Influence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes on the structure and properties of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate-co-carbon monoxide) nanocomposites

Abstract

In this work, composites of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate-co-carbon monoxide) (EVACO)/surface-modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (m-MWCNTs) were prepared using a solution casting technique. Acid treatment was employed for the surface modification of MWCNTs to improve the compatibility between polar EVACO and MWCNTs. The influences of m-MWCNTs on the crystalline, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of EVACO at very low filler loading were systematically evaluated. The presence of m-MWCNTs in the EVACO matrix influenced the crystallinity, and the respective changes were determined and quantified using dynamic scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. The mechanical properties of the composites were improved remarkably by the addition of a minute quantity (0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, and 0.25 wt%) of m-MWCNTs. Additionally, m-MWCNTs in the EVACO matrix improved the thermal stability and electrical properties of EVACO. However, the filler loading is below the threshold loading of the fillers, and there was no drastic improvement in the electrical conductivity of the composite. © 2021 Society of Plastics Engineers.