Syndiotactic polystyrene/multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites: Polymorphism, thermal properties, electrical conductivity, and rheological properties

Fang Chyou Chiu*, Bin Hau Li, Jyun Yan Jiang

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) nanocomposites were prepared using a melt mixing technique. SEM images demonstrated the fine dispersion of MWNTs through the sPS matrix. DSC results illustrated that the MWNTs facilitated the nucleation of sPS (up to ca. 12.2 °C increase), but retarded the subsequent crystals growth. Based on the Avrami analysis, the dimension of sPS crystals growth in the composites decreased because of the effects of extensive nucleation and the formation of a nanoconfined/constrained environment from the MWNTs. XRD data confirmed that the presence of MWNTs facilitated the formation of β-form sPS crystals. The thermal stability of sPS improved to approximately 31 °C at 3 phr of MWNT loading. A rheological percolation threshold between an MWNT loading of 0.5 and 1 phr was determined by measuring the rheological properties of the samples. The incorporation of MWNTs reduced the electrical resistivity of sPS by 10 orders of magnitude.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2230-2240
Number of pages11
JournalComposites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Volume43
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - 12 2012

Keywords

  • A. Nano-structures
  • A. Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs)
  • B. Rheological properties
  • B. Thermal properties

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Syndiotactic polystyrene/multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites: Polymorphism, thermal properties, electrical conductivity, and rheological properties'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this