Martin F.
Centre of Advanced Surface Engineering-AIN, ES
Keywords: CNT, conductivity, fiber, MWCNT, tape, thermoplastic
We report here the development of electrically conductive polypropylene MWCNT fibers and tapes with conductivities up to 70 S/m (8% wt) with a percolation threshold at 0.5%. Using a solution compounding method assisted by sonication we have produced composite master-batches (1Kg/batch) with improved MWCNT dispersion levels. These composites have been extruded into fibers by melt spinning which is a well implemented technique in textile industry that allows mass production of woven textiles. Different stretching rates of the tapes and fibers are obtained depending on the wt % of MWCNT in the composites. In good agreement with previous studies, alignment of the MWCNT along the fiber axial direction has been observed. An extensive characterization of the fiber and materials has been carried out (including SEM, XRD) to describe their internal structure and morphology. Macroscopic properties (MFI, DC, AC conductivities) have been also studied. The ultrasonication assisted compounding method developed for thermoplastics (such as polypropylene) represents a promising alternative to improve the dispersion of the nanofiller within the polymeric matrices. This is especially indicated for very high end applications where a high performance of the product is expected using the minimum amount of filler necessary.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Nanotechnology 2013: Electronics, Devices, Fabrication, MEMS, Fluidics and Computational (Volume 2)
Published: May 12, 2013
Pages: 434 - 437
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topics: Advanced Manufacturing, Nanoelectronics
ISBN: 978-1-4822-0584-8