Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Hybrid Research Articles

Fractal analysis of pore structures in graphene oxide-carbon nanotube based cementitious pastes under different ultrasonication

Abstract Nano cement additive using a hybrid of graphene oxide (GO) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) combines the excellent affinity of GO and the superior mechanical properties of MWCNTs. Ultrasonication is the key process to disperse the GO/MWCNTs and further optimizes the pore structures of cement-based pastes. Fractal dimension can effectively and quantitatively characterize the pore structures of cementitious composites. The present study investigates the fractal dimensions of pore structures of GO/MWCNT-OPC pastes under power- and time-controlled ultrasonication based on the mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) tests data. The finding of this study shows that comparing to calculating the fractal dimension of the overall pore size range, assessing the variations of fractal dimension of individual pore size range is more effective in evaluating the pore characteristic. The fractal dimension of larger capillary pores $$\left( {{D}_{>{{10}^{4}}nm}} \right)$$can be use to describe the change of pore structure of GO/MWCNT-OPC pastes under ultrasonication treatment with sufficient accuracy as higher value of $${{D}_{>{{10}^{4}}nm}}$$indicates better pore characteristics. The fractal dimension change trend of mesopores is always opposite to that of bigger capillary pores. Modest increment in both power- and time-controlled ultrasonication seems to result in the increase of the fractal dimension of capillary pores and lead to better reinforcement effects. Prolongation of ultrasonication time slightly influences the pore structure of the specimens, while nano cement additives exposed to excess ultrasonication power fail to afford adequate reinforcing effect and finally cause the deterioration of the pore structures. The findings of this study can provide helpful information of GO/MWCNT-OPC pastes and ultrasonication treatment in the future.

Nanostructured ZrO₂/MWCNT Hybrid Materials: Fabrication, Characterization and Applications in Shielding of Electromagnetic Pollution.

ZrO₂/MWCNT nanocomposites have been prepared by simple refluxing method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman analysis suggests chemical interactions present between zirconia and Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) in the as prepared nanocomposites. Electromagnetic inteference shielding efficiencies (EMI SE) for the nanocomposites were found to increase with increasing amount of MWCNT loading. Highest EMI SE value of 29.1-30.5 dB was obtained for nanocomposite containing 15 wt% loading of MWCNT in the microwave frequency range of 2-8 GHz. This optimum performance is due to several factors like highest percentage of intermolecular H-bonding, highly defective, interconnected network structure, high conductivity and dielectric permittivities of the nanocomposites.

Sensitive and Selective Electrochemical Sensor Based on Molecularly Imprinted Polypyrrole Hybrid Nanocomposites for Tetrabromobisphenol A Detection

A sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor based on electropolymerized molecularly imprinted polypyrrole and gold nanoparticles–multiwalled carbon nanotubes (AuNPs–MWCNTs) hybrid nanocomposites was developed for the determination of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with MWCNTs, and the AuNPs–MWCNTs/GCE was prepared by an electrodeposition method in HAuCl4 solution. The AuNPs–MWCNTs nanocomposite showed high electrocatalytic activity, good conductivity, and sufficient reactive sites for the direct electro-oxidation of TBBPA. The molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as recognition elements were synthesized through in situ electro-polymerization of pyrrole as functional monomers in the presence of the TBBPA template molecules. Under the optimal conditions, the developed sensor exhibited good selectivity towards TBBPA compared with structural analogs, high sensitivity, and excellent producibility. The electrochemical responses of the sensor toward TBBPA were obtained in the linear range from 0.5 nM to 1 μM with a limit of detection equal to 0.24 nM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3.

Wet-Spinning Assembly of Continuous, Highly Stable Hyaluronic/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Microfibers.

