Rigid and conductive lightweight regenerated cellulose/carbon nanotubes/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene nanocomposites constructed via a Pickering emulsion process

Abstract

AbstractLightweight polymer‐based conductive nanocomposites are attractive future electronic materials. However, the agglomeration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the polymers is still a serious concern. Herein, CNTs were homogeneously dispersed in acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) matrix with the aid of regenerated cellulose (RC), via an easy and cost‐effective Pickering emulsion approach to form conductive nanocomposites. The prepared nanocomposites were investigated for their morphological, thermal, electrical, mechanical, and rheological properties. CNTs were observed to be uniformly entrapped within the RC suspension. RC proved to be both an efficient dispersant and stabilizer for CNTs and ABS, respectively, in that a noticeable enhancement in the electrical conductivity of the polymer of up to 21 Sm−1 was caused with the incorporation of 6.7 wt.% CNTs. RC alone caused 29.6% increase in the tensile strength of neat ABS, while the Young's modulus of the nanocomposites was increased by 21.1%. This improvement was attributed to the uniform dispersion of the stiff CNT/RC hybrid suspension and the formation of strong bond interactions in the ABS matrix. Furthermore, higher crystallinity and melt viscosity in the blends were achieved. This upturn in ABS properties will enable its wider application in the engineering industry as conductors, sensors, antistatic, and electromagnetic interference materials.