Polymer composites containing non-covalently functionalized carbon nanotubes: a study of their dispersion characteristics and response to AC electric fields
作者：O. Osazuwa, M. Kontopoulou*, P. Xiang, Z. Ye, A. Docoslis
關鍵字：Polymer composites, Carbon nanotubes, Electric fields, Electrically conducting composites, Melt compounding
論文來源：期刊
具體來源：Procedia Engineering
發表時間：2012年
Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) functionalized with a hyperbranched polyethylene (HBPE) and subsequently melt compounded with an ethylene-octene copolymer (EOC8100) matrix are examined in terms of their dispersion characteristics and electric field response. It was found that, when compared with their non-functionalized counterparts, HBPE-functionalized MWCNT produce substantially more uniform composites. On the other hand, MWCNT functionalization results in a higher electrical percolation threshold. Electrification of the composite melts showed that longer insulator-to-conductor transition times should be expected as a consequence of the improved dispersion quality. The functionalization, however, did not prevent MWCNT from forming highly electrically conducting networks in the melt, or exhibiting electric field-induced percolation thresholds of less than 1wt% filler.