Effect of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes on Thermomechanical and Electrical Properties of Poly(trimethylene terephthalate)

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized using chemical vapor deposition and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT)/MWCNT composites with varying amounts of MWCNTs were prepared by melt compounding using DSM micro-compounder. Morphological characterization by SEM and TEM showed uniform dispersion of MWCNTs in PTT matrix upto 2% (w/w) MWCNT loading. Incorporation of MWCNTs showed no effect on percent crystallinity but affected the crystallite dimensions and increased the crystallization temperature. Dynamic mechanical characterization of composites showed an increase in storage modulus of PTT upon incorporation of MWCNTs above glass transition temperature. The electrical conductivity of PTT/MWCNT composites increased upon incorporation of MWCNTs and percolation threshold concentration was obtained at a loading of MWCNTs in the range of 1-1.5% (w/w). (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 123: 1548-1556, 2012