Effective multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) fiber manufacturing methods have received a substantial amount of attention due to the low cost and excellent properties of MWCNTs. Here, we fabricated hybrid microfibers composed of hyaluronic acid (HA) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by a wet-spinning method. HA acts as a biosurfactant and an ionic crosslinker, which improves the dispersion of MWCNTs and helps MWCNT to assemble into microfibers. The effects of HA concentration, dispersion time, injection speed, and MWCNT concentration on the formation, mechanical behavior, and conductivity of the HA/MWCNT hybrid microfibers were comprehensively investigated through SEM, UV-Vis spectroscopy, tensile testing, and conductivity testing. The obtained HA/MWCNT hybrid microfibers presented excellent tensile properties in regard to Young’s modulus (9.04 ± 1.13 GPa) and tensile strength (130.25 ± 10.78 MPa), and excellent flexibility and stability due to the superior mechanical and electrical properties of MWCNTs. This work presents an effective and easy-to-handle preparation method for high-performance MWCNT hybrid microfibers assembly, and the obtained HA/MWCNT hybrid microfibers have promising applications in the fields of energy storage, sensors, micro devices, intelligent materials, and high-performance fiber-reinforced composites.

An experimental study on heat transfer performance and pressure drop of nanofluids using graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotubes based on diesel oil

The present study deals with the investigation of the heat transfer performance of nanofluids using diesel oil as base fluid and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) as nanoparticles with different concentrations and flow rates. These nanoparticles have been functionalized covalently with hexylamine (HA) and non-covalently with oleic acid (OA) to prepare nanofluids to include OA-MWCNT, HA-MWCNT, OA-GNP.HA-GNP and OA-MWCNT/GNP (1–1 Hybrid of each of nanoparticles) at 5 weight percentages include 0.05–0.5 wt%. An experimental setup designed and constructed and heat transfer performance of the above-mentioned nanofluids are investigated under laminar flow conditions at 4 flow rates. In order to utilize nanofluids in practical applications, the main purpose of this study is focused on investigating if the addition of nanoparticles can enhance the heat transfer performance of diesel oil.In addition, the pressure drop and performance index of nanofluids measured in a closed loop. The results revealed that heat transfer properties of nanofluids improved compared to the base oil. Also according to the results, by increasing the velocity of nanofluid, the convective heat transfer coefficient increases at all weight coefficient of nanoparticles and an increase in pressure drop for nanofluids than pure oil is not perceptible. The performance index of nanofluids, except for the two cases that are related to the hybrid of MWCNT and GNP, in other cases is more than one. Therefore, using nanofluids leads to an increase in the heat transfer coefficient more than increasing the pressure drop, and are suitable for use in the industrial units.

Controlled synthesis of SnO2@NiCo2O4/nitrogen doped multiwalled carbon nanotube hybrids as an active electrode material for supercapacitors

A thermal reduction process was successfully employed to construct novel hybrid composites of SnO2@NiCo2O4/N-doped multiwalled carbon nanotubes (N-MWCNTs) for supercapacitors. The hybrid confirmation studies were performed using X-ray diffraction, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. Cyclic voltammetry performance confirmed their suitability for use as an active electrode material for supercapacitors. SnO2@NiCo2O4/N-MWCNTs showed the high specific capacitance of ∼728 Fg−1 at 4 A/g in 6 M KOH electrolyte. After 5000 cycles, the hybrid composite produced excellent capacitance retention property with ∼92% of its primary value. Consequently, this SnO2@NiCo2O4/N-MWCNTs hybrid composite promising electrode for high-performance supercapacitor applications.

An electrochemical sensor based on a porphyrin dye-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes hybrid for the sensitive determination of ascorbic acid

A novel electrochemical sensor was constructed based on a zinc porphyrin dye (YD2-o-C8, designated as YD) functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) hybrid. YD has a special donor-π-bridge-acceptor planar structure, which is beneficial for the π-π stacking interaction between YD and MWCNTs. The interaction was characterized by UV–vis, fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and electrochemistry. The results showed that YD easily interacted with MWCNTs, which enhanced the electron transfer between YD and the electrode. The obtained YD/MWCNT hybrid was modified on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by a surfactant of tetraoctylammonium bromide (TOAB) to fabricate an electrochemical sensor (TOAB/YD/MWCNT/GCE). In the interface material of the sensor, YD acted as an electron intermediate, MWCNTs acted as an electron accelerator, and TOAB was used as an arouser to trigger the inner redox activity of YD. With their synergistic effect, the proposed sensor exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of ascorbic acid (AA). At the optimized conditions, the sensor exhibited a linger response to AA in the concentration range from 18.72μM to 1.85mM, high sensitivity of 19.16μAmM−1, and a low limit of determination (0.18μM). Furthermore, the TOAB/YD/MWCNT/GCE exhibited excellent stability and reproducibility for the response of AA in an aqueous solution. The desirable detecting recoveries for vitamin C tablets were obtained from 97.1% to 105.2%, indicating the reliability and feasibility in determining AA in real samples.

