Studies on multi wall carbon nanotubes reinforced poly (trimethylene terephthalate) nanocomposite

Poly (trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) nanocomposites with multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been prepared by a simple melt compounding using DMS microcompounder. The non-isothermal melt crystallization behavior of PTT in the presence of varying amounts of MWCNTs was investigated using DSC technique. An increase in crystallization temperature was observed upon incorporation of 0.1% MWCNTs thus indicating that CNTs act as nucleating agents. Percentage crystallinity as determined by WAXD also showed an increase upon incorporation of small amounts (0.5% w/w) of CNTs. The electrical conductivity of nanocomposites increased upon incorporation of MWCNTs and percolation was obtained at a loading in the range of 1-2% (w/w). Morphological characterization by SEM showed a uniform distribution of MWCNTs in PTT matrix.