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On the dispersion of CNTs in polyamide 6 matrix via solution methods: assessment through electrical, rheological, thermal and morphological analyses

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Abstract

In this study, polyamide 6 (PA 6)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites were prepared by different solution methods based on phase inversion, drop-casting and simple evaporation processes. Optical microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to investigate the dispersion states of the nanotubes in PA 6 matrix. The results indicated that the dispersion state of MWCNTs in the nanocomposites prepared by the phase inversion-based method was better than those in the nanocomposites prepared by the other two methods. Electrical, rheological, differential scanning calorimetry and thermo-gravimetric analysis measurements showed that the PA 6/MWCNTs nanocomposites prepared by the phase inversion-based method had higher electrical conductivity, storage modulus, crystallization temperature and thermal stability in comparison with those prepared by the other two methods, attributed to the better dispersion state of MWCNTs. These results confirmed achievement of a good dispersion state of MWCNTs within PA 6 matrix by the phase inversion-based efficient approach.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Renewable Energies and Environment, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

    Fathollah Pourfayaz

  2. School of Chemical Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

    Seyed-Hassan Jafari

  3. Catalysis and Nanostructured Materials Research Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

    Abbas Ali Khodadadi

  4. Nanoelectronics Centre of Excellence, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

    Yadollah Mortazavi

  5. Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute, P.O. Box 14965/115, Tehran, Iran

    Hossein Ali Khonakdar

Authors
  1. Fathollah Pourfayaz
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  2. Seyed-Hassan Jafari
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  3. Abbas Ali Khodadadi
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  4. Yadollah Mortazavi
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  5. Hossein Ali Khonakdar
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Correspondence to Seyed-Hassan Jafari.

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Pourfayaz, F., Jafari, SH., Khodadadi, A.A. et al. On the dispersion of CNTs in polyamide 6 matrix via solution methods: assessment through electrical, rheological, thermal and morphological analyses. Polym. Bull. 70, 2387–2398 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-013-0959-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-013-0959-3

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