Ni(OH)2-decorated nitrogen doped MWCNT nanosheets as an efficient electrode for high performance supercapacitors

In this study, nickel hydroxide nanoparticles (NPs) decorated with nitrogen doped multiwalled carbon nanotubes (N-MWCNT) hybrid composite was synthesized by thermal reduction process in the presence of cetyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and urea. The as-synthesized Ni(OH)2@N-MWCNT hybrid composite was characterized by FTIR, Raman, XRD, BET, BJH and FE-TEM analyses. These prepared porous carbon hybrid composite materials possessed high specific surface area and sheet like morphology useful for active electrode materials. The maximum specific capacitance of Ni(OH)2@N-MWCNT hybrid nanocomposite in the two electrode system showed 350 Fg−1 at 0.5 A/g,energy density ~43.75 Wkg−1 and corresponds to power density 1500 W kg−1 with excellent capacity retention after 5000 cycles. The results suggest that the prepared two-dimensional hybrid composite is a promising electrode material for electrochemical energy storage applications.

Kinetic study of MWCNT and MWCNT@P3HT hybrid thermal decomposition under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions using the artificial neural network and isoconversional methods

Development of new hybrid multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and conducting polymer has been studied due to these materials versatility. The knowledge of thermal properties is essential to evaluate the hybrids applicability, mainly in optoelectronic devices. In this work, chemical modifications was performed on the surface of MWCNT through microwave reaction, due to a shorter reaction time, less use of organic solvents and thionyl chloride free (high toxicity reagent). Subsequently, a new hybrid MWCNT@P3HT was obtained by in situ polymerization of poly (3-hexylthiophene) in the modified MWCNT, covalently linked. Kinetic study of thermal degradation was performed employing artificial neural network and isoconversional treatment, Friedman (FR) and Vyazovkin methods. The activation energies of MWCNT and MWCNT@P3HT thermal decomposition were determined and showed a significant increase in thermal stability for the hybrid. The activation energy for the MWCNT@P3HT is almost four times greater than the pure one, around 454.9 kJ mol−1.

Metal nanoparticle–carbon nanotubes hybrid catalysts immobilized in a polymeric membrane for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol

In this work, the synthesis of silver and copper nanoparticles and bimetallic silver–platinum and copper–platinum nanoparticles, in previously functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), was carried out using the intermatrix synthesis for the charge of the first metal, and a galvanic replacement for the deposition of a second metal to form the bimetallic NPs. Well-controlled small size NPs were obtained as demonstrated by TEM, with a homogeneous distribution and mean particle diameters of ca. 2.9 nm. The hybrid MNPs/MWCNTs catalysts were characterized by FTIR, TEM and XPS. The metal content was determined by TGA and validated via FAAS. Thereupon, the metal–MWCNTs hybrid catalysts were incorporated into a polymeric membrane (PM) and characterized by SEM. The effects of the hybrid catalyst–polymeric support interactions and the role of the MNPs/MWCNTs/PM materials as heterogeneous catalysts were evaluated from the catalytic performance on the reduction of 4-nitrophenol as a model reaction. An apparent rate constant normalized by the metal content of 1706.7 s−1 mol−1 was achieved for the best system (Ag–PtNPs/MWCNTs/PMR) along with a decrease in the percentage of conversion from 95% (first cycle) to 80% (third cycle). Results indicated that the catalytic activity depends mainly on the MNPs size and the metal content in the catalyst. The catalytic activity of the MNPs/MWCNTs was only 3 times higher than for the MNPs/MWCNTs/PMs catalysts, with the former presenting the advantage of being easily recovered from the reaction medium, thus, demonstrating the capability to perform an efficient and sustainable process.

