THERMOPLASTIC POLYURETHANE AND MULTI-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES NANOCOMPOSITES FOR ELECTROSTATIC DISSIPATION

THERMOPLASTIC POLYURETHANE AND MULTI-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES NANOCOMPOSITES FOR ELECTROSTATIC DISSIPATION. Polyurethane/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites have been prepared with nanotube concentrations between 0.01 wt% and 1 wt%. MWCNT as-synthesized samples with similar to 74 nm diameter and similar to 7 mm length were introduced by solution processing in the polyurethane matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images demonstrated good dispersion and adhesion of the CNTs to the polymeric matrix. The C=O stretching band showed evidence of perturbation of the hydrogen interaction between urethanic moieties in the nanocomposites as compared to pure TPU. Differential scanning calorimetry and positron anihilation lifetime spectroscopy measurements allowed the detection of glass transition displacement with carbon nanotube addition. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites was significantly increased with the addition of CNT.