Plasma actuating modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to strengthen interface of MWCNTs/Polylactic acid composites by constructing interlaminar stress-transfer bridge

Abstract

A new stepwise hybrid manufacturing (HM) strategy based on plasma-actuating carbon nanotubes is proposed to enhance the interfacial properties of modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MMWCNTs)/polylactic acid (PLA) nanocomposites. Although the thermoelectric coupling field caused by plasma can partially destroy the MMWCNTs, it does not affect the functional groups on the MMWCNTs. Meanwhile, under the actuation of the thermoelectric coupling field, the MMWCNTs can react with the PLA matrix to form chemical bonds with a strong intermolecular force, thus forming a stress-transfer bridge between adjacent substrate layers and fully exerting the nanoscale “rib-reinforcing” effect of MMWCNTs to enhance the interlaminar interface. In addition, the proposed HM method can avoid the weakening of the interlaminar interface caused by the orientation of the nozzle and the restriction of MMWCNTs on the matrix activity indicated in conventional manufacturing methods. Experimental and molecular dynamics simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method in promoting the interfacial properties of MMWCNTs/PLA nanocomposites.