Segregated network formation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in natural rubber through surfactant assisted latex compounding: A novel technique for multifunctional properties

In the present study Vulcastab VL (polyethylene oxide condensate) has been used as a non-ionic surfactant to get stable aqueous dispersions of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Sonication time and surfactant concentration were optimised by UV-vis spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering techni...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Polymer (Guilford) 2017-03, Vol.112, p.264-277
Main Authors: George, Neena, Bipinbal, P.K., Bhadran, Bhavya, Mathiazhagan, A., Joseph, Rani
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Carbon
Carbon nanotubes
Dielectric properties
Electrical properties
Electron microscopy
Latex
Light scattering
Multi wall carbon nanotubes
Nanocomposites
Nanotechnology
Nanotubes
Natural rubber
Network formation
Particle physics
Particulate composites
Photon correlation spectroscopy
Polyethylene
Polyethylene oxide
Polyethylenes
Rubber
Segregated network
Sonication
Spectroscopy
Studies
Transmission electron microscopy
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Summary:In the present study Vulcastab VL (polyethylene oxide condensate) has been used as a non-ionic surfactant to get stable aqueous dispersions of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Sonication time and surfactant concentration were optimised by UV-vis spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering technique. Homogeneously dispersed surfactant coated individual MWCNTs in water were clearly evident from Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Natural rubber –Multiwalled carbon nanotube (NR-MWCNT) nanocomposites were prepared by latex stage mixing. Instead of being randomly dispersed, MWCNTs were found to retain at the boundary of rubber particles resulting in a segregated network as evidenced from TEM. Addition of very small amount of MWCNT showed remarkable improvement in mechanical, thermal, electrical and barrier properties of NR. Segregated network of CNTs resulted in very low electrical percolation threshold (0.043 vol%) for the composite with enhanced dielectric properties. [Display omitted] •Natural rubber composite with segregated network of multiwalled carbon nanotubes.•Surfactant coating provides steric stabilisation for dispersed nanotubes in water.•Improvement in mechanical, thermal and barrier properties of the composite.•Good electrical properties with very low percolation threshold (0.043 vol%).
ISSN:0032-3861
1873-2291
DOI:10.1016/j.polymer.2017.01.082