Mechanical characterization and morphology of polylactic acid /liquid natural rubber filled with multi walled carbon nanotubes

Author(s):  
Adilah Mat Ali ◽  
Sahrim Hj. Ahmad
2016 ◽  
Vol 1133 ◽  
pp. 481-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adilah Mat Ali ◽  
Sahrim H. Ahmad

This article studies the thermal properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA)/liquid natural rubber (LNR) blends which prepared via melt blending method. Various percentages (0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 and 4 wt%) of MWCNT were added into PLA/LNR blend. TGA shows that the addition of MWCNT into PLA/LNR blends helps to improve thermal stability of the PLA/LNR/MWCNT nanocomposites. DSC shows that the glass transition temperature increased when 0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5% and 3.5% of MWCNT was added to the PLA/LNR blend. The cold crystallization and melting temperature were reduced when MWCNT was added in the PLA/LNR blend systems. The SEM micrographs confirm the effect of good dispersion of 3.5wt% of MWCNT in PLA/LNR blend helps to promote well combined MWCNT-matrix networks and generate the synergistic effect of the system which is improved the thermal properties significantly.


Biomimetics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 43
Author(s):  
Athanasios Kotrotsos ◽  
Prokopis Yiallouros ◽  
Vassilis Kostopoulos

The solution electrospinning process (SEP) is a cost-effective technique in which a wide range of polymeric materials can be electrospun. Electrospun materials can also be easily modified during the solution preparation process (prior SEP). Based on this, the aim of the current work is the fabrication and nanomodification of scaffolds using SEP, and the investigation of their porosity and physical and mechanical properties. In this study, polylactic acid (PLA) was selected for scaffold fabrication, and further modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles. After fabrication, porosity calculation and physical and mechanical characterization for all scaffold types were conducted. More precisely, the morphology of the fibers (in terms of fiber diameter), the surface properties (in terms of contact angle) and the mechanical properties under the tensile mode of the fabricated scaffolds have been investigated and further compared against pristine PLA scaffolds (without nanofillers). Finally, the scaffold with the optimal properties was proposed as the candidate material for potential future cell culturing.


Soft Matter ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (43) ◽  
pp. 10343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepalekshmi Ponnamma ◽  
Kishor Kumar Sadasivuni ◽  
Michael Strankowski ◽  
Qipeng Guo ◽  
Sabu Thomas

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrey Bannych ◽  
Sari Katz ◽  
Zahava Barkay ◽  
Noa Lachman

Soft electronics based on various rubbers have lately been needed in many advanced applications such as soft robotics, wearable electronics, and remote health monitoring. The ability of a self-sensing material to be monitored in use provides a significant advantage. However, conductive fillers usually used to increase conductivity also change mechanical properties. Most importantly, the initial sought-after properties of rubber, namely softness and long elastic deformation, are usually compromised. This work presents full mechanical and electro-mechanical characterization, together with self-sensing abilities of a vinyl methyl silicone rubber (VMQ) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composite, featuring conductivity while maintaining low hardness. The research demonstrates that MWCNT/VMQ with just 4 wt.% of MWCNT are as conductive as commercial conductive VMQ based on Carbon Black, while exhibiting lower hardness and higher elastic recovery (~20% plastic deformation, similar to pure rubber). The research also demonstrates piezo-resistivity and Raman-sensitivity, allowing for self-sensing. Using morphological data, proposed mechanisms for the superior electrical and mechanical behavior, as well as the in-situ fingerprint for the composite conditions are presented. This research novelty is in the full MWCNT/VMQ mechanical and electro-mechanical characterization, thus demonstrating its ability to serve as a sensor over large local strains, multiple straining cycles, and environmental damage.


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