Article
Licensed
Unlicensed Requires Authentication

Rheology, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of C18-CNT/LDPE Nanocomposites

  • , , , and
Published/Copyright: August 22, 2013
Become an author with De Gruyter Brill

Abstract

Nanocomposites of low density polyethylene (LDPE)/C18 modified multi wall carbon nanotubes (C18-CNT) were prepared by melt blending. The effect of C18-CNT loading and compatibilizer (maleic anhydride modified polyethylene, MAPE) on the morphology, mechanical, thermal and rheological properties of LDPE was studied. FE-SEM images of nanocomposites show reduced agglomeration of the in LDPE/C18-CNT in comparison with uncompatibilized C18-CNT. For uncompatibilized nanocomposites, yield strength and Young's modulus increased with loading of C18-CNT. Ultimate strength, show improvement up to 2 wt% loading. However, percent elongation and toughness were reduced for C18-CNT at all loadings. Apart from elongation and toughness, addition of compatibilizer improved all mechanical properties as compared to pure LDPE and nanocomposites without compatibilizer. Percent crystallinity shows a correlation with Young's modulus. Both, Young's modulus and total crystallinity increased with C18-CNT loading and further increase with the incorporation of compatibilizer was observed. Results of phase angle suggest no presence of network. Also, addition of C18-CNT did not increase strain hardening, maintained extensional viscosity and time of break up to 1.5 s−1 Hencky rate. The C18 modifier is viewed to act similar to a long chain branching on linear polymers. The C18 modification of CNT resulted in reduced viscous and elastic properties of the composites. In turn, this is expected to lead to enhancement in the processing of these composites. Overall, compatibilized C18-CNT resulted in improved mechanical properties and better processing behavior.


* Ibnelwaleed A. Hussein, Department of Chemical Engineering and Center of Research Excellence in Petroleum Refining & Petrochemicals, KFUPM, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia E-mail:

References

Abdalla, M. et al., “Cure Behavior of Epoxy/MWCNT Nanocomposites: The Effect of Nanotube Surface Modification”, Polymer49, 33103317 (2008), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2008.05.016Search in Google Scholar

Abbasi, S. H., et al., “Effect of Aspect Ratio, Surface Modification and Compatibilizer on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of LDPE-MWCNT Nanocomposites”, E-Polymers, 067 (2011)10.1515/epoly.2011.11.1.722Search in Google Scholar

Abuilaiwi, F. A., et al., “Modification and Functionalization of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) via Fischer Esterification”, AJSE, 35, 3747 (2010)Search in Google Scholar

Balasubramanian, K., M.Burghard, “Chemically Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes”, Small, 1, 180192, 2005, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/smll.200400118, PMid:17193428Search in Google Scholar

Bhattacharyya, A. R., et al., “Crystallization and Orientation Studies in Polypropylene/Single Wall Carbon Nanotube Composite”, Polymer, 44, 23732377 (2003), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0032-3861(03)00073-9Search in Google Scholar

Bin, Y., et al., “Morphological, Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene and Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotube Composites Prepared in Decalin and Paraffin”, Polymer J., 39, 598609 (2007), http://dx.doi.org/10.1295/polymj.PJ2006229Search in Google Scholar

Chow, T. S., “Tensile Strength of filled polymers” J. Polym. Sci. Part B, 20, 21032109 (1982)Search in Google Scholar

Cooper, C. A., et al., “Distribution and Alignment of Carbon Nanotubes and Nanofibrils in a Polymer Matrix”, Compos. Sci. Technol., 62, 11051112 (2002), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0266-3538(02)00056-8Search in Google Scholar

Dennis, H. R., et al., “Effect of Melt Processing Conditions on the Extent of Exfoliation in Organoclay-based Nanocomposites”, Polymer, 42, 95139522 (2001)Search in Google Scholar

Fukushima, Y., Inagaki, S. J., “Synthesis of an Intercalated Compound of Montmorillonite and 6-Polyamide”, Incl. Phenom., 5, 473482 (1987)Search in Google Scholar

Ganß, M., et al., “Structural Interpretations of Deformation and Fracture Behavior of Polypropylene/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Composites”, Acta Materialia, 56, 22472261 (2008), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2008.01.010Search in Google Scholar

Gojny, F. H., et al., “Surface Modified Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes in CNT/Epoxy-Composites”, Chemica Physics Letters, 370, 820824 (2003), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2614(03)00187-8Search in Google Scholar

Goze, C., et al., “Elastic and Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotubes”, Synthetic Metals, 103, 25002501 (1999), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0379-6779(98)01071-6Search in Google Scholar

