An improved technique for dispersion of natural graphite particles in thermoplastic polyurethane by sub-critical gas-assisted processing

An Huang, Hankun Wang, Thomas Ellingham, Xiangfang Peng*, Lih Sheng Turng

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Dispersing fillers uniformly is the main technological challenge when considering nanocomposites. In this paper, a novel and efficient sub-critical gas-assisted processing (SGAP) technique is explored—an environmentally benign process that utilizes compressed CO2 to help effectively disperse aggregated natural graphite particles (NGPs) (3 wt%) in a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrix. A twin-screw extruder (TSE) equipped with a simple CO2 injection unit consisting of a standard gas cylinder, regulator, valve, and metal hose is employed for the melt mixing. Results from the structural, thermal, rheological, mechanical, microcellular injection molding, dielectric, and thermal conductive properties of the SGAP pellets, in addition to the resultant TPU/NGP nanocomposites, confirmed significantly improved dispersion compared to those obtained via conventional melt blending in the TSE. This technique offers a simple, cost-effective approach to the large-scale production of high-performance polymer nanocomposites without the requirement for complicated processing steps such as supercritical fluid (SCF) processes or chemical treatments.

Original languageEnglish
Article number107783
JournalComposites Science and Technology
Volume182
DOIs
StatePublished - 29 09 2019
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 Elsevier Ltd

Keywords

  • Microcellular injection molding (MIM)
  • Natural graphite particles (NGPs)
  • Sub-critical gas-assisted processing (SGAP)

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