TITLE:
Electrical Conductivity and Crystallization of Polylactic Acid Nanocomposites Containing Surfactant Modified Carbon Nanotubes
AUTHORS:
Qi Zhang, Shijun Zhang
KEYWORDS:
PLA Nanocomposites, Carbon Nanotubes, Microstructures, Electrical Conductivity, Crystallization
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering,
Vol.10 No.4,
April
29,
2022
ABSTRACT: In order to
extend the usage of PLA-based nanocomposites, the modification of multi-walled carbon
nanotubes (MWCNT) and preparation of surfactant
modified carbon nanotubes (SMCNT) involved PLA nanocomposites
(PLA/SMCNT) were investigated. The morphologies, electrical properties and crystallization behavior
of PLA/SMCNT composites were investigated. The TEM images indicated that SMCNTs were dispersed homogenously in the PLA matrix without forming
aggregates. The electrical conductivity of PLA/SMCNT was greatly improved and
the percolation threshold of PLA/SMCNT was calculated to be
0.61% which is much lower than 1.45% of PLA/MWCNT composite. The
crystallization behavior suggested that SDBS together with MWCNT acted as
heterogeneous nucleating agent and accelerated the nucleation. Meanwhile, the
SMCNT also devoted further restrained effect to spherulites growth due to its
well dispersion and improved compatibility with matrix.