Grady, B. P., et al., “Nucleation of Polypropylene Crystallization by Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes”. J. Phys. Chem. B, 106, 58525858 (2002), http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jp014622ySearch in Google Scholar

Hemmati, M., et al., “Rheological and Mechanical Characterization of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes/Polypropylene Nanocomposites”, J. Macromol. Sci. Part B, 47, 11761187 (2008), http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00222340802403396Search in Google Scholar

Hotta, S., Paul, D. R., “Nanocomposites Formed from Linear Low Density Polyethylene and Organoclays”, Polymer, 45, 76397654 (2004)Search in Google Scholar

Hussein, I. A., Williams, M. C., “Rheological Study of Heterogeneities in Melt Blends of ZN-LLDPE and LDPE: Influence of Mw and Comonomer Type, and Implications for Miscibility”, Rheol. Acta, 43, 602614 (2004), http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00397-004-0356-9Search in Google Scholar

Jin, S. H., et al., “Effect of Compatibilizer on Morphology, Thermal and Rheological Properties of Polypropylene/Functionalized Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes Composites”, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 111, 10281033 (2009)Search in Google Scholar

Jin, S. H., et al., “Rheological and Mechanical Properties of Surface Modified Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube-filled PET Composite”, Compos. Sci. Technol., 67, 34343441 (2007), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2007.03.013Search in Google Scholar

Jin, S. H., et al., “Properties of Surface-modified Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Filled Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Composite Films”, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 107, 11631168 (2008), http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/app.27153Search in Google Scholar

Kangaraj, S., et al., “Mechanical Properties of High Density Polyethylene/Carbon Nanotube Composites”, Composites Science & Technology, 67, 30713077 (2007), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2007.04.024Search in Google Scholar

Kharchenko, S. B., “Flow-induced Properties of Nanotubes Filled Polymer Matierals”, Nature Materials, 3, 564568 (2004), http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nmat1183, PMid:15273745Search in Google Scholar PubMed

Kim, S. W., et al., “Surface Modifications for the Effective Dispersion of Carbon Nanotubes in Solvents and Polymers,Carbon, 50, 333 (2012)Search in Google Scholar

Lee, S. H., et al., “Rheological and Electrical Properties of Polypropylene Compsosites Containing Functionalized Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes and Compatibilizers”, Carbon, 45, 28102822 (2007), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2007.08.042Search in Google Scholar

Lee, S. H., et al., “Rheological and Electrical Properties of Polypropylene/MWCNT Composites Prepared With MWCNT Masterbatch Chips”, Eur. Polym. J., 44, 16201630 (2008), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2008.03.017Search in Google Scholar

Lourie, O., et al., “Buckling and Collapse of Embedded Carbon Nanotubes”, Phys. Rev. Lett., 81, 16381641 (1998), http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.81.1638Search in Google Scholar

Lui, L., et al., “Studies on Nylon 6/Clay Nanocomposites by Melt-Intercalation Process”, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 71, 11331138 (1999)Search in Google Scholar

Mahfuz, H., et al., “Carbon Nanoparticles/Whiskers Reinforced Composites and Their Tensile Properties”, Composites Part A, 35, 519527 (2004), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2004.02.002Search in Google Scholar

Manchado, M. A. L., et al., “Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes Polypropylene Composites Prepared by Melt Processing”, Carbon, 43, 14991505 (2005), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2005.01.031Search in Google Scholar

Michael, E., et al., “Nanoscale Effects Leading to Non-Einstein-Like Decrease in Viscosity,Nat. Mater.2, 762766 (2003), http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nmat999, PMid:14566332Search in Google Scholar

Mcnally, T., et al., “Polyethylene Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composites”, Polymer, 46, 82228232 (2005), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2005.06.094Search in Google Scholar

Mierczynska, A., et al., “Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotube/Ultra Molecular Weight Polyethylene Composites Prepared By Filler Prelocalization Method”, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 105, 158168 (2007), http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/app.26044Search in Google Scholar

Miltner, H. E., et al., “Isotactic Polypropylene/Carbon Nanotube Composites Prepared by Latex Technology. Thermal Analysis of Carbon Nanotube Induced Nucleation”, Macromolecules, 41, 57535762 (2008), http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ma800643jSearch in Google Scholar

Moniruzzaman, M., Winey, K. I., “Polymer Nanocomposites Containing Carbon Nanotubes”, Macromolecules, 39, 51945205 (2006), http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ma060733pSearch in Google Scholar

Okada, A., et al., US Patent Number 473900, 1988, Toyota Motor Co., JapanSearch in Google Scholar

Okada, A., Usuki, A., “The Chemistry of Polymer-clay Hybrids”, Mater. Sci. Eng., 3, 109115 (1995)Search in Google Scholar

