The effect of water acrylate dispersion on the properties of polymer-carbon nanotube composites

Abstract

The paper presents properties of polymer composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNT) containing various mixtures of dispersion. Acrylates of different particle size and viscosity were used to produce composites. The mechanical strength of composites was determined by three-point bending tests. The roughness parameter of composites was determined with a profilometer and compared with the roughness parameter determined via atomic force microscopy (AFM). Also X-ray studies (phase composition analysis, crystallite sizes determination) were carried out on these composites. Measurements of the surface topography using the Tapping Mode method were performed, acquiring the data on the height and on the phase imaging. The change of intensity, crystallite size and half-value width of main reflections originating from carbon within the composites have been determined using the X-ray analysis. The density of each obtained composite was determined as well as the resistivity at room temperature. The density of composites is quite satisfactory and ranges from 0.27 to 0.35 g/cm3. Different composites vary not only in strength but also in density. Different properties were achieved by the use of various dispersions. Carbon nanotubes constituting the reinforcement for a polymer composite improve the mechanical properties and conductivity composite.