Hierarchical cerium oxide anchored multi-walled carbon nanotube hybrid with synergistic effect for microwave attenuation

Microwave absorbing materials with light weight, high efficiency and broad effective bandwidth are strongly desired due to their widespread applications in military and civil fields. Here, hierarchical cerium oxide anchored multi-walled carbon nanotube (CeO2-MWCNT) hybrids were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method. Compared with the pure CeO2 and MWCNT, the combination of magnetic and dielectric blocks endows the hybrid enhanced microwave absorption capacity. The optimal hybrid exhibits a minimum reflection loss of −40.95 dB, which is 66.89 times and 3.94 times as strong as that of CeO2 (−0.62 dB) and MWCNT (−10.51 dB), respectively. Microwave attenuation mechanism analysis indicates that the remarkable microwave absorption capacity of CeO2-MWCNT results from the electromagnetic loss that derived from its hierarchical network. Moreover, it has been found that oxygen vacancies of CeO2 play an important role in defects-induced polarization loss, thus leading to the strong microwave absorption. Consequently, this cerium-based hybrid can be a promising candidate for microwave attenuation applications.

Enhancement of photocurrent in Cu2ZnSnS4 quantum dot-anchored multi-walled carbon nanotube for solar cell application

Photoconductivity of kesterite CZTS (Cu2ZnSnS4) quantum dots (QDs) anchored on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) hybrid nanostructures has been investigated here, which take the advantages of both CZTS QDs and MWCNTs. The objective material CZTS QDs-anchored MWCNTs hybrid nanostructure have been prepared by a simple solution casting approach without doing any surface modifications. As-prepared MWCNTs, CZTS QDs and CZTS QDs–MWCNTs hybrid nanostructure have been characterized by XRD, Raman, FTIR, XPS, FESEM and TEM, and UV–visible spectroscopy. The improved optical gain of CZTS QDs–MWCNTs has been observed by UV–visible spectroscopy analysis. Other characterizations and TEM micrographs confirmed the adherence of CZTS QDs on MWCNTs. The photoconductivity of the above prepared hybrid nanostructure has been measured both in dark and under illumination (1.5G solar simulator). The hybrid nanostructure demonstrated improved photocurrent compared to bare CZTS QDs and MWCNTs. The obtained improved photocurrent is due to high optical gain by CZTS QDs and fast charge carrier transport by MWCNTs throughout in the hybrid nanostructure. The enhanced photocurrent and the stability of the CZTS–MWCNTs hybrid nanostructure ensure a possible application in future solar cell.

Preparation of PMIA dielectric nanocomposite with enhanced thermal conductivity by filling with functionalized graphene–carbon nanotube hybrid fillers

A novel poly(m-phenyleneisophthalamide) (PMIA) dielectric nanocomposite was successfully fabricated with functionally reduced graphene oxide (frGO) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) hybrid fillers. Due to effective functionalization of reduced graphene oxide as well as π–π interaction between frGO and MWCNTs, FGC (FGC) hybrid fillers were well-distributed in PMIA matrix. The relevant properties of FGC/PMIA dielectric nanocomposite were researched, and results demonstrated that the dielectric constant of PMIA nanocomposite with 3 wt% FGC hybrid fillers was increased to 12.8 (increased by 290%). Due to the existence of FGC fillers, the THeat-resistance index of FGC/PMIA nanocomposites displayed an obvious increment. In addition, the “bridge effect” of MWCNTs on improving thermal conductivity of FGC/PMIA dielectric nanocomposite was also significant. For PMIA nanocomposite with 3 wt% FGC hybrid fillers, the thermal conductivity was remarkably increased to 7.38 W/m·K of in-plane direction and 0.81 W/m·K of through-plane direction. Consequently, these results reveal a new approach for preparing FGC/PMIA dielectric nanocomposite with high operating temperature and outstanding thermal conductivity, which can meet the urgent demand for high-temperature applications.

