Synthesis and characterization of single walled carbon nanotube reinforced poly vinyl acetate nano-composite

Abstract

Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs) have gained significant research attention as it offers a wide range of applications by tailoring the properties of composite. The extraordinary mechanical strength, high thermal and electrical conductivities make solution processed SWCNTs as promising filler for polymer nanocomposites. In this research, Poly (vinyl acetate) (PVA) based nanocomposite using solution processed SWNT as filler materials was synthesized. The thermal, electrical, mechanical and electrochemical properties of the nanocomposite have been studied by varying the concentration (0wt%, 0.00025wt%, 0.00050wt%, and 0.00200wt %) of SWNT nanofiller in the polymer matrix. The surface morphology of the nanocomposite was studied by scanning electron microscopy which shows that the surface roughness increases with the increase of concentration of SWCNTs. The structural properties of the nanocomposites were studied by Fourier Transform Infrered Spectrometer which shows that no new bonds were formed in the nanocomposite due to the incorporation of nanofiller. The thermal properties of nanocomposites were studied by Thermogravemetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). TGA analysis shows that the incorporation of SWCNT enhances the thermal stability of the nanocomposite. DSC studies shows that incorporation of nanotube enhances the crystallinity of the composite from 22.25% to 38.90%. The mechanical properties of nanocomposites were studied by tensile testing which shows that fraction of SWNTs in the composites improves the impact strength, at least up to 57Mpa which is also largely related to the fracture toughness of the composites. Moreover, the fracture strain of SWNTs is estimated to be 150%. This high flexibility most probably provides an additional source of higher impact strength to the composites. The electrical properties of the nanocomposite were studied by four probe technique which shows that the SWCNT nanofiller significantly improve the electrical conductivity the five orders. The electrochemical properties show that incorporation of SWCNT filler enhances the specific capacitance 6.0F/g to 26.4 F/g of the nanocomposite. The enhanced specific capacitances of SWCNT based PVA nanocomposite originates from the synergistic effect of PVA and SWCNT. The SWCNT based PVA nanocomposite with improved mechanical, electrical and electrochemical properties synthesized from a simple, low-cost process will pave the way to the production of economic energy storage devices.