A study on mechanical properties of PBT nano-composites reinforced with microwave functionalized MWCNTs

International Conference on Recent Advances in Materials & Manufacturing Technologies

Deshpande, Revati^1 ; Naik, Garima^1 ; Chopra, Swamini^1 ; Deshmukh, Kavita A.^1 ; Deshmukh, Abhay D.^2 ; Peshwe, D.R.^1

Dept. of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur

440010, India^1

Energy Materials and Devices Laboratory, Dept. of Physics, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur

440010, India^2

关键词: Automobile applications;    Functionalizations;    Homogenous dispersions;    Mechanical and tribological properties;    Mechanical properties of polymers;    MWCNTs;    Polybutylene terephthalates;    Tensile;   

Others  :  https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/346/1/012004/pdf
DOI  :  10.1088/1757-899X/346/1/012004

来源: IOP

【 摘 要 】

Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer with fast crystallization rate; and is extensively used in many automobile applications where it is prone to continuous wear. Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) as reinforcements are most ideal and promising reinforcement in enhancing mechanical properties of polymers. Owing to strong van der Waals' interaction between the nanotubes; they tend to aggregate. To overcome this behavior, CNTs are generally functionalized in acid solutions to help stabilize the dispersion and allow interaction with polymer matrix. Thus, the present study focuses on the effect of reinforcing microwave-functionalized CNTs on the mechanical and tribological properties of PBT polymer matrix. The homogenous dispersion of CNTs in PBT matrix was successfully achieved by functionalizing the CNTs. DSC and XRD analysis confirms better crystallization and reduced crystallite size due to improved nucleation. Apart; an increase in the hardness and MFI value was also noted, which again hinted towards improved dispersion. However, the reduction in tensile strength and % elongation indicated embrittlement of the PBT matrix after addition of functionalized CNTs. Furthermore, the peeling and scuffing phenomenon observed for virgin PBT, during sliding wear, was suppressed after CNT addition.