Azo-Polymer Based Hybrids Reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes and Silver Nanoparticles: Solution and Melt Processing

Abstract

The research initially involved the decoration of silver nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes using N,N-dimethylformamide. A new heteroaromatic azo-polymer was prepared and employed as a matrix while Ag–CNTs as filler. Two techniques were exploited to prepare nanocomposites (i.e., melt compounding and solution mixing). The solution mixing method resulted in better dispersion leading to higher mechanical strength 55.09–58.22 MPa relative to melt system 40.11–46.28 MPa. Filler content from 1 to 5 wt% increased electrical conductivity from 3.8 to 5.2 Scm⁻¹. 10% gravimetric loss was found to increase from 532 to 578°C (solution) and 503 to 544°C (melt).

Keywords:

• Azo-polymer
• mechanical strength
• melt compounding
• silver nanoparticles
• solution mixing

Notes

T_g = Glass transition temperature; T₀ = initial decomposition temperature; T₁₀ = temperature for 10% weight loss; T_max = maximum decomposition temperature; Y_c = char yield, weight of polymer remained.