Fabrication of nickel ferrite microspheres decorated multi-walled carbon nanotubes hybrid composites with enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption properties

Herein, we fabricated the multi-walled carbon nanotubes/nickel ferrite (MWCNTs/NiFe2O4) hybrid composites by a facile one-pot solvothermal strategy. The structure, composition, micromorphology and electromagnetic parameters of the as-prepared hybrid nanocomposites were investigated by various analysis techniques. Experimental results revealed that the three-dimensional (3D) conductive networks consisting of NiFe2O4 microspheres twined MWCNTs were formed in situ in the hybrid composites. Moreover, the additive amounts of MWCNTs had a significant influence on the electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption properties. Remarkably, the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) reached −42.3 dB with a thin thickness of 1.2 mm and effective absorption bandwidth (EAB, RL less than −10 dB) was 3.8 GHz. Furthermore, the possible EMW absorption mechanism was proposed. Therefore, it could be concluded that the hybridization of magnetic NiFe2O4 microspheres with dielectric MWCNTs could be an effective strategy to enhance the EMW absorption performance of NiFe2O4. Our results could be helpful for designing and developing novel MWCNTs-based hybrid composites as the high-performance EMW absorbers.

Enhanced virus filtration in hybrid membranes with MWCNT nanocomposite.

Membrane separation is proved to be a powerful tool for several applications such as wastewater treatment or the elimination of various microorganisms from drinking water. In this study, the efficiency of inorganic composite-based multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) hybrid membranes was investigated in the removal of MS2 bacteriophages from contaminated water. With this object, multi-walled carbon nanotubes were coated with copper(I) oxide, titanium(IV) oxide and iron(III) oxide nanoparticles, respectively, and their virus removal capability was tested in both batch and flow experiments. Considering the possible pH range of drinking water, the filtration tests were carried out at pH 5.0, 7.5 and 9.0 as well. The extent of MS2 removal strongly depended on the pH values for each composite, which can be due to electrostatic interactions between the membrane and the virus. The most efficient removal (greater than or equal to 99.99%) was obtained with the Cu2O-coated MWCNT membrane in the whole pH range. The fabricated nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, specific surface area measurement, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurement, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. This study presents a simple route to design novel and effective nanocomposite-based hybrid membranes for virus removal.

Preparation and characterization of poly (3-hexylthiophene) / carbon nanotubes hybrid material via in-situ click chemistry

Abstract The poly(3-hexylthiophene) - multiwalled carbon nanotube hybrid material (P3HT-MWCNT) was successfully prepared in the Cu(I)/DBU catalyst system via in-situ click reaction. The properties of P3HT-MWCNT were measured by FTIR, 1H NMR, UV-vis, XRD, TEM, SEM . The fluorescence spectrum of P3HT-MWCNT proved the covalent bond between P3HT and MWCNT, and P3HT could be coated on the surface of MWCNT. Compared with the physical blends of P3HT and MWCNT, P3HT-MWCNT prepared by click chemistry exhibited better thermal stability and a higher melting point of 243.2 °C. TG results also indicated that P3HT content of P3HT-MWCNT was 21.4%. It was expected to prepare novel organic-inorganic donor-acceptor hybrid material with good solubility, optical and thermal stability, which may be a promising material applied in preparation of organic photoelectron in the future.

