FUNCTIONALIZATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MULTI-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES/POLYPROPYLENE NANOCOMPOSITE

Chemical and physical functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes
(MWCNT) have been commonly practiced to achieve better dispersion of carbon
nanotubes in polymer matrix. However, not much is known about the effect of each
functionalization method as well as a combination of both on the mechanical
properties of carbon nanotubes/polypropylene nanocomposites. This work describes
the various functionalization methods (acid-treatment, non-ionic surfactant treatment
with Triton X-100), fabrication of MWCNT/PP nanocomposites via melt blending
and injection molding as well as characterization of mechanical properties.
Microscopy analysis (FESEM, TEM, XPS) showed effective purification of
MWCNTs under acid treatment, and better dispersion under both chemical and
physical functionalization techniques combined, in their respective. order. Tensile
tests showed increase in tensile strength for the nanocomposites that contain
MWCNTs up to 2 wt%. A decrease in tensile strength was seen in samples that
contain 4wt% ofMWCNTs for both raw and Triton X-100 functionalized, signifying
MWCNT degradation/rebundling at composition with higher content. of MWCNTs.
For the acid-treated MWCNTs, however, showed slight improvement even at 4wt%,
showing a possibility of effective dispersion ofMWCNTs.