Studies on mechanical and thermal performance of carbon nanotubes/polypropylene nanocomposites

Abstract

Multi wall carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) reinforced Polypropylene (PP) composites are fabricated by compression molding machine. Composites are prepared with 0.4, 0.8, 1.2 and 1.5 wt% of Multi wall carbon nanotube as nanofiller in polypropylene matrix. Mechanical and thermal behavior of composites is examined as per ASTM. Results shows improvement in mechanical and thermal properties due to addition of Multi wall carbon nanotube in Polypropylene matrix. Tensile strength was highest at 62.80% at 1.2 wt%. Impact strength and hardness is improved by 82.14% and 12.44% at 1.5 wt%. Glass transition temperature was increased at low wt. % and further decreases. The SEM images of composite implied that MWCNTs have dispersed uniform in Polypropylene (PP) matrix reasons for property enhancement. These composites find application in plastic products and furniture.