Nanostructured polymer composites based on carbon nanotubes

In this work, morphology, dispersion and structure of carbon nanotube (CNT) were investigated in thermoplastic and elastomeric polymer matrixes and in an aqueous dispersion medium. The synergy between CNT and a further filler was studied by using furnace carbon black in the elastomeric matrix, and an original polymeric filler, poly-1-norbornene, in the thermoplastic matrix as well as in the liquid dispersions. A poly-1.4-cis-isoprene was selected as the elastomer and an ethylene/1-octene copolymer as the thermoplastic polymer. Mixing energies and the known latex approach were primarily applied to improve the CNT dispersion, whereas hybrid filler networks, formed by CNT and the other filler, were studied as promoters of improved material properties. Dynamic-mechanical and electrical properties of the composite materials were determined, in particular assessing the percolation threshold of CNT as the only filler and of the hybrid filler system. Investigations were performed with the help of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), tensile and dynamic-mechanical tests, measurements of square sheet resistance. Results are correlated with the filler structure: individual particles or aggregates or hybrid filler networks. This contribution proposes a comparative and comprehensive analysis of CNT features and behaviour in the most typical frames (thermoplastic and elastomeric matrixes and liquid dispersions) and, in particular, discusses the hybrid systems as a way to achieve an easier development of CNT.