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Preparation of Nanocomposites Based on PLA/PVAc Hydrogel with CNT

Hajiabolghasem, Mohammad Hashem | 2015

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  1. Type of Document: M.Sc. Thesis
  2. Language: Farsi
  3. Document No: 47972 (06)
  4. University: Sharif University of Technology
  5. Department: Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
  6. Advisor(s): Forounchi, Massoud
  7. Abstract:
  8. Polylactic acid (PLA) nanocomposite films reinforced with surface-modified carbon nanotube (CNT) particles were prepared by solution-phase methods. In order to enhance the flexibility of the film, and to improve nanoparticle dispersion throughout the final material, polyvinyl acetate (PVA) was also added to the polymeric backbone during the nanocomposite preparation process. Characteristics of the former nanocomposite films were investigated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), mechanical testing, and electrical resistance measurement. In this study, our results showed that increasing PVA up to 5 wt. % enhances nanoparticle dispersion inside the polymeric matrix. Nonetheless, addition of 10 wt. % PVA deteriorates CNT dispersion which is due to the immiscibility of PVA in PLA. Based on the DSC results, adding PVA to the polymeric matrix amorphizes the nanocomposite and reduces its melting point. On the other hand, CNT nanotubes increase both crystallinity and melting point implying their nucleation effect. Tensile testing pointed in the same direction; in contrast to CNT addition, PVA addition worsened the mechanical properties such as Young’s modulus and ultimate tensile strength. Finally, electrical conductivity was significantly higher when CNT nanoparticles were present in the polymeric matrix
  9. Keywords:
  10. Polyvinylacetate ; Carbon Nanotubes ; Polylactic Acid ; Nanocomposite

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