Flexible Conductive CNT/poly (vinyl chloride) Composite Thin Films with High Mechanical Strength and Thermal Stability

Annubhawi Annu, Amit Sachdeva

Abstract: The fabrication and characterization of ultrathin composite films of surfactant-wrapped CNT nanoflakes and poly (vinyl chloride) is described. Free-standing composite thin films were prepared by a simple solution blending; drop casting and annealing route. A significant enhancement in the mechanical properties of pure poly (vinyl chloride) films was obtained with a 2 wt. % loading of CNT; such as a 58 % increase in Youngs modulus and an almost 130 % improvement of tensile strength. Thermal analysis of the composite films showed an increase in the glass transition temperature of the polymer; which confirms their enhanced thermal stability. The composite films had very low percolation threshold of 0.6 vol. % and showed a maximum electrical conductivity of 0.058 S/cm at 6.47 vol. % of the CNT loading.

Keywords: Composite thin Films CNT, CNT flakes, functionalized grapheme sheets, CNT/PVC

How to Cite?: Annubhawi Annu, Amit Sachdeva, "Flexible Conductive CNT/poly (vinyl chloride) Composite Thin Films with High Mechanical Strength and Thermal Stability", Volume 3 Issue 5, May 2014, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 686-690, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=20131888, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/20131888