Processing effects on the thermo-physical properties of carbon nanotube polyethylene composite

Processing effects on the thermo-physical and mechanical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes reinforced polyethylene composites are reported. Composites were prepared by solution mixing followed by melt processing through different extrusion processing times (11 and 45 min). The composites were then pressed using hot compression molding. Thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and tensile test were conducted to study their thermo-physical and mechanical properties. Results show that processing has strong effects on the thermal and mechanical behavior of the composites. 45 min processed samples crystallize easier and demonstrated superior mechanical properties when compared to sample processed for 11 min. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.