Preparation and investigation of multiwall carbon nanotube—polymer composites

In our research we focus on thermoplastic composites of multiwall carbon nanotubes. Different composition of carbon nanotubes and polymers were produced by a special mixing unit called Infinitely Variable Dynamic Shear Mixer (IDMX) using ABS and polycarbonate polymers as matrix materials. Polycarbonate/multiwall carbon nanotube masterbatch was used in the preparation of different compositions. Concentration series were manufactured and investigated. The nanotube composites were granulated and test pieces were injection moulded. The prepared materials were characterised by scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical, electrical properties of the materials were also determined. Correlation was found between the yield stress and the nanotube contents. Impact strength of the composites decreased with the nanotube content, showing more rigid structure than the original pure matrix material. Glass transition of the composites was determined by DSC method. It was found that the characteristic temperatures change by the ratio of the pure materials. Slight change also was found as the carbon nanotube content changes.