Structure and properties of polymer nanocomposite films with carbon nanotubes and graphene

In this report, we demonstrate a simple fabrication route for polyvinyl butyral (PVB)‐based nanocomposites with carbon nanotubes and graphene. In spite of insufficient percolation threshold due to low concentration of carbonaceous nanofillers, in the amount of 1 wt%, significant improvement of electrical and mechanical properties with negligible deterioration of optical properties for the polymer PVB matrix can be achieved. Both hardness and modulus increase and electrical resistivity and transmittance decrease in this order: PVB + multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) ⇒ PVB + single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) ⇒ PVB + graphene. The largest values of reduced modulus and hardness are observed for the PVB + graphene nanocomposite, obtained by nanoindentation. Transmittance is ∼84%, 86%, 89%, and 91% at 370 nm, and at 550 nm is ∼84%, 88%, 90%, and 92%, for PVB + graphene, PVB + MWCNT, PVB + SWCNT, and pure PVB, respectively. The highest resistivity of 4 × 10⁴ Ωcm is exhibited by the PVB + MWCNT nanocomposite while the lowest, 1.9 × 10³ Ωcm, is exhibited by the PVB + graphene. Nanocomposite films are fabricated by a simple processing route using ultrasonic mixing and spin coating. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:E490–E497, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers