ULTRASOUND ASSISTED SINGLE SCREW EXTRUSION PROCESS FOR DISPERSION OF CARBON NANOFIBERS IN POLYMERS

摘要

A novel method for the continuous dispersion of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) in a polymer matrix for manufacturing high performance nanocomposites was developed using an ultrasonically assisted single screw extrusion process. The effect of ultrasound on die pressure, electrical conductivity, rheological, morphological and mechanical properties of polyetherimide (PEI) filled with 1-20 wt% CNFs was studied. A reduction in the die pressure, percolation threshold and an increase in the viscosity, Young's modulus and electrical conductivity along with better CNF dispersion in nanocomposites was achieved through ultrasonic treatment.