Rev.Adv.Mater.Sci.(RAMS)
No 2, Vol. 12, 2006, pages 154-159

THE IN-SITU SYNTHESIS OF POLYBUTYLENE TEREPHTHALATE / CARBON NANOTUBES COMPOSITES

M. Kwiatkowska, G. Broza, K. Schulte and Z. Roslaniec

Abstract

Composites containing different kinds of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) thermoplastic matrix have been studied. For preparation of composite materials the in situ synthesis method was employed, i.e. CNTs were introduced into polymer matrix during its synthesis. The effectiveness of the method in providing nanofiller^Òs homogenous distribution in composite system as well as the influence of different kinds of CNTs on polymer properties have been investigated. The microscopic analysis of nanocomposite samples fractures by SEM confirmed good dispersion of nanotubes, but the presence of agglomerates was also stated. Thermal analysis (DSC, DMTA) and mechanical testing of composite materials revealed changes in the structure and physical properties of PBT compared to unfilled polymer.

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