretical approach relying on the physical properties of each phase. The surface adhesion of the samples with various materials was determined to check the suitability for applications in technical or bio-related fields.
Highlights
Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MCNT) are widely employed as reinforcement agents for plastics to enhance their performance in terms of lightweight, mechanical resistance, hydrophobicity, electrical and thermal conduction abilities [1,2]
Shear flow curve of the unfilled PS solution in DMAc/MC presents a Newtonian plateau at shear rates between 0.01-10 s-1, afterwards a shear thinning zone is observed due to chain disentanglements and orientation
Upon MCNT reinforcement, the low shear rate behavior is gradually changed from Newtonian to shear thinning
Summary
Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MCNT) are widely employed as reinforcement agents for plastics to enhance their performance in terms of lightweight, mechanical resistance, hydrophobicity, electrical and thermal conduction abilities [1,2] This advantageous combination of properties is highly desirable for a large range of applications, such as flexible electrodes, radiation shielding sheets, heat dissipation layers, selective sensors, membranes and energy conversion devices [3,4]. Development of such multiphase materials depends upon characteristics of the inserted fillers, their dispersion state within the polymer environment, the interactions occurring between reinforcement compound and the plastic material used as matrix [5,6]. A careful attention must be given to the processing routes involved in obtaining the final material
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