Preparation Of Poly(Vinyl) Alcohol – Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposite As Conductive And Transparent Film Using Casting Method

Abstract

PVA nanocomposite was prepared with acid functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes as the reinforcing material. The presence of functional groups on MWCNT was revealed by FTIR techniques. Functionalization of MWCNT was conducted by oxidation using acid solution (HNO3 and H2SO4). The functionalized MWCNT induces hydrophilicity to the PVA nanocomposites. Dispersed MWCNT solution was mixed with 10.0% (w/v) PVA as nanocomposite solution (10-40% (v/v)), casted and dried at 60°C. The effect of MWCNT concentration on the electrical conductivities of the PVA nanocomposites was studied very well. The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites was increased with the concentration of MWCNT, and PVA with 40% (v/v) nanotubes loaded nanocompsoite showed better electric properties. Analysis using spectrofotometry UV-VIS show that adding 10% MWCNT has maximum transmittance at 95.52% and minimum transmittance by 40% MWCNT at 38.95%. As the concentration of MWCNT increased to 40% (v/v), the PVA nanocomposites got transformed from a region of insulator to semiconductor was revealed by taue plot methode. Tensile test was finished to characterizing PVA/MWCNT nanocomposite mechanical properties that show the maximum tensile strength by 40% MWCNT at 45.2 MPa and minimum tensile strength by 10% MWCNT at 36.3 MPa. Change of physical properties describes the existence of important role of MWCNT on the nanocomposite film.