Carbon nanoparticles based polypropylene nanocomposites

Abstract

Although polymers have some advantages like easy processability, good chemical resistance, low cost, and low specific gravity as compared to metals and ceramic, they have disadvantages such as low strength, low modulus, low operating temperature, and low electrical and thermal conductivities. Therefore, to overcome these cons, this study investigates experimentally the property transformation of polypropylene by the addition of carbon based nano-scale particles, in particular graphene, as a second phase. The study was carried out in three experimental steps in order to observe the effect of addition of carbon based nano-scale particles on the mechanical and electrical properties of the polypropylene matrix. First, carbon fibres were melt mixed with the polypropylene via melt mixing. Second, carbon black masterbatch were diluted at various ratios with polypropylene by melt mixing. Finally, graphene was melt mixed into the polymeric matrix and the mechanical and electrical properties of those composites and nanocomposites were measured and the results were discussed.