The role of functionalized carbon nanotubes in a PA6/LCP blend.
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were carboxyl-functionalized in order to improve their dispersion in a polymer matrix. The carboxyl-functionalized MWCNTs (i.e., MWCNT-COOH) were added into a blend matrix consisting of polyamide 6 (PA6) and liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) (PA6:LCP = 80:20 in weight) to make ternary composites. The effects of MWCNT-COOH on the rheological, physical, morphological, thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of the ternary composites have been examined systematically. The dispersion of MWCNTs in the polymer matrix and their interactions with the polymers (i.e., PA6 and LCP) were found to be the most important factors affecting all properties. The functionalization of MWCNTs resulted in the significant improvement in their dispersion in the polymer matrix and largely enhanced the interactions of MWCNTs with the polymer matrix. The functionalized MWCNTs acted not only as reinforcement fillers but also as a compatibilizer that could enhance the interfacial adhesion between PA6 and LCP. Interestingly, the packing density of the polymer matrix was greatly increased by adding MWCNT-COOH.
School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798.
Henry Kuo Feng
HK
Cheng
Nanda Gopal
NG
Sahoo
Thanda Hlaing
TH
Khin
Lin
L
Li
Siew Hwa
SH
Chan
Jianhong
J
Zhao
Yang Kay
YK
Juay