Scalable process for the spinning of PVA-carbon nanotube composite fibers

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science 2012-07, Vol.125 (S1), p.E191-E196
• Main Authors: Mercader, Célia, Denis-Lutard, Valérie, Jestin, Simon, Maugey, Maryse, Derré, Alain, Zakri, Cécile, Poulin, Philippe
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aqueous solutions; Carbon nanotubes; Coagulation; Colloiding; fiber wet spinning; Fibers; Materials science; Particulate composites; polymer nanocomposites; Polymers; Polyvinyl alcohol; Spinning (materials); Surfactants; Wet spinning
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.36308

We report a water‐based spinning process to produce polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)–carbon nanotube composite fibers that contain a large fraction of nanotubes. The process differs from previous methods to achieve related materials because the spinning solution is injected in a static coagulation bath instead of being circulated in coflowing streams. The resultant wet spinning process is reminiscent of processes industrially developed for neat PVA fibers. Considering its robustness, the process is therefore expected to be easily scalable for greater production. The present method is based on the stabilization of nanotubes by appropriate surfactant molecules that allow the nanotubes to remain homogeneously dispersed in aqueous solutions of PVA. The obtained fibers are homogeneous, uniform in diameter, and can be spun indefinitely. They are electrically conductive and potentially useful for conducting textile applications. The present process being based on the colloidal stability of the particles in PVA solutions, it is believed that it could be extended to several other types of composite PVA fibers provided that the particles are stabilized by similar surfactants. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012