Palza, H., et al., “Characterization of Melt Flow Instabilities in Polyethylene/Carbon Nanotube Composites,” Polymer51, 3753376110.1016/j.polymer.2010.06.016Search in Google Scholar

Park, C., et al., “Dispersion of Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes by in situ Polymerization under Sonication”, Chem. Phys. Lett., 364, 303308 (2002), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2614(02)01326-XSearch in Google Scholar

Park, S.-J., et al., “Filler-Elastomer Interactions: Influence of Oxygen Plasma Treatment on Surface and Mechanical Properties of Carbon Black/Rubber Composites”, Carbon, 41, 14371442 (2003), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0008-6223(03)00088-5Search in Google Scholar

Potschke, P., et al., “Rheological Behavior of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube/Polycarbonate Composites”, Polymer, 43, 32473255 (2002), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0032-3861(02)00151-9Search in Google Scholar

Prashantha, K., et al., “Masterbatch-based Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Filled Polypropylene Nanocomposites: Assessment of Rheological and Mechanical Properties”, Compos. Sci. Technol., 69, 17561763 (2009), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2008.10.005Search in Google Scholar

Prashantha, K., et al., “Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes Filled Polypropylene Nanocomposites Based on Materbatch Route: Improvement of Dispersion and Mechanical Properties through PP-G-MA Addition”, Express Polymer Letters, 2, 735745 (2008), http://dx.doi.org/10.3144/expresspolymlett.2008.87Search in Google Scholar

Qian, D., et al., “Load Transfer Mechanism in Carbon Nanotube Ropes”, Compos. Sci. Technol., 63, 15611569 (2003), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0266-3538(03)00064-2Search in Google Scholar

Ruan, S. L., et al., “Toughening High Performance Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene Using Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes”, Polymer, 44, 56435654 (2003), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0032-3861(03)00628-1Search in Google Scholar

Schadler, L. S., et al., “Load Transfer in Carbon Nanotube Epoxy Composites”, Appl. Phys. Lett., 73, 38423844 (1998), http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.122911Search in Google Scholar

Seyhan, A. T., et al., “Rheological and Dynamic-Mechanical Behavior of Carbon Nanotube/Vinyl Ester-Polyester Suspensions and Their Nanocomposites,Eur. Polym. J.43, 28362847 (2007), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2007.04.022Search in Google Scholar

Shin, D. H., et al., “Surface Resistivity and Rheological Behaviors of Carboxylated Multiwall Carbon Nanotube-filled PET Composite Film”, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 99, 900904 (2006), http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/app.21982Search in Google Scholar

Song, Y. S., Youn, J. R., “Influence of Dispersion States of Carbon Nanotubes on Physical Properties of Epoxy Nanocomposites”, Carbon, 43, 13781385 (2005), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2005.01.007Search in Google Scholar

Song, Y. S., “Effect of Surface Treatment For Carbon Nanotubes on Morphological and Rheological Properties of Poly(ethylene oxide) Nanocomposites”, Polym. Eng. Sci., 46, 13501357 (2006), http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pen.20623Search in Google Scholar

Tang, W., et al., “Melt Processing and Mechanical Property Characterization of Multi Walled Carbon Nanotube/High Density Polyethylene Composite Films”. Carbon, 41, 27792785 (2003), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0008-6223(03)00387-7Search in Google Scholar

Treacy, M. M. J., et al., “Exceptionally High Young's Modulus Observed for Individual Carbon Nanotubes”, Nature, 381, 678680 (1996), http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/381678a0Search in Google Scholar

Tuteja, A., et al., “Effect of Ideal, Organic Nanoparticles on the Flow Properties of Linear Polymers: Non-Einstein-Like Behavior”, Macromolecules38 (19), 80008011 (2005), http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ma050974hSearch in Google Scholar

Valentino, O., et al., “Influence of Polymer Structure and Nanotube Concentration on the Conductivity and Rheological Properties of Polyethylene/CNT Composites”, Physica E: Low-Dimensional Systems and Nanostructures, 40, 24402445 (2008), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.physe.2008.02.001Search in Google Scholar

Vega, J. F., et al, “Rheology, Processing, Tensile Properties, and Crystallization of Polyethylene/Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites,” Macromolecules42, 47194727 (2009), http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ma900645fSearch in Google Scholar

Vaisman, L., H.D, WagnerH.D., “Dispersions of Surface-modified Carbon Nanotubes in Water-soluble and Water-insoluble Polymers”, Adv. Funct. Mater., 16, 357363 (2006), http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adfm.200500142Search in Google Scholar

