Effect of multi-walled carbon nanotube on the electrical, morphological and mechanical properties of polypropylene/nickel-coated carbon fiber composites

The electrical, morphological and rheological properties of melt- and dry-mixed composites of polypropylene (PP)/nickel-coated carbon fiber (NCCF) with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was investigated. Melt mixed PP/NCCF/MWCNT composites were prepared by mixing the materials with a twin screw extruder. From the results of the electrical conductivity of the PP/NCCF/MWCNT composites, the MWCNTs increased the electric conductivity of the PP/NCCF composites appreciably. A higher aspect ratio of MWCNTs can increase the conductivity of PP/NCCF composites in a polymer matrix compared to the composites without the MWCNTs. The tensile and flexural strengths of the PP/NCCF/MWCNT composites were higher than the composites without MWCNTs. This is might be due to the reinforcing effect of the well dispersed MWCNT in the PP matrix. The results of electrical, morphological and mechanical studies indicate that the MWCNTs increased the electrical conductivity and mechanical strength of the PP/NCCF composites.