Reinforcement of high performance polystyrene/polyamide/polythiophene with multi-walled carbon nanotube obtained through various routes

Abstract

In this endeavor, four simple methods (ball milling (BM), high temperature graphite (HG), graphene oxide (GO), and simple chemical (SC) route) were employed for the preparation of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT). These methods involved the in situ alteration of graphite to carbon nanotubes. Structure of MWCNTBM, MWCNTHG, MWCNTGO, and MWCNTSC was confirmed using transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. A triply blended material consisting of polystyrene, polyamide, and polythiophene (PS/PA/PTh) was used as matrix. According to field emission scanning electron microscopy, curled polymer-coated nanotubes were seemed to be dispersed in PS/PA/PTh matrix. The composites decompose in a single-step beginning around 320–360 °C. Maximum decomposition temperature of PS/PA/PTh/MWCNTHG composites (HG route) was found higher in the range of 415–439 °C. The electrical conductivity of PS/PA/PTh/MWCNT was observed between 0.09 and 0.15 Scm−1. Among all the composites prepared, PS/PA/PTh/MWCNTHG 0.3 showed higher electrical conductivity of 0.15 Scm−1. Better thermal and electrical profile for PS/PA/PTh/MWCNTHG series depicted the success of HG route.