Due to their high aspect ratio and conductivity, carbon nanotubes have been used to produce polymer nanocomposites at much lower percolation thresholds than other fillers like carbon black. Using immiscible polymer blends has been used as a way to further decrease the amount of nanotubes required to produce conductive materials through the concept of double percolation. However, since carbon nanotubes are not stable at the interface of immiscible blends, they have not been proved to significantly improve the mechanical properties of these blends.<br/>To improve the mechanical properties of polymer blends, our lab has synthesized block functionalized carbon nanotubes capable of increasing the interfacial strength between two immiscible polymers. These nanotubes have two different chemistries analogous to that of block copolymers that allows them to be compatible with both polymers in a blend and thus locate at the interface via a thermodynamic driving force. We will the asymmetric double cantilever beam (ADCB) test, that we have used to test the interfacial fracture toughness of immiscible polystyrene/poly (methyl methacrylate) (PS/PMMA) interfaces reinforced with these block carbon nanotubes as well determine the type of fracture regimes that occur.<br/> <br/>

Asymmetric double cantilever beam (ADCB) tests for polystyrene and poly (methyl methacrylate) interfaces reinforced with block functionalized carbon nanotubes

ACS Fall 2020 Virtual Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.