Structure and properties of buckypapers based on poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid)/ polyamide 6,6 and carbon nanotube intercalated montmorillonite

Abstract

Considering the challenge of the tendency of carbon nanotube to aggregate, the originality of fabricating nanocomposites with preformed network through microfiltration of nanotube suspension has been focused. The nanotube may fasten together upon dispersion in a liquid suspension and filtered through a fine mesh forming a thin film known as buckypaper. In this study, initially poly(methyl methacrylate- co-methacrylic acid) (PMMAMA) and polyamide 6,6 (PA-6,6) blend was formed. Later, the matrix was reinforced with carbon nanotube and montmorillonite–modified carbon nanotube (CNT–MMT). In this way, two series of buckypapers, PMMAMA/PA-6,6/CNT 0.5-5 and PMMAMA/PA-6,6/CNT–MMT 0.5-5, were prepared with varying CNT and CNT–MMT content. PA-6,6 was in situ polymerized and the effect of filler inclusion on number and weight average molecular weight was studied. Studies were performed using gel-permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and cone calorimetry to explore the structure, morphology, thermal, and flammability properties of high-performance composites. PMMAMA/PA-6,6/CNT–MMT revealed CNT–MMT network morphology with triangular porous structure. Thermal stability of PMMAMA/PA-6,6/CNT–MMT 0.5-5 system was found higher than PMMAMA/PA-6,6/CNT 0.5-5. The PHHR of PMMAMA/PA-6,6/CNT–MMT was decreased from 342 to 211 kW/m2 with 0.5 to 5 wt% loading.