Studying physical and mechanical properties of PVA/CNTs nanocomposites

Abstract

MWCNTs (Multiwall carbon nanotubes) have unique physical and mechanical properties due to which research in this area has been greatly influencing researchers and scientists all over the globe. CNTs show unmatched properties in terms of mechanical, thermal and optical characteristics which promise a great position in numerous future applications. But due to very high surface energy of these Nano particles scientists are facing problems in the effective dispersion of fillers in the matrices. To increase the dispersion of CNTs several methods are developed. 7 The morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of PVA based nanocomposites prepared by solution casting method using pristine and functionalized MWCNTs were studied. CNTs were functionalized by covalent method using mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional bonds attached after functionalization. Morphology of PVA-CNT composite film were studied using SEM and AFM. SEM and AFM images confirmed the enhanced dispersion of fillers in the PVA matrix. Uniform dispersion of Nano fillers in result give good adhesion and improved stress transfer resulted in enhanced tensile strength and modulus of PVA-CNT composites. Enhanced Tensile strength and storage modulus was observed, 39% increase in tensile strength of pristine CNT composites and 60% increase in case of functionalized CNT composites. During the course of this project, various characterization techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscope, Scanning Electron Microscope, X-ray Diffraction, Thermo-gravimetric analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Tensile testing, Hardness testing (Vickers Hardness) and Atomic Force Microscope, were used.