Physical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube-filled PVDF composites prepared by melt compounding

Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT)/Poly( vinylidene fluoride) ( PVDF) composites with various loading levels ( 0.01 similar to 10 wt%) have been prepared by the simple melt- compounding approach. Morphology and electrical properties of the composites were investigated. The experimental percolation threshold for the electrical conductivity was estimated and clearly occurred between 2 and 2.5 wt%. MWNT= PVDF composites presented a shoulder posterior to the main melting peak and an increased endpoint of the peak. In the WAXD profiles, the incorporation of MWNT produced a larger shoulder at 2 theta = 20.7 degrees with increase in the loading levels, corresponding to the beta-form crystal of PVDF. In the rheological properties, dynamic viscosity, the extent of shear thinning behaviors and relaxation time were notably increased with the MWNT content.