UK: Hubron — plastics masterbatch

Abstract

Masterbatches of reactive polymers containing carbon nanotubes are used to prepare nanocomposites by reactive blending. By mixing masterbatches of low molecular-weight amino-terminated polyamide-6 (PA6) containing ∼10 wt% or ∼17 wt% of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) with maleic anhydride functionalized polyethylene (PE*) at temperatures above melting of PA6 it is possible to obtain fine and homogeneous dispersions of carbon nanotubes. In the PA6 concentration range explored, from 19 wt% to 37 wt%, nanostructured co-continuous blend morphologies are achieved. Selective extractions show that a high amount of graft copolymer PE*-g-PA6 is synthesized during mixing. The swelling experiments in selective solvents demonstrate co-continuous blend morphologies. Electron microscopy confirms good quality of MWNT dispersion and shows structures on mesoscopic scales. Fine dispersion of carbon nanotubes and the matrix co-continuity concur to yield a unique combination of properties such as solvent resistance, electrical conductivity, mechanical strengthening and ductility.