One-Step in Situ Preparation of Fe3O4/Carboxylated Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Hybrid for the Determination of Caffeine in Carbonated Beverages

Abstract Magnetic carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Fe3O4-MWCNTs-COOH) have been prepared via in situ preparation. The Fe3O4-MWCNTs-COOH composite was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and vibrating sample magnetometer, and then was successfully applied for the determination of caffeine in carbonated beverages coupled with high performance liquid chromatography. Compared with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide modified magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4/CTAB), chitosan modified magnetic carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Fe3O4-MWCNTs-COOH/Chitosan), magnetic hydroxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Fe3O4 enclosure MWCNTs-OH) and a hybrid which was composed of magnetic carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes and magnetic hydroxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Fe3O4 enclosure MWCNTs-OH-MWCNTs-COOH), the Fe3O4-MWCNTs-COOH composite exhibited better extraction efficiency for caffeine. The main parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were optimized in detail. Under the optimal conditions, satisfactory performance was obtained. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range of 7.0 to 600.0 ng mL−1 with correlation coefficients (r) between 0.9993 and 0.9995. The limit of detection was 2.0 ng mL−1. The recoveries were between 97.5% and 101.2% with relative standard deviations ranging from 1.8% to 3.7%. Overall, the proposed method was an effectual pretreatment and enrichment procedure and could be utilized for the analysis of caffeine in complex matrices.

Green synthesis of amino-functionalized carbon nanotube-graphene hybrid aerogels for high performance heavy metal ions removal

In this study, the ultra-lightweight and robust three-dimensional graphene/polydopamine modified multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT-PDA) hybrid aerogels were prepared via a viable green route and applied to highly efficient heavy metal ions adsorption. No additional reducing agents were required during the molding of the hybrid aerogel, thus greatly reducing the environment pollution emissions. The MWCNT-PDA in right amounts provided the hybrid aerogels with satisfying structure stability and effectively prevented the stacking of GO sheets, as well as exposed more active sites to improve the adsorption of heavy metal ions. Benefiting from the large specific surface area, porous structure and competent active sites, the resulting hybrid aerogels showed superior adsorption performance for heavy metal ions, and the saturated adsorption capacities were as large as 318.47 and 350.87 mg g−1 for Cu(II) and Pb(II), respectively, calculated by the Langmuir isotherm model. The research revealed that the synergistic effects of the surface complexation and chelation between active sites in hybrid aerogels and heavy metal ions were the dominant adsorption mechanisms. High adsorption capacity and easy separation from water after adsorption make the hybrid aerogels an ideal choice for heavy metal ions treatment in practical application.

Enhancing the Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Poly(Vinyl Chloride)-Based Conductive Nanocomposites by Zinc Oxide Nanorods

A simple approach to decorate multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)–reduced graphene oxide (RGO) hybrid nanoparticles with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods is developed to improve the electrical and mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/MWCNT–RGO composites. The ZnO nanorods act as “joint” in three-dimensional (3D) MWCNT–RGO networks and the hybrid particles strongly interact with PVC chains via p-π stacking, hydrogen bonds, and electrostatic interactions, which we confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman analysis. By introducing the ZnO nanorods, the RGO–ZnO–MWCNT hybrid particles increased 160% in capacitance compared with MWCNT–RGO hybrids. Moreover, the addition of RGO–ZnO–MWCNT to PVC resulted in the mechanical properties of PVC being enhanced by 30.8% for tensile strength and 60.9% for Young’s modulus at the loadings of 2.0 weight percent (wt.%) and 1.0 wt.%, respectively. Meanwhile, the electrical conductivity of PVC increased by 11 orders of magnitude, from 1 × 10−15 S/m to 1 × 10−4 S/m for MWCNT–ZnO–RGO loading at 5.0 wt.%.

A hierarchical approach for creating electrically conductive network structure in polyurethane nanocomposites using a hybrid of graphene nanoplatelets, carbon black and multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Hierarchical organization of carbon nanomaterials is the best strategy to combine desirable factors and synergistically impart mechanical and electrical properties to polymers. Here, we investigate the relaxation behavior of carbon nanofillers filled polyurethane (PU) with special reference to particle size and aspect ratio, filler morphology, filler loading to understand the conductive network formation of fillers in the PU matrix. Typically, an addition of 2 wt% hybrid fillers of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), conductive carbon black (CB) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in PU at 1:1:2 mass ratio (GCM112-PU2) showed lowest surface resistivity ∼106.8 Ω/sq along with highest improved mechanical properties. Our results demonstrate how hierarchical compositions may function in polymer configurations that are useful for thermal and electrical systems.