Hybrids nanocomposites based on a polymer blend (linear low-density polyethylene/poly(ethylene-co-methyl acrylate) and carbonaceous fillers (graphene and carbon nanotube)

Abstract

Interfacial or separate phase location of carbonaceous nanofillers (graphene and carbon nanotubes) in polymer blends with co-continuous phases can lead to double percolation behavior, significantly increasing rheological and electrical properties. The prediction of the morphology and the location of the nanofillers has been used as a tool to evaluate the proprieties of co-continuous polymer blends. This work aims to highlight the superior conductivity levels achieved using a low amount of carbon-based fillers, by the proper selection in a multiphase polymer matrix as a template for controlled dispersion and spatial distribution of the nanoparticles, offering a compromise between easy processability and enhanced performance. Here, two polymers (linear low-density polyethylene [LLDPE] and ethylene-co-methylacrylate [EMA]) and their cocontinuous blend (LLDPE/EMA) were loaded with nanofillers (few-layer graphene [FLG], few-walled carbon nanotube [FWCNT]) via continuous melt mixing in twin-screw extrusion, separate and simultaneously. It was observed that the addition of the nanofillers changed the co-continuity of the blend, with the probable migration of the nanofillers from the EMA (hydrophilic) phase to the LLDPE (hydrophobic) phase. Rheological percolation occurred preferentially in blends containing FWCNT and FLG/FWCNT. Electrical conductivity was observed in all compositions, with higher electrical conductivity being noticed in hybrids.