Vodenitcharova, T., Zhang, L. C., “Effective Wall Thickness of a Single-walled Carbon Nanotube”, Phys. Rev. B, 68, 165401105405 (2003), http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.68.165401Search in Google Scholar

Wagner, D., et al., “Stress-induced Fragmentation of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes in a Polymer Matrix”, Appl. Phys. Lett., 72, 188190 (1998), http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.120680Search in Google Scholar

Wagner, H. D., Vaia, R. A., “Nanocomposites: Issues at the Interface”, Mater. Today, 7, 3842 (2004), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1369-7021(04)00507-3Search in Google Scholar

Wagner, H. D.: Reinforcement in Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology, KroschwitzJ. I. (Ed.), Volume 4, Wiley-Interscience, New York, p. 94115 (2003)Search in Google Scholar

Wang, M., et al., “Enhancement of Interfacial Adhesion and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composites with Amine-Terminated Poly(ethylene oxide)”, Carbon, 44, 613617 (2006), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2005.10.001Search in Google Scholar

Wang, Y., et al., “Study on the Preparation and Characterization of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Carbon Nanotubes Composite Fiber”, Compos. Sci. Technol., 65, 793797 (2005), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2004.10.012Search in Google Scholar

Wong, E. W., et al., “Nanobeam Mechanics: Elasticity, Strength, and Toughness of Nanorods and Nanotubes”, Science, 277, 19711975 (1997), http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.277.5334.1971Search in Google Scholar

Xiao, K. Q., et al., “Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Polyethylene Composites”, Compos. Sci. Technol., 67, 177182 (2007), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2006.07.027Search in Google Scholar

Xie, S., et al., “Mechanical and Physical Properties on Carbon Nanotube”, J. Phys. Chem. Solids, 61, 11531158 (2000), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0022-3697(99)00376-5Search in Google Scholar

Xu, D.-H., Wang, Z.-G., “Influence of Carbon Nanotube Aspect Ratio on Normal Stress Difference in Isotactic Polypropylene Nanocomposite Melts”, Macromolecules, 41, 815825 (2008), http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ma702178eSearch in Google Scholar

Xu, D., Wang, Z., “Role of Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotube Network in Composites to Crystallization of Isotactic Polypropylene Matrix,Polymer49, 330338 (2008), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2007.11.041Search in Google Scholar

Yang, B.-X., et al., “Enhancement of the Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene Using Propylene Grafted Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes”, Compos. Sci. Technol., 68, 24902497 (2008), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2008.05.001Search in Google Scholar

Yao, Z., et al., “Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotubes by Molecular Dynamic Simulation”, Comput. Mater. Sci., 22, 180184 (2001), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0927-0256(01)00187-2Search in Google Scholar

Yu, F., et al., “Tensile Loading of Ropes of Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes and Their Mechanical Properties”, Phys. Rev. Lett., 84, 55525555 (2000), http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.84.5552, PMid:10990992Search in Google Scholar

Yu, M., et al., “Strength and Breaking Mechanism of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes under Tensile Load”, Science, 287, 637640 (2000), http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.287.5453.637, PMid:10649994Search in Google Scholar

Zhang, P., et al., “The Elastic Modulus of Single-wall Carbon Nanotubes: A Continuum Analysis Incorporating Interatomic Potentials”, Int. J. Solids Struc., 39, 38933906 (2002), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0020-7683(02)00186-5Search in Google Scholar

Zhang, Q., et al., “Dispersion and Rheological Aspects of SWNTs in Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene”, Macromolecules, 39, 658666 (2006), http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ma051031nSearch in Google Scholar

Zhang, Q., et al., “Low Percolation Threshold in Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube/High Density Polyethylene Composites Prepared By Melt Processing Technique,Carbon44, 778785 (2006), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2005.09.039Search in Google Scholar

Zhao, C., et al., “Synthesis and Characterization of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Polyamide 6 via in situ Polymerization”, Polymer, 46, 51255132 (2005), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2005.04.065Search in Google Scholar

Zhao, P., et al., “Excellent Tensile Ductility in Highly Oriented Injection-molded Bar of Polypropylene/Carbon Nanotubes Composites”, Polymer, 48, 56885695 (2007), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2007.07.022Search in Google Scholar

Zhu, B.-K., et al., “Preparation and Properties of the Polyimide/Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWNTs) Nanocomposites”, Compos. Sci. Technol., 66, 548554 (2006), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2005.05.038Search in Google Scholar

Received: 2011-11-24
Accepted: 2012-8-28
Published Online: 2013-08-22
Published in Print: 2013-03-01

© 2013, Carl Hanser Verlag, München

Downloaded on 14.4.2026 from https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.3139/217.2587/html
Scroll to top button