The Effect of Functionalized MWCNT on Mechanical and Electrical Properties of PMMA Nanocomposites

Abstract

Proper assortment of compatible reinforcement and matrix could improve the mechanical strength and electrical properties of the nanocomposites. This chapter proposes a novel sequential approach of fabrication and testing for mechanical strength and electrical conductivity of the multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) reinforced PMMA composite by extrusion technique along with their morphological analysis by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The MWCNT dispersion is a major challenge; encountered particularly in the thermoplastic polymer nanocomposites. Functionalized MWCNTs (f-MWCNTs) in varying weight proportions of 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0 wt% were added to the thermoplastic polymer matrix such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and then extruded into ASTM standard specimens. The mechanical properties such as tensile stress, tensile strain, tensile modulus at maximum load, and impact strength were measured, and their improved magnitudes reaffirmed effective dispersion of f-MWCNTs in matrix. Composites replacing the conventional engineering materials in electronic devices should have better electrical conductivity for various applications. Hence, the conductance of specimens was measured and showed a very low percolation threshold for electrical conductivity.